04242026 NEWS

The Tribune AROUND DA ISLANDS NDS

BAIN FACES RISK OF BANKRUPTCY

Court records show COI leader owes Zinnia Rolle $85,000 following a Privy Council

By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune News Editor rrolle@tribunemedia.net

COALITION of Independents leader Lincoln Bain is facing a bankruptcy action weeks before the May 12 general election over debt rooted in a failed investment arrangement. New Supreme Court filings warn that if Mr Bain does not pay $85,000 plus interest within 21 days of being served, he will have committed “an act of bankruptcy”, opening the door for bankruptcy proceedings against him. The Tribune understands the Debtor’s Summons, dated April 22, 2026, had not been served on Mr Bain up to press time yesterday. In his recent finan cial declarations ahead of the May gen eral election, Mr Bain claimed he has a net worth of more than $1.5m. The case traces back

Veteran officer admits guilt in marine recruit assaults

By JADE RUSSELL Tribune Staff Reporter jrussell@tribunemedia.net

A VETERAN Defence Force officer has pleaded guilty to three counts of physical assault in connection with allegations that he assaulted a group of female marine trainees earlier this month at the force’s Coral Harbour base.

Chief Petty Officer Eric Rolle changed his plea from not guilty to guilty. Last week, he appeared before the Royal Bahamas Defence Force facing five counts of assault and one count of drunkenness.

Lieutenant Darius Adams, RBDF public relations officer, confirmed yesterday that Mr Rolle remains interdicted. He said the accused appeared before the RBDF’s authorised officer, who recommended warrant punishment, a formal disciplinary procedure

GUILTY - SEE PAGE FIVE

a senior tourism official warned yesterday, as he urged the wider Bahamian tourism industry to “get our act together” to ward-off the cruise ship challenge. Kerry Fountain, the Bahama Out Island Promotion Board’s executive director, told Tribune Business that the collective 21 percent and 11 percent declines in room nights sold and revenues for his member properties during the three months to end-March 2026 could not be blamed solely on the loss of Silver Airways airlift as “a deeper dive” into the figures had uncovered some “disturbing” trends.

NBA rookie helps fund vital special needs testing in Bimini

By KEILE CAMPBELL Tribune Staff Reporter kcampbell@tribunemedia.net

A TEAM of specialists has carried out assessments on more than 40 children in Bimini this week, bringing long-awaited testing to families who often face steep barriers to accessing specialised services.

The initiative, supported by Biminiborn NBA rookie VJ Edgecombe through his foundation, brought nine professionals — including psychologists

and a speech-language pathologist — to the island’s school system and to children who are not enrolled in school.

Testing concluded this week before the team returned to New Providence.

The programme was organised by Ursula Roker, president and founding member of the James Pinder Bimini Special Needs Art Projects, which funded the visit after the Ministry of Education indicated it could not immediately cover the cost.

Specialists assess over 40 Bimini children

Ms Roker said the goal was to move beyond informal concerns and secure formal diagnoses for children, creating a foundation for structured support.

“At first, we had 44 children in the primary and high school referred for testing, and seven children who do not attend school at all,” she said. “Since they were here, we have had maybe about five more parents come forward to say, would you please test my child?’”

She said the work now shifts to building support systems.

“They are putting together a plan for services moving forward. Testing is just the beginning,” Ms Roker said.

The effort grew out of an informal art programme started about four years ago by Ms Roker and the late James Pinder to engage children with disabilities who were not attending school. Concerns from parents about children who appeared to be on the autism spectrum or facing other developmental challenges led to a push to bring professional assessments to the island.

While the Ministry agreed to help, Ms Roker said budget constraints meant it could not fund travel and related costs.

“They said yes, we can do that, but budget low. We do not have the funds to do that anytime soon,” she said. “But if you can raise the funds to accommodate the travel and the related

expenses to Bimini, we could put a plan together for you, and that is what we did.”

The Tribune understands support also came from the VJ Foundation through his mother, Bendra Rolle, allowing education ministry professionals to travel to Bimini.

Ms Roker said access to testing remains a major challenge for Family Island residents, where specialised services are limited and costly.

“For sure, the testing itself, if done privately, can start at $1500, and that is just the testing,” she said. “Then you have two or three airline tickets and rental car and hotel for a parent to take their child to Nassau.”

Even when assessments are provided at no cost by the Ministry, families must still cover travel and accommodation.

The programme also highlighted accessibility gaps in the education system, including cases where children cannot attend school because facilities are not equipped to accommodate them.

“There are children who do not attend school at all,” Ms Roker said. “We actually have one child who is very bright, but he has cerebral palsy, uses a wheelchair, so he does not attend school because it is not accessible for him.”

She said some parents were initially hesitant to have their children assessed, but that changed once the

team arrived.

“When they saw the team arrive, and it is such a big group, it made them think there is hope,” she said.

“You have your child tested and you are given this label and nothing changes, then what. But that is not what the plan is here.”

Officials now plan to maintain contact with teachers and parents and explore remote support options.

“They plan to stay in touch with the teachers and the parents, and they have also discussed some tele intervention programmes using the internet,” Ms Roker said.

For families like that of Ellsworth Robins Jr, the visit has provided support that is rarely available on

the island.

“It is hard, but you just got to keep at it,” Mr Robins said. “Kids like them, they need love and support. That is one of the biggest things you could ever put into a special needs child.”

Mr Robins said his 11-year-old son, who experiences seizures but can communicate, does not attend school because of limited options.

“There is not a school or anything that I could send him to,” he said. “I try to have him watch educational videos, but this week was extremely successful to a point where he is asking me when he going back.”

He said having specialists on the island eased the burden on families who would otherwise have to travel to Nassau for care.

“You do not really have those things here,” he said.

“You have to take a child away or move to where you can be closer to a doctor or school.”

Ms Roker said the turnout for testing underscored the need for sustained intervention.

“They stressed to the parents that they can only do so much from nine to three,” she said. “Parents have to step up after school and at home.”

Preschool week costume parade

Hundreds of preschoolers celebrate 22 years of education with vibrant costume parade in New Providence

HUNDREDS of preschoolers marched through the streets of New Providence on Thursday, April 23, 2026, marking the 22nd Annual Preschool Costume Parade and Banner Competition.

The procession served as the grand finale for Preschool Week, a national celebration honouring 22 years of early childhood education in The Bahamas. Students from schools across the island wore creative costumes centred around this year’s theme, “An Alphabet Explosion!”

Marching alongside the children, the Royal Bahamas Defence Force Band and the Bahamas Department of Corrections Band provided musical accompaniment, joined by the rhythmic energy of a traditional Junkanoo rush-out. The parade began at the Willard Patton Preschool and travelled through the city streets before concluding at the Cultural Heritage Site at Arawak Cay.

Organizers designed the week of events to engage students, parents, and teachers. Before Thursday’s parade, the preschool

community gathered for a church service of thanksgiving and opened an early childhood art exhibition at the Ministry of Education and Technical and Vocational Training headquarters.

Families and students also participated in the Andrea D. Wisdom Sports Day, which offered a mix of fun and competitive games. To strengthen community ties, educators and parents attended a dedicated night of fellowship.

At Arawak Cay, the festivities wrapped up as education officials formally announced the winners of the 2026 parade and banner competition. The week’s events brought the community together to support the next generation of students and celebrate the continuous growth of preschool programs throughout the country.

For more information on the competition winners and upcoming early childhood education initiatives, residents can contact the Ministry of Education and Technical and Vocational Training.

Photos: Nikia Charlton

COI leader hit with summons over $85k unpaid court debt

more than a decade to financial arrangements between Mr Bain and Freeport resident Zinnia Rolle involving money Ms Rolle gave to Mr Bain under two agreements in April 2010. Ms Rolle entrusted him with $40,000, which he was to hold for three years and return with ten percent annual interest. The agreements also gave her the option to invest in shares of a business in which Mr Bain had a controlling interest.

The courts found that the money was never returned.

Mr Bain denied liability and challenged the authenticity of the agreements, arguing his signature had been forged. The trial judge rejected that defence, finding Ms Rolle to be a credible witness and ruling that the agreements were valid and enforceable.

In September 2022, the Court of Appeal upheld that outcome and ordered that Ms Rolle recover $64,000 from Mr Bain and Bani Shoe Warehouse Co Ltd, along with costs.

Mr Bain sought to take the matter to the Privy Council, but in October 2025, the UK-based court dismissed the appeal and ordered him to pay a further $26,000 in costs. That brought the total owed to $90,000.

After the Privy Council ruling, Ms Rolle’s lawyer issued a formal demand for payment and later published a notice in The Tribune in February 2026 as part of efforts to serve Mr Bain.

The latest court filings show that Mr Bain made partial payments totalling $5,000 earlier this year through two banker’s

drafts, leaving $85,000 outstanding, plus interest. The Debtor’s Summons now requires Mr Bain to pay the remaining balance, reach an arrangement, or apply to set it aside within 21 days of service. If he does not comply, the document says he will have committed an act of

Fine, no problem with that. We tried to pay. We tried to negotiate, tried to give them. We raised amounts to $90,000. We did that. That’s not what we owe, that’s not added interest, that’s what we took it to so they could stop negotiating, because we just wanted it to go away. So I said, if they negotiating, put it

by the Court of Appeal and $26,000 in costs ordered by the Privy Council. The later $85,000 figure reflects what remains after the $5,000 in partial payments recorded in the filings.

