04162026 NEWS

THURSDAY

GAMING BOSS - NO ISSUE WITH LOTTERY

Views clash with PM who dismissed FNM proposal as ‘gimmick’

By JADE RUSSELL Tribune Staff Reporter

jrussell@tribunemedia.net

GAMING boss Sebas Bastian, the PLP’s Fort Charlotte candidate, said he does not oppose the Free National Movement’s proposal to introduce a national lottery – days after Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis firmly rejected it.

Mr Bastian argued that a national lottery would

essentially be an “eighth number” house run by the government, describing it as a compilation of num bers games. He said he supports the Free National Movement’s plan to divert gaming proceeds into edu cation, sports, culture, and other sectors, but insisted those areas should already be prioritised. “I am in 100 percent of support of the FNM’s plan

LOTTERY - SEE PAGE THREE

Veteran RBDF officer charged with assaulting female trainees

By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Chief Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net

Parliamentary Registry worker accused of issuing fake voter cards

By

Chief Petty Officer Eric Rolle appeared before the RBDF’s court, charged with five counts of assault and one count of drunkenness.

Rolle pleaded not guilty to the offences and is due to return to court at a later date.

A VETERAN defence force officer was released from duty yesterday after being charged with assaulting a group of female marine trainees while drunk and on duty at the force’s Coral Harbour base last Wednesday.

RBDF Commodore Floyd Moxey described Rolle as a 21-year veteran of the force and a trainee instructor.

He said Rolle would be interdicted but noted that he has the option to appeal the decision to the minister.

ASSAULT - SEE PAGE TWO

PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net

A PARLIAMENTARY

Registration Department employee was accused yesterday of helping a Haitian woman obtain a voter’s ID and possessing five blank voter’s cards last week. Prosecutors allege that

Randy Powell Jr, 31, aided and abetted Tashania Valsaint, 33, in obtaining a fraudulent voter’s card in her name on February 11.

The pair allegedly conspired to commit fraud against the PRD on April 9. At about 11.30am that day, Valsaint allegedly

FAKE - SEE PAGE THREE

MUNROE REBUKES

FILE photo of a voter’s card.

COI LEADER;

WARNS AGAINST POLL INTERFERENCE

By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Chief Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net

NATIONAL Security Minister Wayne Munroe yesterday warned against interfering with voters exercising their right to cast their ballot at the polls, days after Coalition of Independents leader Lincoln Bain urged Bahamians who meet non-English speakers at polling stations to report

them to COI agents.

Mr Bain said people who cannot speak the Queen’s English should not have a passport and urged Bahamians who encounter such people to notify the COI. He said the party would keep a proper record if it needs to go to an election court, where, he said, “the battle begins.”

“When you get in that election

INTERFERE - SEE PAGE THREE

Petty officer charged with five counts of assault

Commodore Rolle yesterday reiterated the force’s commitment to maintaining a training environment built on discipline, professionalism and accountability.

“Where any of our training instructors fall afoul

This means the chief petty officer will be relieved of all defence force duties and barred from entering any RBDF installation. If the minister of national security does not accede to his request, he can take the matter to the National Security Council, which includes the prime minister.

of law, we will be decisive,” he said. “We will act swiftly, and we will deal with it straight away. We will be transparent about it, because it’s all about integrity, and integrity is doing the right thing even when no one is looking and that is what we in this Royal Bahamas Defense Force is striving to do.”

Bastian says government should use gaming taxes

to how we divert proceeds from gaming,” he said.

“So let’s take this tax revenue and let’s immediately, I don’t know if we could add another page to our Blueprint for Progress at this time, but possibly we should just insert that. I think that’s a great idea, because that’s what it should be able to go to, and we can build so much more schools, invest in our healthcare, and invest in our sports.”

Mr Bastian’s position contrasts with that of his party leader, Mr Davis, who dismissed the proposal as a “gimmick”.

Mr Davis told reporters he questioned Opposition leader Michael Pintard’s motive for introducing a national lottery, arguing that the Dominican Republic had not been successful with its model. He also questioned whether Mr Pintard intended to use the lottery as a “slush fund” for “corrupters and fraudsters”. When asked if he

disagreed with the prime minister, Mr Bastian said: “I’m not getting into what the Prime Minister said or didn’t say. I’m here to talk about what my views are. The prime minister can speak to his own views.”

Mr Bastian, the former chief executive officer of Island Luck, stepped down as CEO from the gaming company to enter frontline politics.

He expressed scepticism about whether anyone in the Free National Movement has the expertise to effectively implement and operate a national lottery.

Asked whether an international operator should be brought in to assist, he said using a foreign company would result in foreigners gaining a significant stake in an industry reserved for Bahamians.

He recalled that when the Free National Movement was last in office, it increased taxes on domestic gaming operators, while casinos, which operate under a different tax structure, were not subject to the same increases.

Mr Pintard has proposed a state-run national lottery as a new revenue stream to fund national development, overseen by an independent board. He said the funds would support education, sports, youth development, social

intervention, and culture.

He added that the lottery could generate significant payouts and operate alongside existing private gaming operators, citing jurisdictions such as the Dominican Republic, Curaçao, Saint Martin, and Ghana as examples of similar models.

Mr Pintard also vigorously defended his proposed national lottery at a southern zone rally on Tuesday, arguing that gambling is already a reality in The Bahamas and that the government should harness those funds to directly benefit citizens.

He said he was offended that the tax increase was not applied across the board, noting that the Free National Movement increased taxes by 36 percent, raising government revenue from the sector to $50m annually.

Mr Bastian argued that instead of the government becoming a “number man”, it should allocate the $50m collected in gaming taxes toward education, sports,

Munroe warns that interfering with voters will lead to arrest

lines,” he said, “talk to the person in front of you, talk to the person in the back off you. If they cannot speak the Queen’s English, they should not have a passport. When you get to that door you let us know.”

Mr Bain made the comments last week outside the Parliamentary Registration Department, where he and COI supporters gathered to express doubt on the integrity of the upcoming general election.

Heightened scrutiny of the electoral process also

comes as the Davis administration has faced renewed criticism over what some have called an “immigration crisis in the country,” a claim the government has strongly rejected.

Yesterday, Mr Munroe said anyone who follows Mr Bain’s advice risks being arrested and barred from voting.

“Do not listen to that foolish advice unless you have a will not to vote if you want your vote to count,” he said. “You will not interfere with anybody else exercising their right to vote. If you do, you will be the one who is not able to

Registry worker accused of possessing five blank voter cards

Garçon, Donald Rolle, Rachel Fleurimont and Jamie Symonette.

a forged document, and attempted fraud by false pretences.

uttered the same fraudulent voter’s card in an attempt to obtain a NIB smart card. Authorities were alerted and arrested both defendants.

Powell was allegedly found in possession of two voter’s cards in the names of Sharnika Smith and Jared Smith, along with five Parliamentary Registration Department Form B documents for transfer bearing the names of Naquel Outten, Cynthia

He was also accused of having five sealed voter’s cards bearing no names. The arrests come amid a crackdown on fraudulent voter IDs ahead of the May 12 general election.

Powell was charged with seven counts of unlawful possession, five counts of possession of a fraudulent document, and abetment to commit fraud by false pretences.

Valsaint was charged with possession of a forged document, uttering

The pair faced a joint charge of conspiracy to commit fraud by false pretences.

They pleaded not guilty to all charges before Senior Magistrate Kendra Kelly Burrows.

Powell’s bail was set at $9,000 with one or two sureties.

Valsaint was granted $8,000 cash bail due to her immigration status. She will be fitted with a monitoring device and must surrender her travel documents.

Both accused must sign in at the Southern Police Station every Monday by 6pm. They return to court on August 14.

Sergeant Vernon Pyfrom prosecuted. Quinton Percentie represented the accused.

vote because you will be in custody.”

Mr Munroe maintained that Bahamian elections and voter registration are conducted in English. He said the only provision for translation or similar assistance is for people who are hearing impaired.

The exchange also comes amid heightened concern over voter fraud following a number of document fraud arraignments.

Mr Munroe lauded efforts to crack down on the issue, noting that people have been using fraudulent cards to obtain other forms of

identification.

He said he has not been advised of anyone presenting fake documents to the Parliamentary Registration Department and that it is unlikely that people with fake voter’s cards would be able to vote due to safeguards in place.

“When you turn up at the polling place, if you have a fraudulent voter’s card, they will look for the counterfoil,” he said.

“When they do not find a counterfoil to match what you produce, the likelihood is, if it’s someone else’s, the likelihood is you yourself will end up in custody.”

Vandals target political billboards in Grand Bahama

By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Staff Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

VANDALS have allegedly targeted campaign billboards in Central Grand Bahama, with damage reported to signs belonging to candidates from both major parties.

Frazette Gibson, the FNM candidate for Central Grand Bahama, said she found one of her signs on Santa Maria Drive knocked to the ground early Wednesday, with the billboard’s supporting leg broken. She said a billboard belonging to Paco Deal, the PLP candidate for the constituency, was also defaced in the same area.

