04282026 BUSINESS

RoyalStar targets $2m profits boost in Caribbean expansion

BY NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

A BAHAMIAN insurer is targeting an up to $2m increase in annual profits through expansion “further south” into the Caribbean, as its top executive yesterday asserted: “It’s all hands on deck.”

Anton Saunders, RoyalStar Assurance’s managing director, told Tribune Business that the property and casualty underwriter is presently conducting the “feasibility studies” and other preparatory work before launching ambitions to expand beyond its existing regional presence in Anguilla, the Cayman Island, British and US Virgin Islands and Turks & Caicos.

The move follows a strong 2025 which saw RoyalStar Holdings, the group’s parent company, enjoy a 39.4 percent jump in annual profits to $17.456m compared to $12.521m the year before - an increase of almost $5m. Much of the rise was driven by the insurer’s investments in its affiliates, which include Star General Insurance Agents & Brokers; the Gateway Ascendancy mortgage loan restructurer; and two Cayman-based entities, Vanguard Risk Solutions and RSA Risk Solutions.

The former Cayman affiliate is an insurance broker and agent, while the latter is a captive insurance company. RoyalStar Holdings’ share of its

‘All hands on deck’ for insurer’s push ‘more south’

Near-$5m profits jump beats 2025 forecast by 15%

Insurance costs to fall in 2027 - provided no hurricane

affiliates’ collective profits increased more than six-fold in 2025, surging by almost $3.5m to jump to $4.059m from $673,453 the year before and accounting for the bulk of the parent’s total comprehensive income hike.

And, while RoyalStar Assurance, the group’s property and casualty underwriting entity, saw a flat 2025 with net income slightly down at $10.64m compared to $10.963m in 2024, its parent also enjoyed a more than $1.8m gain on its $12.035m ‘insurance service result’ for last year.

Mr Saunders, who disclosed to this newspaper that RoyalStar Holdings’ 2025 profits exceeded internal budget forecasts and expectations by 15 percent, said the group’s holding

BY NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor

nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

company structure has “worked out tremendously for us”. He explained that, by splitting off the insurance underwriter from the group’s non-insurance investments, it has made RoyalStar Assurance “a stable” company that is easier to both regulate and and audit.

And it has also aided RoyalStar’s investment strategy. “We were able to divert some of our investment money from The Bahamas,” Mr Saunders explained. “We have investments in Cayman, and we have investments in the US. We have foreign currency from those territories. Because of our overseas companies we foreign currency earnings from those territories we are able to invest in the US. We were able to take advantage of that and diversify the investment portfolio away from one territory.”

The RoyalStar chief added that the insurer and its parent have also achieved their long-standing goal of diversifying its business mix, with 55 percent concentrated in The Bahamas and 45 percent in the other territories in which it operates. And it is now looking for even more diversification.

“We have achieved that goal,” Mr Saunders told Tribune Business, “and we’re looking at where we go next. We have some ideas and plans. We are doing the feasibility studies now. We will be expanding into

‘Always planned’ grid manager exit contradicted by Gov’t deal

BY NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

BAHAMAS Grid Compa-

ny’s newly-appointed chief executive yesterday asserted that the early exit of its managing partner less than two years into a 25-year deal “was always planned” - even though this is seemingly contradicted by the Heads of Agreement with the Government.

Dareo McKenzie told a conference call with Bahamian investment advisers and brokers that it was understood that the departure of Island Grid Solutions and its principal, J. Eric Pike, was likely to occur “once we were able to find qualified, capable Bahamians to run Bahamas Grid Company” - the special purpose vehicle (SPV) created to own and hold New

Customs ramps up crack down over invoice fraud Grid operator bills BPL for $75.2m in first year

NEW Providence’s new grid operator yesterday asserted it has ”no reason to expect” Bahamas Power & Light (BPL) will fail to meet its financial obligations to it after billing the state-owned utility for a collective $75.2m in revenues during the first year.

Gladys Fernander, Bahamas Grid Company’s chief financial officer, revealed that under the terms of its Heads of Agreement with the Government it had submitted invoices totalling $62.8m at an average of $6.9m per month, since it started billing BPL for its share of the transmission and distribution (T&D) revenues in April last year. Confirming that this collective sum has been paid, with BPL having around 30 days to pay the bill, she added that Bahamas Grid Company has so far submitted $12.4m in further invoices for 2026 to-date with only the March period as yet unpaid but not past due. The grid operator, under the terms of its Heads of Agreement, is entitled to be paid 5.5 cents per kilowatt hour (KWh) for the first five years of its deal from BPL’s grid revenues.

Ms Fernander, meanwhile, added that Bahamas Grid Company is “well positioned to meet” its obligation to pay $4.4m in semi-annual interest, at a rate of 8 percent, to its $111m bondholders in July 2026. The grid operator previously paid $13.3m to the bond investors in January this year, representing

BY FAY SIMMONS Tribune Business Reporter jsimmons@tribunemedia.net

BAHAMAS Customs’

top executive yesterday said offices are ramping up enforcement against invoice fraud - a long-standing practice that continues to undermine government revenue.

Ralph Munroe, Customs comptroller, said the enforcement and revenue collection agency is grappling with widespread invoice fraud as importers understate the value and quantity of goods to reduce duties that are payable to the Public Treasury.

“The challenge we’re facing is a significant level of invoice fraud. That is where our difficulties lie,” said Mr Munroe. “What it means is that you may have an invoice where someone claims to have paid $1,000, but when you examine it, the true value may be

Nassau energy grid transfer delayed on lien existence woe

Key element in grid Heads of Agreement not performed

Deprives Bahamas Grid’s $111m bond holders of security Means Gov’t/BPL yet to pay for 40% stake in new operator

BY NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

THE transfer of New Providence’s electricity grid assets to their new operator has been delayed due to legal issues surrounding pre-existing liens and charges secured on them, it was confirmed yesterday. Senior Bahamas Grid Company executives, under questioning during a conference call with investment analysts, pledged that they would see the promised transfer of transmission and distribution (T&D) assets from Bahamas Power & Light (BPL) to their special purpose vehicle (SPV) “through to a conclusion” but did not provide a timeline for completion other than saying they would

Providence’s transmission and distribution (T&D) grid.

