03162026 NEWS by tribune242

Tribune

NO ACTION AGAINST DOG KILLER OFFICER

By LYNAIRE MUNNINGS

Staff Reporter

DAME Janet Bostwick, a pioneering figure in Bahamian politics, admits her own party, the Free National Movement, faces an “uphill fight” in the next general election, while expressing sadness over former

minister Dr Hubert Minnis’ decision to run as an independent candidate in Killarney.

“I think they have a strong chance to win,” she told reporters on Friday, adding: “I think it is an uphill fight, but I think they have a chance of winning.”

By KEILE CAMPBELL Tribune Staff Reporter kcampbell@tribunemedia.net

A CENTERVILLE family of seven whose generational home was gutted by fire early Friday thanked members of the community who have rallied around them with clothing, food, financial support and other assistance.

Alexis Braithwaite, 39, lived in the home with her husband, their children — ages 19, 13, nine and two — and her disabled brother. She said the response from the community since the fire has been overwhelming.

By RASHAD ROLLE and JADE RUSSELL Tribune Staff Reporters

NATIONAL Security Minister Wayne Munroe said investigators found no breach of policy in a correctional officer’s fatal shooting of a family dog, meaning the officer will not face disciplinary action despite widespread public outrage – a decision Bahamas Humane Society president Kim Aranha has branded ‘predictable.’

“That attack was

unwarranted,” she said. “Now, of course, they’re going to defend their own. Bravo. That’s what we said they’d do. They haven’t surprised us.” Mr Munroe said authorities reviewed the circumstances of the incident and found nothing that warranted discipline under existing firearm rules.

“They looked at all of the facts,” he said. “For instance, if you discharge a firearm where you may be

By KEILE CAMPBELL Tribune Staff Reporter Kcampbell@tribunemedia.net

A BOMB threat forced a temporary evacuation at Lynden Pindling International Airport yesterday morning, disrupting travel and triggering a security sweep before authorities declared the facility safe.

Police said officers at the Airport Police Station were alerted shortly after 7.30am by an official from the Nassau Airport Development Company who reported receiving a call claiming a bomb had been placed on the third floor of Terminal B.

Photo: Nikia Charlton

Grand Bahama woos planners during ‘Romance’ excursion

THE Ministry of Tourism, Investments and Aviation (MOTIA) hosted over 40 international wedding planners in New Providence for the 2026 ‘From The Bahamas With Love’ symposium, allowing industry professionals to network and take island-hopping day trips. On February 27, MOTIA representative Anya Hanna hosted 10 planners from the US and Canada

in Grand Bahama for the ‘Come for the Romance 2026 Edition’ to showcase the island’s appeal to potential clients. The jam-packed itinerary featured hotel site visits, local delicacies, and island attractions. The day included breakfast at Viva Fortuna, followed by tours of Flamingo Bay Resort, Pelican Bay Hotel, Garden of the Groves, Taino Beach, and the Bahamian

Brewery. Planners also enjoyed a UNEXSO Dolphin Encounter, glass blowing, Bootleg Chocolates, lunch at Pier One Restaurant, and the Port Lucaya Marketplace. Destination wedding specialists Adeola Fowodu and Roma Thakkar praised the excursion, noting they were highly impressed by the island’s beautiful properties, beaches, and warm hospitality.

TEN wedding planners arrive in The Bahamas for the 2026 ‘From The Bahamas With Love’ conference in Grand Bahama for a one-day excursion to experience all the island has to offer their potential clients. Photos: Andrew Miller/BIS

Dog owner accepts prison chief’s apology

in danger of causing collateral damage, that would be something that would call for discipline. You’re not supposed to fire a firearm out of a moving vehicle, things like that, so nothing that would call to say that he breached any policy with regard the use of the firearm was found.”

He said such incidents are judged from the officer’s perspective at the time rather than by hindsight.

“The judgment on how it’s done is not whether me or Rashad would do it because Wayne Munroe or Rashad Rolle might not use deadly force, and we may end up dead, and there might be nothing wrong with our decision not to use deadly force, but it’s a subjective judgment, so the investigating officer will say, why use deadly force?

And they would judge well, is that something that would be justifiable sitting where he is sitting, not as a Monday morning quarterback.”

Yesterday, the Bahamas Humane Society president, Kim Aranha, called the decision not to punish the officer predictable.

“They’re just protecting themselves,” she said. “I called it from the beginning. The man killed the dog and the dog was not attacking the man, therefore that is why I was calling for an

independent investigation.”

Responding to Mr Munroe’s comments about collateral damage, Mrs Aranha said the officer was merely lucky.

“To me that doesn’t fly,” she said. “You’re saying to me that policeman could shoot at something as long as there’s nobody else around? Why was he walking around with his gun unholstered?”

The shooting occurred on March 6 on Soldier Road as

correctional officers walked in a funeral procession for retired officer Andrew Sears. Video shared widely online shows officers with leashed dogs passing the property of veteran Bahamian musician Duke Errol Strachan when two dogs began barking and approached. One officer, who had his handgun already drawn, fired a single shot that killed the threeyear-old dog.

The killing sparked national outrage and criticism from animal welfare advocates.

Mr Strachan, 92, said the dog belonged to him and had been given to him by his daughter.

On Friday, the Department of Correctional Services apologised to Mr Strachan and committed to giving him a new dog.

When The Tribune visited his Soldier Road home on Friday, Mr Strachan and

his wife were being visited by members of the department. Two other dogs sat in the front yard. Prison Commissioner Doan Cleare said it was important to bring the matter to a conclusion.

“I appreciate their concern, and they came here and drove to settle it,” Mr Strachan said in response. “We came to a conclusion, which I’m quite satisfied. They’re going to find me a dog.”

He said officers also agreed to provide money to help feed the dog.

Although grateful for the gesture, Mr Strachan said he still misses the animal. He recalled putting food out for the dog, sometimes forgetting that it was gone forever.

Asked if he forgave the officer who shot the dog, he said yes, but still questioned why it happened.

“It was totally unnecessary,” he said.

‘I could forgive’: Father mourns son killed in targeted attack

By LEANDRA ROLLE

Reporter

LOCAL Businessman

Brent “Bj” McPhee Jr had turned his life around after a troubled past and was looking forward to building his future before being shot dead in a suspected targeted attack, leaving his family in shock and grief.

McPhee, 38, a father of five, died in the hospital Saturday after he was shot near Homestead Street

and Palm Beach Street around 7 pm on Friday.

Relatives said he was visiting a friend when he was shot three times moments after texting his father to say: “I gon’ be home. I on my way.”

Felix Brent McPhee Sr, his father, said he was waiting at home, ready to give his son money he owed to some men, but that plan turned to devastation when he received an unexpected call, that his only child had been shot.

“I was like ‘s**t, I got to move, and I went straight to the hospital,” he said, describing the next several hours as stressful and chaotic, with conflicting updates.

“I needed to hear from doctors because people were saying ‘oh, he in stable condition, but he’s still unconscious’,” he said.

“My feelings was up and down.”

The next day, doctors delivered the blow he feared: his son was dead. They told him how hard

they tried to save him.

He said he thanked them for trying their best even if they prolonged his life for just a few more minutes.

Mr McPhee said he didn’t know the motive behind the attack but had this message for the culprits: “God be with him.”

“I could forgive,” he added, “because we supposed to be forgiving and ya know things does happen; regret don’t have no cure.”

He acknowledged his

son had made mistakes but said he had turned his life around.

BJ ran a trucking business, did maintenance work, and dreamed of building his own home, relatives said.

“My son had a path where he was up and down with some rough stuff but he got over it (and) became a businessman,” he said.