Ms Gibson reported the incident to the Lucaya Police Station, noting that it was the second such incident in recent days. Last week, she found another of her billboards torn down at the Ranfurly Circus roundabout. That incident was not reported, and the sign was later reinstalled.

“There are no cameras in those areas, so we don’t

know who is responsible,” said Ms Gibson, a veteran police reservist.

With the general election set for May 12, campaign signs have been appearing across the island.

Ms Gibson described the repeated damage as criminal and said it undermines the democratic process.

“This sacred democratic exercise of a general election is being driven to an all-time low,” she stressed.

Despite the incidents, she said she remains focused on the campaign.

“I refuse to be distracted or discouraged by this destructive behaviour,” she said.

She urged those responsible to "cease and desist" and warned them to consider the consequences of their actions.

Assistant Superintendent Nicholas Johnson said he could not confirm whether a complaint was filed. He said police would monitor the situation, noting that such incidents often occur in the early morning hours when no one is around.

Ex-fiancée testifies Gibson hid interest in WSC contracts

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net

LONG Island MP Adrian Gibson’s former fiancée told the Supreme Court yesterday that he failed to disclose his interest in companies awarded Water and Sewerage Corporation (WSC) contracts and was paid monthly for work completed.

Alexandria Mackey gave evidence under cross-examination by defence attorneys Damian Gomez, KC, and Murrio Ducille, KC, during the ongoing trial tied to WSC contracts.

She said Gibson had formed multiple companies, including Elite Maintenance and Oak Bay Limited. She added that

she ensured WSC contracts were completed and that subcontractors were paid.

In the lead-up to the arrests of Gibson and his co-accused, Ms Mackey told Mr Ducille she was concerned about reports circulating in the local media.

She said Tanya Demeritte became a shareholder in one of the companies in 2020, replacing her after she left.

Ms Mackey denied defence claims that she was roughed up while in police custody for fraud. She said she was scared, but not because she was assaulted.

Mr Ducille suggested she was threatened by Assistant Commissioner of Police Deleveaux and told she would be charged if she did

not cooperate. Ms Mackey rejected this, saying she was never threatened.

She also denied encouraging Ms Demeritte to plead guilty to her charges.

On Tuesday, Ms Mackey told the court her mother paid the $10,000 fine Ms Demeritte faced in these proceedings.

Ms Mackey said she and Gibson’s company was responsible for painting the George Moss Building and Somerset House. She claimed Gibson benefitted from the arrangement and that his failure to declare his interest in the companies was an offence.

She explained that Gibson was not named on official documents, but said he directed the companies’ operations behind the

scenes.

Ms Mackey previously testified that the companies had no employees and that Gibson handpicked subcontractors to carry out the work. She said he instructed her on how the companies should be run, both in person and through emails.

She agreed with the defence that she handled the banking for the companies.

When pressed on what proof she had of Gibson’s involvement, Ms Mackey said she had emails from him giving instructions, including on how to deal with Top Notch. She also said communications related to his car rental company in Long Island supported her claim.

While she agreed with the defence that she did not defraud anyone by collecting money for work completed by the companies and that she was entitled to it, she said Gibson was unjustly enriched.

She said Gibson was at fault because, as chairman of WSC and a sitting member of parliament at the time, he was required to disclose his interest in the companies but did not. She said this represented a conflict of interest.

Ms Mackey said Gibson had responsibilities as an MP that she did not, but said he still collected money from the companies. She claimed bank statements showed he benefitted.

She said Gibson received

$1,750 a month from Silver Lining Enterprises and that the company was paid by WSC.

She said money from Elite Maintenance was transferred to Silver Lining and that she was instructed by Gibson to obtain funds. However, she agreed with the defence that the money was legitimately obtained by the companies for work done on water tanks and building painting.

According to Ms Mackey, Baha Maintenance was paid $248,326.40 to paint the George Moss Building and Somerset House, but the subcontractor, Sparktacular, received $74,000. She said Baha Maintenance was also paid $538,660.08 for refurbishing two water tanks.

Ms Mackey said that, on Gibson’s instructions, Elite Maintenance made a $125,000 deposit on a property at Shirley Park Avenue. She said she took Gibson’s word as gospel. Mr Ducille suggested Ms Mackey came to court to save her “Hyde” and would do whatever it took to implicate Gibson. She disagreed.

Mr Ducille also suggested that neither she nor any of the accused did anything wrong and noted the trial had been ongoing for nearly three years.

Ms Mackey was shown share certificates for Oak Bay Limited for Joan Knowles and Jerome Missick, who were listed as secretary and director,

respectively.

She agreed with the defence that she did not produce any share certificates, board directives, or minutes linking Gibson to the company. She also agreed that no corporate documents presented showed Gibson owned Oak Bay. Ms Mackey maintained that Gibson was the beneficial owner, but said this was not reflected in corporate documents. She said she did not have a copy of the trust deed.

She also said that in the run-up to the 2021 general election, Gibson met Knowles in his grandparents’ kitchen and gave her money.

Ms Mackey denied that the evidence she gave on Tuesday was fabricated. Mr Gomez said that in July 2021, Ms Knowles transferred $138,148.22 from Oak Bay Limited to her own account. On that basis, the defence argued there was no reason for Knowles to receive money from Gibson.

Gibson, the former executive chairman of the Water and Sewerage Corporation, has been on trial since November 2023 alongside Donaldson Jr, a former general manager, Joan Knowles, Peaches Farquharson, and Jerome Missick over contracts awarded during his tenure.

Senior Justice Cheryl Grant-Thompson is presiding.

Munroe defends Mitchell and Pinder over House absences

By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Chief Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net

FORMER leader of government business Wayne Munroe defended the number of absences of Fred Mitchell and John Pinder in the House of Assembly, but said he couldn’t speak to McKell Bonaby’s after records showed the trio had the worst attendance rates since the Davis administration assumed office.

Mr Munroe, who is also the National Security Minister, said he was making no excuses for anyone, but maintained that none of their absences had hampered the government’s legislative agenda.

Records obtained by The Tribune revealed that each MP attended fewer than 80 percent of sittings during the period Fox HIll MP Fred Mitchell, the Foreign Affairs Minister and PLP Chairman, missed 76 sittings for

an attendance rate of 60.8 percent. He was followed by Mr Pinder, the Central and South Abaco MP with 55 absences and Mr Bonaby, the Mount Moriah MP and chairman of the Bahamas Public Parks and Beaches Authority, with 52. Yesterday, Mr Munroe defended Mr Mitchell, saying his role as foreign affairs minister requires extensive travel.

He said Mr Pinder, Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Tourism, also travels frequently to advance the country’s tourism agenda, which he said has contributed to record visitor numbers.

“The other person is Mr Bonaby,” he said. “I can't speak specifically to him, but certainly he didn't rack up sufficient absences to be debarred from his seat. There are rules that would have your seat declared vacant if you miss too many meetings.” Those with the best

attendance records included Marco City MP Michael Pintard, leader of the FNM; MICAL MP Basil McIntosh; and St Barnabas MP Shanendon Cartwright. They were followed by Englerston MP Glenys Hanna-Martin, North Eleuthera MP Sylvanus Petty, Carmichael MP Keith Bell and Mr Munroe, each of whom recorded attendance rates at or above 90 percent.

Prime Minister Philip Davis, Deputy Prime Minister Chester Cooper, Myles LaRoda, Dr Michael Darville, Pia Glover-Rolle Bacchus Rolle, Alfred Sears, Clay Sweeting, Jomo Campbell, Mario Bowleg, Ginger Moxey, Leon Lundy, Zane Lightbourne, Wayde Watson, Kirk Cornish, Jamahl Strachan, Lisa Rahming, Leroy Major, Dr Hubert Minnis, Adrian Gibson and Kwasi Thompson were among those with attendance rates above 80 percent.

Dames slams Bonaby over $141m parks spending and absences

By LYNAIRE MUNNINGS Tribune Staff Reporter

FREE National Move-

ment candidate for Mount Moriah Marvin Dames has accused incumbent Mount Moriah MP McKell Bonaby of failing to attend Parliament and failing to account for more than $141 million in public spending at the Bahamas Public Parks and Beaches Authority.

In a statement responding to a report published yesterday by The Nassau Guardian, Mr Dames said Mr Bonaby’s parliamentary absences and lack of accountability raise serious concerns.

“The Bahamian people and the residents of Mount Moriah have been let down,” Mr Dames said. “Their MP has collected a salary, held a chairmanship, and made promises, and delivered almost nothing in return.”

He added: “It’s no surprise that the MP for Mount Moriah is too absent to show up to Parliament, and too unaccountable to explain where $141 million went.” The Nassau Guardian reported that spending by the Parks and Beaches

Authority has exceeded $141 million under the Progressive Liberal Party administration, based on budget documents up to December 2025. The report detailed consistent overspending across multiple fiscal years, including $24.6 million spent against a $15.2 million budget in 2021/2022 and more than $33 million spent against a $24 million budget in 2023/2024.

Mid-year figures for

2025/2026 show $25.1 million already spent, leaving less than $4 million for the remainder of the fiscal year. The report also noted a $10.9 million government loan to the authority in 2024/2025.

