02262026 NEWS

THURSDAY

Volume: 123 No. 66, Thursday, February 26, 2026

GOVT UNPAID BILLS

NEARLY DOUBLES

Govt agency debts surge by 97.6% to $242m in

Neil Hartnell Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

UNPAID invoices and arrears owed by the government increased by 97.6 percent, or almost $120m, year-over-year to hit $241.898m as a year-end 2025, the mid-year Budget disclosed yesterday. Documents tabled in the House of Assembly revealed that sums owed to suppliers, vendors and other purveyors of goods and services to the government had increased significantly and almost doubled compared to the $122.425m shown to have been due exactly one year

arrears

before on December 31, 2024. The 2025 year-end figures showed that close to three-quarters of this sum, or a combined $176.606m worth of unpaid invoices and arrears, were owed by just five government ministries and entities. The one with the largest liabilities was shown to be the Ministry of Works, which commissions and funds large-scale infrastructure and public works projects. It was shown as owing $46.327m in unpaid invoices that fall under capital expenditure, plus a further $21.562m in arrears, for a total $68.095m.

‘I would deal with a party issue before a second newspaper cycle’

By LEANDRA ROLLE

By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter

dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

A DAY after being sentenced to three years for impersonating a female attorney and defrauding clients of nearly $20,000, Kimeo McIntosh returned to court yesterday, where he admitted to giving liquor to two teenage boys and offering one money to touch his genitals while acting as a teacher and headmaster. McIntosh, 30, pleaded guilty before Magistrate Charlton Smith to two counts of cruelty to children

Tribune Chief

lrolle@tribunemedia.net

Reporter

FORMER Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis suggested yesterday that under his leadership, a candidate facing questions tied to a criminal investigation would not linger in the headlines, amid scrutiny

GUILTY - SEE PAGE FIVE

around the man he once appointed Minister of National Security, Free National Movement candidate Marvin Dames.

“View the records,” Dr Minnis told reporters outside Parliament.

“These matters or matters of that nature would not make a second newspaper cycle.” He did not mention Mr Dames

by name, but his remarks came days after it emerged that Mr Dames’ business partner was arrested off Florida with roughly 200 kilograms of cocaine worth an estimated $4m aboard a boat the two men jointly own.

“Under my leadership, those

MINNIS - SEE PAGE FOUR

Date set for five in US cocaine trial

BY TRIBUNE STAFF REPORTER

FIVE defendants in an alleged plot to import cocaine from The Bahamas to the United States are being kept apart in prison, a court heard yesterday. The men, including a former chief superintendent with the Royal Bahamas Police Force, are not being allowed to associate at the Metropolitan Detention

Centre in New York.

Lawyers for the five complained to a judge that they were not allowed to see their clients at the same time and one lost his job in the prison, apparently because it involved being around another defendant. No explanation was given for why the separation was in effect, but they are normally implemented for

TRIAL - SEE PAGE THREE

THE MINISTRY of Tourism, Investments and Aviation (MOTIA) held a Sales Mission to Washington, DC, to update audiences on The Bahamas destination. Pictured are Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Investments and Aviation Chester Cooper and Director General of Tourism Latia Duncombe with Bahamas Ambassador to the US, Wendall Jones; and tourism and foreign affairs executives at the InterContinental Washington, DC, the Wharf, on February 19, 2026. MOTIA participated in a talk show segment represented by Mr Cooper and Mrs Duncombe (right). Guests enjoyed the ‘Flavors of Art & Culture’ kiosk and celebrated with Junkanoo and vibrant entertainer, ‘KB.’

Ex police chief and co-accused kept separated in NY prison

BOP.

breaches of prison rules or security risks.

The claim at the federal court in Manhattan came as a judge set a date of March 1, 2027 for the case to go to trial.

However, prosecutors revealed that negotiations are still ongoing for a possible plea deal to reach a resolution before then.

The accused are Elvis Nathaniel Curtis, 51, the former chief superintendent, as well as alleged cocaine traffickers William Simeon, 52, Luis Fernando Orozco-Toro, 58, Ulrique Jean Baptiste, 53, and Lorielmo SteelePomare, 59.

They are all facing charges of cocaine importation conspiracy, possessing and carrying firearms and firearms

conspiracy, Prosecutors claim that the scheme, which ran from May 2021 to late 2024, involved paying off “corrupt” Bahamian officials to allow the conspirators to ship drugs to America.

All the defendants apart from Steele-Pomare appeared in court: he had been delayed being transported from his prison in New Jersey.

Curtis wore grey, prison-issue pants and a shirt and his hands were cuffed in front of him. He had a serious expression on his face as he spoke with his lawyer before the hearing.

David Tougher, a lawyer who represents Orozco-Toro, told the court that a “separation order” was in effect at the MDC, a notorious prison whose previous former inmates included

the rapper Diddy. “As a consequence, my client has lost his job,” Mr Tougher said. “Obviously it’s going to be a long time before trial. Work takes up part of the day”.

Lawyers for the other defendants told the court that they had been specifically told that a separation order was in place during visits to the MDC.

Assistant US Attorney Juliana Murray, the prosecutor, told the court that her office had not requested the order and neither had the Bureau of Prisons, which runs the MDC. However, that is effectively what was happening at the facility, Ms Murray said. She said she would contact the MDC legal department and “escalate higher up” within the

US District Judge Gregory Woods said he would allow the prosecution to continue its efforts but offered to call the BOP if needed.

As he set the trial date, Judge Woods said that it was a “firm date” and that it “would not change”.

The judge warned the defendants that if they wanted to change their lawyer they should do so sooner because he might not grant the request close to the trial.

“Changing counsel won’t change the trial date”, the judge said.

Ms Murray said that discussions were ongoing to find a “pre-trial resolution” but she did not as yet have an update.

At least eight others are accused of being part of the plot but have not been arrested, even though some of them are

from the Bahamas.

They include Prince Albert Symonette, 52, a former RBPF sergeant, who prosecutors claimed “closely worked” with Curtis. There has been no extradition request from US authorities for Symonette, who lives in The Bahamas. Both Curtis and Symonette are accused of taking a $10,000 cash bribe in 2023 as downpayment for helping get a future 600kg cocaine shipment through New Providence airport to the US. Orozco-Toro, a Colombian, is also said to have “worked closely with corrupt Bahamian government officials in connection with their drug trafficking activities”.

Earlier this month

Darrin Alexander Roker, a former chief petty officer with the RBDF,

was jailed for four years over his role in the plot. Roker, 56, had faced 20 years in jail but was spared such a harsh sentence because he has terminal prostate cancer. Roker had admitted one count of cocaine importation conspiracy and begged for mercy from the judge, saying he “made a mistake”.

His lawyer Martin Roth told the court: “The entire system in The Bahamas, the police, defence officials, government personnel, is corrupted”.

That sparked an angry response from Shanta Knowles, the chief superintendent of the Royal Bahamas Police Force.

She said that she was “offended” at the comments and that Roker’s conduct did not reflect on all law enforcement officers in the Bahamas.

Moxey: Disciplinary action moving ahead in marine ‘beating’ case

By EARYEL BOWLEG Tribune Staff Reporter ebowleg@tribunemedia.net

THE Royal Bahamas Defence Force says it is pressing ahead with disciplinary proceedings over allegations that a marine was beaten by a superior officer aboard HMBS Kamalamee and later left in Inagua, as questions persist over the handling of the case.

Commodore Floyd Moxey said one of the force’s lawyers, recalled from the Office of the Attorney General, is ‘vigorously working’ on the matter. He said he is

satisfied the RBDF has a ‘robust’ summary trial system capable of dealing with the allegations ‘fairly and impartially.’ Able Mechanic Marvaughn Miller has alleged that his teeth were knocked out and his eyes blackened by a superior officer before the vessel left him in Inagua. Commodore Moxey rejected the marine’s suggestion that he was marooned.

“I think you said that he was marooned,” he told a reporter. “You know, I have an issue with that. He was not marooned. He was placed on Great Inagua. He was on Great

Inagua.”

“On Great Inagua, we have a defence force base to protect our nation, the United States have a base there for the Coast Guard on Great Inagua, so he could not have been marooned. There are thousands of residents who live on Inagua, but we are still working with that. I know that he was charged. The trial started and he went sick, but that is something that we are working through on a summary trial basis.”

Pressed on whether others have been charged, the Commodore said a Defence Force lieutenant

is overseeing the court martial process and working through the case. He said he was unsure whether any officers have formally been charged but confirmed that some people have been interviewed.

“One person was summarily tried,” he said. “Only officers could be court martialed, basically under a system at this time. I know that he is interviewing some persons and he's working through the court martial system to determine whether there should be any charges brought.”

In October 2025, the

and that “two or three” other marines are also being charged in connection

FNM leader says he trusts Dames’ integrity

MINNIS from page one

stories, it’s not a second look, I deal with it quickly,” Dr Minnis said.

