03302026 NEWS

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TWO MURDERED IN WEEKEND OF VIOLENCE

• A woman in Fox Hill killed by a man believed to be known to her

• Father of two murdered on his family’s doorstep just three days after his birthday

By LYNAIRE MUNNINGS and EARYEL BOWLEG Tribune Staff Reporters

TWO unrelated killings hours apart on Saturday — one on a family doorstep, the other near a woman’s home — have left relatives grappling with how routine moments turned deadly and, in one case, raising fresh concerns about violence linked to past relationships.

Kenric Strachan, 24, was shot and killed outside his home on Mekel Close South while retrieving baby items from a vehicle. Hours later, Jenetta Thompson was fatally shot after being called over by a man believed to be known to her. Strachan had celebrated his birthday just three days earlier. He leaves behind two sons: an eight-month-old baby and a toddler who will turn two next month. His sister, Dakenya Lightbourne, said the shooting happened within seconds as he tried to get back inside.

LONG waits and mounting frustration defined voter registration sites on Saturday, as a surge in activity a day after Parliament was prorogued strained an already manual system. At multiple locations, people spent hours trying to transfer or update their information, with some leaving without being processed. At the Elizabeth

Long waits and frustration as voter registration surges

slow, paper-based process that struggled to keep pace with demand.

Others reported similar delays. Jerome Adderley said he arrived at 10.15am and was only leaving shortly after 4pm. He said the process slowed further for those unsure how to pinpoint their address on registration maps, though he noted staff were courteous.

“If they had more workers, it would’ve been better,” he said.

Patrick Adderley, who had been waiting since 1pm, said the pace was uneven, with periods of movement followed by long pauses. He said some people left before being called, which appeared to speed up the line for those who remained.

Another person said they had been waiting since 12.15pm without a break and had still not been processed after four hours. They described a system that requires people to sign in, state whether they are transferring, verifying or registering, and then wait to be called — a process that slowed further as the afternoon wore on.

Even among those who praised the staff, there was recognition of the strain.

One voter, who spent roughly three hours at the site, said the increase in turnout was expected given

the timing. The spike follows Friday’s proroguing of Parliament until April 8. Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis said in a national address that he is “very close to ringing that bell” and urged Bahamians to register.

Prorogation brings parliamentary business to a halt but does not dissolve the institution or trigger a general election, with members of the House of Assembly remaining in office. Parliament is expected to be dissolved next month, with a general election held around May 12.

Mr Davis said he advised the Governor-General earlier last week to prorogue Parliament under Article 66(1) of the Constitution. The proclamation was issued and delivered to Commissioner of Police Shanta Knowles, who read the proclamation outside the House of Assembly on Friday.

In his national address, Mr Davis urged people to get registered.

“I want every Bahamian to know – by the time you hear that bell ring, if you are not registered, you will not be eligible to vote,” he said.

“Do not wait for the bell. Go now — to your nearest Parliamentary Registration location – and get registered. To those who have moved since the last election and have not yet transferred, I encourage you to go now and do so.”

“I want every Bahamian to know – by the time you hear that bell ring, if you are not registered, you will not be eligible to vote.”

- Prime Minister Philip ‘Brave’ Davis

Mr Davis also urged young people who recently turned 18 to register, saying the country’s democracy belongs to them.

He said young voters should not stay on the sidelines and stressed that their participation will help shape the nation’s future.

The heightened political activity has exposed pressure points in the current registration system, which still relies heavily on manual processing while a

PM directs government to hire Bahamian influencers

By EARYEL BOWLEG Tribune Staff Reporter

PRIME Minister Philip

“Brave” Davis said he will direct government agencies to hire Bahamian influencers to deliver public information campaigns, pledging dedicated funding as part of a broader push to expand opportunities in the digital economy.

He made the announcement yesterday while delivering the keynote address at the 242 Influencers and Creative Conference at Baha Mar, which brought together global tech platforms, industry leaders and Bahamian creators to discuss earning income through digital platforms.

Mr Davis said the government is already engaging companies such as OpenAI, Meta, TikTok and X as it seeks to position Bahamians to benefit from global digital markets.

He said more Bahamians are already monetising their talent online and argued the government must play a role in expanding those opportunities.

"I want to see more of that across this country and government must play its part too,” he said. “So today I say this: I will direct government agencies and ministers to identify Bahamian influencers and creators who can help carry public information and public education messages, and to allocate intentional budgets for that purpose.”

Mr Davis also used the platform to criticise what he described as a culture of gatekeeping, saying access to opportunity has too often depended on connections rather than merit.

“Too many people have treated access like private property,” he said. “Too many gates stayed closed unless you knew the right people. Too many talented Bahamians were left

waiting outside rooms they had already earned the right to enter. We have to break that culture. We have to build a gate-opening culture in The Bahamas.”

He said the government would continue to provide training and support, pointing to the Upskill Bahamas initiative, which he said has attracted more than 12,000 participants in free, government-funded courses.

