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MYSTERY OVER COUPLE’S DEATHS

Family fnd husband and wife’s decomposing bodies four days later in a horrifc “movie scene” discovery

By LYNAIRE MUNNINGS Tribune Staff Reporter lmunnings@tribunemedia.net

THE DEATHS of an elderly couple whose decomposing bodies lay in their home for four days before being discovered by horrifed relatives remains a mystery, say police, although foul play is not suspected.

The discovery of the bodies of Theresa Edwards, 68, and husband William Pearce, 78, triggered

screams and tears from relatives who had gone to their house on Carmichael Road because they had not heard from them in four days. Granddaughter Yasmen Darling said she briefy feinted after she and two other relatives she had called to help made the grim discoveries.

“It was like a movie scene - but this was real life,” said Ms Darling. Ofcers from the Southwestern Division, along with Emergency Medical

Services, responded to the home. Fire Services conducted preliminary checks and found no evidence of a gas or air-conditioning leak. Detectives from the Criminal Investigation Department said no foul play is suspected at this time. Autopsies are expected to determine the exact causes of death.

Ms Darling said the family’s concern began earlier in the week after repeated

CHINA HITS BACK AT US CRITICISM OVER NASSAU HOSPITAL FINANCING

outside interference.

By LYNAIRE MUNNINGS Tribune Staff Reporter lmunnings@tribunemedia.net

THE EARTH shook for residents in Inagua early Sunday after light tremors were felt when a 5.8-magnitude earthquake struck eastern Cuba, though ofcials said there was little damage, no injuries and no tsunami threat to The Bahamas. Preliminary assessments indicated that light to moderate shaking may have been felt in parts of the southern Bahamas, including Inagua and Acklins, as well as in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Little damage and no injuries were reported locally.

the earthquake occurred around 7am and was centred about 49 kilometres southeast of Baracoa in Cuba’s Guantánamo Province, at a shallow depth of 15 kilometres.

Working with the Pacifc Tsunami Warning Center and the United States Geological Survey, the

The Bahamas Department of Meteorology said

By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune News Editor rrolle@tribunemedia.net

CHINA pushed back on US criticism of its fnancing of the Nassau New Hospital on Friday, rejecting claims that the deal undermines The Bahamas’ interests and warning that cooperation between the two countries should not be subjected to

In a statement issued by its embassy in New Providence, China said the hospital is a ‘livelihood project’ requested by the Bahamian government and fnanced through a highly preferential loan designed to meet the country’s healthcare needs and improve the well-being of its people. The project, it said, was advanced through ‘friendly consultation and mutual respect’ and aligns with The Bahamas’ national interests.

By EARYEL BOWLEG Tribune Staff Reporter ebowleg@tribunemedia.net

PROMINENT attorney Ramona Farquharson died yesterday, drawing tributes from across the legal and political community for a career marked by forceful advocacy. Details surrounding her death were not immediately available. However, she was reportedly found unresponsive and taken to Doctors Hospital,

The response followed remarks by the United States ambassador to The Bahamas, Herschel Walker, who argued that the terms of the $195m Chinese

where relatives and members of the legal fraternity quickly gathered after learning of the news. Free National Movement leader Michael Pintard said the party was shocked by her death and described her as widely respected for her “sharp wit, formidable legal acumen, and fearless advocacy”.

“She brought that same intellect, passion, and conviction to the Free National Movement as

Meta Gail LockhartCharles, was administered the Oath of Allegiance and the Judicial Oath by Dame Cynthia ‘Mother’ Pratt, Governor General, during an Appointment Ceremony as Acting Justice of the Supreme Court at Government House, February 4, 2026. Congratulatory remarks were made by the Justice Sir Ian Winder, Chief Justice of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas.

Inagua residents feel light shaking, minor damages

department assessed the event and confrmed there was no tsunami risk to The Bahamas.

Inagua Island Administrator Quenna Gibson said she was out of the district at the time but received multiple reports from residents who experienced shaking.

“At the time of the reported incident, I was out of the district. However, I received multiple accounts from residents within the district indicating that seismic activity was felt. ASP Kelly Kemp reported experiencing shaking of his bed and vibrating of his residence. Similar experiences were reported by Chief Councillor Palacious and other residents.

“While it has not been confrmed whether these efects were experienced island-wide, it is believed that the reported shaking was the result of tremors associated with the recent seismic event in Cuba.

There were no reports of damages or loss of life,” she told The Tribune yesterday. Residents said the tremors lasted several seconds shortly after 7am, with some reporting movement inside their homes while they were in bed. Similar tremors have been felt in the past following regional earthquakes.

The Department of Meteorology advised residents to remain calm and continue normal activities, noting that while aftershocks are possible, none are expected to be signifcant. Ofcials encouraged the public to report any damage or injuries to local authorities and to follow ofcial channels for updates.

George O Harris, a resident of Inagua and a district council member, said he did not feel the tremor himself but was alerted shortly after 7am by a neighbour who called moments after the shaking began. The neighbour told him, “Did you feel it? My bed was shaking,”

describing being jolted awake as the bed moved beneath him.

Mr Harris said he later began receiving notifcations from the Weather Service confrming an earthquake near the island, as more residents called to describe their experiences. While he did not notice anything displaced in his bedroom, he said he later observed new cracks around doorways in his older building, which he believes were caused by the tremor.

As he moved around the settlement checking buildings, including government facilities and the compound housing his radio station, Coast FM, Mr Harris said he found no serious structural damage. He said residents described dramatic scenes, including one woman who ran outside after feeling her bed roll and said, “Boy, this is some evilness,” before later realising an earthquake had occurred.

STILL WAITING FOR POLICE REPORT TWO MONTHS LATER

Couple found together in ‘movie scene’ tragedy

attempts to contact the couple went unanswered.

The last confrmed contact was Monday. By Tuesday, calls to both the house phone and cellular phones were not returned — something she initially did not fnd alarming.

The couple did not use Wi-Fi and relied entirely on telephone communication. When relatives called the house phone, Pierce would often answer and explain that his wife was outside, in the yard or asleep.

“For her not to answer from Tuesday, we didn’t really think anything of it at frst,” Ms Darling said.

“Sometimes she would be out driving, or she would stop by somewhere, or she might just be sleeping. If we missed each other, she would usually call back.”

As the days passed with no response, concern deepened.

“I kept calling from Tuesday and wasn’t getting any answer,” she said.

“At frst, it might slip your mind because everybody busy, but it started to feel unusual.”

When Ms Darling arrived at the residence on Saturday morning, she found the gates locked, the side entrance secured, windows tightly shut, blinds drawn, and the house unnervingly still.

“I stepped on a stool and jumped the gate,” she said.

“As soon as I put my nose to the screen, I smelled a scent

like a dead rat or something rotten. Then I saw fies near the window.”

Alarmed, she contacted her aunt, Ms Edwards’ daughter, and her cousin, Brenville Stubbs. Together, they broke a front window to gain entry.

“We peep inside, and in there was dark, like no light on, not even the TV on to say someone was at least in there watching TV, so I fgured whatever happened happened in the nighttime when they probably went to bed and lock up the gate and do everything,” she said.

After entering the house and fnding no one in the front room, Ms Darling said her cousin went further inside while she reopened the front and kitchen doors.

When they reached the bedroom, the room was dark. After switching on the light, they saw a large blanket covering someone on the bed and could not immediately tell whether it was Edwards or Pierce.

When the blanket was pulled back, they discovered Edwards lying on the bed, severely swollen and discoloured to the point of being unrecognisable.

The sight triggered screams and tears. Ms Darling said she briefy lost consciousness before regaining awareness. Her grandfather was later discovered slouched over a toilet in the bathroom. She believes the couple had been dead for several days before being found. “It was like a movie

scene, but this was real life,” she said.

“It was like a movie, traumatised because ain’t no way y’all in here like this and like I say this something had to happen overnight or in the nighttime when they already home in the house for the night.”

The couple, who married in 2018, had lived alone at the residence for about a decade. Both had known medical conditions. Pierce had stage four cancer and diabetes. Edwards had type two diabetes and sufered a stroke one to two years ago. Despite this, relatives said she remained active and showed no signs of immediate decline.

“At the moment, we are still in disbelief, because it’s like, it wasn’t no sign or nothing that she was going through anything,” Ms Darling said.

“She was up at 5am taking him to the doctor and helping others in the community,” she added. “She never showed that anything was wrong. This is completely unexpected.”

Ms Darling described her grandmother as energetic, disciplined and deeply committed to helping others. She regularly transported her husband to medical appointments, assisted friends with hospital visits and helped distribute groceries through her church to families in need.

