03232026 NEWS

PINTARD SHARES FNM ELECTION PROMISES

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net

for first-time homebuyers, grant real property tax relief for seniors, invest $100m in Bahamian entrepreneurs, support affordable housing development, and strengthen crime prevention with tougher bail policies and increased resources for law enforcement. Progressive Liberal Party

American shot dead by senior police officer

By JADE RUSSELL Tribune Staff Reporter jrussell@tribunemedia.net

A SENIOR off-duty police officer, believed to be a superintendent, is being questioned about the death of an American worker who was shot and killed on Saturday outside Da Plantation Bar & Grill, igniting alarm and questions about the use of force. Across social media, witnesses said the killing of the man, employed by US-based contractor, Pike Corporation, appeared unjustified.

Family mourns ‘wonderful father’ killed in Exuma boating crash

DENARDO SMITH

By JADE RUSSELL Tribune Staff Reporter jrussell@tribunemedia.net

A 45-year-old Bahamian boat captain died after being thrown from a vessel that ran aground near Rolle Cay late Thursday, a tragedy that has left his family mourning a man they described as a steady source of support. Police said Denardo Smith was aboard a 20-foot vessel carrying two United States citizens and one Bahamian shortly before 11.50pm on March 19 when it ran aground along a rocky shoreline near Rolle Cay. During the incident,

PRISON OFFICER ARRESTED IN FATAL HIT-AND-RUN OF YOUNG DAD

By JADE RUSSELL Tribune Staff Reporter jrussell@tribunemedia.net

A PRISON officer was arrested in a hit-and-run investigation that left a 29-year-old father of two dead after he was struck so hard he was thrown into the air, according to relatives. Kareem Williams died on

Thursday, days after he was hit on East Bay Street last Sunday.

Friends said Williams was meeting team mates at a bar after finishing a flag football game. As he got out of his vehicle to open the passenger door for a friend, a car that was reportedly

FNM pledges sweeping immigration reforms and border crackdown

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net

THE Free National Movement has pledged sweeping immigration reforms, including tighter border controls, new oversight mechanisms and expanded surveillance, as it sharpens its campaign message ahead of the next general election.

At the party’s campaign launch at Baha Mar on Saturday night, FNM leader Michael Pintard said an FNM government would take a hard line on illegal migration while maintaining a humane approach.

“No one who comes into The Bahamas illegally can ever have a pathway of becoming a Bahamian citizen,” he said. “We will be firm, but we will be humane.”

He said the party would overhaul what he described as a broken system and remove those who have corrupted it, while also calling for an audit of immigration records and national identification documents.

The proposals were reinforced by other FNM

candidates, including Elizabeth Estates candidate Heather Hunt, who said the party would introduce a Commission of Inquiry, a strengthened whistleblowing hotline and an independent oversight board for immigration decisions.

“This structure will review every citizenship and residency decision and expose the people corrupting the system,” she said.

“The hotline will offer protections and rewards for tip‐offs. It’s time we protected our citizenship.”

“I want to be clear: Every human being has dignity, and we welcome those who follow the law and come to our country the right way. But things have gotten out of control. And this government is choosing to look the other way.”

Former immigration minister Elsworth Johnson, the party’s Yamacraw candidate, outlined additional enforcement measures under what the party calls “Operation Shield”.

“As part of Operation Shield, we will heighten surveillance on our waters, establish the Immigration Reservist Body, and expand biometric tracking for deportations.” Mr Johnson said. “We will enhance coastal monitoring in partnership with CARICOM and US agencies to deter smuggling, while trained reservists on every Family Island will supplement immigration teams.”

Mr Pintard also renewed his criticism of the Davis administration over alleged immigration failures and claims of voter fraud linked to fraudulent documents, arguing that the government has not taken the issue seriously.

“We said recently that the Prime Minister was dead wrong to indicate that he saw an isolated case where someone has a fraudulent passport and has been able to obtain a voter card,” he said.

Last week, Mr Pintard said more than 250 fraudulent document cases were under investigation and tabled what he described as

a partial list, including matters involving e-passports. Documents later circulated by the FNM included a spreadsheet listing more than 70 people allegedly issued passports between 2018 and 2024, although the origin of the document was not indicated.

The Davis administration has pushed back on those claims. Prime Minister Philip Davis said he did not describe the issue as an isolated incident and maintained that while the matter is concerning, it does not pose a systemic threat.

Chief Passport Officer Nicholas Symonette said 98 suspected passport fraud cases have been referred to police following internal reviews, adding that the list cited by Mr Pintard reflected an earlier subset of referrals and that he did not know where the figure of more than 250 cases came from. He said the names were compiled through audits and submitted with supporting documentation, and that the process is ongoing.

National Security Minister Wayne Munroe said investigations have identified people who obtained Bahamian passports unlawfully through fraudulent marriages, falsified birth certificates and other irregularities. He said 27 people have been arrested and charged, resulting in 21 cases, with two convictions secured through guilty pleas and other matters pending trial.

Parliamentary Commissioner Harrison Thompson also defended the integrity of the voters’ register, saying safeguards are in place and that ineligible names are removed in accordance with the law. Mr Pintard, however, accused the government of failing to act decisively and questioned whether some people were benefiting from weaknesses in the system.

“This administration clearly does not have a commitment to addressing these cases and the Bahamian people should ask why,” Mr Pintard said.

FNM shares vision for country during its campaign launch

insiders, meanwhile, pushed questions about how the opposition would fund the proposals, arguing that the scale of spending and tax concessions outlined by FNM speakers raises serious concerns about feasibility.

Leader Michael Pintard framed the election as a turning point, telling supporters on Saturday evening that the party would govern for all Bahamians and address what he described as deepening inequality and economic strain.

He said the country was at a crossroads and pledged to expand access to opportunity, arguing that too many Bahamians are struggling to get ahead.

On the economy, Carmichael candidate Arinthia Komolafe said the government’s reported surplus masked unpaid obligations and a worsening housing crisis.

“Housing? We have a generation of young Bahamians — talented, hardworking, educated — who cannot afford to buy a home in the country they were born in,” she said. “Rent is consuming half of household income for far too many families.”

She said an FNM administration would raise the real property tax exemption threshold for qualifying seniors and offer a ten-year exemption for developers building apartments for low- and middle-income renters.

East Grand Bahama MP Kwasi Thompson said the affordability crisis had worsened under the current administration and accused the government of failing to deliver key projects for Grand Bahama, including a new airport, the sale of the Grand Lucayan and a new hospital. He said the FNM would introduce VAT rebates for first-time homebuyers and expand MyGateway.

Centreville candidate Darvin Russell said grocery prices were straining households and proposed allowing Bahamians to use the duty exemption for online purchases to reduce costs.

Healthcare featured prominently, with multiple candidates pointing to challenges in staffing, infrastructure and access.

North Andros candidate Janice Oliver said conditions at Family Island clinics were inadequate, leaving many residents without reliable care.

She said the party would invest in housing, professional development, certification, pay increases and mentoring for nurses, along with technology allowances and housing support to improve retention.

Fox Hill candidate Dr Nicholas Fox said some National Health Insurance providers had not been paid after delivering care and pledged to expand NHI to cover catastrophic care and cancer treatment while moving toward universal coverage.

Long Island candidate Dr Andre Rollins said the party would address doctor and nurse retention and modernise dental regulations, including implementing a Dental Professions Bill and expanding access to dental care.

Former Health Minister Dr Duane Sands said Princess Margaret Hospital was facing serious challenges tied to infrastructure and staffing.

“Princess Margaret Hospital is in crisis,” he said.

“Not because the staff are failing; they are not. But because they are working extraordinary hours under impossible conditions, and they deserve our deepest respect and gratitude.”

He said the FNM would implement a comprehensive health workforce plan and redevelop PMH while upgrading Rand Memorial

FNM pledges

Healthcare

• Redevelop Princess Margaret Hospital and upgrade Rand Memorial Hospital.

• Expand National Health Insurance (NHI) to cover catastrophic care and cancer treatment.

• Increase nurses’ pay and provide housing, professional development, and technology allowances.

• Implement a comprehensive health workforce plan.

• Modernise dental regulations (Dental Professions Bill) and expand access to dental care.

Housing & Cost of Living

• Introduce VAT rebates for first-time homebuyers.

• Raise the real property tax exemption threshold for qualifying seniors.

• Offer a 10-year tax exemption for developers building affordable apartments for low- and middle-income renters.

• Allow Bahamians to use duty exemptions for online grocery purchases to help lower food costs.

Economy & Business

• Invest $100 million over five years to support Bahamian entrepreneurs, specifically focusing on the cultural/orange economy.

• Reform VAT and business licence processes to reduce red tape and improve payment timelines.

• Expand the MyGateway platform.

• Pursue new industries, including green energy and climate technology.

Education & Youth

• Make pre-primary education universal and improve the overall curriculum.

• Provide housing support for Family Island teachers.

• Introduce a phased school bus system offering free public bus rides for uniformed students.

Crime & National Security

• Appeal bail decisions for high-risk offenders and increase resources for law enforcement.

• Separate first-time youth offenders from hardened criminals.

• Prioritise the protection of women and children, ensuring sexual assault survivors receive counseling and support.

Governance & Culture

• Fully implement the Freedom of Information Act within the first 90 days in office.

• Introduce anti-corruption legislation and stronger whistleblower protections.

• Refurbish the National Performing Arts Centre and establish a year-round calendar of cultural events.