He was echoed by Anthony Ferguson, CFAL’s principal and the newly-installed Bahamas Grid Company chairman, who argued that “the intent” had always been for Bahamians to manage and operate the firm and, in so doing, eliminate the need for Island Grid’s services. He signalled that the ‘Bahamianisation’ drive, though, had been delayed and setback by the refusal of most of Bahamas Power & Light’s (BPL) 123 T&D personnel to transfer over to Bahamas Grid Company.

“allow the procedure to take its course”. Anthony Ferguson, CFAL’s principal and now Bahamas Grid Company’s newly-installed chairman, ultimately conceded that the New Providence energy grid assets are currently “in escrow” while the new operator waits for the existing liens and charges secured

Nevertheless, Mr Ferguson said Island Grid’s departure will provide a financial boost to both Bahamas Grid Company’s $30m equity investors and $111m bondholders by now eliminating the annual $4.359m management feeequal to 5.8 percent of BPL’s grid revenues and payable monthly - that Island Grid was receiving due to its services no longer being required. He added that this sum will now “drop to the bottom line” of Bahamas Grid Company. However, assertions that Island Grid and Mr Pike’s early exits were “always planned” are contradicted by the Heads of Agreement that they and Bahamas Grid Company signed with the

closer to $600 - or even $500 - in some cases.

“In other instances, they may say they purchased 1,000 items, but the invoice only reflects 800. When you scrutinise it, you find the numbers don’t match what is declared.”

Mr Munroe said Customs also verifies declared values by comparing them with external data. “We also compare prices, whether online or directly with suppliers, and in some cases, we find that the values have been significantly understated,” he added.

While describing the practice as long-standing, the top Customs official said enforcement efforts have intensified. “This is not new. It’s as old as time. The difference now is that we are placing greater focus on identifying and addressing it,” said Mr Munroe.

JOB VACANCY

Registration Officer (London/Nassau)

An exciting opportunity to work with a well-established ship registry in the capacity of Registration Officer within the global Registration team.

Working within the Registration Team, the key client delivery team of the flag state. The team is vocal point in client delivery and ensure compliance to flag state legal framework and international maritime regulations upon registration of vessels. There is an exciting opportunity to join a global ship registry in the supporting the London Registration Team as a Registration Officer.

The Registration Team is key to provide efficient and clientfocused services to our stakeholders and customers. With clients across the global maritime industry, the team is the vocal point in client delivery and ensures compliance of flag state legal framework and international maritime regulations upon registration of vessels.

The successful candidate will play a key role in the management of the end-to-end registration process and ensure all transactions comply with national and international maritime regulations.

Nature of the role:

A detail-oriented and proactive person to provide delivery of our Ship Registration Department. The successful candidate will be responsible for providing experienced support and guidance to clients to ensure the smooth processing of vessel registrations, certifications, and compliance documentation in accordance with international maritime regulations and registry policies.

Key responsibilities:

1. Provide quality service to clients registering their vessels and registration transactions with the flag administration.

2. Prepare and compile appropriate vessels’ documents to perform the completion of registration transactions, such as delivery of vessels, change of ownerships, court sales, mortgages etc.

3. Advise clients on the registration procedures for each registration transaction, inclusive of relevant legal and statutory requirements.

4. Ensure that relevant office procedures are followed, and during the registration of vessel transactions and information is put into the database.

5. Manage provisional extension whenever the need arises.

6. Issue various ship documents as ensure delivery of service.

7. Document the change of ownership, change in vessel name and other registration transactions.

8. Provide guidance to junior team members and necessary training of team members were required.

Qualifications required:

• Essential:

o Undergraduate Degree-level with law being preferable.

o Previous experience working as supervisory level in a registry (flag or aviation administration) or registration team at shipping company.

o Up to five (5) years or more experience working in a client-based industry; working directly with lawyers would be useful.

o Ability to read and understand mortgages instruments

o Understanding of IMO and other international maritime conventions

o Experience using vessel registration database.

• Desirable:

· Knowledge of Document Management System

· Knowledge business or insurance sector

Personal qualities required:

Attention to detail is essential

Fluent in both written and spoken English

Highly developed written and oral presentation skills in a professional manner

Good critical thinking and analysis skills

Good inter-personal and cross-culture skills

Good team-working skills

Self-motivated and able to work without supervision

Good organisational skills and capable of logical prioritisation of activities

Computer competency is essential

Benefits:

Competitive salary

Annual Leave: 22 days per annum (pro-rated first year) & Bahamas public holidays

Private Medical Insurance

Closing date for applications: 8th May 2026

Financial services executives at tax exchange briefing

BAHAMIAN financial services executives have attended an industry briefing dealing with the country’s automatic tax information exchange mamdates that was staged by the Government.

The Ministry of Finance’s symposium on the Common Reporting Standard (CRS) and automatic exchange of information was held on Wednesday, April 22, at the Baha Mar Convention Centre.

It brought together chief executives and chief operating officers from Bahamas-based financial institutions for a series of presentations and discussions under the theme, ‘Raising the bar to move the needle’. The event underscored The

Bahamas’ commitment to strengthening compliance, transparency and global regulatory alignment with the CRS standards set by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).

Presentations were delivered by a cross-section of legal professionals, regulators, consultants and the national CRS co-ordinator. Discussions focused on key developments shaping the regulatory landscape, including the impact of recent legislative amendments; new and mandatory changes to the Ministry of Finance’s automatic exchange of tax information portal, including updated timelines and requirements; and enhanced regulatory

oversight to meet OECD compliance standards.

Other topics included preparing the Bahamian financial services industry to meet evolving standards, including those related to digital assets; strengthening understanding of the financial institutions present in The Bahamas and the imposition of penalties for non-compliance; and an overview of The Bahamas’ national risk assessment framework. A central feature of the symposium included panel discussions led by regulators, offering insights into CRS examinations that will take place in 2026, and outlining expectations for compliance reviews over the coming year.