Mr Bain has tried to limit public access to the case, seeking to have the proceedings sealed. An oral request made by his attorney during an April

CLIPS of documents show a Supreme Court summons for Lincoln Bain over the settlement of $85,000 debt owed to Zinnia Rolle

Mr Bain addressed the dispute during a recent Facebook Live, describing the lawsuit as “very annoying.”

“I invested in a business I lost,” he said. “Someone decided I should pay.

Court records do not support Mr Bain’s claim that he or his side “raised” the amount to $90,000 during negotiations. The documents show the figure flows directly from the courts’ rulings: $64,000 awarded

Coleby-Davis dodges questions over collapsed energy deal

By LYNAIRE MUNNINGS

Tribune Staff Reporter

lmunnings@tribunemedia.net

WITH a major energy deal unravelling and millions in financing under scrutiny, Energy and Transport Minister JoBeth Coleby-Davis offered little clarity yesterday, declining to explain the collapse of a key New Providence grid management arrangement. Pressed on the breakdown involving Bahamas Grid Company and Island Grid, Ms Coleby-Davis cut off further questions, telling reporters only: “We spoke to it and a statement went out.” She refused to elaborate.

Her response came after the government sought to steady confidence after the abrupt exit of Island Grid, led by US energy executive Eric Pike, from the project, which had been promoted as a cornerstone of energy reform but had now fallen apart less than two years into a 25-year agreement.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the government sought to frame the development as a transition rather than a breakdown, pointing to new leadership at Bahamas Grid Company.

“The public should also be assured that the ownership structure of the transmission and distribution assets remains unchanged,” the government said. “The only change at this stage is the move to a fully Bahamian-led operating team after the completion of the foundational phase. That is a transition the government welcomes. We have full confidence in the Bahamian leadership now in place at Bahamas Grid Company.”

The government said Dareo McKenzie has been appointed chief executive officer and Gladys Fernander chief financial officer, describing the shift as a strengthening of leadership. It added that Mr Pike remains engaged as a contractor to complete foundational works, including major transmission and substation upgrades expected to finish by the end of May, and said outages

have been reduced and system reliability improved. But those assurances have done little to quiet concerns about the implications of the arrangement’s collapse.

Opposition chairman Dr Duane Sands warned that he foresees “lawsuits in abundance” and questioned the circumstances surrounding Island Grid’s departure, pointing to unresolved issues involving payments, governance, and

to Attend Examination hearing was not considered because no formal application had been filed at the time, leaving the matter in open court. A written application filed the following day is now seeking a sealing and non-disclosure order. On Facebook, Mr Bain thrashed The Tribune for reporting the attempt to seal the documents, saying: “Every election the FNM paper the Tribune writes a fake or decitful FAKE NEWS story about me.” At this stage, Mr Bain has not been declared bankrupt. The current action is a step that could lead to that outcome if the debt is not settled or successfully challenged. Under the Constitution, a person who has been adjudged bankrupt and not discharged is not qualified to be elected to the House of Assembly. A sitting member who becomes bankrupt must also vacate his seat once the process is complete.

the operational relationship between Bahamas Power & Light and Bahamas Grid Company. Financial stakeholders have also raised alarms, particularly those tied to the $111m bond structure and $30m equity investment backing the project, as investors seek

clarity on repayment and stability. The fallout has also triggered a reshaping of Bahamas Grid Company’s board. Mr Pike and his associate Mei Shibata have exited and been replaced by attorney Nikolai Sawyer and Super Value president Debra Symonette, alongside an existing director.

Other previously listed directors are no longer understood to be in place. The original agreement provided for shared governance between the government and private investors, but the changes have intensified questions about oversight and control.

Campaign identifies rider injured in recent bus crash

By KEILE CAMPBELL Tribune Staff Reporter kcampbell@tribunemedia.net

THE campaign for Fort Charlotte candidate Sebas Bastian last night identified the motorcyclist injured in a widely circulated collision with its campaign bus as D’Angelo Adderley, saying he is in stable condition and improving.

“We continue to keep D’Angelo Adderley close in our thoughts as he recovers,” a spokesperson for Mr Bastian said. “His condition is stable and improving, and his outlook remains positive. Doctors are optimistic that he could be discharged from hospital as early as tomorrow, pending a few final tests.

“The Fort Charlotte community is standing together in support of D’Angelo. We are lifting him up in our prayers and wishing him a full and speedy recovery.”

The incident, captured on video and widely shared online, shows a motorcade travelling north along Village Road, followed by a bus

marked “SEBAS” along its side. A motorcyclist appears to attempt to overtake the procession before colliding with the bus and falling to the ground as it comes to a stop.

Pedestrians and bus passengers are then seen rushing to assist him.

The Tribune understands police were on the scene and that the motorbike driver was taken to hospital. Despite this and the visibility of the incident, police officials at multiple levels yesterday said they had no record of it and could not account for what happened.

Officer-in-Charge of the Royal Bahamas Police Force Traffic Division Chief Superintendent Sybrina Porter said she had no information and could not provide details.

Press Liaison Superintendent Sheria King later referred this newspaper to CSP Porter’s comment.

Police Commissioner Shanta Knowles, when contacted about the video, said she would look into the matter, but did not get back before press time.

Relocated vendors face hardship as return to Fort Fincastle stalls

By EARYEL BOWLEG

Tribune Staff Reporter

VENDORS relocated from Fort Fincastle to Fort Charlotte say they are struggling to survive more than a year after being moved, with some unable to meet basic expenses as they wait for word on when they can return.

Several vendors told The Tribune that business has sharply declined since the relocation, which was intended to facilitate improvements to the water tower at Fort Fincastle.

They said the move, initially described as temporary, has dragged on with little clear communication.

Lisa Forbes, 59, said vendors were first told the relocation would last four months. More than a year later, she said, they are still waiting.

“Business is tough. Things rough for us. Right now I personally don’t even have electricity in my house,” she said. She said repeated assurances about a return date have come and gone without result.

The delays have been particularly difficult as vendors missed out on the spring break season, typically one of their busiest periods.

The Ministry of Works said the remaining delay is tied to the installation and connection of a transformer by Bahamas Power and Light, which is needed to complete infrastructure at Fort Fincastle. The transformer was delivered last week, and the ministry said it is working with BPL to have it connected as soon as possible.

Works Minister Clay Sweeting said the government remains committed to returning vendors to their original location.

“The ministry has heard the concerns of the vendors, and we understand the importance of returning them to their home at Fort Fincastle,” he said. “The Water Tower project is now complete, and we are in the final stage of preparations.”

NOTICE

Vendors also complained of overcrowding at Fort Charlotte, saying the concentration of sellers has reduced earnings across the board.

“We have customers come here, but we are here

“They say we’re going back in the next two weeks. Two weeks come and go, nothing. Then they come back and say we’ll be going at the end of the month. Then another two, three months pass, and we’re not back.”

invading those people, their grounds. This is not enough customers for everybody and everybody’s just grabbing at the tourism and that is making business bad for all of us. We just cannot live like this,” Ms Forbes said, estimating her income has dropped to less than 20 percent of what it once was.

The Board of Directors of Finance Corporation of Bahamas Limited (“RBC FINCO”) hereby advises that Mr. Anthony Robinson resigned as a Non-Executive Director of RBC FINCO effective April 23, 2026, and Mr. Dennis Deveaux was appointed as a Non-Executive Director of RBC FINCO on April 23, 2026, subject to receipt of regulatory approvals.

Sonia Murphy, 63, said the financial strain has intensified since she took responsibility for her two grandchildren following the death of their mother last year.

“It would affect me really bad, because I have two grandchildren that I have to take on, no mother and no father. No money is here. They have to go to school, uniform, lunch, eat and everything, and it’s me. I’m not looking for nothing from social service, none from nowhere.”

She said rising costs have

made it harder to keep up with their needs.

“The 14-year-old boy, I came here in October and I had to buy four shoes from October to now. That’s how tall and big he is — $150 a swipe off a shoe.”

Margaret Rahming Jones, a vendor of more than a decade, said conditions at the Fort Charlotte site have also taken a toll.

“This move has affected me tremendously. I can’t even focus out here. I can’t even come out here. The mould, the dirt, the filth,” she said.

He said the relocation was always intended to be temporary and described it as a necessary step to allow the project to proceed.

“The vendors made a necessary sacrifice to allow this important project to move forward, and we remain committed to ensuring they return to an improved and welcoming space at Fort Fincastle,” he said.

The ministry also said it will engage industry professionals to assess concerns about mould at the Fort Charlotte site and make recommendations to address the issue.