“She used to deal with the groceries the church give out and help feed people,” Ms Darling said.

“She was always doing something for somebody.”

Edwards was the mother of four children, two of whom are deceased, and is survived by two. Pierce also had children from previous relationships.

“She never used to take foolishness. She always make sure you on the right track — do your chores, do your homework,” Ms Darling said. “If you needed something and she had it, she would give it.”

She said her grandmother taught her

strength, honesty and self-control.

“She teach me never let nobody run over me. Even if somebody disrespect you, stay calm. Wait your turn to speak. Don’t lose yourself,” she said.

Ms Darling described her grandmother’s husband as quiet and reserved.

“He keep to himself. He didn’t really talk much, but he wasn’t stuck up,” she said.

The couple were rarely apart. Edwards handled most errands and drove

her husband to appointments after he stopped driving regularly due to illness, while he largely remained at home.

“They help each other around the house and they always together,” Ms Darling said.

Though the loss has been devastating, Ms Darling said the family has found some comfort in believing they passed together.

“In a way, I see like they went together,” she said.

“They probably at peace now, no more worrying.”

Father killed in Wulff Road crash years after losing son

By EARYEL BOWLEG Tribune Staff Reporter ebowleg@tribunemedia.net

NEARLY three years after losing his toddler son to illness, 33-year-old Jarad Miller was killed on Thursday night in a violent multi-vehicle crash on Wulf Road, cutting short a life his family said was only beginning to stabilise.

Police said the crash occurred around 7pm near Kemp Road and involved a silver Acura, a Toyota Corolla and a Yamaha XTZ motorcycle. Investigators reported that the Acura attempted to overtake the Corolla while travelling east, collided head-on with a westbound motorcycle, and then struck the Corolla while re-entering the lane.

Miller, who was riding the motorcycle, sufered severe injuries and later died in hospital.

His death came nearly three years after his young son died at about two years old following an illness. He had no children at the time of his death.

Ricardo Miller, his uncle, said the family was still grappling with the earlier loss when news of Thursday’s crash reached them in Texas through his mother.

He said the latest tragedy struck the family at the “very core”, with his sister — Jarad’s mother

— particularly devastated.

Mr Miller said his nephew, known to family as JR, had been working to rebuild his life after his son’s death. He said Miller had been focused on steady work, personal responsibility and plans to start a small business, including setting up a car wash.

After spending time working in Abaco, Miller had recently returned to New Providence. His uncle described him as intelligent

and industrious, saying he had faced setbacks but was beginning to regain footing and direction. Thursday’s crash was one of two trafc fatalities reported that day. In Abaco, police said a white Honda Pilot carrying two adult men veered of the road and struck a tree. One man was pronounced dead at the scene, while the other sustained injuries and was taken to a local clinic.

Fox: This election will be my frst time voting

By EARYEL BOWLEG Tribune Staff Reporter ebowleg@tribunemedia.net

FREE National Movement Garden Hills candidate Rick Fox said this year’s general election will be the frst time he has ever voted in The Bahamas.

Mr Fox said he obtained his voter’s card about fve years ago and has been eager to cast a ballot since returning to live permanently in The Bahamas after his daughter graduated from college. He made the remarks during an appearance on Our TV’s On the Record with Jerome Sawyer, which aired Thursday night.

Asked whether he had voted before, Mr Fox said: “No, this is going to be the frst time. Yes, and I can't wait. So it's the frst time for a lot of people, for me, and for a lot of people that need to get out and register to vote, that's how we protect our sovereignty.”

His candidacy in Garden Hills has drawn attention within the party, with The Tribune understanding that his ratifcation surprised

some FNM supporters, as longtime aspirant D’Angelo Ferguson had been widely viewed as the frontrunner after months of campaigning.

Mr Fox said he had breakfast Thursday morning at IHOP with Mr Ferguson and the party leader, adding that the discussions focused on unity and plans for the constituency. He said Mr Ferguson has a bright political future if he chooses, noting that he is already successful professionally.

Mr Fox said the two teams began working together immediately after his ratifcation and shared a commitment to prioritising the Garden Hills community over personal ambition.

During the programme, the former NBA player also denied that he played for Canada’s Olympic basketball team, saying instead that he declined that opportunity and later led The Bahamas’ national basketball programme while still competing in the NBA.

The International Basketball Federation’s

Davis backs Sebas Bastian despite FBI fle allegations

By EARYEL BOWLEG

Tribune Staff Reporter

ebowleg@tribunemedia.net

PRIME Minister Philip Davis on Friday publicly backed Progressive Liberal Party candidate Sebas Bastian, dismissing unverified allegations appearing in FBI files connected to Jeffrey Epstein and insisting the claims would not damage his party’s election campaign.

The claims appear in documents connected to the late financier and convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein and name Island Luck co-founder Adrian Fox alongside Mr Bastian. All those identified have denied any wrongdoing.

Speaking with reporters, Mr Davis said he had heard Mr Bastian’s response to the allegations and made clear he was not persuaded by the claims.

“I don't know as much about what is in those files and what those files mean,” the prime minister said. “All I know is that he's indicated that he doesn't know foolishness. He don't know what they're talking about.”

Asked whether the issue would affect the PLP’s campaign, Mr Davis replied: “I don’t think so.”

The FBI document, dated September 30,

2021, records allegations made by an informant during an interview in which she claimed that “Epstein controlled the Bahamian and US governments”. The file does not state that the allegations were verified.

Mr Bastian and Mr Fox both told Tribune Business in separate statements that they had never met or associated with Epstein and denied any involvement in illegal activity.

Mr Bastian, who is campaigning in Fort Charlotte, said: “I don’t do fool.” He added: “The closest I come to Epstein,

Jepstein or any Stein is the stain on my shirt.” He also said: “We have a country to build and I’m focused on helping with that.”

Mr Fox expressed concern about the report’s contents and said: “I want to categorically state that I have never had any personal interaction with him [Epstein], nor have I engaged in any activities that could be construed as illegal, including the sale or trafficking of firearms or women.”

The same FBI file also names Craig Flowers, principal of the rival FML

Group of Companies, though he is mentioned separately and not linked to allegations of arms or human trafficking. There is no suggestion that Mr Flowers has committed any wrongdoing. He did not respond to requests for comment before press

time. Former national security minister Marvin Dames also appears in the document, though his name is misspelt as “Marvin James”. The report states that Mr Dames brought an informant to the US

Embassy in Nassau, where officials “took her information”.

Mr Dames, now a Free National Movement candidate in Mount Moriah, confirmed that aspect of the report but questioned the document’s authenticity.

The Tribune Limited

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Publisher/Editor 1919-1972

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Publisher/Editor 1972-

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The high cost

@tribune242

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of ignorance

POLITICAL season leads to some strange comments in the public arena – and recent days have been no exception.

Rick Fox has been a prominent part of political commentary in recent times, talking up the time to play a part, before he opted to become a candidate for the FNM.

So it is perhaps a surprise that he has now admitted that in all his life, the man who would sit in Parliament has never voted for anyone else to take such a seat.

In declaring that, he encouraged people to “get out and register to vote”, adding “that’s how we protect our sovereignty”.

Mr Fox appears not to have urgently wanted to protect our sovereignty himself in previous elections, if that is how it is done.

He also says that regardless of the outcome of the election, he will remain in The Bahamas. It is curious that someone wanting to be part of a government would even need to say that, cutting and running should never be an option.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Philip Davis has shrugged off the presence of PLP candidate Sebas Bastian in the Epstein files – that catalogue of documents surrounding sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and his connections to the rich, famous and influential. It might have been one thing for the prime minister if he had said that there is no proof of allegations against Mr Bastian, and his fellow Island Luck co-founder Adrian Fox, in the files. Both men, after all, have denied the claims in the files, and the allegations were not backed up with evidence in the interview record.

But he didn’t. Instead, rather curiously, he pleaded ignorance to the nature of the files themselves.

“I don’t know as much about what is in those files and what those files mean,” he said.

That seems rather unlikely. The Epstein files and their release have been convulsing governments and other officials around the world. Are we really to think that Mr Davis has not noticed?

In the UK, particularly, the presence of the now disgraced Prince Andrew have led him to renounce the prince part of his title along with the residence he was living in. Peter Mandelson, who was the UK’s ambassador to the United States, was forced to resign after his correspondence with Epstein was revealed – even after Epstein’s guilt as a sex offender was confirmed.

The failure to vet Mandelson properly has now cost the UK prime

minister’s chief of staff his job – and it might yet cost the prime minister his job too.