Building materials ‘manageable’ but cost jumps likely imminent

BY FAY SIMMONS Tribune Business Reporter jsimmons@tribunemedia.net

BAHAMIAN building material suppliers yesterday said fuel and transportation-related pricing pressures have been manageable thus far but are warning increases are likely imminent as higher freight charges work their way into new shipments.

Anthony Roberts, manager at City Lumber Yard, said while import costsespecially shipping - have already increased as a result of the oil price hike sparked by the Middle East conflict, the impact on retail pricing has so far been less severe than initially feared.

“We have seen the cost of importing goods increase, primarily due to shipping. That has already gone up, affecting the cost of bringing in goods and, ultimately, pricing,” said Mr Roberts. “So far, it has not been as bad as we were anticipating, but it’s not over yet, so there is still a lot of uncertainty around fuel and this whole area.”

Mr Roberts said early projections from shipping companies suggested steeper increases than what have materialised. “At first, we were given figures that suggested much higher increases. I think shipping companies were trying to cover themselves, but the increases have not been as

extensive as anticipated,” he added.

He explained that while VAT is excluded, all other import-related costs - including freight - are factored into retail pricing. “All the costs to import goods go into the pricing, with the exception of VAT, because that is removed,” Mr Roberts said.

“So yes, if shipping costs go up, it goes into the formula and affects pricing. We have tried to hold back pricing as best as we can. We don’t like our prices to be like a yo-yo, but if fuel costs go up, unfortunately retail prices will follow.”

Mr Roberts added that rising fuel costs have also increased expenses before goods even reach shipping

ports, as many materials are transported within the US before export.

“I can also add that the cost of materials was affected even before the ocean freight increases, because many materials are trucked or railed to ports in Florida, and fuel costs in the US have gone up as well. The cost of getting goods to the Florida ports has also increased,” said Mr Roberts.

Despite higher local fuel prices, he said the company has so far absorbed those costs rather than passing them on to customers. “On the local front, we have not changed pricing due to the increase in diesel costs. While local gasoline and diesel prices have risen, we

Airport Authority middle managers to benefit from new industrial deal

BY ANNELIA NIXON Tribune Business Reporter

SOME 60 to 70 middle managers employed by the Airport Authority will benefit from yesterday’s industrial agreement signing with the Public Managers Union that pledges training to prepare staff for any future security threats at the Lynden Pindling International Airport (LPIA).

The agreement, which is retroactive to July 1, 2025, applies not only to New Providence but also to Family Island airports. Luciano Seymour, the union’s first vice-president, said negotiations deliberately extended beyond salary considerations to include market-standard training, performance development and structured dialogue on policy changes affecting union members.

Security and operational awareness were also key considerations. Mr Seymour referenced past threats impacting airport operations, stressing the importance of ensuring managers are equipped to respond effectively to evolving risks.

“In particular with regards to security and surveillance, there have been instances in the past with threats that may have impacted the airport, and so just ensuring that persons, our managers, are aware of small items that may impact them, and in particular, the operations of the airport,” he said.

Mr Seymour underscored the broader economic implications, pointing to the role of airports in shaping visitor impressions of The Bahamas. “It [the agreement] prioritises training and professional development with a strong focus on health and safety standards,” he said. “These provisions are essential, not only for protecting our managers and staff, but also for ensuring that our airports operate at market standard levels of safety and efficiency.

“This is especially critical to our tourism product, as each year millions of passengers traverse our airports and the quality of their first and last impressions of The Bahamas rests heavily on the competence, preparedness and safety consciousness of those who manage these facilities.”

Mr Seymour added: “This agreement reinforces our shared responsibility to

Water Corp upgrades

Acklins infrastructure

BY ANNELIA NIXON Tribune Business Reporter

THE Water and Sewerage Corporation (WSC) will carry out works in Acklins involving a reverse osmosis plant, adding water mains and increasing the number of storage tanks. The state-owned utility, in a statement, said the works in North Acklins and other parts of the island will improve water supply for residents. According to officials, the work includes a $930,000 reverse osmosis plant at the Lovely Bay Wellfields to serve the communities of Lovely Bay, Chesters and surrounding residents. It will provide residents with quality desalinated water to replace the prior groundwater supply that has become increasingly brackish over its many years of operation.

Works are also being carried out in the communities of Salina Point and Hard Hill.  In Salina Point, an additional 1,000 feet of water mains are set to be installed to expand the water distribution network at an estimated cost of $60,000 and will serve a further 15 homes.

In Hard Hill, the existing storage is being increased from one tank to four tanks to improve water supply continuity at an estimated cost of $100,000, benefiting more than 30 homes.

Robert Deal, the Corporatinon’s general manager,

said: “Presently, extensive works are underway in North Acklins to supply the residents of Lovely Bay, Chesters and neighbouring communities with high-quality piped portable water through the installation of a new reverse osmosis plant.

“This investment is a major step toward strengthening water security in our Family Islands and ensuring that residents have reliable access to safe, clean water. It underscores the Water and Sewerage Corporation’s commitment to modernising infrastructure across the archipelago and delivering sustainable solutions that improve the quality of life for all Bahamians. As we continue this important work, we are proud to play our part in nation building and shaping the future where every community can thrive.”

“We had a water challenge here for years and years,” Clarence Williams,

uphold international best practices and safeguard the reputation of our nation. The agreement also delivers a meaningful benefits package, recognising the value,esponsibility and contribution of managers, while promoting retention, morale and institutional continuity.

“Ultimately, this agreement is more than a contractual document. It is evidence of mature dialogue, mutual respect and a shared vision between the union and the Airport Authority. It provides certainty for the next five years and lays a solid foundation for continued excellence. I just want to state that we just did not want to focus on compensation, but we also wanted to focus on market standards.

“We also wanted to focus on training and development, because from that you're able to focus on performance, and from there, you're able to benefit money wise. But, overall, this agreement spoke to the entire compass of training and development, ensuring that training is provided at a market standard.”

Leslie Munnings, the union’s president, highlighted the breadth of the agreement, which spans more than 50 pages but

council member for Lovely Bay, said. “The water was so terrible. When you tried to wash your clothes, it was not coming out right. I’m so happy that we have some relief with the new system that’s coming in. The people in North Acklins have been praying for this for years and years. And I am so happy to see that it is really going to happen.”