Hospital. On education, North Abaco candidate Terrece Bethel said the party would make pre-primary education universal, improve the curriculum and provide housing support for Family Island teachers. She also proposed a phased school bus system allowing uniformed students to ride public buses for free on school days.

Fort Charlotte candidate Travis Robinson said an FNM government would invest $100 million over five

years to support Bahamian entrepreneurs, particularly in the cultural sector.

“The incoming FNM Government will provide $100 million over five years to support Bahamian entrepreneurs to ensure they can benefit more fully from our tourist industry,” he said.

“By way of tax incentives and subsidies under one umbrella, this will focus on business built on culture like live Bahamian music, one of our proud cultural exports, including rake’n’scrape, calypso, and Junkanoo,

alongside cultural revues, theatrical productions, and Bahamian dance for all ages, as well as other Bahamian-owned businesses linked to the orange economy.”

He said the party would refurbish the National Performing Arts Centre and establish a year-round calendar of cultural events.

Killarney candidate Michaela Barnett-Ellis said the FNM would strengthen transparency laws, including introducing anti-corruption legislation and fully implementing the Freedom of Information Act. St Anne’s MP Adrian White said the Act would be implemented within the first 90 days of an FNM administration, alongside stronger whistleblower protections.

Southern Shores candidate Denalee Penn-Mackey said the party would reform VAT and business licence processes to reduce red tape and improve payment timelines, while Free Town candidate Lincoln Deal said the current system favours those with connections and discourages entrepreneurs.

“The red tape in this country is not an accident,” he said. “It is a filter. It keeps the people without connections, without the right last name, without access to the right minister — it keeps them out. And it keeps the opportunities concentrated in the hands of the few.”

Garden Hills candidate Rick Fox said the party

would pursue new industries, including green energy and climate technology, to attract investment.

Deputy leader Shanendon Cartwright said the FNM would take a tougher approach to crime, including increasing resources for law enforcement, appealing bail decisions for high-risk offenders and strengthening protections for victims.

“We will put a greater focus on preventing crime before it starts,” he said. “The FNM will separate first-time youth offenders from hardened criminals. And we will treat the protection of women and children as a top priority. We will ensure that survivors of sexual assault are counselled, supported, and protected.”

US Embassy expresses ‘deep concern’ after American man killed by off-duty senior officer

Police said shortly before 6pm, the offduty officer was at the establishment when an altercation began inside and later moved outside.

The victim was among a group of Pike workers from the United States in The Bahamas to assist with electricity-related infrastructure work.

Police said one of the men involved entered a vehicle and allegedly drove it in a manner the officer found threatening.

Police said the officer, fearing for his life, drew his service weapon and fired a single shot at the driver, who died from his injuries.

A video circulating on social media showed the victim’s body lying on the ground, party’s hanging from a Pike truck with the driver’s door open as customers and workers at the restaurant look on.

The man recording the video said the Pike worker was not doing anything at the establishment, while another person asked what the victim did to be killed. “He wasn’t even the one,” a person responded, adding that it was the victim’s associates who were involved in the altercation.

Police Press Liaison

Chief Superintendent Sheria King told The Tribune the file in the matter will be forwarded to the

Coroner. It was unclear up to press time why the Coroner was not called to the scene.

A previous police-involved shooting, also involving an off-duty officer, occurred in February when 28-year-old Makaveli Tinker was shot and killed in Kemp Road. Residents said the victim knew the officer, although police initially reported that he was “unknown” to the officer.

A US Embassy Spokesperson said: “We are aware and deeply concerned by reports of the death of an American citizen this weekend. We trust the Royal Bahamas Police Force will conduct a full and fair investigation.”

Flag football teammates mourn young father killed in East Bay Street hit-and-run

speeding and switching lanes struck him.

Police said officers responded to a traffic collision on East Bay Street on March 15 involving a vehicle and two pedestrians.

Investigators said a man had exited a black Nissan Note parked along the southern lane of the road and was walking to help a female passenger when both were struck by a white vehicle travelling east. The driver did not remain at the scene.

Emergency Medical Services took Williams and a 23-year-old woman to hospital. Williams, who suffered severe head injuries, fought for his life before dying on Thursday.

Officers from the Mobile Division later arrested a 25-year-old man and recovered the suspected vehicle on an unnamed road in the Kennedy Subdivision. The Tribune confirmed the suspect is a prison officer.

Preston Moss, a member of Team Red Dot, said he

received a voice message in the team’s group chat saying Williams had been hit as teammates tried to follow the vehicle.

Mr Moss said they were unable to stop the driver, but a bystander who saw the incident followed the vehicle. He said the driver sped off, at times appearing to check whether anyone was behind him.

Mr Moss said teammates quickly called an ambulance and later gathered at Princess Margaret Hospital with Williams’s relatives and coach.

“Pretty much praying and hoping that he could pull through,” Mr Moss said. “A number of our teammates was just waiting in the parking lot, sitting with our coach after they visited him.”

On Friday evening, the Bahamas Flag Football League held a moment of silence for Williams at the DW Davis field. Many people were visibly emotional before kneeling in tribute.

Vernon Chandler II said he had known Williams for 15 years, first through the Football Association and later in the flag football league. He described him as optimistic and full of joy.

“He was always pushing you to your limits and wanted you to be the best person that you could be,” Mr Chandler said.

“Having some downfalls and he still rose to the occasion to show what type of man he is, along with principle, respect and honour.”

Williams was an entrepreneur who did contractual electrical work. He leaves behind two children.

His teammates are seeking donations to help his family with funeral expenses.

Bahamian captain dies after vessel runs aground along rocky shoreline

BOAT

the Bahamian captain was reportedly ejected from the vessel and found unresponsive in the water.

Officers responded to the scene and took the injured man to the George Town Dock. He was examined by a local physician and then transferred to the Exuma Healthcare Facility for further treatment. He was pronounced dead at 2.23pm.

The two US citizens aboard the vessel were also examined by a local doctor and were

found to have minor, non-life-threatening injuries.

Relatives said Mr Smith had lived in Exuma for years after moving there to live with his grandaunt.

“He migrated to Exuma in his early 20s to live with my mom who is his grandaunt and he made a life here,” his cousin, Pam Dames, said. “He never moved back to Nassau so he was like a younger brother to us.”

Ms Dames said Mr Smith worked with expatriates who lived on a cay and was responsible for transporting them to and

TWO AIRLIFTED AFTER VIOLENT BRAWL ENDS IN SHOOTING AND STABBING

A VIOLENT disturbance at a business in Calabash Bay early Saturday spiralled into a shooting and stabbing that left two men hospitalised.

Shortly before 3am, officers were closing the establishment on Queen’s Highway when a large group of patrons began leaving and a fight broke out. The confrontation escalated into multiple altercations, and amid the chaos, an unidentified man was seen running toward a nearby hillside as a single gunshot rang out.

from the mainland.

She said his death has hit the family hard.

“We are greatly saddened by the loss of our cousin and uncle and nephew whose unwavering support was a staple on this island,” she said. “He was there for any family member at any time.”

Ms Dames said Mr Smith was married and had four sons, all of whom are grieving deeply.

“He was a huge supporter,” she said. “He took care of his kids and he was a true father figure for them. He watched

over them, saw to their needs, accompanied them. He was a wonderful father.”

She said the loss would be especially hard on his children and wife.

“There’s no way to measure that or pinpoint how much that will affect them but to suffice it to say that void cannot be replaced and it will take years for all of them to recover,” she said.

Police said Smith’s body will be transported to New Providence for formal identification and a post-mortem examination.

GUNMAN FORCES WOMAN ON TERRIFYING DRIVE BEFORE SEX ASSAULT

Police arrested two men, aged 27 and 23, in connection with causing harm and fighting.

Shortly after 4am, another man went to the Cargill Creek Police Station and reported that he had been shot by someone known to him at the same establishment. He later drove himself to a clinic, where officers observed a gunshot wound to his right leg. He was also airlifted to New Providence. The condition of both men was not known up to press time.

Moments later, a man reported that he had been stabbed. He suffered a wound to the upper right side of his back and was taken to a local clinic before being airlifted to New Providence for further treatment.

ONE KILLED ANOTHER INJURED IN LATE NIGHT PINEWOOD SHOOTING

A MAN was shot and killed while sitting in a vehicle on Sugar Apple Street late Saturday night, while another man was left seriously injured in a separate but related shooting nearby.

Police said the incident unfolded around 11pm in Pinewood Gardens. A woman told officers she and her husband were in a silver Nissan Tiida searching for a co-worker when a Nissan Cube pulled alongside them and an occupant opened fire. Her husband was shot in

the chest and taken to hospital, where he later died.

A second man, who was outside speaking with the victim, told police he knew the deceased.

He said another vehicle approached, the driver briefly spoke with the victim, then fired multiple shots before fleeing.

The second victim was shot in the right leg and taken to hospital by private vehicle. He remains in serious condition.

Police are searching for the suspects.

A GUNMAN forced a woman to drive across New Providence, robbing and extorting her before sexually assaulting her in a secluded area late Saturday night.

Shortly after 10.30pm, two women were

approached outside an establishment on East Street by a man armed with a firearm. He forced them into their vehicle, but one woman managed to escape.

The suspect then ordered the remaining

victim to drive to several locations, where he stole items from the vehicle and demanded electronic voucher transfers. He later took her to a secluded area on Wulff Road near Collins Avenue, where he allegedly sexually

recovered.

