02272026 AROUND DA ISLANDS

The evolution of Deadman’s Reef and the man who saved it

what’s hot this week

Welcome

…to the fourth issue of Around da Islands, our new full-colour supplement, free every week with Friday’s Tribune.

This week, we focus on the iconic red-andwhite striped lighthouse on the tiny island of Elbow Cay, Abaco, which for almost 200 years has served as a beacon of light to sailors from around the world. And the e!orts of the Elbow Reef Light House Society, whose members work tirelessly to secure funding for the upkeep of what’s widely regarded as the last remaining manually operated, non-automated lighthouse in the world.

We also feature Grand Bahama’s Paradise Cove, which over three decades has quietly grown from a simple family beach house into one of the island’s most distinctive beach experiences. In 2014, Paradise Cove partnered with the Reef Ball Foundation to launch an ambitious arti cial reef project at Deadman’s Reef. What began as a conservation e!ort has since evolved into the largest contiguous Reef Ball reef in the entire Bahamian archipelago.

Every week, Around da Islands, having partnered with Grand Bahama 242, highlights news, features and developments from Grand Bahama and the Family Islands, o!ering a broader national perspective beyond Nassau.

And don’t forget, this is your supplement too! Send us your story ideas, features and tips – we can’t run then them all, but we’re committed to strong, fair representation from across the islands.

From all of us here at The Tribune – The People’s Paper.

This WEEK in Around da IslandsBahamian News, Features & Culture

GRAND BAHAMA NEWS

Pg 4 — Morgue delays and bed shortages put strain on Rand Memorial Hospital

Pg 5 — Reef Golf Course uncertainty impacts tournaments, tourism and charity fundraising

Pg 6 — Still no date for Taino Bridge demolition and replacement

Pg 7 — Davana leads community clean-up aged just 11

GRAND BAHAMA FEATURES

Pgs 8 & 9 — Snorkelling, science and sustainability blend in beautifully at Paradise Cove

ABACO FEATURES

Pgs 10 & 11 — e Elbow Reef Lighthouse – an ever-shining beacon for sailors from across the world

Pg 12 — Island Brainwaves

NEW PROVIDENCE FEATURES

Pg 13 — Made between bread and belief

Pg 14 — is day in history

BIMINI FEATURES

Pg 15 — Bimini’s Second Wave

EXUMA FEATURES

Pg 16 — Community Youth Band members showcase their talent in Exuma

Morgue delays and bed shortages put strain on Rand Memorial Hospital

By BARBARA WALKIN barbara@ barefootmarketing.net

DELAYS surrounding the long-promised morgue upgrades at Rand Memorial Hospital have once again highlighted broader challenges facing healthcare delivery on Grand Bahama, from critical equipment setbacks to ongoing bed shortages that continue to strain the island’s primary public facility.

A $1.6 million renovation contract was signed in June 2022 with Pinnacle Investment Company Limited to modernise and expand the morgue at the Rand.

The project, announced in the aftermath of Hurricane Dorian, was intended to restore and upgrade the facility that had been severely damaged by the 2019 storm. At the time, ofcials projected the work would be completed

within six to seven months. But nearly four years later, the upgraded morgue is still not fully operational. The delays have been attributed in part to a signifcant equipment error involving the freezer system for

the facility. The freezer department fell under an existing contractual agreement, but the equipment delivered by the supplier was the wrong size for the renovated space.

Around Da Islands reached out to Minister of Health and Wellness Dr Michael Darville this week for an update on the arrival of the correctly sized equipment, but calls went unanswered. Eforts were also made to contact Public Hospitals Authority (PHA) Managing Director Dr Aubynette Rolle; a response is still pending.

However, speaking during a Cabinet meeting in Grand Bahama on January 27, Dr Darville acknowledged the setback.

“We had some challenges with one of the compressors,” he said. “We have a contractual agreement … I said before that we purchased a freezer for the morgue. And in purchasing the freezer, the supply in the United States is the wrong size.”

Dr Darville added: “It is their fault, it is not the contractor. We are working it out, but it is very difcult to break down what has already been done. But I have spoken to the PHA and that matter is being resolved.

And we have to have that done in a few weeks to a month.”

The minister made similar remarks in the House of Assembly a month earlier, in December 2025, stating: “Our morgue facility was delayed tremendously because of an error from the manufacturer who sent us a system that could not ft the renovated space.