Robert Moss of Lovely Bay, Acklins, said: “I think this is a major step from Water and Sewerage and I’m happy to see that it is getting done.”

Al Johnson, who frequents Acklins, said this will mean a lot for the people of Acklins. “I have worked around this system for 10 years,” he added. “I know that this a good thing for the islanders and a big improvement for them.”

Clarence Williams, who has lived in Acklins since 2002, said he is really relieved to see the new system come online. “The situation before was really bad. I’m pretty happy with the system that we’re getting this system and I have high hopes for it,” he said.

have absorbed that and not factored it into our pricing,” said Mr Roberts. He added that many building materials, particularly lumber and plywood, are priced as commodities and therefore subject to ongoing market fluctuations.

“When it comes to materials sold on a commodity basis, such as lumber and plywood, prices fluctuate regularly. The market was recently moving up, but now it seems to have settled, so we are hoping it may come down,” said Mr Roberts.

“However, fuel costs have certainly played a role in increasing prices. Many building materials are tied to the US market, so they fluctuate all the time.”

the PMU and the Airport Authority understand that our success is based on much more than money.

devotes only one section specifically to salary increases. He said this reflects a shared understanding that workplace success depends on more than compensation alone.

Among the provisions are mechanisms for continued consultation; salary adjustments to address rising living costs; expanded allowances; and increased support for insurance premiums. The agreement also introduces incentives tied to staff performance and reliability, as well as provisions for uniforms aimed at enhancing professional standards among frontline personnel.

“Our members are engaged at the Airport Authority, the National Insurance Board, the University of The Bahamas and Bahamasair,” Mr Munnings said. “In our view, this latest agreement with the Airport Authority ensures continuing consultation, salary adjustments to help keep pace with the increased cost of living and insurance premiums remain manageable. It also provides increased incentives for staff performance and reliability.

“This agreement consists of over 50 pages. However, only one relates directly to increase in annual salaries. This means that we, both

Besides establishing how we are to communicate on matters which affect our members and our operation, it provides, as I said, increased allowances for staff, increases payment of insurance premiums for our members.”

Mr Munnings added:

“We also are delighted in the small aspects of the agreement that speak to provisions of uniforms. That was something that just wasn't entrenched. And we want to make sure that all of our members, front line particularly, represent the best standard that this country has to offer. And so we're pleased with that.”

Marking what was described as a significant step forward for labour relations in the country’s aviation sector, Peter Rutherford, the Airport Authority’s general manager, said the signing represented a “landmark day” for the aviation community.

“This agreement did not come easily,” Mr Rutherford said, noting that negotiations involved “meaningful” exchanges and compromises “literally down to the very last moment”.

He added that the outcome represents a carefully balanced position serving both the Airport Authority and the union. Mr Rutherford also highlighted the pace of progress since the

Meanwhile, Ms McKinney of Cartwright Building Supplies said her company has not yet adjusted prices, but expects changes as soon as new inventory arrives.

“Right now, we’re basically riding on the last of it, with prices staying the same. Our prices haven’t gone crazy yet, but we might see that in the next shipment,” said Ms McKinney. She added that suppliers have not yet fully passed on increases, but that is expected to change in the near-term.

“We will find out the new prices when we place our next order, so we’re waiting to see how much they go up by; likely around midmonth. We recently reached out to our supplier, and their prices haven’t changed that much yet,” she added.

“I think we may see changes within the next two weeks, as it’s already in the pipeline. The suppliers had agreements that may be ending around the end of April, so we will probably see an increase after that. We know it’s coming.”

PMU became a bargaining unit, noting that two agreements were successfully negotiated within four years; an achievement he called “rare” and indicative of “shared commitment to collaboration, respect and progress”.

For the union, the agreement signals stability and long-term planning. Mr Seymour called the signing a “truly historic milestone”, adding that while it is only the second agreement between the parties, it is the first to span five years.

“This provides a clear signal of stability, confidence and forward planning,” Mr Seymour said. “This achievement is even more noteworthy when viewed in the context of our current term in office. Within just three years, we would have completed, signed and actioned four five-year industrial agreements. That level of delivery reflects intentional leadership, disciplined negotiation and a steadfast commitment to strong industrial relations.”

Mr Munnings added: “To our members, the signing of this agreement with the Airport Authority marks, as Mr Seymour said, the fourth agreement which this team promised, initiated and has successfully executed across four entities in less than four years, meaning NIB, Bahamasair the Airport Authority and University of The Bahamas.”

Energy grid lien hold-up being tackled ‘from legal standpoint’

on them to “be worked through from a legal standpoint”. However, he and other executives repeatedly reassured that they remain confident the transfer will compete once the legal issues are resolved.

The incomplete T&D assets transfer, apart from leaving a key element of the Government’s June 3, 2024, Heads of Agreement with Bahamas Grid Company unfulfilled, is further significant in another way. For it means that Bahamas Grid Company does not presently possess on its balance sheet the very assets that would be a central part of the security for the $111m debt financing provided by its bondholders. Besides the lack of security for the bondholders’ investments, which would have induced them to part with their capital, the failure to transfer the T&D assets to Bahamas Grid Company also means that BPL and the Government have not paid for their 40 percent stake in the former. The grid assets were supposed to be the Government and BPL’s equity capital contribution, valued at $100m, to Bahamas Grid Company.

The Bahamas Grid Company conference call also confirmed that information

received by Tribune Business from its sources last week - that the grid assets had not been transferred from BPL as envisaged by the Heads of Agreement because of challenges with existing liens and charges, such as bank debt financing, that were secured on them.

Bahamas Grid Company executives were initially coy about the T&D asset transfer, and the reasons for the delay, but ultimately opened up more following persistent, dogged questioning from Rian Pinder, an official with CG Atlantic, the Bahamian insurer and financial services provider. “Given that it’s supposed to be a ring-fenced revenue model, have the T&D assets been transferred over?” she asked, questioning whether they would appear on Bahamas Grid Company’s 2025 audited balance sheet.