US Ambassador Herschel Walker also addressed the conference, pointing to opportunities for collaboration between American companies and Bahamian talent.

“I'm here to help open doors, to create opportunities for you to invest, to grow and succeed in The Bahamas,” he said. “The United States sees this as a win. Our company can bring the tools the Caribbean can bring the talent together. We grow opportunities on both sides.”

phased rollout of biometric voter cards continues.

The Parliamentary Registration Department has begun issuing the new cards in stages, starting with Golden Isles, St James and Carmichael, with about 2,500 expected in the initial phase. Officials have said more than 20,000 people have already requested them, and demand is expected to grow as the election approaches.

The cards use biometric

data already held by the department, including facial images and fingerprints, and are intended to replace laminated cards that have been criticised as outdated and vulnerable to forgery. By law, nomination day must come at least seven days after the writs are issued, and polling day must be at least seven days after nomination day. That means the earliest an election can be held is about two weeks after the

writs are issued, though in practice, elections in The Bahamas are usually held three to four weeks after Parliament is dissolved.

An election becomes necessary when Parliament is dissolved, either early on the prime minister’s advice or automatically at the end of its five-year term. Once that happens, the Governor-General issues election writs for each constituency, setting the process in motion and outlining key dates.

‘Murdered for nothing’: Two dead in separate weekend shootings

MURDERS from page one

His sister, Dakenya Lightbourne, said the shooting happened within seconds as he tried to get back inside.

“He went to the car to go and get some baby stuff out of the car and as he was walking back to come inside, he probably realised they pulled up on him, and he was running to come inside and when they shot him in his leg and his side, he fell,” she said.

“I was in the tub at the time, and I ran outside because I heard my sister screaming, and from that I know it was him and saw him on the floor, but he still had a pulse at the time.”

Family members rushed him for medical treatment, but he later died.

Relatives said the killing has been especially difficult to process because it happened in a yard they considered safe, where children regularly play.

“It’s not just traumatic for me as an adult, because, you know, we can always bounce back, but we have kids that like to be outside, in front of the door playing,” Ms Lightbourne said.

“It’s a yard where it’s secure, where cars don’t come speeding so knowing that one of our kids

could have been outside at that time, that’s where the trauma comes in, and children having to see him on the floor was traumatic.”

She said her brother was private and kept his struggles to himself. She also said there was no indication he was involved in criminal activity.

“He was never arrested,” she said. “He was never locked up or charged or anything of that sort.

“He was well loved. He got along with everyone. The only way he didn’t get along with someone is if they didn’t get along with him, but otherwise, he was loved by almost the whole nation. A lot of people knew him. A lot of people loved him. He was a happy person, like everybody know him as a person who liked to dress up, he like to ride bike and he loved kids.”

His sister said he had been developing skills as a carpenter and electrician.

“We have to live with reality, but you know, you never gonna heal but it’s always going to be in and out, in and out, but you’re trying to stay strong, because you have the children, you have your mother, you have the rest of your siblings, and then somebody has to be strong at some

point, but it’s gonna take a toll,” she said. She said the family wants those responsible held accountable.

“We would want whoever did it to be put behind bars, and not just for a short time, but for a long time, because they actually murdered my brother for nothing,” she said. “There’s no explanation they can give us to say why he was murdered. Nobody can find a reason to say he did this, or we assume he did this or he affiliated with this or that or why he was murdered.”

Police said Strachan’s killing was one of two murders recorded on Saturday. The second happened around 10.30pm on Adderley Street. Officers were told Thompson had been sitting with several men when another man believed to be known to her called her over. Shortly after she went to him, two gunshots were heard.

She was shot in the chest, upper back and right side and later died in hospital around 10.45pm.

Police said the suspect fled on an electric scooter.

A 35-year-old man was later arrested on Farrington Road and reportedly found with a firearm, ammunition and an electric scooter.

Seven-year-old boy dies after falling into well

By LYNAIRE MUNNINGS Tribune Staff Reporter lmunnings@tribunemedia.net

A SEVEN-year-old boy died Saturday evening after falling into a well in Alice Town, Bimini, despite efforts by residents, police and medical personnel to save him.

Police said they were alerted shortly after 5pm by an anonymous caller who reported that a child had fallen into a well along Queen’s Highway.

Officers arrived to find a large crowd gathered and an adult male administering CPR to the unresponsive child. Police assisted in transporting the boy to the local clinic, where medical personnel continued life-saving efforts.

He was pronounced dead by a physician around 6pm.

Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident.

The child’s death has shaken the small island community, prompting an outpouring of condolences from political representatives and residents.

West Grand Bahama and Bimini MP Kingsley Smith extended sympathy to the family and the wider community, including students at Gateway Christian Academy.