Mr McPhee said he tried his best as a father to give his son a better life than he had growing up. One

of his proudest moments, he said, was when his son called to offer him a job.

“I was going to turn him down, but you don’t have much kids that offer his parents a job and that there was the biggest change for me,” he said. Police have not yet confirmed any arrests in connection with the incident.

The latest killing brings the country’s murder count to 11 for the year, according to The Tribune’s records.

Above: National Security Minister Wayne Munroe.

Right: Screen capture of BDOCS officers walking on road right before a dog was fatally shot.

BRENT MCPHEE JR

Dame Janet acknowledges disunity ahead of election, but says FNM positioned for victory

BOSTWICK from page one

Dame Janet, who made history in 1982 as the first woman elected to Parliament in The Bahamas and later as attorney general and acting prime minister, said she was saddened by Dr Minnis’ decision but acknowledged that he has the right to make that choice and expressed hope the move will not diminish the legacy he has built.

“I’m sorry that he has decided to do that, but it is his decision to make,” she said.

“Dr Minnis made great contributions to our party

and to the country, and I would hope that even at this stage, he may decide to take a different direction, but if he doesn’t, he is exercising his right to make the choice which he wants to make.

“I wish him God’s blessings. I cannot say I pray that he wins, but I wish him God’s will. I hope, that whatever he does, does not in any way take away from the legacy which he has created for himself. He has done a lot of good in the country.”

Dame Janet acknowledged that the FNM still does not have complete unity but said the majority of members remain aligned with the organisation.

“I think there is a small percentage which has decided to go outside the party, and that is not good, it’s always better that you have unity,” Dame Janet said.

“We do not have unity, but do we have a force which can be effective and which will be effective. The party has not lost its base. Its base has been affected, but at the same time it has gained support, and so we have to see what happens. But I think it is in a good position to contest this election, and in fact, it will be effective to win the election.”

Her comments come as political parties prepare for the next general election and work to finalise candidates while seeking to strengthen support among voters.

really on fire as yet until I opened the front door and everything just went ‘boof”.

Dr Minnis, who served as prime minister from 2017 to 2021, recently confirmed that he intends to contest the Killarney seat as an independent candidate in the next general election after not being selected as the FNM’s standard bearer for the constituency.

Dame Janet said she was encouraged by the number of women preparing to run in the upcoming election, but stressed that far more must be elected to achieve meaningful representation in the House of Assembly.

“I am excited to see so many women who have decided to be candidates in the next election,” she

said. “I am hopeful that a number of them, far more than the seven which we now have, will be successful. It is imperative that we work hard to have a more proportionate representation in the House of Assembly.”

Currently, women make up fewer than a quarter of the members of Parliament, despite accounting for roughly half of the country’s population.

Dame Janet said the current imbalance makes some form of affirmative action necessary to ensure women have the influence needed to shape national decision-making.

According to Mrs Braithwaite, the fire developed rapidly shortly after her husband, Charles Braithwaite, left for work around 6am.

She said her disabled brother woke her minutes

“Up to now, I feel like a receptionist,” Mrs Braithwaite said, noting that her phone has been ringing constantly with people offering help. “I’m grateful for the donations from everybody. The outpour of everyone in Nassau is what gives me hope right now, like, people still care.”

later after noticing the fire.

“When he woke me up, I saw smoke and everything on the ceiling in my room, so I ran quickly to where he said the fire was, but the fire was in his room,” she said. “The fire was in the centre of his bed, it didn’t really exhaust the house as yet, like, the house wasn’t

After opening the front door, she said the flames spread rapidly, leaving her no choice but to run outside before worrying about the others inside.

She said her brother escaped through a window and neighbours helped get the children out of the house. Neighbours also broke the glass of her car and pushed it into the middle of the road to keep it away from the flames.

Mrs Braithwaite said she contacted emergency services around 6.12am after realising the house was on fire. Firefighters arrived around 6.45am.

“They were right down the road,” she said. “I felt they could’ve saved had they reached in time. Something could’ve been salvaged, you know? I ain’t far from there, I only have to cross one light, and you’ve reached them”.

She said neighbours tried to fight the blaze before firefighters arrived.

“It was so amazing that the neighborhood, everybody came out when they heard fire, they were grabbing buckets, grabbing hoses, but they just couldn’t out it,” she said.

Mrs Braithwaite said nearly everything inside the house was destroyed except some documents and two Bibles — one in her children’s room and one in her bedroom.

“The bible that was in my room, the pages are still pure while-my TV burned, the oil didn’t. My prayer shawl didn’t burn,” she said in faith. “Everything else destroyed.”

The fire also killed the family’s dog, Marshall, a Shih Tzu that had been part of the household for five years and was received as a wedding gift.

“I mean, other than life I’m grateful for, that’s the only thing that would hurt me from losing everything,” she said.

Braithwaite said Centerville MP Jomo Campbell and Minister of Housing and Urban Renewal Keith Bell have contacted her and offered assistance through social services. She said she plans to visit the agency’s offices on Monday to see whether the family can receive housing assistance.

“I’m just waiting to see if they’re going to help me with some kind of housing assistance, even if its social housing, even if its government housing, I would really appreciate it,” Mrs Braithwaite said.

She said both she and her husband remain employed.

She works at Baha Mar, while her husband is a self-employed taxi driver. The couple had been saving to purchase their own home.

According to Mrs Braithwaite, Mr Bell also asked whether she would like their home to be restructured, but she said the family hopes to obtain a home of their own.

“I would just love

something of my own for me and my family, if its possible, even if we have to put a down payment towards my own housing, I don’t mind that,” she said.

For now, the family has been split among relatives. Mrs Braithwaite and her three youngest children are staying with her motherin-law in a two-bedroom apartment, while her eldest daughter and disabled brother are staying with other family members.

Despite the devastation, she said she is grateful everyone escaped unharmed and credited her brother with alerting her to the fire in time.

“He basically saved our lives, to be real, because I was in a deep sleep,” she said.

Mrs Braithwaite said she plans to make a formal report early this week as authorities continue to determine the cause of the fire.

She said anyone wishing to assist the family can contact her at 4671111.

DAME JANET BOSTWICK

Mrs

Two-hour LPIA shutdown leads to missed connections and major delays

BOMB from page one

Officers from the Airport Division, Anti-Terrorism Unit, Security Intelligence, Police K-9 Unit and fire services responded and conducted a thorough sweep of the area. Nearby businesses, including car rental companies, were also evacuated.

Authorities later gave clearance for people to return to the facility at 9.13am after completing safety screening of terminal buildings. Passengers and employees were allowed back inside as airport operations resumed.

In a statement, NAD said incoming and outgoing flights were being reprocessed and warned of delays as the airport worked to restore normal operations.

Passengers were advised to arrive at their normal check-in times and follow instructions from airport personnel.

Hundreds of travellers waited outside the airport as the situation unfolded.

One Bahamian passenger, John, criticised the handling of the evacuation.

“They had us moving around the parking lot, it just was a bunch of confusion and I think they need to put a strategy in place for when we have incidents like this again,” he said.

Chris Penland, a tourist, said the disruption caused him and his party to miss a boat they planned to take to Marsh Harbour.

“We missed our boat which left at 9am, so now we’re trying to figure out how to find a boat amongst the islands out there,” he said, describing the delay as part of a run of bad luck.

“Its par for the course - just our luck.”

Ralph Brennan, a Bahamian traveller scheduled for a noon flight, said he expected significant delays.

“9.30 the entire airport is

shut down, that means they have to restart the airport much like they do 5am in the morning, so I suspect I’m not going to make it for my 12pm flight — major inconvenience,” Mr Brennan said. “Thank God I do not have a connecting flight; it’s a direct flight from here to Virginia where I’m going, so hopefully I’m able to make it.”