Gladys Fernander, Bahamas Grid Company’s chief financial officer, replied:

“Regarding the transfer of those assets, there is a process being followed to have those assets transferred and that is currently in progress. We are just allowing the procedure to take its course. The expectation is that…. the timing is still being worked through, but for sure the assetsbased on everything that is happening now - will be transferred to Bahamas

Grid Company as per the Heads of Agreement.”

Ms Pinder, though, followed up minutes later by asking: “The transfer of the T&D assets, you said they were in progress, but can you provide more details as to why it’s delayed?” Ms Fernander again replied: “As far as I’m aware there is a process that is being followed in terms of the transfer of the assets. I’m not able to say what the exact details are. We are following the process to have the assets transferred, and are going to see that through to a conclusion.”

It was then that Mr Ferguson, Bahamas Grid Company’s chairman, intervened and was slightly more forthcoming. “There was a lien on some of the assets that is being worked through from a legal standpoint,” he disclosed. “Once those are cleaned up, it will be transferred. Right now, the assets are in escrow and, once those legal things are cleaned up, it will be transferred but it’s in escrow as we speak.”

After Ms Pinder pressed for “more details on the liens on the assets and what that means for the transfer”, Mr Ferguson signalled that this is a problem for the Government and BPL - not Bahamas Grid Company - to solve. He replied: “First of all, no, we are not

Property underwriter beats expectations by 15% in ‘25

COVERAGE - from page B1

the Caribbean a little more. New markets. We’ll be more south. The reason why we’ll go further south is it doesn’t correlate with our businesses in the north [of the Caribbean]. No overlap.

“This way it doesn’t impact so much. In this business, you will get whacked by a major hurricane but the good thing is you will not get whacked everywhere. The diversification gives us, if a hurricane hits one territory, the other businesses are not impacted so it will not effect us as much as if the businesses were in one territory.” Ensuring that its insurance risks are not concentrated in just one, or a narrow handful of markets,

has been a key strategy for RoyalStar to minimise its hurricane exposure.

Mr Saunders said the $523,000 year-over-year jump in RoyalStar Assurance’s other operating expenses - from $1.235m in 2024 to $1.749m last yearwas driven by higher staff and general and administrative costs related to the insurer’s preparations for further Caribbean growth.

“We are planning for our expansion to new territories,” he explained, “so to do that we need to hire some resources so we don’t over-extend the staff we have now. That is pure planning for the future. We are actively doing our feasibility studies now. Once that is done, and we present it to

our Board, and get regulatory approval it’s all hands on deck.

“The regulatory approval will be the hardest part. We just have to advise people here [regulators in The Bahamas] of what we are doing. We have to get it from overseas. We can’t put a timeline on it. It could take a year. Sometimes, it’s from nine months to 15 months. We are starting and doing all the work.”

When asked about the expected financial impact from further Caribbean expansion, Mr Saunders replied: “If it pans out, we’ll be talking about another $1.5m to $2m to the bottom line of the operating company [RoyalStar Assurance]. The good thing

intimately involved at that level in terms of the status of the liens etc. The assets are in escrow, in escrow meaning as soon as the legal paperwork is done, that’s done.”

The admissions confirm that a critical part of the New Providence energy grid reforms, namely the transfer of assets such as sub-stations, wires and poles, from BPL to Bahamas Grid Company as required by the Heads of Agreement with the Government has yet to be completed more than 21 months after the deal was signed on June 3, 2024.

Clause 3.2 in the Heads of Agreement, which addressed the transfer of the T&D assets, even went so far as to indemnify Bahamas Grid Company against all potential liabilities or exposure from any lien security, charges or other encumbrances attached to them. It contemplated moving these assets into Bahamas Grid Company while effectively separating them from these liabilities, which would remain the responsibility of BPL (Bahamian consumers) and the Government (Bahamian taxpayers).

“They didn’t transfer none of the assets. The assets were not transferred to that company; bottom line,” one source, speaking

about that is the cash flow it produces. That cash flow can be used for investment purposes.”

The RoyalStar chief added that, while the insurance underwriter “met our target and budget” for 2025, “the holding company went beyond expectations; I would say probably about 15 percent. The good thing about it is sometimes you are good and lucky. We were good and lucky in 2025; no major storms and all the major investments were positive, so that’s a very good boost to the bottom line”.

“We can only control stuff we can control,” Mr Saunders added. “In the good years, we’ll take it. In the bad years, we’ll survive. In this business, you will have bad years. The things we don’t control, we’ll ensure we have reinsurance protection for ourselves and the clients, and don’t expose ourselves to bad risks in

on condition of anonymity, told Tribune Business yesterday. Several sources have suggested that it is difficult, if not impossible, in a legal sense to separate liens and such charges from the assets they are originally secured upon as BPL, the Government and Bahamas Grid Company have attempted to do here - especially without the consent of charge-holders. The Heads of Agreement’s clause 3.2 states:

“The parties further agree to enter into, or to take such steps as may lie within their authority, acting reasonably and in good faith, to facilitate the execution of - and entry into - a long-term lease agreement whereby BPL (or the applicable freehold owner) shall grant to SPV a leasehold interest in the T&D system sites for a lease term, and with such rights of renewal, as the parties shall agree from time to time, not to derogate from the term and any renewals from time to time of this agreement. “The leasehold interest to be granted to SPV (Bahamas Grid Company) in the T&D system sites shall be free of any liens and any other encumbrances whatsoever. The parties hereto acknowledge and agree that to the extent SPV agrees to take a leasehold interest in any T&D system site subject to pre-existing liens, the Government and/or BPL shall be solely responsible for any obligations, costs, expenses or liabilities that may arise as a result thereof.

The Bahamas and other territories.”

RoyalStar Holdings owns 80 percent of Star General, and has minority interests in Gateway Ascendancy (45 percent); Vanguard (32.26 percent); and a 19 percent stake in Sandy Shores Developers, a Bahamas-domiciled real estate holding company, as well as owning RSA Risk Solutions. Mr Saunders, though, said he “can say for sure that 2026 will not be as good as 2025 for the holding company side” as these investments are forecast to perform not as strongly this time around. While RoyalStar Assurance is forecast to match 2025’s performance, he added: “If the wind blows in our favour we will have no complaints. Right now, it is all going to depend on what happens between June and November” and hurricane season.