“There have been back-and-forth negotiations, and fnally the problem is corrected, and we are back on track, and in a matter of weeks, we believe that this particular morgue facility will be installed and completed and will provide the service that has defnitely afected our loved ones who we are responsible to take care of even in death.”

Dr Darville stressed that correcting the mistake would not be immediate, but said he was confdent that the issue would be resolved within weeks.

As it stands, the morgue remains unfnished more than two years beyond its initial completion date. In the interim, the hospital has relied on temporary refrigerated trailers for the storage of bodies.

Those units have reportedly experienced periodic malfunction.

“There have been many setbacks, frustrations, and challenges, but I want to let the people of Grand Bahama know that even though they are not completed, we are moving rapidly to complete this work before our term in ofce is over,” he said.

He added: “We will restore the dignity of the fnal chapter associated with the issues associated with those modular units.”

Beyond the morgue delays, the doctors and nurses who deliver the healthcare services at Rand Memorial continue to work under pressure due to a shortage of beds and space constraints.

In November 2025, East Grand Bahama MP Kwasi Thompson raised the alarm, telling Parliament he had been told of a patient who waited for days in the emergency department awaiting admission with no indication of when a room would be available.

“We need a proper hospital in Grand Bahama really bad,” said Freeport resident Lousie Carter. “It seems like healthcare is not a priority for governments.”

Carter, who recently lost a loved one, noted that for too long Grand Bahamians have been complaining about the hospital. “Whether it was service, space, medication and now the morgue. It’s time that importance not only be placed on infrastructure, but the well-being of the people.”

Reef Golf Course uncertainty impacts tournaments, tourism and charity fundraising

By BARBARA WALKIN barbara@barefootmarketing.net

THE operational status of the Reef Golf Course at the Grand Lucayan property continues to raise questions among local golfers, winter residents and tournament organisers, more so since the hotel property is closed.

The course, part of the Grand Lucayan resort property now owned by the Government of The Bahamas and subject to a Heads of Agreement (HOA) with California-based developer Concord Wilshire, has been operating only on Saturdays and Sundays. Even then, golfers say access is limited and difcult to secure.

Calls to the hotel and golf course ofce were unsuccessful as phone lines have been disconnected. A call to a representative of Concord Wilshire seeking clarifcation also went unanswered.

However, a version does remain online at change.org and is gaining traction.

Ms Salvisburg said her understanding is that the course is supposed to be open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, but that operations have been inconsistent.

The uncertainty has had a direct impact on the annual Coral Beach Golf Tournament, a popular charitable event that last year raised $12,000 for local causes.

Organiser Larry Licastro said the stop-andstart nature of the course’s reopening has made planning extremely difcult.

Meanwhile, frustration among winter residents, many of them Canadians, led to a petition that garnered more than 150 signatures. The petition was hand-delivered to the Ministry for Grand Bahama and circulated to other government agencies. No response was received.

Speaking to Nanci Salvisburg, who spearheaded the petition, Around da Islands learned that a paper copy is no longer in circulation.

“The petition is not in circulation and, of course, the last one did not change anything,” she said, “Although it was sent to many government ofces, I did not get a response from anyone.”

“They’ve locked the golf course up pretty well,” Mr Licastro said. “You can’t get in, really, because these groups have got it locked up. But one of them volunteered their time for us to do the tournament.”

The date provided for this year’s tournament, March 7, left organisers with just fve weeks to prepare. Mr Licastro said they would be lucky to make half of year’s proceeeds.

“We’ve been on the road just about every morning, from 9am to 2pm visiting people, trying to see what we can work up,” he said.

The Reef Golf Course is part of the larger Grand Lucayan resort property in Freeport, which the Government of The Bahamas purchased in 2018. In 2025, the government signed a Heads of Agreement with Concord Wilshire for the redevelopment of the resort, including its golf amenities.

While redevelopment plans have been discussed publicly, the present operational status of the golf course remains unclear.

Still no date for Taino Bridge demolition and replacement

By BARBARA WALKIN barbara@barefootmarkrting.net

WHILE the temporary causeway is providing access to the Taino Beach island, no clear date has been announced for the demolition of the old bridge.