During his tenure, Dr Minnis accepted the resignation of Health Minister Duane Sands for breaching COVID-19 protocols and later accepted the resignation of Deputy Prime Minister Peter Turnquest after he was sued for fraud. Mr Turnquest ultimately won the case and later said it vindicated him.

Dr Minnis said that while he was prime minister, he received no complaints of misconduct regarding Mr Dames.

Mr Dames, the FNM’s candidate for Mount Moriah, has said he partnered with Malcolm Goodman in 2024. Mr Goodman has been charged in the United States with possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance and importation of a controlled substance. He reportedly admitted to the crime and told authorities he acted alone.

In a statement on Tuesday,

Mr Dames confirmed the business relationship but said he and his wife had no knowledge of, involvement in or benefit from any alleged unlawful activity.

On social media yesterday, he addressed speculation about his political future.

“We have a country to fix and we will remain steadfast in that mission,” Mr Dames added.

The FNM’s Mount Moriah branch signalled its support.

“We’re not going to ask him to resign,” said Bennett Minnis, a long-serving MCM of the FNM. “I’m quite happy with my candidate.”

Party leader Michael Pintard declined to comment outside the House of Assembly. However, on a radio show, Barbershop Talk Tuesday, he said he would review the matter.

“We’ll gather the facts and then we’’ll make a determination on what has to happen, but right now we believe that he is not at all involved but we’ll monitor the situation,” he said, adding that he trusts Mr Dames’ integrity implicitly.

“Under my leadership, those stories, it’s not a second look, I deal with it quickly.”

-

Dr Hubert Minnis

MINNIS: THIS ELECTION IS A ‘GREAT OPPORTUNITY’ FOR INDEPENDENT CANDIDATES

By LEANDRA ROLLE

Tribune

lrolle@tribunemedia.net

Chief Reporter

FORMER Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis yesterday encouraged aspiring politicians

considering an independent run to enter the political race, calling this year’s election “a great opportunity for independent candidates” as he warned of growing voter discontent with

both major parties. Dr Minnis said he has visited constituencies from Bain Town to Farm Road, speaking with families whose message was clear: “They don’t want either party.”

“They don't want to vote for either of you so I think this is a great opportunity for independent candidates,” he told Parliamentarians yesterday.

Although he led the Free National Movement for years and sought to regain control of the party in 2024, he now describes independent candidates as true voices of the people, free from party control.

“They are not governed by party politics,” he said. “They are not

controlled by any whip. They speak for the people. The independent has all the benefits of every member in this Parliament. They can bring laws. They can bring legislation. They can ask for committees, all the powers. They must understand that within this power, within this Parliament, we are all equal.”

He said many people may be considering an independent run and added: “This is their opportunity.”

His comments in Parliament came weeks after announcing his own plans to run as an independent for Killarney after being denied the Free National Movement’s nomination. The move would automatically end his membership in the party he once led, following a period of public tension with current FNM leader Michael Pintard. Senator Michaela Barnett Ellis has been ratified as the party’s candidate for Killarney.

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net

A MAN awaiting trial for possessing a prohibited weapon and ammunition was granted bail yesterday. Geo Moss appeared

virtually from the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services and was granted $9,500 bail by Senior Justice Cheryl Grant Thompson. Under the terms of his bail, he must sign in at his local police station every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. He was also warned not to interfere with any witnesses or risk having his bail revoked. The defendant will be released once his bail is posted.

Karine Macvean was the prosecutor.

Crossdressing man pleads guilty to sexual procuration of student at closed academy

and one count of attempted sexual procuration involving a 17-year-old male.

The victims, ages 16 and 17, were students at Belmont Oak Christian Academy, a private school in Grand Bahama operated by McIntosh that has since closed.

The court heard that the offences occurred between September 25 and September 26, 2024, when McIntosh provided intoxicating liquor to the boys and later tried to procure sex from one of them.

Wiping tears from his face, McIntosh stood before the magistrate, pausing to regain his composure. At one point, his mother, who was seated in the courtroom, stood up to console him but was immediately told by the prosecutor to have a seat.

The court heard that between September 25 and September 26, 2024, McIntosh gave “intoxicating liquor” to the two boys in a manner likely to cause ill-treatment. On September 26, 2024, he attempted to procure unlawful sexual intercourse with the 17-year-old student.

According to Prosecutor Deneko Turnquest, the matter came to police attention on September 30, 2024, when the victim’s mother, accompanied by her son, reported the matter to the Criminal Investigation Department.

In the presence of his mother and a social worker, police

interviewed the teen, who said the school’s headmaster had given him alcohol and offered him money to touch his genitals.

During investigations, the police went to the Castaways Resort, where they recovered and photographed a black 2015 vehicle, reviewed surveillance footage, and took multiple witness statements.

McIntosh was later arrested and interviewed under caution in the presence of an attorney, during which he denied the allegations and refused to answer questions.

McIntosh’s attorney, Benjamin McKinney, told the court that he pleaded guilty at the first opportunity, saving the court time and a lengthy trial, with some 15 possible witnesses.

He noted that, while he has prior convictions, he does not have convictions of a similar nature in reference to the current charges.

Counsel also noted that McIntosh accepted responsibility and wished to apologise for his actions. He asked that any sentence imposed run concurrently with a sentence handed down the previous day for unrelated fraud offences.

Prosecutor Turnquest urged the court to impose the maximum sentence.

“The offences are serious, and the victims in this matter are vulnerable minors, and the defendant at the time the offences were committed was acting in the capacity as a teacher/headmaster to the students,” he said.

He also noted that McIntosh had previously absconded after being granted bail and only appeared before the court because he was in custody.

The prosecutor argued that the defendant has antecedents, not of a similar nature, but multiple convictions.

Addressing the court, McIntosh apologised for failing to appear in 2024

and became emotional as he spoke. His mother attempted to calm him as he wiped away tears.

“I want to get this over with,” he said, wiping his eyes. In sentencing, Magistrate Smith told McIntosh that he had abused a position of trust.

“You were in a position of trust. Persons entrusted you with their minor children to educate them,” he said. The magistrate said he considered McIntosh’s guilty pleas and the fact that the victims were spared the embarrassment of testifying. McIntosh was sentenced to 24 months’ imprisonment on each count of cruelty to children and 40 months for attempted sexual procuration. The sentences are to

run concurrently with a three-year prison sentence imposed the previous day.

On Tuesday, McIntosh was sentenced to three years in prison after impersonating a female attorney and defrauding four victims — Sharderly Brown, Ida Brown, Garth Ewing Jr, and Margaret Dames — of nearly $20,000. He has said that he will repay the victims.

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A ‘breath’ before the tipping

A FLASHPOINT off the northern coast of Cuba has sent reverberations around the region at a time of tensions that seem to continue to heighten.

Cuban soldiers opened fire on a speedboat about a mile north-east of Cayo Falcones. The boat was registered in Florida, and four of the ten passengers were killed.

The Cuban government says that the occupants of the boat fired first, injuring a Cuban officer, and that the passengers were intent on infiltrating the island to instigate terrorism. The occupants were reportedly Cubans living in the US, with the Cuban government naming a number of the passengers and saying the majority on board “have a known history of criminal and violent activity”.

The region is taking a breath as it learns of this incident. What comes next?

After all, there is already considerable tension over a number of airstrikes by the US on vessels alleged to be part of drug smuggling operations.

As of this week, at least 151 people had been killed in at least 44 strikes since the US launched such operations in September last year.

So far, the US reaction to the Cuban incident has been cautious – US Secretary of State Marco Rubio saying the government is “trying to identify elements of the story that may not be provided to us now” and that the incident could be “a wide range of things”. Information gathering is key right now.

While all this takes place on an international and top diplomatic level, there are also ramifications for many other mariners.

The Bahamas has had its own incidents.

In July last year, three Bahamian men died off the coast of Haiti in an incident that was part of a Haitian maritime drug operation.

Haitian police said officers intercepted a boat and that more than 90kg of cocaine was seized.

Now, in the case of drug operations and apparently armed terrorist interventions, it is no surprise when those taking part find themselves in dangerous situations. But knowing for certain who the target is before the trigger is pulled is not always easy, as many cases have shown over the years.

The Bahamas also has its own memories of an incident with Cuba too, of course.

On May 10, 1980, the Royal Bahamas Defence Force vessel HMBS Flamingo intercepted two Cuban fishing boats stocked with illegally harvested fish, only for the Bahamian vessel to come under attack from two Cuban MiG aircraft. Gunfire rocked the Flamingo, which soon was hit by explosions. Commander Amos Rolle said at the time: “Water was already ankle deep, so I ordered my men to abandon ship.”

The vessel was sunk and the crew of 19 tried to make it to one of the fishing boats. Four Bahamian marines were killed – Fenrick Sturrup, Austin Smith, David Tucker and Edward Williams.

point

A memorable piece of artwork by Kishan Munroe, the Sinking of HMBS Flamingo, captures the horror of the occasion, as the MiG fighter planes strafed the water as the men sought to reach safety.