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-

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Promises demand accountability

THE FNM has launched its election campaign, with a Saturday night event at a crowded Baha Mar and a raft of promises for what the party would do if elected.

As ever, photographs from the event have been picked over, with crowd sizes always a part of the assessment in the Bahamian political landscape of any party’s chances, and the FNM fared well in that regard.

As for the promises – well, as jaded as we sometimes are in our political landscape, promises are important. These are the things to which we can hold an elected party to account over. In this very column, we have spoken many times over the need for improving transparency and accountability – and the failure of the current administration to live up to its promises.

Indeed, you will recall that Prime Minister Philip Davis chose that topic in his very first speech, pledging he would “commit to lifting the veil of secrecy… so that all of the arrangements under which we have to live are transparent, and those who authored them are accountable”.

That may have been the promise, but we still have no freedom of information implementation, while other anti-corruption or transparency measures have similarly gone unfulfilled.

Killarney candidate Michela Barnett-Ellis says the FNM will live up to promises on transparency, including anti-corruption legislation and fully implementing the Freedom of Information Act. St Anne’s MP Adrian White said that act would be implemented within the first 90 days of an FNM administration – as well as stronger whistleblower protections.

Of course, the question can be asked what if they don’t? That is a perfectly valid question – and one equally that can be asked of the current administration after they didn’t.

That is where that word accountability comes into account for voters – this is an opportunity to hold all candidates to account. For the incoming hopefuls, demand of them what will be done to ensure promises are lived up to. For incumbents, whether in the administration or in Opposition, ask what they did to the promises they made last time around, be it in legislation or simply in constituency activity. Elsewhere, the FNM is betting big on immigration as a topic for the election. Globally, of course, this has been

seen as a populist move in a number of countries – locally, it might just see the FNM outflank the Coalition of Independents on perhaps the only signature policy it has that has attracted public attention. We hope that the policies are based on a desire to iron out problem areas rather than any thought of pandering to the crowd.

The FNM also made a show of having policies promoted by voices from around the party rather than just from party leader Michael Pintard.

There was North Abaco candidate Terrece Bethel talking about making pre-primary education useful and housing support for Family Island teachers, there was Fort Charlotte hopeful Travis Robinson talking about $100m investment for Bahamian entrepreneurs and refurbishing the National Performing Arts Centre. Then there was Southern Shores’ Denalee Penn-Mackey talking about VAT reform, or Free Town’s Lincoln Deal talking about cutting through red tape.

A lot of the launch was about the show of it all – that is to be expected, but there was substance as well to hold the party to as the campaign proceeds.

One particular area of note was a pledge from deputy leader Shanendon Cartwright on the protection of women and children as a top priority – which should put the issue of domestic violence back on the agenda after the government spurned legislation that focused on gender violence in favour of more generic protection against violence.

Whichever side you are on in any of these debates, it does arm voters with the opportunity to ask questions as candidates come knocking on their doors.

It was a showing that was stronger in substance rather than just full of catchy slogans – though you can bet there will be plenty of those in the weeks ahead.

The word going around is that the election date will be somewhere around the second week of May. How accurate that will be, we shall soon see. In the meantime, the clock is ticking for those who still have to register to vote. Make the most of that opportunity, and then start asking those questions. Your chance to choose is coming soon.

Irony of private gaming wealth funding projects

EDITOR, The Tribune. THERE is an irony unfolding that deserves careful reflection.

The Technology, Arts and Culture Centre developed in Fort Charlotte by Sebas Bastian, a candidate in the next general election, is being presented as a bold and forward-thinking vision for the community. Many are understandably praising the initiative. A modern space dedicated to technology, arts and culture is something any community would welcome.

But it is important to understand the broader context in which such an initiative is possible.

Years ago, the Government of The Bahamas made a policy choice not to implement a national lottery. Instead, gaming licenses were granted to a small number of operators, creating an enormous concentration of economic power in very few hands. Those licenses generate

revenues that place their holders in a position to fund large and impressive projects. Seen in that light, what appears today as an extraordinary and cutting edge community initiative is also the byproduct of a national policy decision. Had a national lottery been implemented instead, the revenues from gaming could have been directed toward public investment across the country. It is not difficult to imagine a technology, arts and culture centre existing in every constituency, giving young people throughout the Bahamas access to spaces designed to foster creativity, learning and innovation. There is another dimension worth considering. Many community initiatives carried out today by ordinary citizens, civic groups and political candidates require months or years of sacrifice and fundraising. By contrast, the scale of gaming revenues

Stop patching outdated finance laws

EDITOR, The Tribune.

THE Bahamas frequently refers to its financial reform efforts as “modernisation,” but too often what we witness is simply old machinery painted with a fresh coat.

This is why the current proposed Banking and Financial Services Sector-focused Bills should not be seen merely as another set of measures to pass, praise, and move on from. Instead, they should be revisited as part of a more substantial initiative: the complete overhaul of an outdated financial and legal framework that has been patched for years yet still struggles to meet the demands of a digital, cross-border, innovation-driven economy.

For more than a decade, we have attempted to reform around the edges. We amend, update, rename, and introduce new bills, only to be taken by surprise when the system continues to feel slow, fragmented, overly bureaucratic, and illequipped for the future.

The issue is not a lack of desire to reform; rather, it lies in the quality, coherence, and ambition of the reform efforts.

Take the Decentralised Autonomous Organisations (DAO) Bill, for example. It is meant to signal innovation. However, in its current form, it risks conveying hesitation, excessive control, and institutional mistrust of the very sector it purports to support. Instead of creating a globally competitive framework for DAO formation and digital governance, it imposes narrow entry points, broad regulatory discretion, local bottlenecks, and commercial restrictions that could easily drive serious operators elsewhere.

In simpler terms, it seeks to market The Bahamas as innovative while regulating innovation as though it were something to be feared.

This approach is contradictory rather than strategic.

The same broader concern applies to the Usufruct Interest Bill and related measures. While they may contain valuable ideas, they also unveil a larger weakness in our legislative methodology. We continue to introduce modern concepts into an antiquated system without fully modernising the system itself. It’s akin to trying to install advanced software on failing hardware and calling the upgrade a success.

Having individual bills that sound sophisticated is insufficient. The real question is whether the underlying framework is coherent enough to support them.

LETTERS

Do our banking laws, financial-services laws, property laws, secured transactions rules, dispute resolution systems, regulatory appeal processes, digital asset rules, and cross-border enforcement structures actually work together in a way that inspires confidence?

Or are we merely layering new statutes onto old foundations and hoping the structure holds?

This is the core issue. The Bahamas does not need another round of amendments; it needs a complete reset.

A thorough review is required of the legal architecture governing banking, financial services, digital assets, new ownership structures, tokenised capital, fiduciary arrangements, insolvency, consumer safeguards, and regulatory accountability. We need less patchwork and more design, less improvisation and more systems thinking, and less legislative symbolism and more operational seriousness.

For far too long, reform has been reactive. We react when international standards shift, when compliance pressure increases, when another jurisdiction gets ahead, or when reputation risk forces our hand. Consequently, we produce defensive legislation instead of visionary legislation. That is not how serious jurisdictions lead.

A country cannot build a modern financial centre by constantly retrofitting a legacy framework that was not designed for today’s economy. At some point, we must stop pretending that incremental legal patching equates to structural modernization. It does not.

If The Bahamas is serious about competing in banking, financial services, digital assets, tokenisation, and next-generation commercial structures, then Bahamian Leadership should not rush to celebrate a package of bills simply because they appear contemporary by title. The critical question is whether they are globally viable, commercially credible, legally cohesive, and operationally integrated.

Currently, there is ample reason to doubt this.

The DAO Bill should have allowed The Bahamas to demonstrate its understanding of where the world is headed. Instead, it risks signalling a desire to control

the future with a mindset rooted in the past.

This is a concerning message.

The rest of the legislative package raises similar concerns. Ambition is being undermined by inadequate architecture. Reform language is outpacing institutional design, and the country risks confusing legislative activity with legislative success. We should not settle for that.

We must insist on a deeper review of our Banking and Financial Services Sector Bills and the broader package surrounding them. Not because reform is inherently wrong, but because weak reform can be just as detrimental as no reform at all. It wastes time, confuses the market, complicates implementation, and leaves the country congratulating itself while more serious competitors move ahead.

The Bahamas has too much potential to settle for superficial modernisation. What we need now is not another round of legal layering, but a fundamental reimagining of our legal and regulatory framework.

I can identify at least a dozen weaknesses in both the DAO Bill and the Usufruct Bill, as well as in other debated and existing patchwork acts that are promoted as strengthening our financial services framework. We urgently need leadership that is forward-thinking and open to change, rather than rooted in the past. Our goal must be to develop a competitive and globally appealing business environment, beginning in our primary sectors such as banking, financial services, travel, hospitality, and tourism. We must aim to create a thriving, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable economy that prioritizes opportunities and ownership for Bahamians, while also being inviting for others to appreciate and participate in.

I believe that if we apply thoughtful critique and criticism, it will become clear that the leadership we have experienced in the past, including the present, has not brought us the success we need. We can measure our progress and see how far we are compared to where we could and should have been.

I make this critique and criticism as a Futurist, Multi-Disciplinary Technologist, FinTech, PropTech, & TravelTech Bahamian Professional. Future-Focused.

C ALLEN JOHNSON Freeport, Grand Bahama March 18, 2026.

The plight of surrey horses

means that similar initiatives can be funded in a matter of days. That reality should not diminish the genuine efforts of those whose resources do not match those of gaming tycoons.