PLP candidate for Bimini and the Berry Islands Randy Rolle said he was saddened by reports that the child had fallen into a well and died, describing the loss as devastating for the family and the community. He urged residents to keep the family in their prayers and respect their privacy as they grieve.

The boy’s relatives declined to comment on the death yesterday.

Police probe suspected accidental death of man pinned beneath car

A 44-YEAR-OLD man was found dead beneath a vehicle on Antigua Street on Saturday afternoon in what is being treated as an accidental death. Authorities were alerted shortly after 5pm that a man had become trapped under a vehicle. Responding officers found him unresponsive near a silver Nissan. A wrecker was called to remove the vehicle, and Emergency Medical Services personnel later confirmed there were no signs of life.

Preliminary information suggests a neighbour made the discovery after returning home and immediately alerted authorities.

An autopsy will be conducted to determine the exact cause of death as investigations continue.

The Tribune Limited

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End election guessing game

FIXED election dates seem to be something that get promised in Opposition but never delivered in office.

Last week, Alfred Sears, as the Fort Charlotte MP gave his farewell address to the House of Assembly, called for fixed election dates and campaign finance rules to be established.

PLP chairman Fred Mitchell is having none of it, chasing the idea out of the door on the heels of Mr Sears.

Mr Sears said: “I have other concerns, such as campaign finance reform, so that we protect the integrity of our political process, because the wealthiest people in the world live right here. We should always ensure that the money do not determine the outcome, but the will of the people determines, because they’re the sovereigns and that we should have a fixed election date so that we bring certainty to the business of our country.”

One wealthy Bahamian is running in the seat Mr Sears is vacating, with Sebas Bastian campaigning for the Fort Charlotte seat.

Mr Mitchell brushed off the concerns, saying “at the moment, that’s not on the agenda”.

Asked whether fixed election dates would be a priority in the new term, Mr Mitchell said it was unlikely to top the agenda.

It was, however, in the party’s manifesto for the last election. Indeed, in Opposition, Prime Minister Philip Davis decried the idea that the nation could be held hostage by a leader who would not commit to fixed election dates.

FNM leader Michael Pintard has recommitted his party to fixed election dates. As noted before in this column, note that word recommitted. After all, former Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis had said he would introduce fixed election dates, back in 2019, as well as term limits for the prime minister. Indeed, in January 2019, he said he would do so that very week. Nothing materialised.

In 2021, Mr Davis said: “The Westminster system dictates some convention should be applied to the fixing of elections that would involve the leader of political parties. He doesn’t have to tell us the exact date but he could at least give a period because there are a lot of things a party has to do to ready itself for a general election.”

No such consideration has been extended to the FNM, the COI, the DNA or any other candidates by Mr Davis now he is in the hot seat.

The idea of fixed elections was also mooted by former Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham. In August 2021, he said: “I had one snap election. I called an election in March of 1997, which was about five months before the end of my term, and thereafter I determined that we ought to move towards a fixed election date as far as possible.”

Mr Mitchell has not explained why something that was enough of a priority to be commented on by his party leader in Opposition and to be included in the party’s manifesto last time around would now be sidelined. It makes a mockery of the word

Yntegra plans threaten local waters

EDITOR, The Tribune.

T HE proposed Yntegra development at Big Sampson Cay is not progress it is a test of judgment for The Bahamas.

Strip away the marketing and four concerns remain: no proven track record, unrealistic promises, lack of real development experience, and troublingly weak, non-transparent oversight from DEPP.

“promises” when it comes to election manifestos.

Instead, he talks about how constitutional reform is complex. Well, yes and no. Some elements can be complex, some more straightforward. These things did not suddenly become complex since the last election. Last time, they were doable. Now, seemingly not.

What other promises should we expect will not be kept?

We do know, from comments by Mr Davis, while boasting about his transparency then telling people to indulge in fortune telling and “read the tealeaves” for when the election date will be, that the vote is not far off.

To that end, it is frustrating that so many people registering to vote on Saturday found that the process took an incredibly long time.

One would-be voter talked of how they were waiting for more than four hours to register, as staff seemed to struggle with a paper-based system that could not keep up.

That voter was not the only one. Elsewhere, there were reported shortages of registration staff, a struggle to pinpoint addresses on registration maps, and more. The prime minister has said people should register before Easter. Right now is when the registration department should be on its game. Any time after next weekend might well be too late.

As Mr Davis said, “By the time you hear that bell ring, if you are not registered, you will not be eligible to vote. Do not wait for the bell. Go now – to your nearest Parliamentary Registration location – and get registered.”

Here too is another indication of why fixed election dates would be useful. Rather than voters being taken by surprise by an election date, they would know and be able to plan for registration at the right time. The registration staff would also be able to plan accordingly.

Then there is the business of government itself. History has told us that previous elections have seen power transfer to a new government. Whichever party wins the election, it needs to pick up the baton and carry on the race with as smooth a transition as possible – for the good of the nation. This guessing game of when elections might be does not make that a simple process.

