04232026 NEWS

PUBLIC DISCLOSURES ARE ‘WORTHLESS’

Pastor and professor describe wealth claims as useless without independent verification

By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Chief Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net

A LOCAL pastor and a university professor have dismissed politicians’ public financial disclosures as ‘useless’ and ‘worthless’ without independent verification, warning that the lack of oversight is fuelling public mistrust.

Reverend Philip Stubbs and Professor Dr Ian Strachan spoke to The Tribune

following the publication of financial disclosures showing that more than 50 millionaires are seeking public office.

Rev Stubbs said public reaction has been largely sceptical, with many questioning the credibility of the disclosures.

“This common sentiment is concerning,” he said. “If the financial disclosures are not verified by a competent

PS in PLP gear row earns $221k annually for role

By KEILE CAMPBELL Tribune Staff Reporter

kcampbell@tribunemedia.net

MELVIN Seymour, the permanent secretary at the centre of controversy after being photographed wearing Progressive Liberal Party paraphernalia on Nomination Day, is a retiree who was brought back into the public service and is now earning $221,316 annually, The Tribune understands.

That total includes a base salary of $104,750, a pension of $49,766, a

WOMAN BARRED FROM VOTING OVER FALSE ADDRESS CLAIM

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net

A WOMAN was fined and barred from obtaining a voter’s card for three years after admitting she gave a false statement to the Parliamentary Registration Department while trying to change her address last month.

Vany Brutus, 44, admitted that, for the purpose of being registered as a voter, she gave a false statement

under oath to a revising officer, claiming she lived on an unnamed road in the Southern Shores constituency on March 30. When asked to explain her actions, she said she was moving to Killarney. Brutus pleaded guilty to making a false statement and was fined $1,000 or faces six months in prison. She was also barred from applying for a voter’s card for three years.

Four nurses honoured in Fox Hill Clinic renaming

By LYNAIRE MUNNINGS Tribune Staff Reporter

THE Ministry of Health

has renamed the Fox Hill Clinic in honour of four distinguished Bahamian nurses who were born,

raised, and served the Fox Hill community for decades. The facility is now called the C.C.C.L.J. Clinic, recognising the contributions of Nurses Brendel Cox, Sybil Curtis, Celeste Lockhart and Mary Johnson. Brendel Cox, born in

1934 and died in 1994, was described as a pioneering Bahamian nurse and midwife. After three decades of service in clinics, she devoted her retirement to ministry and community outreach in the Fox Hill community.

Sybil Curtis, born in 1923 and died in 2024, was a Bahamian nurse celebrated as “a nurse with the healing hands”. She was widely known for her deep faith, compassion and commitment to patient care.

Mary Johnson was born in Fox Hill and pursued nursing from the age of 16. She trained at Princess Margaret Hospital and furthered her studies abroad in the United Kingdom, Jamaica and the United States. She had a 47-year career in nursing and retired in 2008.

Celeste Lockhart, a retired principal nursing officer, gave 39 years of service in community nursing. Over the course of her career, she earned numerous national and professional honours, including the Queen’s Certificate and Badge of Honour and the National Order of Distinction.

Also recognised during the ceremony was Nurse Enid Cooper, born in 1921 and died in 2002, a devoted caregiver whose lifelong service in hospitals, clinics and the Fox

Hill community brought healing, safe deliveries and accessible healthcare to generations of residents. Fox Hill MP Mr Fred Mitchell, along with Minister of Health Dr Michael Darville and Freetown MP Mr Wayne Munroe, delivered brief remarks at the ceremony. First Lady Mrs Ann-Marie Davis was also in attendance.

During the ceremony, Mr Mitchell highlighted the clinic’s longstanding service to the Fox Hill community and noted that the renaming honours the legacy of individuals who have made significant contributions to public health in The Bahamas. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening community healthcare and ensuring access to quality medical services.

Lack of verification fuels public mistrust

third party who can be held legally accountable a reasonable conclusion is this: the disclosures are useless.”

He added that sharp increases in politicians’ reported net worth — in some cases “200 to 300” percent over five years — have contributed to frustration and distrust. “Cynicism and apathy deepen every five years because of diminished trust amongst the public,” he said, adding that the sentiment is particularly evident among people aged 30 or younger. He urged Bahamians to reject apathy and participate in the electoral process. The disclosures showed several Progressive Liberal

Party candidates reporting higher net worth, including Chester Cooper, Keith Bell, Kirk Cornish, Myles Laroda, Pia Glover-Rolle, Glenys Hanna-Martin, McKell Bonaby, Wayne Munroe and Jobeth Coleby Davis, among others. Some candidates have attributed the increases to business activity, investments and personal circumstances.

However, the law does not require the declarations to be audited or certified, meaning they are not independently verified before publication. In the lead-up to the 2021 general election, the PLP promised a new Public Disclosure Act to enhance transparency in public office. The Davis administration failed to follow through with that pledge. The FNM has now promised to enhance the law.

Dr Strachan described the disclosures as “worthless” in their current form and argued that broader reforms are needed to improve accountability.

“Our amateurism enables kleptocracy,” he said. “The Prime Minister can investigate but who can investigate the Prime Minister? We obviously need to scrutinise

Cabinet Secretary silent on Seymour’s political gear breach

SILENCE from page one

allowance. This disclosure follows questions about whether Mr Seymour, the permanent secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, breached General Orders, which require political neutrality in the public service, and whether any disciplinary action will follow.

Secretary to the Cabinet Nicole Campbell declined to comment on the case yesterday, saying: “The Public Service has rules. It has regulations, and those procedures and rules are normally

carried out. But in this instance, I don’t have any comments.” Foreign Affairs Minister Fred Mitchell declined to comment on the matter yesterday.

The controversy stems from photographs showing Mr Seymour wearing a PLP “Choose Progress” shirt at a political event on Cat Island tied to Prime Minister Philip Davis’s nomination. Public service ruleslimit demonstration of political partisanship and require officers to maintain a code of reserve to preserve impartiality, though they are not barred from belonging to political

parties.

Controversy intensified after Foreign Affairs officer Ivan Thompson circulated a letter Mr Seymour signed in 2024, warning him against participating in “any political activities.”

Former Public Service Minister Brensil Rolle criticised Mr Seymour on Tuesday, describing his action as a clear breach of General Orders and warning that failure to act could undermine the integrity of the public service. He cautioned that uneven enforcement of the rules risks eroding public confidence in governance standards.

Bonaby defends parks spending but offers no public audit

By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune News Editor

MCKELL Bonaby, the Beaches and Parks Authority chairman under scrutiny over high spending and the absence of any public audit, insisted in a new statement that “every dollar of taxpayer money spent by the authority is accounted for,” even as no detailed breakdown or audit report has ever been released.

In the statement issued as the Progressive Liberal Party’s candidate for Mount Moriah, Mr Bonaby framed the authority’s spending as support for Bahamian workers, saying more than 1,200 contractors benefit from its work each day and each month. He said the spending translates into jobs, opportunities and support for communities across the islands.

He also pointed to the authority’s expanded responsibilities, saying it now manages more than 250 parks nationwide and has increased staffing, equipment and operational capacity, including a modern fleet management system.

not just politicians but all high ranking public officials. We need FOIA. We need an Integrity Commission.”

“We need real time balance sheets for public enterprises and real time

publishing of procurement. We need a civic anti-corruption watchdog group as well. We simply can’t survive this level of corruption. Our country will fall into crisis if we don’t clean up our act.”

He added that given the country’s debt levels, cost of living pressures and vulnerability to external shocks, fiscal mismanagement and corruption pose serious risks.

Mr Bonaby maintained that financial controls are in place, saying payments are tied to valid contracts, business licences and tax compliance certificates, with supporting documentation and photographic evidence used to confirm work was completed. However, the statement offers no figures, project-level details or documentation to substantiate those claims, and no audit has been made public despite earlier assurances that the Authority’s finances would be fully accounted for.

after questions about the Authority’s spending, which has repeatedly exceeded budgeted allocations in recent years, even when the condition of several public parks drew criticism.

Mr Bonaby said that audited financial statements had been completed “for the first time in the authority’s history,” including statements going back to 2014, describing the effort as a major step toward accountability. The latest defence comes

Mr Bonaby’s statement also sought to draw a contrast with the previous administration, alleging that under the Free National Movement, there were instances of payments without proper contracts, incomplete work and vendors operating without licences or tax compliance.

Shanendon Cartwright, the FNM’s candidate for St James and former head of the authority, declined to respond to Mr Bonaby’s claims yesterday.

Pintard claims egg project hit $60m amid reports of diseased meat sales

By JADE RUSSELL Tribune Staff Reporter Jrussell@tribunemedia.net

FNM leader Michael Pintard claimed last night that the Davis administration has spent between $50m and $60m on the Golden Yolk programme, questioning what the country has to show for the investment as government officials say eggs from the initiative will reach stores by the end of the month.

Speaking at a rally, Mr Pintard said the programme had moved from $15m to $23m and now to about $60m. He said documents circulating from an internal report in the Ministry of Agriculture raised concerns about the project’s management and transparency.

“Where the Hell them eggs are today?” Mr Pintard said. His comments came after The Nassau Guardian reported that the Bahamas Agricultural and Industrial Corporation has begun harvesting eggs from the Golden Yolk programme’s layer chicks. BAIC executive chairman Darron Pickstock said Golden Yolk eggs will be in stores by the end of the month.