That moment too was in a time of heightened tensions – the Cold War, whose frosty grip held the world frozen in fear of the possibility of nuclear war.

The incident did not stop there. Commander Rolle, his crew, and eight Cuban fishermen arrived at Duncan Town on Ragged Island about five hours after the attack. There, more Cuban jets appeared, as well as a military transport and a helicopter. In a column in The Tribune in 2013, Larry Smith wrote how the helicopter “actually landed briefly next to the fishing boats. It seemed that an actual invasion was underway to retrieve the poachers”. He continued: “While the jets buzzed Duncan Town, sending the inhabitants scurrying for cover, a hastily chartered DC-3 arrived from Nassau carrying Defence Force chief Bill Swinley and Police Commissioner Salathial Thompson. Had Cuban troops landed, they could have captured the entire Bahamian high command.”

The Castro government in Cuba at the time called it a “regrettable confusion”, having initially said that the Flamingo had been mistaken for “a pirate ship”, and the country agreed to pay $10m in reparations of the sinking and the murder of the four marines.

The US sent out its vessels too – a US Navy destroyer was on the scene during the search for the missing marines, along with a rescue helicopter from the US Coast Guard, and a British frigate was reported to be in the area. As the Coast Guard helicopter began its search, it was buzzed by two Cuban MiGs.

As for the eight Cuban fishermen who started it all? They were convicted of poaching two months after the attack.

The lesson of this in these times is twofold, perhaps. The first is how mistakes can happen – though it is too dismissive to call the attack on the Flamingo a mistake, it was murder. The second is how these things can escalate.

For a moment, The Bahamas was at the centre of a possible tipping point moment in the tense relations between nations.

What then does our present reality lead to, as we see cases where vessels are fired upon?

Law enforcement is absolutely an essential – we know there are too many guns and too much drugs on our streets, on the US streets, and beyond. Stopping those is an endless struggle, and law officials are in constant danger in such confrontations. They have to do that job, but in these tense times they have to be more certain than ever to get it right.

The US reaction is correct so far. Taking a breath. Finding out what the full story is.

Let us hope, and pray, that we do not see such tipping points in the here and now.

Pineridge battle is between Moxey and McAlpine

EDITOR, The Tribune.

THE Free National Movement and the Progressive Liberal Party have both ratified their candidates for the Freeport based constituency of Pineridge. The confident PLP incumbent Ginger Moxey has decided to buck the status quo by going against history. By that, I mean that Pineridge has not reelected an incumbent since 1997 when Sir C A Smith was reelected on the Hubert Ingraham ticket. That was nearly 29 years ago -- a lifetime in politics. Today, we have thousands of apathetic young voters who are not necessarily loyal to any of the major political parties. I have seen Moxey loyalists tout her record of achievements in Pineridge. Free WiFi at the C A Smith Park; homes being repaired, major road works, especially in Heritage Subdivision; cleanup initiative in Freeport Ridge; the YMCA refurbished, donations to the Burrows Elderly Home, a job readiness seminar, support for bereaving Pineridge constituents, the relocation of the UB Northern Campus to Downtown Freeport; the Icon Sign on the Fishing hole Road and the revitalisation of Downtown Freeport, to list a few of her achievements. No one can rightly accuse Moxey of being lazy. She is hardworking, tenacious and a go-getter. Her representation has been buoyed by her appointment to the Davis Cabinet as Grand Bahama Minister. I had read rumors that she was strongly considering on transferring to the historically safe PLP West Grand Bahama district. But those rumors appear to have been unfounded. Moxey knows full well that the PLP in Freeport will be assessed on its performance on the economy. Every administration has been assessed this way since 2002 when the economy started its precipitous decline. I see no reason why it will be any different in this election cycle. Her Free National Movement challenger is Dr Charlene Reid, who was formally introduced to Grand Bahamians last week Friday. FNM Leader Michael Pintard stated that she will be an asset in helping to improve the abysmal healthcare system. This is good news for Grand Bahamians who have voiced disapproval of the current

LETTERS

state of the Rand Memorial Hospital. But the issue weighing on the minds of most Grand Bahamians will be bread and butter issues. Freeport remains in a recession. Never mind the chatter about Celebration Key. Most of those passengers remain on location out East End. Their impact on the Freeport economy is minimal at best. And that is putting it mildly. There will be several write-ups on the various races on Grand Bahama in the coming days. For now, my focus is on Pineridge. This contest will not be between Reid and Moxey. It will be between Moxey and Frederick McAlpine, the prominent Freeport based pastor who served as Pineridge MP between 2017 and 2021. McAlpine’s announcement that he will run as an Independent will not bode well for Reid, as he will pull away many FNM sympathisers and those who support former Leader Dr Hubert Minnis. FNMs supported their candidate Welbourne Bootle in 2021, with just 886 casting their ballots for him.

I would assume that many disgruntled FNMs supported McAlpine instead of Bootle. McAlpine gained an impressive 1,175 votes, just 248 shy of Moxey’s 1,423 votes. Of the 5,668 registered voters in Pineridge, only 3,553 or 63 percent voted. This means that 2,115 Pineridge constituents stayed home on Election Day. As I have stated in the past, I believe that a substantial minority of FNMs are still beholden to Dr Minnis, and will therefore revolt against the Pintard regime by not supporting Reid. This support, I believe, will go to McAlpine. The issue for McAlpine is this -- how many of those 886 FNMs are Minnisites? And of the 2,115 registered voters who were dissatisfied with both the PLP and the FNM, how many of them will support his campaign? McAlpine presents a viable alternative to this uncommitted demographic. There is clearly a pathway to victory for McAlpine. It would be a first for an Independent to win Pineridge.

In his official campaign launch on Facebook this past Sunday, McAlpine outlined his plans for Pineridge, which, while parochial, are needed. His pledge to be accountable, and to invest in education in Pineridge is commendable. Keeping a tab on the allotted $150,000 is also commendable. But with a voting population that exceeded 5,600 in 2021, that $150,000 allocation must be increased for Pineridge and other large districts. McAlpine should be considered a threat to unseat the incumbent based on his impressive performance in 2021. My support for McAlpine is based on the fact that he was a formidable presence in the House of Assembly. The former Pineridge MP was a far more effective opposition than the Davis -led PLP opposition. He is bold, articulate and was always prepared. His absence was severely missed over the past four years as the PLP administration encountered very little resistance from an opposition plagued with infighting among those loyal to Pintard and those loyal to Minnis.

I would argue that much of the well-informed opposition came from The Nassau Guardian editorial section over the past year. When McAlpine states that he will stand up for his constituents, he has a proven track record of doing just that. In 2018, when the then Minni’s administration decided to increase VAT from 7.5 percent to 12 percent, McAlpine, along with Travis Robinson and the late Vaughn Miller, were all fired from their respective positions for opposing the increase. McAlpine had a lucrative post as Chairman of the Hotel Corporation. Yet gave little thought to maintaining his soft position, as he decided to align himself with the Bahamian people who were not happy about the increase. I am convinced that this sacrifice by McAlpine has not been forgotten by the electorate in Pineridge. And I believe that he will do a far better job than his rivals in keeping the government’s feet to the fire if he’s elected to the House of Assembly.

KEVIN EVANS Freeport, Grand Bahama February 17, 2026.

Importance of mandatory economic partnerships

EDITOR, The Tribune.

FOREIGN direct investment has long contributed to Bahamian economy. However, the structure of this investment has often marginalised Bahamian policymakers and citizens, limiting their influence over national economic outcomes. Bahamians increasingly recognise that genuine progress is achieved when citizens control their resources and determine their own economic future. Revisiting and strengthening investment laws would ensure that Bahamians are not passive participants in development but active decision-makers and long term beneficiaries of economic growth.

Economic Empowerment and Ownership

Compulsory alliances would place Bahamian ownership and leadership at the centre of wealth creation. Local equity participation ensures fairer profit distribution and greater reinvestment within the domestic economy. This approach promotes generational wealth, strengthens local entrepreneurship, and reduces economic dependency. Ownership also develops managerial skills, innovation, and professional capacity among

Bahamian citizens, allowing economic growth to translate into meaningful social mobility and long-term financial stability.

Keeping Wealth Within Bahamas

The primary advantage of compulsory alliances is the retention of capital within the country. Profits generated by companies operating in Bahamas are frequently repatriated abroad, limiting their longterm national impact (Syed et al., 2012). We must be conservative and intentional with this because when Bahamians hold equity and decision-making authority in foreign-led ventures, dividends, wages, and reinvestment remain within the domestic economy. This strengthens local financial institutions, increases government revenue, supports small and medium-sized enterprises, and stimulates sustained economic activity across multiple sectors of society. It is just good common sense.

National Security and Economic Sovereignty

Economic control is closely linked to national security. When foreign interests dominate key industries,

national priorities can be undermined.