Soon there could be new ministers, trying to pick up from where the previous one left off. Soon there could be a new prime minister.

All of this could be smoother – and the fact that various leaders over the years have suggested an interest in fixed election dates, including the incumbent prime minister, suggest they have felt the same.

We go into another election with that promise unfulfilled – and with the pledge seemingly now discarded completely by the PLP. For the sake of our nation and its voters, we hope they reconsider – and that the new government, whoever is the leader, can bring a unanimous vote across the House to end this uncertainty.

It took just four days

EDITOR, The Tribune. IT was reported in the news today Wednesday that a senior police officer was charged with the untimely death of an American worker attached to the PIKE electricity work force. The incident took place on Saturday past. I do not intend to comment on the merit of this case; but I am more than surprise at the speed in which this case was brought before the courts. It took just four days including Sunday. On the other hand,

it is common knowledge that it takes literally years for similar cases involving ordinary Bahamians to be brought up. In some cases, witnesses might have died, or the statute of limitation might be close to running out. The real question is “Was it because an American was involved and the United States (US) Embassy screamed out for immediate justice?”. I do not expect our government to own up to anything, but to me it seems like pressure was brought

to bear on the government.

This is just another example of when America says “jump” we as a country says “how high”. We in the amen corner will be watching to see whether swift justice will be applied to similar cases involving ordinary Bahamians moving forward. I wouldn’t hold my breath though!

ZEPHANIAH

BURROWS

Nassau, March 25, 2026.

Yntegra’s record speaks for itself. Two years after bold commitments of developing Cave Cay, there is no meaningful delivery, only renderings and timelines. Now we are asked to believe the same group can build a full-scale resort in the Exumas, complete with marinas, infrastructure, and housing for 200 staff, in just two years.

Anyone with real experience in The Bahamas knows that is not ambitious, it is delusional.

Building in the Exumas means battling weather, logistics, tides, currents, ocean waves and supply

chains. These are not minor hurdles, they are project realities. Ignoring them doesn’t make this bold, it exposes inexperience on so many levels.

Equally concerning is oversight. Why does the head of DEPP, Dr. Rhianna Neely-Murphy, refer to this private development as “we” in town meetings? Why does a regulator appear aligned with a developer rather than defending the Bahamian people and our natural resources?

The comparison of this project to Junkanoo Beach is equally flawed. Nassau Harbour is a heavily engineered port with vast turning basins. North Bay is a confined, shallow, living ecosystem. Suggesting they are comparable is not just inaccurate, it is dangerous. From a maritime and environmental

standpoint, this project introduces unacceptable risk: dredging, destruction of live coral reefs and seagrass, altered tidal flows, and vessel traffic in narrow waters used daily by swimmers, neighboring islands, divers, and local tour operators.

For over 20 years, these waters have supported Bahamian livelihoods, captains, tour guides, bone fishermen, visitors by boat and planes. That reality is now being placed at risk for promises that remain unproven.

And the larger question remains: how does a foreign developer appear to bypass the very laws meant to protect Crown Land, the inheritance of the Bahamian people?

The Bahamas does not grant approvals on empty land. It grants them in living waters..waters that feed our families and define who we are as Bahamians.

So where is the line?

CAPT TITO BALDWIN Exumas, Bahamas March 29, 2026

Our ownership fantasy must end

EDITOR, The Tribune.

I WRITE as a response to and build on this strong and focused letter: “Land Without Means Is Not Wealth” (March 19, 2026). The Bahamas continues to emphasise the importance of ownership, but too often, we provide only an illusion of ownership rather than the reality of wealth.

We tell Bahamians that owning land signifies wealth. We tell them that owning a house offers security. We tell them that registering a small business empowers them. However, ownership that cannot be financed, developed, leveraged, monetised, or efficiently transferred does not function as true wealth; it amounts to mere paperwork. It represents potential that remains trapped behind ineffective systems.

This is why the national conversation must shift from slogans to a more structured approach.

The framework is simple: “Buy. Build. Borrow. Bridge.”

First, “Buy”: Ownership starts with acquisition, but in The Bahamas, acquisition alone is insufficient. If the title is unclear, boundaries are disputed, records are weak, or land cannot be easily regularized, what exactly has been secured?

We must stop pretending that paper possession equates to economic power. An asset must be clear, bankable, and usable.

Second, “Build”: Too many Bahamians are led to believe they are wealthy simply because they own land, yet they lack the capital to clear, service, plan, obtain approvals for, insure, or construct anything on it.

A vacant lot may hold value on paper, but paper value does not pay school fees, purchase groceries,

or generate cash flow. An ownership economy requires productive assets, not idle ones.

Third, “Borrow”: Debt has become a daunting word in our society because many have witnessed borrowing used irresponsibly.

However, no serious ownership economy can flourish without responsible access to capital. Mortgages, construction financing, equipment financing, working capital, and structured small-business lending are not luxuries; they are essential tools that enable ordinary citizens to scale their efforts.