Mr Dames said these figures reinforce long-standing concerns raised by the FNM about unchecked spending and lack of oversight.

“This is not a new

concern,” he said. “The FNM raised the alarm when Parks and Beaches began consistently overspending its budget year after year. The pattern has never stopped. The explanations have never come.”

Separate reporting by The Tribune found that Mr Bonaby is also among the most absent MPs since the Davis administration took office in 2021, missing 52 House of Assembly

sittings and attending just 73.2 percent of sessions.

The records cover two parliamentary periods: 88 sittings from October 2021 to August 2023 and 106 sittings from October 2023 to March 2026.

Mr Bonaby ranks among the three most absent MPs, alongside Fox Hill MP Fred Mitchell, who missed 76 sittings for a 60.8 percent attendance rate, and Central and South Abaco MP John Pinder, who missed 55 sittings for a 71.6 percent attendance rate.

Mr Mitchell declined to comment, while Mr Pinder did not respond to questions. Mr Bonaby also did not respond to The Tribune’s questions about his absences.

In contrast, Marco City MP Michael Pintard, MICAL MP Basil McIntosh and St Barnabas MP Shanendon Cartwright recorded the strongest attendance.

Mr Dames said the attendance record reflects a broader failure in representation.

“The people of Mount Moriah deserve a representative who shows up,” he said.

He also pointed to past statements by Prime

Minister Philip Davis and Mr Bonaby, who had criticised the Minnis administration’s handling of the authority in 2021 and promised transparency and audits.

“That was 2021. Four years and $141 million later, not a single audit has ever been tabled,” Mr Dames said. “Parks are still deteriorating and the books are still closed.”

The Nassau Guardian also reported that despite earlier assurances from Mr Bonaby that audits were ongoing and that a full accounting would be provided, no such reports have been made public. With Parliament now dissolved ahead of the May 12 general election, no update has been given.

“Bahamians deserve parks that are clean, safe, and functional; not rusted, broken, and neglected while tens of millions disappear without explanation,” Mr Dames said.

“Under Philip Davis and McKell Bonaby, Parks and Beaches has become a $141 million piggy bank with no receipts, no oversight, and no shame.”

Mr Bonaby, once again yesterday, was unable to be reached for comment.

FNM DEMANDS ANSWERS AFTER DAVIS OVERRIDES ZNS BOARD

By LYNAIRE MUNNINGS

THE Free National Movement has accused the government of political interference at the Broadcasting Corporation of The Bahamas after Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis overruled a board decision involving General Manager Clint Watson, a move that led to two resignations.

The FNM pointed to correspondence showing that the BCB board had decided Mr Watson should remain off the job until after the May 12 general election, but that decision was later overuled by Mr Davis. The party said the fallout was “immediate and significant,” noting that two members of the five-person board resigned shortly after the intervention.

“These are not the words of political opponents; they are the recorded concerns of individuals directly involved in the governance

In a statement, the party said the developments raise “troubling questions about governance and political interference,” particularly during an election period when the state broadcaster plays a central role in informing the public.

of the Corporation,” the FNM said.

It argued that the situation raises broader concerns about the independence of statutory bodies and the integrity of decision-making.

“If a board, acting within its authority and citing transparency and public confidence, can have its decision set aside in this manner, it calls into question the independence of statutory bodies,” the statement said.

The FNM also said the public is entitled to assurance that the broadcaster’s operations are free from political direction, given its role during an election

period.

It called for a “clear and transparent explanation” of the circumstances surrounding the intervention

and the basis on which the board’s decision was overridden.

“Bahamians deserve confidence that public

institutions are being managed in accordance with established governance principles, not political convenience,” the party said.

The Tribune Limited

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LEON E. H. DUPUCH,

Publisher/Editor 1903-1914

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Publisher/Editor 1919-1972

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

Publisher/Editor 1972-

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More than just a gimmick?

IS the proposal of a national lottery a gimmick or not a gimmick? It depends who you ask.

The Free National Movement certainly caught the eye with the proposal to introduce a national lottery as part of its manifesto commitment for the coming election.

In terms of catching headlines, its manifesto has done that.

Some of those headlines may win voters, some may lose voters, such is the nature of the beast, but it certainly has attracted attention.

Certainly, it has drawn comment already from Pastor Lyall Bethel, who has remained steadfast in his opposition to a national lottery since back in the days when the nation voted no in a referendum on the matter. Of course, the nation also voted no to legalising web shops – and we know how that ended.

Prime Minister Philip Davis was moved to describe the FNM proposals as a gimmick.

He said: “To talk about the national lottery seems to me a gimmick, trying to grab headlines. It just speaks of desperation, and it’s really not for help.”

If indeed it was just about grabbing headlines, then job done.

However, yesterday, the PLP candidate for Fort Charlotte – and presumably an aspiring member of Mr Davis’ Cabinet if his party retains office – said he does not oppose the proposal his party leader called a gimmick.

That candidate is of course Sebas Bastian, the now former chief executive of Island Luck, the web shop chain, who stepped down from his role in order to run for political office.

Mr Bastian argued a lottery would be an “eighth number” house, run by the government – which would presumably put it into competition with the business from which he has just departed.

He also supported how the money would be used by the FNM plan, going towards education, sports, culture and more, saying: “I am in 100 percent of support of the FNM’s plan to how we divert proceeds from gaming.”

Mr Bastian added: “So let’s take this tax revenue and let’s immediately, I don’t know if we could add another page to our Bluepring for Progress at this time, but possibly we should just insert that. I think that’s a great idea, because that’s what it should be able to go to, and we can build so much more schools, invest in our healthcare, and invest in our sports.”

In a world of bi-partisan politics, such moments of coming to the water’s edge to meet would be welcome. In a pre-election battle of scoring points, admitting your opponents have a great idea your side should add to its manifesto is more of an own goal.

Mr Bastian said he was not going to get into what his party leader had to say on the matter and that the prime minister “can speak to his own views”.

It should be borne in mind that if the PLP does indeed win office and Mr Bastian wins a role in Cabinet, he will be bound by collective Cabinet responsibility – and will need to speak as one with his party’s leadership.

PM’s office: Graveyard of ambition

EDITOR, The Tribune.

THE office of the Prime Minister in The Bahamas is increasingly becoming a graveyard of ambition. It is where campaign promises go to die, and where the language of reform is buried beneath caution, patronage, bureaucracy, and the instinct to manage decline rather than confront it. Too often, leaders enter office promising change, only to become custodians of the very systems they once vowed to disrupt.

One of the other criticisms of the FNM plan that came from Mr Davis is that the proposed model put forward by leader Michael Pintard draws on experience in the Dominican Republic, which Mr Davis said had not been successful.

However, if we draw on the country which serves as the model of much of our Parliamentary and legal systems, the UK, that has had a national lottery in operation since 1994, raising more than $71 billion for good causes in that time.

The lottery there is a franchise set up by the state but operated by a private company. Of all the money spent on national lottery games, about 53 percent goes to the prize fund to pay out to winners, with 25 percent going to “good causes”. There is some debate over the worthiness of some of those causes, and whether the UK lottery is simply another form of tax, done stealthily, to pay for things that should be paid for through regular taxation. Of the rest of the money, 12 percent goes to the government as a duty, four percent goes to retailers, and five percent goes to the private operators, four percent to cover costs and one percent as profit.

Such a lottery here would absolutely be competition for the current web shops –although the UK has no shortage of other betting outlets that exist alongside the lottery.

The UK also has plenty of cases where people suffer from gambling addiction, and the responsibility of the gambling sector to adequately fund prevention and rehabilitation programmes and to abide by measures that do not prey on those suffering from addiction is a much debated point.

The religious community has also expressed its views on the matter in the UK, as has been done here, although it is worth noting that not all churches speak with one voice on this. Some churches are so strongly against gambling that they reject all forms of it, while some are happy to run their own raffles.

There is that referendum vote, however – and those who marched and campaigned to reject a national lottery in 2013 may well feel pretty cheated that the nation voted no on two issues and yet may end up with both of them being passed without another referendum.

We should note that gambling has significant negative effects on both individuals and communities. Those who are likeliest to take part in gambling are often those who can least afford to – and the web shops we already see on our streets seem more likely to be in lower income areas. When was the last one you saw in a rich gated community?

The motivation for those gambling in such areas is simple – the reward might just be big enough to pay off those bills that are lagging behind, to help give the family a chance. It offers hope – even when the reality is more likely to be the same situation with less money after you gamble it away.

One thing it is not is a gimmick. It has become a talking point that the PLP’s own prospective MPs are taking seriously.

The FNM is betting it will be a vote winner. On that, the voters will decide.

Stand in the gap

EDITOR, The Tribune.

BEING a natural-born Bahamian, I’ve lived in Nassau long enough to see this cycle play out repeatedly. Every election, we start with debates about policy and end up questioning each other’s character. Billboard signs go up, conversations go down, and suddenly the person across the street isn’t a neighbor, they’re “the other side.” But we are better than that. The Bahamas was built by people who chose unity over division when it mattered most.