Bahamian participation in ownership and governance ensures that strategic decisions align with national interests, cultural values, and sustainable development goals. Local involvement also improves accountability, transparency, and resilience during global economic shocks, protecting the country from external vulnerabilities.

Ending Second-Class Economic Status

Reforming investment legislation sends a clear message that Bahamian citizens are equal stakeholders in their own economy. With a common sense approach, we will get common sense results. Mandatory partnerships promote dignity, equity, and self-determination. Bahamians understand that meaningful development occurs when citizens exercise control over their resources and economic direction.

Strengthening Bahamian ownership through law will result in a more inclusive, secure, and prosperous national economy.

FNM St Barnabas Candidate. JAMAL MOSS Nassau, February 19, 2026.

Govt insists fiscal targets on track despite $342m mid-year deficit

By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Chief Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net

DESPITE recording a $342 million deficit for the first half of the fiscal year, the country remains on track to meet its full year fiscal target, according to Leon Lundy, Minister of State in the Office of the Prime Minister.

Mr Lundy, the MP for Central and South Andros, disclosed the preliminary figures while providing an update on the government’s mid year fiscal position in the House of Assembly

yesterday.

He spoke on behalf of Prime Minister Philip Davis, who is in St Kitts and Nevis attending CARICOM meetings.

Mr Lundy said the deficit — equivalent to 2.1 percent of GDP — marked an improvement over the $367.7m deficit, or 2.3 percent of GDP, recorded during the same period last year.

He also reported growth in total revenue to $1.5b, an increase of $66.6m over the same period last year. Tax receipts rose by $54.4m or 4.2 percent to $1.3b,

representing 39.1 percent of the full-year budget target.

Total expenditure reached $1.9b, up $41.3m or 2.3 percent, compared with the same period last year, while recurrent spending increased by $42.2m to $1.7b, driven largely by employee compensation and interest payments on public debt.

Capital expenditure declined slightly by $0.9 million to $191.7 million, mainly reflecting reduced payments to private-sector partners.

“Despite the first-half deficit, the government

Bahamas launches historic bid for UN Security Council seat

By LYNAIRE MUNNINGS Tribune Staff Reporter lmunnings@tribunemedia.net

THE Bahamas will seek election to the United Nations Security Council for the first time, launching a bid for a non-permanent seat for the 2032–2033 term, Attorney General Ryan Pinder announced in Geneva.

Mr Pinder made the declaration yesterday during the high-level segment of the 61st session of the United Nations Human Rights Council, framing the campaign under the theme “Resilience, Relationships, Representation”.

“It is in this spirit that The Bahamas has decided, for the first time, to seek election as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council for 2032–2033, under the theme Resilience, Relationships, Representation.

Our candidature reflects the conviction that SIDS voices must be heard, and that human rights, climate change, and security are inextricable,” he said.

If elected, The Bahamas would join a small group of Caribbean Community nations that have served on the Council. Jamaica held a seat in 1979–1980 and 2000–2001, Trinidad and Tobago in 1985–1986, Guyana in 1975–1976 and again in 2024–2025, and Barbados in

1964–1965.

Mr Pinder said Small Island Developing States must have a stronger voice in global decision-making as climate change increasingly threatens their sovereignty, livelihoods and territorial integrity. For countries such as The Bahamas, he said, international law and a rules-based global order are essential safeguards in an era marked by conflict and declining trust.

He welcomed the Human Rights Council’s recent consensus resolution on sea-level rise and human rights, noting its recognition of the International Court of Justice’s advisory opinion on climate change and the continuity of statehood. Climate change, he said, is already reshaping where and how Bahamians live and demands urgent collective action.

Turning to economic policy, Mr Pinder criticised unilateral blacklisting practices that he said disproportionately target small island states, damaging reputations and constraining fiscal space. He reaffirmed support for a United Nations framework convention on international tax cooperation grounded in transparency and equal participation.

On regional security, he said The Bahamas remains committed to maintaining the Caribbean as a zone of

peace and voiced concern about Haiti. He welcomed the forthcoming operationalisation of the Gang Suppression Force and urged sustained international engagement focused on institutional strengthening, civilian protection and Haitian-led solutions.

Mr Pinder also highlighted The Bahamas’ support for the Second International Decade for People of African Descent, calling for honest dialogue and concrete measures to confront the legacies of slavery and colonialism.

At home, he pointed to the establishment of a Parliamentary Human Rights Committee, which he said strengthens legislative oversight and embeds human rights more firmly in national governance.

“The waters before the international community are rough. But Small Island States know that panic is not a strategy, and power alone does not guarantee safe passage,” Mr Pinder said.

“What carries us forward is discipline, cooperation, and adherence to the instruments that guide us.The Bahamas remains committed to working with all partners to ensure that this Council stands as a lighthouse for the world — pointing us always toward the ports of justice, peace, and hope.”

remains on track to meet its full-year fiscal surplus target,” Mr Lundy told Parliament yesterday, noting that fiscal performance historically strengthens in the second half of the year as revenue collections accelerate and expenditure growth moderates.

“The mid-term review also confirms that our fiscal performance remains aligned with the principles and objectives set out in the Public Finance Management Act 2023, reflecting steady progress in achieving sustainable balances, prudent debt levels, and

effective management of fiscal risks.”

He said net borrowing activities led to the direct charge on the Government increasing by $633.9m to $12.4b, representing 75.1 percent of GDP at the end of December 2025.

The increase, he added, reflects financing required to support fiscal operations and debt management activities during the period.

Mr Lundy concluded by saying the government is actively managing the country’s key fiscal and economic risks, including climate disasters,

state-owned enterprises, pension obligations, healthcare pressures, and cyber-security threats.

“The mid-year fiscal results demonstrate continued progress toward fiscal consolidation. Revenue performance is strengthening, expenditure remains controlled within budget parameters, and the fiscal outlook for the remainder of the year remains positive,” he added.

Prime Minister Philip Davis will deliver the full mid-year budget address upon his return.

Fishing head condemns viral brawl at sea as poacher sightings rise

By LYNAIRE MUNNINGS Tribune Staff Reporter lmunnings@tribunemedia.net

THE head of the Bahamas National Fishing Association has condemned a violent confrontation at sea captured in a viral video, while warning that rising sightings of foreign poachers are fuelling frustration among local fishermen.

Keith Carroll said he did not support the actions shown in footage that appears to depict men aboard one vessel restraining and striking people on another boat in open waters.

“What happened, I saw it, and in all honesty, I don't agree with it,” Mr Carroll said.

However, he said tensions are mounting on the banks.

“We had a period like three, almost four years ago that we hardly saw any, but they have since increased. Like every other trip we go out on, we see the poachers and they are not afraid to come close to you any more or nothing like that.”

The comments come as the grouper season reopens and crawfish season approaches its April closure, periods that traditionally bring heavier activity at sea.

Mr Carroll said fishermen sometimes feel enforcement response times are slower than they would like, but insisted confrontations are not the answer.

“I don't know if the Dominicans come to approach them, and they were defending themselves,” he said. “Usually, what I encourage my boats to do is, when they see them, just leave and go somewhere else, because we don't know what will happen. They can have guns, might start something that you don't know what will happen to finish it.”

He recalled that roughly 30 years ago, a Bahamian fisherman was allegedly stabbed by a Dominican national and airlifted to Miami for treatment. Retaliation, he said, only

escalates the danger. At the same time, Mr Carroll questioned whether the Royal Bahamas Defence Force has sufficient resources to maintain a sustained presence across more than 180,000 square miles of ocean. While noting the $232m allocated to operating the force and acquiring vessels, he pointed to the high costs of fuel, servicing, and parts as possible operational constraints. Defence Force Commodore Floyd Moxey echoed the call for restraint, stressing that enforcement cannot be delegated to civilians. He described fishermen as a “force multiplier”, noting that most vessels carry communication devices and that the Defence Force maintains a WhatsApp line for reporting suspicious activity. Engagement, however, must be left to trained professionals.

The Defence Force said it has received no official report linked to the viral video and cannot confirm when or where it was

recorded. Surveillance conducted on Sunday, February 22, reportedly detected no suspected vessels in the area. Commodore Moxey said a 42-metre patrol vessel is currently deployed on the bank, and an interceptor is stationed in Ragged Island for rapid response. As fishing patterns shift seasonally, the force is integrating maritime radar surveillance with coordinated patrols across the Great Bahama Bank and other key areas. He also confirmed that the Defence Force is reviewing a proposed memorandum of understanding with the Cuban border guard and plans to restart navy-to-navy discussions with the Dominican Republic to address illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing within The Bahamas’ exclusive economic zone. Dominican vessels are periodically sighted in Bahamian waters and sometimes use smaller craft and Cuban ports to evade capture.