Kai Strachan, who was travelling back to school, said the disruption would likely delay her flight.

“I’m heading back to school and this is very inconvenient. My flight will definitely be delayed,” she said. “This is just crazy.”

Another traveller, Glen, said he had a 9am flight with a connection to the Dominican Republic through Turks and Caicos.

“I’m waiting for them to put me in a hotel,” he said.

“There is an international law that they have to put people in hotels and get

everything sorted, it’s not about reimbursements, it’s about passengers rights.”

Police said investigations

into the bomb threat are ongoing and urged anyone with information to contact police at 911, 919 or the

Royal Bahamas Defence Force marine acquitted of sex charges after teen recants

By KEILE CAMPBELL Tribune Staff Reporter kcampbell@tribunemedia.net

A ROYAL Bahamas Defence Force marine accused of unlawful sexual intercourse with a minor was acquitted on Friday after the complainant recanted her allegations during a Supreme Court trial.

30-year-old Vann Miller had faced five counts of unlawful sexual intercourse with a minor before Justice Neil Brathwaite. However, the 16-yearold complainant withdrew her earlier claims while giving evidence in court. She told the court the allegations she previously made to police were not true and said she had felt pressured when giving her earlier statement.

a sexual relationship with the girl between 2021 and 2023 after meeting her on Instagram.

The girl had earlier testified that the relationship began in 2021 and continued until 2023, when she was found in Miller’s company and police became involved.

The case centred on allegations that Miller had

Medical evidence was also presented during the trial. Forensic DNA analyst Laura Wilson testified

that male DNA was found on the girl’s underwear but the DNA was inconclusive.

During the proceedings, the defence recalled the complainant as a witness, at which point she withdrew her earlier claims that sexual activity had

taken place. Following the trial, Miller was acquitted and discharged.

The Crown has since raised the issue of possible perjury in relation to the complainant’s conflicting testimony. A hearing has

been scheduled to address that matter.

Miller was represented by attorney Alex Dorsett. The prosecution was led by Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions Basil Cumberbatch and Kara Butler-Wight.

nearest police station.

A BOMB threat at Lyden Pindling International Airport yesterday created confusion and frustrated travellers causing delays and missed connecting flights. Photos: Chappell Whyms Jr

The Tribune Limited

NULLIUS ADDICTUS JURARE IN VERBA MAGISTRI

“Being Bound to Swear to The Dogmas of No Master”

LEON E. H. DUPUCH,

Publisher/Editor 1903-1914

SIR ETIENNE DUPUCH, Kt., O.B.E., K.M., K.C.S.G., (Hon.) LL.D., D.Litt .

Publisher/Editor 1919-1972

Contributing Editor 1972-1991

RT HON EILEEN DUPUCH CARRON, C.M.G., M.S., B.A., LL.B.

Publisher/Editor 1972-

Published daily Monday to Friday Shirley & Deveaux Streets, Nassau, Bahamas N3207

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Dame Janet worth listening to

WHEN Dame Janet Bostwick speaks, it is worth listening.

As The Bahamas was making history through independence and taking charge of its own destiny, Dame Janet was breaking barriers herself.

She was the first woman to serve as acting Prime Minister. She was the first woman Attorney General. She was the first woman Member of Parliament.

The legislation she sponsored helped shape our nation – and she sat as an MP for 20 years for Yamacraw.

So when she speaks on the upcoming general election, hers is a voice of experience.

Part of her counsel was directed towards the rift that has seen Dr Hubert Minnis go from leader of the FNM and Prime Minister to declaring he will run as an independent candidate in Killarney instead after being denied a nomination by the party.

Even despite his departure, which will be enforced under party rules if he runs against a candidate for the FNM, she talked of how Dr Minnis “made great contributions to our party and to the country”.

She added that she hoped “that even at this stage, he may decide to take a different direction, but if he doesn’t, he is exercising his right to make the choice which he wants to make. I wish him God’s blessings. I cannot say I pray that he wins, but I wish him God’s will. I hope that, whatever he does, does not in any way take away from the legacy which he has created for himself. He has done a lot of good in the country.”

It is unfortunate in this country that we do not find a way to incorporate the wisdom of our veteran politicians in advising the current generation of leaders.

Dr Minnis himself seemed to distance himself from his FNM predecessor as Prime Minister, Hubert Ingraham, to the point where Mr Ingraham said he did not feel like his advice was wanted or appreciated for several years.

In 2021, he told reporters: “I have not been active in the last five years because I did not feel that my advice or counsel was appreciated, wanted or needed. And so I did not avail myself of any opportunity to get in the way of anyone.”

Now Dr Minnis finds himself in the reverse position, seemingly sidelined rather than being a voice of experience for the current party leadership to draw upon.

There were other issues that Dame Janet took up too – not least of all the imbalance of men and women in Parliament. She said she was “excited” by the number of women candidates for the next election and hoped that “far more than the seven which we now have, will be successful”.

She also turned to the biggest game in town – the election itself.

Dame Janet says the FNM “have a strong chance to win”, though called it an “uphill fight”.

She admitted that the party does “not have unity”, but says it has not lost its base.

Dame Janet is correct that the FNM can win. Let us be clear, that is saying that they can, not that they will.

If we look back to the time when Dr Minnis won, he too led a splintered party.

On December 7, 2016, Loretta Butler-Turner and six other members of the FNM – with the party then led by Dr Hubert Minnis while in Opposition – went to the Governor General to express no confidence. The Rebel Seven’s action led to Dr Minnis being ousted as Leader of the Opposition. These were his own MPs, and they tossed him out as Opposition leader in the House.

What they did not do was toss him out as leader of the party – and he played a waiting game and come the election, he had the last laugh.

Despite such an open wound in the FNM’s internal party relationships, he was voted in as prime minister.

Current party leader Michael Pintard has faced no such mass upheaval in the House. Iram Lewis has stomped off to join the COI and will soon find at the election whether that was likely to secure a long-term role for himself in the House. And Dr Minnis has, well, he has caught the headlines and is now dancing his dance on social media. If Dr Minnis could win by a landslide, as he did, with the divided FNM of the time, then Mr Pintard can win despite any disunity there may be today.

Notably, Dr Minnis was the beneficiary of many people wanting to vote the government of Prime Minister Perry Christie out of office. Current Prime Minister Philip Davis must hope he has done enough to ensure he flips the script that has played out over the years, with voters see-sawing between one party and another, if he is to hold off the challenge of the FNM. The lesson to be learned is that either side would be foolish to dismiss the chances of the other.

Both sides would do well to listen to Dame Janet, as should we all.

Meanwhile, we still wait for Mr Davis to call the election date – despite in Opposition himself decrying Dr Minnis for holding the country “hostage” over the date and pledging fixed election dates. That, obviously, never happened. Whether he gets another chance to introduce such promised legislation will lie in the hands of the voters themselves. Tick tock.

Change the law on disclosures

EDITOR, The Tribune.

A NOTHER year and another farce that is the Public Disclosure ritual with a special twist this year of an impending General Election. As this is not unique or an unusual occurrence, it happens every year, we wondered what has changed to cause the Bahamian people to believe that our political leaders will act any differently.

It is a fact that never in the history of the Act, have all Members of Parliament, Senators and Senior Civil Servants filed their disclosures in time to meet the March 1 deadline. Given the overall secrecy attendant on the process, it is still a question as to whether they all ever file at all!

This iteration of the Public Disclosure Commission did not get off to the most auspicious start in 2021 with the chairman, Bishop Victor Cooper, making excuses for some first-time PLP MPs, suggesting that they were unaware of the legal requirement for them to file financial disclosures under the Public Disclosures Act. Then Press Secretary Clint Watson said not so! They were all briefed during parliamentary training. This set the tone for misinformation and the claim of ignorance of important issues that would be the hallmark of this administration.