Elsewhere, the likes of Bill Gates, Noam Chomsky, Elon Musk, Bill and Hillary Clinton and many more have had questions directed at them over their connections with Epstein – and there have been a host of apologies or efforts to put some distance between people named in the files and the criminal.

The claims against Fox and Bastian originate from an FBI interview record, in which the interviewee also claimed Epstein “controlled the Bahamian and US governments”.

And yet despite the global impact of the Epstein files and the specific nature of allegations against both individuals in The Bahamas and the integrity of our democracy, Mr Davis doesn’t know “what those files mean”.

If any of you reading this is aware even slightly of the nature of the Epstein files, that would apparently make you more knowledgeable than the leader of our nation.

We are reminded that there is still also no substantial investigation into the activities of another sex offender in our nation – Peter Nygard, about who there are many allegations of offences specifically against people here in our borders and who has already been found guilty and sentenced in Canada for other crimes.

Nygard was, you will recall, a prominent supporter of the PLP and famously there was a video of him celebrating “taking back our country” when the PLP won when Mr Davis was deputy prime minister and the Perry Christie administration came to power.

There has been criticism – including in this very column – over the years of the lack of serious consideration of the alleged crimes that took place at Nygard Cay, against both the victims within the walls of his property and the hateful targeting of activists who tried to hold Nygard to account.

If Mr Davis would like to acquaint himself with the importance of the Epstein files, he might also wish to acquaint himself with the continued frustration at the lack of any kind of action against the sex offender we allowed to operate with seeming impunity in our midst.

The Epstein files are a matter of global attention right now. If we are to believe Mr Davis, he apparently is not paying attention to the world. Accusations are not proof, but ignorance is a curious defence. And of course, in the eyes of the law, ignorance is no defence.

Time to recognise Elisha Obed

EDITOR, The Tribune.

Housing market has been mismanaged

EDITOR, The Tribune.

THE primary rule of efective management is measurement. It’s not about slogans or initiatives; it’s about quantifying systems. If we can’t measure a system, we aren’t truly governing it; we are merely improvising within it. This is the situation that The Bahamas currently faces regarding housing, credit, and the cost of living. We discuss afordability, immigration pressures, construction costs, and tourism expansion as if they are unrelated issues. In reality, they are interconnected and part of a single system that can be measured. The problem is that the nation is not being governed with a unifed, operational dataset. Either the current administration has access to this data and chooses to keep it from the public, or it does not have the data at all. Both situations are unacceptable.

Let’s start by looking at a fundamental indicator: housing supply that is not actively in use. According to the 2022 Census, there were 144,128 dwelling units reported, with 24,990 designated as vacant. More than half of these vacancies are concentrated in New Providence, Grand Bahama, and Eleuthera. However, “vacant” does not necessarily mean these properties are available; it refers to an unknown status. In an ownership economy, this “unknown” category represents the highest costs on the ledger. It encompasses stranded assets, broken title chains, deferred maintenance, uninhabitable stock, unfnished construction, absentee ownership, and speculative holdouts.

When we consider housing demand, it’s important to recognise that it goes beyond just the ofcial citizen population. We must also account for the real population that lives and works in the area. Work permits contribute to a continuous increase in housing demand. Furthermore, estimates indicate that the number of undocumented migrants can be quite signifcant.

Additionally, there have been decades of under building in relation to household formation, along with backlogs in supportive, social, low-cost, afordable, and attainable workforce housing. The clear conclusion is this: today, the actual housing needs likely exceed 40,000 units when we account for everyone who truly requires shelter, rather than just the population represented in political discussions.

This situation is not abstract; it represents the cost of living in its most severe form. When the supply of housing falls short of actual demand, rent efectively becomes a tax on survival. Overcrowding becomes the norm, and informal living arrangements increase. Young households fnd themselves trapped in permanent

dependency. Workers accept lower living standards just to remain employed, and families divert their spending away from essentials like food, education, healthcare, and savings just to keep a roof over their heads. High housing costs also drive up business expenses, as employers must compensate for rent pressures to retain staf, leading to a broader rise in prices across various goods and services. A country cannot address the cost-of-living crisis while ignoring the primary cost driver for most households.

At the same time, The Bahamas seeks to grow its tourism sector, which requires an increase in accommodations. This increase in scale translates to more hotel rooms. To remain competitive and expand over the next decade, serious planning indicates the need for tens of thousands of additional hotel keys, with discussions often suggesting targets as high as 50,000 keys.

However, there is a structural challenge: if tourism keys are created without adequate workforce housing, it leads to increased local housing costs. Resort areas become expensive rental zones, and the housing shortage becomes a labor constraint for the tourism sector. Ultimately, this situation contributes to a broader cost-of-living crisis for everyone. Capital is not the missing ingredient; allocation is. Central Bank data reveals billions in broad money and signifcant system liquidity. However, liquidity and household equity remain trapped because the country has not developed the necessary infrastructure to convert idle cash and stranded property value into viable, scalable housing solutions.

This is why measurement is crucial. If you cannot break down the housing defcit by island, price range, household type, and employment category, you cannot design fnancial solutions that match reality. If you cannot track vacancies by condition, title status, and utility readiness, you cannot transform unused properties into a viable supply. Additionally, if you cannot quantify the workforce housing needs embedded within tourism growth plans, you risk building empty units and importing instability.

The incoming administration, whoever that may be, but more to the promised Housing Revolution by Michael Pintard (FNM), must address the housing market as it currently exists.

Essential actions that cannot be compromised:

Establishing a National Housing and Keys

Dashboard updated monthly and includes key metrics such as occupied versus vacant properties, habitable versus uninhabitable conditions, titled versus untitled ownership, rental versus owner-occupied status, median sale and rent prices by district, afordability ratios, and data on new construction starts and completions by segment. Additionally, it should feature a tourism keys pipeline that accounts for worker housing ofsets.

Developing a Housing Balance Sheet that connects property assets to fnancing options. Important components to consider include title clearing, expediting the probate process, establishing minimum property standards, underwriting rehabilitation projects, and ensuring insured construction performance. This approach will help transform vacant properties into a viable supply for housing.

Aggressively embracing FinTech and PropTech solutions aimed to unlock trapped equity without jeopardizing household stability. This includes rehabilitation notes for vacant properties, warehouse lines connected to verifed project completions, shared-equity ownership options for afordable housing, and digitised lien and title verifcation to reduce friction. Additionally, securitisation-ready pools will be created when data quality improves.

Expansion of the tourism sector should be linked to mandatory workforce housing. It’s essential to construct both keys (for commercial use) and housing; otherwise, the labor market may sufer, exacerbating the cost-of-living crisis.

Ownership should not be viewed as a moral goal; rather, it is an engineering challenge that involves managing inventories, datasets, underwriting standards, legal processes, and capital-market infrastructure. To efectively manage something, you must measure it. If the relevant data has been overlooked, that constitutes negligence. If the ability to gather that data was never established, it refects incompetence. Regardless, the next administration will face the same reality that this and previous administrations ignored: the demand for housing is greater than the public narrative acknowledges, the cost of living is infuenced by housing issues, and billions of dollars remain unused or blocked because the system hasn’t been properly designed to activate them.

Eden Merry Johnson, FinTech, PropTech, and TravelTech Specialist.

EDEN MERRY JOHNSON Freeport, Grand Bahama February 4, 2026.

Taiwan and Ukraine up for grabs

KINDLY allow me space in your valuable column to articulate an opinion on how we, as a country, have unfairly treated the proper recognition of former junior middle-weight champion of the world Elisha Obed. Over fve decades ago, Obed won the frst and only world boxing title by a Bahamian, the World Boxing Council. At that time we were a mere two years old as an independent country. Since that time, we have had fve Prime Ministers (inclusive of our present PM Philip Davis), who in my opinion have merely glossed over Obed’s accomplishment. I believe as a country we have done a very poor job of recognising Elisha in a proper manner. I would venture to say that if he was a Jamaican or an Englishman, he would have had a statue erected of him. After fve and a half decades, it’s about time we set aside the politics and pettiness and do the right thing.

sports fan. He has started a boxing program at the National Boxing Gym, where it is presently undergoing major renovations. There are plans for a boxing academy. He deserves for taking a position for re-lighting the spark that lights the fame to bring back boxing in our next generation.

Elisha single-handedly won a world title in an individual sport and arguably the greatest sport on earth. While other Bahamians have won world titles as a group efort, I believe. Madam Editor, Prime Minister Philip Davis is a former athlete and an avid

Prime Minister, it is never too late to do the right thing. By recognising our only world boxing champion in a ft and proper way you will be contributing to your legacy!