By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Chief Reporter

DEPUTY Prime Minister Chester Cooper and FNM leader Michael Pintard offered contrasting views yesterday on Grand Bahama’s progress as elected officials debated and passed a $1.86 million loan guarantee resolution for the development of an integrated Afro-Caribbean marketplace on the island. The project, planned for the former International Bazaar and Royal Oasis Tower, will feature about 90 outlets selling authentic African and Caribbean products from dozens of countries and Caribbean states. Local products from 16 islands will also be on display.

The loan guarantee is not intended to finance construction, but was described as the key to unlocking “game-changing” opportunities for the island and launching what MPs called transformative work. Government members said the funding from

the African Export-Import bank would support a disciplined preparation phase to ensure the project proceeds on a properly structured and viable basis, including feasibility studies and financial modelling.

Mr Cooper framed the initiative as another economic boost for the island, “ensuring that Grand Bahama is not left waiting on promises, but is placed firmly in the path of growth.”

“We believe this can serve as the genesis for a transshipment and logistics component that will position The Bahamas as the Caribbean hub for Africa’s trade with the Americas, with Grand Bahama playing a role in that vision,” he added.

He said Afri Exim Bank

noted its intention to fund the entire development if necessary.

He acknowledged frustrations over recent project delays and the island’s economic growth, but cautioned that nothing happens overnight and “there is no magic wand or instant fix.”

“Let me be clear that much to the pain of some, the progress in Grand Bahama is not pie in the sky. It’s not by chance. It is real, Madam Speaker,” he said.

“It can support additional visitor activity, generate new commercial energy, and help build a tourism product that is becoming one of the fastest growing in the Caribbean,” he said.

He highlighted rising tourism on the island and the success of projects like Carnival Celebration Key

as well as MSC Cruises’ planned investment to develop Freeport Harbour, noting projections expect five million visitors by 2028. However, FNM MP for Marco City, Michael Pintard, cautioned against overpromising and under-delivering.

He said while the opposition supports initiatives that could develop the island, they are tired of empty promises.

He cited delays and uncertainty surrounding the Grand Lucayan deal, noting no evidence has been shown to confirm that $120 million is in the bank despite previous announcements.

“The people of Grand Bahama do not need more announcements, they need execution. They need follow through.”

He added that the opposition cannot back a development shrouded in uncertainty or financed in ways that lack transparency.

He said the government has boasted of increased revenue collections and stable fiscal position, but questioned why they are asking parliament to borrow some $1.8m Meanwhile, East Grand Bahama MP Kwasi Thompson questioned why the guarantee was necessary for what he called “such a small amount” tied to preliminary work.

“We are not burrowing money to build anything. We are borrowing money to have a study on what should be built,” he said. “Why must we assume the risk even at this planning stage?”

Trump report card: some wins, some challenges

IF youdidn’t tune in to watch theState of theUnion address on Tuesday night, your decision certainly looks like asensible one this morning. There were very few surprises in Donald Trump’s ramblingaddressto those members of theUS Congress who were in attendance, and probably the biggest takeaway from the eventwas the president s increasingly haggard appearance. Heis certainly showing his age. It'snearlythe beginning of March, and the president has every reasonto look nearly 80 years old. February hasnot been a very good month for him. He cannot shake the stain of Jeffrey Epstein,for one thing. Epstein createda peerlessnetworkofinfluenceand salacious sexualityduring decades on the fringes of public lifein theUS, andthe millions ofpages ofdocuments that the US Department of Justice is releasing implicate an awfullot of prominent people on both sidesoftheAtlantic.

have to make a decision about whether to surrender,” he added, ominously.

This American posture has dissuaded other nations potentially sympatheticto Cuba--like Mexico--from offering much assistance to the island nation.

Mexico is also now embroiled ina major struggle with its powerful drugcartelsas this summer s World Cup soccer games loom on the horizon. Several matches are setto be played in Mexico, and some pundits are already calling forthe gamesto berelocated to the USand/orCanada.

Much isbeing madein the liberal American media about the responsible, “no oneisabove thelaw” approach takenin Britain.King Charles’ own brother, Andrew, anda formerBritish ambassador to the US have been arrestedin connection withthe Epsteininvestigations.

London is indeed setting an example that the US government would do well to follow,butthat snotgoingto

happen duringthis administration. And it sworth noting that it didn’thappen during theJoe Bidenadministration thatprecedediteither. It'sironicthatsomebelieve Trump is so resolutely stonewalling in thiscase. He has rarely attemptedto conceal hisown behaviourorattitudes, which is one of the mostrefreshingaspectsofhis unprecedentedly controversialpresidency. Itwould likelynotsurpriseverymany closeobservers oftheAmerican political sceneif some future document release showedthatTrumphadparticipatedin moreofEpstein’s activities,legalorotherwise.

ButTrump’seffortsatconcealment and obfuscation make it appear thatthere are secretsstill toberevealed that wouldshock evenan Americanpublic longsince

inured tohis indiscretions. Notgood tacticsfrom anormallyverycapabletactician.

The outrageous fatal shootingsof twoAmerican citizens in Minneapolis by agentsoftheUSImmigration and Customs Enforcement agency (ICE) andthe US Border Patrol (USBC) has besmirched Trump’s otherwiseclearandofteneffective commitment toborder enforcement anddeportation of criminals illegallyin theUS. This was a major campaign promise and it stough to argue that hehasn’t fulfilled

it.

But it s alsoan open secret thatin itsrushto spendextraordinary budgetauthority allotted in Trump’s ‘big, beautiful bill last year,the USDepartmentofHomeland Security hasmoved too quickly to recruitand push intoduty hundredsofnew agents invarious ofits component agencies.Training has sometimesbeen leftbehindintherushtoimplement the president s commitment to immigrationenforcement, and the Minneapolis shootings werepart ofwhat may become a wider pattern of tragicbehaviour byill-prepared federal agents on Americanstreets.

You can judge for yourself during Floridavisits whether Trump has tamed inflation and loweredAmerican retail prices, as he also pledged to doduringhissuccessful2024 campaign.

Polling istrending badly forTrump,withlowapproval ratingsacross theboardfor his domesticpolicies. Internationally,the presidentis actuallydoing somethings that his predecessors were either too prudentor too timid to do, butthere is a growing suspicion that some of themmight beworthwhile.

If you believethat Nicolas Maduro’s presidency in Venezuelaand theCommunist regime inCuba were not good forthe Western Hemisphere, for example, youmightbeinclinedtosupport andeven admirewhat Trumpisdoing.

Unburdened by the sanctimony ofprevious DemocraticandRepublicanadministrations alike, Trump clearly cares littlefor democracy-building orliberalbased human rights matters. He caresabout theUS selfinterest–asheinterpretsit-andmakesnosecretofit.

It s difficult toargue that things aren’tbetter withMaduro safelylocked upin a New York City jail. The cur-

rent Venezuelanregime seems to be quietly attempting torestore some kindofsocialorder,asittries to lead Venezuelaback into the broader international community.Are freeelectionsrightaroundthecorner?

Doubtful. But canthis proud nation restore itsoil industry with American assistance andattract backhomethousands,orevenmillions,ofits people who fled the previous regime?Itseemspossible.

Cuba,meanwhile,haslong been starved ofmuch meaningful assistancefrom aRussian ally thatiseconomically circling thedrain whileentering its fifthyear of what may be aninevitably futile warinUkraine.

Cuba isalso acutely feeling the loss of Venezuelan oil and associated assistance, andit appears to beteetering onthe brink of governmental collapse.

Themost massiveAmerican military presence in the Caribbeanin manyyearsis reportedlynow engagedin policing the waters around Cuba, havingalready blocked oil shipments to and fromVenezuela aheadofthe Americancapture ofMaduro lastmonth.

According to aUS official whospokewiththe New York Times,the AmericanCoast Guard sinterceptionofanoil tankerheadedtoCubaearlier this month waspart of a blockade thatthe Trumpadministration hasnot yetannounced.

An analyst was more outspokentothe Times

Among us longtime Cuba watchers, we’vealways resisted people using the word ‘blockade’,” said Fulton Armstrong, aretired Latin America analystfor the Central Intelligence Agency who has been studying Cuba since 1984. “Butthis is indeedablockade.

“Since the Cuban Missile Crisis64yearsago,thisisthe biggest step,” Armstrong said, referringto the13-day confrontation in1962 when theUS Navy surrounded Cuba inwhat theAmericans then calleda quarantine to avoidusing theterm blockade, which might be legally interpretedas anact ofwar. AndtheCubanswill

In discussingCuba s current crisis, President Miguel Díaz-Canel told reporters that hewas opentonegotiating with Washington even whilepromisingtofindways aroundtheblockade. Weare making everyeffort sothat the countrycan onceagain havefuel.Wehavetodovery hard, very creative,and very intelligent workto overcome alltheseobstacles.

Things don’t lookpromisingatthemomentforDiazCanelandtheCubanregime. This potentiallytransformative confrontation between our immediate western and southern neighbourscertainly bears careful watching.