It is instructive to listen to Fred Mitchell,

letters@tribunemedia.net

Chairman of the Progressive Liberal Party who is as reliable a bellwether of the official position of the party and his government as there is, and who opined in his Bahamas Uncensored blog in 2025, “We think that public disclosure should be abolished. It is a complete waste of time and a security issue for those who disclose.”

As far as we are aware, and we would be happy to be proven wrong, the last gazetting of this information was in 2011, Fifteen years ago, with information from 2008!

No Prime Minister or Leader of the Official Opposition, certainly in the last two decades, has shown any appetite for enforcing the law beginning with publicizing the names of those who fail to comply. Imprisonment or the $10,000 fine for non-compliance seems a distant fantasy.

Does Mr. Mitchell, who is also the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Member of Parliament for Fox Hill have a point? Does the publication of a public servant’s financial status make them a target for robbery or blackmail?

In 2024, in answer to a Tribune reporter inquiring whether he had met the deadline, Mr. Mitchell answered

unequivocally, “It is none of your business.” If it isn’t and the Disclosure Act is going to be held in such contempt by those who make the laws, don’t ignore it as you have some of the other laws, we suggest that you change it!

We suggest that this government may wish to adopt the same approach to the laws governing the Hawksbill Creek Agreement that has caused them such consternation.

The 1955 government decided to carve out a space on Grand Bahama for investors to build a “Magic City.” In return for building that city and its attendant services, the government transferred some of its power and authority to those investors and enshrined them in law.

Since then there have been several amendments made to the original agreement and most recently an arbitration hearing. If the HCA is so offensive and burdensome, seek to change the law or abide by it, talk to the operators and forgo the political spin! In both instances, for heaven’s sake, follow the law! You are not setting any kind of example for the public to follow, especially the young men, many of whom already believe you are not worthy!

ED MURROW II

Nassau, March 14, 2026

Aircraft incidents at Abaco airport

EDITOR, The Tribune.

I’VE seen the post your team made in regard to several air incidents in Exuma. I’ve come to she’d light on several air incidents that occurred in the Abaco Marsh Harbour Airport. I wish to remain anonymous but I’m presently an airline pilot for a company in The Bahamas. Firstly, there was a challenger Jet, I’m not sure of the registration, however it was an American aircraft. If you pull up the flight history for the day, you can find it. That aircraft unsurprisingly made no radio communications or anything with the airfield. I’m not sure if the pilots exhibiting their macho energy, however the aircraft touched down at what I would assume around 220MPH as they did not have any flaps down, bounced several times on the runway, then finally decided to go around. In addition to this event, after we departed, there were two jets, N302AZ which is a phenom 300 registered to Gold Aviation

in Fort Lauderdale, and another challenger N322AP operated by Jet Linx that landed on the taxiway instead of the runway, nearly colliding with several aircraft, however fortunately they were vigilant enough. Flight track data can prove this as well.

There was one more incident that happened on the airfield yesterday, however I won’t speak on it because it occurred after I departed so I do not have accurate information regarding this. However, it involved another private jet.

I’m bringing this to the tribune because I simply believe that Civil Aviation does not have a reliable and honestly an active reporting system. There are several safety hazards I’ve reported spanning from 2023 that have never been addressed nor have I got a call back. It unfortunately seems like the only way for these incidents to get taken care of is for someone to report it to the news. And it should not be this way.

Prior to hurricane Dorian, Freeport approach used to control the flow of traffic entering into Abaco, however after Dorian, I assume antennas were never fixed, so the range simply isn’t any good enough for them to reach Abaco when the planes altitude is so low. What I’ve recommended a few years back is for civil aviation, during peak season to place a satellite air traffic control tower at the airport, considering that we are entering the most, busy season of Bahamian travel as a result of spring break and summer. Aviation in the Bahamas is only cutely regulated in my opinion. I’d rather not make accusations, however in my personal behavior I believe that a lot of foolishness slides under the rug and constantly gets covered up. But that’s just my two cents.

Thank you for taking the time to receive this email.

CONCERNED Nassau, March 13, 2026.

EDITOR, The Tribune.

TODAY, we gather in remembrance of a remarkable leader, dedicated friend, and inspiring figure in our community, Nicki GomezDawkins. As the President of the Pilot Club International, Nicki exemplified the spirit of service, compassion, and unwavering commitment to making a difference in the lives of others.

Nicki’s passion for helping those in need was evident in every initiative she led. Her tireless efforts to support local charities and uplift our community have left an indelible mark on the hearts of many. She had a unique ability to bring people together, fostering a sense of unity and purpose that inspired all who had the privilege of working alongside her.

I attended Eastern Junior School and St Augustine’s College with Nicki and her

brothers Craig Tony Gomez and His Excellency Paul Andy Gomez. I got to know her parents very well from 1965. Today Mr & Mrs Patrick Gomez remain my role models and my late father Alpheus Finlayson Sr died when I was only 15 years old. Beyond her leadership role, Nicki was a cherished friend and confidante. Her kindness, warmth, and infectious laughter brightened even the darkest days. She had a gift for making everyone feel valued and heard, and her legacy will continue to resonate through the countless lives she touched.

Nicki always wore a beautiful smile that lit up anywhere she went. As we mourn the loss of Nicki, let us also celebrate her life and the profound impact she made. Her courage in the face of adversity, especially during her battle

with cancer, serves as a testament to her strength and resilience. Nicki taught us all the importance of perseverance and hope, even in the most challenging times. In honor of her memory, let us carry forward her mission of service and compassion. May we strive to embody the values she held dear and continue the work she so passionately championed.

Nicki Gomez-Dawkins may no longer be with us in body, but her spirit will forever live on in our hearts and in the legacy of kindness she leaves behind. Rest in peace, dear friend. You will be deeply missed but never forgotten.

I extend my deepest condolences to her parents, the family, her daughter Dr Gomez, brothers and sisters, cousins, and Pilot sisters.

SPENCE FINLAYSON Nassau, March 8, 2026.

Prolonged neglect of Ministry of Works

EDITOR, The Tribune. PLEASE be informed that I have been a target living on the dangerous curves of the street and traffic hotspot for property damages hit and run. For the past four years, now after this neglect was assessed that I had been awaiting the ministry of works to carry out their promises of installing guard rails for my street on Marshall Road. I am a resident of 20 plus years and I have had more than two dozen vehicles landed in my yard because of a very dangerous curve on the map here. There were two deaths a car written off and multiple damages to my home and property after two dozen crashes, I stopped recording and counting. But this keeps happening All of these instances including two deaths, should be on record at the traffic area. I have had a vehicle came straight through my bedroom walls crashing in and destroying furnitures.

solve this issue. Several attempts to contact the MP of the area have also been unresponsive.

After several phone calls and onsite visit by the department of Works and their promises to install guardrails, the two employees Munroe and Joy have stopped taking my phone calls and have been non-compliant in going forward to

I’m of the opinion No one is interested due to the fact it’s has only affected me generally but all surrounding properties have also been hit. As we speak this moment just in the last 24 hours a car had hit and run off the curve and into my yard. Thank you so much for your time and your support . This is a government that under mind its people until they are needed for votes.

VANRIA FORBES Nassau, March 13, 2026.

Tattoo artist among two dead in separate traffic incidents

By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

TWO men died in separate traffic incidents in Grand Bahama and San Salvador over the weekend, pushing the country’s road fatality count to 15 for 2026.

In Grand Bahama, a 35-year-old tattoo artist known as Ricky Rabbs died after his vehicle collided head-on with a dump truck on Queen’s Highway on Friday. A male passenger who was with him remains in the hospital with serious injuries.

