04212026 NEWS

CANDIDATES DEFEND NET WORTH INCREASE

PLP CALLS ON VOTERS TO ‘CHOOSE PROGRESS’

By LEANDRA ROLLE

SEVERAL

Seabreeze

liabilities, $81,000 in savings and $187,000 in a current account. Carmichael candidate Keith Bell also reported a notable increase, from just over $1m in 2021 to $3.9m,

GAINS - SEE PAGE THREE

ISLAND GRID PULLS OUT OF $130M POWER GRID CONTRACT

BY Neil Hartnell Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

THE Opposition’s leader yesterday demanded that the Government provide “clarity and transparency” over the future of New Providence’s energy grid after the management firm overseeing $130m in upgrades and long-term reforms suddenly exited the deal.

Michael Pintard told Tribune Business that much of the Davis administration’s energy reform plans “rely substantially” on overhauling New Providence’s transmission and distribution (T&D) network as he reacted to confirmation that Island Grid has withdrawn from the arrangement with effect from yesterday.

See BUSINESS FOR STORY

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net

A MAN has been charged with murdering a 48-year-old grandmother who was struck by a stray bullet while holding her grandson inside her Wilton Street home last week. Prosecutors allege Anejo Smith, 27, caused the death of Tamika Nottage-Cime around 10pm on April 13 as he allegedly fired multiple shots while chasing another man through a yard in the area. A bullet pierced the victim’s northwestern bedroom and struck her as she held her one-year-old grandson. The child, though

Davis: Lottery would benefit private operators rather than public

By JADE RUSSELL Tribune Staff Reporter jrussell@tribunemedia.net

PRIME Minister Philip

“Brave” Davis said the country is facing serious challenges that require strong leadership, as he criticised the Free National Movement’s policies during a Progressive Liberal Party rally last night.

Addressing supporters at the Bahamas Beach Soccer Stadium, Mr Davis pointed to global and domestic pressures, including the Middle East war, climate change and shifts in the global economy, as issues that demand experienced governance.

He also took aim at the Free National Movement’s proposal for a national lottery, arguing it would benefit private operators rather than the public.

“They want the government to pay for a numbers game, but they want their private operators to make their profits from it! That’s right,” Mr Davis said.

Mr Davis further accused the Free National Movement of planning to roll back key social initiatives, including the National School Breakfast Programme and the National Youth Guard, while suppressing wage growth.

Turning to Opposition Leader Michael Pintard, Mr Davis questioned his leadership.

“The FNM cannot say the same," he said. "Poor Pintard.I feel a little sorry for him.

He does not lead his party. His party leads him in whichever direction the wind blows, and that wind is blowing up some big waves!”

Deputy Prime Minister Chester Cooper also urged the public to vote for the Progressive Liberal Party to continue its work in government. The rally drew a large crowd to the Bahamas Beach Soccer Stadium, where bleachers were filled with supporters dressed in blue and yellow shirts bearing the slogan “Choose Progress.”

Motorcades lined the streets leading to the venue, with supporters from various constituencies riding on trucks, waving flags and chanting the names of their representatives. Motorcyclists were also seen weaving through traffic with PLP flags flying.

Several candidates and Members of Parliament addressed the crowd, including McKell Bonaby, candidate for Mount

Moriah; Wayne Munroe, candidate for Freetown; Wayde Watson, candidate for Bains and Grants Town; Michael Halkitis, candidate for St Barnabas; and Jomo Campbell, candidate for Centreville. Newcomer Sebastian Bastian, the party’s candidate for Fort Charlotte, also spoke.

Speakers repeatedly criticised Mr Pintard’s leadership, with some questioning his ability to lead the country amid reported divisions within his party. Others accused him of engaging in “politricks,” pettiness and inexperience. They urged voters to support the Davis administration’s record rather than “going backward” by electing the Free National Movement.

The event also featured musical performances that energised the crowd.

Bishop Lawrence Rolle performed “It Is Well,” while Geno D delivered a rake n’ scrape rendition encouraging supporters to participate.

Former Prime Minister Perry Christie was also in attendance. The crowd reacted loudly as his well-known campaign song “Sound of a Victory” played through the speakers.

Mr Davis also criticised the Free National Movement’s St James candidate Rick Fox, referencing his conduct on nomination day.

“‘Y’all see how some of them carry on on Nomination Day? Now I’m not calling any names, cause you know how some of these big-time people like to cry. And when you point out how weak they are as a candidate, they say you’re bullying them. All the

nastiness they say about me and the PLP, and they’re the ones crying,” Mr Davis said.

“But I gatta ask: what kind of Junkanoo dancing was that? People ask me if he had issues. I didn’t know what to say.

“But y’all don’t be too rough on him. He still gat a lot to learn. He’s just a First Time Voter.”

Mr Fox, who previously served as an ambassador under the Progressive Liberal Party, is now the Free National Movement’s candidate for St James.

Closing his remarks, Mr Davis urged voters to support the Progressive Liberal Party in the upcoming general election, framing it as a choice between continuing development or returning to a cycle where projects are halted when administrations change.

Candidates explain wealth jumps as ORG calls for more scrutiny

which he linked to personal circumstances.

“My late wife, who was always prudent is managing our family’s affairs, passed away and life insurance proceeds were realised,”

he said. “In addition, long-held estate has appreciated.” He said the experience highlighted the importance of financial planning and insurance to support families in difficult circumstances.

North Abaco candidate Kirk Cornish rejected suggestions that his increased wealth was improperly obtained, saying it reflected earnings and savings since entering public office. In 2021, Mr Cornish reported a net worth of $144,392.14, which has since risen to $819,355.77. At the time,

he listed $13,000 in bank accounts, a $27,000 life insurance policy, property valued at $130,000, an annual salary of $42,000 and liabilities of $27,724.15.

He said the lower figure reflected savings he had to use after being placed on unpaid leave by Water and Sewerage Corporation board officials in 2021.

“Since becoming a member of Parliament, I would’ve retired from the Water and Sewerage Corporation,” he said. “I received my retirement package, I was able to save that. I’m also in a position that is paying me and I’m able to save funds out of that.”

Mr Cornish said he also has investments in real estate and criticised suggestions that his wealth had been improperly gained.

“I worked for that, ma’am,” he said. “I didn’t steal it. It didn’t came about suddenly. I earned that.”

Central and South Eleuthera candidate

Clay Sweeting, whose net worth rose from $1.5m in 2021 to $4.5m, declined to comment.

Central and South Andros candidate Leon Lundy and North Andros candidate Leonardo Lightbourne also reported increases but did not respond to requests

for comment up to press time.

Other PLP candidates reporting higher net worth include Myles Laroda, Pia Glover-Rolle, Glenys Hanna-Martin, McKell Bonaby, Wayne Munroe, Jobeth Coleby Davis and others. Deputy Prime Minister Chester Cooper recorded the largest increase, with his net worth rising from $14.8m in 2021 to $28m. He declined to comment.

Matt Aubry, executive director of the Organisation for Responsible Governance, renewed calls for stronger scrutiny of

financial disclosures.

He said candidates seeking office should be held accountable for how they will ensure transparency and prevent misuse of public funds and contracts.

“For a long time, we’ve also talked about the importance of revising the public disclosures law, ensuring that there is a lot more public oversight, that there is level of transparency, and that information is provided on a regular basis that provides a level of context,” he said. “The existing law relies upon a very opaque gathering of information with not a lot of public disclosure or reconciliation, and there’s no real consequences that have been utilised to enforce anyone who hasn’t complied, or if those disclosures that have been provided are hold up and are reflected.” He said the lack of clear information risks eroding public trust and undermining civic participation.

Henfield slams civil servants for wearing PLP campaign gear

By KEILE CAMPBELL Tribune Staff Reporter

kcampbell@tribunemedia.net

FORMER Foreign Affairs Minister Darren Henfield has raised alarm over what he sees as a serious breach of political neutrality within the foreign service, after images showed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ most senior public service official wearing Progressive Liberal Party paraphernalia last week.

Mr Henfield described the situation as “disturbing”, pointing specifically to Foreign Affairs Permanent Secretary Melvin Seymour. Mr Seymour declined to comment yesterday when asked about his actions.

Consul General to Toronto and former Commissioner of Police Clayton Fernander was also photographed in a PLP shirt.

Mr Henfield said the concern is heightened because foreign affairs officers are

responsible for safeguarding ballots and ensuring the proper conduct of voting overseas.

"That's a very grave concern for me," he said.

"I read some memorandum recently that said that officials will be put in place in overseas offices to ensure that the voting is done properly, but with the permanent secretary wearing PLP paraphernalia, we don't know what that is. What does that mean?”

Mr Henfield said the Free National Movement does not trust the electoral process if it appears to lack impartiality.

"No permanent secretary in The Bahamas, government employee, none, should be wearing PLP or any other paraphernalia for that matter, especially in this season," he said. He also claimed that members of the Royal Bahamas Defence Force had been seen campaigning

with National Security Minister Wayne Munroe and wearing his campaign paraphernalia, though he did not provide evidence of this up to press time.

Mr Henfield said public servants are discouraged from openly participating in partisan politics, recalling that as a young marine, he attended rallies discreetly.

"I used to tie my hair down in one scarf, and go

incognito and participate in the rallies,” he said. “It is forbidden. But to see a PS, a permanent secretary in the government, wearing political paraphernalia openly, is disturbing. What have we come to in this country? Permanent secretaries in the government wearing PLP paraphernalia? That's unacceptable."