In fact, there is a timeless principle that speaks to this very issue. Those who give from their limited means, from their own five gallon bucket of water, often demonstrate a sacrifice that may be more meaningful than those who give from an endless well.

None of this is to criticise investment in communities. Such initiatives should always be welcomed. But it is worth remembering that what we are now seeing in Fort Charlotte could easily have been the reality in every constituency had a different national decision been made. That is the irony.

THOMAS JONES

Nassau, March 13, 2026.

EDITOR, The Tribune.

THE ongoing Plight of the Surrey Horses. Kindly allow me to express my heartbreak, disgust and shame that continues on our streets every day in the name of a so-called Tourist Attraction! The Surrey Horses! I had the misfortune of witnessing a surrey horse being whipped repeatedly at 1pm coming out of town, heading west, because it was supposedly their rest period. The horse was a Palameno, with a very heavy coat, sweating profusely and the driver was mercilessly whipping its side. The poor creature was literally stumbling; it was so exhausting. Unfortunately I was unable to get the licence plate number, The next day I went down to where the surrey’s wait for passengers and that horse was not working that day. Probably from heat exhaustion. However, since I was

there, I observed the other horses, none of them seemed to be the picture of health. The water troughs are obviously not working, Most had green moss growing in the bottom, the drivers just topped them up with water from buckets. The surreys themselves are in terrible condition, dirty, ragged seats and the horses tack is being held together with ropes. As if this isn’t bad enough, I listened to the drivers talking amongst themselves, very loudly, after dropping off passengers and every other word out of their mouths was, f.... ing this and f....ing that. I realise that in the B. Bahamas, that word seems to be one of the favourites. But as a tourist attraction, it is disgusting, I certainly would be very offended if I took a tour in any other country and was subjected to that language!!! I have travelled extensively all over the world and have never been

subjected to that sort of language! This horror has gone on for far too long; we should be ashamed of the lack of empathy we have for these animals and the lack of pride that we should have when showing tourists around Nassau. The streets of Nassau are not the place for these poor creatures to be forced to breath in fumes from cars all day, work in the terrible heat and nine times out of ten, be mistreated by the owners, who do not appear to have the slightest interest in the care of the animals.

I implore our Prime Minister and also Mrs Davis, who serves on the board of the Bahamas Humane Society, the Minister of Tourism and anyone else that has the power to do the right thing and put an end to this horrific treatment of these animals. Enough is enough.

D KRUKOWSKI Nassau, March 11, 2026.

Bastian to step down as Island Luck CEO ahead of upcoming general election

By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune News Editor rrolle@tribunemedia.net

SEBAS Bastian will step down as chief executive of Island Luck at the end of the month, closing a 17-year chapter as he shifts fully into frontline politics.

In a statement, Mr Bastian said he will demit office on March 31, following his ratification in October 2025 as a Progressive Liberal Party candidate for the next general election.

His departure formalises a move he had already signalled as he pursued the Fort Charlotte nomination, saying he intended to leave the role regardless of politics.

There has long been speculation about how Mr Bastian’s gaming interests could affect his political future, particularly his prospects for a Cabinet post.

Under Section 25 of the

Gaming Act, Cabinet ministers, their spouses and immediate relatives are prohibited from holding gaming licences or any financial interest in a licensed operation, meaning any continued ownership or financial ties could present a barrier to him.

Mr Bastian said his decision to enter public life was driven by a desire to bring business principles into government.

“I believe that if we bring some of the key principles of successful entrepreneurship to government, and we embrace modern, innovative solutions, we can create new opportunities and really change how things work here,” he said in a statement. “A lot of young Bahamians ask for my advice, so I know we have a new generation ready to succeed, and in the Prime Minister, I see a leader who doesn’t settle for the status

quo and embraces new ideas. Sitting on the sidelines isn’t my style; I want to contribute.”

He said the demands of public service require his full attention.

The press statement said Island Luck has grown alongside the country’s transition from an informal gaming environment to a regulated industry with oversight, safeguards and taxation. The company now employs more than 1,000 people.

It was also among the operators that backed the sector’s formalisation, supporting a structured regulatory framework.

According to the release, the company launched an investment initiative through the Titan Fund in 2019 that allowed about 1,200 people to buy into the business. The fund has since returned about 100 percent on invested capital,

Man’s body found with gunshot wounds off Carmichael Road

By EARYEL BOWLEG Tribune Staff Reporter

ebowleg@tribunemedia.net

THE body of a man with apparent gunshot wounds to the upper body was found in a bushy area off Carmichael Road on Friday morning.

effectively doubling initial investments.

Mr Bastian said expanding ownership opportunities remains a priority and indicated the company is considering widening access further.

Island Luck’s board has begun the search for a new chief executive and will oversee the transition to ensure continuity.

Island Luck marks its 17th anniversary on May 4. “Seventeen years represents an important chapter in my life and in the life of the company,” Mr Bastian said. “I remain grateful to everyone who played a role along the way.”

Our company has been around gaming for over 30 years and pride ourselves on quality service and customer relationships. We are moving forward in the market and such are looking for qualified, dedicated, people friendly customer services representatives.

Jarol Investments Limited is seeking to fill the following position: Accounts Clerk (Freeport)

Around 11am, police received a report from a woman who said she was collecting fruit in a bushy area off Opulent Drive when she discovered a man who appeared lifeless.

Superintendent Leonard Ramsey said the man appeared to be in his late 20s or 30s.

Officers from the Carmichael Road Police Station were dispatched to the scene and found a man wearing a white shirt and black pants with dreadlocks.

Key Responsibilities:

· Maintain accurate accounting records by organizing and filing financial documents.

· Count cash and reconcile daily totals with reports.

Emergency medical personnel later confirmed there were no signs of life. Supt Ramsey said an autopsy will be conducted to determine the cause of death.

Jarol Investments, Ltd. T/A Chances Games

Our company has been around gaming for over 30 years and pride ourselves on quality service and customer relationships. We are moving forward in the market and such are looking for qualified, dedicated, people friendly customer services representatives.

Jarol Investments Limited is seeking to fill the following position: Island Manager (Exuma)

Duties include, but not limited to:

· Overseeing adherence to company policies and procedures by employees.

Auditing cashiers work to ensure efficiency. Maintain a safe and secure working environment for customers and staff

· Maintaining confidentiality of sensitive data. Evaluating, assessing and managing the performance of each employee.

Ensuring that the opening and closing of shops in a timely manner.

Ensure safe keeping of company funds.

Overseeing the selection and recruitment of new employees

Education & Experience Requirements:

Bachelor’s degree Business Administration, or a related field. Equivalent relevant work experience will be considered in lieu of formal education.

· Proficiency and Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook) is essential.

Interested persons should email their resume to careers@chancesgames. com. Subject: Island Manager (Exuma) – Your Name or visit our Head Office on #13 Ruthaven Plaza, Logwood Road (across from The $2 Dollar Store) between the hours of 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

· Enter financial data into the general ledger system.

· Prepare and verify daily bank deposits.

· Support inventory tracking and control efforts.

· Compile and review financial and theoretical reports as needed.

· Prepare the daily cash collection report.

· Ensure confidentiality of financial information and company data.

· Participate in relevant training or professional development opportunities.

· Contribute to departmental goals and organizational mission through timely and accurate work.

· Perform additional duties as assigned by the CFO.

Education & Experience Requirements:

· Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field. Equivalent relevant work experience will be considered in lieu of formal education.

· Proficiency in QuickBooks and Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook) is essential.

· Must be a dependable and collaborative team player.

Interested persons should email their resume to careers@chancesgames.com.

Subject: Accounts Clerk – Your Name or visit our Head Office on #13 Ruthaven Plaza, Logwood Road (across from The $2 Dollar Store) between the hours of 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Jarol Investments, Ltd. T/A Chances Games

Our company has been around gaming for over 30 years and pride ourselves on quality service and customer relationships. We are moving forward in the market and such are looking for qualified, dedicated, people friendly customer services representatives.

Jarol Investments Limited is seeking to fill the following position: Island Manager (Abaco)

Duties include, but not limited to:

· Overseeing adherence to company policies and procedures by employees.

· Auditing cashiers work to ensure efficiency.

· Maintain a safe and secure working environment for customers and staff

· Maintaining confidentiality of sensitive data.

· Evaluating, assessing and managing the performance of each employee.

· Ensuring that the opening and closing of shops in a timely manner.

· Ensure safe keeping of company funds.

· Overseeing the selection and recruitment of new employees

Education & Experience Requirements:

· Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, or a related field. Equivalent relevant work experience will be considered in lieu of formal education.

· Proficiency and Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook) is essential.

Interested persons should email their resume to careers@chancesgames. com. Subject: Island Manager (Abaco) – Your Name or visit our Head Office on #13 Ruthaven Plaza, Logwood Road (across from The $2 Dollar Store) between the hours of 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Veteran educator Keyshan Bastian named new BTVI president

THE Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute has appointed veteran education official Keyshan L Bastian as its new president, marking a leadership change at the country’s primary technical training institution.

The institute’s board said Ms Bastian will assume the role on March 23, becoming the third president of BTVI.

Ms Bastian, BTVI said, brings more than 28 years of experience in technical and vocational education, national assessment and public service. She most recently served as deputy permanent secretary in the Ministry of Education and Technical and Vocational

Training. The board described her as a strategic leader with experience in governance, policy development, curriculum design and workforce planning, noting her role in advancing technical and vocational education reforms and institutional capacity building.