Police received a report around noon of a three-vehicle collision involving a Mack Granite truck, a black Nissan Cube and a red Chevy truck.

Preliminary reports indicate the driver of the Nissan Cube was travelling east on Queen’s Highway with a male passenger when he attempted to overtake another vehicle and collided head-on with a Mack Granite truck travelling west. Following the initial impact, the Nissan Cube then collided with a red Chevy truck driven by a male who was also travelling east on Queen’s Highway.

ASP Christopher Farquharson, officer in charge of the Traffic Division, said the Cube was extensively damaged and the driver died at the scene. Fire Services and EMS personnel responded to the crash.

Firefighters used the Jaws of Life to remove the driver’s body from the wreckage. EMS personnel checked for signs of life but found the driver unresponsive. The injured passenger was taken to

Rand Memorial Hospital. None of the male drivers in the other two vehicles was injured, ASP Farquharson said.

The Cube sustained extensive front-end damage, while the Mack Granite truck and the Chevy vehicle sustained minor damage.

Harcourt Wilkinson, the driver of the red Chevy truck, said he was saddened to learn the driver had died.

"It's just sad, I mean, seeing everything happen," he told The Tribune , adding that he and the dump truck driver tried to avoid the collision.

He said he was travelling east and the Cube was ahead of him, also travelling east, when it attempted to overtake another vehicle.

"The red truck blew (its horn) and tried to avoid the accident. The Cube was probably going too fast. So, the Cube hit the red dump truck. As a result of the collision, the Cube then come towards me. So, I slowed down and swerve to the left and the Cube hit me," Mr Wilkinson said.

Rabbs, also known as Rabbit, was a self-employed tattoo artist who promoted videos of his work under Island Ink Tattoos Bahamas on various social media platforms, including TikTok, Facebook and Instagram.

In San Salvador, police are investigating a traffic incident that resulted in the death of a 20-year-old man.

Shortly before 4pm on Wednesday, March 11, police responded to a traffic incident in the area of the San Salvador International Airport, where they discovered a man with head injuries after he

reportedly fell from the back of a truck. Emergency medical personnel transported the injured man to the local clinic. The victim was later airlifted to New Providence around 7pm for

further medical treatment at the hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries. Initial investigations revealed that the driver of the truck was travelling home to Cockburn Town with two male passengers

when one of them alerted him that the other passenger had fallen from the vehicle near the airport runway. The driver returned to the location where the passenger had fallen.

Police said the circumstances surrounding the incident remain unclear.

Officers from the New Providence Traffic Division are expected to travel to San Salvador to continue investigations.

Memorial service for Kingsley Dean - industrial accident victim

A MEMORIAL service was held for Kingsley Dean after the unfortunate industrial accident that took his life. Family and friends came together to pay tribute to him before his funeral in the family islands at the Seventh Day Adventist church in Centrville yesterday.

Photos: Chappell Whyms JR

Monday, March 16, 2026

Donnette Russell-Love, Esq. • Beyond The Borders

The case for US travel waiver reform

IN THE WORLD of international travel, a mistake made twenty years ago should not carry a life sentence. Yet, for many Bahamians navigating the US immigration system, a single, non-violent incident from their youth remains a perpetual barrier to the border—a ghost that never stops haunting their police certificate.

As we continue Beyond the Borders, we must look beyond the immediate frustration of visa denials and examine the legal architecture that creates them. Specifically, we must ask why the US system for "waiving" past mistakes remains so punitive and unpredictable compared to our other major North American neighbour, Canada.

If the mobility and dignity of Bahamian citizens are to be protected, leaders must advocate for a system that recognises rehabilitation as a legal reality, not just a discretionary whim.

A Tale of Two Systems: The US 212(d)(3) vs. The Canadian Standard

The U.S. 212(d)(3) Waiver: The Perpetual Cycle

The primary tool for a Bahamian with a past conviction is the 212(d) (3) non-immigrant waiver. On paper, it’s a powerful tool; in practice, it’s a legal treadmill. It is purely discretionary, temporary, and offers no path to permanently "clearing" a record for travel. A traveller can hold a waiver for ten years, travel compliantly fifty times, and still be denied a renewal tomorrow. The US system never says: "You have proven yourself; the record is closed."

The Canadian Model: A Path to Redemption In contrast, Canada offers a more sophisticated— and humane—framework.

While Canada uses Temporary Resident Permits (TRPs) for urgent travel, they also offer a formal path to Criminal Rehabilitation. Under Canadian law, a person can be "Deemed Rehabilitated" automatically if ten years have passed since the completion of a sentence for a single, less serious offense. If the offense was more serious, they can apply for "Individual Rehabilitation" after five years. Once approved, it is a permanent fix. The person is no longer inadmissible. They are no longer required to beg for a temporary permit every time they want to visit family or attend a business meeting in Canada.

The Sovereignty of Protection

The Bahamas is a sovereign nation that hosts a massive US security and consular footprint. Leaders have a duty to ensure their citizens are treated with proportionality. When a government creates a waiver system that never ends, they aren't just managing risk; they are managing lives.

The current US posture - where the US Consulate in Nassau often defers to decades-old CBP notes while ignoring decades of an individual's stability - is a failure of adjudication. It ignores the fundamental human capacity for change.

The "Ask": Moving Toward a Rehabilitation Standard of consistency, transparency, and humane discretion.

stability and travel compliance as a primary factor, rather than defaulting to decades-old CBP notes.

A Formal "Rehabilitation Compact": The Bahamas entered its pre-clearance treaty with the US on April 23, 1974. At 52 years old, this partnership is one of the oldest in the world, second only to Canada. Given that they have proven to be a reliable security partner for over half a century, Bahamian citizens deserve a travel system that is as mature as the country’s diplomatic ties.

What if the Bahamian government were to invite its US partners to the table to discuss a formal agreement that recognises rehabilitation? The Bahamian citizens deserve a travel system that is as mature and predictable as the diplomatic ties that have existed for decades between the US and the Bahamas.

The Bottom Line: Maturity in Modern Mobility Borders exist to provide security, but they shouldn't be used to imprison a person’s future because of a non-violent mistake made in their distant past. Canada has proven that a nation can maintain world-class security while still honouring the human capacity for growth and change.

9 FAM 402.2-2 of the Foreign Affairs Manual emphasises the importance of facilitating international travel. It states that:

“The policy of the U.S. Government is to facilitate and promote legitimate international travel and the free movement of people of all nationalities to the United States, consistent with national security and public safety concerns, both for the cultural and social value to the world and for economic purposes.”

It’s time for the U.S. Embassy in Nassau to reflect that kind of maturity. If the goal is a truly integrated, prosperous region, we need a travel system that treats redemption as a legal reality, not just a discretionary favour. It is time to stop haunting Bahamians with the ghosts of their youth and start opening the door to a more just, predictable future.

The 5/10 Rule for Permanent Waiver Status: After five years of a clean record, a Bahamian should be eligible for a permanent "Rehabilitation Designation." After ten years, this status should be automatic.

Mandatory Weighted

Adjudication: The "rubber-stamp" denial culture at the Nassau Consulate needs to end. Adjudicators should be legally required to weigh 20+ years of post-conviction

For Bahamian citizens caught in the endless loop of administrative hurdles for non-violent mistakes made in their distant past, it is a drain on the Bahamas’ national productivity and a strain on Bahamian families, since their access to the US is critical to the survival and success of small businesses in the Bahamas. Canada has shown that you can protect your borders while still honouring the concept of rehabilitation. It is time for the "Consular Chronicles" at the US Embassy in Nassau to reflect that same maturity. What is needed is a fundamental shift in how the US processes Bahamian travellers with dated, non-violent records. Three specific policy changes could change everything:

Brazil revokes visa of US diplomat who sought to visit Bolsonaro in prison

By MAURICIO SAVARESE Associated Press

SAO PAULO (AP) — Brazilian President Luiz

Inácio Lula da Silva on Friday revoked the visa of a U.S diplomat who sought to visit a high-profile rival of the administration in prison, with Lula calling it a reciprocal measure after Brazilian officials had their visas revoked in the U.S. last year.