Foreign Affairs Minister Fred Mitchell declined

Pintard tells PM to ‘take a look’ at Cooper’s $13m wealth jump

By EARYEL BOWLEG

Tribune

Staff Reporter

ebowleg@tribunemedia.net

DEPUTY Prime Minister Chester Cooper’s reported $28m net worth — up from $14.8m in 2021 and $7.9m in 2017 — drew a pointed remark yesterday from Opposition Leader Michael Pintard, who suggested the prime minister should “take a look” at some of his colleagues following recent financial disclosures.

Mr Pintard said the scale of increases in some candidates’ declared wealth raised questions, particularly when viewed alongside what he described as inconsistent disclosure practices.

“I heard that there may have been one cabinet minister doubled, that’s a remarkable amount of money,” he said. “I do

believe a government can investigate disclosures if they so desire. I mean, you could investigate, and I would recommend that the prime minister, you know, take a look at a couple of his colleagues. Boy, twice as much one term later? That person should have been minister of finance!”

Mr Pintard said members of the Free National Movement have consistently met their annual disclosure obligations in a timely manner, including providing details from the previous year, contrasting this with what he characterised as a lack of transparency from the Progressive Liberal Party. Mr Pintard wrongly claimed that none of the PLP’s members had disclosed their information. The Tribune has previously reported that many members of Parliament in the

to comment on the matter yesterday. Under Bahamian law, foreign affairs officers are subject to strict standards of political neutrality and are generally prohibited from active involvement in partisan politics to avoid conflicts of interest or the appearance of bias.

General Order 949 places such officers in the “Politically Restricted Group”,

barring them from canvassing or distributing material on behalf of a political party or candidate, though it does not prevent them from being members of a political party. The General Orders also require public officers to maintain a “code of reserve” in political matters, noting that expressing political views may undermine the impartiality expected of the public service.

Anglican bishop calls for an end to ‘dirty’ political campaigning

By LYNAIRE MUNNINGS Tribune Staff Reporter lmunnings@tribunemedia.net

ANGLICAN Bishop

Laish Boyd has delivered a scathing assessment of political campaigning, warning that rallies are more about spectacle, ridicule and crowd manipulation than serious national discussion as the country heads to the May 12 general election.

In a pastoral letter to the Anglican community, Bishop Boyd criticised the performative nature of rallies, arguing that entertainment and personal attacks are crowding out meaningful debate on issues that affect the country.

“In campaigning and in rallies, deal more with issues and not people, personalities, mistakes or misfortunes,” he said.

“Campaign rhetoric and rallies focus too often on making fun of others, slurring, tearing them down and belittling them. Rallies are sometimes a show designed to make people laugh and to entertain, as well as to whip the crowd into a frenzy, appealing to persons’ baser nature and instincts. But should we feed into this culture of entertainment? No, we should not!”

He said the problem is not isolated behaviour, but a wider political culture that rewards hype over substance and encourages supporters to engage at the lowest level of discourse.

“I am of the view that while many in the political realm love rallies and some feel they are indispensable, that they advance the

party cause but do little to advance the country,” he wrote. “They certainly are not issue-oriented enough and do little to educate the electorate or deepen the political culture, much less advance any national development goal.”

In one of his most pointed observations, Bishop Boyd argued that political organisations and their supporters are complicit in sustaining this environment.

“Some will say, ‘Oh, you have to have rallies!” he said. “This is just the way it is! Okay, but I say that this is not how it needs to be; this is simply how we make it. And the crowd is not better than the political party organising the rally: each feeds off of and stokes and ingratiates themselves to the other. But is this right? Is this in the best interest of national well-being? One person once said to me, ‘Father, who cares about national development? We want to win. Too often, this is the goal at all costs. Too many of us think, feel and act this out in our political lives.”

Despite his criticism, Bishop Boyd stressed that politics and campaigning themselves are necessary and can serve a constructive purpose when done properly.

“The political party machinery and campaigning are important and vital because these are the means whereby parties move toward a desired result by the way of a national consensus,” he said.

“We know that it can be a dirty game and some

underhanded, scandalous things can happen in pursuit of a particular goal, but it is not an inherently dirty process in itself: this is only what some participants make it.”

He argued that the absence of principled people from the political space only worsens the problem, calling for greater involvement from those with strong moral grounding.

“Good people and Christian people need to be involved to influence the process and to help it to be its best rather than its worst,” he said.

At the same time, the bishop warned that entering politics is not enough, noting that people of good character can still lose their way once exposed to pressure, ambition or party loyalty. He stressed that maintaining integrity requires consistency, discipline and a refusal to compromise core values, describing the kind of quiet but firm influence needed to elevate public life.

Beyond critique, Bishop Boyd framed civic participation as both a national and spiritual responsibility, urging citizens to remain engaged and grounded during the election period.

“I call on all citizens, residents, and friends of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas – especially you, my Anglican Family – to pray for the leaders and members of the political parties, for the nation and for the entire general election activity,” his letter read.

“We are called to ‘pray without ceasing’ (1

“Good

people and Christian people need to be involved to influence the process and to help it to be its best rather than its worst.”

Thessalonians 5:17). Why pray? Because prayer influences and changes people and things, and because when we pray earnestly, prayer changes us and strengthens us, even if circumstances around us do not change as quickly as we might like them to.”

He also underscored that political engagement is not optional for people of faith, but a necessary part of shaping a better society.

“If good, upright, honourable Christian people do not get involved, how will the exercise be elevated?” he wrote. “Too many people of good character and sound morals stay out of campaigning and front-line politics, but we need them there.” Bishop Boyd closed by calling for a shift in tone and priorities, urging voters and political actors alike to move beyond winning at all costs and instead focus on the long-term health of the country.

PM Davis officially launches PricePal grocery comparison app

By LYNAIRE MUNNINGS

Tribune Staff Reporter

lmunnings@tribunemedia.net

THE government yesterday officially launched its national price comparison app, PricePal, moving it out of beta testing and making it publicly available to consumers, with Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis saying the initiative is aimed at increasing competition and helping Bahamians

save money on everyday shopping. However, on the sidelines of the event, Mr Davis declined to respond to questions about the Bahamas Public Parks and Beaches Authority, which has come under scrutiny over its massive overspending under chairman Mckell Bonaby. During the event, Mr Davis said the PricePal is designed to give consumers greater control over

their shopping decisions by allowing them to compare prices across stores.

The launch took place at Phoenix Supermarket on East Street South.

“This initiative is designed to put tools in the hands of consumers to enable them to save money when they're shopping. The price pal is a comparison app that compares prices across stores and across our communities, and it gives them

the opportunity to choose where they would wish to shop,” Mr Davis said yesterday.

The app allows users to compare grocery prices across multiple retailers and locations, while also providing a platform to report consumer complaints such as expired goods or pricing discrepancies.

Senator Randy Rolle, chairman of the Consumer Protection Commission, said the reporting feature is expected to strengthen consumer awareness and accountability.

“What this app does is allow the Bahamian public to be informed as it relates to information and shopping throughout the experience of it all,” he said.

“And so once consumers know that there will be a function on the app where they're able to also report complaints many times, you know, Bahamian consumers shop with their eyes, or they don't pay attention to little detail and so what this app will do is, if there is an issue where there's an expiry item or something, they're able to report it on the app, and someone can work with them, deal with it right

away.” Officials said more than 1,000 Bahamians signed up during the beta testing phase. With its official release, the app is now available in the Apple App Store and Google Play Store and can be accessed globally, though its primary focus remains The Bahamas. The platform already includes retailers across New Providence and several Family Islands, including Grand Bahama, Abaco, Eleuthera, Exuma, Bimini and the Berry Islands. Authorities said additional islands and merchants will be added monthly, supported by price inspectors working alongside the Consumer Affairs Department to verify and update data.

Senator Barry Griffin, chairman of the Bahamas Trade Commission, said the app forms part of a wider strategy to improve affordability and transparency in the local market.

“Today is the day that we launch Price Pal, which is a new consumer app commissioned by the government of the Bahamas that intends to put the power back in the hands of consumers,” he said yesterday.

“Consumers will be able to compare prices across

products across the country, across stores. And so today we have the prime minister here. He is going to launch Price Pal, which is just one part of the government's economic agenda to bring back a more affordable Bahamas and bring price transparency into the market and more competition and innovation.”

Bamboo Town MP Patricia Deveaux welcomed the launch in her constituency, highlighting its potential to support small businesses and keep more money circulating locally. The app’s launch comes amid ongoing concerns about the high cost of living in The Bahamas. Government policy advisor Ian Poitier previously described the country as one of the ten most expensive places in the world, noting that many households are struggling to make ends meet.

PricePal is intended to address those pressures by improving price transparency and enabling consumers to identify lower-cost options. It was developed through a partnership involving the Office of the Prime Minister, the Bahamas Trade Commission, the Consumer Protection Commission, the Consumer Affairs Department, and developer Novio Group. Consumer Affairs officials said the app will also modernise how price data is collected and monitored, shifting from manual systems to real-time digital tracking, which is expected to improve enforcement and policy decision-making.

While officials acknowledged that the platform alone will not solve the cost-of-living crisis, they said it represents a significant step toward giving consumers greater control and insight into their spending.

FNM calls for foreign observers as US asks to monitor election

By EARYEL BOWLEG Tribune Staff Reporter ebowleg@tribunemedia.net

THE United States has requested to observe

The Bahamas’ upcoming general election as the Free National Movement presses concerns about the integrity of the electoral process.

Opposition Leader Michael Pintard said during a press conference yesterday that he wrote to US Ambassador Herschel Walker on April 8 seeking support in “facilitating credible and independent international observation”, citing concerns about the voters’ register and the administration of the ongoing registration exercise.