PAT STRACHAN

Nassau, February 6, 2026

EDITOR, The Tribune. PRESIDENT Trumps Administration has placed itself into a corner with numerous conficts brewing, multiple diplomatic and real time threats placed by President Trump towards many nations across this planet. Be it tarif, economically or military threats, threatening former allies and enemies alike is over extending America’s capacity to carry out proper professional responses should some dip lo-speak somehow become a full-blown confict. While America continues to grow its military capacity and arms storage base, Russia, China and other nations are preparing for their own land grabs with diplomatic and military subterfuge apparent.

China is strong arming the Philippines, Vietnam, Cambodia, Japan and others preparing for the ultimate land transfer of Taiwan to Mainland China whether the Taiwanese wish to be annexed or not. Chinese Aircraft fy within Taiwan’s borders as if slapping the Taiwanese Air force in the face. Challenges abound everywhere as militants friendly to

China turn unionists against their governments, with plans to sabotage the electric grid, Capital Transport System and the Taiwan Stock exchange itself. Maverick Chinese Corporations are purchasing majority control of many of Taiwan’s massive production centers preparing to manipulate them.. Vietnam is taking no chances, marshaling their Armed forces and preparing for an ultimate confict. The Philippines face Chinese aggression both on the high seas and in their air space. Japan faces the challenge of North Korean Missile launches possibly into Japan, so Japan’s Leadership may change their military stance in the near future by constitutional mandate. A militarised Japan will certainly be an asset to America. What about the other smaller Asian Counties who remember The Japanese Expansionism of WW2? Sources have acknowledged that North Korea has military Defence Treaties with both Russia and China. Has the New Asian Axis Powers revitalised itself?

Russia’s long-term invasion of peaceful Ukraine has been costly and yet gone to

plan. A return to old fashion warfare surrounding their countryside show trenches and multiple standofs while the air over the Ukraine is controlled by Russian Aircraft and Drones. Russia is beating Ukraine down day by day. America will not let Ukraine fght as it should striking deep into Russia. This shows the world what American intentions truly are. America promises much, but often will not come through with their promises. Ask the Iranian People if that is not so?

America has bitten of more than it can chew. While this is going on the Trump Administration has alienated itself from both NATO and other Western Powers. Trumpian Bravado has become a social media success but those who are truly in power Globally see America’s misstep and see an opportunity to revitalize their colonial desires. Multiple Empires will come and go as super power vs superpower threats us all. STEVEN KASAZB Bradford, Ontario Nassau, February 5, 2026.

Veteran lawyer and FNM council member dies after decades of advocacy

TRIBUTE from page one

a member of our Executive Council,” he said.

“She was direct and did not mince words when sharing her views. We beneftted from her tough questions and strong positions on subjects most would avoid or sugarcoat when the matter required forthrightness.”

“Her voice and presence will be deeply missed, not just by our organization, but by the legal fraternity and the wider national community”.

Prime Minister Philip Davis released a statement last night, saying “Ann and I are heartbroken by the news of the passing of Attorney Ramona Farquharson-Seymour.

“There are some losses that land heavy, because they take away someone who was still in the middle

of giving. Ramona was in her late 40s, yet her name already carried weight in our legal community, built on hard work, sharp ability, and the courage to take on difcult matters and see them through.

“Since being called to the Bar in December 2001, she earned respect,” Mr Davis said.

“Ann and I extend our deepest condolences to her husband, Attorney Calvin Seymour, and to their two daughters, who now face a kind of grief that no family ever deserves. We also extend our condolences to her wider family, her colleagues and friends, and to all who were touched by her life and her work.

“On behalf of the Progressive Liberal Party, we mourn with you. We pray that God will steady you, comfort you, and wrap you in peace as you remember

Ramona and lean on one another in the days ahead.”

According to the Bahamas Bar Association, Mrs Farquharson-Seymour was called to the Bar in 2001 and practised as a general attorney for more than two decades. During that time, she was involved in several high-profle matters.

She recently represented former Prison Commissioner Charles Murphy in his lawsuit against the government after he was placed on administrative leave in September 2021. The case is ongoing.

She was also part of the legal team for Long Island MP Adrian Gibson when he was initially arrested and questioned by ofcers from the Central Detective Unit in 2022 in connection with his tenure at the Water and Sewerage Corporation. Mr Gibson later went to trial represented by diferent

counsel.

In 2023, Mrs Farquharson told The Tribune she intended to run for president of the Bahamas Bar Association, saying the

organisation needed new vision and leadership. The incumbent, Khalil Parker, ultimately retained the post. The

US and China at odds over $278m Nassau hospital project

fnancing for New Providence’s second hospital are not in the country’s best interests and urged the government to consider alternative funding options.

His comments came after Tribune Business revealed that Chinese law and jurisdiction will govern the China Export-Import Bank loan covering nearly three-quarters of the hospital’s $278m fnancing.

China rejected the suggestion that the project carries geopolitical implications, saying its cooperation with The Bahamas involves no strategic calculations and targets no third party.

It said China respects The Bahamas’ sovereignty and supports its independent choice of development paths and partners, adding that such cooperation should not be interfered with by any external actor.

The embassy said China remains committed to building long-term friendly and cooperative relations with The Bahamas, regardless of international or regional changes, and described the relationship as one based on equality, mutual beneft and win–win cooperation.

Mr Walker’s intervention has raised the prospect of the hospital project becoming a fashpoint between the Trump administration

and the Davis government, potentially drawing The Bahamas into wider tensions between Washington and Beijing.

The Bahamian government on Friday said the fnancing agreement with China was fnalised after technical, legal and fnancial review, with the urgent healthcare needs of Bahamians as the overriding priority. Ofcials said the project addresses long-standing gaps in tertiary care, maternal health and other critical services under strain in the public system.

The government also said it had engaged the United States at senior levels, including discussions

with the US Export-Import Bank, but did not receive a fnancing response that matched the scale, timing and certainty required to move the project forward. It added that the United States remains a valued partner and that the hospital agreement does not diminish that relationship.

In his statement, the US ambassador suggested that The Bahamas would be better served by fnancing arrangements that adhere to international norms and said the United States stands ready to help secure a better deal. He also confrmed that China Railway Construction Corporation, the project’s main contractor, appears on a US

restricted investment list because of its links to China’s military-industrial complex.

The fnancing debate has unfolded as the government presses ahead with plans for the new 50-acre Perpall Tract facility, which a feasibility study tabled in the House of Assembly warns will operate at a loss and rely heavily on taxpayer subsidies. The report projects that just 3.7 percent of the hospital’s annual operating costs will be generated internally and that, without reform, the Public Hospitals Authority’s subsidy would have to rise by more than $66m a year to cover the additional

FLORIDA MAN BATTLES ‘FLESH-EATING’ DISEASE AFTER

A FLORIDA man who scraped his ankle while vacationing in The Bahamas over the New Year was later given just a ten percent chance of survival after developing necrotising fasciitis, a rare and fast-moving infection commonly known as fesh-eating disease, according to reports.

Brian Roush, 62, had travelled to the islands with his girlfriend, Tonia Buford Stinson, to celebrate recently moving in together. While there, he tripped and scraped his ankle — an injury his family initially considered minor.

His daughter, Brittany Roush, told WFLA that the cut did not slow him down. He continued typical holiday activities, including swimming with pigs and going on waterslides.

But on the fight home to Fort Lauderdale on January 3, his condition changed suddenly. According to a GoFundMe page established by his daughter to support his recovery, “he became violently ill. Within hours, he was admitted to a hospital in Ft Lauderdale for severe septic shock, was intubated, and placed on a ventilator,” People magazine reports.

Doctors at the hospital quickly grew alarmed. Brittany Roush told WFLA that “his ankle erupted into blisters” while he was in the emergency room. Physicians suspected necrotising fasciitis, a life-threatening bacterial infection that destroys tissue at alarming speed.

Roush was rushed into emergency surgery, where

doctors removed infected tissue. By then, he had developed sepsis — a potentially fatal immune response to infection.

“Sepsis was wreaking

havoc. Brian’s liver, kidneys, and lungs failed while he was in septic shock and he was placed in an induced coma on life support,” the GoFundMe page said. “His

burden.

The same study points to the eventual introduction of National Health Insurance contributions as a possible long-term funding mechanism for tertiary healthcare, though ministers have said such a move is not imminent and would require signifcant preparatory work.

Despite the projected fnancial losses, the feasibility report stresses that the hospital’s primary purpose is social rather than commercial, arguing that expanding public healthcare capacity in New Providence is necessary to ease existing shortages, save lives and improve national health outcomes.

BAHAMAS VACATION

ankle became gangrenous, and most of the fesh from his ankle to his lower calf had to be removed down to the bone.”