The question is not whether Bahamians should borrow, but whether they can borrow affordably, prudently, and for productive purposes.

Fourth, and most importantly, “Bridge”: This word is the missing component in our development model.

“Bridge” means connecting land to title regularisation. It means linking ownership to financing. It means connecting young entrepreneurs to advisory support, contracts, and capital. It means uniting Family Island citizens with digital financial infrastructure. It means connecting assets to markets and ambition to systems. Without that bridge, ownership remains symbolic; with it, ownership becomes transformative.

This is where the country has been falling short. We celebrate homeownership while many struggle to meet affordability thresholds. We applaud entrepreneurship, yet many small businesses remain undercapitalized and fragile. We honor landholding, even though too many parcels sit economically dormant. We promote self-reliance, while many

citizens are excluded from the legal, financial, and administrative systems required to make ownership effective. That is not an ownership economy; it is an ownership performance.

The Bahamas must stop measuring success solely by possession and start measuring it by productivity. Can the land generate income? Can a home become an appreciating and financeable asset? Can a business survive, grow, and create jobs? Can the owner access credit without falling into a trap? Can assets be smoothly transferred to the next generation?

These are the questions that truly matter. We do not need more speeches that celebrate ownership in the abstract. We need true land reform that enhances title certainty. We need housing and development systems that facilitate building. We need lending structures that support disciplined capital formation. We need digital and institutional infrastructure to connect more Bahamians to the formal economy. We need an economy where more citizens can turn their assets into something useful. The future of this country will not be secured simply by telling people to own something. It will be secured when more Bahamians can “buy with clarity, build with purpose, borrow with discipline, and bridge their assets into usable wealth.”

This is the difference between a possession economy and an ownership economy. It’s time we stop confusing the two.

NOĒSIS — CRITICAL

THINKER Freeport, Grand Bahama March 19, 2026.

Fox defends sports legacy against political criticism - ‘The receipts were always here’

By LYNAIRE MUNNINGS Tribune Staff Reporter lmunnings@tribunemedia.net

RICK Fox has defended his record in The Bahamas, pushing back against questions about his role in developing the national basketball programme as he seeks election in Garden Hills.

Since announcing his candidacy for the Free National Movement, Mr Fox has faced scepticism over claims that he played a central role in the programme, with some suggesting his involvement has been overstated or is not widely recognised within the local sporting community.

In a Facebook post on Friday, Mr Fox dismissed the criticism as “propaganda” and said his contributions are well documented.

“The receipts were always here. The silence is what's new,” he wrote.

Mr Fox said that in the early 2000s, while captain of the Los Angeles Lakers, he returned home each summer to host camps and support the national basketball programme at the Kendal Isaacs Gymnasium.

“I was the captain of the Los Angeles Lakers,” he said, sharing photos of him during the summer camp.

“We were winning multiple NBA Championships with Shaq and Kobe. And every summer when I came home, I wasn't on a yacht. I was on that court. Running camps. Running the National Programme. Coaching. Pouring into Bahamian young people at a time when no cameras were rolling, no social media was watching, and no political points were on the table.”

“I carried and funded the National Basketball Programme for three years. Then I passed the torch

because that's what you do when you're building something bigger than yourself.”

Mr Fox also criticised Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Mario Bowleg, whom he is challenging in the constituency, for not speaking publicly about his past involvement.

“The man who inherited that foundation is now a Cabinet minister and he is standing in silence while the very foundation he benefited from is being scrubbed from the record,” he said.

Despite Mr Fox’s claims, some critics online argue that if his role had been as significant as stated, it would be more widely documented and acknowledged nationally.

Mr Fox said his decision to enter politics is driven by concerns about youth development, housing, healthcare and public safety.

"I'm canvassing Garden Hills right now and I am meeting them again, face to face, and they remember. I didn't need social media to make an impact then and I don't need the Minister's permission to tell the truth now," he said.

POSITION AVAILABLE

• Position/Job Title: Housekeeper

• Job Description: Maintain internal areas clean and organized at all times.

• Contact Number to Include: 427-3094 (Mr. Farrington)

• Billing Attention: Phillipa Armbrister

• Duration: 3 Days starting Friday March 27th, 2026

• Contact Number to Include: 427-3094 (Mr. Farrington)

"What concerns me isn't the propaganda. Lies have a short shelf life. What concerns me is the silence. Because a man who will stand by quietly while the

nation's youth are fed misinformation about one of their own — someone who paved the way and poured into this country's young people long before he ever did — that same man will stay silent when it matters most. "

Woman in viral gas station assault fined and sent to classes

By KEILE CAMPBELL Tribune Staff Reporter kcampbell@tribunemedia.net

A 21-YEAR-OLD

woman was fined, ordered to compensate an elderly man, and required to attend anger management classes

after being convicted in the Magistrate’s Court of an assault captured in a widely circulated social media video.