“In the present circumstances, concerns have arisen regarding aspects of the electoral process, including the accuracy and maintenance of the voters' register and the administration of the ongoing registration exercise,” Mr Pintard wrote. “While these concerns do not constitute proof of irregularity, they are of a nature that may undermine public confidence if not addressed through transparent and independent scrutiny.”

“Given the advanced stage of the electoral cycle, there is limited opportunity for systemic correction. In these circumstances, the presence of credible international observers represents the most effective means of ensuring transparency, accountability, and public assurance.”

The FNM released correspondence from US Chargé d’Affaires

Kimberly Furnish confirming that a request had been made through diplomatic channels.

“The US Embassy has requested to observe the 2026 general elections in The Bahamas through formal diplomatic channels, and we understand invitation letters to all resident Heads of Mission will be issued from Government House,” Mrs Furnish said.

Mr Pintard said the party has also written to the United Nations, the Organisation of American States, the Commonwealth Secretariat and CARICOM seeking similar support.

Shortly after the FNM’s announcement, the government disclosed that the Organisation of American States and The Bahamas had signed an agreement establishing the privileges and immunities for election observers. It will mark the fourth time the OAS has observed an election in The Bahamas.

Asked whether the government would accept US observers, Progressive Liberal Party chairman Fred Mitchell did not directly answer, saying such matters fall to the appropriate legal authorities rather than Mr Pintard.

He also referenced a gazette notice stating that the Governor General, after consulting the Parliamentary Commissioner, may invite external observers to monitor elections.

At a press conference at the party’s headquarters, the FNM renewed allegations about the integrity of the electoral system, pointing to what it described

as breaches across government agencies that could allow non-Bahamians to obtain fraudulent documents.

Mr Pintard also cited a recent case in which a foreign national was reportedly found with two voter registration cards tied to different constituencies. The matter has been referred to the police.

“The proof of criminal behaviour, negligence and complicity is seen almost weekly, and many whistle blowers are now appearing, sharing the documents and what they are experiencing,” he claimed.

“It is these actions that are forced this compromised PLP administration to admit that there is a problem, yet in the face of overwhelming cases and facts about the influx of illegal migrants and the

proliferation of fraudulent documents, the prime minister still does not believe that we have a crisis or a systemic problem.”

The FNM said it launched its “Save Our Sovereignty” campaign to defend the integrity of the vote, passports and citizenship.

Mr Pintard said his party has been raising concerns about electoral integrity since 2022 and submitted formal complaints earlier this year to the Parliamentary Registration Department.

“We will be equally aggressive in identifying Bahamians who are falsely seeking to vote in constituencies where they do not belong or who seek to vote twice,” he said.

“We issue this warning plainly, and without apology. The integrity

of our electoral process belongs to the Bahamian people. I will lead our party’s defence of our nation and defense of our sovereignty.”

“It is a standard part of maintaining the integrity of the register,” he said.

“What has changed is the FNM's political strategy. The FNM appears to believe that if they shout loud enough, attack civil servants and cast doubt on the very people who have administered successive at elections, they can create confusion and gain political advantage. That is reckless and does a huge disservice to the public confidence.”

He added that international observers are not new to The Bahamas, noting that previous elections have been monitored by organisations such as CARICOM and the OAS.

“The sudden attempt to present observers' interests as some dramatic breakthrough is political theater,” he said.

Mr Rahming said the PLP supports maintaining a clean voter register through lawful review and due process and rejected claims that the process is improper.

“The FNM is trying to make a standard administrative process look sinister,” he said. “The country should see this for what it is an effort to weaken the confidence in the public institutions and to bully civil servants in the middle of their lawful duties.”

“The Bahamian people deserve calm, fairness and respect for their democratic process. They also deserve better than fear, noise, and manufactured outrage.”

He also called for changes to polling-day procedures to allow verification of voter identification beyond voter cards and repeated calls for the removal of Parliamentary Registration Commissioner Harrison Thompson and Returning Officer Neil Campbell. For the PLP, Latrae Rahming rejected the opposition’s claims, accusing the FNM of turning standard electoral processes into political controversy. He said the review and updating of the voters’ register fall within the legal authority of the Parliamentary Registration Department and are part of maintaining its accuracy.

FAMILY ISLAND LEADERS DECRY LACK OF POWER AND DELAYED PAY

By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Chief Reporter

lrolle@tribunemedia.net

THE Davis administra-

tion’s drive to overhaul local government and accelerate Family Island development produced uneven results this term, with senior councillors saying key promises remain unfulfilled despite legislative changes and some infrastructure gains.

The Progressive Liberal Party’s Blueprint for Change pledged to strengthen local government by giving councils more authority over community affairs, development and revenue generation. Officials say the Local Government Bill, passed in 2024, addressed many of these goals by expanding financial independence and public participation across Family Island councils.

However, chief councillors told The Tribune the reforms fall short in practice, particularly in how decisions are controlled from Nassau.

Acklins Chief Councillor Marvin Campbell said councils should have greater autonomy to approve contracts above a certain threshold, questioning why approvals for contracts worth $5,000 or more must be handled centrally.

“We know the contractors on the island,” he said.

“We know what the projects we want. Why it is that we are sending to Nassau for Nassau to be approved for contracts $5,000 and above? I think if the people elect us, we should be competent enough to manage $5,000. If not, there's no reason to be there.”

Local Government Minister Clay Sweeting said both central and local government must follow the Public Procurement Act to ensure accountability and transparency.

Concerns about limited authority were echoed in Abaco. Roscoe Thompson, councillor for the Central Abaco District, said local

government is often left to deal with emergencies despite lacking the power to act independently.

“When you have fires, you try to call the DRM or you try to get a member of Parliament, John or Kirk, and they have to help with fire breaks, but in terms of empowering local government and what they did with that Act, to us, it’s hogwash,” he said.

The PLP also pledged a ten percent annual increase in local government budgets over five years, but only one increase has been implemented since it took office.

In Mayaguana, Deputy Chief Councillor Cleveland Brown said councillors are still waiting for payments owed since January.

“They ain’t been here from December and when they come to pay, it’s for one month, and they owe people plenty money,” he said, describing the

situation as “terrible.”

Mr Sweeting said the delay was caused by a break-in at a government facility on the island, which required security upgrades, including the installation of a new safe. He added that while only one budget increase has been implemented, it is the first in more than 20 years. Broader reforms also remain incomplete. Plans to establish a local government system in New Providence have not been realised, while infrastructure projects across the Family Islands have progressed unevenly.

Clinic projects in Abaco and drainage works in Acklins have advanced, but road conditions and healthcare services remain concerns in several districts. In Acklins, Mr Campbell said work on the Salina Point and Spring Point clinics had begun but has since stalled. “The reason why I can't really tell, I don't know it's

because of finances or some mix up with the contractors, or whatever that may be,” he said. “I can’t really speak to that. But I know for a fact, monies were spent and work were going on on those projects.”

The government also pledged to improve airlift and ferry services. Increased airline capacity has been seen in islands such as Eleuthera, Exuma and Abaco, but not all islands have benefited.

Inagua remains limited to twice-weekly Bahamasair service, which Mr Campbell said is hurting businesses.

“A lot of businesses are losing money. Lodges are losing money. People are losing money because of the horrible airlift,” he added

Mr Brown was more critical, accusing the administration of neglecting Mayaguana and calling for the island to be designated

a port of entry to support tourism and job creation. Government officials maintain that the programme represents the largest investment in Family Island infrastructure in decades, with hundreds of millions of dollars spent.

The government’s

Blueprint for Change tracker says most local government commitments have been delivered, with budget increases and a New Providence regime still outstanding, alongside ongoing improvements to healthcare, transport and public services.

Happy Birthday

Brenae Stubbs

The Tribune Limited

NULLIUS ADDICTUS JURARE IN VERBA MAGISTRI

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

LEON E. H. DUPUCH,

Publisher/Editor 1903-1914

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

Publisher/Editor 1919-1972

Contributing Editor 1972-1991

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

Publisher/Editor 1972-

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A call to deliver on commitments

THIS morning, the world comes to our doorstep.

While much of the attention continues to be on the election, the prospect of delivering real international change will be happening in the conference rooms at the British Colonial hotel – at least, the prospect if there is genuine political will to back up words with actions.

From today until April 24, Nassau plays host to a meeting with the improbably long name of – take a breath - the fourth meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Regional Agreement on Access to Information, Public Participation and Justice in Environmental Matters in Latin America and the Caribbean.

Don’t be put off by the name. The first part of that – the fourth meeting of the Conference of the Parties – is shortened to what the event is called: COP4.

The second part also has a shortened version – it is known as the Escazú Agreement.

Now what does all of that mean?

All that bunch of words ultimately comes down to trying to improve access, participation and justice when it comes to the environment.

That affects you. The Tribune has frequently been contacted by readers who have concerns over planning developments – and we have reported on those disputes accordingly over the years.

One of the frequent concerns is that people feel left in the dark or as if their concerns are not being heard when there is opposition to a plan.

The Escazú Agreement seeks to address that. It encourages timely access to environmental information – such as environment studies of plans at the start of the process rather than much later, so you can actually examine them closely and see if there is genuine reason for alarm. It also encourages public participation in making decisions – imagine that, the public having a say instead of feeling it is all up to bureaucrats. And it encourages ways to ensure justice where there has been damage to the environment.

There is more to it – such as protections for those who defend the environment to prevent them from being targeted for attacks.

Protecting the environment and protecting those who defend the environment – that does not sound like it should be a controversial demand, does it?

So sign up The Bahamas and let’s protect this country we hold up as a jewel to the rest of the world, yes?

Well, the good news is that The Bahamas is already signed up.

On June 5 last year – World Environment Day – Prime Minister Philip Davis was the one to wield the pen for that signature. The country’s accession to the agreement was announced.