The Davis administration launched the $15m initiative in 2023 to boost domestic egg production and reduce reliance on imports. The project aimed to increase domestic egg production from 700,000 per year to 28m when fully operational. However, questions have persisted about when Bahamians will begin seeing the benefits.

Mr Pintard said one of the documents referenced the sale of diseased pig meat to the public. He also pointed to claims that eggs produced through the programme were being sold under a private company’s name.

“Their own internal report tells us that somehow they were producing very little eggs, but somehow the eggs were coming under somebody else's company's name," he said. "So they were commingling a private producer with a government programme, never disclosing how much money is being spent and on whose behalf."

“That's the kind of

government we're dealing with, and this same Prime Minister want to talk about slush fund. The truth of the matter is, most of what they do is about hiding funds.”

The August 5, 2025 document was described as a confidential report on mismanagement, conflict of interest and public health risk associated with the Golden Yolk programme and agricultural import policies. According to the report, which was shared with The Tribune, a consultant affiliated with BAIC who was involved in the project’s early development said the initiative was intended to reduce reliance on imported eggs, stabilise domestic production and strengthen national food security.

The report said the consultant later compiled concerns about alleged conflicts of interest, lack of transparency, food safety accountability, misguided agricultural importation practices and overlap with foreign investment proposals. It also raised concerns about pigs imported as part of government agricultural efforts, alleging that the animals were later found to have a disease affecting reproduction.

“The Ministry of Agriculture imported pigs that were later confirmed to carry a disease, causing stillbirths,” the report said. “These pigs were culled and sold to the public without disclosure of their health status.”

The report said no public advisory or internal notice was issued about the matter and added that some farmers could confirm the sales and that records should exist within the Department of Agriculture.

It also said that layer hens imported on February 19, 2025 for the Golden Yolk programme began producing soon after arrival. However, the report said the ministry never announced that eggs were being produced from the Golden Yolk chickens and suggested the eggs may have been sold under a private brand, raising concerns about the use of public resources.

Another document shared with The Tribune dealt with the project’s cost. A February

19, 2026 report sought approval for additional funding for civil and site works at the BAIC Golden Yolk Egg Production Plant.

It said the original contract was awarded to Trade Winds Builders Co Ltd for $23,374,779, inclusive of VAT, with a ten percent contingency of $2,337,477.90 bringing the total original allocation to $25,712,256.90.

The report said civil works such as excavation, grading, drainage, paving and signage were not included in the original project funding. It said those additional works would require another $14,615,260, bringing the total project cost to $40,327,516.90. Approval was being sought from the Tenders Board and the National Procurement Board.

The report also raised concerns about a consultant connected to the programme, alleging that government-owned chickens were being housed on a private farm under the consultant’s control.

“Private stock has been intermingled with the Golden Yolk flock and eggs are being sold without proper brand identification or government oversight,” the report said.

The document said that

arrangement was never publicly disclosed and raised concerns about a potential conflict of interest.

Government officials have previously defended the programme. In June 2025, Agriculture and Marine Resources Minister Jomo Campbell said The Bahamas was the first country in the region to provide locally produced eggs for less than

$10 during the recent egg crisis. When challenged by the Opposition, he defended the initiative and said several farmers had received egg layers through the programme and were selling eggs for less than $8 per dozen. He also said ten farmers recently received 1,000 eggs to resell for under $7.

Minister of Works and Family Island Affairs

Still,

PLP leaders urge Abaco voters  to grant party a second term

By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

At a Progressive Liberal Party rally in Abaco, residents were urged to grant the governing party a second term in office as candidates pointed to ongoing recovery efforts, economic progress, and plans to expand opportunities in healthcare, education, housing and improved sporting facilities for the island.

Prime Minister Philip Davis said Abaco’s tourism sector has rebounded, describing the island as “once again a leading destination” for stopover visitors.

He said increased investment and economic activity are signs of recovery.

He highlighted ongoing and planned developments, including the redevelopment of Treasure Cay, which he said will create construction and permanent jobs, and restore access to basic services in North Abaco. He also referenced a plan for 300 new homes on the island, expansion at the Abaco Club, and new financial services activity in Marsh Harbour.

On infrastructure, Mr Davis pointed to energy reforms, including a hybrid power project aimed at improving reliability and reducing long-term costs, as well as broader investments in education and workforce development, such as the expansion of BTVI and national training programmes.

He also outlined the role of technology in expanding access to education, remote work, and healthcare services in Family Islands like Abaco.

Mr Davis emphasised progress in housing, energy reform, and major

developments like Treasure Cay. He warned that the FNM’s proposed “reset” would reverse current initiatives. Quoting from a book he attributed to the opposition leader, he said:

“Make sure you undo all the successful things your predecessor did.”

He argued that such a shift would jeopardize programmes related to youth development, education, and Family Island investment. Mr Davis also addressed immigration enforcement and land use, stating the government has taken a stricter approach, including demolishing illegal structures and increasing deportations, the largest ever than previous administrations.

Overall, Mr Davis framed Abaco as a key part of the government’s national development strategy, with a focus on investment, infrastructure, and expanding opportunities, while acknowledging that “there’s a lot more to do” to fully restore and modernize the island.

North Abaco candidate Kirk Cornish and Central and South Abaco

candidate Bradley Fox criticized the FNM’s handling of Hurricane Dorian and its aftermath, arguing that the response fell short of the needs of Abaco residents.

“When Hurricane Dorian hit, we didn’t just lose homes—we lost dignity. Our loved ones were left in a trailer. That is their “compassion.” Abaco ain’t forget,” he told supporters.

Under the PLP, Mr Cornish highlighted the progress achieved in Abaco, pointing to ongoing recovery efforts in Abaco following Hurricane Dorian.

“I’ll be honest—there is still more to do, he said. That’s why I’m asking for a second chance to finish what we started,” he said.

Mr Cornish said they will be strengthening and enhancing sports development by bringing the eight-lane track and modern facilities to Abaco for young athletes.

On education, he said the PLP government is investing in education—ensuring schools are staffed, equipped, and modern, including support for special needs

children. “We must do better for children with special needs, with trained teachers and proper support. No child should be left behind,” he said.

The MP for North Abaco also said that the government will expand scholarships in healthcare to allow Abaconians to train in critical healthcare fields, including X-ray and laboratory technology, so they can return home to serve their communities.

“Healthcare must improve. We cannot have machines sitting unused because we lack technicians. We need trained X-ray techs, lab workers, and doctors on every cay. No Abacoian should have to leave home to receive care,” he said.

Addressing infrastructure, Mr Cornish pointed to renovations across communities, including parks, courts, clinics, and generators, along with improvements to water and sewer systems,

the construction of a hurricane shelter in Central Pines, and the distribution of new homes.

While acknowledging progress, he said more road works and road improvements are needed. Mr Cornish also touched on agriculture, citing efforts to support farmers, expand poultry production, and strengthen food security through school-based programs.

Sebas Bastian, candidate for Fort Charlotte, said PLP plans to double funding for business grants and expand access to financing for entrepreneurs. He also highlighted education reforms, including digital literacy initiatives.

Mr Bastian also pointed to plans for additional housing in Spring City and Central Pines, as well as the expansion of the rent-to-own program. On national security, he referenced efforts to strengthen crime strategies,

which included increases in law enforcement personnel, including 748 new police officers, 379 corrections officers, and 300 immigration officers.

Central and South Abaco candidate Bradley Fox said he is ready to carry the baton and continue the work that has been started in Central and South Abaco.

“There's still a lot of work to be done in Abaco; we're not where we need to be yet,” he admitted. Mr Fox noted that Abaco is seeing signs of economic recovery.

“Our economy has been restored," he said. "We see it in the amount of boats in our marinas, the amount of jets on the tarmac. Homes are being constructed. Families have returned home. Communities are being rebuilt, and hope is being restored. And for the first time, we now have a BTVI extension campus right here in Abaco.”

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Voters deserve answers on Pike exit

ALL is not well in the government’s energy deal.

When a 25-year deal was signed two years ago for the new energy arrangements, there would have been little expectation that a key player would already be pulling out of the deal.

The Tribune had long heard talk of difficulties with the arrangement, but it was an unexpected tragedy that started to bring more things to light.

Earlier this year, an employee of Pike Electrical was shot dead – in an incident that has now seen a police officer brought before the court on charges.

It is understood that in the aftermath of the death of Cody Castillo, around 40 Pike employees left New Providence – leading to questions about progress on the overhaul of the New Providence energy grid.

That, we are told, put the work back by about two months – and it was also acknowledged that many of the Pike workers had been left “fearful” after the incident.

However, Island Grid, a key part of the network overhaul, is now without a key player – managing partner Eric Pike has stepped away.

A public statement announcing Anthony Ferguson as the new Bahamas Grid Company chairman hailed the new all-Bahamian leadership – but this was clearly not what the plan was two years ago.

FNM chairman Dr Duane Sands clearly has that sense too – warning that he foresees “lawsuits in abundance” over the sudden exit.

He also notably told Bahamians not to “hold your breath” when it comes to searching for answers on the how and why of what went wrong in this arrangement.

To get a sense of what you might expect there, you need only look as far as the back and forth over what has been going on with the Grand Lucayan deal. A new arrangement has been announced there recently – but for a long time there were questions over developer Concord Wilshire’s exact involvement, to the extent that Deputy Prime Minister Chester Cooper told reporters to go ask Concord Wilshire rather than him about what was going on.