When asked for an update on the status of the demolition project, Charisse Brown, Senior Counsel and Chief Executive Ofcer (CEO) of Lucaya Service Company (LUSCO), said: “At present, we are fnalising the sourcing of the necessary internal resources. Once those roles are in place, we anticipate moving forward with the demolition phase, followed by the bridge’s reconstruction.”

She added: “Our priority remains ensuring that the project is executed efciently, safely, and with minimal disruption to the community.”

Brown noted that careful planning is critical to ensure that once demolition begins, work proceeds smoothly toward full replacement of the bridge.

new access as essential to restoring normal operations.

“The temporary causeway has been a breath of fresh air for the vendors and business owners across the bridge,” Mr Wallace said. “It has allowed business to go back as usual.”

He explained that the weight restrictions prevented many heavy vehicles from crossing. Now, buses, utility trucks and service vehicles are once again able to travel to and through Chino Beach.

“It’s including the utility services, the garbage pickup and the power trucks,” he said. “And in the event if there’s

Meanwhile residents and business owners east of the bridge are breathing a sigh of relief following the opening of the temporary road access.

The bridge, a critical link for businesses, residents and visitors, was partially restricted after authorities limited the weight of vehicles allowed to cross because of concerns over its structural integrity. The limitations disrupted commercial trafc, utility services and emergency access, placing strain on businesses operating beyond the bridge.

David Wallace, CEO of Pirates’ Cove Zipline and Water Park, described the

Photo: BARBARA WALKIN

CHARISSE Brown Senior Counsel and Chief Executive Offcer (CEO) of Lucaya Service Company (LUSCO)

a fre, the fre trucks are now able to cross the temporary causeway. It has allowed us to restore business back to normal in our day-to-day operation.

“The Sanitation Service truck that would have come over from time to time to remove heavy debris is able to operate again,” he added. “So, I want to say a special thank you to the development company who has put in this temporary situation and will allow business to go back to normal.”

Mr Wallace said the temporary access also provides breathing room

ahead of the full demolition and reconstruction. “When that starts, I think that’s going to be welcome news,” he added. “There’s no pressure to have it done in a short period of time because while the construction is going on, the residents could operate. Businesses could operate.”

Taxi driver Wellington Brown said the temporary road has eased his concerns, though he remains eager to see permanent repairs begin.

Mr Brown admitted he had been uneasy driving across the old bridge, knowing it was slated for replacement. While grateful for the temporary solution, he hopes work on the new bridge starts soon and that the demolition and reconstruction process will move quickly.

Davana leads community clean-up aged just 11

By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

ELEVEN-YEAROLD Davana

Dominic Wilson, a Grade Six student of Walter Parker Primary School, is proving that leadership begins at a young age, spearheading a cleanup initiative in Freeport.

Miss Wilson, the current Student of the Year at Walter Parker Primary, initiated a community sidewalk cleanup to help improve the environment in her neighbourhood.

The cleanup exercise began at 7am, covering two main areas — Coral Road between Settlers Way and Grand Bahama Highway, and Sergeant Major Road between Settlers Way and East Sunrise Highway.

ELEVEN-YEAR-OLD Davana Dominic Wilson (in white and blue hoodie), a Grade Six student of Walter Parker Primary School, is proving that leadership begins at a young age, spearheading a cleanup initiative in Freeport.

Approximately 15 volunteers, all of whom were friends and family members, participated in the efort.

Miss Wilson said keeping the community clean helps ensure a safe environment

for residents. She also noted that The Bahamas’ reputation as a major tourist destination makes environmental care especially important.

“Our country is a tourist attraction and we need to

uphold its reputation as the city of paradise,” she said.

During the cleanup, volunteers discovered several unusual items discarded along the roadside, including a fan, a chair, a bag containing animal bones, and hundreds of glass bottles.

In total, the group collected15 bags of garbage, which were placed at designated locations for City Management to collect.

Miss Wilson thanked those who supported the initiative, including Ms. Cherisa Russell of City Management, who

assisted by providing cleanup kits. She also thanked Odari Gomez, Student of the Year from Mary Star of the Sea Catholic Academy, who joined the efort with his family.

Special thanks were also extended to Ms. Chris, along with all the friends and family members who volunteered their time.

Miss Wilson’s initiative stands as a positive example of youth leadership and community pride, demonstrating that meaningful change can begin with one determined student and a willingness to serve.