The decision came a day after U.S. State Department official Darren Beattie was denied a request to visit a prison to see former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro — a fierce rival of the current president. Lula tied his visa decision to a move in August by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio to revoke visas of Brazilian officials said to have links to

a Cuban program that sends doctors overseas.

On Thursday, Brazilian Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes denied a request by Beattie, a conservative author who became an under secretary for public diplomacy and public affairs under the Trump administration, to visit the prison in Brasilia.

“That American fellow who said he had come here to visit Jair Bolsonaro was forbidden to do so,” Lula said, adding that Beattie would be blocked from Brazil until the visas for Brazil’s health minister and his family are reinstated. Moraes, who sentenced Bolsonaro to 27 years in prison for leading a coup attempt in 2023, said in his ruling that Beattie had requested a visa to attend the Brazil–US Critical Minerals Forum in São Paulo on

Wednesday. The ruling cited the Brazilian Foreign Ministry’s view that Beattie’s planned visit to Bolsonaro would have represented “undue interference” in Brazil’s politics. The 80-year-old Lula is running for reelection later this year, with Sen. Flávio Bolsonaro, one of the sons of the right-wing leader, expected to be his main opponent in his bid for a fourth term.

A Brazilian government official told The Associated Press on Friday that Beattie’s visa was revoked because of “the omission of information and lies about the purpose of the visit upon his visa request.” The official spoke under condition of anonymity for lack of authorization to discuss the matter publicly. Neither the White House nor the U.S. embassy in Brasilia made comments on Lula’s decision or the Brazilian Supreme Court ruling about Beattie, a former speechwriter and political strategist who has been a critic of both Lula and de Moraes.

The Brazilian judge had agreed on Tuesday with a request by Bolsonaro

lawyers for Beattie to visit the former president, but then changed his mind after he received new information from the Foreign Ministry. In his ruling Thursday, de Moraes cited a dispatch from the ministry advising him that such a visit by a foreign official to a former president “in an electoral year might be undue interference in internal affairs of the Brazilian state.” The dispatch also told the justice that Beattie had not made any request with the ministry to visit Bolsonaro.

U.S. President Donald Trump has been a supporter of Bolsonaro, calling the case against him politically motivated, and had imposed tariffs on Brazil citing what he called the unfair treatment of the former president. But he has loosened the tariffs since then, including in November as part of his effort to lower consumer costs for Americans.

Lula has repeatedly suggested he wants to meet Trump in Washington to discuss tariffs, security cooperation and other topics, but no date has been set.

AN ILLUSTRATED comparison highlights the stark differences between the immigration waiver frameworks of United States and Canada.

Malcolm Strachan

Same old story for public disclosures

A FAMILIAR story played out last week over the deadline for public disclosures – yet again, a number of Parliamentarians did not file by the deadline, with several requesting extensions. The same old story.

The deadline for disclosures was March 2. This comes as no surprise to anyone required to file their financial disclosures. The deadline in the Public Disclosure Act is clearly listed as March 1 each year – this year that fell on a Sunday so March 2 was the deadline.

Each Senator or Member of Parliament has had to be doing this throughout this term – bar those who are recent appointees or the newly elected member for Golden Isles.

And yet, here we are again with some seeking extensions. National Security Minister Wayne Munroe and Environment Minister Zane Lightbourne were ministerial level officials seeking extension.

The new Golden Isles MP was lagging behind a little, telling The Tribune he was expecting to file on March 9 after he received his bank statements. Leslia Miller-Brice MP asked for a two-week extension.

Part of the trouble is that finding out who or who has not filed on time comes down to the persistence of the press. Every year, it has become an appalling tradition that the media has to pester politicians to find out if they have obeyed the law.

As of March 9, The Tribune reported that those who had not commented on whether they met the deadline included Fred Mitchell, Keith Bell, Alfred Sears, Ginger Moxey, Jomo Campbell, Lisa Rahming, Patricia Deveaux, Leon Lundy, Wayde Watson, Kirk Cornish, John Pinder and Leonardo Lightbourne.

With an election around the corner, you can bet that those who cannot find the time to say whether or not they filed will somehow find the time to post campaign promotions on their social media, or hit the trail shaking hands and asking people for their vote. How about simply taking the time to say yes, I met the deadline. Or explain why not if they did not.

In fact, take it out of the hands of the politicians completely to say yes or no.

The chairman of the Public Disclosures Commission is Bishop Victor Cooper. There should be no reason in this day and age, where there is surely an electronic record of what disclosures have been received, why it cannot be confirmed how many people did not file on time. However, when asked last week by The Tribune,

Bishop Cooper said he did not have a rough figure for how many officials had filed because the board had not yet met. Imagine being in charge of the whole commission and not even having a rough figure for the one thing you do. There are, in the law, consequences for delinquent filings.

The procedure goes like this – anyone who fails to provide a declaration as required under the law, or if the commission is not satisfied with any aspect of the declaration, that is then to be reported to the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition.

The Prime Minister or the Leader of the Opposition is then able to publish a communication to the House of Assembly any information provided by the commission, or cause to be published to the Senate that information. They can also authorise that information being provided to the Attorney General or the Commissioner of Police. It is an offence to fail to make a declaration without reasonable cause, to make a false statement in a declaration or fail to give information or explanation to the commission if requested.

The penalty for that offence is not small – it can be a fine up to $10,000 or jail for up to two years, or both.

In addition, if a deliberate non-disclosure relates to a property in The Bahamas, that can be declared forfeit to the government. If it is a property outside The Bahamas, the individual can be ordered to pay an amount equivalent to that property’s value.

Notably, one of the details in there is that the details of who has not disclosed should be provided to both the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition. Either of those can then publish it. Neither has. We still do not know who declared on time last year, and who did not.

The failure to obey the law when it comes to disclosures is not just a local concern either – the US Department of State takes notice. In 2024, it published a report which noted that the country had failed to release public disclosure reports for more than a decade. That last one was issued in 2011 and only covered declarations up to 2008. Children have been born and grown to adulthood in the time since 2008, yet the public cannot find out if their leaders have obeyed the law.

Last week, there was a back and forth in Parliament between former Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis and Wayne Munroe.

Dr Minnis rightly asked whether public declarations were being scrutinised for suspicious jumps in wealth, while Mr Munroe questioned how Dr Minnis could know whether investigations were taking place.

As Matt Aubry, of the Organisation for Responsible Governance, said at the time, the lack of transparency doesn’t help anyone have confidence in the system.

Dr Minnis would find his argument strengthened if public disclosure filings had been gazetted and released under his tenure as prime minister. They were not. At one stage, in 2018, he instructed the commission to give information on

Analysis: Two weeks into war with Iran, Trump has been knocked back on his political heels

By WILL WEISSERT Associated Press

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — In the two weeks since the U.S. and Israel initiated strikes on Iran, President Donald Trump has faced significant political challenges. He has become increasingly frustrated with media coverage and has struggled to convey a clear rationale for the war or a strategy for its conclusion, leading to public concerns about American casualties, rising oil prices, and declining financial markets. Even some of his supporters are beginning to question his approach, as his poll numbers decline. The early stages of the conflict have reportedly benefited Moscow, especially after Trump eased sanctions on certain

Russian oil shipments. This, coupled with rising oil prices, has undermined efforts to limit President Vladimir Putin’s ability to wage war in Ukraine. Democrats, still reeling from Trump’s 2024 election win, are regrouping to oppose his Iran policy and highlight the economic chaos as evidence that Republicans have failed to fulfil their promises to reduce living costs. Kelly Dietrich, CEO of the National Democratic Training Committee, believes Democrats are well-positioned for the midterms, emphasising that the Trump administration lacks long-term planning and is responding reactively to crises.