That doesn’t have to be our story, and it won’t be, if we decide it today. We can hold strong convictions and still honor

each other. We can demand accountability from our leaders and also lift them up in hope that they lead with wisdom. It’s not a weakness to do both. Its strength. One ancient letter urged prayers “for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives” 1 Timothy 2:1-2. When leaders are guided well, a nation thrives. When citizens choose respect over contempt, a people become unbreakable. Ezekiel 22:30 says, “I looked for someone to stand in the gap…but I found no one.” Let that not be said of us. Let it be said that when the noise got loud, Bahamians stood up. When the election is over,

both parties’ Government and opposition must work together for the good of the country. Neighbors who supported different parties must go back to being neighbors. That means volunteering, mentoring, and praying if that’s your practice for Nassau, Andros, Cat Island, and every island of this archipelago. Division is easy. It takes courage to build up. The Bahamas we want is made by the citizens we decide to be - starting now. God bless the Commonwealth of the Bahamas ANTHONY PRATT Nassau, April 11, 2026.

Prime Minister Philip Davis’s tenure reflects this pattern. He projects the image of a modern, forward-looking leader. His administration frequently speaks of progress, opportunity, resilience, affordability, and national advancement. The branding is contemporary, the language optimistic, and the presentation suggests movement. Yet beneath that image lies a vision and governing instinct that appears deeply rooted in the past. This contradiction is significant. The Prime Minister speaks in the language of tomorrow while governing with assumptions shaped by yesterday. This is crucial because The Bahamas is not confronting yesterday’s problems; we are living in an era of technological disruption, rising housing stress, climate risk, economic concentration, productivity weaknesses, and growing frustration among younger generations. A country facing these pressures cannot afford leadership that merely sounds modern; it needs leadership that is genuinely designed for the age now arriving.

Instead, what we often receive is incrementalism dressed up as transformation. Administrative activity is treated as a strategy; announcements are confused with outcomes, and optics substitute for redesign. The result is drift disguised as governance.

This is why Peter’s Principle feels particularly relevant. The principle suggests that people in hierarchical structures are often promoted until they reach a level at which they are no longer effective. In politics, the lesson is even more sobering. A leader may be skillful enough to rise, persuasive enough to win, and experienced enough to command a party, yet still lack the imagination, policy depth, and execution discipline required by the office. High office does not always

reveal greatness; sometimes it reveals limitations.

That is the deeper problem for The Bahamas: electoral success and transformational capacity are not the same thing.

To be fair, every Prime Minister inherits real constraints. The state is slow; bureaucracy is thick; fiscal room is tight; interests are entrenched; public expectations are immediate; and global instability is real. However, leadership is not tested when conditions are easy. Rather, leadership is tested by whether a leader can see beyond inherited systems and move the country from rhetoric to redesign.

This is where the current administration appears weakest. The concern is not just that it has fallen short of specific hopes, but that it seems to lack the disruptive imagination required for the period now unfolding around us. Artificial intelligence will reshape work; digital finance will pressure legacy institutions, climate exposure will intensify economic risk, housing pressures will worsen, and global competition for capital, talent, and relevance will become more severe. A government that speaks of progress while clinging to outdated assumptions does not prepare the country for these shifts; it leaves the nation vulnerable.

The pressing question now is whether Michael C Pintard, when he (if to some) becomes Prime Minister after the May 2026 general election, can rise above the challenging legacy he would inherit.

That change will not happen simply because power shifts. If Mr Pintard is serious about national renewal, he must resist one of the oldest habits in Bahamian politics: governing through familiar circles, recycled advisors, and inherited party networks. Many of the people closest to power in any future FNM administration will likely be figures who shaped previous FNM governments. That is precisely where the danger lies. It is not enough to change the man at the top while preserving the same political ecosystem underneath him.

Mr Pintard must look beyond his trusted circle for new talent, not as mere decoration, but as a necessity. He

will need individuals who can do more than defend talking points, repeat partisan lines, or repackage old ideas in fresher language. He will need people who can articulate a credible, future-focused national vision and, just as importantly, help design and implement workable solutions.

This is particularly urgent because the economy seems to be structurally broken. Much of the national conversation still operates under the assumption that growth will somehow emerge from habit, tourism dependence, borrowing, sporadic developments, or administrative improvisation. Yet, The Bahamas lacks a clear and coherent framework for the economic model it is currently operating under, let alone the one it claims to be building. We speak of resilience, inclusion, development, and opportunity, but often without defining the necessary architecture to achieve these aims. The next administration must do more than criticize the current one; it needs to address important questions. What is the Bahamian growth model? Which sectors will drive productivity? What strategies are in place for housing, energy, digital infrastructure, capital formation, domestic ownership, workforce transformation, and national competitiveness? How can ordinary Bahamians transition from being spectators in the economy to active participants in ownership?

Until these questions are thoughtfully addressed, our political discourse will remain performative, and our policies will continue to be reactive.

The challenge facing the country extends beyond individuals like Philip Davis or Michael C Pintard. It concerns whether our political leadership, regardless of party affiliation, can think beyond the outdated instincts of the past. The Bahamas requires more than just catchy slogans about progress; it needs a governing model designed for the future.

If not, the office of the Prime Minister risks becoming what it has increasingly turned into: not a platform for national transformation, but a graveyard of ambition.

AMUN DUNAMIS Freeport, Grand Bahama April 12, 2026.

Thirty days of empty campaign promises

EDITOR, The Tribune. THERE is an old worn out cliche’ which says that” a promise is a comfort to a fool”. To me, a political promise is a false hope. It is like a dream that is never realised, or a pregnancy that never comes to term. A promise is an intangible that politicians dress up and sell and some voters buy it-regrettably. During an election campaign, candidates from the various parties would wrap themselves in firehose of falsehoods. They raise their voices, clench their fist and make grandiose pie in the sky promises, while their party faithful and other attendees scream and dance, many of them holding their pom poms in one hand and a cup in the other. The voting season is again upon us, and for the next thirty days, reasoning will be replaced by reflexive passion, as promises upon promises will spew from the mouths of politicians. These promises no doubt will be turned into disappointments and eventually into dis-satisfaction

and despair. Some of these are the same politicians who have thumbed their nose at the established order by refusing to disclose their assets and liabilities which are required by law. Others of them believe that they are above the law. And then the issue is further compounded by some who would invariably announce what they would do in the first thirty days, or the first one hundred days; which is a nonsensical political talking point borrowed from the Americans. What can any government do in thirty days? Think about that! These politicians would promise almost anything except perhaps coming deliverance and heavenly salvation. They seem to take a delight in taking Bahamian voters on an odyssey of emotions, preying upon the elderly and the un-informed citizens especially in the family Islands. So, when they come- as they certainly will, ask the tough questions. For example: What are your plans for youth development or youth

empowerment for the next five years? Or secondly, what part do you see yourself playing in such developments?

Thirdly, What plans your party has to encourage persons to move out of New Providence to some of our sparsely populated family islands? These are just starters. Demand to speak to the candidates themselves and not to their campaign workers who usually ask for phone numbers and the number of voters living in a house. Challenge the candidates on the issues and demand clarity. Their commitment should go beyond just the re-furbishment of a park or a basketball court. Your loyalty and integrity are worth more than a hundred-dollar bill wrapped inside a red or yellow T-shirt. Remember, this is the one time you are in the driver’s seat. So, I will end as I began, with another familiar cliche.” Hold their feet to the fire!” ZEPHANIAH BURROWS Nassau, April 10, 2026.

Bahamas aviation and weather initiative

draws international interest as Nigerian delegation explores collaboration

A HIGH-LEVEL meeting facilitated through the CEO network has brought together Bahamian innovators and a Nigerian delegation, signalling growing international interest in The Bahamas’ emerging aviation, climate and agricultural technologies.

At the centre of discussions was Bahamas Aviation, Climate and Severe Weather Network (BACSWN), led by founder Robert Dupuch-Carron. BACSWN has entered into a more than $400 million Heads of Agreement with the Government of The Bahamas to modernise the country’s meteorological, aviation and environmental monitoring systems.

The meeting was facilitated through the CEO Network, an initiative led by Dr Deborah Bartlett, which brings together leaders across sectors to foster strategic partnerships, innovation and national development.

The meeting also included members of the Nigerian delegation featured in recent bilateral discussions, including Her Royal Highness Princess Moradeun Adedoyin-Solarin and Dr Moji Davids, Co-Founder and Group Managing Director of Xtralarge Farms and Resorts, both of whom have been advancing large-scale farming and agritourism initiatives across West Africa.

Mr Dupuch-Carron shared the evolution of his vision, tracing it back to early efforts to better understand and interpret weather patterns in The Bahamas. What began as a personal curiosity grew into a long-term mission to make weather data more practical, visual and

accessible across key sectors including aviation, maritime operations and agriculture.

He explained that traditional weather reporting methods often fail to translate into real-world decision-making, particularly for farmers, pilots and everyday citizens. In response, his team developed advanced visualization tools using gaming-style technology to create more realistic and user-friendly forecasting systems.

“This is about making weather make sense to people,” Mr Dupuch-Carron said, noting that clearer interpretation can directly impact safety, productivity and economic outcomes.