Kadesha Oliver, of Dorset Street, was charged with causing harm and damage to property

belonging to Gregory Armbrister in connection with a March 21, 2026, incident at the On The Run gas station at East Street South and Bamboo Boulevard.

Prosecutors alleged that Oliver intentionally and unlawfully caused harm to

Mr Armbrister during the altercation.

On that charge, she was fined $2,000 or, in default, will serve two months at the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services. She was also ordered to compensate the complainant $500 or serve a further two months.

On the damage charge, the court heard that Oliver intentionally damaged a pair of Ray-Ban glasses valued at $239.80 and a 14K yellow gold Franco chain valued at $20, for a total of $259.80.

For that offence, she was fined $1,000 or, in default, will serve four months at BDOCS.

She was further ordered

to compensate Mr Armbrister $400 or serve an additional two months.

The court also ordered Oliver to attend anger management classes for three months. Failure to comply will result in two months’ imprisonment at BDOCS.

The incident drew national attention after a video of the altercation circulated on social media.

In the footage, Mr Armbrister is seen entering a restroom at the gas station and securing the door behind him.

Moments later, Oliver approaches the door, agitated, knocking repeatedly and trying to gain entry.

When the door is opened,

she enters and an apparent verbal exchange follows.

She then pushes the man out as the two exchange words before a physical confrontation begins.

The video shows her striking the elderly man multiple times as he tries to defend himself.

Both briefly move out of view before reappearing, with Oliver again seen delivering blows while the man attempts to hold her off.

The altercation ends when another person intervenes and separates them.

The video gained significant traction online, drawing more than 1,200 comments and 2,100 shares on Facebook.

Trial delayed for hospitalised rape and armed robbery suspect

By KEILE CAMPBELL Tribune Staff Reporter kcampbell@tribunemedia.net

A 23-YEAR-OLD man facing rape, armed robbery, and attempted armed robbery charges did not appear in court yesterday due to hospitalisation, and his case was adjourned in the Magistrate’s Court in New Providence. Calvin Nicholas Bain’s case was stood down and is set to resume on March 30. He is accused of multiple offences dating back to 2021.

Court records list his addresses as Shady Tree Street and Honeysuckle Lane. In one matter, it is alleged that on June 16, 2021, in New Providence, Bain, acting with others and armed with a handgun, robbed Lisa Wilson-Adderley of a blue Samsung A21S valued at $250. He is also accused of sexually assaulting the 47-year-old woman on the same date without her consent.

In separate proceedings,

Bain is accused of attempting armed robbery on March 8, 2026, when he allegedly tried to rob Maria Peneda-Barboza of a handbag containing groceries and $80 cash while armed with a handgun. Another charge alleges that on March 3, 2026, Bain, while armed with a handgun, robbed Andreas List of a burgundy 2016 Nissan Cube, licence plate DD2398, valued at $7,000, along with a brown leather wallet containing $50.

The matter is expected to resume on March 30.

ONE CONVICTED, OTHERS AWAIT TRIAL IN FRIDAY DRUG ROUNDUP

By KEILE CAMPBELL Tribune Staff Reporter kcampbell@tribunemedia.net

THREE drug cases in the Magistrate’s Court on Friday ended in a conviction, a bail denial, and adjournments.

Dominic Manassa Clarke, 38, of Buttonwood Avenue, Pinewood Gardens, pleaded guilty to possession of dangerous drugs with intent to supply.

Prosecutors said that on March 26, 2026, in New Providence, he was found with 21 grams of Indian hemp with intent to supply.

He was convicted and fined $400 or will serve three months at BDOCS if he fails to pay.

In a separate matter, Teneil Duncombe, 46, of Taylor Street off Quarry Mission Road, pleaded not

guilty to possession of dangerous drugs with intent to supply.

It is alleged that on March 22, 2026, in New Providence, he was found with five ounces of Indian hemp with intent to supply. He was denied bail, and the matter was adjourned to May 6 for trial.

Meanwhile, Rudolph Nottage, 67, and Xavier Nottage, 35, both of Pratt Lane, were jointly charged with possession of dangerous drugs with intent to supply.

Prosecutors alleged that on March 24, 2026, in New Providence, the men, acting together with another, were found with 14 ounces of Indian hemp with intent to supply. Both pleaded not guilty and were each granted $5,000 bail. Their matter was adjourned to August 20.

Malcolm Strachan

“No one man should hold a country hostage,” said Davis But broken promise of fixed election date still lingers

PARLIAMENT has been prorogued until April 8, and PLP chairman Fred Mitchell is telling people to pay attention to that date. The election bell is about to ring.

We know the election is coming, but there is a detail about the proroguing of Parliament that is worth noting. The bigger picture may be that the whole of the government may be about to change, but proroguing Parliament brings a definite end to all the legislation of that session. It is a full stop for a whole range of legislation – an end to any chance to fulfil some of those promises in the PLP’s election manifesto last time around.