Snorkelling, science and sustainability blend in beautifully at Paradise Cove

By LEIGH LIGHTBOURNE

FOR nearly three decades, tucked in on the western coastline of Grand Bahama at Deadman’s Reef, Paradise Cove has quietly grown from a simple family beach house into one of the island’s most distinctive beach experiences. About a 20-minute drive west of Freeport, the family-run business ofers something that many Grand Bahamians sometimes overlook in their own backyard: easy, walk-in snorkelling over a thriving reef system just steps from shore, along a stretch of coastline that feels far removed from the bustle of town.

Owner Barry Smith traces the beginnings of the business back to his college years. “Paradise Cove has been around for close to 30 years,” he said. “I got the idea from basically when I used to come home from college. Every time I came home, everybody wanted to go snorkelling, get on the beach and stuf.”

At the time, the property was simply a house his father had purchased years earlier. There was no business, no bar, no tour buses. But Smith noticed how naturally people were drawn to the reef and the beach. When his father later considered selling the property, Smith stepped in. “I was like, ‘No, don’t sell it. I’ll come back and develop it.’”

What followed was not a large-scale resort build, but steady, incremental growth rooted in practicality. “We started of very simple, just a little 55-gallon drum on the sea grape tree cooking, and one building with snorkel equipment and a cooler with ice,” Smith told Around da Islands. Over time, he expanded the deck, improved the kitchen and bar facilities, added snorkel operations and later kayaks. Each addition was carefully considered and often funded through reinvestment rather than loans.

“I’ve always run my business where I try to pay as I go rather than incur debt,” he said, explaining that has allowed him to scale back when necessary and rebuild when conditions improve.

Storms have tested the west end coastline repeatedly and Smith has responded by adapting the property, adding protective rock walls and

reinforcing vulnerable areas. The reef itself has also become part of the shoreline protection strategy. In 2014, Paradise Cove partnered with the Reef Ball Foundation to launch an ambitious artifcial reef project at Deadman’s Reef. What began as a conservation efort has since evolved into the largest contiguous Reef Ball reef in the entire Bahamian archipelago.

Reef balls are specially engineered, pH-balanced concrete structures designed to mimic natural coral formations. Their rough surface texture encourages coral larvae, algae and sponges to attach and grow, while openings throughout the structure allow water to circulate and provide shelter for marine species.

When placed in contiguous formations, they function much like natural reefs, ofering nursery habitats, strengthening the marine food chain and even reducing wave energy that contributes to shoreline erosion. The reef ball system contributes to fsh spillover that benefts surrounding waters from West End to Eight Mile Rock and has become a living classroom for local youths participating in fsh and coral surveys, reef ball maintenance and educational snorkeling sessions while visiting scientists conduct monitoring studies. It has also positioned Paradise Cove as part of a global conservation movement of reef ball systems deployed in more than 70 countries.

While cruise ship passengers make up a portion of daytime visitors, in recent years domestic tourism has increased with visitors from Nassau and other islands spending weekends in Grand Bahama. The property includes two villas that are frequently rented by locals for short stays. The beach and facilities have hosted weddings, birthday celebrations, bachelor parties and private evening events. On Sundays, it becomes a relaxed gathering spot for families and friends looking to enjoy the sea breeze and a meal overlooking the water.

In an era when many Bahamian businesses face mounting operational costs and environmental pressures, Paradise Cove stands as an example of locally driven entrepreneurship and responsible stewardship. For Freeport residents, the short 20-minute drive west ofers a reminder of the natural beauty just beyond the city limits. For Nassau

residents considering a domestic getaway, it provides an easy and impressive snorkelling experience created by a Bahamian who chose to invest in both business and the marine environment.

For those hesitant about open-water swimming, the site ofers accessible options. Kayaks and paddleboards allow visitors to explore without venturing far ofshore, and the reef begins close enough to shore that beginners can experience vibrant marine life with minimal efort. Sea turtles, stingrays, angelfsh, snapper and parrotfsh are regular sightings among the reef ball structures and natural coral formations.