Doctors told the family that his chances of survival were just 10 percent.

But after a week of intensive treatment, his condition began to stabilise.

“Miraculously, after a week of nonstop antibiotics and life support, he cleared the infection and his lungs and liver began to recover,” the GoFundMe said.

Roush remains hospitalised and faces a long recovery. He is expected to be transferred to a longterm care facility, where he will need to relearn how to walk and regain use of his limbs.

“He is doing his best to maintain a positive attitude

despite waking up to this nightmare,” the GoFundMe said, adding that he has been “lavishing compliments on the nursing staf so they keep the ice water fowing.”

Necrotising fasciitis is rare, but medical experts say the precautions to avoid it are straightforward. According to the Cleveland Clinic, wounds should be cleaned with soap and water, kept covered with a clean bandage, and protected from exposure to swimming pools, hot tubs or natural bodies of water, including the ocean. The infection’s sudden onset and severity have stunned Roush’s family, who are now focused on his recovery after what doctors initially feared would be a fatal outcome.

Woman granted bail in year’s first traffic fatality

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net

A WOMAN accused of causing the death of a 64-year-old father who was struck while attempting to cross Bahamas Games Boulevard last month was granted bail on Friday. Prosecutors allege that Aleaha Burrows, 31, was driving north dangerously in a black Nissan Juke when she struck Vincent Levi Hepburn as he attempted to cross the

road to Dennis Court at about 3.50pm on January 3. Hepburn, a father of five, was on his way home at the time of the collision.

He later died of his injuries at Princess Margaret Hospital. His death was the country’s first traffic fatality of the year. His daughter, Bianca Hepburn, told The Tribune last month that the family believes negligent driving caused her father’s death. Burrows was not required to enter a plea to vehicular manslaughter

before Deputy Chief Magistrate Serville. Inspector Farrington objected to bail, citing the seriousness of the offence.

Despite the objection, Magistrate Serville granted Burrows bail of $8,000 with one or two sureties.

The matter will proceed to the Supreme Court by voluntary bill of indictment. Burrows is expected to return to court on June 8 for service of the VBI.

Bryan Bastian represented the accused.

Skyline Drive resident granted bail on loaded frearm charges

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net

A MAN accused of having a loaded frearm in his home on Skyline Drive last week was granted bail on Friday.

Prosecutors allege that Scotty Ward, 35, was found in possession of a black 9mm Austria Glock pistol

and 18 rounds of ammunition at about 1.30am on February 5. Ward pleaded not guilty to charges of possession of an unlicensed frearm and possession of ammunition before Chief Magistrate Roberto Reckley. His bail was set at $7,500 with one or two sureties. As part of his bail conditions, Ward must report

to the Cable Beach Police Station every Monday, Wednesday and Friday by 7pm and will be ftted with a monitoring device. He is scheduled to return to court on March 24.

Levan Johnson represented the accused.

Inspector Deon Barr appeared for the prosecution.

Woman charged in fatal Carmichael Road crash

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net

A WOMAN accused of causing the death of a 28-year-old man who was fatally injured in a car crash on Carmichael Road last May was granted bail on Friday.

Prosecutors allege that Djoreka Marcellus, 26, was attempting to overtake while driving west along Carmichael Road in a silver

2009 Toyota Mitz when she collided with Domonic Thompson’s grey 2013 Mitsubishi Minicab on May 4, 2025. Thompson was ejected from his vehicle in the crash and later died of his injuries at Kendall Regional Hospital in Florida on May 17. He left behind a widow. Marcellus was not required to enter a plea to vehicular manslaughter before Deputy Chief Magistrate Shaka Serville,

who granted her bail in the amount of $8,000 with one or two sureties. The court was informed that the matter will proceed to the Supreme Court by way of a voluntary bill of indictment. Marcellus is scheduled to return to court on June 18 for service of the VBI.

Alex Maillis represented the accused, while Inspector Cordero Farrington appeared for the prosecution.

Teenagers accused of gunpoint carjacking in Sea Breeze remanded

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net

TWO teenage males accused of robbing a woman of her car at gunpoint last month were remanded in custody.

Prosecutors allege that Dinari “Nari” Coleby, 19, and a 17-year-old male, whose identity is being withheld because he is a minor, were armed with a handgun when they robbed Sandy Knowles of her silver

2012 Nissan Note after she experienced mechanical problems at Bay Lily Drive and Sea Breeze Grove around 5.30pm on January 27.

The suspects fed south along Joe Farrington Road, but the vehicle was later recovered after being abandoned on Sea Breeze Lane.

One of the suspects was reportedly wearing a mask during the robbery.

Coleby was also accused of being in possession of 79 rounds of ammunition last November.

The defendants were not required to enter pleas to armed robbery before Senior Magistrate Algernon Allen Jr. The court was informed that the matter will proceed to the Supreme Court by voluntary bill of indictment.

Both accused were remanded to the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services until their VBIs are served on May 5. The juvenile was remanded to the adolescent unit. Sergeant 3004 Forbes appeared for the prosecution, while Bjorn Ferguson represented the accused.

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THE STORIES BEHIND THE NEWS

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2026

Funding agreement for new hospital: what could possibly go wrong?

By Malcolm Strachan

ALARM

BELLSare

ringing over theterms of the loanfrom Chinato buildthe newhospital (afterthehospitalitselfbeing aboneof contention in the first place.)

Lastweek, itemergedthat if thereare anydisputes between thelender, theChina Export-Import Bank,and the Bahamiangovernment, itwill bethe courtsin Chinathat have the final say.

One of the most startling aspects ofthe newsis thatthe Minister of Healthand Wellness, Dr Michael Darville, didn’t even seem to know why that was the case. He said perhaps becauseit’s agovernment-to-government loan,but hewouldhave tocheckwith the government’s legal advisors.

So meekly is our sovereignty surrendered,that the ministerresponsible forthe facility being builtwith the loan doesn t even know why the decision was made.

Immediately, there has been some international sparring.

The USAmbassador toThe Bahamas, Herschel Walker, got his first major issue to sink histeethinto sincehisappointment and warned that the financing terms are not in the best interests of our country “We stand ready to work with The Bahamasto help secure abetter deal – whether for private or public sources, he said.

Thethingis, thisdealhas notexactly beena secretbefore now. There has been plenty of timeto offer terms for abetter deal.The United Kingdom,in fact,offereda dealpreviously thatthegovernment shrugged off because they said the China agreement was too far along.

OnFriday, PrimeMinister Philip Davis saidthe governmenthadgone totheUSfor fundinginthe firstplace,implying thatno dealwasonthe table then,despite whatMr Walkermight beoffering now.

TheChinese Embassyin TheBahamas alsoresponded onSaturday. “It is China’s consistentpolicy andpractice to respect thesovereignty of The Bahamasand tosupport its independentchoice ofdevelopment paths and partners. China-Bahamas cooperation

Slippery

involves nogeopolitical calculations,targets no thirdparty, and should notbe interfered with by any external party.” Thatexternal partywould beMr Walker, presumably. China remains committed to developinglong-term friendlyandcooperative relations with The Bahamas on the basis of equality,mutual benefitand win-win cooperation,” theembassy wenton to say.

So how did we get here?

I imaginea fairamount ofthe answer datesbackto thebattlebetweenBaha Mar ’soriginal developer,Sarkis Izmirlian, and China Construction America (CCA), which largely took place in Delaware in the United States. Backin2015,in fact,CCAwasarguingthat TheBahamasshould bethe jurisdiction forthat fight,arguing against the Chapter 11 bankruptcy filed in the US andsaying thewinding-up petitionfiled by theBahamas governmentin theSupreme Court here would be adequate. Ittookuntil Decemberlastyear,another 10years onfrom thatproject, fora UScourt toapproveIzmirlian’s dealto settle thelegal battle, afterhe was awarded $1.8bn in damages. Even near to the end, CCA was arguing that the verdict in favour ofMr Izmirlain by aNew York court was “incorrect as a matter of law” There wasa feeling that CCAfelt they weregetting araw dealfrom theUS courts. And while CCA is not involved in the new dealfor the hospital, isit a case of once bitten, twice shy on the legal

Fish?

front?

After all, that US ruling ended up in a devastating $1.8bnin damagesin favour of Mr Izmirlian.

This newdeal is noton thatscale, but it’s still a fifth of a billion, or just short.

The $195m loan is part of a quarter-billion cost fortheproject, earmarkedat $268m (although who wants to bet the projectwillreallybe ontimeandon budget?).Soperhaps there’s a good reason forthe lenderto becautious and trying to ensure protection. Regardless ofthat caution,The Bahamas as a borrower must make sure it also has protection, to assure that we don t have to surrender our courts sovereignty in the matter.