Amid this turmoil, Trump spent the weekend at his golf club in West Palm Beach and held a

closed-door fundraiser for his MAGA Inc. super PAC at Mar-a-Lago. Following a solemn event commemorating six U.S. soldiers killed in the Iran conflict, Trump expressed his discontent with media reports, stating, “The media actually want us to lose the War.” This led to threats from his broadcast regulator regarding licenses unless they alter their coverage. Trump’s interaction with allies has raised eyebrows, as he has kept them in the dark about his plans for Iran. He for the first time suggested that the U.S. would need international assistance to navigate the Strait of Hormuz, a critical route for oil transport that has faced severe disruptions. Iran has vowed to continue attacks on energy infrastructure and utilise its control over the strait to

those who did not file to the Attorney General – with two senators at the time not having filed their annual disclosures by mid-August. When in opposition, Dr Minnis often criticised then Prime Minister Perry Christie for not holding officials who failed to make disclosures accountable – even calling for those people to be arrested.

In December, FNM leader Michael Pintard warned that he would publicly release the list from last year if Bishop Cooper continued to withhold the information. Bishop Cooper has not gazetted that information. Mr Pintard has not lived up to his warning. Fred Mitchell,

who has previously said he is “irritated” by journalists asking questions on disclosures, responded to Mr Pintard’s warning on publishing the names of those who failed to meet last year’s deadline by saying “be careful what you do and what you say”. There is a profound lack of urgency and respect for this law. Some will argue the law should be scrapped if it is not being upheld, but that is to surrender one of the few checks and balances that exist. Rather, the public should hold representatives to account. To every politician that has to declare, publish your receipt. To those who do not, expect not to get anyone’s vote.

leverage its position against the U.S. and Israel. In a recent statement, Trump indicated that various affected countries would collaborate with the U.S. to maintain security in the strait, mentioning nations such as China, France, Japan, South Korea, and the UK. However, there was no clarity on whether this multinational effort would initiate soon, as Trump’s comments remained tentative. South Korea has indicated a need

for careful assessment of the situation, while the UK is discussing potential options with allies for ensuring shipping security.

A Chinese embassy spokesperson noted the importance of keeping the Strait secure, reaffirming China’s commitment to strengthening communication with relevant parties.

Despite Trump’s earlier assertion that U.S. naval ships would escort tankers through the strait, this deployment has yet to

After all, if we are a nation of laws, why should anyone obey a law if our leaders do not? This is about setting an example.

It would be naïve of me to think that change is going to happen any time soon –too many words have been said by political figures and yet still no disclosures since 2008 have been published. On a political front, it is beyond me why the FNM – which insists all its members have declared on time – would not seek to publish the list.

A reminder, failing to disclose as required by the law is a crime. The public ought to know who the criminals are.

materialise. He insisted, “It’ll happen soon. Very soon,” while en route to Florida.

Questions surrounding the Strait have also raised doubts about Trump’s recent claims of victory at a Kentucky rally, where he proclaimed, “We’ve won... We won in the first hour; it was over.” The conflict carries significant political ramifications, as the U.S. Treasury Department announced a 30-day waiver on Russian sanctions designed to facilitate the flow of Russian oil cargoes stranded at sea amid the turmoil. Analysts indicate that rising oil prices tied to production blockades in the Persian Gulf favour the Russian economy, which relies heavily on oil revenues to support its military actions in Ukraine.

While Trump grapples with the fallout from the Iran conflict and its impact on his presidency and party, the broader implications on global oil markets, international relations, and domestic politics continue to unfold, creating a complex landscape ahead of the midterm elections.

A satirical caricature shows the annual scramble of Bahamian politicians rushing to file overdue public disclosures.

FILE - A person fuels up a vehicle at a gas station, Tuesday, March 10, 2026, in New York. AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura, File

Police investigate suspicious death of 14-month-old boy

POLICE are investigating the suspicious death of a 14-month-old boy who was taken to Princess Margaret Hospital unresponsive on Friday night.

According to a police press statement, medical personnel alerted officers to the incident shortly before 9pm on March 13. Officers went to the hospital, where they were told the child had been rushed to the Trauma

Room.

Police said CPR was administered, but efforts to revive the child were unsuccessful and he was pronounced dead shortly after 8pm.

Initial inquiries revealed that the child had been left in his aunt’s care while his mother was at work. While under the aunt’s supervision, the child reportedly began showing signs of illness and

was vomiting uncontrollably. The mother was contacted and later arrived at her sister’s residence.

Police said the mother initially believed the child was asleep but soon realised he was not breathing and immediately transported him to the hospital. Investigations into the circumstances surrounding the child’s death are ongoing.

Open Le'er To The Prime Minister

Con%nued Development of The Bahamas in par%cular the Family of Islands will demand bold leadership with Cri%cal Thinking and Execu%on Outside of the Box. It is a bold approach the Davis Administra%on is taking to challenge the status quo. However, the Arbitra%on Tribunal has clearly pushed the process back down the line by spliGng the baby, which has allowed both par%es to claim victory, when in fact the only victory that can really be declared is one of Nego%a%on. That is clear based on the ruling of the Arbitra%on Tribunal; go back to the table and nego%ate an amicable resolu%on.

Open leJers from Mr. Hayword and The Prime Minister seem to suggest to us that they clearly understood the messaging of the Arbitra%on Tribunal. This brings us to our contribu%on to Na%on Building. Mr. Hayword now understands without ques%on that the Sovereignty of the Bahamas rests solely with the Government of The Bahamas and that is without argument. The Prime Minister on the other hand fully understands that part of the process of Na%on Building is a coopera%ve process between the Private and Public sectors. Unless we The People get it right there will be a more diﬃcult journey.

The execu%on of The Hawks Bill Creek Agreement by the Government was a test model at that %me for what could be the model for the rest of the Islands of The Bahamas. Since its execu%on, Governments have moved away from the model and made aJempts to create other policies that would generate and create Family Island economic growth and development. Thus far, none of the models that Government used has provided the expected economic growth and development

We believe it is %me once again for Government to look at the history of its decisions and ask itself the ques%on where have we missed opportuni%es and why. Our view is EMPOWERMENT!

We believe that the lack of a local government system that empowers the people to act in their own interest with guard rails is the elephant in the room and we need to admit openly and then make every eﬀort to address it with unbiased determina%on for the good of The People!

Against this background we oﬀer the following, Reform and improvement are necessary. If these improvements are not made, the Government will undoubtedly be compelled to assume greater responsibili%es in the governance and development of Grand Bahama.

Local Government Proposal

All residents of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas except for those living in New Providence should live under two systems of governance: Central Government and Local Government. Such a system would allow for na%onal oversight while empowering communi%es to manage their own local aﬀairs.

We exempt New Providence from the introduc%on of a Local Government system as we believe it would present several challenges. These include the poten%al for unclear divisions of authority between Members of Parliament and Local Government officials, insufficient coordina%on between different levels of government, limited administra%ve capacity at the local level, and public distrust between ci%zens and government ins%tu%ons. Addi%onal opera%onal concerns would include maintaining financial stability, managing uncertainty in Central Government support, and addressing workforce and talent transi%ons.