During her tenure in public service, she oversaw national education operations and programme implementation across multiple divisions, influencing an average of 300 professionals annually.

A certified human resource consultant, Ms Bastian has also lectured at the University of The Bahamas, taught at BTVI

and served as an external moderator to support academic standards.

She holds an associate degree in business and a teacher’s certificate from the University of The Bahamas, a bachelor’s degree in professional management and an MBA from Nova Southeastern University. She is currently pursuing doctoral studies focused on technical and vocational education systems and workforce alignment.

The board said her appointment comes as BTVI continues efforts to strengthen workforce development and align training with national economic priorities.

Man accused of two attempted murders remanded to prison

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net

A MAN accused of two attempted murders was remanded to prison on Friday.

Prosecutors allege Claudius “Bolo” Hall, 56, attempted to kill Anthea Sands on January 25, in New Providence. He is also accused of attempting to kill Deangelo Pratt on March 14.

Prosecutors further allege Tisheen Whylly, 32, and Justin Butler, 29, knowingly helped Hall evade the law following an attempted murder on June 2, 2025. Hall was not required to enter a plea to two counts of attempted murder before Assistant Chief Magistrate Kara Turnquest-Deveaux. The co-accused were also not required to enter pleas to accessory after the fact to attempted murder. The defendants were

informed that the matter would proceed to the Supreme Court by voluntary bill of indictment. They were advised of their right to apply for bail in the higher court. All defendants were remanded to the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services until their voluntary bills of indictment are served on May 28. Inspector K Wilkinson was the prosecutor.

Three men accused of stealing two vehicles granted bail

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net

THREE men accused of stealing two cars last weekend were granted bail on Friday.

Prosecutors allege Dewayne Griffin, 24, and Dwayne Clarke stole a silver Nissan Versa belonging to William Hewitt on March 14 in New Providence. On the same date, they are also accused of stealing a silver Honda Fit belonging to Erin Smith. The vehicles are valued at $6,000 each. The defendants pleaded not guilty to two counts of stealing and two counts of receiving before Senior Magistrate Kendra Kelly Burrows. Terek Dames, 19, pleaded

not guilty to a single count of receiving. Griffin and Clarke were each granted $3,500 bail. They must sign in at Carmichael Road Police Station every Monday and Friday by 9pm.

Dames was granted $2,500 bail and must sign in at his local police station every Friday by 9pm.

The trial is set to begin on June 23.

17-year-old accused of murder in death of father of five

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net

A 17-YEAR-OLD accused of a fatal shooting on Homestead Street last weekend was remanded to prison on Friday. Prosecutors allege the teenager, whose name is being withheld because he is a minor, shot Brent “BJ” McPhee Jr while driving a silver Honda Accord at about 7.15pm on March 13. McPhee was standing outside a residence at the time. He was shot in the neck

and left shoulder and died of his injuries at Princess Margaret Hospital the following day. Brent McPhee Sr told The Tribune last week that his son had made mistakes but had turned his life around. McPhee Jr left behind five children. Relatives said he ran a trucking business, did maintenance work and hoped to build his own home. The juvenile was not required to enter a plea to murder before Senior Magistrate Algernon Allen Jr

and was arraigned in the presence of his guardian.

The matter will proceed to the Supreme Court by voluntary bill of indictment. The defendant was informed of his right to apply for bail in the higher court. He was remanded to the adolescent unit of the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services until his voluntary bill of indictment is served on July 7. Ian Cargill represented the defendant, and Sergeant 3004 Forbes was the prosecutor.

Murder suspect remanded over breaching bail for 29-days

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net

A MAN awaiting trial for murder was remanded to prison on Friday after failing to sign in at his local police station for 29 days. Prosecutors allege Tyron Neely, 21, failed to sign in

between September 19, 2025, and March 9. Neely pleaded not guilty to the bail violation before Magistrate Lennox Coleby. He had been granted $20,000 bail by Justice Cheryl Grant-Thompson in connection with a murder and attempted murder on July 17, 2021. He was granted bail on October 27, 2021.

Assistant Superintendent of Police Lincoln McKenzie, the prosecutor, objected to bail, citing the seriousness of the offence and concerns about public safety. Neely was remanded and will return to court on April 9 for a bail decision.

THE STORIES BEHIND THE NEWS

Monday, March 23, 2026

The KDK Report Trust your instincts, mothers. Fight for your children and remember – sometimes answers take time

EARLY each morning I notice a small bird perched on the edge of a tree outside my bedroom window. Hidden within the branches is a tiny nest holding several chicks, and every few minutes the bird flies away, disappearing briefly into the sky, and returning with food carefully clasped in her beak. She repeats this pattern again and again, tirelessly and instinctively.

In nature, motherhood appears simple. Animals don’t question themselves. They don’t lie awake at night wondering whether they’re doing enough. They don’t blame themselves for every setback their offspring might face. They simply return to the nest. Human motherhood, however, is rarely so simple.

For many women, the journey into motherhood carries not only love and responsibility, but also fear, doubt, and an enormous emotional burden that few people openly discuss. Sometimes what mothers carry home from the hospital is not only a newborn child, but also worry, exhaustion, expectations, and the silent, yet screaming pressure to do everything right.

In today’s column, I’d like to share the story of a young Bahamian mother named Brittany whose experience reminds us just how heavy that burden can be, and how powerful a mother’s persistence can become when she refuses to give up on her child.

Brittany is the oldest of two children, with a younger sister fourteen years her junior. From an early age she naturally assumed the role of protector. She describes herself as someone who never easily accepted no, particularly when the wellbeing of someone she loved was involved. That instinct would later define one of the most important chapters of her life.

Brittany became pregnant with her first child only weeks after her wedding. What should have been the joyful early months of her marriage quickly gave way to unexpected stress when she developed placenta previa, a complication that placed strict restrictions on her activity. Soon after, her daughter was born.

For most families bringing a baby home is supposed to be one of the happiest occasions in life. Friends visit, relatives celebrate, and parents begin imagining the countless milestones that lie ahead. But for Brittany, the moment she returned home from the hospital something felt terribly wrong. She began crying and could not stop. The sadness wasn’t fleeting, and it was not mild. It was overwhelming and suffocating. Emotionally paralyzed, Brittany felt as though she were slowly fading away. Postpartum depression is a medical condition that affects countless women around the world, yet it remains widely misunderstood. The dramatic hormonal changes that occur after pregnancy can disrupt mood, energy, and emotional balance. Women experiencing postpartum depression often describe feeling trapped in a fog of guilt, exhaustion, and hopelessness during a time when society expects them to feel nothing but joy.

Brittany remembers those early months vividly. Even simple tasks felt impossible. Her mother and husband stepped in to help care for the baby because she couldn’t function in the way she believed a mother should. And perhaps the most painful part of postpartum depression is the guilt it leaves behind. Many mothers quietly carry the fear that somehow, they’re failing the child they love, and with that fear, the darkness deepens. For nearly two years, Brittany struggled through that darkness, watching her daughter grow while feeling like she’d failed when she was supposed to shine. Slowly, with time, the unwavering support of her family, and a deep reliance on her faith, she began to emerge from that difficult season. When her daughter turned two, Brittany remembers praying for healing and feeling a quiet sense that she was ready to move forward with her life again. Eventually, she felt ready to try for another baby. When Brittany became pregnant with her second child, Liam, the experience felt entirely different. The pregnancy was smooth and uncomplicated. The Covid-19 pandemic had forced much of the world to slow down, allowing Brittany to work from home and spend precious time caring for her newborn son. She breastfed him, established routines, and experienced the early moments of mother-

first, she assumed he was simply developing at his own pace. Then during a routine paediatric visit while Brittany and her husband were off the island, Liam’s grandmother took him to the doctor. During that appointment, the paediatrician expressed concern and suggested that Liam might have autism. When Brittany heard those words, the ground seemed to shift beneath her. Almost immediately she began blaming herself. She questioned everything from her pregnancy decisions to whether receiving the Covid vaccine had somehow harmed her child.

hood she once feared she had lost forever. In many ways, she saw Liam as her redemption, though in truth she never needed one. But redemption rarely arrives without its own challenges. As the months passed and Liam began to grow out of the tiny infancy stage, Brittany noticed that he was unusually quiet and often unresponsive to voices around him. At

For a woman who had already spent two years battling postpartum depression, those fears reopened wounds she believed had finally healed. What she once believed was her redemption as a mother now felt like another test. But Brittany refused to surrender to fear. She sought additional opinions and travelled to a paediatric neurology centre in Orlando, Florida, where Liam underwent extensive testing. The results were surprising. Specialists concluded that Liam did not have autism, but rather a speech delay. Still, something didn’t seem right. Over time, Liam continued experiencing frequent colds and congestion. Eventually, someone suggested an evaluation by an ear, nose, and throat specialist and that recommendation changed everything. Further testing revealed that Liam’s adenoids were severely enlarged, preventing him from hearing properly. During the critical early years when children learn language by listening to the voices around them, Liam had been living in a muffled world. Surgery was recommended. Once again Brittany did what she had done throughout the entire journey. She asked questions, researched carefully, and sought a physician she trusted. When Liam woke from surgery Brittany remembers feeling as though she was meeting a different child. His chronic congestion disappeared almost immediately. Then several months later during a family trip to New York something extraordinary happened. As the family drove through the city, Liam began pointing to signs and billboards. He was reading the words. Later that evening Brittany opened a book and watched in disbelief as her twoand-a-half-year-old son read the words on the page. Within weeks he was reading fluently. Soon after he began speaking clearly as well.