This tendency to lean towards silence is a habit of the current administration – and certainly there has not been any difference in that tendency when it comes to what has happened with Pike Electrical.

After all, it was only back in February this year that Transport Minister JoBeth Coleby-Davis admitted that the Pike deal had never been tabled in the House, all those months on after its signing.

Pike brought with it a noteworthy track record. Its website boasted of a 75-year track record in “turnkey infrastructure solutions for electric and gas utilities” and that “on the electric side, Pike specialises in the engineering, construction, maintenance and upgrade of transmission, distribution and substation infrastructure”.

The website added that Pike “is also a leader in emergency storm restoration” and “works with hundreds of utility clients and is continually expanding its offerings to supply them with the ideas,

Worshipping political leaders instead of God

EDITOR, The Tribune.

LET me state at the very outset that unfortunately there are too many religious leaders who instead of leading their church members to the political “River Jordan” should be leading them bathe in the blood of Jesus that was shed for all humankind.

Prioritising the political “River Jordan” over the River in which flows from the “River of the Blood of Jesus” will yield more for Bahamians than can ever be achieved from the political “River Jordan”.

technology, experience, manpower, and equipment they need to perform any job”.

Pike’s chairman, Eric Pike, has also been an equity investor in the Jack’s Bay project in South Eleuthera, whose parent company is chaired by Sir Franklyn Wilson.

If anyone tells you this separation was the plan all along, see if their nose is growing.

Investors, certainly, will want a more detailed explanation of what has happened, and what the plan is going forward. Bahamian voters deserve the same.

There have been other questions too – about whether Bahamas Grid Company is being paid, and whether that is on time.

The Heads of Agreement clearly stated that the Island Grid involvement was to be for the full 25-year term. No one gets involved in infrastructure shake-ups for a year or two – the benefit is all in the long-term.

FNM leader Michael Pintard also suggested that “there were issues with timely payments and with management control”.

Mr Pintard of course is in an election race right now – so clarity over what went on would not only benefit the Bahamian people but also provide clear information in the heart of the election battle.

Certainly, given the cashflow issues the government has had elsewhere, such as with NHI payments or nurses’ salaries, it is not hard to imagine that there may have been payment issues here too.

Reliable power supply to the country, of course, is bigger than the next few weeks of election campaigning. This is something to solve for the long-term, not just until election day.

But as the work goes on to keep the country’s lights on, it would be helpful to shine one of those lights on the facts.

Rest in peace Peter Goudie

Peter Goudie, who was the longest serving member of the Bahamas Chamber of Commerce and Employers’ Confederation, has died.

For those who knew Mr Goudie, he provided great wisdom when it came to the business and labour sectors, but also a very straightforward voice on such matters. Where others beat about the bush, Mr Goudie did no such thing.

Even earlier this month, he was characteristically blunt when criticising the PLP’s plans to provide paid lunch breaks in its Blueprint for Progress, saying: “I don’t agree with that at all. Why I gotta pay somebody to eat food?”

Mr Goudie was determined to create the atmosphere to help businesses thrive. He was a good friend to many, a familiar face to Rotarians, and always determined to provide a helping hand with Rotary projects. There are few who are so forthright in their determination to bring about national progress – and who also put the work in too. Peter Goudie was one such person. He will be missed. To his family, and his many friends, we send our condolences. May he rest in peace.

My ongoing reflections on the socio-political landscape of The Bahamas have solidified a concerning observation: the profound, almost spiritual, devotion many Bahamians seemingly extend to political parties, often appearing to eclipse other foundational allegiances. This deep dive into our national psyche reveals intricate dynamics of engagement and allegiance that warrant urgent and critical examination.

There is a palpable intensity to political affiliation here, a visceral partisanship that frequently raises serious questions about its long-term implications for our national trajectory and societal cohesion.

My central hypothesis, reinforced by compelling evidence, is that an entrenched and often uncritical fidelity to specific political factions’, risks undermining the broader national interest and fragmenting the very fabric of our society.

A pervasive sentiment within national discourse highlights the notion that collective progress and the overarching welfare of the nation are, at times, inadvertently subordinated to an unyielding commitment to partisan causes.

This viewpoint frequently delineates what can only be described as a quasi-religious veneration of political figures and their respective parties—a phenomenon that potentially diverts our collective civic energy from fundamental national objectives and even, at times, from deeply held spiritual principles.

This complex interplay is often framed as “Political Tribalism,” an analytical construct that aptly captures the profound schisms and divisions it engenders within the body politic, creating an ‘us vs. their mentality that permeates various aspects of life.

The manifestations of this intense partisan loyalty are both varied and pervasive:

One of the most striking characteristics is the phenomenon of unquestioning fealty and the idealisation of political figures. We frequently observe citizens extending unconditional support to political personalities, even in the glaring presence of verifiable policy failures, unfulfilled electoral commitments,

or demonstrable lapses in governance.

Such dynamics often mirror dysfunctional relationships, where fervent backing persists despite a perceived absence of reciprocal accountability or tangible societal advancement. This pattern elicits genuine concern regarding the potential for political idolatry, where vital critical scrutiny is systematically supplanted by unwavering, almost cult-like, devotion, effectively insulating leaders from genuine assessment.

Furthermore, the entrenched binary of divisiveness—primarily articulated through unwavering allegiance to the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) and the Free National Movement (FNM)—is frequently cited as a significant impediment to genuine national unity and the pursuit of consensus-driven progress.

This deeply ingrained, twoparty loyalty, it is argued, inadvertently fosters profound societal cleavages, hindering the emergence of a unified national agenda capable of transcending partisan lines and addressing systemic challenges with broader consensus. Instead of robust debate leading to optimal solutions, it often devolves into perpetual political sparring.

A particularly insidious aspect is the perceived perpetuation of clientelism and an institutionalised culture of dependency. Critics assert that a systemic process of political patronage is routinely employed, wherein parties strategically distribute minor benefits, favors, and limited opportunities, often with increased intensity during electoral cycles, to secure and maintain support.

This transactional approach, it is suggested, inadvertently cultivates a populace reliant on political largesse rather than genuinely empowering citizens through robust public policy, sustainable developmental initiatives, and meritocratic opportunities.

The long-term corrosive effect of such practices on individual self-reliance, entrepreneurial spirit, and true civic participation cannot be overstated, as it reinforces a system of quid pro quo rather than earned opportunity.

Observations have also highlighted the intricate and sometimes troubling interplay between political fervor and religious practice within the Bahamian socio-cultural fabric. Some analysts propose that political enthusiasm occasionally rivals, or even appears to supersede, traditional religious devotion, blurring the lines between spiritual and temporal allegiances. Critical concerns also

arise regarding the potential for religious leaders to compromise their independent moral authority and influence through perceived or actual political alignment, thereby diluting their capacity to serve as impartial moral arbiters and diminishing the prophetic voice that society often needs.

In response to these deeply concerning tendencies, a growing chorus of voices from various sectors—including prominent religious leaders, civil society organisations, and community figures—has consistently advocated for a significantly higher standard of accountability from political figures. They issue stern warnings against the dangers of placing “blind trust” in leadership, emphasising the imperative for citizens to engage in critical evaluation of governance based firmly on ethical principles, demonstrable performance, and the overarching national welfare, rather than yielding to unquestioning partisan allegiance. These calls emphasise the need for a citizenry that actively scrutinises, holds responsible, and demands transparency from its elected representatives.

However, it is crucial to acknowledge a compelling counter-narrative that offers an alternative interpretation of Bahamian political engagement.

This perspective posits that robust party allegiance, while sometimes intense, can in fact be viewed as an indicator of an active and engaged citizenry vigorously participating in the democratic process to shape the nation’s trajectory.

Within this framework, strong party identification is perceived as a characteristic feature of a vibrant, albeit often highly competitive, passionate, and occasionally fractious, democratic system, where citizens feel a sense of belonging and agency through their chosen political vehicle.

Ultimately, reconciling and understanding these complexes, often contradictory; dynamics is absolutely essential for fostering a more mature, resilient, and inclusive political culture. Such a culture must consistently prioritise the enduring national interests above transient partisan gains, actively promote unwavering accountability, assiduously encourage constructive civic discourse among all stakeholders, and foster a critical, discerning citizenry capable of differentiating between genuine national progress and mere political rhetoric. This is the path towards charting a more cohesive, equitable, and progressively prosperous future for The Bahamas.

DR DONALD M McCARTNEY Freeport, Grand Bahama April 17, 2026.

Upholding integrity in national documents

EDITOR, The Tribune.

AS an executive member of the Grand Bahama Christian Council, serving on the Commission for Christian Action, I write out of a deep sense of responsibility to address a matter that touches the moral fabric of our nation. Recent concerns surrounding the alleged issuance of passports and voter identification documents to individuals who are not lawfully entitled to them cannot be ignored. This is not simply a national issue—it is a moral one that speaks to who we are as a people. The Bahamas has long identified itself as a Christian nation, grounded in principles of honesty, integrity, and accountability. These are not just ideals we speak of, but values we are called to live by. When those entrusted with responsibility compromise

these principles, it affects not only systems, but the soul of the nation. As a Council, we felt compelled to address this matter because silence in the face of wrongdoing would contradict the very faith we profess. Scripture reminds us that righteousness uplifts a nation, while wrongdoing brings reproach (Proverbs 14:34). Integrity must remain the standard, especially in positions of public trust. Documents such as passports and voter identification cards carry significant meaning. They represent identity, belonging, and the rights of citizenship. When these are mishandled or misused, it creates unfairness, erodes trust, and weakens confidence in national institutions. We therefore encourage all public servants, particularly those in

positions of authority, to carry out their duties with honesty and a clear conscience. Let every decision reflect a commitment to what is right and honest not what is convenient or personally beneficial. This is a call not for division, but for reflection and accountability. As a people of faith, we must hold ourselves to a higher standard—one that reflects truth, justice, integrity and respect for the laws and values that guide our nation. May God continue to guide and protect the Bahamas, and may we each do our part to uphold what is right.