“I had not been to Paradise Cove in over two years and actually swam on the reef balls since the campaign started,” said Sarah Kirkby. “I went on a rather windy, overcast day, but as someone who grew up diving and swimming in our oceans, I was overwhelmed by the amount of fsh that were swimming in the reef balls. It was absolutely beautiful to see it teeming with every kind of fsh you could imagine. It reminded me of the old days and it was so fantastic to see it fourishing.”

Nearly 30 years after turning down the option to sell, Smith’s decision continues to shape a small but signifcant corner of Grand Bahama’s coastline, where conservation and commerce work side by side in a homegrown business with international relevance.

The Elbow Reef Lighthouse

an ever-shining beacon for sailors from across the world.

By CARA HUNT

Tribune Features Writer cbrennen@tribunemedia.net

FOR almost 200 years, the iconic lighthouse on the tiny island of Elbow Cay has served as a beacon of light to sailors from all over the world.

It stands 120 feet above sea level, with 101 steps, and shines up to 17 miles at sea.

It’s striking red and white candy stripe design is one of the most recognised images of the Bahamas - a perfect exclamation point between the blues of sea and sky.

But the lighthouse is unique for more than its design.

The Elbow Reef Lighthouse is widely regarded as the last remaining manually operated, non-automated lighthouse in the world. The lens is hand-wound by a keeper and fuelled by kerosene.

Two keepers who have living quarters on Elbow Cay take turns walking up the steps to light the kerosene burner and manually crank the pulley system to keep the lens rotating every two hours. Flares beam ever 15 seconds.

Originally, there were 11 manned light stations commissioned by the British Imperial Lighthouse Service between 1836 and 1887 to serve as remote outposts in the country.

When the Bahamas gained Independence in 1973, oversight of the lighthouse passed to the country’s Port Department.

In 2023, the lighthouse became an International Organisation for Marine Aids to Navigation (IALA Heritage) Lighthouse of the Year 2023 Nominee.

It was noted in the nomination application that “the Elbow Reef Lighthouse is the most visited attraction in Abaco and an asset to the maritime image of tourism for the entire archipelagic nation.”

The Elbow Reef Lighthouse Society preserves the history and integrity of the Elbow Reef Lightstation for the local community, visitors, students, the nation of The Bahamas and the world. They educate the public and hope to become a model, guide, and resource for other island communities in The Bahamas wishing to preserve their lightstations.”

The Lighthouse has continued to shine despite the afects of both time and Mother Nature. As can be imagined, the cost of its upkeep has been huge requiring tremendous efort.

For example, after Hurricane Dorian ravaged the Abacos in 2019 the lighthouse needed extensive repair and renovations.

This is where the eforts of the Elbow Reef Light House Society comes in.

The society works to secure funding for the upkeep of the light through private and public partnerships.

In August 2022, a series of extensive repairs began thanks to the Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation Grant which was facilitated through the US Embassy in Nassau. It was valued at almost half a million dollar.

The renovations were completed over four stages. Stage one focused on the top of the structure, including repairing the weathervane, canopy, gutters, astragals, walking grates, Lantern walls, hand railings, install gutter pipes and water buckets.

The second stage includes followed stripping and repainting of the iconic candy stripes. The third stage involved replacing the slate fooring. Over time the supporting I beams had corroded due to salt and moisture exposure over time. This caused the slate to become uneven and crack

The fnal stage of the restoration was the repairs to the operational system. This included repairs to the kerosene storage tanks and distribution system.

After the fnal repairs were completed a grand reopening and ribbon-cutting ceremony was held on December 7, 2023.

The ELRS 2026 fundraising goal of $250,000 will allow the Society to continually combat the ever-present rust and perform critical repairs and maintenance of the station including the lantern and lens-turning machinery.

Persons interested in learning more about the lighthouse can visit www.elbowreefighthousesociety.com.

Island Brainwaves

One letter stands for another. In this example, used for the three L’s, X for the 2 O’s, etc. Single letters, apostrophes, the length and formation of words are all hints. Each day the code letters are different.

Yesterday’s Answers

Photos: SHAWN HANNA/TRIBUNE STAFF

contributing a skill refned through repetition and shared responsibility rather than formal titles. The menu refects this collective efort, ofering a range of sandwiches, pastries, and drinks rooted in tradition.

“Our food is made with love, as many of our customers say,” said Waianya.