The Freeport Charter

The city of Freeport, Grand Bahama should operate under a charter granted by the Central Government. The charter would set forth the rules and regula%ons for the opera%on of the Local Government.

The charter can be changed or revoked by the Central Government, but this should occur only when there is heavy ﬁnancial dependence on Central authori%es, limited technical capacity, selfinterest, ineﬃcient service delivery, or corrupt poli%cal prac%ces.

How should a Freeport Local Government be organized so that government serves the people well while aJrac%ng the opportunity for above average economic growth?

The Local Government system should be classiﬁed as a strong commissioner type. The Commissioner would be the Chief Execu%ve, selected by the people for a four-year term. A robust strong Commissioner system would be able to appoint many oﬃcials and other administrators responsible to The Commissioner. The Commissioner would have the power to sign or veto measures passed by a seven-member council. The council may override the Commissioner’s veto by a two-thirds vote.

A strong commissioner type of Local Government is advantageous because it ﬁrst Empowers the local community and allows responsibility to be concentrated in a single administra%ve head. This system of Empowerment opportuni%es, ideas and advancement of the community’s economic growth would be in their hands, where success or failure will be judged with correc%ve measures can be taken where necessary.

In this type of local government, the council would be responsive to recommenda%ons, either accep%ng, altering or denying them from the Commissioner. The process would be revolving by allowing the Council members the ability to also seek advice from the Commissioner and the administra%ve team. Par%cular aJen%on will be paid to the Commissioner’s recommenda%ons in seGng the Local Government budget, vo%ng on appropria%on measures, and passing city ordinances.

This coopera%on between the Commissioner and the council usually leads to good government and the delivery of quality public services.

What it does must conform to the Cons%tu%on and laws of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas, as well as to the Freeport Charter.

This coopera%on between the Commissioner and the council usually leads to good government and the delivery of quality public services.

What it does must conform to the Cons%tu%on and laws of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas, as well as to the Freeport Charter.

Voters Elect

Commissioner Council

Appoints Department Heads Voters elect the Commissioner and and members of various board Members of the Council

It is important to note that no government can be beJer or more eﬃcient than the people who perform the work. A merit-based system for hiring must be established to ensure competence, accountability, and eﬀec%ve management of results.

Structure of Local Government

The Local Government structure shall be organized as follows:

1. The LegislaMve Branch

City Council

The City Council shall be the legisla%ve body of the city. It shall exercise the powers and perform the du%es provided by law or by the Charter.

Auditor General

The Auditor General shall be appointed by a majority vote of the City Council members serving. The term of the Auditor General shall be between seven (7) and ten (10) years. Ombudsman

The Ombudsman shall serve a term of ten (10) years. The Ombudsman may be removed for cause by a two-thirds majority vote of the City Council members serving.

Freeport Planning Commission

A nine (9) member City Planning Commission shall be appointed by and serve the City Council. As far as possible, diﬀerent professions and occupa%ons shall be represented on the Commission. Members must be residents of Grand Bahama. The term of oﬃce shall be three (3) years, with the terms of three members expiring each year. City Council members shall be eligible for appointments to the Commission.

The Commission shall advise the City Council on development maJers as outlined in the Charter and perform other func%ons as directed by the Council. The Commission shall serve in an advisory capacity, and its recommenda%ons shall not be binding un%l adopted by the City Council.

2. The ExecuMve Branch

The Commissioner is the Chief Execu%ve of Freeport, Grand Bahama and, as provided by the Freeport Charter, has control of and is accountable for the Execu%ve Branch of city government. Except as otherwise provided by law or by this Charter, execu%ve and administra%ve authority for the implementa%on of programs, services, and ac%vi%es of city government shall be vested exclusively in the Execu%ve Branch.

The Commissioner may appoint a secretary and other necessary assistants. Except as otherwise provided by law or by the Charter, the Commissioner shall appoint for each department of the Execu%ve Branch a Director who shall serve at the pleasure of the Commissioner as the head of the department.

3. ExecuMve Planning Council

The Execu%ve Planning Council shall be composed of:

a. The Planning Director.

b. The Director of each department of the Execu%ve Branch (or a person from the department designated by the Director) with responsibility in the following areas:

i. Housing

ii. Commercial or Industrial Development

iii. Transporta%on

ii. Commercial or Industrial Development

iv. Recrea%on and Parks

iii. Transporta%on

v. Environmental Protec%on

iv. Recrea%on and Parks

vi. Human Resources Development and Public Health

v. Environmental Protec%on

vii. Capital Agenda and Capital Budget

vi. Human Resources Development and Public Health

vii. Capital Agenda and Capital Budget

viii. Enforcement of Codes

ix. Water and Sewerage

Other persons whom the Commissioner may appoint, including, where possible, individuals responsible for development ac%vi%es within other government and private organiza%ons opera%ng in Freeport.

4. Legal Department

Other persons whom the Commissioner may appoint, including, where possible, individuals responsible for development ac%vi%es within other government and private organiza%ons opera%ng in Freeport.

4. Legal Department

The Legal Department shall be headed by the Local Government Counsel. The Commissioner shall appoint the Local Government Counsel, subject to approval by the City Council.

However, if the City Council does not disapprove of the appointment within thirty (30) days, the appointment shall be deemed conﬁrmed. The Commissioner may remove the Local Government Counsel without cause. The Counsel must be an aJorney licensed to prac%ce in the Commonwealth of the Bahamas.

The Local Government Counsel shall defend all ac%ons or proceedings brought against the city. The Counsel shall also prosecute all ac%ons or proceedings in which the city has a legal interest when directed to do so by the Commissioner.

5. Revenue Sharing

A revenue-sharing percentage shall be determined by the Government of the Bahamas based on the amount generated from the various services provided by the Local Government.

The city of Freeport is a sleeping economic giant and represents the best-case opportunity for the proposed model if done correctly. There is a pressing need to introduce a bold ini%a%ve to transform the economic, social, and poli%cal landscape of Freeport and, by extension, the en%re island of Grand Bahama.

The Bahamas’ 29th Annual Spelling

CAERWYN TURNQUEST of Kings College School in Nassau wins the 29th Annual Bahamas National Spelling Bee held yesterday evening. Photos: Shawn Hanna

FELIX WELLS of NGM Major High School in Long Island captured second place at the 29th Annual Bahamas National Spelling Bee held yesterday evening.

RBDF marines return from Haiti mission

ROYAL Bahamas Defence Force (RBDF) marines assigned to the Regional Intelligence and Deployment Exercise (RIDE) returned home after completing a months-long deployment in Haiti supporting multinational security operations aimed at stabilising the country.

The marines worked alongside international partners and the Haitian National Police in roles including administration, discipline, maritime advisory support and operational coordination as part of broader efforts to combat gang violence and strengthen security in Port-au-Prince and surrounding areas.

Minister of National Security Wayne Munroe, Minister of Education and Technical and Vocational Training Glenys Hanna-Martin, RBDF Commodore Floyd Moxey, US Deputy Chief of Mission Kimberly Furnish and Director General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Jerusa Ali, along with members of the diplomatic corps and family members of the deployed personnel were present to welcome the returning marines.

Officials praised the contingent for representing The Bahamas with professionalism while contributing to regional security efforts. The mission remains ongoing, with additional RBDF personnel currently in training for a possible future deployment.

Photos: Nikia Charlton

Governor General Dame Cynthia ‘Mother’ Pratt, Commissioner of Police Shanta Knowles, and a large contingent of female police officers attended the Church of God of Prophecy East Street Tabernacle’s International Women’s Day Service, on March 8, 2026. Supreme Court Justice Joyan Ferguson-Pratt was also honoured by the church as a member.

Photos: Eric Rose/BIS