Evangelist Tharecita Jones, Commission for Christian Action, Grand Bahama Christian Council. THARECITA JONES Freeport, Grand Bahama April 22, 2026.

Munroe proposes 10-year prison terms to combat document fraud

By JADE RUSSELL Tribune Staff Reporter jrussell@tribunemedia.net

NATIONAL Security

Minister Wayne Munroe said public officers found guilty of passport fraud could face up to ten years in prison if the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) is given a second term.

“Under the PLP’s next plan, any public officer who facilitating passport fraud or document fraud will face up to 10 years in prison or up to $50,000 in fines, or both,” Mr Munroe said during a PLP rally on Monday night.

“That is what seriousness looks like. That is what consequences look like. That is what a government does when it wants to protect the integrity of the Bahamian passport, the border, and the rights of Bahamian citizens.”

Mr Munroe added that employers who hire undocumented workers would face stiffer penalties under the plan. Fines would increase to $5,000 for a first offence and up to $15,000 plus 12 months’ imprisonment for a third offence. A Prohibited Employer Register would also be introduced, and violators could be barred from obtaining work permits for up to five years. His comments come as document fraud remains a key concern ahead of the upcoming election, with several recent fraudulent document cases. Some critics have also questioned how many people using fraudulent documents have gone

undetected.

Last week, a Parliamentary Registration Department employee was accused of helping a Haitian woman obtain a voter’s ID and possessing five blank voter cards. Prosecutors allege that Randy Powell Jr, 31, aided and abetted Tashania Valsaint, 33, in obtaining a fraudulent voter’s card in her name on February 11. Free National Movement leader Michael Pintard has repeatedly raised concerns about fraudulent document cases under the PLP. Although Mr Pintard has cited several alleged cases under the Davis administration, he has not clearly outlined what his administration would do to combat document fraud.

In November 2025, Mr

Pintard claimed that a bag of passports was found on a Bahamasair flight, triggering an internal probe. No evidence was provided to support the claim.

In response, the Davis administration rejected the allegation. Director of Communications Latrae Rahming described Mr Pintard’s comments as “desperate” and “extremely reckless”, adding that relevant authorities had not reported such an incident.

In March, Mr Pintard told the House of Assembly that more than 250 fraudulent document cases were under investigation, tabling what he described as a partial list that included e-passport matters. He expressed concern about individuals using fraudulent identification to

Officer says he fired after suspect pointed gun at him

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter

pbailey@tribunemedia.net

OFFICERS testified yesterday that they opened fire after an armed man pointed a gun at them as the trial of two men accused of endangering police officers’ lives in Garden Hills in 2018 continued.

Dominic Stuart, 32, and Antonio Neely, 32, are before Justice Neil Braithwaite on charges of possession of an unlicensed firearm, possession of ammunition and possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life. Prosecutors allege the pair, armed with a handgun, endangered the life of Police Constable Caudray Deal on the night of May 15, 2018.

PC Deal told the court he fired three shots at Neely after Neely pointed a gun at him. He said officers had earlier stopped the accused, who were in a Kia Sportage that approached at a high rate of speed.

After the shooting, PC Deal said Neely was assisted by emergency medical services. When shown a photograph of the red Sportage, the officer said there was no gunshot damage to the vehicle.

The defence maintains that officers fired at the accused as they were exiting the vehicle and suggested on Tuesday that police had no justification for opening fire. Defence attorneys also claimed the firearm recovered from the vehicle was planted.

Sergeant 2405 Patrice Rolle, a criminal records officer, testified that a report generated on May 16, 2018 showed neither accused was licensed to carry a firearm. She also said the gun recovered at the scene was not registered to anyone.

Sergeant 309 Neil

Munroe of the Crime Scene Investigation unit said that at about 11pm on May 15, 2018 he received information of a police-involved shooting. He said that upon arriving at the scene with then Corporal Armbrister, he observed a police vehicle and spent 9mm casings nearby.

Near house number 53, he said he saw the red Sportage. Inside, he found a black ski mask, a blue polo cap and foil containing a grassy-like substance. He also said he found a black pistol partially under the rear back seat with one round in the chamber.

Sergeant Munroe said Corporal Armbrister photographed the scene and that he swabbed the pistol and magazine for analysis. The following day at 2.30pm, he said he submitted the exhibits to the police forensic lab and requested that the pistol be compared with DNA evidence in the matter. He told defence attorney Cassie Bethel that swabbing was more effective than fingerprint dusting and said the ski mask was important for DNA analysis.

Sergeant Deandra Forbes, PC Deal’s partner that night, previously testified that she saw one of the accused wearing a ski mask in the vehicle.

Sergeant Munroe said he could not recall seeing the suspects at the scene. While he knew PC Deal, he said he could not remember if he saw him that night. He also told defence attorney Jairim Mangra that the results of the DNA analysis were forwarded to the investigator. Responding to a question from the prosecution, Sergeant Munroe said fingerprints can be prevented from transferring onto a weapon if there is a layer of material, such as cloth or

participate in the upcoming general election.

However, Chief Passport Officer Nicholas Symonette said 98 suspected passport fraud cases have been referred to police, highlighting ongoing efforts to detect and prevent fraud.

Mr Symonette said internal reviews also identified possible staff involvement in some cases, which were referred for further action

where evidence supported it. He added that police identified four individuals in connection with other fraudulent matters not included on the list.

Mr Symonette confirmed that the list tabled by Mr Pintard originated from the Passport Office but said it reflected an earlier subset of referrals. He added that he did not know where Mr Pintard’s figure of more than 250

cases came from.

Mr Munroe previously said investigations found that several people were flagged for obtaining Bahamian passports unlawfully, including through fraudulent marriages, falsified birth certificates, irregular naturalisation records, false citizenship and immigration documents, and failures to follow the legal adoption process.

gloves, between the weapon and the user’s hand.

Vashti Bridgewater and Kristin Butler-Beneby are prosecuting the case

Happy Birthday Joan Stubbs

Darville defends hospital deal amid US criticism

By LYNAIRE MUNNINGS Tribune Staff Reporter lmunnings@tribunemedia.net

HEALTH Minister Dr Michael Darville pushed back against claims the government rushed into its Chinese-backed hospital deal, saying the project had been in development for years, fully disclosed in Parliament, and timed to meet environmental requirements before breaking ground.

Speaking on the sidelines of the Fox Hill Clinic renaming yesterday, Dr Darville said the administration had worked on the project for more than three and a half years and maintained that all details were in the public domain.

He said environmental safeguards, including the relocation of plant life to restore the ecosystem after construction, influenced the timeline to break ground.

He also said the Chinese loan facility had been publicly discussed for more than two and a half years and that financing is now secured, with the tertiary hospital expected to be completed within 30 to 36 months to address a critical national need. The minister’s remarks come as the government responds to what it has described as an “unusual” public intervention by the United States, which questioned the project’s financing structure and raised concerns about sovereignty shortly after the $285.25m development

broke ground in New Providence.

US Ambassador Herschel Walker criticised the project's pace and warned that elements of the agreement could be subject to Chinese law, while indicating that the United States remains open to supporting alternative financing.

Dr Darville said the

government had explored US-backed financing early in the process but found no appetite. He said officials approached the US Export-Import Bank and examined private-public partnerships, but the latter came with interest rates the government considered too high. He said the Chinese offer — a two percent loan over 20 years — was viewed as the most viable option and was approved by Cabinet.

He said the government is confident in its position and has made all loan documents available to the public through Parliament.

In a separate statement earlier this week, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it has sought “urgent clarification” from the United States and maintained that there are no outstanding issues with the agreement. Officials said all relevant documents were tabled in Parliament and rejected claims that the project was rushed, noting discussions spanned several years.

The ministry also warned that delays would have placed further strain on an already overburdened healthcare system and said

US companies are expected to play a role in supplying medical equipment. The hospital will be built on a 50-acre site in the Prepall tract and is intended to ease pressure on existing facilities, including Princess Margaret Hospital, which officials say can no longer meet demand. It will focus on women and children and include a trauma centre, medical and surgical wards, maternal and child health

services, intensive care units, advanced imaging, the country’s first reference morgue, a 510-space parking facility and green spaces. The project is being funded through a $195m concessional loan from the Export-Import Bank of China at two percent interest over 20 years, with a five-year grace period. Construction is expected to take between 30 and 36 months.

Bahamas certified for ending mother-to-child HIV transmission

By EARYEL BOWLEG Tribune Staff Reporter ebowleg@tribunemedia.net

THE Bahamas has reduced mother-to-child transmission of HIV to two percent or less, achieving a key international benchmark that removes it as a significant public health threat, health officials said yesterday.

Dr Nikkiah Forbes, director of the National Infectious Diseases Programme, said the country has received certification for the elimination of mother-to-child transmission of HIV, joining 12 countries worldwide to reach the milestone.