Today, Liam is four years old and thriving in school. He reads full books with strong comprehension and no longer requires speech therapy. Brittany doesn’t deny that Liam may still fall somewhere along the autism spectrum. But she also knows that had she accepted the first answer she was given, his life might have followed a very different path. When I asked her what she hopes other mothers will take from her story, her answer was simple. Mothers carry an enormous burden. They blame themselves for things beyond their control and worry endlessly about whether they’re doing enough. But Brittany believes mothers must also give themselves grace. Not everything is your fault, she says. Trust your instincts. Fight for your children and remember that sometimes answers take time.

That small bird perched high in a tree never questions herself. She simply returns to the nest again and again caring for the life that depends upon her. Human mothers carry a heavier burden. They bring home not only a newborn child, but also worry, expectations, doubt and the quiet hope that they’ll somehow be enough. But what Brittany’s story reminds us is that the most important thing a mother carries with her is love, strength and the courage to keep searching for answers.

This is The KDK Report.

IS IT OK TO DRINK IN FRONT OF YOUR KIDS? NEW RESEARCH SHOWS THE AGE THEY’RE MOST INFLUENCED

Sergey Alexeev Senior research fellow, University of Sydney; UNSW Sydney

On a typical Friday evening, you might pour a glass of wine while your teenager sits at the kitchen bench, scrolling through their phone. Though they seem disengaged, they are more observant than you may realize.

Recent research indicates that the drinking habits of parents significantly influence their children, especially during the critical ages of 15 to 17. This period is when teenagers start to navigate social scenarios involving alcohol and form their perceptions of what “normal” drinking entails. While this doesn’t mean you have to abstain from alcohol entirely, there are ways to adjust your habits to foster a healthier relationship with alcohol for your children as they mature.

The study analyzed 23 years of data from the Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia (HILDA) survey, which followed over 6,600 people. It linked individuals’ drinking patterns to their parents’ average consumption during their upbringing, particularly between the ages of 12 and 18, to evaluate parental influence over time. Findings revealed that parental influence is most prominent from ages 15 to 17, diminishes through the twenties, and resurges when children become parents themselves, particularly for sons, who then tend to reflect their own fathers’ drinking habits. Mothers have a more pronounced impact on their daughters, while fathers primarily influence sons, with little effect observed from fathers to daughters. Moreover, the study suggests that social norms in the household carry more influence than genetic predispositions. This was evident when comparing biological parents with non-biological caregivers; daughters specifically seem to mirror their mothers’ behaviors rather than inheriting traits. For sons, the influence is more varied, but the key takeaway remains: children learn from observing adult behaviors.

The study emphasizes that occasional alcohol consumption in front of teenagers is unlikely to cause harm. It assesses long-term drinking patterns instead of isolated incidents. The critical factor is how alcohol is integrated into everyday life— whether it’s a staple of celebrations, a go-to for stressful days, or something that appears occasionally without much attention. Research corroborates these findings, showing that parental behaviors significantly shape their children’s attitudes toward drinking. Studies reveal that parental modeling, controlling access to alcohol, monitoring behavior, fostering quality relationships, and clear communication correlate with lower alcohol consumption in adulthood. For instance, heavy drinking by parents has been associated with heightened likelihood for teens to drink as well. Children learn not just the ‘if’ of adult drinking but the ‘how’ and ‘why’ it is incorporated into family life.

Interestingly, there are positive trends concerning teen drinking habits in Australia. The proportion of 14-to-17-year-olds who consumed alcohol in the previous year dropped from around 70% in 2001 to about 30% in 2022–23. Similar declines have been observed in many high-income countries, likely due to evolving cultural attitudes, improved education regarding risks, and the changing behaviors of parents.

So, what practical steps can parents take? The objective should focus on harm minimization rather than perfection. Here are some evidence-backed recommendations:

1. Moderate Your Own Drinking: Adopt a low-key drinking style and adhere to Australian guidelines, which suggest no more than ten standard drinks per week for adults. For those under 18, the safest choice is to abstain from drinking altogether.

2. Don’t Supply Alcohol to Teens: Providing alcohol to minors, even with good intentions, is linked to increased likelihood of heavy drinking and associated problems in the future.

3. Establish Clear Rules: Engage in calm conversations about alcohol. Studies have shown that teens exhibit lower drinking rates when strict guidelines are combined with consistent, quality communication regarding alcohol.

4. Be Deliberate During Key Ages: Pay extra attention to your alcohol consumption when your children are ages 15 to 17 as this is when parental influence is most impactful.

In conclusion, while it’s important to enjoy social settings, remaining mindful of how your alcohol consumption is perceived by your teenagers can create a healthier drinking culture at home. By modeling healthier behaviors, establishing clear expectations, and fostering open discussions, parents can help shape their children’s attitudes toward alcohol for the long term.

Donnette Russell-Love, Esq. • Beyond The Borders

2026 US Visa Bond: A question of discretionary trust or financial leverage?

UNITED States entry processing in 2026 is increasingly operating as a “pay‑to‑comply” model, one that replaces legacy “open door” assumptions with a framework in which financial leverage functions as a proxy for discretionary trust. The traditional pre sumption that short‑term visitors from low‑risk juris dictions will be treated as routine entrants has been replaced by a system that prioritises risk monetisa tion, intent verification, and accelerated refusal mechanisms. Travel authorisation outcomes are now shaped less by generalised eligi bility and more by capital availability, documentary precision, and demonstrated compliance history. The result is a mobility environ ment where travellers must anticipate heightened scru tiny, prepare for financial contingencies, and navigate a system that increasingly treats entry as a conditional privilege rather than a pre dictable process.

THE NEW FINANCIAL FRON

TIER: THE $5,000–$15,000 BOND

The 2026 expansion of the US Visa Bond Pro gram has formalised consular authority to require a “maintenance of

status” bond under INA § 221(g)(3) and 22 CFR 41.11(c). What was once a rarely used enforcement tool has evolved into a structured compliance instrument deployed when officers infer overstay risk, unauthorised employment risk, or medical‑use risk from travel patterns, finan cial indicators, or record correlations.

Bond amounts, typically $5,000 to $15,000, are being treated as refundable secu rity deposits held by the US Treasury. Travellers must post the bond through a Treasury‑hosted portal, and release of the funds is con ditioned on documented proof of full compliance, including timely depar ture consistent with the admitted period and stated itinerary.

Failure to post the bond within the required time frame is treated as a de facto denial, effectively transforming discretionary screening into pay‑gated admissibility. This shift has introduced a new finan cial frontier in US border management—one that blends risk mitigation with revenue protection, while placing the burden of proof squarely on the traveller.

THE BIRTH TOURISM & GENDER PARADOX

Enforcement against birth tourism has inten sified under 22 CFR 41.31(b)(2), which author ises refusal where travel is determined to be primarily for the purpose of obtain ing US citizenship for a child. Officers are apply ing a “reason to believe” standard that converts preg nancy‑adjacent factors into red flags, even when appli cants present legitimate medical documentation.

This has produced a gender paradox where female applicants of child bearing age are increasingly treated as presumptive intent risks, regardless of their actual purpose of travel. The officer’s dis cretion remains largely insulated from judicial review, leaving applicants with minimal recourse.

At Lynden Pindling International Airport (LPIA) preclearance, trav ellers report that a simple visual scan, including per ceived pregnancy, body shape, or medical accesso ries, can trigger secondary inspection, extended ques tioning, and heightened suspicion.

The Grand Bahama med ical crisis has intensified the stakes. Post‑Dorian delays in the reconstruction of the Rand Memorial Hospital

have increased reliance on US medical facilities. Yet proof of insurance or pre‑arranged care is not being treated as sufficient to “cure” suspicion. Instead, officers focus on:

• the primary purpose of travel

• the likelihood of US‑based delivery, and

• anticipated compliance with departure requirements In selected cases, bond demands are being used to enforce non‑use of public medical facilities, creating a refundable penalty structure recoverable only through documented compliance.

THE “RETROSPECTIVE PEN

ALTY” & INA § 214(B)

Non immigrant visa refusals under INA § 214(b) are increasingly experienced as a “black box” outcome for Baha mian applicants whose profiles historically sup ported repeat lawful travel.

A retrospective penalty pat tern has emerged in which decades of prior compliance are discounted in favour of present‑tense family‑tie profiling. Applicants, including parents of US citizens, are being refused because their US family connections are

treated as negative intent indicators, even when those same applicants have maintained flawless I‑94 compliance for 20 to 40 years.

Section 214(b) adjudica tions are now driven by: discretionary credibility assessments minimal explanation limited review pathways, and - heavy reliance on officer inference.

For a country like The Bahamas, which relies on the United States for approximately 90% of its imports, the consequences extend far beyond indi vidual inconvenience. The erosion of predicta ble mobility threatens the small business community, cross‑border supply chains, and the economic stability of merchants who depend on routine US travel.

THE PRECLEARANCE PARA DOX & TREATY INTEGRITY

US CBP preclearance at LPIA—long considered a “crown jewel” of regional cooperation, as designed to streamline travel under the 1974/2024 Air Transport Preclearance Agreement. Yet current enforcement posture increasingly resem bles an on‑site refusal venue, with US Consu lar‑style intent screening and limited procedural safeguards.

This shift undermines: the mobility of the Baha mian merchant class the predictability of cross‑border commerce, and the spirit of bilateral cooperation that under pins maritime security and OPBAT operations.