“The Government agrees to indemnify SPV, its officers, directors, employees and agents for, and defend and hold SPV harmless from and against, any and all liabilities, obligations, losses, damages, payments and claims, and reasonable costs or expenses, of any kind whatsoever that may be imposed on, incurred by or asserted against each such person as the result of any liens that may exist in respect of any T&D system sites.” Tribune Business understands that the failure to transfer the New Providence grid assets to Bahamas Grid Company, as required by the Heads of Agreement, may have been one factor behind the exit of Island Grid Solutions and Eric Pike as the latter’s management/operations partner, although that was not confirmed yesterday. The lack of clarity surrounding the respective roles and responsibilities of BPL, Bahamas Grid Company and Island Grid is also understood to have been another potential cause.

However, Mr Saunders gave businesses and home owners some potential good news by forecasting that property premium prices will likely decrease in 2027 - provided The Bahamas and Caribbean avoid a catastrophic hurricane, and there are no similar disasters elsewhere in the world.

“The reinsurance market is going through a cycle where it’s softening a little bit while capacity is returning, and the price pressure is being decreased,” he told Tribune Business. “As long as there is no major catastrophe in the world, we see that trend is going to continue and it’s going to have a positive impact especially if there is no hurricane in the region next year. We do not control Mother Nature, but if Mother Nature is favourable to us we expect prices to decrease in 2027.”

Former $4.4m management fee to go to Bahamas Grid’s profits

Government on June 3, 2024. The deal clearly contemplated Island Grid remaining as Bahamas Grid Company’s long-term manager for the initial 25-year agreement with the Government, as well as the ten-year extension option.

The Heads of Agreement’s clause 2.2 stipulates: “The parties hereto agree that SPV [Bahamas Grid Company] shall enter into the management agreement [with Island Grid], and such other operative agreements as may be necessary to give effect to the terms hereof, in accordance with such terms and subject to such agreements as shall be agreed between the parties hereto, which agreements shall remain in force for an initial term of 25 years with a mutual option to renew for a further period of ten years and upon such other terms and conditions as may be then agreed by the parties.”

No further explanation was given for Island Grid and Mr Pike’s seemingly abrupt departure. When it was pointed out that Island Grid’s involvement was supposed to have been for a much longer period, and questions were raised over whether its exit represents a breach of the Heads of

Agreement and other contracts for New Providence’s energy grid reforms, Mr Ferguson replied: “The only constant in life is change. “I would only say, in this particular instance, the change is for the positive,” he added. “Island Grid did a wonderful job, as Dareo would have indicated, in setting up the institution and overseeing the engagement of the Pike team for the foundational work, which would have been completed but for the terrible incident [shooting death] that happened to their team member.

“When they left, as Dareo indicated, they were able to bring them [Pike] back and we expect them to be completed by the end of June and a Bahamian team will continue to manage and grow the grid…. But there’s no issues we are aware of that would [cause] any breaches of any agreements that were in place.”

Also seeking to move on from Island Grid’s exit, Mr McKenzie added: “With Island Grid Solutions leaving, it may be semantics but this was always planned. Once we were able to find qualified, capable Bahamians to run Bahamas Grid Company, then Island Grid Solutions would transfer over to this team. It’s not so much a matter of them

‘No reason’ to believe BPL cannot meet its obligations

INVOICE - from page B1

interest that had been “accrued” for 18 months since the debt financing was placed in 2024.

PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) has been appointed as Bahamas Grid Company’s external auditor,

and Ms Fernander said that while the 2025 audit is progressing “certain presentation and accounting matters” have to be worked through and this has held up completion. “These are technical in nature, and will have no meaningful impact on the company’s cash

Elon Musk and OpenAI CEO Sam Altman head to court in high-stakes showdown over AI

By BARBARA ORTUTAY and MICHAEL LIEDTKE AP Technology Writers TECHNOLOGY

tycoons Elon Musk and Sam Altman are poised to face off in a high-stakes trial revolving around the alleged betrayal, deceit and unbridled ambition that blurred the bickering billionaires’ once-shared vision for the development of artificial intelligence.

The trial, which started Monday with jury selection, centers on the 2015 birth of ChatGPT maker OpenAI as a nonprofit startup primarily funded by Musk before evolving into a capitalistic venture now valued at $852 billion. The trial’s outcome could sway the balance of power in AI — breakthrough technology that is increasingly being feared as a potential job killer and an existential threat to humanity’s survival.

Those perceived risks are among the reasons that Musk, the world’s richest person, cites for filing an August 2024 lawsuit that will now be decided by a jury and U.S. District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers in Oakland, California.

The civil lawsuit accuses Altman, OpenAI’s CEO, and his top lieutenant, Greg Brockman, of double-crossing Musk by straying from the San Francisco company’s founding mission to be an altruistic steward of a revolutionary technology. The lawsuit alleges they shifted into a moneymaking mode behind his back.

OpenAI has brushed off Musk’s allegations as an unfounded case of sour grapes that’s aimed at undercutting its rapid growth and bolstering Musk’s own xAI, which he launched in 2023 as a competitor. Gonzalez Rogers questioned potential jurors Monday about their views on Musk, Altman and artificial intelligence. Some jurors said they had negative views of Musk, but most said they would still

leaving, but we’ve evolved to that stage that Bahamian leadership is stepping in to run the company.”

Mr Ferguson, who hinted that Bahamas Grid Company’s staffing and ‘Bahamianisation’ push was delayed by the reluctance of BPL’s 123 New Providence T&D staff to be seconded or transferred over to the private operator, fearing their years of service and union contracts/benefits would be endangered, said: “I think the most important thing to note was the foundational work, the purpose of the capital raise, and everything was to modernise the grid system.

“And the intent, as Dareo said, was for the management to be done by Bahamians. Initially, a number of persons from the T&D at BPL were supposed to come over, and we still expect a lot of persons to once they see the great things happening, look at joining the great team at Bahamas Grid Company.”

The Bahamas Grid Company presentation, though, recalled exactly why Island Grid had initially been hired as its management partner - to give the new grid operator access to necessary manpower, technology, equipment and other resources that were critical to conducting the

flow or underlying performance,” she reassured.