Meantime, Trump’s tariff policytookamajor,butprobably not fatal, hit on Friday. TheUSSupremeCourtruled against the president in striking down manyof his tariffs,citing theclearevidencein economictextbooks and the US constitution that tariffsaretaxes,andtaxesare theprovince ofthe USCongress.

Thus,thebasisformanyof Trump’s tariffs isoutside his authoritytoenact.

According topublished reports,theUSgovernmenthas collectedmorethan$200billion in tariffssince the start of lastyear. MajorAmerican firms havebegun toprocess claims for rebatesof these tariffs.The Trumpadministrationhas notyetoffered any plan fortariff rebates, eithertobusinessesortoconsumers, whoultimately paid forthe tariffsinhigher prices.

Willthehighcourt’sruling make muchdifference to consumers inany case?According to published analyses, theoverall effective tariff ratewith Trump’s initialtariffs (theaveragetax owed on allimports) was 16.9percent. Thatfigure would fall to9.1 percent if the tariffs that the Supreme Court rejected areallowed to lapseandaren treplaced. Butif Trumpfollows throughonhis planstoimpose broad10 oreven temporary15percentgeneraltariffs usingdifferent legalauthorities, the effective tariff rate wouldend upbeing at least15.4percent, adropof less than two percent from beforetheSupremeCourtdecision.

Public Relations is no substitute for:

GOVERNANCE ELECTIONS OR

GOOD communications and public relationsare vital for successfulgovernance and winning elections.This includes concise and appealing messaging, stories,images, memes, and narrative development that may be deployed on variedand multipleplatforms or outlets.

These platformsinclude social media, traditional broadcast and print media, paid advertising, rallies, events, flyers, paraphernalia,and others.It alsoincludesdoorto-door campaigning.

Still, no matter how good a platform is, messaging and contentarekey. It s akin to servingpoorlycookedandflavourless food on fine china. The china isthe platform. The food is the message.

No matterthe flatware, those consuming thefood will notbe trickedor satisfiedif served poor fare.

The messengeris ascritical as the message. During an election,this includesa party sleader andcandidates. Messengersrequire acertain charisma and abilityto connect emotionally with voters.

Gordon Brown wastheLabouritewith the big brain, who many thought would become Labour and Opposition Leader inthe UK,afterthe sudden deathof JohnSmith in 1994. The party, however, chose Tony Blair.Though notas cerebralorversed inpolicyas Brown, Blairwas charismatic, beaminga megawattsmile, greater charm,and amore engaging communication and speaking style.Blair wasalso cool-tempered.

To paraphrasethe Canadian communication theoristand philosopher, Marshall McLuhan, the messenger is often the message. A charismaticleadersellsamorecompelling messagethan aless charismaticleader, nomatter thepoliciesormessagesoneis trying to communicate.

A party leaderwears many hats, including thatof fundraising, to ensure competitiveness ina campaign.One of the leader s primary roles is that of a messenger and storytellerwhocansimplyand

clearly repeat the party s core messages in memorable ways.

The nomineefor eachconstituency is alsoa primary messenger. A candidate who comesoffasremovedisnotas attractive asa candidatewho appearsmore relatableand empathetic.

All partieshave heatedarguments and elements of dis-

No matter their internal concerns, the PLP base typically,though notalways, comes out to vote.

FNMsofa certainilkcan learn alesson fromtheir opponents.

Newspapers and broadcast stations remaininfluential as gatekeepers. Nevertheless, themosteffectivecommunications spaces today are social media and relentless on-theground campaigning.

Thosewho believethatthe greatestsignof aparty’s success incommunications cum public relations is the number of headlinesreceived ina newspaperor ontelevision news are living in the past.

Governments andprime ministers are alwaysable to command greatercoverage fromtraditional mediathan theoppositionanditsleaders. Moreover,in TheBahamas, thegovernment controlsthe state broadcaster.

Further, mediahouses oftenhave biases,sometimes playing politicalgames and footsieswith thegovernment ofthe day, sometimes inexchangeforeconomic benefits.

unity. The PLP is often better than the FNM at rallyingaroundtheir party, no matter the internal spats. Unfortunately, FNMstend towhine, bitch,and moanexternallyin anecho chamberof constant complaining, whereas PLPS areoften more likelytoprojectconfidenceinstead of doom and gloom.

Those of a certain generation in The Bahamas, who religiously read the dailies, are obsessed with print media. Many ofthem do notappreciate that the vast majority of Bahamians do notread newspapers,including voters under40,who get most of their information fromWhatsAppandothersocialmedia. Aneffective meme, post, and voice or video note online typically beats a newspaper story.

Though New York City mayor Zohran Mamdani

garneredtraditionalheadlines in hisrecent mayoralrace, it was his brilliantsocial media and digital strategy that boosted hiscandidacy, secured othermedia coverage, and was critical to his victory.

Hewasabletoreachscores of young people and others whohadnot votedforsome time, most of whom get their information from social media.Without hisdigital platforms andstorytelling, he would likely never have broken through the media gatekeepers, whomhe overrode to appealdirectly to voters.

Mamdani s online juggernaut allowedhim toamplify his messagewithout having to rely on traditional media.

The communications and PR of aparty must continuallyevolve andbe opento constructive criticism.The communications efforts of bothmajor partiesthiscycle require improvementand greaterrapid response,which will likely accelerateas the campaigns gain momentum.

Still, those who simplistically criticise PR teams should better appreciate how elections are won. Campaigns are often compared towars and battles.

In the modern era, wars are notwon frombombingsand aircampaigns. Theyarewon onthe ground.PRis likean air campaign.But thewar is finally won on the ground.

While nationalPR efforts can softenand preparethe ground for victory,the final victory must bewon in handto-handcombatbycandidates goingrelentlessly fromdoorto-door in polling divisions, motivating theirbase and otherstothepolls.Properand robust voter registration is mostly a ground game. Politics inThe Bahamasis aretailwar ineachconstituency. Winningconstituency battlesis requiredtobecome thegovernment. Withsmall margins,candidates mustattract multiplecohorts and audiencestobeattheiroppon-

ents. Thosecandidates whoare poorly organised,sluggish at the ground game,and convincedthat theymay winbecause of national PR efforts, need a head check.

In a constituency battle part of the larger campaign war a candidate s persona, socialmedia strategy, teamoutreach, and assistanceto votersarevital ingredients inbeing competitive and eventually winning. They mustsell themselves along with theparty’s leader, message, and policies.

Storytelling is key

and politicians. Some believe thatcommunicationsisasubstitutefor policyandthat speechwritersand publicrelations consultantsare supposed to craft policy.

A compellingstory and simple messagesare preferablethan beingbombarded by apolitician tryingto cram chunksof factsandpolicy intoa voter’s brain preoccupiedwiththeirdailystruggles and the cost of living.

The aphorism, You campaignin poetry.Yougovern in prose,” captures the imperativefor politicianstospeak andrhymeinpoetryandshort stories when courting voters. There remainsa stubborn andwrongheadedconceitthat government andpolitical communications is a sort of saviourfor primeministers

A communications expert inthe UnitedKingdom, sometimes quipped: “Wonderful communications can onlytakeyou sofar.It'syour policiesthattakeyoupastthe winning post!” Suchpolicyincludeshowa government actuallygoverns and performs. Likewise,a wonderfulPR strategyin ageneralelection canalsoonly takeonesofar. To win, a party must define reality and offer hope to a country throughcritiques, policies, andproposals that are believable and that can help toimprove thecircumstances and lives of voters. Those proposals are not the work of a PR team. They are thework ofa leader,his orher policyteam, andfellow candidates,who must sell theparty s welltunedmessageandoverriding theme,door-to-door, intraditional and socialmedia, and to the hearts and minds of voters.

Covent Garden Dance

A PAIR of principal dancers prepare for their upcoming performances at the Island House hotel with an evening beach rehearsal. Local dance students will take the stage alongside world-renowned performers when the Iconique Ballet returns for the two-day gala on March 7-8. The ballet will feature principal dancers from The Royal Ballet, Paris Opera Ballet, New York City Ballet and more. Organisers, Covent Garden Dance, are promising a magical evening, with guests enjoying a three-course meal alongside the performances. Courtney Celeste Fox, a Bahamian dancer and global dance educator who has taught in more than 20 countries, said she is excited to perform a piece at the event again this year. However, she noted that this year is especially meaningful because a segment will feature Bahamian students. For tickets, which are still available, contact: events@coventgardendance.com

New RBDF troop heading to Haiti as mission shifts to ‘gang suppression’

By EARYEL BOWLEG Tribune Staff Reporter ebowleg@tribunemedia.net

THE Royal Bahamas Defence Force’s latest contingent in Haiti will return home at the end of the month as the international mission shifts into a combat-focused gang suppression phase, with the National Security Council to decide whether Bahamian officers will operate on the ground.

Commodore Floyd Moxey said yesterday that the six-member third deployment, sent to Haiti in November, remains stationed at the airport in Port au Prince and is expected back around February 27 or 28.