As mentioned, the United Kingdom put anoffer forwardthatwasnot accepted –we do not know the terms, of course, but the possibility of a rival bid gives leverage to ensure we get the best deal we can.

And now the US is back in the game as a player for the loan, if Mr Walker backs up his words with financial action.

The question is: is it too late?

TheUSalsohas itsdoubtsoverthe contractor,China RailwayConstruction Corporation, which is a state-owned business that was the subject of action from President Donald Trump in hisfirst term, when heissued anorder banningAmericansfromowningshares inthisfirmbecause of its links to the Chinese military. Ukrainealso calledthe companyan “international sponsor ofwar” for con-

tinuing todo businessin Russiaafter the invasionof Ukraine.Part ofthat work involveda tunnelto the Crimea region, annexed by Russia, which was a direct connectionto actions in the area rather than simply doing business somewhere else in Russia. For usBahamians, what wewant is the best deal, of course, and the best prospects of a fair legal outcome ifany thing goes wrong. It’s notuncommon for projects of this scale to runinto somekind of legal entanglement in some way or another. Plenty ofthings cango wrong on much smaller projects.So whenyou’re talkinga quarterbillionplus, there s always the possibility of arbitration or litigation somewhere along the way.

You hopenot, but you preparefor the worst just in case. Now perhaps theBeijing courts will provide that fair outcome.But here’s the thing: we ve had at least one other option on thetable andmay perhapshave more

A secret project to win Olympic speedskating medals with help from an app

By HOWARD FENDRICH

AP National Writer

MILWAUKEE(AP) All it took was the mere mention of thewords “Slippery Fish” for US Speedskating national team coach Ryan Shimabukuro to purse his lips and shake his head. There wasn't even a full question asked about the secret project usingcomputer technology aimed at shaving fractions ofa secondoffspeedskating times tohelp theAmericans bringhome goldmedalsfrom the MilanCortina Olympics Just thosefour syllableswere enough tocatch Shimabukuro off-guard alittle morethan a monthaheadof theFeb.6-22 Winter Games. “No comment. Idon’t know how youeven knowabout that,” saidthe genialShimabukuro, who otherwise was forthcoming aboutall manner of topics duringan interview with The Associated Press about histeam andhis sport while sitting in the stands at Milwaukee’s Pettit National Ice Center, siteof the Olympic trials for long trackin January. “No comment. Nope. Nope," Shimabukuro said."Respectfully, no comment.” Sowhat, exactly,isSlippery Fish? Andwhy wouldShimabukuro and some other folksconnected totheAmerican team beso tight-lipped about it? Using anapp tomake US

FROM front to back, United States' Casey

a new world record during the men's

Nov. 16, 2025, in Salt Lake City.

speedskaters faster According to Shane Domer, US Speedskating'schief of sport performance, the idea behind the program was to increase athletes'aerodynamic efficiencyby reducingthe amount of dragthey create pushing against the air during a race.

For years, speedskaters, like cyclists, trained in wind tunnels to study that phenomenon. Now, Domerexplained, it happensvirtually: Anapplets skatersscan theirbodies,cre-

ating a digital twin. The softwaresimulates windpassing over the avatar, computational fluid dynamics calculate how much resistance there is and how tweaking a skater's form alters that.

“We can basicallysay, ‘How much fasterwill theavatar be in this position vs. that position at a certainspeed? You re tryingtomake someonealittle bit slippery throughthe air,” Domer said about the work that began in 2023 at a cost approaching $100,000.

“Significant performance benefitsfrom smallchanges: changing thehead position slightly, changing the way your shoulders are positioned, elbow positions, he said.

“You’re talkingabout tenthsof a second per lap in a sport where we look at hundredths or thousandths.

” US long distance coach GabeGirard saidthey'veseen improvements fromraising both arms incorners instead of only in straightaways.

“We’re always hoping to

now. Is this still the best option? With the minister seemingly notknowing much about the decision,and little publicdiscussion ofthesubject fromthe rest ofthe government, there’s also the worry we mightbe sleepwalking into the lossof judicial sovereignty. It s only when the deal, signed in Decemberby the Prime Minister,was tabledin theHousethat thedetailsof Beijing court jurisdiction emerged.It seemsthatwas somethingthat shouldhave been statedearlier andexplained. There areother concerns, separately, about the hospital project – about how it will be staffed,about theflooding concerns fromneighbours, etc. And while some of those haveagainnot beenfullyexplained or explored, those are topics for another day. Ultimately,if wedoneed international financingfor projects, whether it sthis one oranother,we needtomake sure weget thebest dealfor The Bahamas.That includes ensuringthe bestlegaloptions if thingsgo wrong, with court proceedings capable of dealand independence. Right now, no one is explaining how this is the best option for Bahamians – and thatis the area thatpeople areconcerned about. Weare not a satellite ofChina, norof the US, but our own nation. That shouldnot besoquickly signed away for a loan.

file

bring something a bit out of leftfieldto catchpeopleoffguard, Girardsaid. There s also ‘mental warfare’ about it and makes people guess if they should (do) it.

Speedskating secrets at the Olympics As withother sports,successful speedskating innovations get copied. At Beijing in 2022,the US men won theirfirst Olympic speedskating medal since 2010, a bronze in team pursuit. That wasthanks toa revolutionarychange developedby the not-so-creatively-named Project Push:The team'sthree racers remained in the same order and pushedthe leader of the trio, instead of rotating who led. But theAmericans debuted that twoyears earlier,and other countries soon adopted thesame strategy. We unveiled ittoo early,” Domer lamented. Nearly everyonenow pushes in teampursuit, but Domer said not everyone is doing it well.

“I don’tthink theyunderstand themechanics andthe math behind it, he said. "We have madesmall changesto the way we’re executing it, based on what we have learned from Slippery Fish.” Indeed,the USholdsthe world recordand Casey Dawson,Ethan Cepuranand EmeryLehman arefavoured for gold on Feb. 17. Lehman said the 3-D modelling fosteredbetter understanding ofthe idealspacing between the three racers.

“We’re thinking about things analytically,"Lehman said. “We definitely have some

niche things that we do that we trynotto sharewithother people.

Does Jordan Stolzuse Slippery Fish?

Slippery Fishmostly is being used forteam pursuit and long-distanceevents like the 5,000 or 10,000 meters.

“Weweregoing toworkon aprogram formore ofthe sprint side, but I had a little too muchon myplateto kindof spearhead thatproject,” said ErinJackson, whodefendsher Olympic 500 gold Feb. 15. Hopefully that s something we can getmore into" before the 2030 Games.

Domer said a lot of US skaters and coacheshave been shown what SlipperyFish can do. “Some havemade changes," he said."Some have not.” The world's best speedskaterat themoment, Jordan Stolz, who excelsat shorter distances,hasn't takenadvantage.

“It’s not somethingthat I really gotinto changing your technique to be more ‘aero,'” Stolz said. “Everybody skates so differently.If somebody is more ‘aero’ ...I don’t know if Iwould be changing my technique to try and match them.

Tech willfuel future speedskating changes

USSpeedskating hasredesignedhelmets including onerevealed atthe2022 Games and employstechnology to improve performance in other ways.

CuttingEdge isforskate blades.Iron Fistfocuseson weighted gloves. New uniforms will arrive, eventually.

What's the real reason The Bahamas was placed on the immigrant visa “pause” list?

THERE'S adifference betweena country's performance and the policy labels placed on it.

Performance is what the numbers say afterreal adjudications, realinterviews, and real outcomes. Policy labels are what governmentssay whenthey groupnationsinto broad "risk" categories often withoutexplaining thecriteria, the weighting,or the path back out. That gap between performance and policy iswhere trust breaks, and right now, The Bahamas is caught in that gap.

According to the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs, Adjusted Refusal Rates by NationalityFiscal Year2024, The Bahamashas arefusal rateof only 12.8%. In plain terms, nearly nineout of10, or87%, of immigrantvisa applicants in the Bahamas are approved.

Countries like Japan, Germany, Singapore,South Korea, and most Western European nationshistorically have highimmigrant visaap-

proval rates, often above 90%.

Yet,The Bahamasis onthe listimmigrant visa “pause” list with an 87% immigrant visa approvalrate, whilenone of these countriesare on the list? Huhh? Bahamiansare showingup, documenting theireligibility, andclearing theU.S.government's own screeningprocess atexceptionally highrates.

Yet The Bahamashas still been placed on a sweeping 75country immigrant visa pause list, effective January 21, 2026 on the theory that it is "high risk" for public charge concerns. What is a public charge?