From tuna salad sandwiches, egg sandwiches - to various salads - every item begins with bread baked from scratch. The pastries extend that sense of familiarity, featuring banana bread, coconut and pineapple tarts, guava duf, and potato bread, each tied to a particular pair of hands within the family.

“Each one of us siblings have our gifting,” Waianya said, detailing the contributions of her brothers, sisters, parents, and herself.

“My brother Vasy makes all of the bread, and my sister Syann makes all our cakes with the banana bread being our best seller. My other sister Christy makes all of the drinks we ofer, my dad Mr Burrows makes his down home Androsian potato bread, and mom makes all the salad; including our awesome crab and mac salads, and hot chicken pasta,” said Waianya.

Waianya is responsible for the tarts and guava duf, which she describes as the best you’ve tasted in a while.

While the variety is impressive, she is quick to emphasise that the process matters just as much as the product. Preparation begins long before the mall opens, with early mornings dedicated to baking and assembling each item fresh.

By ALESHA CADET

Tribune Features Reporter acadet@tribunemedia.net

AT frst glance, The Sandwich People fts neatly into the rhythm of Marathon Mall’s revitalised walkways: a compact booth, steady foot trafc, the scent of fresh bread drifting into passing conversations. Look closer, and the business reveals itself as something far more layered than a quick bite between shops. Behind the kiosk is a family story shaped by faith, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to keeping Bahamian food exactly as people remember it.

The business traces its beginnings to a moment of sudden change for the Burrows family. After more than a decade in a corporate role, their mother, Michelle Burrows, found herself without a job and with pressing responsibilities that left little time for hesitation. According to Michelle’s daughter, Waianya Wilson, the answer came through refection, prayer, and memory.

“With bills to pay and a family to take care of one has to think fast and that she did,” said Waianya.

What followed was not a reinvention, but a return to something familiar. Drawing from childhood lunches prepared by her own parents, Waianya said her mom began recreating simple sandwiches that carried both sustenance and sentiment.

“She turned to our Creator, God, where our help comes from. And the idea came to her to make sandwiches like the ones her parents gave to her for lunch as a kid. She made what we call a ‘slam bam sandwich’; which includes a slice of sausage in between some homemade bread with a drink, lemonade or switcha,” said Waianya. Those early oferings quickly gained attention, not just for their favour, but for the sense of care that accompanied them. As the family took their

food on the road, customers began referring to them by what they saw.

“As we gained momentum on the road, our customers called us ‘The Sandwich woman’ or ‘The Sandwich Man’. So when it was time to name our business, we decided to call ourselves The Sandwich People,” said Waianya. What distinguishes the brand today is its deeply collaborative nature.

Each member of the family plays a specifc role,

“Our brand is climbing. The customer base and demand for our products will determine the future of our business.”

Made between bread and belief

“We are up at 4 am every morning baking and preparing for the day. We keep our product authentic and we make it the Bahamian way, only. When you eat from The Sandwich People; you get the Bahamas, you get native food for a great price, you get us,” said Waianya.

That commitment resonates with a diverse customer base. Locals approach with high expectations and honest feedback, while visitors often encounter these favours for the frst time.

“The foreign customers are a pleasant surprise. To know that they enjoy our Bahamian treats especially the potato and banana breads is awesome,” said Waianya.

For Bahamians, the response is more direct, and more telling.

“Our native customers will tell you like it is. As soon as they taste our sandwiches and treats, there is a 99.9 per cent chance they’ll come back and double their purchases,” said Waianya.

As Marathon Mall continues to evolve, so too does The Sandwich People’s presence within it. Growth, however, is not framed as expansion for its own sake. Waianya describes the future as something guided by faith, shaped by demand, and dependent on community support.

“Our brand is climbing. The customer base and demand for our products will determine the future of our business,” she said.

Underlying that outlook is a broader hope that extends beyond one booth or one family.

“God guides us and my hope is that Bahamians will support one another in business, so that we all can grow and be able to enjoy a piece of this Bahamian pie,” said Waianya.

In an increasingly fast-paced retail environment, The Sandwich People ofer a pause rooted in memory, early mornings, and shared efort. It is food made without reinvention, served without pretence, and sustained by the belief that what is familiar can still carry power.

new providence features

a look back in history This day in history

February 27

1973

Two hundred members of the American Indian Movement forcefully took the reservation hamlet of Wounded Knee, South Dakota.