The officers were deployed as part of the United Nations-backed Multinational Security Support Mission. Unlike earlier teams assigned to patrol and support duties,

the latest group joined as the mission transitioned toward the Gang Suppression Force, aimed at directly confronting armed gangs that control much of the capital and have driven mass displacement.

“We will revisit on how we redeploy but they are being recalled as the MSSM transission into the gang suppression force, and we will be sending new troops, but that, that troop that is in Haiti now that was

officers and marine would have completed their time,” Commodore Moxey said.

Pressed on whether the gang suppression phase could place Bahamian officers on the ground in direct engagements, he said the decision rests with the country’s top security body.

“That is something that have to be determined by the National Security Council,” he said. “The Council is headed by the prime Minister and the

Minister, and they are working that out.” He said the force is preparing for whatever role is assigned.

“We are doing the training on the base so that we can have a force ready whenever they say that they need us to deploy,” he said. “We'll be ready to deploy in what role that we are deploying, that is up to the National Security Council, but I am ensuring that the troop is

ready to deploy.”

In 2023, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that The Bahamas had committed to sending 150 officers to Haiti as part of a multinational effort to curb escalating violence.

Initial responsibilities included securing ports for humanitarian aid, conducting maritime patrols to prevent illegal migration, and working with regional partners to support stability in Haiti.

RBDF sends ships south amid concerns of influx due to regional turmoil

By EARYEL BOWLEG Tribune Staff Reporter ebowleg@tribunemedia.net

THE Royal Baha-

mas Defence Force is repositioning vessels across the southern Bahamas amid concerns that turmoil in Venezuela and its economic fallout in Cuba could trigger a new wave of migration.

Speaking at the Commander Defence Force Divisions Parade yesterday, Commodore Floyd Moxey warned officers and marines that shifting geopolitical conditions demand vigilance. He told them “we must remain alert” as regional instability carries the risk of displacement and mass migration.

On the sidelines, he pointed to historical patterns linking crises in Cuba to maritime migration toward The Bahamas.

“Our concern is that Cuba may be affected by what happened in Venezuela and we know that in the aftermath of certain hurricanes

certain power outages in Cuba, we start to see mass migration and those person move towards the Bahama Bank, the Anguilla Cay, Cay Lobos,” he said. “We are positioning our

fleet, our force, in that area in case we start to see migration that we anticipate may happen because of what happened in Venezuela and that will affect Cuba going down the road in a couple of

weeks.”

Last month, a United States military operation resulted in the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife. US President Donald Trump

initially said the United States “will run the country until such time as we can do a safe, proper and judicious transition”. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio later said the United States would not govern Venezuela day to day beyond enforcing an existing oil quarantine. International media reported that the US Treasury Department would authorise companies seeking licences to resell Venezuelan oil to Cuba. Cuba, heavily reliant on Venezuelan oil, is facing a severe energy crisis in the wake of the intervention.

National Security Minister Wayne Munroe said similar precautions were taken during earlier regional crises.

He said the Defence Force has strengthened its readiness. The Duward Knowles vessel is operational again. Safe boats are stationed in Inagua and Ragged Island. Aerial and other assets are deployed. The Coast Guard, police, Defence Force, Cuban Border Patrol and Turks and Caicos authorities are sharing intelligence.

Mr Munroe added that at a recent summit in Providenciales, the United States, Turks and Caicos and The Bahamas recommitted to cooperation. Canada and the United Kingdom also met to address issues including illegal migration.

For now, officials say the posture is precautionary. But history, they noted, shows how quickly regional shocks can send vessels north across the Bahama Bank.

“You would be aware that there was the gang situation in Haiti, and there are 11 million people in Haiti, and so there were preparations should there be an outflux from Haiti since that point of course there was Venezuela and Cuba. So the two places where you have the major migrant apprehension by the Royal Bahamas Defense Forces from Haiti and Cuba, and so they would be getting their posture together for that,” Mr Munroe said.

Over 300 Defence Force officers promoted as force grows to meet rising demands

By EARYEL BOWLEG Tribune Staff Reporter

ebowleg@tribunemedia.net

MORE than 300 Royal Bahamas Defence Force officers and marines were promoted at the start of the year, as the force expands its ranks amid growing operational demands.

Commodore Floyd Moxey announced yesterday that 310 officers, warrant officers and marines were promoted or advanced effective January 1. A further 48 members were confirmed in their substantive ranks after serving in an acting capacity.

He made the announcement during the Commander Defence Force Divisions Parade, saying current deployments, equipment acquisitions and future plans require sustained recruitment and

promotion to meet operational needs. He added that 100 new recruits are due to arrive on Saturday. In 2024, about 400 members were promoted within the RBDF, with 28 percent of them women.

But even as he outlined growth, Commodore Moxey addressed recent disciplinary concerns.

He said he had “observed with concern” instances where RBDF personnel have “engaged negatively” with the law.

“This must not define us. We are called to a higher standard, and discipline must remain our hallmark. We must avoid any conduct, appearance, or association that brings discredit to this great organisation,” he said.

“Instead, we must commit to being a defence force that is sound and judgment, professional in

conduct, capable in execution, and we must be consistently mission ready.”

“This begins at Ground Zero, from the moment individual pass through our gates and transition from civilian life to becoming marines, standards must be established early. Standards must be reinforced consistently, and standard must be upheld and will be upheld without comprise.”

Last month, a Defence Force officer who had been on sick leave for two months was taken into custody following an armed robbery and shooting in the Carmichael Road area in which an out-of-service government vehicle was used as the getaway car.

The Commodore’s remarks placed discipline alongside expansion, signalling that as the force grows, scrutiny of conduct will grow with it.

Rubio meets with Caribbean leaders at CARICOM summit

By JADE RUSSELL Tribune Staff Reporter jrussell@tribunemedia.net

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s visit to Saint Kitts and Nevis for the 50th Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of CARICOM reaffirms the United States’ commitment to the region, according to the US Department of State’s deputy spokesperson.

Deputy Spokesperson

Mignon Houston told The Tribune yesterday the

trip underscores the US governmnent’s focus on CARICOM member states.

She said discussions are centred on strengthening regional security across the Caribbean, combating illegal immigration, disrupting criminal networks that exploit vulnerable people, and promoting economic growth.

Mr Rubio arrived in Saint Kitts and Nevis yesterday morning and has since been meeting Caribbean leaders.

He addressed a closed-door meeting of CARICOM, the

regional bloc comprising 15 member states and five associate members, and held bilateral meetings with several leaders.

Reuters reported that Mr Rubio called for deeper cooperation in tackling criminal gangs as he met regional officials, amid concerns about the potential impact of Washington’s tightening stance on Cuba.

A photograph published by Reuters showed Mr Rubio alongside Prime Minister Philip Edward Davis, Grenada Prime Minister

Dickon Mitchell, Antigua and Barbuda Prime Minister Gaston Browne, Barbados Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley, Jamaica Prime Minister Andrew Holness and St Kitts and Nevis Prime Minister Terrance Drew.

When asked whether Mr Rubio plans to visit The Bahamas in the future, Ms Houston said she could not pre-empt any upcoming trips. However, she said the Trump administration has shown that it is prioritising the Western Hemisphere,

including the Caribbean.

“We have to not only promote economic opportunities and growth, but security cooperation, maritime security cooperation,” she told The Tribune.

“The Caribbean is our home. It is part of the hemisphere where we all live. We all share the same opportunities, and we look forward to building on those opportunities together.”

Regarding the relationship between the United States and The Bahamas,

Ms Houston said the focus remains on strengthening joint law enforcement efforts. She added there is also an emphasis on expanding economic, educational and healthcare partnerships that benefit citizens of both countries. Mr Rubio said the Trump administration was giving priority to the Western Hemisphere after (the region) largely being ignored for a very long time," Rubio said, according to a transcript of his remarks.

ONE IN THREE WORKERS FACE JOBLESS FUTURE, EXPERTS WARN AT OAS FORUM

By KEILE CAMPBELL Tribune Staff Reporter kcampbell@tribunemedia.net

THE Bahamas is hosting a high-level hemispheric workshop this week as labour leaders confront a stark forecast: 1.2 billion people are expected to enter the global workforce, but only 800 million new jobs are projected.

“We will have 1.2 billion new people getting into the labour market, and as of today, we expect only about 800 million new positions,” CAF representative Oscar Avalle said.

“That means, basically, we’re going to fall short; one of every three will not have a job.”

The Organisation of American States workshop,

“Just Transition, Green and Blue Jobs in the Americas”, brings together 28 member states to align labour and environmental policy and prepare workers for climate change and digital transformation.