Privy Council dismisses family land dispute because the 12-year legal limit expired

By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune News Editor rrolle@tribunemedia.net

A FAMILY dispute over a New Providence home has ended with a blunt legal lesson from the Privy Council: even a strong claim can fail if it is brought too late. According to a recent ruling, the Board allowed an appeal by Denise Barnes, finding that her cousins lost any right to the property because they waited more than 12 years to act. The case centred on a house in the Boyd Subdivision that once belonged to the family matriarch, Pearl

Leona Moxey. Her will left the property to two sons in equal shares. One of them, Charles Moxey Sr, later died, leaving his children — Pearl Moxey and Charles Moxey Jr — with a potential claim to half the home. But in 2003, the property was sold by the executor to Ms Barnes, the daughter of another sibling. She moved in that same year and remained in possession.

More than a decade later, in 2015, her cousins tried to assert their interest, arguing that the sale was flawed and that they had been misled about their rights. By then, the clock had

PRIVY COUNCIL RULES MARINA NOT LIABLE FOR YACHT THEFT

By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune News Editor rrolle@tribunemedia.net

THE Privy Council has ruled that a Bimini marina was not responsible for stopping the theft of a docked yacht, finding that the boat’s owner — not the marina — bore the duty to guard against theft.

In a recent ruling, the Board dismissed an appeal by Great Lakes Reinsurance (UK) plc, which had paid out $579,721.15 after the 41-foot vessel Rum N’ Coke was stolen from Bimini Bay Marina in July 2009.

The insurer had tried to recover the money from RAV Bahamas Ltd, the marina’s owner, arguing the company was negligent and that one of its employees helped facilitate the theft.

But the Privy Council agreed with the Court of Appeal that no such duty existed.

The judges said the lease for the dock showed the boat owner was responsible for keeping the vessel safe, including from theft.

“The Tenant is responsible for proper operation and mooring and taking all necessary precautions to ensure that the Boat is secure from damage from any [and] all causes including without limitation theft fire vandalism and storm,” the document said.

The Board said that clause reflected the reality of the arrangement. The marina never had control of the vessel and was not given its keys, meaning it had no role in controlling who could remove it. Because of

that, the court said someone could board the boat and sail it away without going through any marina-controlled release system.

Great Lakes argued that the marina had taken on responsibility for security by having guards, cameras and a wristband system.

The Board rejected that, saying those measures did not amount to a promise to prevent theft of boats. It also found no evidence that any failure in security caused the theft.

The judgment drew a clear line between causing harm and failing to stop harm caused by others, saying the claim against the marina was based on an alleged failure to prevent third-party wrongdoing, something the law treats cautiously.

The insurer also pointed to the actions of marina employee O’Neil Rolle, who was contacted by someone claiming to be the owner and was asked to prepare the boat for departure. He later met two men, accepted payment for his work, and watched them leave with the vessel.

The Privy Council said that did not amount to negligence.

It found no proof that Rolle unlocked the vessel and said preparing it for departure and arranging cleaning did not meaningfully assist the theft. It also noted that there was no identification system in place that he failed to follow.

Even if there had been wrongdoing, the Board said there was no proof that the theft would not have happened without his actions.

already run out.

The Privy Council said the law sets a 12-year limit for bringing claims to recover land. Ms Barnes had been in open and exclusive possession of the property since May 2003. The counterclaim was filed in August 2015 — outside that window.

That left the cousins with one way around the time limit: they had to prove that crucial facts had been deliberately concealed from them, delaying their ability to act.

The Board said they could not meet that test.

There was evidence that another relative had told

the family the property had been left to “the sisters,” which was untrue. But the judges drew a careful distinction. It was not enough to show that someone misled them. The law required proof that Ms Barnes herself, or someone acting for her, deliberately concealed facts they needed in order to bring a claim.

There was no such finding.

Just as important, the court said some of the key facts were never hidden at all. Ms Barnes’ occupation of the house was open. The locks had been changed. The other side of the family

had been excluded. Those were visible signs that something had changed, and the law expects people to act when they see that. The Board also pointed out that the will establishing the family’s entitlement had been on record in the Registry of Deeds since 1987, available to anyone who chose to search for it.

Taken together, that meant the cousins could not show they were prevented from discovering their claim.

Ultimately, the Privy Council ruled that the claim was statute-barred and that Ms Barnes had acquired

title through adverse possession, a doctrine that allows someone to become the legal owner of land if they occupy it openly, exclusively, and without challenge for a sufficient period.

The judgment did not ignore the troubling aspects of the case. Lower courts had found the property was sold at an undervalued price and that the uncle’s estate was not properly handled. The Privy Council itself expressed “regret” about how the cousins had been treated, but those concerns did not change the outcome.

RBDF fires mechanic arrested in Florida after going AWOL

By EARYEL BOWLEG Tribune Staff Reporter ebowleg@tribunemedia.net

A ROYAL Bahamas Defence Force member who had been absent without leave since August 2025 has been arrested in Florida by United States Customs and Border Protection agents, the RBDF said yesterday.

In a statement, the force said Able Mechanic Ray Strachan had been unaccounted for since his last

reported day of duty, which was initially recorded as sick leave. Despite efforts to locate him, he remained missing until his recent apprehension in the United States.

The RBDF said an internal investigation is ongoing and the matter is being handled in accordance with its disciplinary standards.

It added that Mr Strachan’s discharge process has already begun and is expected to be completed within one to two days, after which he will no longer be a member of

the force.

The statement said Commodore Floyd Moxey has emphasised that the RBDF will not tolerate conduct that undermines its integrity or breaches the law.

“Any member who finds themselves on the wrong side of the law will face swift, decisive, and uncompromising action. This approach reflects the Defence Force’s unwavering commitment to discipline, accountability, and the preservation of public trust,” the statement said.

RBDF instructor pleads guilty to assaulting female trainees

GUILTY from page one

within military where a Commanding Officer recommends a sentence which must be approved by high-ranking authorities, in this case, the

minister of national security. Lieutenant Adams could not explain what penalties Mr Rolle may face.

Mr Rolle initially faced five counts of assault and one count of

drunkenness. However, Lieutenant Adams confirmed the charges were reduced to three counts of physical assault.

“The prosecution was satisfied with these three counts,” Lieutenant Adams said.

Regarding the drunkenness charge, Lieutenant Adams said it was no longer being pursued.

Mr Rolle was described as a 21-year veteran of the force and a trainee instructor.

A Tribute to Mrs. Albertha Byer

Greetings, I am Joan Llewellyn and I had the incredible opportunity of being Mrs. Byer’s primary caretaker before her transition from this world recently. Though her passing has struck us deeply, I want to take time to reflect and pay tribute to a truly trailblazing woman. I first met Mrs. Byer on the 1st of November 2022 through her wonderful daughter – Hope Byer Wilson. I will never forget that day as I was mesmerized by Mrs. Byer’s warm and enthusiastic demeanour, she was so articulate and welcoming – I had no idea how much my life would change from that moment onwards. After our introduction, I began working for her from that day onwards and she has left such a lasting impact on my life. Mrs. Byer was a highly educated woman, having garnered many accolades & achievements, in addition to serving as a PHD University Professor for many years – her mind was as sharp and brilliant as ever. In my time caring for Mrs. Byer, she saw great potential in me and would always encourage me to become certified in my field as she continually praised my work ethic and skills. I shared with her that I had not attended school since 1995 and I will never forget her saying to me “You would be a fool to be in the presence of a professor daily and not learn or aspire to become something much greater.” In truth, that resonated with me so much and pushed me to finally enrol myself into the prestigious Distinction International College to become a Certified Nursing Assistant & Patient Care Technician.Mrs. Byer was such a vibrant woman, I can recall our weekly routines even though I would see her practically every day – we focused on exercises to enhance her mobility, worked on nutritious meal plans and her favourite part was dressing up elaborately. As our relationship developed, she truly enjoyed dressing up especially for special occasions and events. It was truly a confidence booster for her to wear her best apparel, explore her unique style and take so many pictures – I was committed to making her Golden Years feel extra special to her. Mrs. Byer was a Godfearing woman like myself which I admired very much – some Sundays we had a special tradition of tuning into church online. She was very fond of my pastor Apostle Raymond Wells of the Living Waters Kingdom Ministry as she found his sermons very insightful and connected with us both deeply. I can still remember tucking Mrs. Byer into bed at night and how she would take the time out to pause and pray for me and my family, wishing me a safe journey home – only to start again the very next day. Looking back at the past 3 and a half years since I’ve known Mrs. Byers, we have weathered storms together, praying continuously and overcoming any disagreements or conflicts that we had encountered with each other. I am truly grateful for her and her influence over my life – she has taught me a great deal about patience, empathy and compassion as it has shaped my attitude and character to this very day. Since her passing, I have not been the same – we moved from seeing each other every day to now visiting an empty house and empty bed where she would lay & I have been unable to cope with the grief and how quickly life has changed bitterly. I can still hear her sweet voice calling me “Her Sweet Joanie” and pouring her love into me as if I were her very own family. I want to take this moment to honour, uplift and pay tribute to a truly remarkable woman, mother, grandmother, educator & confidante. Your memory and impact will never be forgotten, your legacy untainted and resilient as ever. May You Rest in Heavenly Peace Mrs. Albertha Byer, May God Bless Your Soul forevermore – from Your Sweet Joanie – Joan P. Llewellyn (CNA, PCT).