Well,INA 212(a)(4)basically allows thegovernment to denyavisa orgreencardif they think an applicant is likely tobecome "primarily dependenton thegovernment for subsistence" in the future. So, if "highrisk" can describe a country where 87% of applicants are successfully vetted and approved,we are no longer talkingabout performance.We aretalking

aboutoptics andarbitraryexclusion.

The Caribbean, and the optics you should not ignore The Bahamas isnot alone. Of the75 countrieson this pause list, 11 are Caribbean nations including Haiti,Jamaica, Barbados, and others. Thedemographic patternis impossibleto ignore.Ananalysis of theUS Department of State immigrant visa pause list, (Jan2026), cross-referencedwith regionaldemographicdatafor the11impacted Caribbean countries, reveal that 91% of these paused Caribbeannations are predominantly of African descent. Whateverthe intentbehind the policy, theimpact is

Analysis: China's birthrate struggles underscore its millennia-long effort to manage 'the masses'

By TED ANTHONY AP National Writer

BEIJING (AP)

Fromancient times until today, anenormous population hasbeen a foundationalwayfor Chinatoprojectits strength. But anxiety about managing so many mouths has always loomed. China has a populationof 600million people,and wemust never forgetthis fact,” Mao Zedongsaid in 1957,shortly beforesettingoff acalamitous famine.

China's masses, though, are getting to be less massive. And that’s a problem.

Birth rate numbersreleased Monday, the lowest since Mao's Communists established the People's Republic in 1949, are the latest developmentina millennia-longstrugglein China,whereproducing childrenandrefreshing the population of the young have been central to the national conversation since the country's earliest days.

China s population stands at 1.404 billion today, down3 millionfrom theprevious year. Andthecentral government'schallengeremains much as it has always been: to manage a citizenry that both enhances the country’s strength and claims enormous resources.

But variousfactors policy, generational change and general evolution of the way people live have officialsconcerned thatthere won't be enough young Chinese people to build thetomorrowthey want.Thisweek s numbers illustratehowcomplicated theproblemremains.

The ripples of the one-child policy

It's likely that urban Chinese of the 1980s

couldbarely imaginethe situationtoday a society wherethe government ispushing families to have more up to three children.

The one-child policy,officially instituted in 1980 four years after Mao's death, was designed to curb a growing population. It restrictedChinese couplestoa singleoffspring and eventually, in many cases, punished them if they didn't comply. The rationale: At that time, under Deng Xiaoping's policyof reform and opening-up,” the country'scapital andresources couldn't keepupwith thepopulation's demands.

Beijing's answer was to slow the population's growth.Over time,thatcreated adisproportionateamount ofelderly people. “China’s demographic transition,characterised by people getting old before becoming rich, creates challenges andopportunities, the statecontrolled newspaper China Daily said in 2024.

Intheyears afterimplementation,theonechild policyproduced unintendedconsequences: Adesire forsons gaveriseto thehiding, mistreatment and sometimes outright killing of baby girls, especially in rural areas.

Among better-off familiesin cities where the policy was primarily aimed it also gave rise to millions of households in which an only childbecame thefocus ofattention, creating a generation of what some call little emperors.”

Coupledwith recentloosening ofthe “hukou,” or household registration, system that limits whereChinese peoplecan livewithin their country, many onlychildren wound up

clear this list lands heavily on Black-majority countries in America's near neighborhood. In a region with a long memory ofbeing characterized through stereotypes rather than data,this effect matters.

The United States has every right to manageits immigration system, but ithas a responsibility to ensureits tools are not producing distorted, discriminatory outcomes.

The moststriking ironyfor Bahamians is thatthe narrativebehind "publiccharge" risk does not match what most Bahamiansactually do.Most Bahamians are not looking to relocateto theUnitedStates permanently. They have homes in The Bahamas. Chil-

dren in Bahamian schools. Businesses. Churchcommunities, and Family land. What many do need especially after a national trauma likeHurricane Dorian is access. Access to medical specialists. Access toshort-term care.Access tomobilitythat keeps familiesstable. When infrastructure is strained, travel becomes a practical necessity not a planto immigrate, andcertainly notanattemptto becomea "drain"on the system. If the goal isa secure, fair immigration system,the solution is not sweeping lists. The solution is transparency, calibrated decision-making, and respect for the data, especially when that data shows compliance.

How about a little diplomacy for your partner?

Diplomacyisn't onlywhat leaders say inspeeches. It's what ordinary peopleare supposed to experienceat the US consulate window.When Bahamians see ahigh approval rateonone handforimmigrant visas,and asweeping "highrisk"label ontheother, it doesn't feel like governance. Itfeels likeanassault onthe Country s brand, like a risk of reputationalharm, andlikea threatto thecountry s economicsustainability asa tourist destination.

About the Author Donnette Russell-Love, Esq., is a leading immigration advocate andcross-border legalstrategist basedin Plantation, Florida. She is the founder of Donnette RussellLove, LLC, and Immigration Care Service, LLC advises individuals, families, and businesses navigating U.S. immigrationand high-stakesmobility matters. Contact: www.immigrationcareservice.com, Whatsapp message@954-8282429 © 2026 Donnette RussellLove, LLC.All rightsreserved.

living far from their parents, promoting socialills like loneliness and alienation

Population growth slowed to acrawl,leading in recent years tonumbers like Monday'.

"China’s one-child policy willbe rememberedas oneof the costliest lessons of misguided publicpolicymaking," theBrookings Institutionsaid in a 2016reportshortly after the policy was abolished. It alsoblamed “a social discourse that has erroneously blamed population growth for virtuallyall thecountry'ssocial and economic problems.

Trying to turn the tide

One of China’smost ancient precepts is that there are three waysto disrespectyour parents andancestors and not having offspringis one of them. In thatrespect, limiting population growth ran counter tolong-established cultural norms and traditions.

Asthe one-childpolicy ebbed,Chinese PresidentXi Jinping rejuvenatedthat ageold notion. He started to publicly likenthe populationto Chinese power onceagain or, as he put it, a great wall of steelforged byover 1.4billion Chinese people.” It doesn t helpthatIndia surpassed China in population in 2023. The on-again,offagain rival andneighbour of Chinahas viedoflate tobe the leader of the Global South, amantle Chinais pursuingas well asan alternativeto what itconsiders Western “hegemony.” That’s afactor that makes China s population both aninternal andan international issue.

alsonow findthemselves doing their work tax-free.

So the countryhas taken some measures to, for lack of a better term, reduce the friction. Condoms are taxed. Day care centresare not.Even matchmakers, a cornerstone oftraditional Chineseculture,

More systemically, plans for the nation's next five-year planfor development,beginning this year, include an aim to “encourage positiveviews on marriage and childbearing” in addition todoubling down onincentives forincreasing birth ratesand reducingthe costs of having and raising children.The officialXinhua News Agencylast monthsaid that theinitiatives, takentogether, represent a plan to make childbirthessentially free.”

Scientists trying to unravel one of body's biggest mysteries: autoimmune disease

By DAVID GOLDMAN and LAURAN NEERGAARD Associated Press

Apeekinside someleadingresearch labs showshow scientists-turned-detectives are painstakinglydecoding what causes autoimmune diseases and how to stop theimmune systemfrom attacking you instead of protecting you.

It's a huge challenge.By the National InstitutesofHealth's newestcountthere areabout 140autoimmune diseasesaffecting tens of millions of people. Unraveling them requires patience, persistence and sophisticated technology to even see the suspects. Researchersuse laser-poweredmachinery and brightly colored fluorescent dyes to tell rogue cells from normal ones. TakeType1 diabetes,causedwhen cellsinthe pancreasthatproduceinsulin

aregradually killedoffbyrogue Tcells.

Ina biomedicalengineeringlab atJohns Hopkins University, researchers examine mousepancreascells onacomputer screen. Redmarks the killercells. In yelloware"peacemaker" cellsthatare supposedtotamp downautoimmunereactions – but they're outnumbered. Another typeof immune cell,B cells, drive autoimmune diseases by producing antibodies that mistake healthy tissue for foreign invaders. At NIH, Dr. Iago PinalFernandezstudies myositis,a poorlyunderstood groupof muscle-weakening diseases.Hisresearch showsrogueantibodiesdon't justdamage musclesby latchingontotheir surface.Theycan sneakinsidemuscle cellsanddisrupt theirnormal functionsinways thathelp explain varying symptoms.

"When I started,nothing was known about the type of autoimmune disease we

study. Now finally we're able to tell patients, 'You have thisdisease and this is the mechanism of disease," he said.