A preclearance regime perceived as arbitrary or economically corrosive risks becoming a strategic liability within a partner ship that depends on public legitimacy and reciprocal confidence.

STRATEGIC COMPROMISES & ADVOCACY

A more balanced, trea ty‑consistent enforcement model could include:

Nonprofits, unions and airports rally to feed TSA officers as shutdown drags

By GABRIELA

AOUN ANGUEIRA, THALIA BEATY and JAMES POLLARD Associated Press

Across the country, col lections are popping up to help Transportation Secu rity Administration officers who have been without full pay for more than a month due to the partial govern ment shutdown affecting the Department of Home land Security.

The charity World Central Kitchen, more accustomed to feeding people in war zones and disaster areas, began pro viding meals at Washington, D.C. area airports after many TSA officers missed their first full paycheck.

On Thursday, Feeding San Diego began distributing 400 boxes with pasta, beans and peanut butter as well as fresh produce like strawber ries and potatoes to affected agents near the airport after a request from TSA and the San Diego County Regional Airport Authority. Nonprofits are stepping in to help and coordinating closely with airports and local TSA offices because ethics rules around giving gifts to federal employees make it difficult for those affected by the shutdown to receive help directly.

Carissa Casares from Feeding San Diego said that communicating with the air port allows them to better tailor their resources and responses to TSA workers’ needs.

“We need to work directly with the people who have direct access to these employees and get this food to them at a time and location that is most convenient to them,” Casares said.

Saturday marks the 36th day that the Department of Homeland Security has been shut down after Democrats refused to fund Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Customs and Border Protection without changes to their operations after the killings of Alex Pretti and Renee Good in Minneapolis.

More than 120,000 DHS employees are working without pay, including roughly 50,000 Transportation Security Administration officers, as negotiations between lawmakers and the White House on limits to immigra tion enforcement drag on. The funding lapse comes just months after a 43 day government shutdown, the longest in the nation’s history, which drove long lines at food banks across the U.S. as over 700,000 federal workers worked without pay.

RULES LIMIT WHAT HELP TSA OFFICERS CAN ACCEPT

For those wanting to help, it’s not as simple as going to the airport and giving cash or gift cards directly to TSA officers, who are prohib ited from accepting gifts at screening locations, accord ing to a DHS spokesperson.

But Aaron Barker, pres ident of the AFGE Local 554 in Georgia, said TSA officer unions don’t have the same restrictions and can accept donations to dis tribute to their members. Barker recommends those who want to donate look up their local union district on the AFGE website or give through their local labour council.

“For some people, it can be life or death,” said Barker. “It’s just sad and terrible that this is happening.”

Union members have told Barker they’re unable to cover utility bills or pay for their children’s med ical procedures. They’ve received eviction notices or had cars repossessed. They’re having trouble affording routine items, too.

“People don’t think about the things they just naturally

have in their home, like toothpaste, bathroom tissue, milk, detergent, dish liquid,” he said. “I’m sure those things are a necessity for every TSA officer.”

Nonetheless, no donation can be as effective as an end to the shutdown. “The first thing they want is their paycheck,” said Barker. “The money is the most immediate need.”

COORDINATION BETWEEN NONPROFITS AND TSA

Operation Food Search is working closely with TSA to safely deliver food and set up a temporary pantry at St. Louis Lambert Inter national Airport.

The Missouri hunger relief nonprofit’s CEO said it is the first time they’ve distributed directly to TSA employees where they work.

“It removes their need to make an extra trip and drive

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here,” Kristen Wild said.

“So we’re really excited that the airport allowed us to directly serve right there.” They gave away just over half their 400 prepared food bags during 2 hours ear lier this week, according to Wild. Each bag contained just under $20 worth of nonperishables such as apple sauce, pasta, rice and beans. Rules prohibit federal employees from soliciting or accepting gifts or items of monetary value greater than $20 if the gift is related to their government position.

Wild said she thought the $20 limit might be waived since they were distributing food through airport ap proved channels.

“We didn’t know for sure,” Wild said. “But to play it safe, we just kept it right under the $20 per bag amount so there would be no challenge to it.”

AIRPORT COMMUNITIES

BAND TOGETHER

Seattle Tacoma Interna tional Airport officials were fielding PETA donations and local food banks’ pal lets on Friday afternoon as they stocked their private pantry for off shift TSA staff.

But they’ve also seen dining vendors, usually tasked with feeding hungry travellers, step up. Airport tenants have offered dis counts and donated through TSA to cover entire shifts’ meals, according to air port spokesperson Perry Cooper.

“You know a lot of these people,” Cooper said. “You see faces and that through out the day as you’re wandering through. And then to realise that some of these folks are here and they’re not getting paid, you know, really tugs at your heart to think what’s a way that we can help.”

The airport community’s support adds to the roughly $6,000 they’ve received in cash and gift cards, plus another $10,000 worth of food and household prod ucts, Cooper said. That includes donations from the labour union for air traffic controllers, whose jobs are unimpacted by this partial shutdown but who under stand the strain of working without pay from full gov ernment closures. More than 460 people picked up fresh produce when local nonprofit Food Lifeline brought a truck load last Friday, according to Cooper. Most of the attendees were TSA staff, Cooper said, though some people might have been homeless. Boxes, including pineapples and broccoli, were lined up on folding tables along the airport’s main drive.

Regular travellers like Musie Hidad said he thinks about the TSA agents working unpaid every time he goes through security.

“The work they are doing is serious, and they aren’t getting paid for it,” said Hidad, an Amarillo, Texas, resident, who was travel ling to Columbus, Ohio, for work. “My heart goes out to them.” AP video journalist Patrick Aftoora Orsagos contributed to this report from Columbus, Ohio.

Too soon for PLP to be celebrating victory: Only opinion poll that counts is the election

THE results of a national poll were widely acclaimed by the PLP last week, but the numbers might not be as hopeful as the party thinks.

The numbers showed a significant advantage for the party in response to the question of who people would support if a general election were held today. The PLP was 20 percentage points ahead of the FNM.

As ever with polls of a limited size, there must be some caution when reading them. This poll was of 805 Bahamians across the country, according to a PLP statement. Based on the number of registered voters at the last election, that is less than half a percent of the total voting base – and if that’s scattered across the whole nation, it really only gives a snapshot without addressing constituency variations. However, it is still one of the first guides we have seen to the intentions of voters, so it is worth considering. If the vote was held today, it said that 38% of people would vote PLP. For the FNM, it was 18%, and 12% for the COI.

“For fewer than two in five people to be giving outright support to the incumbent party is a worrying sign for re-election hopes.”

The COI has quite consistently been netting around the 10% mark –so that is within the same range. No surprise there. The FNM number looks very low, and that was what triggered a celebratory mood – or at least a brave face for Brave’s supporters – in response to the poll. One big number is the number of undecided voters. A total of 29% were undecided at this stage, according to the poll. I’ll come back to that shortly. At the last general election, the PLP won by a landslide, winning 32 of the 39 seats. It was a landslide built on slim

margins, though. The party overall secured just over 52% of the vote, compared to the FNM’s 36%. The COI landed 6.6% of the vote, while the DNA – remember them? – got just over 1%. There was a scattering of other votes, all under 0.5%, except for independents, who collectively earned 1.87%.

The COI will presumably say different, but the winner this time around will again be either FNM or PLP. Success for the COI this time around would be getting enough to win a seat.

For the PLP, the poll results last week contrast

pretty badly with its election results in 2021.

The party has gone from 52% support in the election to just 38% in the current polling. That 38% is only just above what the FNM got in the last election, when it suffered a landslide defeat. For fewer than two in five people to be giving outright support to the incumbent party is a worrying sign for re-election hopes.

If that held true at the election, the PLP would go from 66,407 votes nationwide to 47,982 –give or take whatever changes there will have been in the number of registered voters by election day. At the last election, the FNM secured 46,030 votes. Put those numbers side by side and it is similar enough to a party that suffered a landslide defeat to be anything but encouraging.

The good news for the PLP lies in the other side of the equation. That 18% number for the FNM is devastating, if true.

But here’s the thing, you know, and I know that when people ask us who we’re going to

support at the next election, we lie. There are even good reasons for lying. There’s been plenty of stories of victimisation over the years, so if someone calls you up and asks “hey, who you voting for?” then there’s plenty of people who will either lie or say I don’t know or say none of your business. There has been a succession of party leaders seemingly confident in securing re-election who have been proven wrong over the years. Just look at the early election call by Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis that saw him tossed out of office. That 29% undecided figure is conspicuously large. That is a lot of people either genuinely undecided or not wanting to tell pollsters. My gut says that figure breaks more towards the Opposition than the incumbent party, in any election. Those supporting the administration in office have less reason to be shy about their vote.

If the full 29% decided to back the FNM – and it won’t – that would give the FNM 47% to the PLP’s 38% and Brave will be packing his bags in another landslide.