She said the designation does not mean transmission has been reduced to zero, but that cases are now so rare they are no longer considered a public health emergency.

The certification followed a review of strict international indicators, including transmission rates, perinatal HIV incidence, antenatal care coverage, HIV testing during pregnancy and access to treatment for pregnant women living with HIV.

Between 2022 and 2024, The Bahamas met or exceeded all targets. Perinatal HIV incidence stood at 0.2 per 1,000 live births, below the 0.3 benchmark, while antenatal care coverage reached 98.3 percent. HIV testing during pregnancy was recorded at 97.5 percent, and more than 95 percent of pregnant women living with HIV received antiretroviral therapy.

Over that period, there were only two cases of perinatal transmission among nearly 10,000 live births.

An in-country assessment conducted in October also reviewed programme services, verified data, assessed laboratory testing and gathered feedback from patients.

Dr Forbes said the focus now is on maintaining the gains through early antenatal care, consistent testing, improved surveillance and targeted outreach to vulnerable groups, including migrants.

She said preliminary data suggest the country is making progress toward the goal of eliminating AIDS by 2030. In 2024, 95 percent of people living with HIV knew their status, 78 percent of those people were receiving treatment, and 91 percent of those on treatment achieved viral suppression. However, she acknowledged gaps remain in expanding access to treatment and said efforts are underway to decentralise

antiretroviral therapy across more clinics in the public healthcare system. She also noted that pre-exposure prophylaxis remains underused despite increasing uptake.

“PrEP is going up but I do want to say that prep is underutilised everywhere,” she said. “For those that are listening, PrEP is a medication. It is a prevention strategy for people who are HIV negative, who have an increased risk of getting HIV, and that could be someone who's had an STI in the past six months to a year, someone who may have multiple partners and is not always using condoms, someone who has one partner but thinks that their partner may have multiple partners and is not always using condoms.” Health and Wellness Minister Dr Michael Darville said the certification reflects the performance of healthcare workers and the strength of the national health system.

“This certification requires not only quality clinical services, but also the ability to monitor performance and verify results. The capacity will remain critical as we maintain this high level of standard across both the public and private healthcare setting,” he said.

“This certification is not a one-time accomplishment. It is a standard that must be maintained that means continued investment in our workforce, reliable access to diagnostics and treatment and strong supply chains and sustain coverage of services across all of our islands that are inhabited.” He also recognised the contribution of former Health Minister Dr Perry Gomez, the first director of the National AIDS programme, who died in 2023. Dr Eldonna Boisson, PAHO/WHO representative for The Bahamas and Turks and Caicos, said the achievement reflects years of sustained work and partnership.

“It's an opportunity to reflect on the work that brought us here. The hard long work, and to recognise the systems and the partnerships that sustain progress and to reaffirm our shared responsibility to protect the health of mothers and children. Today, we celebrate lives protected, futures secure, and a nation that has shown what leadership in public health looks like.”

Prime Minister Philip Davis, in a video message, said the milestone reflects a national commitment to protecting the health of mothers and children.

Is Trump losing his conservatives?

Prominent supporters begin to question their allegiance

Chris

FROM Tucker Carlson to Chris Matthews, the Washington DC punditry hasalready turned more decisively against USPresident Donald Trump. Often,such a bigswing incom mentary represents little morethan followthe-leader andtry to keepup withhis orher ratings success.

Thisfeels different.It suggeststhatsomethingsignificantmay bebrewing justbehind thescenesregarding apresident whose low public approval ratings matchor exceedtheworst levelsforthoseofhisrecent predecessors.

Matthews, whois six monthsolder thanTrump, retired six years ago from a 23-year runas aprime-time leftie commentator on MSNBCand elsewhereand has been comparatively quietsince then,although hehas writtena book.Once astaffer forHousespeaker and noted Democratic kingmaker Tip O’Neill, Matthews has now remerged as a semi-regular commentator on ‘Morning Joe,’ the morning stalwart onMSNOW,therebranded MSNBC.

Lookingeverybithisage, staunchly RomanCatholic Matthews held forth this week onthe politicalidiocy andreligious sacrilegeof Trump s willingness to see himself depicted as Jesus Christhealing thesick,and vicepresident JDVance challenging the supremely popular new American PopeLeoXIV tostayinhis laneandoutofcommenting on the US war with Iran.

Matthews’bitingremarks are less asurprise than his reappearance onnational television, wherethe makeup artists haven’tbeen able toconceal theravagesof age from his face and neck. There has been no such problem with still vitallooking Carlson,56, whose prime-time talk show on FoxNewsledtheratingsfor his time slot for most of the sevenyears hespentthere. Carlsonwas dismissedin 2023 in the wake of the networkpaying outalmost $900 millionto settlea defamation lawsuit brought bya votingmachinemanufacturer he joined others in accusingoffraudduringthe 2020election. Beforehe left, though,Carlson had boostedtheprofileofVance toalevel thatmadehim Trump’s choice for running mate in 2024.

"Ido thinkit’slike amoment to wrestle with our own consciences,"Carlson said,referringto theroleof his and others'support for Trump. "Youknow, we ll betormentedbyitforalong time.Iwillbe,andIwantto say I’m sorry for misleading people. It was not intentional."

Carlson, a long-timesupporter of the president and beneficiaryof hisfavour, referred in hisvideo statement to having campaigned for Trump: "I’m implicated in this, for sure."

Iconoclastic magazine

Mother Jones opined that “Carlson is oneof many conservative commentators

who now wantyou to believethey

afake billof goods.From Marjorie Taylor Greeneto Candace Owens, Alex Jones, and Megyn Kelly, right-wing commentators see Trump’sMAGA base defecting. Are these rightwing ideologuessuddenly principleddefendersofconservative values? Not a chance. They re all just hucksters who sensea good business opportunity. Thatmay betrue, butthis good business opportunity is the result of Trump’s current slump.

While the comments and revelations ofpundits can make headlines, it says here thatthe realtest ofwhether Trumpisreallyfalteringpoliticallywillcomeintheactions of the Senate majority leader JohnThune ofSouth Dakota and House speaker Mike Johnson of Louisiana. Leaders withvastly differingstyles andsuperficially differing degrees of fealty to Trump,these two have neverthelesskept their caucuses prettyconsistently inline withwhat thepresident has wanted to do.

Ifthey, andthe GOPcolleagues theylead in Congress, beginto slide away fromTrump onlegislativepriorities, thatwill bea clearsign thatthese politicians recognizethat the president hasbecome a political liabilitysignificant enoughto endangertheir highest priority – their own re-election.

Then all betswill be off, andwhathasseemedinconceivable for thepast decade mightwell bereasonably considered: The removal or side-liningofthispresident, significantly unopposedor even supported by some members of his own party.

US presidentsentering their second terms in office in this centuryhave been consistently whackedin their firstmid-term elections afterre-election. So, forecastsof acoming Democratic landslide actuallyrepresent asafe betat this point. But polls and Tuesday’selection resultin Virginia do makeit seem probable that the GOP is wisetobraceforarealhitin November.

On Tuesday, Virginians voted to approve a change to the state s constitution thatwouldpermit,thisyear, arealigningofthestate s11 congressional districts designed to move four of Virginia’s fivecurrent Republican-held seats to the Democratic columnin the November general election. Prospectivemaps ofthe newdistricts widelycirculatedbefore Tuesday’s vote showed that the new districts would represent some ofthemost severe – and seamy – efforts at gerrymandering that the US has

seen in many years. Republicans opposed to the measure quicklyseized onthe apparenthypocrisy ofliberalleaders fromformer presidentBarack Obamato Virginia s newly-elected Democratic governorAbigail Spanberger,who had previouslyboth longbeen on therecord asstaunchly opposedtogerrymandering. The GOPalso spent alot of money airingTV ads showing these leaders harshly criticising the practice.

Sowhy didtheDemocratic-controlled state legislature approve this ballot measure?

The Virginia legislature and national Democrats initially triedto makethe case that this initiative was temporary and onlyin response to the ‘unethicaland immoral Republican-led redistrictingin Texasand NorthCarolina openlydesignedto addGOP-held seats this November. The Virginiaproposal,theysaid, was simply ‘balancing thingstore-establishalevel playing field.’ Before last weekthe messagehad merely become: resisting Trump.

Manyvoterswereasking, nonetheless, if two wrongs do make a right. The Dems saythatplayingbytherules withTrump havelanded themin theirpositionof weakand fecklessopposition. Now, their message is thatto fightthispresident, you haveto getdown inthe mud and grapple with him on his own terms.

Maybe.

But whileSpanberger rolled to a huge 15-point victoryinher raceforgovernor lastNovember, her supportfor theDemocratic gerrymandering hasloweredherapprovalratingtoa mere single point now. It may turnout thatVirginia voters won t givetheDems allfourof thoseextraseats they nowexpect insix months.

Like many blueor blueleaningstates, Virginiahad approved aCongressional districting system that draws legislative boundary lines once every10 years, following thenational census, in a non-partisan fashionthat hasinspired pride andconfidence among voters there and elsewhere.Toabandonsuch a high-mindeddecision for the sakeof politicalexpediency hasclearly lefta sour taste in themouths of many Virginians, includingthousands ofparty loyalistswho supported Tuesday’s successful effort.

We can expect a steady drumbeat ofspeculation until November that parties engineeringthemostbrazen gerrymanderingmay berewarded with disappointmentinthegeneralelection,

and the net change after all this expensive, and distractingmanoeuvring may be nothing.