Inanother NIHlab,Dr. MarianaKaplan's teamis huntingthe rootcauses of lupus and otherautoimmune diseases what makesthe immunesystem run amokin thefirstplace and why they so often strike women.

Today's drugs tamp down symptoms but don't correct the problem. Now in early-phase clinicaltrials aretreatments thatinsteadaim tofixdysfunctionalimmune pathways. At Hopkins,scientists areworking on next-generationversions, notyetready to try in people. In one lab, they're developingnanoparticle-based treatmentto dialdownpancreas-killing cellsinType 1 diabetes andramp up "peacemaker" cells.

‘True blue and you’BTVI holds open house

STUDENTS instructors and visitors filled the Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute’s Old Trail Road campus on February 6 2026 as BTVI opened its doors for its spring open house under the theme True Blue and You. The admission-free event ran from morning to late afternoon and featured live demonstrations, do-it-yourself workshops, information booths, entertainment and giveaways, giving the public a close look at programmes ranging from beauty and fashion trades to construction, mechanical, business and information and communications technology.

The Bahamas Human

and

forward to getting out of her

and going for walks. Tammy is about eighteen months old and gets along well with other dogs, and could be trained to appreciate cats. She’s smart and eager and friendly. Have you been looking for a playful companion? Tammy might just be your match! Come in to the BHS to meet her or call 323-5138 for more information. Tammy looks forward to meeting you!

Meet the man behind the Super Bowl's annual confetti blizzard

By DONNA GORDON BLANKINSHIP Associated Press

Noah Winter brags he's been to way more Super Bowls than Tom Brady. Brady competed in10 more than any other player.

ButWinter willbepart ofthe Super Bowl spectaclefor his 30th straightyear thisyear, notin uniformbutas theguy in chargeof thecelebratory confetti after the game ends. Winter's company, Artistry in Motion, also makes confetti for rock concerts, movies, political conventionsand the Olympics. But the annual blizzardof colourfalling ontothe field atthe end ofeach Super Bowl is probablywhat he's best known for. It certainlyis whathe's mostlikely toget askedabout at dinnerparties. It's become aniconic moment,” Winter marvels, sittingin hisNorthridge, California, officeand confetti factory.

Jane Gershovich,a photographerwho workedforthe Seattle Seahawkswhen they won the Super Bowl in 2014, said that when the confetti falls, everyonewants toplay in it. The players and their families havebeen knownto toss it in the air and make confetti angels.

Just seeing theplayers and their kids engagewith it at sucha wholesomelevel,it brings alot of joyto everyone on the field, she said. So, what goes into planning and executing agiant confetti drop?Winter fieldssome questions: What happensto the losing team’s confetti? Artistry inMotion trucks 300pounds (135kilograms) oftow-colored confettifor each of the teamsto the Super Bowl. They bring confetti cannonsonto thefieldwith about4 minutesremaining, and line them up around the stadium walls.

Even if theteams stream onto the fieldbefore the clock runs out,the confettiwaits until the timer shows the game is officially over. And the winners' colours getthe goahead.

“It’s always better to be late then early, Winter explained. “Sometimes playersgo out and shakehands. Wedon t launch until triple zero on the clock.Over the30 years,we neverhave launchedthe wrongcolour orlaunchedtoo early.”

Thecolourmix isnot5050, becausesome colours dominate on video,so the company has toexperiment to find the correct mix.

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Massachusetts company Seaman Paper has for 25 years manufactured the tissue paper that Artistry inMotion turns into confetti, said Jamie Jones, one of Seaman's owners. A lot of New England Patriots fans whowork thereareparticularly excited abouttheir part in this year's Super Bowl.

The companymakes about 150,000pounds (68,000kilograms) of tissuepaper a day mostly forgift wrapping and food service.

“It’s a veryprestigious but not big order, Jones said of the Super Bowl paper.

How doyou getthe best flutter?

Winter hasfound thata rectangularshape isbestfor confetti because itturns on its axis and hangs in the air.

But TV viewersmight not realise thatthere areactually two confetti drops at the Super Bowl one atgame's end, and theother whenthe Vince Lombardi Trophyis presented to the winning team. That second round of confetti is cut in the silhouette of the trophy.

Messagescan beprintedon the tinyrectangles too.For a handful of Super Bowls, Artistry in Motionprinted social media messageson each tiny flag at the request of event sponsor Twitter.

Somepeople askwhether the confetti is cutby hand (it isn t), andWinter jokesthat his hands get tired. Is the confetti biodegrad-

Mobility

able?

Thetiny rectangularflags of tissue paper are made from U.S.-sourced, 98%postconsumer recycled material, Winter says. The paper is biodegradable.

The company makes confetti in the colours of the four finalNFL playoffteams.All that isn’t used is recycled.

The confettimakes abeautiful mess in the stadium, but cleanup isn t Winter s job. Every stadium uses a different approach,depending inpart on the field’s makeup. Some use rakes.Others employleaf blowers, taking care not to degrade the artificial turf.

Howdo youget intothe confetti business?

Winter studiedlighting design in college and did pyrotechnic workat venues including theHollywood Bowl beforeDisney askedhis team to recreate leaves falling andtwirling fora live “Pocahontas show in the mid1980s. Soon, hewas creating confetti for Disney's daily parade at Disneyland. In 1986, MickJagger saw theconfetti atDisneyand askedArtistry inMotionto make some fora Rolling Stones concertat Dodgers Stadium. Then, he brought the

fledgling confetti company on tour. Otherartists, including Bono fromU2, askedthat confettibe madefortheir shows as well.

Stadium concerts led to sporting events. The company's first Super Bowl was in 1997, whenthe GreenBay Packersdefeated thePatriots (pre-Brady) atthe Louisiana Superdomein NewOrleans. The year before that, Winter hadbeen apyrotechnicianat the SuperBowl, makingthis year's game his 30th. In 2025, anestimated 127.7 million peoplewatched the game on TV or streaming.

exercises are an important part of fitness as we age. Here are some tips

By ALBERT STUMM Associated Press

As they age, it snot uncommon for many peopleto let out amuted groan when getting out ofbed in the morning.

But if you “oof” every time you get in a car or aargh while bending over to pickup something,itmaybe timeto prioritise exercises that target your mobility.

Dr.MihoTanaka, asportsmedicine surgeon atMassachusetts GeneralHospital and Harvard Medical School, said good mobilityis increasingly recognised as an importantpart of overall health. She pointed to research showing that high mobility has long-term effects inreducing ratesof cancer,cardiovascular disease, dementia and depression.

It snot justabout howyou lookand how your level of fitness is at any given point, Tanaka said. For anyonewho wants to stay activelater in life, there hasto bea deliberateprocess ofmaintaining that level ofactivity by doing mobility exercises.

”

Mobility equals strength plusflexibility

Mobility and flexibility are often

confused, said Jessica Valant, a physical therapist and Pilates instructor near Denver.

Flexibility is simply the extent to whicha musclecan lengthen,whereas mobility involves using muscle strength to interact with a network of joints, tendons, ligamentsand synovialfluid, which is the lubricant inside the joint.

That network around the shoulders, spine, hips,pelvis andknees needsto work well together.Otherwise, it becomes difficult to reach things in high cabinets,squatdown totieyourshoes or lift your grandchildren, let alone participate in outdoor activities or sports.

Mobility exercises strengthenyour muscles whileincreasing yourrange of motion, which allows you to be more functional with age, Valant said.

“Motion is lotion, whichis a saying we use in physical therapy all the time, she said.

Two early warning signs

Startingfrom about30 yearsold, muscles andtendons start tolose collagen, Tanaka said. That s the same substance that in hair and skin relates to going grey and getting wrinkles.

Withoutregular exercise,weaker

muscles put extra pressure on joints, she said. Evenactive peoplelose musclein areas that are overlooked at the gym, such asthe rotatorcuff aroundthe shoulder andpostural musclesthat support the spine and neck.

Tanakasaidtwo earlywarningsigns likely pointto the needfor mobility training.

The firstis achingjoints andmuscle stiffness withoutfirst exerting alot of effort. Back soreness after a long day of sitting at a desk could signal limited hip or pelvic mobility, she said. Achy knees after being on your feet all day may be a sign of weak quadriceps.

Thesecondsign ismoreacutepain, such as when youdon't get injured but youstill experienceswollen orpainful jointsfor severaldays afterparticipatingin asport likebasketball orskiing for the first time a while.

She cautioned against following a recent socialmedia challengeto testmobility by standing up from a seated position onthe floor withoutusing your hands.

“I’ve seen some injuries from that, so I definitely don t recommendthat, she said.