The Tribune Limited

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NBA rookie showing selflessness

ACROSS the country, people are getting knocks on their doors at the moment from hopeful election candidates.

The promises are coming thick and fast – we’ll fix this in your neighbourhood, we’ll fix that pothole, that broken street light, we’ll clean up the park… you will have heard the promises yourselves.

Never mind that for those incumbents who are seeking your vote to be re-elected that they have had four and a half years to fix those things – the rush to impress is on now. We have always felt – whichever the party is in office – that suddenly fixing a host of things in the last days counting down to election is as much an admission of failure for not doing so before.

It is a kind of cupboard love from some – that sudden burst of affection in order to gain a reward, in this case your vote. There are, however, many people who are there to help without asking anything more than the opportunity to do so.

There are Bahamians who stand up for those in need in their country – the tireless workers who help to feed the hungry, to house the abused and the homeless, the non-profit organisation members who try to advance our nation and offer aid where it is essential.

You can list the organisations who do so – the churches and clubs, the feeding programmes, the social support networks.

Then there are the individuals – some who work hard at night after their day job, and among them the many parents trying to raise their children the right way, supporting with homework and getting them to school on time and ready to learn.

One such individual is the 20-year-old basketball star VJ Edgecombe, who this week has supported a team of specialists to go to his home island of Bimini to help children there.

It is not long since Edgecombe, the rookie NBA star for the Philadelphia 76ers, was a child in the classrooms of Bimini himself.

Yet as he finds himself still taking early steps in his fledgling NBA career, he has taken the time to think about those back home, and how he can help them.

The initiative sees a team of specialists visiting Bimini to carry out assessments on more than 40 children there to help families who might not have access to specialised services.

The team includes psychologists and a speech language pathologist – and they have come to help children who are in the school system on the island, as well as those who are not enrolled.

Edgecombe has no reason to help those children – including those disenfranchised from education – other than because he has the opportunity. He is not asking for anything other than to be allowed to help.

Good people find good people. The James Pinder Bimini Special Needs Art Project funded the visit after the Ministry of Education could not promise to immediately cover the cost. Project president Ursula Roker also indicated this is not a one-off when it comes to support, saying: “Testing is just the beginning.”

The children being tested include those who are being checked for whether they are on the autism spectrum, or facing other developmental challenges. Finding that out can make a world of difference. It actually gives children the chance to find the support they need in life – and gives their parents the hope of an answer for why some of the challenges they face exist, and learn they are not alone in the world in having to deal with such hurdles.

Edgecombe has created his own foundation, the VJ Foundation, which gave a helping hand to the project too.

The testing that was being carried out would have cost thousands of dollars if it had to be paid privately – which might have been out of the ability of some parents.

The initiative has also shown up weaknesses in our education system – such as one child who uses a wheelchair who does not attend to school because the buildings are not wheelchair accessible.

Edgecombe has worked very hard to get to where he is – though he too had a helping hand along the way. He took part in development camps set up by another Bahamian NBA star – Buddy Hield, who Edgecombe has said was a mentor figure as he grew up.

For a young man who has described himself as coming “from nothing” and living a life with frequent power outages and depending on a generator as he grew up, trying to do his own homework and school preparations, Edgecombe has been sure to remember what that meant.

He is to be commended for stepping up to help. He may say he came from nothing, and he is certainly helping while asking nothing – but the manner he is conducting himself says everything. We applaud him wholeheartedly.

One more thing – we should all look at this. If a 20-year-old young man knows the right thing to do is to reach out and help, perhaps we all should learn a lesson from that and follow suit.

Thank you, VJ.

Lottery could be change we need

EDITOR, The Tribune.

I WASN’T planning on watching the FNM launch last night. I’ve been through enough elections The Bahamas to know how these things usually go. There is usually plenty of talk, nice production and then nothing much after the election. But when they announced plans to bring back the National Lottery, I had to call my sister who was just as impressed as me. What caught my attention wasn’t just the national lottery itself. It was the way they described how the money would be used.

They said the money won’t go into the Consolidated Fund. This means the government can’t just spend the money and spend it on whatever they feel like. Instead, it goes into a separate, legally structured fund and it has to be reported on publicly under the Freedom of Information Act.

When is the last time you heard a politician in this

country announce a new revenue stream and immediately tell you it would Not be under their direct control? That got my attention. Think about what the money is actually for: education, sports, youth development, and culture. I have a son who wants to be an athlete for The Bahamas in Carifta. I know other young people who into drawing and painting. They could benefit from a National Lottery. I know we’ve heard plenty of promises before, but this one felt different to me because it came with actual structure, a board, oversight, and reporting requirements. Not just ‘trust us.’ The five-ball and six-ball draws also make sense to me. They’re saying clearly it won’t compete with the small ball operators who a lot of Bahamians already depend on for their livelihoods. This is a plan that considers all sides of the

On politicians and progress

EDITOR, The Tribune.

WITH a General Election just weeks away, we thought it an appropriate time to address a matter related to Parliament and the occupants therein that has floated in and out of Bahamian consciousness for some time! That is, a new parliamentary complex with revised parliamentary salaries.

This is one of the few instances in which we agree with the member for Fox Hill, Fred Mitchell who has been championing the cause, including as a part of a parliamentary committee. Of course, there has been and will be resistance to this idea, a direct response in part to the behavior of some parliamentarians, including Mr. Mitchell in some instances, who has used his incredible facility with words as a rapier to excoriate his political opponents and the public.

At any rate, Mr Mitchell was a member of a Select Committee reporting to the House on May 14th, 2014, with recommendations “on all matters pertaining to the powers, privileges and immunities of parliament, the allowances and benefits of parliamentarians and to inquire into the feasibility of the construction of a new parliamentary complex.”

The committee was headed by the late Dr Bernard J Nottage and included Mr Mitchell, Renward Wells, Neko Grant, Hubert Chipman, Cleola Hamilton and Theo Neilly. With the demise of Dr Nottage, Mr Mitchell took the lead in advocating for the recommended changes. The necessity for constructing a new 21st, century parliamentary building should be a no-brainer. We all should be embarrassed if we ever see the accommodations provided for parliamentarians in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

The controversy comes when the salaries of our parliamentarians are discussed. At present, as it has been for many, many years, members of parliament earn a base salary of $28,000 per year. The last increase on record happened back in 1999, 27 years ago!

We remind you of the maxim, “You get what you pay for!”

How would the professionals among you want to work for $28,000 a year?

None of you! As one consequence, the prime minister of the day has an excuse to create a gussiemae cabinet with ministers, ministers of state and parliamentary secretaries, with the two or three members left on the back bench, angry and or embarrassed at not being given the opportunity to earn some decent money.

While the Nottage committee was not charged with addressing the issue of salaries, many seasoned and well-respected citizens have done so to no avail.

who resigned due to commitments arising out of her avocation.

That committee provided arguably the most extensive recommendations for parliamentary salaries to date. While not the entire list we note the following proposed changes:

Prime Ministers salary

- $96,000 and a duty allowance of $40,000

Deputy Prime Minister

- $86,000 and a duty allowance of $20,000

Minister of finance

- $86,000 and a duty allowance of $20,000

Ministers (including the Attorney General)

- $76,000 and a duty allowance of $10,000

Minister of State

- $66,000 and a duty allowance of $7,000

Speaker - $76,000* and a duty allowance of $10,000

Leader of the Opposition (full time) - $76,000 and a duty allowance of $10,000

Part Time) - $56,000

Deputy Speaker

- $40,000*

Member of the House

- $36,000

Parliamentary Secretary

- $50,000 and a duty allowance of $5,000

Government Whip

- $50,000**

Government Deputy Whip - $42,000

Opposition Whip

- $50,000**

They recommended that the Speaker and Deputy Speaker, and the Government and Opposition Whip should not receive a regular House salary while holding these positions.

What could be more reasonable for the men and women running arguably the most important company (big business) in the country you may ask?

For the most part, the report was ignored!

Remember, you get what you pay for! Commensurate salaries for the jobs they are expected to perform may not deter those inclined to larceny, but hopefully those patriotic Bahamians who want to serve their country and be properly paid while doing it, will outnumber the malefactors who will slip through the cracks.

We believe the following provides some of the reasons why the efforts mentioned above have been stymied for decades.

Bahamians are not great fans of local politicians, treating them almost like potcakes, enamored with them only when they need them. Of course, you can say the reverse is also true. But Bahamian politicians have no one to blame but themselves!

Get a grip man! This is 2026 and the time for a fixed election date has come and gone. Adding fodder for more raised eyebrows, now that he no longer has to fight for a seat in parliament, Alfred Sears has found a voice and now says, “What are we waiting for? Of course we should have fixed elections!”

In addition, we must acknowledge what happens, as we have seen, when an election is called. Every political operative and fixer comes out of his/her hole with statements, photos and memes some just this side of libelous and on the outer boundaries of moral depravity. Included in these bottom feeders are those with floating ballots.