Meantime, Trumphimself hasmaintained his practice of near-constant availability to the press corps thattravels withhim and awaits his appearance ontheWhiteHouselawnas heescorts aforeignleader tothe doororwalks tohis waiting helicopterfor atrip to PalmBeach orelsewhere.

He is getting all the press and notoriety he could hope for.

Butthe positiveeffecton hispolitical prospectshas dimmed considerably. As usual, the fault lies almost entirely with the president himself. Hisremarks and behaviour in comparing himself toJesus, especially coming aroundEaster earlier thismonth, wereastonishingeven byhisown standards of crudityand offensiveness.

Add that to Trump’s cascadeof calumnyandcriticismof America’s longtimeWestern Europeanal-

lies and other nations who may appear todefy him onhis policiesand demands, and the picture emergesof amanslumping into a kind of pathological dementiathat mightrender him unfit tocontinue in officelong enoughtofulfil hiscurrent termaspresident. And this president s conduct of hiswar with Iran seems soscattered, inconsistent,and aimlessthatas American militarycasualties inevitably rise along with gas prices,his support could vanish.

General election battle continues

EARLY lastyear, some polling reportedlyhad the governingPLPwinningthe next general election handily. Therewere questionsabouthowdividedthe Opposition was.FNM Leader MichaelPintard wasnotgettingthetraction heneeded.

If a week isa lifetime in politics,asthesayinggoes, fastforward ayearplus. WeeksaheadoftheMay12 general election,the major partiesare inacompetitive racewith thenumbers having narroweddramatically.

Some of thiswas inevitable,asbothpartiesratifiedcandidates andintensified theirelection campaigns.Voterspaymoreattention as an election looms. Still, the incumbent party appearedextremely confident. Many ofits supporters arguedthat there was no chance the Oppositioncouldwin.

They maystill beright. Yet, they may also be quite wrong. Once theFNM appeared asan alternative government followingits campaign launcha relativelyfew weeksago,the numberstightened.

Was thecountry now looking at aviable alternative theydid notdiscern throughout muchof last year?

TheFNM schanceswere boostedbyamanifestothat appears more comprehensive and far-reaching than thePLP’s.Byexample,the promise of anational lottery is widelypopular. As FNMs startedbelieving theycould winand mounted astronger campaign, they gained momentum.

While the momentum hasshiftedtotheFNM,this is no guaranteeof electoral success.Still, themomentum shiftwas picked upby The Nassau Guardian inan editorial earlierthisweek.

“The PLP’s chancesappear to be fading, as the May 12th vote nears. For years, we havenoted that thePLP hasnotparticularly angeredthe electorate despite some ofits more egregious decisions.However, observingthe past two weeks,we believethat haschanged. Peopleare growing tiredof thePLP’s shenanigans and hubris. It appearsthepartyhasdrunk toodeeplyofitsownKoolAidand hasgrosslymisinterpreted whatthe electoratewillstomach.”

Bahamians abhor arrogance anddismissiveness in their political leaders.

This hasnot stopped successive prime ministers, ministers, and politicians-giddy with power--from acting like God Almighty, governing with hubris andcontempt for accountability, openness, and fairness. The editorial continued: “The PLP s blanket entitlement has become anet negative.They are proving to be every bit ofthe non-transparent, unrepentant, poor stewards of the people’s trustand treasuremany feareditwouldbe.Andthe mood ofthe peopleis shifting against it.We could bereading this wrong,butwebelievethere maybeareckoningcoming

for theDavis administration. While affordability,the cost-of-living,jobs,andthe general state of the economy remain significant issues for the elec-

torate, three other issues are at the forefront of voter sminds.

The collapseof basic public services,especially healthcare, hasBahamians exercised. The state of Princess Margaret Hospital,the Rand,andclinics is frustrating the public. Most Bahamianshave personal, family, or other horror stories about the stateof publichealth,including longwaiting hours.

Bahamians areincreasingly angry over the massive spendingby thegovernment onconsultants, travel,the Beachesand ParksAuthority,andno-bid contracts.The DavisAdministration hashad adismissive, almost contemptuous, attitudeto those asking legitimate questions about the lackof openness and the excessive amounts spent.

The administrationhas

geringmostBahamians. Fellow columnistBrent Dean observed in The Guardian last Friday: “Bahamiansdonotmindareasonable flow of necessary peopleintothecountry.We need immigrantsto help growthe economyand bring inskills andresources we donot have. WhatBahamians areopposedtoistheuncontrolled movementof thousandsof peopleper yearfromHaiti toThe Bahamas.This amountstoa takeoverofa small country bya larger neighbour.

also angered the dailies, whose reporting on spending, has the government on the defensive ona daily basis. Thisis notthe kind of headwind aparty wants during an election campaign.

Just askthe last FNM government and former Prime Minister Dr. Hubert Minnis what they endured andbattled (unsuccessfully) at thelastgeneral election.

Some months ago, this columnist asked acandidate running for aseat in southern New Providence what residents were telling him were their majorconcerns.Thecandidaterecalledthathestarted talkingabout thecost-ofliving,hewasstoppedbya seniormalevoter.

Thesenior wasvisibly angry andtold thecandidate to stoptalking. “We won t have toworry about the price of things if we loseour country,” the senior said. For him, illegal immigration was the numberoneissue.

Bahamians canbe xenophobic and chauvinistic. Thereare, however,many Bahamianswhoarenot,yet are alarmed about the influxof foreignnationalsto the country.Many worry thatwearenotassimilating manynewarrivals.

Moreover, thefraud reportedinthepressonpassportsandvoter’scards,and questions about whether certaingroups arebeing granted citizenship in exchange for votes, is reachinga feverpitch,an-

“The issue of immigration is shaping upto be a major one during this election campaign. The parties are trading official attacks inthe mainstreammedia. Butan evenmoreaggressive battle is taking place unofficially on social mediaand viamessaging apps. With less thana month before thenational vote, the majorparties have crankeduptheirmachinery and are burning up social media. Inthis election,AI is playing a considerably greater role,which willincrease infuture contests. Money is flowing in all sortsofways foranelectoratethat ishighlytransactional.

Yetmoneyalonewillnot winanelection. Candidatesof allparties areon theground, withthe Killarney constituency beingheavily watchedbecause ofthe independent candidacyof Dr.Minnis. How many voterswill the Coalition of Independents attract in this and other seats?

Withafloodofvoterregistrations,there willbe manymore votersthanat the lastelection. Whowill thissignificant increasein registrantsbenefitmore?

The FNM continues to arguethat therearesignificant and worrying irregularities regardingthe voter register. Bothparties will need aggressive and welltrainedpollworkers.Funny thingshappen onelection day,especially whena partyisdesperate.

The PLP hasan aggressive advertising and paid media strategy.It hasproduceda numberofsuccessful rallies,attempting to generate energy, enthusiasm,andmomentum. Will thisprove successful?Timewilltell.

At the final rally before former prime minister Hubert Ingraham’s last election--which helost--the FNMhadamassivecrowd. Intheevent,thecrowdwas not a bellwetherof what was to come. The FNM sufferingaterribleloss.

The electioncake may alreadybebaked.Whatthe major partiesmay bebattling over--includingin their get-out-the-voteplans on election day--isthe size ofthemarginsineachconstituency and inthe final seatcount.

Yes,while therearesilly things in an election season, includingsilliness by politicians,journalists, and voters,the countryis engaging in a democratic exercise and ritual that will have serious consequences forusall.

US health officials nix publication of a study on COVID vaccine effectiveness

By MIKE STOBBE AP Medical Writer

US health officials stopped the publication of a study on whether the COVID-19 vaccine was keeping adults from becoming sick enough to have to go to the hospital.

A US Department of Health and Human Services spokesman on Wednesday confirmed the decision to halt publication, citing a dispute about the study's methodology.

The research paper was to appear in Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's flagship publication.

One way scientists have studied COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness is by focusing on sick people who were admitted to hospitals or visited emergency rooms. The researchers check whether patients were vaccinated and then calculate the odds of a positive COVID-19 test among vaccinated patients vs. those who were unvaccinated.

Papers using that methodology have been published — after review by experts in the field — in a number of esteemed journals, including Pediatrics and the New England Journal of Medicine.

Following the same approach, the new study concluded that the vaccine cut ER visits and hospitalizations among otherwise healthy adults by about half this past winter, according to The Washington Post, which first reported the cancellation.

HHS officials did not say exactly why that methodology was a problem in this instance but argued that prior infection, behavior and differences in who seeks care can affect results.

The wider scientific community does not have those concerns and many researchers have used the approach, said Dr. Fiona Havers, an Atlanta-based doctor who previously worked at CDC. The methodology is built to address differences related to who seeks care, and prior infection

Man faces charges over multiple armed robberies

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net

A MAN accused of a series of armed robberies in New Providence over the past four months was remanded to prison yesterday.

Prosecutors allege that Tario Johnson, 30, robbed Elebin Solomon at gunpoint of $150 in cash, a bicycle, a walkie-talkie and a Samsung A21 phone on April 4. That same day, Johnson and Jesula Joseph, 36, were reportedly found with the stolen items.

On April 7, Johnson allegedly robbed Marcien Hanna at gunpoint of $11 and a blue Samsung cellphone. On March 28, he allegedly robbed Eddort Dormil of $2,300. On April 6, he allegedly robbed Reno Ilfrand at gunpoint of a black Samsung phone and a black wallet.