The initiative has since expanded beyond forecasting to include real-time aircraft tracking, environmental infrastructure monitoring, and enhanced meteorological services. It also integrates emergency response systems, with plans to strengthen search and rescue capabilities and expand access to emergency medical services (EMS), particularly in underserved Family Islands.

Mr Dupuch-Carron underscored the urgent need for such improvements, pointing out that in some remote communities, access to ambulances and trained emergency personnel remains limited, with residents often located hours away from the nearest hospital.

As part of the broader rollout, initial steps have already been taken to introduce emergency medical technicians in southern islands, with plans to scale services nationwide.

Meanwhile, Princess

Moradeun Adedoyin-Solarin emphasised the delegation’s interest in strengthening ties with The Bahamas, particularly in agriculture, culture and food tourism, noting that their farming systems have already demonstrated significantly increased yields across multiple sites in Nigeria and neighbouring countries.

Dr Davids, who has spent nearly two decades developing nature-aligned farming systems, highlighted the importance of return ing to natural cultivation methods.

“The soil is a natural herit age—wealth and abundance is buried in it, and agricul ture brings it forth for all,” she said.

The delegation expressed eagerness to deepen collaboration, with plans to share techniques that have reportedly increased yields

methods, while also exploring opportunities for knowledge exchange and investment.

The meeting concluded

to

DIRECTOR OF PROJECTS, PLANT AND SERVICES

The Director of Projects, Plant and Services is responsible for the planning, execution, and lifecycle management of all major engineering infrastructure projects and critical plant operations across the Albany Bahamas property.

This senior leadership role oversees the installation, operation, maintenance, long-term reliability of major utility infrastructure including high-voltage electrical systems, large-scale mechanical plant, and core utility services that support entire development.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Major Engineering Project Management

• Lead the planning, budgeting, design coordination, and execution of major engineering infrastructure projects across Albany.

• Ensure projects are delivered safely, on schedule, and within approved

• Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP)

• Lifting stations

• Sewer pumping systems Environmental discharge compliance systems

3. Financial Management and Budget Control

• Prepare and manage budgets related to plant operations, maintenance programs, and major infrastructure projects.

• Monitor operational costs and identify opportunities for efficiency improvements.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electric al Engineering, Civil Engineering, or related field.

• Minimum 10–15 years engineering experience with significant exposure to major plant infrastructure and utilities.

• Minimum 5 years in a senior engineering leadership or project management role.

• Extensive knowledge of:

o Reverse Osmosis Water Production Systems

o Wastewater treatment plants

o Diesel generator systems

o High-voltage electrical infrastructure

o Pumping systems and water distribution networks

• Proven experience managing large-scale engineering projects and infrastructure installations.

• Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills.

• Ability to manage multidisciplinary engineering teams and complex projects.

Manage project risk assessments, commissioning procedures, testing,

While the US battles Iran

a European election signals change

AMID all the tumult of USpresi dent Donald Trump’s diversionarywar againstIranand achaoticdomestic American political environment whereboth majorparties seekto outdoeach otherin cheating the system to win legislative advantage,something overseas happened over the weekend that slikely toprove to be very significant.

member nations. USPresi dent Trump has openly supported the Hungarian, clearly preferring him and Putin to America’s traditional Western allies.

tives, especially sup-

said, to pre vent them from developing nuclear weapons.

Hungarianvoters finallyrose upandvotedoutofofficeprime minister Viktor Orban, their political leader for the past 16 years. Orbanwas singularlyinimical to what mostof us have allcome tobelieveare thebest interestsof theWesternworld.

Ashisyears atthepinnacleof Hungarian politics stretched out, this would-be autocrat aligned himself moreand more with Russian president Vladimir Putin,whose fondest hopeisto dismantletheNorth Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) that he seesas an existential threat to Russia.

Putin ismostly right:NATO isareal threattoRussianexpansionism, whether in Ukraine, the Arctic,or elsewhere in Eastern Europe.

NATOhaskeptthepeaceand maintainedWesternstabilityfor 80 years. It has, directly and indirectly, supporteda social,political, economic,and military environment that hashelped to sustain our securityand prosperity even here in The Bahamas. So,Orban s departure should be a source of relief and satisfaction for all of us.

Thisresult, however,comes as aclear disappointmentto Orban’sonly allyamong the32 leadersof thealliance s

I love Hungary,and I love Viktor. I’m telling you he’sa fantastic man, Trump saidbefore Sunday s election. I ma bigfan ofViktor.I’m withhim allthe way.Orbanhas donea fantastic job. He has not allowed migrantsto stormyour countryand invadeyour country.

US Vice-president J D Vance arrived in Budapest last Tuesdaymorning,greetedbyan honourguard atthe airportand then hustled off for talks with Orban, whom hehailed as one of the onlytrue statesmen in Europe. Maybe. Maybe not.

Membersof alarge groupof AmericanandCanadiantourists visiting Budapest this past December reportedthat inopen andwide-rangingconversations with well-informed Hungarian tour guides overseveral days, the name ofOrban was not mentionedeven onesingle time.One touristconfidedthat themostseniorguidesaidasthe groupwasdepartingthat we re all scared to deathof this despicable (Orban) regime. We re afraidthatif weevenmention his name, the police will somehow hear about it and we will lose our jobs, or worse. This isnot exactlythe customary description of one of the true statesmen of Europe.

Thereisanexpectation,especially in Europe,that the European Union andNATO can soonact moreswiftly anddecisively onagreed policyinitia-

port forbeleaguered Ukraine,which is still battling--mostlyout of theheadlines--for itssurvival against Putin’sRussian army anditsreportedmercenaryaffiliates.

Onthe plussideof thisfouryear-old war,there havebeen numerous reports that, for months, Americanmilitary hardware and other assistance hasbeenarrivinginUkrainedespite the blusterof the Trump administration. It s been coming via a kind of cut-out, through members of the EU, who wouldhave purchasedthis aid fromthe USand thentranshipped it along to help Kyiv. Orban had beenwidely accusedof servingas aninsidious spy and disruptorin NATO councils, determined to betray alliedplans andconfidencesin order to favourMoscow. Hungary had exercisedits veto in recent years toblock several measuresdesigned tohelp Ukraineinitseffortstopushout the Russian invaders. So Orban’s defeat does seem like a significant turn of events.

Trump s fascination with Putin and Orban,whose centralised power heappears to envy, has beeninterpreted as evidence of his peculiar brand of isolationist, America-first strategic vision.His long-held antipathy to maintaining an American defensiveshield for Europe against Russia is well documented.Andyetthispresidentwas quick – even impulsive – in movingto snatchand imprison the president of VenezuelaandtoattackIran,he

One explanation forthis appears in a2003 book entitled The Declineof American Power “Isolationism and macho militarism areon the surface quitedifferent, author Immanuel Wallersteinwrote. Buttheysharethesamefundamental attitude towardsthe rest oftheworld, namelyamixof fearanddisdain,combinedwith the assumptionthat ourAmerican wayof life ispure and should not bedefiled by involvement inthe miserable quarrelsofothers,unlessweare in aposition to imposeon them our way of life.

In this interpretation, nationalistic leaders oftencan and do go back and forth between isolationist and interventionist policies.

When Trump was first elected presidenta decadeago, heclaimedthatAmericawasalreadyin declinedueto thefailures of Democratic and liberal policymakers.He spokeout about foreign trade imbalances; leaky borders,especially with Mexico; a weakened industrial base; andendless foreignwars. Globalisation had indeed tarnishedthe old order, and Americans uneasiness about immigrationprovedtobepolitically extremely potent.

Butduring Trump s second term, we have seen tariffs raise domestic costs, anet loss of manufacturing jobs during the pastyear, andstartlingmilitary interventionson twocontinents. Inflation hasremained uncomfortably high.

Continuing to blame Federal

Reserve

Bank chair

JeromePowell forthe inflationhis ownpolicies have exacerbated, Trump this week againthreatened tofire Powell if he doesn’t resign.

Trumpwas notwrong inhis diagnosisofmanyofAmerica’s ills10yearsago,andamajority of voters agreedwith him. But Trump’sremedies havenotfulfilled his predictions for them. In somecases, hehas made matters worse.

Accordingto onepundit writingin the NewYorkTimes, the US in thepast half century has witnessed, but also survived, many shocks to Americans image ofthemselvesand the supremacy and legitimacy oftheirnationanditsroleinthe world.

“ThelaunchofSputnikinthe late1950susheredinearlyCold War paranoiathat theAmericanswerefallingbehindtheSoviet Union, he wrote. In the 1970s withVietnamandWatergateand anoil embargoand stagflation and the hostage crisisinIran theUSwassufferinga ‘crisis of confidence,’ as president JimmyCarter famously said.

“A decadelater, Americans weretold Japan,Inc.would overtakethe US.Then, September 11, 2001 diminished our Americansense ofphysical invulnerability, theGreat Recession questioned the premise and the promiseof Americanstylecapitalism,andtheCapitol riotofJanuary6,2021baredthe fragility of the democratic model the US had long sought to export.”