We should also not be surprised at anything that happens in this edition of “election fever,” as we were warned by the member for Carmichael and Minister of Housing Keith Bell long before elections were announced, “This is going to be nasty!”

With the release of the mandatory financial declarations of candidates for the May 12th General Elections more fantasies were unleashed on the Bahamian people, raising some serious questions about integrity and the validity of the entire process. How does one acquire increased wealth in the millions in some cases, on a government salary and a little investment less than five years ago?

Many of the candidates have made a mockery of the process and they should be made to account by the Parliamentary Registration Department or the Financial Intelligence Unit or whomever investigates questionable financial activities!

We should also not forget the spin, the arrogance and cheekiness on display from this government, to wit: PLP spin miester Latrae Rahming on $141 million cost overruns at Beaches & Parks: “The FNM’s response when they were asked why there were significant cost overruns in Beaches and Parks, they said that they were investing in small and medium sized businesses, and the position of the government today is that we have continued that practice, ensuring that we stimulate the economy and show that those vendors get it.”

argument. It’s refreshing to have a party leader who actually thought this through instead of just announcing something big and leaving the details for later.

I went to bed last night thinking about all the young people who could benefit in areas like sports, afterschool programs, theater and dance.

If this actually happens, if the money actually goes where they say it’s going and the oversight is real, our young people have plenty to look forward to.

I’m writing this as a parent who watched something last night that for the first time in a while made me feel like somebody was actually thinking about us.

We’ll see. But I’m watching.

RYUAN THOMPSON Nassau, April 15, 2026.

As far back as April, 2000, a parliamentary review commission to consider salaries was Co-Chaired by former Governor General and member of parliament Sir Arthur Foulkes and former minister and deputy prime minister Sir Clement Maynard. Included as members were Messrs Felix Stubbs, Raymond Winder, Ishmael Lightbourne, the late Timothy Donaldson and Ms Wendy Warren

With general elections now in the offing, Members of Parliament who have not been seen in their constituency for the last four years are now visible on every street corner, bearing gifts and promises, some of them so outlandish and unbelievable as to be laughable at best.

Of course, this does not include the newcomers also selling dreams they must know will be difficult to deliver if at all!

The political gamesmanship often on display does not help either. For example, “Read the tea leaves!!”

This after the PLP threatened to prosecute former chairman of the authority and now deputy leader of the FNM, Shanendon Cartwright, for cost overruns during his tenure. We guess that is better than nothing as the present chairman, Mickell Bonaby has ignored reporters’ questions about the matter opting instead for the party line of supporting small businesses. Not the kind of response that breeds confidence in the public that this group of politicians will do the right thing and deserve more money!

So, who is bold enough to pass a bill for increased parliamentary salaries and a new complex? Unfortunately, we believe that is, still on the far horizon and gussiemae cabinets and depleted back benches will be with us for a while.

ED MURROW II Nassau, April 23, 2026.

Sebas next Housing Minister?

EDITOR, The Tribune.

IT appears as if Prime Minister Philip Brave Davis has unequivocally told housing minister Keith Bell, you’re Fired! From what I can conclude, it looks like the candidate for Fort Charlotte Sebastian Bastian in the new unofficial Minister of Housing. He is addressing Housing issues at PLP rallies.And radio talkshows

discussing the subject. But Madam Editor, Minister Bell could be viewed as a protégé of the powerful Sir Franklyn Wilson. It begs the question ‘is the balance of power in the PLP shifting?’It is rumored that Sebas is doing whatever he wants in the PLP.

We are going into an election. And one is forced to ask,’what is the relationship like between the PM and the member of parliament for Carmichael? ‘You may recall some time ago, Mr Bell embarrassed the Prime Minister with the church incident. But Madam Editor, it must be embarrassing and humiliating to be the Minister responsible for Housing but a rookie is delivering the government’s message. PAT STRACHAN Nassau, April 15, 2026.

Officials and community stakeholders gather to reopen the Elizabeth Estates Clinic on Thursday, April 23, 2026. The brief ceremony highlighted the facility’s recent upgrades and expanded services. Health Minister Dr Michael Darville, Energy Minister JoBeth Coleby-Davis, and Yamacraw MP Zane Lightbourne delivered remarks before cutting the ribbon and touring the building. Photos: Shawn Hanna

Murder suspect gets eight months for brief escape from police custody

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net

A MAN awaiting trial for murder was sentenced to eight months in prison yesterday for briefly escaping police custody on the day of his arraignment.

Jocelyn Similien, 37, escaped from the Elizabeth Estates Police Station through a southern bathroom window at 6.50am on April 20, causing $167 in damage.

Police pursued him onto Commonwealth Boulevard, where he evaded officers by jumping over a church fence. He was later apprehended near a corner off Soldier Road. Later that same day, Similien was arraigned on a murder charge.

Prosecutors allege that Similien and Peter Louis, 39, shot and killed Cameron Munnings on March 19 in New Providence.

Munnings’ body, with apparent gunshot wounds

to the head and upper torso, was discovered by a woman picking fruit in bushes near Opulent Drive and Edmonton Close around 11am on March 20.

Similien pleaded guilty to escaping lawful custody and causing damage before acting Chief Magistrate Ancella Evans. He was sentenced to eight months in prison. Inspector Deon Barr prosecuted the case, while Levan Johnson represented the accused.

Teenager remanded to prison on attempted murder charge

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net

A TEENAGE male was remanded to prison yesterday over a near-fatal shooting in New Providence last week. Prosecutors allege that Zion Dawkins, 19, and accomplices attempted to shoot and kill Keondre Barnette with a handgun on the night of April 16. Dawkins was not required to enter a plea to charges of attempted murder and possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life before Acting Chief Magistrate Ancella Evans. He was informed that the matter will proceed to the Supreme Court by way of a voluntary bill of indictment.

The defendant was advised of his right to apply for bail in the higher court. Dawkins was remanded to the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services until July 23, when the voluntary bill of indictment is expected to be served.

Inspector Deon Barr prosecuted the case, while Linda Virgil represented the accused.

67-year-old woman admits to stabbing stepson over cursing

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net

A 67-YEAR-OLD woman who stabbed her stepson in the back at their Adelaide Village home last week for cursing her was ordered to be of good behaviour for six months.

Inspector Cordero Farrington prosecuted the case.

FreddieMae Strachan stabbed Edroy Smith, 47, with a knife at their home on Israel Street on April 17. She pleaded guilty to causing harm before Deputy Chief Magistrate Shaka Serville. Strachan said she stabbed her stepson because he kept “messing” with her and had cursed her. She will return to court on April 30 for further consideration of her sentence, when the complainant is expected to address the court on how the incident affected him.

Man granted $8,000 bail over loaded gun on Exuma dock

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net

A MAN accused of having a loaded gun on a dock in Exuma was granted bail yesterday. Prosecutors allege that Jedson Smith, 34, was found with a black 9mm Glock 17 pistol and 14 rounds of ammunition in a black backpack at the George Town Dock at 11am on April 20. Smith pleaded not guilty to possession of an unlicensed firearm and possession of ammunition before Senior Magistrate Kendra Kelly Burrows. His bail was set at $8,000 with one or two

sureties. As a condition, he must sign in at the Farmer’s Cay Police Station every Friday by 6pm. The matter was adjourned to May 20 in Exuma. Sergeant Vernon Pyfrom prosecuted the case, while Bjorn Ferguson represented the accused.

Grand Bahama, Walker’s Cay, Little Bahama Bank Drug Plane Wrecks

MANUEL “Pete” Fernandez shotdown14 SovietandChinese MiGjets intheKorean War,and wasfetedwith aparadeand medals fromthe USand UK. Then,atage 55hisCessnaaircraft filledwith marijuana crashed and burnedalong a remoteroad ineastern GrandBahama.

On October 17,1980, BahamasAssistant PoliceCommissioner, AlonzoButler, observed that therewas a substantial amount” of marijuana, while othersdescribedit asaresidual amount. Fernandezwas killedin thecrash.Theownershipanddes tination of hisplane remain un known. Fast money makes strange bedfellows.

According to reports, Fernandezandtwootherpilots hadbeen detainedin Colombia earlier, and had their DC-3 confiscated when the engines failed after delivering electronics. Theyeachwere forcedtopay over $50,000, and resorted to bothhelping the good guys and “thebad guys” inthe murky world of 1980s drug trading in South Florida.

Ajournalist forthe Military News describedthe environmment atthe time. Tales of overnight wealth are legion. Thereisn'tapilotinSouthFlorida who hasn'tbeen approachedby dopers,”hewrote.“NickNavarro a Broward Countynarcotics detective knew Pete and said he'd been ‘helpful’ in drug investigations this year.”

headedforwhat reportscalled “a lonely asphalt road.” And the rest is history, as they say. Parts of his plane are no doubt still there. Fernandez isburied inArlington National Cemetery InAugust 2023,I receiveda surprising messagefrom aNorwegian friend,about adiscovery hissonhad found: “a large submergedaircraft wreckjustnorth of Freeport. Tryingto figure out the story.It is

In other words,there were blurry lines everywhere.