Another number is missing though – those who don’t plan to vote at all. Overall turnout at the last election was 65% - 126,495 voters out of a total of 194,525. If this poll is correct, support has ebbed for both the PLP and the FNM, so that turnout could drop further. That was a record low turnout in a Bahamian election. If even more people have become disenchanted, that is damning on our whole political process. Driving down overall voter numbers can also let in outlier candidates, so as much as I say the COI will not win, it does open the door to the party being more of a factor in the vote. That support of around 10% could make or break some seats. Then there are other factors. There will be two new seats, in St James and Bimini, which will cause a shake-up in how votes

fall. Then there is the Killarney race, where there is the remarkable sight of a former FNM prime minister running against his own party. Dr Minnis will be up against Michela Barnett-Ellis from the FNM, and Robyn Lynes from the PLP. For both Dr Minnis and the FNM, each is about to find out how much of Killarney’s support was for the person and how much for the party. It’s a shame, though – all three of those candidates would be good MPs in the House, whereas some other constituencies have candidates who seem bound for anonymity no matter who wins. Dr Minnis should not be too confident though –last time he only got 51% of the total vote. He will face a considerable struggle to get that again in a split vote.

Based on the poll numbers, there will be plenty of MPs who are sitting uneasily. The leading lights for the PLP in terms of share of the vote last time are Glenys Hanna Martin (75%, Englerston), Chester Cooper (73%, Exuma and Ragged Island), and Brave Davis (70%, Cat Island, Rum Cay and San Salvador). But bringing up the rear are candidates who did not even get half the vote.

Keith Bell got 49% in Carmichael, Jobeth Coleby-Davis the same in Elizabeth, McKell Bonaby got just 50% in Mount Moriah, as did Zane Lightbourne in Yamacraw. Ginger Moxey contrived to manage a win with just 40% of the vote in Pineridge, while in Abaco both John Pinder II (not running this time) and Kirk Cornish got just 42% each in their constituencies. Even ministers such as Wayne Munroe (53%, Free Town), Pia Glover-Rolle (54%, Golden Gates) and Myles Laroda (51%, Pinewood) ought to be wary.

Remember, though, this is one poll, and if there’s one area where FNM leader Michael Pintard is correct, it is when he says the only opinion poll that counts is the election.

PUBLIC NOTICE

COMMONWEALTH OF THE BAHAMAS New Providence Island of New Providence

IN THE MATTER OF THE PLANNING AND SUBDIVISION ACT, 2010 AND IN THE MATTER OF SUBDIVISION & DEVELOPMENT APPEAL BOARD RULES, 2011

The below-listed APPELLANTS and interested members of the PUBLIC are hereby notified of a sitting of the Subdivision and Development Appeals Board on Tuesday, the 31st day of March 2026, commencing at 10:00 a.m., at the Hearing Room, located in the Aventura Plaza on Bethel Avenue and John F. Kennedy Drive, New Providence

The Intended Sitting will be subject to postponement in the event of the issue of any Bahamas Government Hurricane alert for the Island of New Providence.

The following APPEALS will be heard as stated below:

1. Appeal No. 14 of 2025 – Hearing in Appeal by JASON & TANYA WALLACE by Notice of Appeal dated 4th December 2025.

APPEALING: Decision of the Town Planning Committee – Refusal to Grant a Permit to Construct a Wall and a Welcome Centre/Concession Stand for Bahamas Airboats Kayak & Paddle Board Tours Ltd., Located at JFK Drive and Munnings Road, New Providence, The Bahamas

2. Appeal No. 15 of 2025 – Hearing in Appeal by AUDRA TYNES by Notice of Appeal dated 5th December 2025.

APPEALLING: Decision of the Town Planning Committee – Refusal of Building Permit Application No. 123146 for the Addition of a One -Bedroom Unit to an Existing Two-Unit Duplex, Located at Lot No. 23A, Hanna Road, New Providence, The Bahamas

3. Appeal No. 16 of 2025 – Hearing in Appeal by RICHARD C. DEMERITTE by Notice of Appeal dated 10th December 2025

APPEALLING: Decision of the Town Planning Committee – Preliminary Support Granted for a Site Plan Application fo r a Proposed Hotel Located at the Baha Mar Parcel, West Hotel, West Bay Street , New Providence, The Bahamas.

4. Appeal No. 1 of 2026- Preliminary Hearing in Appeal by HENSLEY BROOKS by Notice of Appeal dated 11th February 2026

APPEALLING: Decision of the Town Planning Committee – Refusal to Grant a Permit to Construct a Site Plan Application for a Proposed addition and renovation- Lot #232, Pine Crest Drive, Malcolm Road, New Providence , The Bahamas.

CURRENT HEALTH PROTOCOLS AND SOCIAL DISTANCING SHALL BE ENFORCED

PARTIES MAY CONTACT: Ms. Valencia Wilson, Secretary to the Board, for a schedule of proposed hearing times for the respective appeals and to collect Appeal Records or for other information at the Subdivision and Development Appeal Board Office located at Aventura Plaza, corner of Bethel Avenue & John F. Kennedy Drive, New Providence, Bahamas Telephone: (242) 422 3427 or (242) 323 1813 Email: valenciawilson@bahamas.gov.bs

Dated 3rd day of March 2026

MR. R. DAWSON MALONE CHAIRMAN

SUBDIVISION AND DEVELOPMENT

and John F. Kennedy

Bahamas

Cuba begins to restore power after nationwide grid collapse

HAVANA Associated Press

CUBA began restoring its energy system on Sunday, a day after a nationwide collapse of the entire grid left millions of people in the dark for the third time this month.

Some 72,000 customers in the capital, among them five hospitals, had electricity again early Sunday, according to a report from the state-run Electric Union and the Ministry of Energy and Mines, but it’s only a fraction of Havana’s total population of approximately 2 million.

In Havana and provinces such as western Matanzas and eastern Holguin, local power microsystems were set up to supply the most vital centres. Residents in some areas of the capital told The Associated Press that power returned during the early morning hours.

Cuba is currently facing an unprecedented energy crisis. Its aging grid has drastically eroded in recent years, but the government has also blamed the outages on a US energy blockade, after President Donald Trump in January warned of tariffs on any country that sells or provides oil to Cuba. His administration is demanding that Cuba release political prisoners and move toward political and economic liberalization in return for a lifting of sanctions. Trump also has raised the possibility of a “friendly takeover of Cuba.”

Another reason Cuba has been struggling with dwindling oil is the removal by the US of Venezuela’s former President Nicolás Maduro, which halted critical petroleum shipments from the nation that had been a steadfast ally to Havana.

President Miguel DíazCanel has said the island has not received oil from foreign suppliers for three months. Cuba produces barely 40% of the fuel it needs to power its economy.

Daily blackouts have a significant impact on the population, whose lives are disrupted by reduced work hours, lack of electricity for cooking and damage to household appliances, among many other consequences.

“With the blackout and low voltage, my refrigerator

broke — that was today. The day before yesterday, the voltage also dropped around 10 at night,” Suleydi Crespo, a 33-year-old woman with two small children, told AP on Saturday.

“If there’s no electricity tomorrow, we won’t be able to get water.”

Residents also expressed exhaustion from the constant outages, whether nationwide or partial.

The Cuban Electric Union, which reports to the Ministry of Energy and Mines, reported that the total disconnection of the national energy system was caused by an unexpected shutdown of a generation unit at the Nuevitas thermoelectric plant in Camaguey province, without providing details on the specific cause of the failure.

The last nationwide blackout occurred on Monday. It took several days to restore power.

Saturday’s outage was the second in the past week and the third in March.

“We have to get used to continuing our usual routine. What else can we do?

We have to try to survive. Get used to events, with or without electricity,” said Dagnay Alarcón, a 35-yearold vendor.

Authorities and DíazCanel himself have acknowledged the seriousness of the current energy situation. The Vice Minister of Energy and Mines Argelio Abad Vigo explained this week that the country has gone three months without receiving supplies of diesel, fuel oil, gasoline, aviation fuel or liquefied petroleum gas — all vital for the economy and power generation.

Fuel sales for vehicles are rationed, airlines have suspended flights or reduced frequencies many workplaces have reduced hours.

Trump has for months suggested Cuba’s government is on the verge of collapse. After a previous time Cuba’s electric grid collapsed, Trump told reporters he believed he’d soon have “the honour of taking Cuba.”

María Regla Cardoso, a housewife in Havana, said she isn’t interested in politics and that Cubans have to keep living.

“I leave everything in God’s hands. Whatever form the situation takes, we just have to face it.”

SENATOR HALKITIS CELEBRATES STUDENT TALENT AT ARTS FESTIVAL

NASSAU, The Bahamas -Minister of Economic Affairs, Senator the Hon. Michael Halkitis, took time out of his schedule to show support for the students performing during the final day of the 2026 E. Clement Bethel National Arts Festival New Providence Adjudications, held at the All Saints Anglican Church Hall, on March 19, 2026. Among those cheering on the students that day were recording artists Nehemiah Heild and Sunae Russell. Also, showing his support for the second day was renowned sound engineer and music producer Gregg White. Earlier in the New Providence Adjudications and making an appearance on Bahamian Day, on March 12, 2026, were Bahamian popular music icon David "Funky D" Ferguson, watching his grandson, First Step Academy student Kendon Thompson perform, as well as Rev. Canon Sebastian Campbell and All Saints Parish Rector Rev. Father Bradley Miller. Rev. Miller showed his support the day before, joining Assistant Superintendent of Police Bridgette Strapp, Sgt. 2987 Sherman, and PC 3101 Jenkins of the Bamboo Town Urban Renewal Division. Shaback Director Clint Watson and highly-noted singer John Ronald Darville also cheered participants during the Gospel performances that same day.

MINISTER of Economic Affairs Senator Michael Halkitis was among the government officials, prominent local musicians, and community leaders who turned out to support student performers during the 2026 E. Clement Bethel National Arts Festival adjudications at All Saints Anglican Church Hall last week.

Photos: Eric Rose/BIS