There is, however, a difference between accession and implementation – and as the first side events for COP4 took place yesterday, some of the concerns of delegates, both from here and further afield, were made clear.

Some raised concerns about how people feel some projects are already

approved in quiet rooms while the public process is all for show, others talked of how plans were approved before people were even informed about them, and still others talked of victimisation and being targeted if they dared to speak up because it might threaten someone else’s bottom line.

These were concerns expressed from people about multiple nations – a common problem. Escazú is a solution to that problem – but for those making money in a world that lacks transparency, that solution is their problem.

Escazú has been signed by 24 countries from Latin America and the Caribbean, and is open to 33 countries across the region.

The challenge for many of those is moving from a point where a signing has taken place and turning that into a commitment by each individual government to implement the measures that turn it from an agreement to a reality.

It is far from unique for countries to have leaders who talk a good game in the international arena only to fail to deliver the legislation and other measures to make things happen. It is easy to talk the talk, but far fewer walk the walk.

In all of this, there is opportunity. Imagine being the country to lead the way, to deliver the gold standard, to be the one that other countries aspire to follow.

That is the challenge facing each of the nations present at this gathering –the first time it has been hosted in the Caribbean.

In that, we are already leading the way. Following up that leadership in serving as host could be a tantalising prospect to whoever leads the next government.

Much of it is based on a simple premise – that the people deserve the facts, that they deserve transparency, that better decisions are made when the facts are known, and that when there is damage to the environment, someone should be held accountable.

Over the next few days, those discussions will be being had – often by people who share the same frustrations over red tape and the same desire to protect the environment as Bahamians right here at home.

You can follow the live streams from the event online. The web stream address is not easy to remember, we are afraid, but you can follow it at acuerdodeescazu.cepal.org.

It might also be something to ask those would-be MPs knocking at your door. Remember, The Bahamas has already committed to this, so anyone wanting to take a seat in the House ought to know that this is on their agenda, whether they like it or not.

So take the time to ask them what they would do to improve the access to planning information, and how they would protect the environment under the terms of the Escazú Agreement. This should not be another thing like the Freedom of Information Act where it gets kicked down the road again and again. It does, after all, protect you – and The Bahamas in which we place our pride.

Poison being sprayed in the air

EDITOR, The Tribune. THE, government must stop allowing neighborhoods to be sprayed for mosquitoes with that chemical spray. The truck that drives around at night spraying chemicals in the air is hurting the environment and the health of Bahamians.

How do we know how this poisonous chemical is affecting the health of Bahamians and even animals? This needs to be stopped immediately. The government needs to find an organic, chemical-free spray to use in this country. There are many safe alternatives to poisoning our air. Even the person driving the truck is at risk. We have exposed our people and our country to this danger for too long. The mosquitoes need to be controlled but not at the expense of

The betrayal of the people

EDITOR, The Tribune.

THE prevalence of numbers houses across the length and breadth of The Bahamas serves as a constant and grievous reminder of what I believe is the greatest act of betrayal of Bahamian voters in the history of our independent nation. On January 28, 2013, the then Christie-led PLP government held a referendum to allow the Bahamian people to decide whether numbers gambling should be legalised and whether a national lottery should be introduced. The Bahamian electorate resoundingly answered no to both questions. However, despite Mr Christie repeatedly telling us that he had no horse in the race and that he and his government would abide by the outcome of the referendum, the opposite turned out to be true: he evidently did have a horse in the race, and he and his government ignored the referendum outcome and forced legalised numbers gambling on the Bahamian people.

This unprecedented betrayal of the Bahamian electorate was for the financial benefit of a handful of numbers gambling bosses. The real reason for this betrayal was and is still obvious to those with eyes to see. One of the troubling realities of politics is that politicians sometimes make decisions that financially benefit those who give money to them or their political campaign, which in The Bahamas is one and the same, since we have no laws governing this corrupt practice. I cannot be persuaded that the decision to legalise numbers gambling was not similarly motivated.

As a result of that colossal betrayal, since 2013, we have witnessed a massive transfer of wealth from the hands of countless thousands of poor and needy Bahamians into the coffers of a few rich and greedy numbers bosses who heartlessly prey on their patrons and financially rape them through numbers gambling.

letters@tribunemedia.net

Therefore, it is astounding to me that, despite all the financial and social harm numbers gambling has produced in our country, one of the leading beneficiaries of this financially exploitative activity has put himself forward as a candidate for election to the House of Assembly in the 2026 general election. While I do not protest his right to offer himself as a candidate, it is a glaring contradiction that a lawbreaker (based on his own admission to breaking that he has broken our laws against gambling) now wants to be a lawmaker.

And what is sad about it is that, unlike Zacchaeus, who was repentant for his financial wrongs and vowed to make restitution to those whom he robbed, this individual is unrepentant and brags about and flaunts his ill-gotten gain, euphemistically calling it success. If the so-called success represented by this individual is the kind of success that we in The Bahamas are encouraging our children to aspire to, we as a nation are more doomed than we realise. The reality is that the laundering and fronting of ill-gotten gains from numbers gambling into real estate and other commercial activities cannot purchase a good name, at least not in the eyes of right-thinking people. Although numbers gambling has been legalised in The Bahamas, the truth is that no law can legitimise what’s illegitimate. Despite its legalisation, numbers gambling is still not legitimate commerce; to the contrary, it is financially parasitic to legitimate businesses and financially harmful to the people who engage in it, except, of course, the numbers bosses who greedily profit from it. Numbers gambling is a scourge on our nation, and even more so since its legalisation.

However, what is clear is that by his candidacy in the upcoming general election, this man and those who have endorsed him evidently believe that a majority of Bahamian voters no longer oppose the legalisation of numbers gambling. Perhaps they are right. But without a national referendum, we cannot know for sure one way or the other. But, to some extent, on May 12, 2026, the results from the Fort Charlotte constituency will serve as a poll to measure whether Bahamians now support legalised numbers gambling and how it impoverishes many and enriches a few. Like many others, I prayerfully await the poll results.

When I consider the financial and social harm that legalised numbers gambling has reeked on our nation, I’m reminded of the wise counsel one of my Bahamian heroes, the late Rev Carlton Francis, gave to his colleagues in the then PLP government, as he appealed to them against casino gambling. He told them that gambling was no way to develop a new nation. History has proven him right because the legalisation of casino gambling (which largely exploits non-residents of The Bahamas, most of whom can afford it) has led to the legalisation of numbers gambling (which exploits Bahamian citizens and permanent residents, most of whom cannot afford it).

The Lord willing, in my next letter, I will address the FNM’s plan to introduce a national lottery, if they are elected.

Until then, may the Lord Jesus Christ help us all to be content with what we have and to guard against all forms of greed because, as he has taught us, our lives do not consist in the abundance of our possessions.

PASTOR CEDRIC MOSS Nassau, April 18, 2026.

A call on the FNM for structural reform

EDITOR, The Tribune.

Dear Michael Pintard, I WRITE to you not as a detractor but as a concerned citizen who recognises that The Bahamas stands at a precipice.

The central ailment of our nation is not merely political mismanagement. It is the enduring legacy of miseducation; a tool deliberately forged on the plantation to convince the Black population that subservience is their natural state.

For centuries, the miseducation of our people taught us to build another man’s wealth while internalising our own worthlessness.

When Independence came, the colonial masters handed over a template. It was a constitution designed to maintain the old power structures. They instructed us to build as we saw fit, yet no leader has dared to rewrite the instructions.

the health of the Bahamian population. Stop using that chemical spray. External scientists need to study its effects on the body and inform Bahamians. We might be surprised to find out why so many Bahamians have developed certain diseases.

CONCERNED

BAHAMIAN Nassau, April 19, 2026.

Instead, we cling to the colonial framework, calling it sacred while it systematically relegates the majority to second- and third-class status in the very land of their birth.

This is not a broken system. It is performing exactly as designed. The hesitation you see - the reluctance to embrace first-class citizenship, the strange comfort found in lower social standing - is the fruit of that centuries-old pedagogy.

We despise in our leaders the very servility we refuse to recognise in ourselves. We are staring at an inverted reflection of reality, and until

we achieve self-awareness, genuine change will remain impossible.

The Bahamas is trapped in a twilight zone. We expect different results while hitting the snooze button on awakening.

Since July 10th, 1973 the alarm has sounded ten times already. It will ring an eleventh, and on May 12, 2026, if we are not careful, we will press it a twelfth time.

The stagnation in growth and governance that began under the PLP and persisted through the FNM will continue unabated.

Your hopeful election offers a genuine opportunity to break this cycle. But wishing for change is not enough. You must tell the people why they need change, not merely why they want it. Desire without understanding is a ship without a rudder. Therefore, I urge you to make the following bold commitments as part of your campaign pledge. The movement to a Republic-style Governance. Upon winning, form a representative committee from all 41 constituencies with a mandate to transition The Bahamas into a republic - or a system where citizens have direct, ongoing control over their representation, not just a vote every five years.

A transitional move to Local Municipal Governance. Commit to introducing a structured municipal system that gives Bahamians a preliminary taste of republic-style governance. Power must flow

upward from the people, not downward from Bay Street. Tell the Truth about the Constitution. Acknowledge publicly that the current document is not some immutable scripture but a colonial template. The real constitution - the one we were told to build ourselveshas never been written. The current PLP administration, under Prime Minister Davis, is descending a slippery slope of alleged corruption, falsehoods, and compromised sovereignty. The influx of migrants and the blatant granting of citizenship by the Cabinet have angered native-born Bahamians who feel erased in their own homeland. This is not about xenophobia; it is about a government that has forgotten who it serves. Michael Pintard, remember the mace thrown through the window of Parliament. That act was not chaos - it was symbolism. It represented power returned to the people. You now have the chance to make that symbol a reality. Do not let fear of the old masters - or the mastered minds among our own people - prevent you from building the nation we were always meant to have. The snooze button is tempting. But the day of awakening is overdue. With vigilance and hope as an enthusiastic supporter THE FNM WHISPERER Freeport, Grand Bahama April 19, 2026.