Investigators speculated that Fernandez mayhave lostcontrol when he spotted power lines on theshoulderoftheroad,whichhe was instructed toland on. After he clippedpine treesand slammed to earth, he ended up burnedandbroken,layingcrumpled face-down in the tall grass.

The plane Fernandeztook to Freeportthat Septemberwasa hybrid:aGeronimowitha180-hp engineinsteadof 150hp.Fifty extra gallons offuel were strappedto thewings,which probably contributed to his death. Afiberglass appendageupfront allowed morecargo andthe souped-up planecould landon just457 feetof tarmac.The plane s owner had invested $1,000 in extra wheels.

Telling hisspouse, anAustralianTV chef,he washauling lobsters, Fernandeztook offat dawnon17October.Onceloaded withdrugs,he avoidedairballoons withdeadly cablesup to 15,000 feet and went in to High Rock, Grand Bahama. Armed withjustaVHFradiotoreachthe cargoreceivers onland,he

looks likea DC4or DC6, the message said. With a lot of help from local fishermanArchie McBride,and PericlesMaillis,webelievethisis alarge former-militarydrug cargo plane wreck from the 1980s.CaptainMcBride,whohas found a number ofaircraft in his fishingcareer,someofthemmilitary,is convincedthatthis isa classic drug plane. Thelocation isambiguous: about25 milesnorth ofFreeport, 15miles fromthedeep waterof the GulfStream, andfar toodeep for thepilot tosay afloat.The twin-engine DC-3 --aka C-47 Dakota--was a classic military cargo workhorse. Thecrew likely ditched due to weather or engine trouble,andthen thedrugsand crew weretaken off.By whom? Nobodyknows (ornobody’s talking).

Duringthe1970sand80sthere were at least 45 air crashes in and off Grand Bahama,including a passengerplane withmanycasualties – reported by the US agency NTSB. However, most aircraft were of the small private Cessna,Beechcraft,andPipervarietyflying withintheBahamas or to the US, and not large cargo aircraft lumberingthrough Bahamas from South America. Roughly 10 crasheseach were atWest End,Freeport,and Walker s Cay,likely notdrug planes. A shortarticle in the Miami News of19 March 1982 reports how Paul Gumtto, an FBI

agent inPittsburgh, diedin a plane crash in The Bahamas. Hiscousin, Harvey, and the pilot, Charles Johnson, survived. Paul had jumped from theplane momentsbeforeit slammedintothewateroffGrand Bahama.

InMay of1981, aKentucky familyarrivingintheBahamasby sailboat were resting off Riding Rock,Grand Bahamaswithtwo youngdaughterswhentheysawa smallairplanedropbalesofmarijuana toa yacht andseveral lobsterboats anchorednearby. Thoughthe sailboatcaptain strungup spearguns anda shotgun, theincident shookthe sailboaters. Wewere scaredto death,” the captain’s wife admitted. “It was as flagrant as anything you ever saw.

A contemporary news article by newswire Associated Press (AP) fromKingston JamaicareportedthatfourAmericanssmuggled 47bales ofmarijuana with labels on them that read Rush, Non-Toxic Serum.” They damaged their wing on landing and fled into the Grand Bahama bush.

Then UnitedPress International reported on April 21, 1987 thatacrowdof100beachpartiers in GrandBahama effectivelyenvelopedandprotectedthecrewof acrasheddrugplane.“Somefired shots and attackedBahamian and Americandrug enforcementpolice Monday nightto keep officers from reaching a suspected drugplane thatcrash landedon thebeach.One shotsmashedthe windshieldofaUSCustomsheli-

copter.Policefiredovertheheads of the crowd,” the report said. Beforeduskthat daytheUS Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA)reported spottingoneof the suspected smugglers. “A Piper Aztec [N5BX], seen makinganair droptotwohighspeedcigaretteboatsnearOrange Cay, about 40 miles south of Bimini.”Whenoneoftheboatswas caught, it hadnight-vision gogglesandM-16machineguns.The US&Bahamas deployedahelicopter anda jet, butwhen Bahamian officers landedon the beach,the crowdpeltedthem with rocks andbottles and “badmouthedthem fromclosequarters -- less than an arm's length away,” reports said.

Thepolicewereextracted.And though abale ofmarijuana was recovered, the windshield of the expensive chopper was destroyed by gunfire. The Washington Post reported that themen eluded capture.

On June 3,1975, the Miami Herald reporteddetailsofanother crash. Two pilotswerekilled when aLockheed Lodestar (N75G) crashed.One pilotwas a passenger pilot by day, and his co-pilot wasa realestate developerdownon hisfinancialluck. Bothmen leftfamilies. The article continuedwith “three airplanes carrying illicit drugs crashed in Floridain recent months.”

In 1985, USPresident Ronald Reagan appointed Admiral Daniel Murphy to work with the Bahamiangovernmenttocurbthe spiralling drug trade. The Miami Herald reported onsome ofthe

Northern Bahamas Grand Bahama plane drug smuggling routes. arrangements made. “A radar balloon will be floated over Grand Bahama to supplement the weaponry already in place in the waron drugs. Thiswas aftera Bahamian RoyalCommission determined that high-ranking membersof thegovernmenthad been acceptingdrug-tainted bribes. AdmiralMurphy stated that Floridaremains themecca for narcotics smugglers. Volumeswere tripling,and seizuresrosefrom12,000pounds in1983to 44,000thefollowing year.”

TheUSSenate wastoldthat from 1982 to 1986 US Customs airoperations seized236aircraft with24,805 poundsofcocaine and100,090poundsofmarijuana atacostof$265million.But452 flights gotthrough dueto weather,lack ofmanpower,or lost tracks. USCustoms’ Miami branch had14 planes and60 pilots.The MarineOperations budgetfor 1987was just$24M, compared to $200M for air. They soon realizedthat identifying every single planeor boat crossing the USborder was costprohibitive.

From 1982 to1986 the US Coast Guard “seized 884 vessels with15,312 poundsofcocaine and12.1million poundsofmarijuana. Atfirstsmuggledcocaine

wasshippeddirect byairfrom ColombiatoFlorida,thenviaBahamas.By1987, theUShadcut off50%ofthatColombia-Florida directtrade,so itwasflownto Bahamas and inserted by boat. US Customs placedthree interceptor boats off Cat Cay, Bimini, which dried up the trade. On October 24, 1985, US Feds seized28boats inFlorida.One group ofsmugglers inFlorida charged$3,000 perkilo anda minimum load of 350 kilos.

American pilot James Bernard Mason was shotdown and killed inaDC-3 overHondurasin March, 1987. Fouryears earlier, the retired pilotwho was frequently out of town,” was fined $20,000inamarijuanabustinthe Bahamas. Theaircraft heflew was believedto havebeen doubled, meaning aclean tail number was placed over one identified with the drug trade. US Customsofficials estimated that some 80 planes secretlylandedin SouthFloridaor the US every night.As one observer noted inanother Miami Herald article from June, 1981: enforcement in the Bahamas is almost geographicallyimpossible.” Over time, production and smuggling routes changed with economies and enforcement. Whoknows whatthenext smuggling opportunity will be?

Trump orders US military to ‘shoot and kill’ Iranian small boats choking Strait of Hormuz

By JON GAMBRELL, JAMEY KEATEN and AAMER MADHANI Associated Press

PRESIDENT Donald Trump has ordered the US military to “shoot and kill” small Iranian boats that deploy mines in the Strait of Hormuz, he said Thursday, a day after Iran again displayed its ability to thwart traffic through the channel.

Trump’s post on social media came shortly after the US military seized another tanker associated with the smuggling of Iranian oil, ratcheting up a standoff with Tehran over the strait through which 20% of all crude oil and natural gas traded passes.

“I have ordered the United States Navy to shoot and kill any boat, small boats though they may be ... that is putting mines in the waters of the Strait of Hormuz,” Trump posted, adding that US minesweepers “are clearing the Strait right now.”

“I am hereby ordering that activity to continue, but at a tripled up level!” he added.

Meanwhile, it was still unclear when, or if, the two sides would meet again in the Pakistani capital, Islamabad, where mediators are trying to bring the countries together to reach a diplomatic deal.

Negotiations initially planned for this week have not happened. Iran insists it will not attend until the US ends its blockade on Iranian ports and ships.

America insists it will not take part until Tehran

opens the strait to international traffic.

Pope Leo XIV, returning home from a trip to Africa, urged the US and Iran to return to talks to end the war.

Footage shows US forces on deck of tanker

The Defense Department released video footage earlier Thursday of US forces on the deck of the Guinea-flagged oil tanker Majestic X, which was seized in the Indian Ocean.

The footage emerged a day after Iran’s paramilitary Revolutionary Guard attacked three cargo ships in the strait, capturing two of them, in an assault that raised new concerns about the safety of shipping through the waterway.

The powerful head of Iran’s judiciary, Gholam Hossein Mohseni Ejei, said three “violating ships” in the strait were “subject to enforcement”

on Wednesday.

“The show of strength by the armed forces of Islamic Iran in the Strait of Hormuz is a source of pride,” he wrote Thursday on X, claiming that the Americans “lack the courage” to approach the strait.