The pair is also accused of conspiring to rob Tyrell Scavella of a G-Shock watch and $65 on December 6, 2025.

Johnson was not required to enter a plea to four counts of armed robbery before acting Chief Magistrate Ancella Evans. He was told the matters would proceed to the Supreme Court through a voluntary bill of indictment.

Both accused pleaded not guilty to two counts of receiving, robbery and conspiracy to commit robbery. Johnson was informed of his right to apply for bail in the higher court.

Inspector Deon Barr, the prosecutor, objected to Joseph’s bail, citing her immigration status. However, an immigration officer confirmed she is applying for citizenship.

Joseph was granted $8,000 bail with one or two sureties. She must sign in at the Carmichael Road Police Station every Tuesday and Friday by 9pm. Johnson returns to court for service of his voluntary bill of indictment on August 20. Trial for the remaining charges begins on July 14.

shouldn't be much of an issue because so many Americans have been infected by the coronavirus, she added. No study design is perfect, but HHS officials

haven't proposed an alternative "that's realistic and ethical for getting realtime estimates of how well vaccines are working each year," said Havers, who once led a CDC

hospital network surveillance team that focused on COVID-19 and other respiratory viruses.

During President Donald Trump's first administration, public

health advocates worried that political appointees were trying to control what was being published in the MMWR.

Those concerns returned last year, when Trump returned to office and publication of the MMWR was temporarily suspended. It returned, but has remained a thinner version of its former self.

"Health care professionals rely on the MMWR for timely, objective and fact-based information about the nation's public health," said US Sen. Dick Durbin, an Illinois Democrat who voiced concern when CDC communications were halted last year.

"Muzzling scientists and doctors on how to prevent Americans from being hospitalized can have deadly consequences. The CDC must abandon plans to place a political gag order on this critical research," Durbin said in a statement Wednesday.

BreweryChiefEngineer

New study finds ‘alarming’ high flood risk for 17 million Americans on Atlantic and Gulf coasts

By SETH BORENSTEIN AP Science Writer

MORE than 17 million people along the U.S. Atlantic and Gulf coasts are at the highest risk of being affected by flooding, with New York and New Orleans standing out, according to one of the most comprehensive studies ever of flood risk.

Researchers at the University of Alabama used 16 different factors including the geographic hazards, the population and infrastructure exposed and the vulnerability of people living there. They then brought in past damages from the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s database and applied three different artificial intelligence tools to figure out flood risks from Texas to Maine, calculating that 17.5 million

people were at “very high” risk and an additional 17 million were at “high” risk, the next level. The authors looked at all sizes of flooding and examined separately what FEMA considers the most extreme, which are the top 1% of events. The study found 4.3 million people along the coasts to be at the highest level of risk of extreme flooding, but 20.5 million to be at high risk, the second highest level. They found a lot of vulnerability, highlighting eight different cities from Houston, which flooded in 2017’s Hurricane Harvey, to New York, which was inundated in 2012’s Superstorm Sandy.

Wednesday’s study in the journal Science Advances found that New York City has 4.75 million people at the two highest risk levels for all flooding,

with more than 200,000 buildings likely to be damaged.

And while the number of people at risk in New Orleans is far lower, about 380,000, it involves 99% of the city’s population. That doesn’t mean 99% of the people will be affected in the next hurricane or nontropical flood, but that they might be depending on the storm’s individual path and rain pattern, said study co-author Wanyun Shao, a climate scientist at the University of Alabama.

“Just look at the magnitude,” Shao said. “Those numbers are shocking, are alarming.”

The elderly and poor are most at risk

“When the next big storm hits New York City, when the next Hurricane Katrina -like hurricane makes landfall in New Orleans, people will get hurt, especially those socially vulnerable populations,” Shao said referring to the poor, the elderly, children and the uneducated.

Shao and outside experts said the numbers stunned them even though they were familiar with the worsening effects of climate change.

“New York is known to be susceptible to floods and it has the largest population. But the fact that New York has nearly an order of magnitude more flood-exposed population than any other city is surprising,” said Alex de Sherbinin, a geographer who directs Columbia University’s Center for Integrated Earth System Information. He wasn’t part of the study.

Flood problems are becoming more frequent in New York and New Orleans because of human-caused climate change, the study said. Other cities are also threatened

Jacksonville has 679,000 people at high or very high risk of flooding, while

Houston is just behind at just under 600,000. Other cities highlighted include Miami, Norfolk, Virginia, Charleston, South Carolina, Mobile, Alabama.

Shao and outside experts said what separates her study from others is the sheer comprehensiveness of all the factors it considers, including sinking land and pavement that doesn’t allow water to seep into the ground, as well as incorporating human social vulnerability such as poverty and age.

“This could be applied to other places in the world, such as Manila,” said University of Virginia engineering professor Venkataraman Lakshmi, who heads the hydrology section of the American Geophysical Union, referring to the capital of the Philippines. He wasn’t part of the study, but said the flooding problems it highlights will get more frequent and intense due to human-caused climate change.

Columbia University’s Marco Tedesco, who wasn’t part of the study, said “it reinforces the crucial concept that future

flood disasters are not just about water—they are about where people live, how cities are built, and who is least protected.”

Actions can lessen the risk

De Sherbinin said, “the analysis of the flood risk factors is important for local planners, emergency managers, and even highway crews and utility providers. We all know that low lying areas are more flood prone, but the data they have assembled provide more insights into flood risk, particularly for flash floods.”

Study lead author Hemal Dey, a geospatial scientist, said he hopes local officials look at not just building more dams and levees, but more natural infrastructure such as wetlands, grasslands, rain gardens and estuaries.

“The research is solid confirmation of what emergency managers have been saying for years. Realtors will hate it,’’ said Craig Fugate, a former FEMA director who wasn’t part of the study. “The harder question is what we’re actually going to do about it.”

Texas can require public schools to display Ten Commandments in classrooms, court rules

By JAMIE STENGLE Associated Press

TEXAS can require the Ten Commandments to be displayed in public schools, a US appeals court ruled Tuesday in a victory for conservatives who have long sought to incorporate more religion into classrooms.

The 9-8 decision by the 5th US Circuit Court of Appeals delivered a boost to backers of similar laws in Arkansas and Louisiana. Opponents have argued that hanging the Ten Commandments in classrooms proselytizes to students and amounts to religious indoctrination by the government.

In a lengthy majority opinion, the conservative-leaning appeals court in New Orleans rejected those arguments in Texas, saying the requirement does not step on the rights of parents or students.

“No child is made to recite the Commandments, believe them, or affirm their divine origin,” the ruling says. The American Civil Liberties Union and other groups that challenged the Texas law on behalf of parents said in a statement that they anticipate appealing the ruling to the US Supreme Court.

“The First Amendment safeguards the separation of church and state, and the freedom of families to choose how, when and if to provide their children with religious instruction. This decision tramples those rights,” they said in the statement.

The mandate is one of several fronts in Texas that opponents have fought over religion in classrooms. In 2024, the state approved optional

Bible-infused curriculum for elementary schools, and a proposal set for a vote in June would add Bible stories to required reading lists in Texas classrooms.

The decision over the Ten Commandments law reverses a lower federal court ruling that had blocked about a dozen Texas school districts — including some of the state’s largest — from putting up the posters.

The Texas law signed by Republican Gov. Greg Abbott took effect in September, marking the largest attempt in the nation to hang the Ten Commandments in public schools.

From the start, the law was met almost immediately by a mix of embrace and hesitation in Texas classrooms that educate the state’s 5.5 million public school students.

The mandate animated school board meetings, spun up guidance about what to say when students ask questions, and led to boxes of donated posters being dropped on the doorsteps of campuses statewide. Although the law only requires schools to hang the posters if donated, one suburban Dallas school district spent nearly $1,800 to print roughly 5,000 posters.

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, a Republican, called the ruling “a major victory for Texas and our moral values.”

“The Ten Commandments have had a profound impact on our nation, and it’s important that students learn from them every single day,” he said.

Tuesday’s ruling comes after the appeals court heard arguments in January in the Texas case and

a similar case in Louisiana. In February, the court cleared the way for Louisiana to enforce its law requiring the display of the Ten Commandments in classrooms.

Republican Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill said the Texas ruling “adopted our entire legal defence” of the law in her state. In Alabama, Republican Gov. Kay Ivey also signed a similar law earlier this month.

“Our law clearly was always constitutional, and I am grateful that the Fifth Circuit has now definitively agreed with us,” Murrill said in a statement posted to social media.

Judge Stephen A. Higginson, in a dissenting opinion joined by four others on the court, wrote that the framers of the Constitution “intended disestablishment of religion, above all to prevent large religious sects from using political power to impose their religion on others.”

“Yet Texas, like Louisiana, seeks to do just that, legislating that specific, politically chosen scripture be installed in every public-school classroom,” Higginson wrote.

The law says schools must put donated posters “in a conspicuous place” and requires the writing to be a size and typeface that is visible from anywhere in a classroom to a person with “average vision.” The displays must also be 16 inches wide and 20 inches tall (40 centimetres wide and 50 centimetres tall).

Texas’ law easily passed the GOP-controlled Legislature and Republicans, including President Donald Trump, have backed posting the Ten Commandments in classrooms.