Suspect charged with murder of Wilton Street grandmother

MURDER from page one

covered in his grandmother’s blood, was not injured. Smith allegedly fled the scene on foot.

The victim had been watching television with her family moments before the shooting.

Smith, who was not required to enter a plea before acting Chief Magistrate Ancella Eva, was informed that his case

would proceed to the Supreme Court through a voluntary bill of indictment and advised of his right to apply for bail in the higher court. He was remanded to the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services until service of his voluntary bill of indictment on August 20. Inspector Deon Barr prosecuted. In a statement after Mrs Nottage-Cime was killed, Centerville MP Jomo

Campbell expressed condolences, noting that Mrs Nottage-Cime, who worked as a janitress at DW Davis School, had worked on his campaign.

Her husband of 15 years, Fenold Cime, who works on a Family Island, flew into New Providence after receiving the news. He told The Tribune last week that he was still in disbelief, having just spoken with his wife before the shooting.

Prison officer charged with fatal East Bay hit and run

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net

A PRISON officer

accused in a fatal hit-andrun on East Bay Street that left a 29-year-old father of two dead in March was charged yesterday and granted bail.

Prosecutors allege Jaquon Burrows, 25, was driving dangerously east along East Bay Street when he struck Kareem Williams with his vehicle around 9.30pm on March 15. Police said officers responded to a traffic collision involving a vehicle and two pedestrians.

Investigators said Williams had exited a black Nissan Note parked along the southern lane and was walking to assist a female passenger when both were struck by the defendant’s vehicle. The driver did not remain at the scene.

Emergency Medical Services transported Williams and a 23-year-old woman to Princess Margaret Hospital. Williams suffered severe head injuries and died on March 19. Officers from the Mobile Division later arrested the accused and recovered the suspected vehicle on an unnamed road in the Kennedy Subdivision.

Burrows was not required to enter a plea to a charge of vehicular manslaughter before acting Chief Magistrate Ancella Evans. He was told his case would proceed to the Supreme Court through a voluntary bill of indictment.

Inspector Deon Barr, the prosecutor, raised no objection to bail, which was set at $9,500 with one or two sureties.

Burrows must sign in at the East Street South Police Station every Thursday by 9pm. He returns to court for service of his voluntary bill of indictment on August 20.

Court hears from officer in gun and ammo smuggling trial

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net

AN arresting officer testified yesterday in the Supreme Court trial of a man accused of importing nine firearms and more than 100 rounds of ammunition into The Bahamas in 2024.

Corporal Jarad Murphy gave evidence in the trial of Ahmad Bain, 33, before Justice Loren Klein.

Bain and accomplices allegedly imported nine firearms through the Lynden Pindling International Airport freight terminal on May 14, 2024.

The weapons included a black Austria Glock 17 9mm pistol, a black Austria Glock 19 9mm pistol, a black DB9 9mm pistol, a black Smith and Wesson 9mm pistol, a brown and black FN 5.7 pistol, a black Austria Glock 26 9mm

pistol, a grey and gold Canon 9mm pistol, a black Taurus Judge .410 pistol, and a silver and black Smith and Wesson 9mm pistol. On the same day, Bain allegedly imported 100 .40 rounds, 184 9mm rounds, 20 5.7 rounds, and five .410 rounds, along with four pounds of marijuana.

Corporal Murphy said that on May 27, 2024, while assigned to the antigang and firearms unit, he received information and went to Fowler Street, where he encountered the defendant’s silver Nissan Sentra travelling south.

After signalling the vehicle to stop, he said the defendant and another man exited. The defendant was arrested after his name was flagged during a police check.

The officer said the defendant and his vehicle were taken to the Wulff Road Police Station.

Under cross-examination by defence attorney Devard Francis, the officer said he could not recall the name of the other man in the vehicle.

He confirmed that a search of both the car and the defendant uncovered no firearms, ammunition or drugs.

Mr Francis suggested the other man was Giovanni Saunders, but Corporal Murphy said he could not recall.

However, he said a name check of the second man was conducted during the stop and that he was not wanted. The officer denied that Saunders was arrested. This led the defence to question what happened to Saunders after the defendant was taken to the police station along with his car.

Jacqueline Burrows and Danielle Capron prosecuted.

Man and woman charged over Carmichael Road murder

By PAVEL BAILEY

Staff Reporter

Tribune

pbailey@tribunemedia.net

A MAN and a woman were charged yesterday with the fatal shooting of a 23-year-old man whose body was found in bushes near Carmichael Road last month.

Prosecutors allege Peter Louis, 39, and Jocelyn Similien, 37, shot and killed Cameron Munnings on March 19 in New Providence. Munnings’s body, which had apparent gunshot wounds to the head and upper torso, was discovered by a woman picking fruit in bushes near Opulent Drive and Edmonton Close around 11am on March 20. He was described as wearing a white shirt and black pants and had dreadlocks.

Alice Adderley, the victim’s mother, told The Tribune last month that she flew in from Exuma to identify her son’s body at the morgue. Munnings had been reported missing before police made the discovery. Ms Adderley said she did not expect to find her son at the morgue, but relatives urged her to check after a news report described a deceased man matching his appearance. Relatives who accompanied her were overcome with grief and left in tears after identifying the body. She described her son as

quiet and reserved, keeping to himself and a small group of friends. The accused were not required to enter pleas to murder before acting Chief Magistrate Ancella Evans.

They were informed that their case would proceed to the Supreme Court through a voluntary bill of indictment. They were advised of their right to apply for bail in the higher court.

Both were remanded to the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services until service of their voluntary bills of indictment on August 20.

Inspector Deon Barr prosecuted, while Alphonso Lewis represented the accused.

Grand Bahama man charged with rape

By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Staff Reporter

dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

A GRAND Bahama man was charged with rape in Grand Bahama’s Magistrate Court yesterday.

Valentine Adderley Jr, 30, appeared before Magistrate Charlton Smith. He is accused of having unlawful sexual intercourse with a 58-year-old woman without her consent on April 9 in West End.

Adderley was not required to enter a plea. He was not represented by counsel, and the matter was adjourned to June 24. He was remanded to the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services.

SINGER D4VD PLEADS NOT GUILTY TO MURDER IN DEATH OF 14-YEAROLD CELESTE RIVAS HERNANDEZ

By ANDREW DALTON AP Entertainment Writer

Singer D4vd pleaded not guilty Monday to a murder charge in the death of a 14-year-old girl who was last known to be alive nearly a year ago and whose dismembered and decomposed body was found in the entertainer’s apparently abandoned Tesla.

The charges revealed key details and were among the first concrete public moves made in a grisly and horrific case that had been under a largely secret investigation in the seven months since Celeste Rivas Hernandez was found dead.

The 21-year-old D4vd, whose legal name is David Burke, was charged with first-degree murder, lewd and lascivious acts with a person under 14 and mutilating a body, the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office said. A defence lawyer entered not guilty pleas to all counts on behalf of Burke, who made his first court appearance Monday. He appeared behind glass in a custody area, dressed in black. A judge said he would continue to be held without bail.

The girl’s parents appeared at the hearing. They looked down as they entered the courtroom and sat in the audience. They did not speak to reporters outside court.

ALLEGED CHILD SEX

ABUSE DURING A CAREER ON THE

RISE

Authorities alleged the Houston-born alt-pop singer killed Rivas Hernandez to protect a career on the rise after she threatened to report their sexual relationship. His debut album, “Withered,” was released just two days after authorities said she was last known to be alive. She was reported missing by her family in 2024, when she was 13. That was her age when, according to allegations in a criminal complaint, the singer engaged in continuous sexual abuse of her for

HAGATNA, Guam (AP)

— Searchers from several countries scoured the Pacific near the Northern Mariana Islands on Monday for six crew members from a cargo ship that overturned during a typhoon that tore through the U.S. territory.

An HC-130 Hercules crew from the U.S. Air Force 31st Rescue Squadron confirmed Sunday night that the overturned ship spotted Saturday is the cargo ship Mariana, the U.S. Coast Guard said in a news release. The plane deployed divers and boats.

“If divers locate a viable access point, the team may employ an underwater remotely operated drone to further investigate the vessel,” the guard said.

Debris, including a partially submerged inflatable life raft, was spotted about 110 miles (177 kilometers) northeast of the overturned vessel, the guard said.

Guard air crews continued to search near the Northern Marianas for the missing crew members, whose nationalities weren’t released. So far, the guard and partnering agencies from Guam, Japan and New Zealand have covered more than 99,000 square miles (256,000 square kilometers), the guard said.

The Mariana, a 145foot (44-meter) dry cargo vessel registered in the U.S., suffered engine failure Wednesday as Typhoon Sinlaku bore down on the island chain, which is home to roughly 50,000 people.

After the crew reported that the ship had lost its starboard engine and needed assistance, the Coast Guard set up a one-hour communication schedule with the vessel, the guard said. But contact was

at least a year from September 2023 to September 2024. California law penalizes abuse of a child under 14 especially harshly. Authorities, who described her Monday as a “runaway,” said Rivas Hernandez was 14 when she was killed with a sharp object on or around April 23, 2025, a day she was at Burke’s house in the Hollywood Hills. Prosecutors allege Burke mutilated her body about two weeks later.