Ship-tracking data showed the Majestic X in the Indian Ocean between Sri Lanka and Indonesia, roughly the same location as the oil tanker Tifani, which was seized earlier by American forces. It had been bound for Zhoushan, China.

The vessel previously had been named Phonix and had been sanctioned by the US Treasury Department in 2024 for smuggling Iranian crude oil in contravention of US sanctions against the Islamic Republic.

There was no immediate response from Iran about the seizure.

Trump claims leadership rift in Iran

Trump this week extended a ceasefire to give the battered Iranian leadership more time to come up with a “unified proposal” on ending the war, while maintaining an American blockade of Iranian ports.

In a separate post Thursday, Trump claimed a leadership rift between moderates and hardliners was confounding Iran.

“Iran is having a very hard time figuring out who their leader is! They just don’t know!” Trump said.

The president has repeatedly said over the course of the ceasefire that began on April 8 that his team is dealing with Iranian officials who want to make a deal, while acknowledging that his decision to kill several top leaders has come with complications.

Iran’s president and its parliament speaker posted almost identical statements on social media declaring that the country has no hard-liners or moderates.

“We are all Iranians and revolutionaries,” they said.

A spokesperson for the Iranian Foreign Ministry said Trump’s claim of a leadership rift was “a form of deflection.” Other Iranian officials said on social media that the country was united

Lebanon and Israel to hold second round of talks

Elsewhere on the diplomatic track, Lebanon and Israel were set to hold a second round of talks in

Washington to discuss the possibility of extending a truce between Israel and the Hezbollah militant group. The latest war between Israel and Hezbollah started two days after Israel and the US launched attacks on Iran, after the Tehran-backed militants fired rockets into northern Israel.

In a new show of the fragility of the ceasefire that went into effect Friday in Lebanon, Hezbollah said it attacked Israeli positions in southern Lebanon, targeting Israeli soldiers in the village of Taybeh.

Each side has accused the other of breaching the 10-day truce.

The standoff between the US and Iran has choked off nearly all exports through the strait with no end in sight.

On Thursday, Iran’s exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi was splattered with red liquid as he left a building after a news conference in Berlin. The person believed responsible was immediately detained by police.

During the event, Pahlavi criticized the ceasefire between the US and Iran, arguing that the agreement assumes the Iranian government’s behaviour will change and “you’re going to deal with people who all of a sudden have become pragmatists.”

Pahlavi, 65, has been in exile for nearly 50 years. His father, Iran’s shah, was so widely hated that millions took to the streets in 1979, forcing him from power.

Nevertheless, Pahlavi is

trying to position himself as a player in his country’s future.

Threats to shipping persist

Since the Feb. 28 start of the war between Iran, Israel and the United States, over 30 ships have come under attack in the waters of the Persian Gulf, the Strait of Hormuz and the Gulf of Oman.

The threat of attack, rising insurance premiums and other fears have stopped traffic from moving through the strait. Iran’s ability to restrict traffic through the strait, which leads from the Persian Gulf to the open ocean, has proved a major strategic advantage.

Jakob Larsen, the head of maritime security for BIMCO, the largest international association representing shipowners, said in a note Thursday that most shipping companies need a stable ceasefire and assurances from both sides of the conflict that the strait is safe for transit.

The threat of mines, he wrote, was a “particular concern” if traffic might return to normal levels one day.

The ceasefire has been strained by the duelling US attacks on Iranian ships and those by Iran on commercial vessels.

The conflict already has sent gas prices skyrocketing far beyond the region and raised the cost of food and a wide array of other products. Officials around the world have warned that the effects on businesses, consumers and economies could be long-lasting.

Debris from Hurricane Helene is helping fuel Georgia’s wildfires

By EMILIE MEGNIEN, RUSS BYNUM and JEFF MARTIN Associated Press

THE destructive wildfires tearing through Georgia this week are being fed by not only a persistent drought, but also by fallen trees and limbs scattered across the South by Hurricane Helene well over a year ago.

Blustery winds also are helping ignite and expand the fires in Georgia and Florida that have blanketed parts of several states in smoke, leading to air quality warnings Thursday in cities far from the blazes.

The weather forecast Thursday appeared to warn of another high-risk day, with shifting winds that could send embers flying in all directions a major concern.

Hundreds of residents have been forced from their homes near Georgia’s coast, where a wildfire destroyed more than 50 homes and threatened many more.

Georgia’s biggest fire near the Florida state line doubled in size in less than a day and by Thursday had burned through a sparsely populated area that’s twice the size of Manhattan.

Images from the devastated areas show the shells of charred cars and trucks sitting next to the smouldering ruins of homes nestled among blackened trees.

Many who were forced to flee this week were left distraught about the homes and animals they left behind.

“I don’t know if I have a house standing or not,” said Denise Stephens, who evacuated her home near Hortense because of the fast-moving Brantley County fire. “I know what it’s taken from other people, but I don’t know what I have left standing.”

Wood debris littering the state’s southern half since Hurricane Helene churned through in September 2024 has enabled Georgia’s two biggest fires to spread and intensify quickly, officials said.

“There’s a ton of old Hurricane Helene debris

down in the woods,” said Seth Hawkins, a Georgia Forestry Commission spokesperson. “It’s lying around and it’s just a tinderbox out there.”

The forestry commission estimated that Helene swept across nearly 14,000 square miles (36,000 square kilometres) of forestland statewide, striking areas where trees are grown for paper and lumber.

In Helene’s wake, cleanup efforts were rolled out across southern Georgia.

The state put up roughly $135 million to help private timberland owners remove fallen trees, and the Army Corps of Engineers hauled off millions of cubic yards of debris. But they couldn’t get everything.

“The way Helene just threw everything down like matchsticks, there’s only so much you can do short of bulldozing everything,” Hawkins said.

“There are big pockets of woods out there where people don’t walk around too much. So it just kind of gets left there.” It isn’t known yet how

the wildfires started, but the bottom half of Georgia and northern Florida are both extremely dry.

In Florida, firefighters were battling more than 130 wildfires, mostly in the state’s northern half. Fire crews in Georgia responded to 34 new and relatively small blazes Wednesday, the forestry commission said.

Smoke from the wildfires was drifting across a large area of the Southeast, making the air unhealthy on Thursday for children and those with lung or heart problems in cities as far as Columbia, South Carolina.

A haze hung over Atlanta’s skyline a day earlier and there was a smoky smell across the metro area.

Officials are hoping for rain to help tame the fires. There’s a 30% to 40% chance of showers or thunderstorms in the area of both big Georgia fires this weekend, according to the National Weather Service. While showers could bring some welcome relief, thunderstorms could also produce lightning capable of sparking more fires.

The food, the festivities . . . the signs are everywhere

ELECTIONS area lot

likeChristmas. Youknow they’re coming,but you wait until the last minute to geteverything donethat you had all year to do. It s notjust politics.We alldo it, thatwaiting thing-good intentionsbumping into resounding procrastination.

Maybe it’s abudgetconstraint.

Maybe it’sjust thatwe getbusy andotherthings get in the way.

Butwhatever thecause, there’snoquestion – it’sa last-minute scramble and then wemove likelightning. Speed like we never knew wehad. Wenever knewwecouldgetsomuch donesofast.Wevisitfolks. Wefixupstuff.Wefindthe funds toshop orprovide whatever weneed forthe big day and we do with a ferocity and fierceness that defies reason.I’ve watched myown husbandshopfor the entirefamily inan hour and come outa winner. He makesthe impossiblelook possible. I shake my head in wonder every time, but that doesn’tstop itfrom happening againand again. It s apattern thatrepeats with amazing familiarity –and incredible success.

Like the holidays, there’s an excitement in the air during election season. And thesigns areeverywhere.

Holiday signsmay bea bit more subtle, but there s still a lot of red.

I’lladmit --election signs are considerably morecolourful thanholidaysigns. There’s red and blueand gold(and notsure whatthose othercolours are, but there are a lot of

them.) There’s also something called “Bluetown,” butI haven’tquite gotthat one figured out yet. Did I saythe signs are everywhere? That’s for sure: onthe highway, wishing youa blueand gold or bright red happy election season,sharing information aboutwhat this party orthat has tooffer or iftheydidnotliveuptothe promisethey offeredlast season. And anothersimilarity -everybody getspresents. Some of them are small, stocking stuffers over the holidays,t-shirt stuffersat the rallies.

Or so I’m told.

Then the real presents, thoseyou havebeen waitingfor allyear.The newi-phoneorgiantscreen TV in time for Superbowl, or something personal like jewellery, perfume,a de-

signerbag. Electionseason presentsmay lackthe wrapping paperwith little Santas or reindeer, but they definitely come with big ribbons: ribbon-cuttings, groundbreakings, areminderof newairportsor completionof roadand paving,a refreshofparks, brand new playground equipment.

Then there’s thegreatest similarityof all:thefood. Wecoulddiet allyearjust to get readyfor what we consume during the holidays orthe lead-upto elections, especially for all thosewhoshowuptoevery rallyto swallowthe promises, alongwith the jerk chicken orribs. They call ita “meet-and-greet” but for many, it’sa “meat and eat.” A rally without food would belike church without a choir,a sermon without a song to follow.