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Wildfires across Georgia and Florida have destroyed nearly 50 homes and are forcing evacuations

By RUSS BYNUM and JEFF MARTIN Associated Press

WILDFIRES burning across the southeastern US forced more people to flee Wednesday after destroying nearly 50 homes in Georgia and causing some schools closings as drought and winds fuelled flames.

Some of the biggest blazes were near Georgia's coast while others were popping up in northern Florida, a state facing one of its worst fire seasons in decades.

It was not yet clear how the wildfires started, but the bottom half of Georgia is perilously dry and the conditions prompted the state's forestry commission to issue a burn ban for the first time in its history. Southeastern Georgia has seen just 11 inches (28 centimetres) of rain since the beginning of September — almost 15 inches (38 centimetres) below normal, the National Weather Service said.

The fires spread so quickly in southern Georgia that residents received no warnings or alerts.

"I wish that I had knew something more," said Brianna Elliott, who left home Tuesday only to find her route back blocked by the fires 90 minutes later. "I would have turned around in that moment and gone home and got my animals before anything."

She now fears that her home and her dogs are gone.

Georgia's two biggest wildfires together have burned more than 31 square miles (80 square kilometres), and at least four other smaller fires have been reported in the state.

The fast-moving Brantley County fire was threatening roughly 1,000 homes Wednesday after destroying almost 50 a day earlier.

That fire grew by roughly six times in just a half day Tuesday, said Joey Cason, the county manager. There were fires erupting "in the backyard and people taking off in the front yard," he said Wednesday. So far, no major injuries have been reported, Cason said.

The rural county is roughly midway between Georgia's coastal beaches and the Okefenokee Swamp and is dotted with

livestock and fruit farms as well as thick stands of planted pines grown for timber.

Crews were working to create fire breaks and stop flames from reaching populated areas. The biggest concern was the gusting winds that could easily spread embers.

Authorities said rain was desperately needed. The area with the worst fires is in exceptional or extreme drought, the most dire levels, according to the US Drought Monitor.

"If you could start praying for that right now, we'd be grateful," Cason said. Pine and hardwood forests in the region are helping charge the fires, said Seth Hawkins, a spokesperson for the Georgia Forestry Commission. Swampy lowlands with thick layers of leaves and woody debris are "super flammable" when they dry out, he said.

The commission's 30-day burn ban is for the southern part of the state.

Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp declared a state of emergency for more than half of the state's counties.

More people were told to evacuate from Brantley County on Wednesday afternoon, on top of the 800 evacuations that had already taken place there. Another large fire that started in nearby Clinch County also prompted evacuations.

Mike Reardon and his wife packed family photos and their dog, Molly Rose, along with new e-bikes before leaving their Brantley County home.

The fire was about a mile away and a shift in the wind would put flames "in our backyard in a matter of minutes," he said.

The couple just built the

home two years ago.

"It's more than our house. It's land that my dad bought years ago," said Liz Reardon, fighting back tears. "It's the most beautiful place in the world to me."

In Florida, firefighters were battling 131 wildfires that had burned 34 square miles (88 square kilometres), mostly in the state's northern half.

"Florida has got one of the worst fire seasons in maybe the last 30 or 40 years or it's turning out to be that way," Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson said. "We've been in drought for 18 months now all across the state."

A wildfire disrupted Amtrak train service Monday in the northeast part of the state. Service was back to normal Wednesday, according to Amtrak spokeswoman Beth Toll.

A dangerous combination of low humidity and breezy winds will keep the fire danger elevated Wednesday, the National Weather Service said.

Smoke drifted to Atlanta, Savannah, Georgia, and Jacksonville, Florida. The air quality in parts of south Georgia declined to the unhealthy category Wednesday, meaning all residents might feel health effects. Smoky conditions were expected to linger throughout the Atlanta area on Wednesday, according to the Atlanta-Fulton County Emergency Management Agency. The worst fires were burning more than 200 miles (322 kilometres) southeast of the city. The high fire risk was expected to continue each afternoon through Friday due to the very dry conditions, the weather service said.

Agri-Business Expo draws thousands to Gladstone Road

THE Ministry of Agriculture and Marine Resources wrapped up the Agri-Business Expo 2026, drawing thousands of people to the Gladstone Road Agriculture Center between April 10 and April 12. If you attended the event, you saw a strong push toward national food security and local production.

Prime Minister Philip Davis officially opened the expo. He called the theme, "Agriculture: Our Heritage, Our Future," a tribute to traditional knowledge and sustainable practices. Minister of Agriculture Jomo Campbell said the gathering aims to reduce the country's reliance on food imports by strengthening local supply chains and

supporting new agricultural producers.

You had the chance to visit more than 130 stalls featuring products from across The Bahamas. Farmers and artisans travelled from Eleuthera, Exuma, Cat Island, Grand Bahama and Abaco to sell their goods. Local students also participated, selling fresh meats, produce and handmade cosmetics. During the event, the Bahamas Development Bank promoted a $700,000 grant program designed to fund farmers, processors, cooperatives and school agricultural programs. The expo offered practical training and entertainment. You could learn how to make yogurt, bottle

tomatoes and pickle peppers. Agricultural experts gave live demonstrations on climate resilient irrigation and farming techniques for crops like sweet potatoes. Crowds gathered for culinary competitions featuring local mutton and turbot, along with eating contests involving goat peppers, pineapples and watermelons. Families visited the animal barn and petting zoo. The event closed with a family night featuring live performances by the Region Bells and Bishop Lawrence Rolle. The ministry plans to use the momentum from the weekend to build a more secure food supply for your community.

Coolwintersea temperatures aid coral restoration work

THE Bahamas Reef Environment Educational Foundation (BREEF) has launched its 2026 coral restoration exercise with a series of strategic dives and outplanting exercises at the internationally acclaimed BREEF Sir Nicholas Nuttall Coral Reef Sculpture Garden & Coral Nursery, located in western New Providence off Clifton Heritage National Park.

This initiative marks a critical step in protecting one of The Bahamas' most vital natural resources: its coral reefs.

Coral reefs are far more than underwater scenery. They are the backbone of The Bahamas' fisheries resources, providing essential spawning grounds, nursery habitat, and feeding areas for the fish species that sustain commercial fishing, local livelihoods, and food security across the islands.

Equally critical is their role in coastal protection. Healthy coral reefs act as natural breakwaters, absorbing up to 90% of incoming wave energy and shielding coastlines from erosion, storm surges, and hurricane damage. Without them, homes, infrastructure, and entire communities face increased vulnerability to the intensifying storms driven by climate change. In an era of stronger and more frequent climate-related events, their protective function has never been more important.

Outplanting is the process of taking small coral fragments that have been carefully cultivated in underwater nurseries over the span of several months and transplanting them onto natural reef structures

using special marine cement. This technique allows restoration teams to accelerate reef recovery by introducing healthy, resilient corals to areas where reef degradation has occurred.

The 2026 outplanting was strategically timed to coincide with the cooler winter months, which offer optimal conditions for coral restoration. Cooler winter sea temperatures significantly reduce physiological stress on corals, improving survival rates and giving transplanted fragments the best possible chance to establish, grow, and contribute to reef recovery.

Coral reefs in The Bahamas and around the world have been under intense threat due to warming waters caused primarily by burning fossil fuels; many corals have bleached and died during recent summer underwater heatwaves.

As part of this initiative, BREEF successfully outplanted 154 coral fragments, contributing to improved reef structure, enhanced habitat complexity, and long-term ecosystem resilience in the surrounding marine environment.

"The cooler winter months are ideal for outplanting. Cooler waters allow corals to recover and establish more effectively, especially as we navigate the realities of rising ocean temperatures and the worldwide coral bleaching crisis," said Jasmond Collie, Outreach & Education Officer at BREEF.

Education remains central to BREEF's mission.

This year's restoration exercise achieved a significant capacity building milestone: two BREEF

BREEF launched its 2026 coral restoration exercise.

At the underwater sculpture garden off Clifton Heritage National Park in western New Providence

Restoration teams planted 154 coral fragments.

Divers attach nursery-grown corals to natural reef structures using marine cement.

Bahamas Environmental Steward Scholarship (BESS) Scholars successfully completed their Reef Rescue certification, a PADI recognized professional diving qualification focused on coral reef restoration techniques.

As a current BESS Scholar, Dymonde Lundy

shared how the experience deepened her commitment to marine conservation. “Earning my Reef Rescue certification and helping with outplanting and reef maintenance gave me a hands-on glimpse of how small actions can revive entire ecosystems,” she said. “It reminded me that protecting our oceans isn’t just science, it’s a responsibility.” These young Bahamian environmental leaders represent the future of marine conservation in The Bahamas.

This dual investment in ecosystems and human

capital reflects BREEF’s strategic approach to advancing national conservation priorities while strengthening The Bahamas’ Blue Economy.“This critical work is actively restoring coral reefs within the Southwest New Providence Marine Managed Area, and also building capacity for young people to become trained participants in the Blue Economy.” stated BREEF Executive Director, Casuarina McKinney-Lambert.

The BREEF Sir Nicholas Nuttall Coral Reef Sculpture Garden is

internationally renowned for its fusion of underwater art and applied marine science. Serving as both a living laboratory and underwater classroom, the site demonstrates how creative approaches can advance reef conservation while inspiring action locally and internationally. As climate pressures intensify, initiatives like this underscore the importance of timely, science driven restoration efforts and the role of education and collaboration in ensuring The Bahamas remains a leader in marine conservation.