Labour and Public Service Minister Pia Glover-Rolle said “the world of work is being reshaped on multiple fronts at once,”

Eleuthera man granted bail over alleged armed death threats

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net

A MAN accused of threatening to kill two people with a handgun in Eleuthera last weekend was granted bail yesterday. Prosecutors allege Claniel McKinney, 30, endangered the lives of Eddison Munroe and Greg Johnson with a handgun and threatened to kill them in Green Castle, Eleuthera, on February 21. McKinney pleaded not guilty to two counts of possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life and two counts of threats of death before Magistrate Lennox Coleby. His bail was set at $7,500 with one or two sureties. Under the terms of his bail, the defendant must

sign in at the Rock Sound Police Station every Monday, Wednesday and Friday by 6pm. He was also fitted with a monitoring device and must observe a daily curfew from 8pm to 6am. McKinney’s trial begins on April 22. Assistant Superintendent of Police Lincoln McKenzie was the prosecutor. Devard Francis represented the accused.

Man jailed for two years after sawing into Island Luck kiosk

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net

A MAN who sawed open an Island Luck kiosk last year in an attempt to steal cash inside was sentenced to two years in prison earlier this week.

Leonardo St Hilaire, 26, used a metal grinder to cut into an Island Luck kiosk containing $3,706

on May 27, 2025. Police were dispatched to Island Luck while St Hilaire and another young man were still at the machine with the grinder. Officers gave chase and caught only St Hilaire. Surveillance footage captured St Hilaire at the kiosk and showed officers arriving on the scene and pursuing him. Following a trial, St

Hilaire was convicted of attempted stealing and damage before Senior Magistrate Anishka Isaacs. He was sentenced to two years in prison on each count. Once he completes his sentence, he will be turned over to immigration authorities for deportation. Inspector Timothy Bain was the prosecutor.

citing a “triple transition” driven by climate change, digitalisation and shifting social dynamics.

“These realities are affecting labour market demand, regional competitiveness, and of course working conditions,” she said.

“As we strive for this just transition for the people of this hemisphere, we must ensure that our workers are

protected, opportunities are expanded, and no populations are left behind,” she said.

She acknowledged The Bahamas’ labour laws date back to the 1970s.

“As we prepare our most comprehensive Bahamas labour legislation, we are now working with legislation in The Bahamas where our labour force is governed by laws from the 70s, but we’re now functioning in a world that we talk about blue, green, technical and vocational jobs, digitalization and AI.”

OAS official Jesús Giacoman said the workshop marks the first time in more than 60 years that the organisation’s labour agenda fully incorporates the environmental dimension.

15 years sentence for dumping loaded AR-15 during police chase

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net

A MAN on crutches was sentenced to 15 years in prison yesterday for throwing a loaded rifle on St Lucia Crescent in 2022 after being chased by police. Antonio Cartwright, 34, was sentenced for possession of an unlicensed firearm and possession of ammunition before Justice Franklyn Williams.

Last month, Cartwright was acquitted of the attempted murder of two police officers during the same incident.

Prosecutors alleged Cartwright shot at and attempted to kill Sergeant 3614 Danielle Wilson and Police Constable 4318 Whitley Brown while they were

on patrol on May 5, 2022.

During the trial, it was said that while fleeing from police, he threw a loaded AR-15 into nearby bushes. The weapon contained 21 rounds of ammunition.

Cartwright was later apprehended at his residence at 44 St Lucia Crescent, where officers found him in his bedroom.

Officers said he was sweating profusely at the time.

Before passing sentence, Justice Williams noted that the convict’s sole mitigation was that he had no prior convictions. The judge found it aggravating that the convict possessed an assault rifle with no lawful purpose and that the weapon posed a risk to public safety. He said the erased serial number raised suspicion that the

weapon was stolen or used in illicit activities. Justice Williams also noted that the convict fled, attempted to dispose of the weapon and tried to evade capture. He said the convict was a mature man aware of gun violence in The Bahamas and the prevalence of such weapons in recent murders.

The sentence was imposed as a deterrent. Cartwright was sentenced to 15 years in prison, less time already spent on remand.

Prosecutor Janet Munnings previously recommended a sentencing range of 10 to 12 years for the offence. Ms Munnings and Jacklyn Burrows were the prosecutors. Stanley Rolle represented the accused.

Rubio defends ouster of Venezuela’s Maduro by US to Caribbean leaders

ST KITTS and NEVIS Associated Press

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Wednesday defended the Trump administration’s military operation to capture Venezuela’s Nicolás Maduro, telling Caribbean leaders, many of whom objected to that move, that the country and the region were better off as a result.

Speaking to leaders from the 15-member Caribbean Community bloc at a summit in the country of St. Kitts and Nevis, Rubio brushed aside concerns about the legality of Maduro’s capture last month that have been raised among Venezuela’s island-state neighbours and others.

“Irrespective of how some of you may have individually felt about our operations and our policy toward Venezuela, I will tell you this, and I will tell you this without any apology or without any apprehension: Venezuela is better off today than it was eight weeks ago,” Rubio told the leaders in a closed-door meeting, according to a transcript of his remarks later distributed by the US State Department.

Rubio said that since Maduro’s ouster and the effective takeover of Venezuela’s oil sector by the United States, the interim authorities in the South American country have made “substantial” progress in improving conditions by doing “things that eight or nine weeks ago would have been unimaginable.”

The Caribbean leaders have gathered to debate pressing issues in a region that President Donald Trump has targeted for a 21st-century incarnation of the Monroe Doctrine meant to ensure Washington’s dominance in the Western Hemisphere. The Republican administration has declared a focus closer to home even as Washington increasingly has been preoccupied by the possibility of a US military attack

on Iran.

Rubio downplays antagonism in US regional push In his remarks to the group, America’s top diplomat tried to play down any antagonistic intent in what Trump has referred to as the “Donroe Doctrine.” Rubio said the administration wants to strengthen ties with the region in the wake of the Venezuela operation and ensure that issues such as crime and economic opportunities are jointly addressed. “I am very happy to be in an administration that’s giving priority to the Western Hemisphere after largely being ignored for a very long time,” Rubio said. “We share common opportunities, and we share some common challenges. And that’s what we hope to confront.” He said transnational

criminal organizations pose the biggest threat to the Caribbean while recognizing that many are buying weapons from the United States, a problem he said authorities are tackling.

Rubio also said the US and the Caribbean can work together on economic advancement and energy issues, especially because many leaders at the fourday summit have energy resources they seek to explore. “We want to be your partner in that regard,” he said.

Rubio said the US recognizes the need for fair, democratic elections in Venezuela, which lies just miles away from Trinidad and Tobago at the closest point.

“We do believe that a prosperous, free Venezuela who’s governed by a legitimate government who has the interests of their people

in mind could also be an extraordinary partner and asset to many of the countries represented here today in terms of energy needs and the like, and also one less source of instability in the region,” he said.

Rubio added: “We view our security, our prosperity, our stability to be intricately tied to yours.”

Trump plays up Maduro’s ouster

Trump, in his State of the Union address Tuesday night, called the operation that spirited Maduro out of Venezuela to face drug trafficking charges in New York “an absolutely colossal victory for the security of the United States.”

The US had built up the largest military presence in the Caribbean Sea in generations before the Jan. 3 raid. That has now been

Department said. Persad-Bissessar told reporters that her conversation with Rubio focused on “Haiti; we talked about Cuba of course; we talked about engagements with Venezuela and the way forward.”

She was asked if she considered the latest US military strikes in Caribbean waters as extrajudicial killings: “I don’t think they are, and if they are, we will find out, but our legal advice is they are not.” Rubio had other one-onone meetings with heads of government, including from St. Kitts and Nevis, Haiti, Jamaica and Guyana.

Caribbean leaders point to shifting global order Trump said during the State of the Union that his administration is “restoring American security and dominance in the Western Hemisphere, acting to secure our national interests and defend our country from violence, drugs, terrorism and foreign interference.”

exceeded by the surge of American warships and aircraft to the Middle East as the administration pressures Iran to make a deal over its nuclear program.

In the Caribbean, Trump has stepped up aggressive tactics to combat alleged drug smuggling with a series of strikes on boats that have killed over 150 people and he has tightened pressure on Cuba. Regional leaders have complained about administration demands for nations to accept third-country deportees from the US and to chill relations with China.

One regional leader who has backed the US escalation is Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, whom Rubio thanked for her “public support for US military operations in the South Caribbean Sea,” the State

Terrance Drew, prime minister of St. Kitts and Nevis and chair of the Caribbean Community bloc, said the region “stands at a decisive hour” and that “the global order is shifting.”

Drew and other leaders said Cuba’s humanitarian situation must be addressed.

“It must be clear that a prolonged crisis in Cuba will not remain confined to Cuba,” Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness warned. “It will affect migration, security and economic stability across the Caribbean basin.”

The US Treasury Department on Wednesday slightly eased restrictions on the sale of Venezuelan oil to Cuba, which instituted austere fuel-saving measures in the weeks after the US raid in Venezuela.

That move came hours before Cuba’s government announced that its soldiers killed four people aboard a speedboat registered in Florida that had opened fire on officers in Cuban waters.