The murder charges include special circumstances — lying in wait, committing crime for financial gain and murdering the witness in an investigation — that could carry the death penalty. Prosecutors haven’t announced whether they will seek it. The witness Burke is alleged to have killed is Rivas Hernandez herself, who could have given testimony about the sex crime allegations.

DEFENCE SAYS D4VD ‘DID NOT MURDER CELESTE RIVAS HERNANDEZ’

“We believe the actual evidence will show David Burke did not murder Celeste Rivas Hernandez,” lead defense attorney Blair Berk said in court. “We would like to have the evidence come into the light of day.”

Berk told the judge that after media reports of months of secret grand jury proceedings, she would like a public preliminary hearing to take place as soon as possible so a judge can decide whether there is enough evidence for trial.

Burke is entitled under California law to have the evidentiary hearing within 10 court days of his arraignment. Nearly all defendants waive their right to have it happen that fast, but he didn’t. A hearing to work out what will happen next was scheduled for Thursday.

“We’ll be very happy to put on the evidence that we’ve collected,” said Deputy District Attorney Beth Silverman, the lead prosecutor.

A MISSING CHILD AND THE GRISLY DISCOVERY OF A BODY

The case is a “a parent’s nightmare,” Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman said at a news conference Monday announcing the charges. The long-dead body of Rivas Hernandez was found inside a Tesla that was towed from the Hollywood Hills on Sept. 8, when Burke was on tour in support of his album. It was a day after she would have turned 15.

Her family had reported her missing from her hometown of Lake Elsinore, about 70 miles (112 kilometers) southeast of Los Angeles.

The singer had been under investigation by an LA County grand jury looking into the death. The probe was officially secret, but its existence — and Burke’s designation as its target — was revealed in February when his mother, father and brother objected in a Texas court to subpoenas demanding they testify.

The 2023 Tesla Model Y was registered in the singer’s name at their address, according to court filings. Authorities did not publicly acknowledge him as a suspect until his arrest Thursday.

Police investigators searching the Tesla in a tow yard found a cadaver bag “covered with insects and a strong odor of decay,” court

documents said. Detectives partially unzipped the bag and found a head and torso.

Investigators from the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office removed the bag and “discovered the arms and legs had been severed from the body,” according to court documents. A second black bag was found under the first, and dismembered body parts were inside it. No cause of death has been publicly revealed, and police got a judge to block the release details of the autopsy. The court order was expected to be lifted after the charges.

“I had the chance to meet with some of the family members of Celeste and their grief is incalculable as to what happened to their daughter,” Hochman said. D4vd was a social media-savvy singer making breakthroughs D4vd, pronounced “David,” gained popularity among Gen Z for his blend of indie rock, R&B and lo-fi pop. He went viral on TikTok in 2022 with the hit “Romantic Homicide,” which peaked at No. 4 on Billboard’s Hot Rock & Alternative Songs chart. He then signed with Darkroom and Interscope Records and released his debut EP “Petals to Thorns” and a follow-up, “The Lost Petals,” in 2023. The Associated Press confirmed that D4vd was dropped by Interscope last year.

When the body was discovered, the singer continued his North American tour, but when reports of his possible involvement spread widely, he canceled the final two shows and a European tour that was to follow.

On April 11, about two weeks before the killing, he made his debut appearance at the Coachella music festival, where he talked to the AP.

“I was such an internet kid. The internet is really what I claim as my home,” he said. “My neighborhood was Instagram and the society was the internet.”

AP Music Writer Maria Sherman in New York contributed to this report.

CUBA CONFIRMS MEETING WITH US OFFICIALS ON ISLAND, WANTS ENERGY BLOCKADE LIFTED

that the Cuban delegation included representatives at the level of deputy foreign minister.

The exchange was conducted “respectfully and professionally,” he said, adding that the U.S. delegation did not issue any threats or deadlines as has been reported in some U.S. media.

lost Thursday. A HC-130 plane launched that morning to conduct a search, but it returned to Guam due to heavy winds. The Mariana’s last known position was about 140 miles (225 kilometers) north-northwest of Saipan, which is the capital of the Northern Marianas and about 3,800 miles (6,115 kilometers) west of Hawaii. Typhoon Sinlaku triggered floods, tore off roofs and overturned cars on

Saipan. The islands endured roughly 48 hours of fierce winds, which delayed responders’ ability to assess damage and help communities, officials said.

The Northern Marianas’ government on Sunday requested an expedited major disaster declaration. If approved, it would include assistance for survivors and public infrastructure as well as hazard mitigation funding, the Federal Emergency

Management Agency said Monday.

Running water was slowing being restored in some villages, thanks to generators from FEMA, Ed Propst, a former lawmaker who works in the governor’s office, said Tuesday.

But because tap water isn’t potable, residents typically buy drinking water, which is in short supply now, he said.

The Marianas are also typically very hot and humid, so a lack of air conditioning is making life extra uncomfortable, he added. “Last night there was no breeze,” he said. “Everything is just so still.”

There have been no official updates on electricity restoration, he said.

And flooding has exacerbated the mosquito problem: “It’s pretty bad at night,” Propst said.

HAVANA (AP) — Cuba’s government on Monday confirmed that it had recently met with U.S. officials on the island as tensions between the two sides remain high over the U.S. energy blockade of the Caribbean country. Senior U.S. State Department officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, had said on Friday that American diplomats flew earlier in April to the island for the first time since 2016 in a new diplomatic push. Neither U.S. nor Cuban officials have said exactly when the meeting took place nor which U.S. officials took part. Alejandro García del Toro, deputy director general in charge of U.S. affairs at the Cuban Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said on Monday that the U.S. delegation included assistant secretaries of state, and

“The elimination of the energy embargo against the country was a top priority for our delegation,” García del Toro said. “This act of economic coercion is an unjustified punishment of the entire Cuban population.”

He added: “It is also a form of global blackmail against sovereign states, which have every right to export fuel to Cuba, under the rules that govern free trade.”

Among conditions for a lifting of U.S. sanctions on Cuba, Washington is pressing the Cuban government to end political repression, release political prisoners and liberalize its ailing economy.

In late January, U.S. Donald Trump threatened tariffs on any country that sells or supplies

to Cuba. Trump also has threatened to intervene in the country, and Cuban President Miguel

week that

The dangerous drift toward division:

politics,

and the illusion of gain

THEREis anuneasy feelingintheair one that manymay notyet fully articulate, but onethat isundeniablypresent.

Thecurrent politicalclimate bearsall thehallmarksof something farmore dangerous thanspirited democraticcompetition. It’s edgingtoward division so sharp,so personal, andso emotionallycharged thatitbegins toresemblethe earlytremorsof acivilfracture. While “civil war” may soundextremetosome,theunderlying behaviours hostility, distrust,name-calling, and ideologicalentrenchment are disturbinglyfamiliar precursors.

At the heart of this tension lies a troubling reality: the increasing useof unrealistic promisesas apoliticaltool. Theseare notmerelyoptimisticprojectionsorambitious plans. Inmany cases,they are commitments that strain credibilityanddefypracticalimplementation. Yet they are deliveredwith conviction,repeated withintensity,andabsorbedby a population thatis, understandably, searchingfor hope, stability, andpersonal advancement.

Thisiswhere thedangerbegins. When political actors recognise an opportunityto influence,sway, oreven brainwash” segments ofthepopulationthrough emotionallyappealing yet unattainable promises, theystep ontoethically treacherousground. It’s onething toinspire. It s another to manipulate.The difference liesin honesty,feasibility, andaccountability. When those lines are blurred, theconsequences extendfar beyond election day.

Peoplebelievewhattheyare told especially whenthose messages align withtheir immediate needsor longstanding frustrations. In a society where manyare navigating economicpressure, social inequality, and uncertainty aboutthefuture,thepromiseof relief even if unrealistic canbe incrediblypowerful. Itcreates expectation.It fosters dependency.And when those expectations are not met, it breeds resentment.

That resentmentrarely remains contained. Instead, it spills outward into communities, into conversations, and increasingly, intopublic discourse. Webegintoseetheriseofhostility betweencitizens, not based oninformed disagreement, but on perceived betrayal. Those who question or challengethese promisesare labelledasenemies,detractors, orworse. Rationaldebate gives way toemotional reaction. Dialogue isreplaced by division.

Thisisnot healthyforany democracy.

Promises,therefore,mustbe made in decencyand in order.”Theymustbegrounded in reality, supported by strategy, and delivered with a clear understanding of what is achievable within the constraints ofgovernance. Anythinglessis notjustirresponsible it s dangerous.When leaders fail to meet exaggerated expectations, they don’t justlose credibility,theyalso destabilisetrust inthesystem itself. And trust,once broken,is exceedingly difficultto rebuild. There is alsoa deeper, more complex dynamic at play one that speaks to the nature of voter behaviour. Many votersare notdriven solely by a vision for national progress. Whilepatriotism and civic responsibilitycertainly

strategies,andcommitmentsin a structuredand transparent way. It is, orshould be, the foundation upon which voters maketheirdecisions.Yet,in practice, it’s often

exist, they often coexist with moreimmediate, personal concerns. The question, “What is best for the country?” is frequently filtered through a morepersonal lens: What is best for me?” Thisis nota criticism.It sa reality. People want security for their families, opportunities for advancement, and relief from hardship. They want tofeel seen, heard, and valued. Thisiswhyretail politics the practiceof candidates visitinghomes, shaking hands,and engaging directly withconstituents remainsso deeplyembedded inBa hamian polit ical culture. It merely tradi tion. It pectation. expectation has evolved into something increasinglyburdensome and, in many ways, counterproductive. The desirefor personalinteractionoften shiftsthefocus from policyto individualrequests. It becomes less about the national agendaand more about personal appeals jobs, favours, interventions. While theseinteractions canhumanizecandidates andbuild connections, they can also distortpriorities. Governancebecomestransactionalratherthan strategic. Andperhaps moreimportantly, itraises afundamental question:What morecantruly be said at thedoorstep that is not alreadyoutlined ina party s platform? A well-craftedplatform servesastheblueprintforgovernance.It outlinespriorities,

paigning by slogans, soundbites, and, increasingly,by personal attacks. This bringsus toanother troubling aspect of the current politicalenvironment: theerosion of civility. The level ofvitriol, namecalling, and public shaming thathas becomenormalizedis deeply concerning. Political opponents are no longer simplyadversaries. Theyare portrayed asenemies. Their characteris questioned,their motives are maligned, and theirdignity isoftendisregardedentirely. Thisisdone not inprivate butin fullpublic view on platforms where it’s consumed,amplified, andinternalised by the wider public. Including the youth. What message are we sending tothe nextgeneration whenthose whoclaim thetitle

of “honourable” engage in behaviour that isanything but? How can we expect young people to value respect, integrity, and constructive dialoguewhen theveryindividualstasked withleadingthe nation model the opposite?