“We are seeing a strong balance sheet supported by the capital raise and continued ongoing operations of the company.” Ms Fernander, giving what she described as “a high level” overview of Bahamas Grid Company’s 2025 financials without figures given that the audit is not complete, said revenue generation was “in line” with forecasts and overall performance

initial $130m grid upgrades. Through Mr Pike’s contacts, this work was outsourced to Pike Electrical, the company he formerly headed before selling majority control to a private equity consortium in November 2025.

“Island Grid Solutions was brought on board merely to provide management services that were needed to stand up this company,” Mr McKenzie reiterated. “In addition, leveraging their vast network of connections in the US, Island Grid brought on board Pike Electrical to perform the necessary work we needed to modernise the grid….

“Island Grid was the managing entity that helped to stand up this company, and now we are transitioning over to Bahamian management and leadership.” Bahamas Grid Company’s chief executive pledged that this would be done “in a way that would be non-disruptive to operations” while Island Grid’s departure would not change the grid operator’s control or ownership.

“Island Grid is still here, but all control has been handed over to the Bahamian ownership. As with any transition, they are assisting on-site to help with the transition,” Mr

was “consistent with what we anticipated” - something the chief financial officer said affirmed the strength of its “underlying model”. Bahamas Grid Company also earns income from connection fees charged to new customers, and Anthony Ferguson, its chairman, yesterday said the new operator had effectively worked for six months without submitting an invoice as it had begun assisting BPL in November 2024.

McKenzie added. And Gladys Fernander, Bahamas Grid Company’s chief financial officer, yesterday rejected any suggestions that Island Grid owns any shares - or has any controlover the grid operator.

“There has been some misconception that Island Grid is an owner, or was an owner, in Bahamas Grid Company,” she said. “I want to clarify that Island Grid was never an owner in Bahamas Grid Company. Island Grid Solutions was the T&D manager, and them being the T&D manager, they hired Pike Electrical to complete the foundational upgrade.

“I just want to make it clear. I just want to clarify that, with the contract ending with Island Grid, and there has been much conversation recently, that does not change the control or ownership of Bahamas Grid. They were never owners or held shares in Bahamas Grid Company. I just wanted to clarify that.” Observers, though, said there was no mention of whether Mr Pike held shares in his name or that of another corporate entity.

be able to treat him fairly and focus on the facts of the case.

Trial promises clashing testimony from two tech titans Musk, who invested about $38 million in OpenAI from December 2015 through May 2017, initially was seeking more than $100 billion in damages.

But any damages now are likely to be much smaller after a series of pre-trial rulings that went against Musk. Musk has since abandoned a bid for damages for himself and instead is seeking an unspecified amount of money to be paid to fund the altruistic efforts of OpenAI’s charitable arm. The money would be paid primarily by OpenAI’s for-profit operations, and Microsoft, which became the company’s biggest investor after Musk cut off his funding. Musk’s lawsuit also seeks Altman’s ouster from OpenAI’s board. Musk’s decision to stop funding the company contributed to a bitter falling out between the former allies. Musk says he was responding to deceptive conduct that OpenAI’s board picked up on when it fired Altman as CEO in 2023 before he got his job back days later.

But the trial also carries risks for Musk, who last month was held liable by another jury for defrauding investors during his $44 billion takeover of Twitter in 2022. Any damaging details about Musk and his business tactics could be particularly hurtful now because his rocket ship maker, SpaceX, plans to go public this summer in an initial public offering that could make him the world’s first trillionaire. However it turns out, the trial is expected to provide riveting theater, with contrasting testimony from two of technology’s most influential and polarizing figures in the 54-year-old Musk and the 41-year-old Altman.

“Part of this is about whether a jury believes the people who will testify and whether they are credible,” Gonzalez Rogers said during a court hearing earlier this year while explaining why she believe the case merited a trial. The judge will make the final decision on the case, with the jury serving in an advisory role.

Evidence has included glimpses of the AI race’s early days

Musk, whose estimated fortune stands at about $780 billion, has long been hailed as a visionary for his roles creating digital payment pioneer PayPal, electric automaker Tesla and rocket ship maker SpaceX. But he has also provoked backlashes with his social media commentary, unfulfilled promises about Tesla’s self-driving technology and his cost-cutting role last year in President Donald Trump’s administration.

Harold Munnings III, a senior investment officer at RF Bank & Trust, questioned whether “any covenants were triggered” - such as share sales - by Island Grid’s departure and what happens to the latter’s $4.359m management fee now. Ms Fernander replied: “With the termination of the contract, we will no longer be paying management fees to Island Grid because they will not be providing that service, so that management fee goes away.”

Dareo McKenzie, Bahamas Grid Company’s new chief executive, added that the company was “aspirationally” seeking to ramp up its present 68-strong workforce to 150 year-end although he conceded this was likely to reach only 80. It is hoping to appoint vice-presidents of operations and engineering within the next month.

Some of Musk’s erratic behavior has been tied to allegations of taking hallucinogenic drugs, but Gonzalez Rogers ruled that he can’t be asked during the trial about his suspected use of ketamine. But the judge is allowing Musk to be questioned about his attendance at the 2017 Burning Man festival in Nevada, a free-wheeling celebration known for widespread drug use. The judge is also allowing Musk to be questioned about his relationship with former OpenAI board member Shivon Zilis, the mother of several of his children.

Altman, currently sitting on a roughly $3 billion fortune, didn’t emerge in the public consciousness until the late 2022 release of ChatGPT. The tech boom triggered by that conversational chatbot has led some to liken Altman to a 21st-century version of the nuclear bomb inventor, J. Robert Oppenheimer.

The public is hereby advised that I, MARCIA CLEO GARLAND of United States of America, intend to change my name to MARCIA CLEO LIGHTBOURNE. If there are any objections to challenge the name by deed poll, you may write such objections to the Chief Passport Officer, P.O. Box N-742, Nassau, The Bahamas no later than thirty (30) days after the date of the publication of this notice.