Most notably, the last promise to be broken is the promise of fixed election dates.

As long ago as 2012, then PLP Deputy Leader Philip Davis announced that if the PLP was returned to office, they would commit to a fixed date for general elections, saying: “No one man should hold a country hostage.”

He added: “This is why our party leader has committed as the next Prime Minister of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas to a fixed election date. No more guessing when the bell will ring.”

Fourteen years later, here we are, guessing when the bell will ring. You can’t tell me that in 14 years there was no opportunity to fulfil that promise.

In 2021, when Opposition leader, Mr Davis accused Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis of “trying to ambush the opposition” over the election date.

He said at the time: “One would’ve expected by now we would’ve had legislation that would have fixed dates for election, that’s what he [Minnis] promised. It’s not here and if there is one thing he could’ve done without legislation he could’ve said ‘Well I didn’t have the time to or the legislative agenda (does) not permit me the time to bring legislation for the purpose of fixed the date but I will from an administrative point of view tell you what the date is.’

“But he’s not doing that. The reason for that

is I think he’s looking for an ambush and that’s all we can say. He’s trying to ambush the opposition. Well, we are ready for an ambush, and our flanks are fortified.”

Election dates are not the only promise to go unfulfilled, of course. We are now about to go into another election still with no campaign finance legislation. Who will be paying for the next government to get elected? Who knows? There’s no sign of laws to give transparency over the election process.

Let’s go back to 2021 again. Then Opposition leader Philip Davis was outraged by the lack of campaign finance legislation. He said it would be irresponsible of the government not to bring campaign finance legislation before the next election.

Dr Minnis said at the time he had “seven more years” to deal with campaign finance legislation – a prediction that was both presumptuous and dead wrong – and Mr Davis fired back: “That he’s saying we have seven years in which to bring the legislation speaks to his hypocrisy and his true ways. It shows his presumptuousness as well. Every time they open their mouth you really can’t listen to what they say, just watch what they do. What could you believe coming from them at this point?”

Mr Davis added that term limits for prime ministers and a fixed date for elections were “low hanging fruits”. He said: “You don’t need nothing complicated or great hurdles to cross but again, as is typical, they had a campaign about things they thought people wanted to hear to get elected, they didn’t truly want to implement transformative policies.”

In its Blueprint for Change, the PLP promised to “commit to good governance, with integrity and accountability”.

In one sweeping paragraph in the blueprint, the party promised: “We commit to fully implementing the Freedom of Information Act, an Integrity Commission Act, Ombudsman Bill, new Public Disclosure Act, Anti-Corruption Act,

Campaign Finance Reform, Code of Conduct, Whistleblower Act, Electoral Reform Act, and Procurement Act.

Some of those are “low hanging fruits”, remember. That’s a list of things not done, or not fully implemented.

The continual delay in the Freedom of Information Act stands out as a particularly bad joke. Any time there’s a promise over transparency, you just have to look at the neglected freedom of information progress to see what that promise really means.

We also appear to be going into the election with no resolution to major situations involving Grand Bahama.

On February 23, US developer Concord Wilshire

POSITIONS AVAILABLE

Western

promised an update on the start of construction at the Grand Lucayan resort in Freeport. That update was promised “within the next two weeks”. Since then? Silence.

The airport in Grand Bahama has needed an overhaul since before this administration, but we enter the countdown to election with that unresolved.

One of the development successes in Grand Bahama has been the opening of

Celebration Key, Carnival Cruise Line’s destination – but it is not a success for local businesses and tour operators, which have reported a decline in visitors using their services since, for some as much as 90 percent. Put those together and Grand Bahama is going to be a tough sell for PLP candidates in the election. As it is, Ginger Moxey, the Minister for Grand Bahama, only got 40 percent of the

votes in her Pineridge seat last time around, the lowest percentage of votes for any winner in the 2021 election. She will be fighting for her political life this time around.

All that does not even take into account the fight the government picked with the Grand Bahama Port Authority, where it demanded $357m from the port and lost that claim. Of course, a government will never achieve everything it sets out to do. There are lots of things in the PLP Blueprint for Change that did not happen, but there are lots of things that will not happen from the manifestos of the next government. There were items such as the establishment of a National Recording Studio or recreating Sports in Paradise that just fell by the wayside, or the election pledge to renovate the National Centre for the Performing Arts, recently dismissed by Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture as “not cost effective” at a price tag of $15m. The cannabis industry reaches the election countdown without having been properly established. A promise on creating a lumber industry in the pine forests passes without mention. The healthcare system still lacks workers and payment issues drag on, especially for National Health Insurance providers. It will be interesting to see how many of the unfulfilled promises make it into the new manifesto. Are they merely delayed, not denied? Or will they be quietly shuffled off in the hopes people forget about them. Each party will be making promises, of course, and it will be up to each party to convince voters that they mean what they say. For now, Easter weekend lies ahead. Get registered before then. Get ready to vote.