Allofthatistrue.TheUSremains, nonetheless,at the centreof muchthat ishap-

pening in the world today. Despite the harsh criticismof many prominentTrump allies thatthe warinIran isill-conceivedandwillendbadly,other conservativescontend thatthis dangerous war maystill finally move the Middle East beyond thestructural religiousstrife that has defined its politics for 80 years, andwhose solution has provento befrustratingly intractable for every American president before Trump. Furthermore,intheeconomic andfinancial sphere,theUS dollar seems destined to remain thedenomination ofmostof globalcommerce, despitethe apparentrise ofalternatives such asthe Chineseyuan or some form of cryptocurrency. Chinese president Xi Jinping has said he wantsto replace the dollar withthe Chineseyuan as theglobal reservecurrency,but that isn’tabout tohappen.The yuan presentlysupports anestimated twopercent ofworld commerce. Thedollar supports 57percent.Whilethedollarhas indeed slipped inthe past quarter-century, themain beneficiary has been the euro. Parenthetically,thisisyetanotherof somany reasonswhy Trump should tread much more carefullyaround America’s European allies. There is great economic powerwithin the EU. The mainreason theChinese yuan won’t replacethe dollar in world tradeis thatChina’s economyremains subjectto tight, centrally managed controls. The globalreserve currencyneedsto befreelyconvertible. China won’tagree to do that.

Spectacular moral hypocrisy of some pastors on gambling

A FRIEND recalls a story his father used to tell about the latitude and longitude of the spectacular moral hypocrisy of quite a number of self-appointed religious leaders and pastors in The Bahamas.

The story was told to his father by a late numbers kingpin, a generous man, who served for a time as Treasurer of the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP).

Asked why he did not attend church regularly, he laughed, recounting the number of pastors who railed against gambling from the pulpit but who regularly asked him for church contributions and personal money for mortgages, school fees, and other expenses.

During the pernicious drug era of the 1970s and 80s, when drug money rained on The Bahamas, one church leader famously implored: “Bring the money here the devil had it too long!” Another insisted: “Principle don’t put bread on the table!”

While campaigning in one of the Exuma Cays, an FNM politician addressing a church meeting was warned not to go hard on drug trafficking, because drug money helped build the church.

Hypocrisy is human. Still, there is a difference between garden variety hypocrisy and an orchid or Garden of Eden-sized hypocrisy gripping quite a number of self-anointed bishops, apostles, and prophets.

Religion has been a big business and moneymaker for a procession of charlatans throughout human history. Many have preyed on the fears, hopes, anxieties about death, and weaknesses of their flocks.

In Christianity, these entrepreneurs of religion and prosperity contradict the message of Jesus Christ about simplicity, poverty, and rejecting status for its own sake.

Today, many of those in churches that once eschewed certain clerical garb and titles, now parade around in red and purple as self-anointed bishops, full of pomp and odd circumstance, with little substance on theological and ethical matters.

They stand in contrast to other religious leaders living more humble lives, dedicated to their congregants, modelling their ministries after Jesus.

The scarlet red zucchetto worn by a Roman Catholic cardinal symbolizes “their willingness to shed blood in defence of the Catholic faith.”

“The purple—specifically amaranth or magenta—zucchetto worn by a Catholic bishop represents his authority and ecclesiastical rank, signalling his role as a successor to the Apostles.” When these colours are

worn by those with little to no apostolic tradition, the colours seems more status-seeking and self-aggrandizement than they do about following Christ.

What exactly is a College of Bishops in a Bahamian context? The idea is odd and looks ridiculous to many. In Roman Catholicism, the College of Cardinals and conferences of bishop are not self-appointed social cliques for status-seekers.

“Conference of Bishops (or Episcopal Conference) is a permanent institution comprising all Catholic bishops within a specific country or territory.

It serves as an assembly where bishops jointly exercise pastoral offices, promote greater good for the Church, and address regional issues in unity, acting according to Canon Law.”

The recent announcement by the FNM that it will institute a public lottery if elected, has exposed the hypocrisy of a new generation of religious leaders in hock to a particular political party.

There are religious leaders fully opposed to gambling who have not received money from gaming bosses. Alas, there are the spectacular hypocrites, who pronounce in pulpits and in the press their opposition to lotteries, while receiving numerous and significant donations from web shop owners. Their loud and boisterous voice and jeremiads ring hollow, drip with insincerity, and display cant and underlying agendas. Many Bahamians — including those who work in casinos and give offerings to these pastors — know the double-game, pun intended, these pastors are spinning cum playing.

It would be good to know the number of pastors, who continue to accept gifts, offerings, and largesse from gambling bosses, who now oppose a national lottery.

The double-barrel hypocrisy of many of these pastors includes not only taking gambling money. It also includes soto voce or scant criticism of former Prime Minister Perry Christie when he “overturned” the will of the people in the gambling vote.

Many of these partisans will loudly criticize the FNM while keeping in good with the PLP so they remain in the party’s good books and on the receiving line of a treasure trove of goodies, appointments, donations, national honours, and access.

In a national lottery the proceeds are returned to the Bahamian people for various social and development initiatives.

However, instead of a national or public lottery benefiting significantly

more Bahamians, the former government regularized a privately-owned lottery system in which the majority of the profits accrued to already wealthy individuals, with the government receiving some funds from taxing the private lottery.

Most advanced and progressive countries opt for national lotteries as a matter of economic and social justice.

A public or national lottery is typically designed to expand opportunity and equality for citizens. They ensure a greater common good than do private lotteries

which overwhelmingly concern the narrow interests of a few, with little by way of return to the mass of citizens.

Throughout the US, the UK and many other countries lottery profits are used overwhelmingly to fund public goods such as education rather than to primarily enrich already bulging private coffers.

Those who oppose a national lottery but who have been mostly quiet about the private lotteries should recall than in the gaming vote more Bahamians supported the former.

A recent letter to the editor in The Nassau

Guardian summarized the views of many who support a public lottery:

“The Bahamian people will recall that during the national referendum on gaming, a majority voted against it. Yet the then-PLP administration proceeded to legalize web shop gaming regardless, dismissing the vote as merely ‘an opinion poll.’”

“The result? A system that has largely benefited a few operators, while many Bahamians continue to bear the social and economic consequences.

“To criticize a structured, regulated national

lottery—designed to generate revenue for the public good—is contradictory at best.”

The letter continued:

“A properly governed national lottery is not a gamble on the public; it is a policy tool used worldwide to fund education, healthcare, youth development, [social intervention] and national priorities. The difference lies in transparency, regulation, and purpose.

“The real question is not whether gaming exists—it already does. The question is, will it continue to enrich a few, or will it be structured to benefit the many?”

Charities struggle as donations plunge and demand for help soars

By KEILE CAMPBELL Tribune Staff Reporter kcampbell@tribunemedia.net

CHARITIES say demand for help is rising while resources shrink, with one major feeding group reporting a steep drop in its budget since the pandemic.

Lend a Hand Bahamas and the Bahamas Feeding Network said more people are seeking assistance as the cost of living climbs, with donations fail to keep pace. The Bahamas Feeding Network said its monthly budget has fallen from $80,000 to $10,000 since COVID-19, limiting the number of people it can assist.

Executive director Nicolette Fountain-Archer said the strain is evident in the number of people turning to the organisation.

“It has not gotten easier for people,” she said. “If we are going to judge it by the number of people who continue to reach out to us, that tells us right there that things have not gotten any better.”

“We fundraise or we beg, in simple terms,” she said. “I think a lot of people don’t realise that we are not funded by government. We have never been funded by government, except during COVID.”

She linked the surge in demand to lingering financial strain from the pandemic, with more people struggling to meet basic needs. At a recent donation press conference, officials said they are seeing fathers in tears seeking help to feed their children.

Meanwhile, Shelagh Pritchard, a founding director of Lend a Hand Bahamas, said rising housing costs are placing families under increasing pressure.

“Of course, with costs rising, it’s putting additional pressure on single-income families, even families that have two incomes,” she said. She said rents that once averaged around $750 now range between $1,300 and $1,500, making stable housing harder to secure.

Ms Pritchard said the strain is contributing to rising homelessness.

“We’re seeing the level of homelessness is increasing. There’s no doubt about

She said the group now distributes about 950 food parcels a month, down from more than 2,000, and supports more than 100 partner agencies, including churches and food kitchens. Those agencies now receive assistance once every three months instead of monthly. Ms Fountain-Archer said the organisation relies entirely on donations.

that,” she said. She said some families are forced into extreme situations. “We’ve had numerous women who have been living in cars. One was in

a car for over a year with four children,” she said. Demand continues to outstrip available support.

“There’s a greater need. There’s a growing need,” she said. “Are the

donations keeping up to pace to help organisations meet the demand? No.”

Ms Pritchard said government assistance programmes are often capped and rotated, limiting their

impact as needs grow.

The government has said it is addressing cost-ofliving pressures through measures such as VAT reductions on essential goods, duty relief, support for electricity bills and expanded social programmes.

However, Ms Pritchard said some policies may not be delivering the intended results.

“You can make a decision that you think is in the best interest of the country, but it isn’t necessarily going to yield the results you want,” she said. “I don’t think, even with the rollout, it’s been timely. I don’t think there’s enough time. It’s sort of being a rush decision.”