It does not augur well.

If anything,it setsa dangerous precedent one in which aggressionis mistaken for strength,insult replacesargument,and winningbecomes more important than doing what’sright.Thisisnotleadership. It’sperformance. Andit comes at a cost. The focus mustreturn to the issues.

Thisisnot merelyasuggestion,it’sanecessity.Votersdeserveto understandwhere candidates stand onmatters of national importance economic policy,education, healthcare, infrastructure, and governance. Theydeserve clarity,substance,andhonesty. Mudslinging doesnothing to advance theseconversations. Infact,itactivelydetractsfrom them. It is, quitesimply, a turnoff. Onewould thinkthat,in seeking support,candidates would present themselves in the bestpossible light demonstrating competence,composure, andrespect. Yet,too often,the oppositeoccurs. Campaigns become battlegrounds, notof ideas,but of personalities. And in the process, the very people whose supportisbeing soughtareleft disillusioned. Evenmoreconcerningisthe potential for long-term damage. Wordsspoken inthe heatof campaigning do not simply disappear once theelection is over. Theylinger. Theyshape perceptions.Theyinfluencerelationships.Andinsomecases, theycauseharm thatcannotbe undone. Reputationsare tarnished. Trustis eroded.Communities are divided.

And all for what?

Short-term political gain. There is alsoa broader implication that cannot be ignored therisk ofexposing

vulnerabilities thatcould be exploitedbyexternalforces.In an increasingly interconnected world, domesticinstability no longer goesunnoticed. Publicly airingunsubstantiated claims, engagingin reckless rhetoric, and undermining institutions cancreate openings for interference,manipulation, andloss ofconfidence onthe international stage.

Sovereigntyisnotjustabout borders. It s aboutstability, credibility,and unity.When those arecompromised, the consequencesextend farbeyond internal politics.

There is,undeniably, a temptation withinpolitical competition to throw each other under thebus.” It’s seen asa strategy away togain advantage, to weaken the opponent, toshift thenarrative. But it oftenbackfires. Because in attackingone anotherso relentlessly, candidatesrisk alienatingthe veryvotersthey are trying to win over.

Thosewho areundecided, who are carefully weighing theiroptions,are leftinastate of confusionand discomfort. Theyare notdrawn tochaos.

Theyare repelledby it.They are not inspired by hostility. They are discouraged by it. And inthat spaceof uncertainty,trust becomesthedeciding factor.

Publiclyattackingaperson s charactershould beoff-limits. Disagreewith policies.Challenge ideas.Debate strategies. But doso withrespect, with evidence, and witha commitmenttotruth.Anythinglessdiminishes not justthe individualsinvolved butthepolitical process as a whole.

The current trajectoryis unsustainable. Ifleftunchecked,thecombination ofunrealistic promises, emotional manipulation,and personalattacks willcontinue todeepen divisions.Itwill fosteran environmentwhere disagreement is not tolerated, where compromise isseen as weakness,and whereunitybecomes increasingly elusive. This isnot thefuture we should accept. Instead,theremustbeaconscious effort by candidates, by parties, and by citizens to elevatethe discourse.Todemand more.To expectbetter. To holdleaders accountable notjustfor whattheypromise, but forhow theyconduct themselves inthe pursuitof power.

Because leadership is not just about winning elections. It s aboutsetting thetone. It’s about building trust. It’s aboutguidinganationforward with integrity,clarity, andrespect.

Thestakes aretoo highfor anything less.

Intheend,theresponsibility is shared.Politicians mustresist thetemptation tomanipulate.Voters mustremainvigilant, discerning,and informed. And together,there mustbe a collective commitmentto preserving theprinciples thatunderpin a healthy democracy. Decency. Order. Respect. These arenot justideals. They are necessities. Facingreality,withoutthem, weriskmorethanjustpolitical disappointment. Werisk deep division,lastingdamage,anda futurefar moreuncertainthan it needs to be. Andthat’sapricetoohighto pay.

TANKS 12,000 & 15,000 GAL. WITH LINER & COVER EXCELLENT CONDITION

LAUGHING ALL THE WAY TO the WORLD STAGE

By ALESHA CADET Tribune Features Reporter acadet@tribunemedia.net

BETWEEN the thunderstorm outside and the energy building inside, the recording of Jaquay “DasQuay” Adderley’s debut standup special Work Wit’ Me quickly became a moment Bahamian audiences will not soon forget.

The energy inside the room did not let up, and by the end of the show, the audience response confirmed a connection that went beyond humour.

“At the end, just seeing the standing ovation, the comments persons were giving and the reviews, it really showed that Bahamians do need laughter, and want to see their people grow and go far beyond,” he said.

Known widely for his viral skits, Jaquay has built a strong online following through his ‘DasQuay’ brand. Work Wit’ Me represents a shift, offering audiences a fuller

picture of his range as a performer and storyteller. Stepping into stand-up allowed him to challenge himself while staying grounded in his mission of spreading joy.

“It gave me another lane to spread joy, rather than just in front of the camera and doing funny skits. It showed the diversity in my gift that I'm able to do stand-up comedy as well — and not only that, but also use that moment and that event to inspire other people. It was about showing them that we can do it bigger than we normally plan it,” said Jaquay. Pushing beyond comfort zones

“... It was about showing them that we can do it bigger than we normally plan it.”

Filmed at the Myles Munroe Diplomat Centre before a packed audience, the production marked a major milestone for the local entertainment scene.

Beyond the laughter, the show signalled something bigger for both Bahamian comedy and the performer himself. What was expected to be a modest turnout quickly grew into something far more powerful, as the audience grew from hundreds into more than a thousand people despite poor weather conditions.

“I think two moments that really hit that night and

showed that this was bigger than comedy was the fact that I only anticipated about 400 to 500 people based on ticket sales.

“It was pouring rain outside, literally a thunderstorm. And people were walking in the rain to come inside. 1,200 people made it in. So that was when I was like yeah, this is way bigger than I anticipated and more than comedy. It was about people supporting a Bahamian who is trying to do something big and take it to beyond the country,” Jaquay told The Tribune.

growth, with each year bringing a new challenge.

HostedbyRenny

“One thing I personally always do every year is, I try to do something that scares me, something that's bigger than me, something I feel like it's unattainable, and then I fight to attain it,” he said. That mindset has helped him evolve creatively, giving him room to explore new formats while remaining connected to his audience.

“So, in terms of evolving in my comedy, it gave me another lane to master. I now have different lanes to fall on in the same mission of spreading joy and laughter to the world,” he said.

With the special set for release on global streaming platforms, including Amazon Prime Video and Tubi, Bahamian comedy is poised to reach a wider audience. For Jaquay, the opportunity is about representation as much as expansion.

“The comedy special is a nod to Bahamian culture. One of my missions is to introduce the culture to more of the world.

Usually persons only come on the cruise ships and they stay downtown where they only see the tropical drinks, the ATVs and the swimming pigs, but if you come into the heart of the city of who we are as a people — our culture and our music, which are all intertwined in the special — it's an introduction that, hey, the

Bahamas is a beautiful place to visit, but we are also conquering in other lanes as well,” said Jaquay. He is also mindful of the Bahamian diaspora, many of whom remain deeply connected to home.

“My second greatest hope is that Bahamians that live around the world are able to watch this. That was one of the primary goals for the show, to give them a piece of home even where they are in the world, to watch, to laugh, to relate and to just spread the culture,” he said.

Behind the scenes, the project was brought to life through a collaboration with filmmaker Deon Gibson and the team at New Vision Film, resulting in a polished, high-energy production that captures both the performance and the moment. Asked to sum up the special, Jaquay kept it simple: “Bahamian people funny.”

As the industry evolves, he is encouraging audiences to support the wave of local talent emerging across creative spaces.

“I would encourage persons to continue to push local talent because we are in a renaissance of content creation. There are persons just trying to do things bigger than themselves. We now have access to a global platform, but it has to start at home,” said Jaquay.

Waterkeepers, Youth Environment Ambassadors celebrate successful year

By Fay Simmons Tribune Education Reporter jsimmons@tribunemedia.net

IN classrooms, on boats, andbeneath thesurfaceof theocean, studentsarediscovering whatit meansto lead,protect, andadvocate fortheenvironment.

Studentstook theleadin environmental actionand advocacy asWaterkeepers Bahamas (WKB)celebrated the successful completion of its 2026 Youth Environmental Ambassadors(YEA) and Cadets programs, markinganotheryearofempowering youngBahamians toprotect andpreservetheir naturalenvironment.