2010

On this day in 2010, a magnitude-8.8 earthquake struck Chile, causing widespread damage and

triggering a tsunami that devastated coastal areas; it was the most powerful earthquake to strike the region since 1960.

February 28

1827

The Baltimore and Ohio Railroad became the frst steam-operated railway in the United States to be chartered as a common carrier of freight and passengers.

July

8, 1986

LYNDEN SMITH)

July 11, 1986

The whole world is looking to the Bahamas to provide “ moral and politcal leadership to accelerate the process of change in South Africa and “ bring this battle to a successful conclusion Rev Jesse Jackson said speaking at the Cable beach hotel venue of Sir Lynden Pindling’s double hotel banquet in recognition of 30 years in Parliment .

“Let the word go forth to the US, Britian and the rest of the world that this night as we stand here in the Bahamas, the world is not looking to Miss Thatcher or Mr Regan to provide the moral leadership for this hour, they are allies of the brutual apartheid. In their blindness, they need the pressure of organised enlightened world opinion to show them the way, the confidant of the late Martin Luther King Jr said.

1975

A train crashed at the Moorgate station in London, killing 43 people and injuring many more. It is the London Underground's deadliest peacetime disaster.

March 1

1960

Protesting a segregated lunch counter at a

Woolworth's in Greensboro, North Carolina, four African Americans began a sit-in; its success led to a wider sit-in movement throughout the South.

2003

While returning to Earth from an orbital mission, the US space shuttle Columbia broke up catastrophically at an altitude of about 40 miles (60 km) over Texas, killing all seven crew members.

July 25, 1986

Bimini’s Second Wave

By Cara Hunt Tribune Features Writer cbrennen@tribunemedia.net

MORE than 250 residents on Bimini benefted from last weekend’s  distribution clothing drive by Second Wave, a charity initiative founded by 17-year-old Cameron Capo.

Florida resident Cameron, whose family has been visiting the island for many years, started the initiative as a way to give back to the island which she considers a second home.

The premise behind the initiative is simple; visitors to the island can drop of their donations in a drop box at the marina.

She explained: “We curate donations to cover all ages and sizes with attention to practicality and seasonality to ensure that clothing remains appropriate, functional, and genuinely helpful. Each item is

considered a part of a broader cycle of care and reuse. hrough our initiatives, we work to support the pre-existing strong sense of community within Bimini. Beyond clothing, Second Wave is about showing up consistently, listening carefully to feedback, and reinforcing the everyday connections that make island communities resilient.

“We believe in increasing awareness around the unique realities of island communities, more specifcally, how geography and access shape daily logistics. At Second Wave, we encourage participation from residents, visitors, and supporters alike, inviting all people to engage thoughtfully and contribute respectfully. By doing so, we aim to create a wave efect rooted in generosity and awareness.”

Cameron said that Saturday’s Free Community Clothing Giveaway was a great success and she was excited about the impact that it will have on the community.

“I organised 11 volunteers, including myself, to help me run the event as smoothly as possible,” she said.

Cameron told The Tribune that she was incredibly pleased with the turnout. “We donated 1,700 items of clothing served 250 plus community members, and recycled around 860 pounds of textiles and truly made an impact on all ages of the Bimini community,” she said.

Moving forward, Cameron said that Second Wave plans to host an event in the early summer with newly received donations from the Second Wave marina bin receptacle.

“I am already in communication with the chief councillor of the island to make it happen,” she said.

Community Youth Band members showcase their talent in Exuma

EXUMA hosted the E. Clement Bethel National Arts Festival in which members of the Exuma Community Youth Band showcased their talent in marching band, concert band and solo performance categories.

The non-proft organisation, regarded as the largest youth organisation in the country, currently has approximately 130 members. Sixty members performed at the grounds of Exuma Christian Academy on Wednesday.

The band also competed in solo categories including trumpet, trombone, tenor saxophone, alto saxophone and clarinet. During the event, members debuted new uniform tracksuits donated by Bob and Jeanne Coughlin and the Friends of Exuma.

Selections included March On Bahama Land, Can We Talk, Boots on the Ground, Abaco Tiger and Knock the Bar, marking a proud moment for the organisation and a frst major festival performance for several new members.

It was a pround moment for a number of the band members who were performing for the frst time.