She said policy decisions must be guided by stronger research and input from organisations working on the ground.

“What we find is the time to do the research and interview the people who are already in the business, they don’t do that ahead,” she said. “You really have to do your work on the ground and your assessment on the ground.”

Both organisations warned that the gap between rising demand and limited resources is widening, leaving vulnerable Bahamians at risk without sustained support.

HANDS FOR HUNGER AND KRAVEN PARTNER TO FEED THE HOMEBOUND

A NEW partnership between Hands for Hunger and delivery company Kraven aims to bring food directly to vulnerable clients who cannot leave their homes.

In a press release, Hands for Hunger said the initiative, called Beyond the Pantry, was launched on April 10 and targets clients who are sick or homebound. The programme delivers food assistance to individuals unable to visit the organisation’s pantry due to illness or disability.

Under the initiative, Kraven drivers deliver boxes containing pantry staples, meat, bread, fruits and vegetables to approved clients, according to the release.

Executive director Keisha Ellis said the partnership allows the organisation to expand its reach.

“This partnership with Kraven allows us to extend our reach beyond our pantry walls and serve individuals who are unable to access the pantry due to illness or disabilities,” she said. “Beyond the Pantry is specifically designed to support clients who are sick

and shut in, ensuring they receive the same level of care and dignity as those who visit us in person.”

Hands for Hunger said clients have already responded positively to the service, describing the deliveries as meaningful and supportive.

Kraven owner and chief executive officer Kyle Albury said the programme aligns with the company’s broader focus on access and community support.

“Kraven makes access easier by delivering food, groceries, and essentials at a cost. Partnering with Hands for Hunger allows us to support their work in addressing food insecurity,” he said. “This initiative is important to me and the Kraven team, reflecting our commitment to community and helping ensure access to essentials for those who cannot collect them themselves.”

Hands for Hunger said the programme represents the first phase of a wider partnership with Kraven, with plans to expand efforts to improve food access across the community.

Comedy for a Cause raises $200,000 for four charities

By KEILE CAMPBELL Tribune Staff Reporter kcampbell@tribunemedia.net

MORE than $200,000 raised from a recent theatre production will go to several Bahamian charities, marking the largest single contribution from the “Comedy for a Cause” initiative.

Proceeds from Smarty Pants, staged at Atlantis Theatre in February, will benefit the Bahamas Feeding Network, Bahamas National Trust, Lend a Hand Bahamas and Ranfurly Homes for Children, organisers said.

The latest donation brings the total raised by 2 Hoops Productions over four shows to more than $500,000.

Producer and lead actress Heather Hodgson Kosoy credited a wide group of contributors and confirmed plans for another production.

“This is not a one woman show by any means. There’s so many people that contributed. I’m on the hunt for production number five and I look forward to sharing that with you all next year,” she said. David Kosoy said corporate support had been key to the effort.

“They all came together for a common cause and I think it’s a matter of doing the right thing and corporates twisting people’s arms to do the right thing and they all came through and there’ll be more next year,” he said. “Every year we’ve been building on that base.”

At Ranfurly Homes for Children, brand ambassador Braniska Bullard said the funds will go toward security upgrades following recent breaches, including the installation of cameras, lighting and access control systems. “Its really important for the kids to feel safe and secured,” Ms Bullard said. “After having a few breaches on property, unfortunately we had to upgrade the security system.” She said the home houses about 24 residents

between the ages of 12 and 18 and costs roughly $800,000 annually to operate, with government support covering about one month of expenses.

At Lend a Hand Bahamas, executive director Mitsy Irving said the organisation will use its share to support construction work, hydroponic farming and programme expansion. “We’re going to have the seniors coming into the center teaching the tourists how to make Bahamian cuisine,” Ms Irving said.

Joanne Smith, president of the Bahamas National Trust Council, said the funds will support operations across its network of 33 parks covering 2.2 million acres. “We use them for our entire organization, whether it’s continuing programs, paying salaries, every little bit is used across the network of the 33 parks that we are protecting, which covers 2.2 million acres,” she said. At the Bahamas Feeding Network, executive director Nicolette Fountain Archer said the donation comes as the organisation faces repeated budget cuts.

“Since I’ve been there, we have had to cut our monthly budget in half, three times, three times, three times,” she said. She said the initiative is now the organisation’s largest contributor and helps support food distribution to thousands of people.

“You are now our greatest donor and we are so very grateful,” she said.

Recina Ferguson Scully described the growing demand for assistance in emotional terms.

“If you don’t have that love in your heart for your neighbor your sister or brother or someone who is in need on the side of the street you will never understand,” she said.

Officials said the funds will help the Bahamas Feeding Network continue providing food parcels to its more than 100 partner organisations, with each parcel able to feed a family of four.

MAN ACCUSED OF POSTING NUDE VIDEO GETS BAIL Bullied teen admits to pepper spray attack

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net

A MAN accused of posting a nude video of an ex-girlfriend online was granted bail yesterday.

Prosecutors allege that Jeremiah Cargill, 24, posted the video on his Facebook page this month with the intent to shame her. Cargill pleaded not guilty to intentional libel before acting Chief Magistrate Ancella Evans.

The defendant must sign in at the Wulff Road Police Station every Monday by 9pm. He returns to court for trial on July 22.

Alphonso Lewis represented him.

Inspector Deon Barr raised no objection to bail, which was set at $5,000 with one or two sureties.

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net

A TEENAGE girl has admitted to harming three students and the principal at CR Walker with pepper spray last month, claiming she had been bullied and threatened by the students. The 17-year-old, whose name is being withheld, sprayed pepper spray at three students on School Lane on March 23.

She also injured Principal Triver Culmer, who was exposed to the fumes when he went to investigate the incident.

The defendant pleaded guilty to four counts of causing harm before Senior Magistrate Algernon Allen Jr. She was arraigned in the presence of her guardian. The accused said the complainants had bullied her and threatened to harm her.

She will return to court on July 23 for the reading of a probation report. Sergeant 3004 Forbes prosecuted.

By SARAH BRUMFIELD and RJ RICO Associated Press

AN Atlanta man has been charged in a string of attacks over a matter of hours that left two women dead and a man in critical condition, drawing the Trump administration's attention after one of the victims was identified as a Department of Homeland Security employee who was walking her dog.

The killing of the DHS worker, Lauren Bullis, and shootings of the two other victims on Monday led Homeland Secretary Markwayne Mullin to issue a statement raising concerns that the 26-year-old defendant, UK-native Olaolukitan Adon Abel, was granted US citizenship in 2022, when Democrat Joe Biden was president.

"These acts of pure evil have devastated our Department and my prayers are with the families of the victims," Mullin wrote in a statement posted on social media, cataloguing a litany of the defendant's previous alleged crimes but not specifying whether they happened before he was granted citizenship.

Authorities have said they believe at least one of the victims, the man who was wounded, was targeted at random. They said they were still looking into whether the other two victims were also picked randomly.

A morning of violence

The first victim was found with multiple gunshot wounds near a restaurant in the Decatur area at around 1 a.m. Monday. She was taken to a hospital but died, DeKalb County Police Chief Gregory Padrick said at a news conference. Police

have not publicly identified her.

About an hour later in Brookhaven, another Atlanta suburb about 12 miles (19 kilometres) northwest of the first attack, a 49-year-old homeless man who was sleeping outside of a grocery store was shot multiple times, Brookhaven Police Chief Brandon Gurley said. The man, whose name hasn't been released, remains hospitalized in critical condition.

"It is apparent to us that it was a completely random attack on a member of our unhoused community,"

Gurley said. Just before 7 a.m. and more than 10 miles (16 kilometres) away in the suburb of Panthersville, officers responding to a call found a woman with gunshot and stab wounds, Patrick said. The woman, Bullis, died at the scene. Investigators in Brookhaven determined that the three attacks were connected, Gurley said. Adon Abel was taken into custody later Monday during a traffic stop in Troup County, which borders Alabama. He is charged with two counts of malice murder, aggravated assault and firearms counts, court records show. He waived an initial court appearance on Tuesday. Court records don't list an attorney who might speak on his behalf.

Reached by phone Wednesday, Toyin Adon Abel Jr. said he didn't want to talk about his brother. But he expressed sympathy for the victims: "I feel terrible for the victims, their families and their connections. It's a horrible thing," he said.

Remembered for her warmth and compassion

Bullis served in multiple

roles at DHS Office of Inspector General, including as an auditor in the Office of Audits and as a Team Leader in the Office of Innovation, DHS posted on social media, saying she brought "warmth, kindness, and a genuine sense of care to her colleagues each day."

In a statement, Bullis' family remembered her as "selfless, kind and compassionate."

"She deeply loved her family and found joy in running, reading and traveling," the family said. "Her warmth and generosity touched everyone surrounding her."

Fellow DHS auditor

Ashley Toillion of Denver said she met Bullis at a work conference last year. The two became fast friends as they bonded over running and quickly made plans to have Bullis join Toillion in a race at Walt Disney World. "You couldn't meet her and not be her friend," Toillion said, choking back tears. "She was just the nicest, sweetest, most encouraging person I've ever met."