Donnette Russell-Love, Esq. • Beyond The Borders

Preclearance: Arrests, Visas, and Bahamian Dilemma

THE intersection of United States immigration law and criminal justice represents a definitive "one-strike" environment for foreign nationals. For Bahamian citizens, this intersection is further complicated by a unique regulatory framework governing travel between the Commonwealth of The Bahamas and the United States. While the visa-free travel privilege afforded at Preclearance facilities offers significant convenience, it frequently masks the severe legal consequences of a US-based arrest.

Prudential Revocation (9 FAM 403.11)- What’s that?

A misconception among non-immigrant visa (NIV) holders: including visitors (B1/B2), students (F-1) and professionals (H-1B): is that a visa remains valid until its printed expiration date. However, under Department of State policy section 9 FAM 403.11, consular officers possess the authority of "Prudential Revocation" which allows for the electronic cancellation of a visa immediately following an arrest within US territory, often before a criminal conviction ever happens.

Prudential Revocation renders the physical visa stamp in a passport void. While an individual may remain in the US legally for the duration of their authorized I-94 stay, once they depart the US, they cannot re-enter without the re-application at the US consulate office in their home or resident country.

The US-Bahamas Preclearance Treaty of 1974 grants Bahamian citizens the unique privilege of travelling to the United States for tourism or business (B1/B2 purposes) without a formal visa.

To maintain eligibility for this visa exemption, the traveller must satisfy specific criteria:

• Possession of a valid Bahamian passport.

• Direct travel to the United States from a designated Preclearance airport.

• Presentation of a Police Certificate from the Royal Bahamas Police Force (RBPF) issued within the previous six months (for individuals aged 14 and older).

• An absence of any prior criminal record or legal grounds of inadmissibility.

RBPF Certificates vs. Global Databases CBP officers at Preclearance facilities maintain full access to the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) and the Interstate Identification Index (III). The moment a passport is scanned, the US arrest record is visible to federal agents. The discrepancy between the local certificate and the global digital footprint often triggers an immediate denial of admission. Once a traveller is no longer "without a criminal record" in the estimation of the US government, the visa-free privilege is effectively terminated.

Statutory Grounds of Inadmissibility When a Bahamian national applies for entry at Preclearance, they are technically seeking "Admission" to the United States. Consequently, the underlying grounds of inadmissibility under Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) § 212(a) apply regardless of the visa-free status.

For immigration purposes, a "conviction" is defined more broadly than in state or federal criminal courts. Even cases that were dismissed can carry immigration consequences if certain admissions of guilt were made.

If an applicant fails to disclose a US arrest when questioned by a CBP officer, they may be charged with material misrepresentation. This finding results in a permanent, lifetime ban from the United States.

In cases involving controlled substances, officers may invoke the "Reason to Believe" standard. This allows for a denial of entry based on the officer’s assessment of involvement in drug-related activity, even in the absence of a formal conviction.

Strategic Mitigation and Regulatory Compliance

Navigating the transition from a "visa-free" status to a "visa-required" status following an arrest requires a proactive legal strategy. Reliance on reactive measures at the airport often leads to permanent exclusion. Before attempting travel, it is essential to contact a legal professional to conduct a comprehensive audit of US criminal records and determine the categorization of the criminal activity, and whether the specific activity triggers an inadmissibility violation.

The Waiver Requirement

If an arrest renders a traveller inadmissible, the Preclearance privilege can no longer be utilized. The individual must instead apply for a formal B1/ B2 visa at the US Consulate and, concurrently, file a Non-Immigrant Waiver request. This process requires demonstrating rehabilitation and providing a legal basis for the waiver's approval.

Secondary Inspection Protocols

During encounters at LPIA, travellers may be directed to "Secondary Inspection." While there is no right to legal counsel during this administrative inspection, the statements made by the traveller become a permanent part of their US immigration file. Individuals may not be fully aware that they can decline to give a statement since doing so may not be in their best interest. Professional preparation for these encounters is vital for preserving future travel

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.

eligibility.

Conclusion The convenience of LPIA Preclearance is a significant asset for Bahamian travellers, yet it provides no immunity against the integrated reach of US criminal and immigration databases. An arrest in the United States transforms travel from a routine privilege into a complex legal challenge.

Managing the digital shadow is the only path to ensuring that the gateway to

the United States remains open.

• For specialised expertise in bridging the gap between Bahamian residency and US regulatory compliance contact our office. Donnette Russell‑Love, LLC pro vides legal and compliance consultancy for visa bond demands, consular refusals, preclearance refusals, and cross‑border risk controls. Contact 954‑828‑2428 or visit https://drusselll ove.com to schedule a consultation.

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)

Key Responsibilities:

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

· Count cash and reconcile daily totals with reports.

· 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 (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.

Faith on the move