The YouthEnvironmental Ambassadors program concluded with apinning ceremony recognizingparticipants for their dedication andgrowthoverfivemonths ofintensivelearningandengagement.

Throughout theprogram, students wereimmersed in environmental education, leadership training, and community involvement, with a strong focus this year onbuildingadvocacyskills.

Through presentations, groupdiscussions,andinteractive activities,participants developedthe confidenceto speak oncritical environmentalissues andrepresent

Insurance commission hosts Occupy Mentorship program as part of its Leadership Day activities

By Fay Simmons Tribune Education Re-

porter jsimmons@tribunemedia.net

STUDENTS were placed at the centerof leadership and mentorship asthe InsuranceCommissionofTheBahamas(ICB) hosteditsOccupy MentorshipProgram, engaging 50 young participantsinameaningfulexperiencedesigned tostrengthen their confidence,purpose, and leadership skills.

Theinitiative, heldaspart of the Commission’s Leadership Day activities, provided students withthe opportunity to interact with professionals while gaining valuable insight into personal development and leadership. Through a series of sessions, participants wereencouragedtoreflect ontheirgoals and understand the role they can playin shapingtheir schools and communities.

A highlightof theevent wasan inspiringpresentation by Superintendent of Insurance, Mrs Dana Munnings-Gray, titled The DifferenceIs Me.” During her address,she challenged students to embrace personal responsibility andintentional living,emphasizing that leadership begins with individual actionand acommitmentto makingapositive impact. Her message encouraged participants to see themselvesas capableof driving meaningful change.

Deputy Superintendentof Insurance, Mr Rodney Bain Jr, also lent his support to the programme, reinforcing the organization’s dedication to youth engagementand education. Together,the Commission’s leadershiphighlighted theimportance of equipping young Bahamians with a strong foundation in leadership principlesas they preparefor futureacademic and professional pursuits.

The successof theprogrammewas alsomadepossible through the efforts of organizers MrRicardo Clarke and Dr Tanya McCartney, whosecommitment to youth development helped createan engagingandimpactfulexperience forallinvolved.Their workensured that students not only gained knowledge butalso feltinspiredto applywhatthey learned in their everyday lives.

Through initiatives like the OccupyMentorship Program, the Insurance Commission of The Bahamas continuesto demonstrateits commitmenttoinspiring,educating, and empowering the next generation. By investing in young peopleand fosteringleadershipdevelopment, theCommission is helping to shape a future generationequipped with the skills, confidence, and vision neededto make a lasting difference.

the needs oftheir communitiesandecosystems.

Beyond theclassroom, studentsgainedhands-onexperience throughfield-based learning, including snorkellingactivities thatallowed themto directlyexplore andbetter understand marine environments.Sessionswerealsohostedatthe University of The Bahamas Northern Campus, giving participantsexposure toa collegiate settingwhile reinforcingthe importanceof continuededucation.

Reflecting onthe program’simpact, LeadFacilitatorAndurah Daxonnoted that the growthin students confidencehasbeenremarkable, emphasizing that participantsare notonly learning aboutenvironmental challenges but are alsofinding theirvoicesand steppingintorolesasleaders andchangemakers.

Atthesame time,theWaterkeepers Bahamas Cadets Programcontinued toexpandits multi-year,handsoncurriculum,engagingstudents atvarious stagesof theirdevelopment.

First-year cadetsfocused onwaterqualitymonitoring, gaining practicalexperience in testing andanalysing the health of local waterways whilepreparing forscuba divingcertification.

Second-year cadets ex-

plored the ecological importanceofthequeenconch,examiningthreats toitspopulationandthe needforsustainablemanagement.

Final-year cadets advancedtheirtrainingthrough boatingnavigationandindependent researchprojects, equipping themwith both technical andanalytical skills forfuture careersin marinescience andconservation. Lead Facilitator Chesna Coxhighlighted thatthe cadets program provides meaningful experiences that evolve withstudents each year, ensuring that by the time they complete the program, participants have developed a deep understandingof marineecosystems alongwith theconfidence to pursue environmental stewardshipat a higherlevel.

Together, the Youth Environmental Ambassadors and CadetsprogramsreflectWaterkeepers Bahamas ongoing commitmentto developingthe nextgenerationof environmentalleaders.

By combining education, fieldwork, mentorship, and advocacytraining,theinitiative continues to inspire young peopleto takean active rolein safeguardingthe country’s naturalresources andshaping amoresustainablefuture.

Queen's Commonwealth writing contest deadline April 30th

STUDENTS who enjoy writingandhaveapassionfor expressing their ideas are beingencouragedtotaketheir creativity beyondthe classroomand ontotheworld stage.

The Queen's Commonwealth WritingCompetition, organisedby theRoyalCommonwealthSociety,isopento young peopleaged 18and under,with thesubmission deadline set forApril 30, 2026.

Withonly ashort timeremaining,students acrossthe Bahamas still havean opportunity toparticipate inone of the world s oldestandmost respected international writingcompetitions.

This year’s theme, CommonGround:BetterTogether,”invitesstudentstoreflect on theshared values, challenges and aspirations thatconnectpeopleacrossthe Commonwealth’s 56member nations.

The competition encourages creativefreedom, allowingparticipants torespond in a variety of formats, including shortstories, poems, essays,speeches or letters, withentries limitedto 1,000words.

Nowinits 143rdyear,the competitionhasrecentlybeen rebrandedtoreflectamoreinclusive approachto written expression, movingbeyond essaystoembraceallformsof creativewriting.

Anew structurealsointroduces regional recognition, ensuringthat youngwriters from differentparts ofthe Commonwealth arecelebrated,with oneoverall winnerselected fromamong them.

Supported byQueen Camilla, Vice-Patron of the Society anda strongadvocate for literacy,the competition continuesto provideaplatformforstudentstosharetheir perspectivesonglobalissues.

Last year’s eventattracted morethan 53,000entries, highlighting thegrowing enthusiasmamongyoungpeople tohavetheirvoicesheard. Students interested in entering can submit their work onlinethrough theofficial competitionpageontheRoyal Commonwealth Society’s website.

Submissions mustbe completed before the April 30 deadline, and students are encouragedto carefullyreview theguidelinesandensuretheir workreflectsthetheme.

Beyond thepossibility of recognition, the competition offers students achance to strengthen their writing skills, thinkcriticallyaboutglobalissues andgain confidencein expressingtheirideas.

For those witha passion for storytellingoradesiretomake theirvoicesheard,itpresentsa meaningful opportunity to connect classroom learning withthewiderworld.

‘Slow down and love one another’ urges nation’s newest centenarian

By KEILE CAMPBELL Tribune Staff Reporter kcampbell@tribunemedia.net

AS DOROTHEA

Louise Strachan celebrated her 100th birthday yesterday, she had a message for the nation’s younger generation: slow down – and love one another.

The country’s latest centenarian marked the milestone at home with husband Errol ‘Duke’ Strachan, the legendary Bahamian musician, who is 93, friends and a visit marking official recognition of becoming a centurion from Governor General Dame Cynthia A Pratt. There was also a message from His Majesty King Charles III and Queen Camilla.

The celebration unfolded inside the couple’s modest two-storey home where the pair are preparing to celebrate 71 years of marriage on June 21.

Mrs Strachan, who said said she never expected to reach 100, attributes her longevity to faith and gratitude. She

urged younger generations to prioritise love and patience, encouraging them to “love one another” and to “slow down”.

“Don’t be too fast,” she said. “Don’t be too in a hurry for everything you see, something you want. It’s going to take time. Don’t rush into nothing because you might fall down, but if you take your time, you could get what you’re looking for when the time comes.”

Mrs Strachan, who spent more than 50 years in the tourism and hospitality industry, began working as a waitress on Bay Street when she was 16, later moving into management roles before operating her own restaurant. Her career also included time at the Holiday Inn on Paradise Island, where she became known for her service and connection with guests. Her contributions were formally recognised in 2006 when she received the Cacique Minister’s Award.

Even after retiring in 1991, she remained active, preparing and delivering

lunches to offices several days a week, continuing a lifelong commitment to

service and community. Inside the home, decades of cultural and

personal history line the walls, with photographs and memorabilia, including images of Bahamian actor Sidney Poitier, musician Isaac Hayes, and NBA figures Patrick Ewing and Julius Erving, alongside family snapshots and community moments.

In a back room, awards and plaques document the couple’s contributions over the years, alongside musical instruments belonging to Mr Strachan.

The home once served as a venue for concerts and gatherings, reflecting their longstanding cultural presence. During the visit, Dame Cynthia praised Mrs Strachan’s independence and clarity, noting that she remains in her “sound mind”.

“To reach the age of 100, if that’s not a blessing, tell me what is,” Dame Cynthia said. “Because you came from good stock, and you have good stock following you right now.”

In a letter presented at the home, the Governor General extended “heartiest congratulations” and expressed “the profound

gratitude of a proud nation” for Mrs Strachan’s contributions to national development.

A separate message from King Charles III and Queen Camilla conveyed their “warmest congratulations and heartfelt good wishes” on her birthday. Mr Strachan was in the news last month after a correctional officer fatally shot one of his dogs outside their Soldier Road home during a funeral procession. The incident, captured on video and widely circulated, sparked national outrage and drew criticism from animal welfare advocates. Authorities later said no breach of policy was found, and the officer would not face disciplinary action. The Department of Correctional Services apologised to Mr Strachan and agreed to provide a replacement dog. Mr Strachan said at the time that he accepted the gesture but still missed the animal, describing the shooting as “totally unnecessary.” It is not clear whether the department has given him a new dog.