Mullin, who took over DHS last month after Kristi Noem was fired, said in his

statement that Olaolukitan Adon Abel has a criminal record that includes a sexual battery conviction, though he didn't say which year he was convicted. Online court records show that someone listed as Adon Olaolukitan, who has the same birth date as Adon Abel, pleaded guilty last June in Chatham County, Georgia, to four misdemeanour counts of sexual battery. In his statement, Mullin noted that since President Donald Trump took office, US Citizenship and Immigration Services, which DHS oversees, has worked to ensure that people with criminal histories don't attain citizenship. But the US has long barred people convicted of most violent felonies from becoming citizens, and it wasn't immediately clear if Adon Abel — or Adon Olaolukitan, if it's the same person — had a criminal record that predated him becoming a citizen in 2022. In response to a request for further details about the case and the defendant's criminal history, DHS referred The Associated Press to its post about Bullis and her death.

CAMP MYSTIC SECURITY GUARD SAYS AN EARLY EVACUATION ORDER COULD HAVE SAVED LIVES

By JIM VERTUNO Associated Press

THE security guard at Camp Mystic the night of last year's deadly flood acknowledged Wednesday that if a general evacuation order came early in the storm, lives could've been saved.

Glenn Juenke, who helped move some girls to a two-story building before getting trapped inside a cabin himself, also saved a group of campers when he told them to run to higher ground as flood waters rose.

He testified at the end of a three-day hearing in a legal fight between the camp operators, who want to reopen the allgirls Christian Camp this summer, and families of some of the victims who died in the July 4th flood that swept through the Guadalupe River in the predawn hours.

Juenke, called as a witness for the camp operators, said it was his

decision to tell a group of campers to scramble on foot up a hillside as floodwaters rose, and was not an order from camp directors or authorities.

He did not recall camp operators ever training the campers, counsellors and staff where to go in case an emergency evacuation was needed.

The camp's plan to reopen has angered families of the girls who were killed, and the camp license is still under review by state health regulators. A judge last month ordered the camp to preserve damaged areas as evidence for pending lawsuits. That ruling is under appeal.

The hearing has produced the most extensive details from camp operators of what happened in the flood, including missed chances to prepare for the storm, and the delayed decisions to evacuate.

Describing the storm that came roaring through camp, Juenke said he first

joined camp directors Dick and Edward Eastland in driving some of the girls away from their cabins. But Juenke later abandoned his truck when the water got too high to drive.

Now on foot, Juenke ordered a group of young girls to run to higher ground. He returned to another cabin where he was soon trapped in waistdeep water. Storage trunks were tossed around the current before they were sucked out and away.

Juenke ordered the girls in the cabin to get on air mattresses, and they stayed floating there for several hours.

"It was a long night. We were getting bitten by fire ants. There were spiders ... The girls did everything I told them to do," Juenke said. None of the girls in that cabin died.

Juenke said they emerged around dawn. He then met up with Catie Eastland, one of the camp directors, near the twostory recreation building

where about a hundred girls had escaped the flood.

"I said y'all could have had a million different evacuation plans, nothing would have worked," Juenke testified.

Lawyers for the families have zeroed in on the lack of a detailed evacuation plan and the failure to send orders to get out of the cabins. A short emergency notice posted in cabins,

one that had passed state inspection just two days earlier, had told campers to stay in their cabins until given instructions by staff. In all, 25 campers and two teenage counsellors were killed.

Camp co-owner Dick Eastland also died.

"You can blame it on Mother Nature or God Almighty, but if anyone had used the speakers or

walkie talkie and told them to leave before 3 (am), they would've survived," said Brad Beckworth, an attorney for the family of Cile Steward, 8, the only camper whose body still has not been recovered. Juenke defended his actions and those of the staff that night. "We did everything we could do in the time that we had," Juenke said.

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A call for graceunityandthrough music

By Jeffarah Gibson Tribune Features Writer jgibson@tribunemedia.net

AT a time when conversations around conflict, division and accountability continue to dominate both global headlines and everyday life, one Bahamian artist is using music to encourage a different response, one rooted in reflection, forgiveness and unity.

With his latest single Father Forgive Them, Monty Sweat leans into a message that challenges listeners to look inward while also considering how they show up for others. The track, which blends dancehall and reggae influences, is not only meant to engage, but to leave a lasting impression long after the music fades.

Monty explained that Father Forgive Them was inspired by everything happening around us not just globally, but right here at home. I was reflecting on how much division, hurt, and misunderstanding people are carrying. The phrase itself is powerful and timeless, and it spoke

to me as a call for grace in a time when people are quick to judge and slow to understand. I felt this was the right time because the message is not just relevant it’s necessary. People need something that brings them back to compassion and accountability.”

At its core, the track leans heavily into themes of forgiveness and unity, something he describes as more than just a concept, but a lived experience.

“That message is deeply personal,” Sweat said. “I’ve had to learn forgiveness in my own life forgiving others, and even forgiving myself. It’s not always easy, but it’s freeing. Unity is something I strongly believe in, especially as a people. We’re stronger when we come together instead of tearing each other down. So this song is really an extension of my own journey and what I continue to grow through.”

The collaboration with Bahamian legend Funky D adds a distinct layer of depth and cultural weight to the record, something Sweat said happened naturally.

“Working with Funky

D was a blessing. The connection came organically through mutual respect and being in the same musical space. I’ve always respected what he represents in Bahamian culture. When he came onto the track, he brought authenticity, soul,

and a certain weight that only experience can bring. His presence elevated the record in a way that made the message hit even deeper,” he said. That presence was especially important for the chorus, where Sweat said he

especially, has always carried messages of unity, spirituality, and social awareness. Blending those sounds allowed me to keep the song grounded while still making it accessible and engaging. The rhythm pulls you in, but the message stays with you.”

While the sound may be engaging, the intention behind the track remains firmly rooted in impact, particularly for listeners here at home.

I’ve had to learn forgiveness in my own life forgiving others, and even forgiving myself. It’s not always easy, but it’s freeing.

intentionally sought a voice that would resonate across audiences.

“The chorus needed a voice that people would immediately feel something familiar, trusted, and powerful. Funky D has that tone and presence. There’s a sincerity in his delivery that can’t be manufactured.

I knew that when he delivered that chorus, it would resonate across generations, and that’s exactly what this message needed.”

Sonically, the track draws from both dancehall and reggae influences, genres long associated with storytelling and cultural commentary.

According to Sweat, “Dancehall and reggae both come from a place of storytelling and cultural expression. Reggae,

“I hope people take a moment to reflect on their actions, their words, and how they treat others,” he added. “I want the song to remind us that forgiveness isn’t weakness, it’s strength. And beyond that, I hope it encourages unity putting aside differences and remembering that we’re one people. If it sparks even a small shift in mindset, then it’s done its job.”

The upcoming music video is expected to further amplify that message, bringing the themes of the song to life visually and emotionally.

“The video is going to be very powerful and intentional,” Sweat said. “Visually, it reflects real life situations things people can relate to showing both conflict and resolution. Emotionally, it’s meant to take viewers on a journey from tension to reflection to release. It won’t just be something you watch it’s something you feel. The goal is for the visuals to reinforce the message in a way that stays with you long after the video ends.”

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Pilot Club of Nassau gives caregivers recognition

PERMANENT Secretary

Phedra M. Turnquest urged caregivers to seek support and rest during a recent event celebrating their daily sacrifices. Speaking at the Pilot Club of Nassau’s Caregivers’ Recognition Luncheon on Saturday, April 11, 2026, Turnquest addressed attendees at the Canon Neil Roach Hall inside Holy Cross Anglican Church. Turnquest, who holds over 30 years of experience in Bahamian public service, currently serves in the Ministry of Social Services, Information and Broadcasting. She delivered her remarks under the theme “Honouring Hearts That Serve,” an initiative hosted by the club’s Pick-Me-Up Division. Turnquest defined caregivers as people who step forward to help when others step back, often taking on responsibilities when it is inconvenient or uncomfortable. She noted they are moved by compassion rather than official assignment.

During her speech, she asked the audience to examine their own lives to see if they fit the role. If you have bathed an ill parent, fed a relative before heading to work, or canceled personal plans to look after someone, you are a caregiver. She also shared her personal experiences dealing with sick family members. Turnquest said she arranged care for her grandaunt, supported an aunt until she died, and nursed her father through a COVID infection.

She acknowledged the heavy toll the work takes on individuals. Caregiving brings exhaustion, frustration, and real burnout. Because you cannot give to others if your own energy is depleted, Turnquest told the caregivers they need rest, encouragement, and outside support. The luncheon aimed to make these workers visibl. Turnquest praised the Pilot Club for drawing attention to the value of these workers who usually

operate quietly in the background. She thanked the attendees who care for aging parents, check in on challenged neighbors, and operate structured care facilities. By helping the elderly, people with disabilities, and those dealing with physical or mental illness, Turnquest said caregivers stand in the gap for humanity. She reminded them that every specific act of kindness, patience, and sacrifice matters.