Again, a littlecall for honesty.Would asmany showupifitweren tforthe food? It’s a good guess that we’ll never know.

And finally,it wouldn’t be Christmasor election season withoutall the kisses andhugs, thearms around family members we haven’t seen, the hands we haven’tpumpedforawhile even thoughlast timewe promised to stayin touch and not letso much time passwithout gettingtogether. Grown men hug babies. Theyshake hands with folkswho comefrom all over just for the festivi-

GETTING IT WRIGHT!

In mycolumn ofFriday, 20March, The Highs and Lows of the Week, I gave plaudits and please-do-these toCommander Berne Wright, Acting Port Controller.We are delightedto saythat notonly washe firmin maintaining his stance aboutjet ski reforms anddisallowingoperators toridewith guests, hecleaned up the waterfronteast of Potter sCaywhere cargocontainerswere parking randomly, sometimes overnight, sometimes for longer. There is now an unobstructed viewof the harbourand private equipment is not parked on public land. Thank you, Commander Wright. You got it right and the public thanks you. Now, ifsomeone couldaddress the

ties. It s themost joyoustime ofthe year,every yearat theholidays andeveryso many years--four or five thereabouts, never more thanfive--at elections.You can feel theelectricity in the air, hear allabout it on radio,read theheadlines. Salesteams areinfull force. Thisis theseason that makes or breaks. The Bahamas takes a deep breath and considers whatthe nextyear oryears will bring. We do this together as a nation with a certain reverence.And, howeverwe wrapourgifts orbundleourhopes,there’s onethingthat unitesus –wefeel itdeeply. Thedoor isopen, welcomingthe chaos,the spirit,thefamily squabbles, andthe warmth of the hugs. The seasonmatters. Our participation matters. No oneshouldbeleftoutinthe cold. It s theholidays,the season. Thereis aplace for everyone at the table. In theend, weare all served.

problemthatthe owneroftheresidence called Folly faces the poorman is beside himselfwithwoe.Thatwallhasnowbeenhit 21 times, thelast time this week.The paint was noteven dryfrom therepairs ofthe smash thetime before.The solutionis so simple.Three easysteps.Reinstall thestreet lightthat wasknocked downinone ofthe earlier crashes. Install cat’seyes in the road for bettervisibility anduse calmingstrips leading fromeast of Harbour BayCentre to theturn inEast BayStreet.No oneshould havetolivefearing thenextcrashintotheir wall, wonderingwhen the carwould plow intothehouseitself.Inoneoftheseveraljust since January, a policeofficer was killed. What more does it take?

Belgium’s Beguinages: Tranquil

oases in a world of noise and distraction

By VIRGINIA MAYO Associated Press

BRUGES, Belgium (AP) The clatter of suitcases rolling overcobblestones, motorboats chuggingalongacanalandvisitorschatteringinasmattering oflanguages providea soundtrackto Bruges thatmakesitclearyouareinoneofBelgium smost touristic cities.

And yet,about twodozen womenresidents and visitors havefound ahidden sanctuaryfrom its bustleinaspotoverasmallbridgeandunderanornatearch withan engravedLatin phrase “sauvegarde,” or “safe place” in English.

Nestledinaseaof yellowdaffodilsliesanoasis ofcalm andtranquillity foundedin 1245:the Princely Beguinage Ten Wijngaerde of Bruges. For 22 years, Trees Deweverhas called this beguinage herhome. Shesaid itprovides "anoverwhelmingfeeling ofcalm andI thinkwe needthat in this world.

Her neighbour, 23-year beguinage resident Jo Verplaetsen,saidthespirit ofthemedievalshelter is today soothing and social.

Each dayyou are thankfulto behere," she said. A refugefor womenfrom medievalto modern woes However serenenow, thebeguinages emerged after the 12th century as an antidote to devastation.

ConflictsintheMiddle Agesravagedthemale population, creatinga glutof widowsand single women whoneeded some kind ofstability. They often chose the looser rules of the beguinages instead ofstricter convents, said MichelVanholder, a volunteerat theGrandBeguinage Churchof Mechelen.

“Theydidn’twanttogobecomenunsbutneverthelessthey wantedto livetogether withoutmen becausethere werenotenoughmen tomarry,"he said.

Womenwho joinedwerecalled beguines,and whileforbiddentomarry whileresidinginthebeguinages,theywere allowedfreeegress,could own their ownproperty and did nottake religious vows of celibacy and poverty like nuns in adjacent convents.

Women who didn t wantto become real nuns or religiouscould havean in-betweenform, becoming a beguine," said Brigitte Beernaert, who movedinto theBrugesbeguinagemore than20 years ago.

Womeninthe beguinageoftenworkedcaring forthesick andpoor,butalso earnedmoneywith needlework and weavinglace. Some ploughed profits back into the community. Butthe beguinageswereatdifferent timesembracedand persecutedbytheVatican. Oneprominent beguine,the FrenchChristian mysticMarguerite Porete, was condemnedas a heretic and burned at the stake in 1310. NovelistsKenFollett, CharlotteBrönteand UmbertoEco havewritten aboutthe beguinesand their male counterparts the beghards. Architecturally, thebeguinages weredesigned forlike-mindedwomento liveincomfort,quiet and safety,with small gardens tuckedinto either easily accessible alleys or around a main square withhousesfacingacommoncourtyard.Theheart ofthe communitywasalmostalways achapelor church. While thelast beguine inBelgium, Marcella Pattijn,diedin2013at theageof92,thecentral tenet ofthe beguinagecommunity haspersevered over the past 800 years.

Moonwalking into the moment

By JEFFARAH GIBSON

Tribune Features Writer jgibson@tribunemedia.net

IF social media has felt a little more electric lately, you are not imagining it. Scroll for a few minutes and chances are you will come across Bahamians moonwalking across living rooms, sliding across tiles, or striking their best “Billie Jean” pose. The reason is simple. The buzz surrounding the release of Michael has officially taken over timelines, and fans are having a time.

From quick 30 second dance clips to full costume transformations, people have been leaning all the way in. Fedora hats have made a comeback, white socks are suddenly a fashion statement again, and the signature glove has been popping up in the most unexpected places. It is not just about watching a movie this weekend. It is about stepping into the moment and celebrating the legacy of Michael Jackson in a way that feels fun, nostalgic, and just a little bit competitive. At the centre of the excite-

Fans bring the magic as ‘Michael’ hits the big screen

From full choreography recreations to playful, homegrown interpretations, the entries feel less like a competition and more like a celebration.

The added incentive does not hurt either. Winners will walk away with complimentary tickets to see the film along with concession combos, giving fans even more reason to join in. But truthfully, the real reward seems to be the moment itself. The chance to participate, be seen, and just have fun.

“Our goal is to go beyond just showing the film. We want to create an experience,” a representative from Fusion Superplex shared. “These activations allow our guests to feel part of something special while celebrating the legacy and influence of Michael

ment locally is Fusion Superplex, which is turning what could have been a standard premiere into something much bigger. The cinema is not just showing the film. It is building an experience around it, and people have responded.

One of the biggest drivers behind the online buzz has been the launch of two social media contests.

The “Move Like Michael” challenge and a Michael inspired look alike competition have quickly caught on, with entries rolling in from all corners. Participants are being asked to submit short videos or photos showing off their best moves or most convincing transformation into the King of Pop.

And people are not holding back.

already been testing out their looks online, and it would not be surprising to see the theatre lobby turn into a mini tribute runway.

The University of the Bahamas Dance Group, the UB Blue Bellas, has been invited to perform tonight 7pm in Fusion Superplex’s lobby, which could bring that same high energy seen online straight into the cinema space. Behind the scenes, staff are also getting involved,

Jackson.”

That sense of experience is not limited to social media. Concession stands have been reimagined with playful nods to Jackson’s catalogue, offering items like the “Thriller Hot Dog Combo,” “King of Pop Snack Pack,” and “Billie Jean Nacho Combo.” There is also a visual element that is expected to carry right through premiere weekend. Moviegoers are being encouraged to show up dressed the part, and if social media is anything to go by, they will. Fans have

with team members encouraged to dress in themed attire. Think black hats, sunglasses, crisp black outfits, and that unmistak able white glove. It is all part of creating a cohesive atmosphere where everyone, from the box office to the con cession stand, feels part of the moment. And for many, that is what stands out the most. This is not just about a film release. It is about

The film at the centre of all the excitement, Michael, tells the story of the life and legacy of Michael Jackson, widely regarded as one of the most influential entertainers of all time. The biopic is expected to take audiences through

Jackson 5 to global superstardom, highlighting the music, the artistry, and the cultural impact that shaped generations. With a focus on both the triumphs and the complexities of his journey, the film promises a deeper look at the man behind the music, giving fans a chance to reconnect with the moments and sounds that defined an era. Jackson’s 29-year-old nephew Jaafar Jackson, son of Jermaine Jackson, plays Michael himself, taking over from Juliano Valdi as the 10-year-old version in the film’s opening act; Jaafar fabricates Michael’s onstage dancing and singing style with terrific, intuitive