And Mr Ferguson added: “There are no covenants that have been breached in that regard. Specifically on the management fee, what is means is the additional revenue falls to the bottom line of Bahamas Grid Company so it accrues to the benefit of the debt holders as well as the equity holders.” Bahamas Grid Company executives asserted that they have no plans to replace Island Grid with another foreign management partner, and said the New Providence grid operator intends to move forward as planned with the only disruption to-date being the two-month delay to Pike’s work as a result of the police shooting death of one worker, Cody Castillo. As a result, completion of the $130m grid upgrades has been pushed back from this month to end-June 2026.

Customs chief says most culprits prefer resolution outside courts

ENFORCE - from page B1

He revealed that such cases are being handled regularly and, rather than pursuing prosecutions through the courts, Customs relies on administrative powers under existing law.

“On a weekly basis, we may deal with as many as five or six cases,” said Mr Munroe.

“We have not prosecuted persons for these offences. Instead, under the Customs Management Act, the comptroller has the authority to compound offences. In other words, the comptroller has quasi-judicial powers to resolve these matters without going to court. The comptroller can impose fines and, where necessary, confiscate goods.”

Mr Munroe explained that many importers prefer this route due to its speed and efficiency. “Persons often opt for the comptroller to handle these cases rather than going through the court system,” he said.

Although Altman was initially hailed as trailblazer he is now facing blowback amid worries about AI’s potential dangers. Earlier this month, the New Yorker magazine published a profile that painted him as an unscrupulous executive. Days later, a 20-year-old man worried about AI’s effect on humanity was arrested on attempted murder charges after throwing a Molotov cocktail at Altman’s San Francisco home.

“If you ask most persons, they would prefer to have the matter handled administratively, as it can be resolved much faster.” Mr Munroe added that the approach also reflects constraints within the judicial system, while allowing Customs to act more effectively.

“The court system is already overloaded, and this approach allows us to deal with matters more efficiently and secure revenue more quickly. In many cases, the comptroller is in a better position to assess these matters, given the specialised nature of customs operations,” he said.

US stocks inch to more records as oil prices rise ahead of a blockbuster week for Wall Street

By STAN CHOE AP Business Writer

THE U.S. stock market’s record-breaking rally slowed on Monday after uncertainty rose over the weekend about what will happen next in the Iran war, while oil prices rose.

The S&P 500 inched 0.1% higher to its latest all-time high, a downshift following weeks of big gains driven by strong corporate profit reports and hopes that the economy can avoid a worst-case scenario because of the war.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average dipped 62 points, or 0.1%, while the Nasdaq composite rose 0.2% to its own record.

The moves were stronger in the oil market, where prices climbed more than 2.5% as tankers find the Strait of Hormuz still effectively closed. That’s keeping crude stuck in the Middle East and away from customers worldwide, including oil produced by Iran that’s being blockaded by the U.S. Navy.

Iran has offered to reopen the strait if the United States ends its blockade, while proposing that discussions on the larger question of its nuclear program would come in a later phase.

But U.S. President Donald

Trump seems unlikely to accept the offer, which was passed to the Americans by Pakistan.

Over the weekend, Trump told U.S. envoys not to go to Pakistan, which has been playing a crucial mediating role. By saying the Iranians could call Washington with any proposal, Trump appeared to signal he’s content to try to continue to squeeze Iran with the blockade.

The price for a barrel of Brent crude to be delivered in June climbed 2.8% to settle at $108.23. Brent to be delivered in July, which is where more of the trading is happening in the oil market, rose 2.6% to $101.69 per barrel.

Brent prices were at only about $70 per barrel before the war and have briefly shot to nearly $120 a couple times when fears about the war have hit their heights.

Billionaire tax proposal in California is on track to qualify for the ballot, backers say

By SOPHIE AUSTIN Associated Press

A CONTROVERSIAL proposal in California to temporarily increase taxes on billionaires has enough signatures to qualify for the November ballot, a labor union backing the measure said Monday. The proposal, backed by the Service Employees International Union Healthcare Workers West, would impose a one-time, 5% tax on individuals whose net worth exceeds

$1 billion and who were living in the state as of Jan. 1, 2026. The goal is to generate $100 billion in revenue, which would largely be used to offset federal funding cuts to healthcare for low-income people.

Even with more expensive fuel bills, most big U.S. companies have nevertheless been reporting profit growth for the start of 2026 that’s even stronger than analysts expected. That in turn has helped the S&P 500 jump 13% since hitting a low in late March. This upcoming week could be a blockbuster for the market, with several of Wall Street’s most influential stocks scheduled to deliver their profit reports.

“California’s health is at stake,” said Liz Perlman, executive director of a chapter of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, a major labor union. “Hospitals are closing and people will die. Why? So billionaires can get another tax cut that they don’t need.” The California Secretary of State still has to verify the signatures and officially place the measure

Alphabet, Amazon, Meta Platforms and Microsoft are all scheduled to report on Wednesday alone. Apple will report on Thursday. Verizon Communications joined the list of companies topping analysts’ expectations on Monday, and its stock rose 1.5% after the company said it added more postpaid phone customers than it lost during a first quarter for the first time since 2013. It also raised its forecast for profit growth this year, even though its revenue for the first quarter fell short of analysts’ expectations. Domino’s Pizza helped drag on the market and fell 8.8% after it reported weaker profit and revenue for the latest quarter than analysts expected. All told, the S&P 500 rose 8.83 points to 7,137.91. The Dow Jones Industrial Average dipped 62.92 to 49,167.79, and the Nasdaq composite rose 50.50 to 24,887.10. In the bond market, Treasury yields ticked higher following the rise in oil prices. The yield on the 10-year Treasury note rose to 4.33% from 4.31% late Friday.

on the ballot. Backers say they collected more than 1.5 million signatures, well over the roughly 875,000 they needed. California allows ballot initiative campaigns to pay people per signature they gather. The cost of gathering petition signatures can vary widely, but it typically runs around $15 for each signature. If the measure goes before voters in November, it could prompt one of the costliest ballot fights ever and will draw national attention as a litmus test for voter attitudes on raising taxes on the rich. An effort to oppose the tax has already raised millions and led to proposals designed to nullify the tax. Meanwhile, Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders has campaigned in support of the idea. Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom and Silicon

The Federal Reserve will announce its latest move on short-term interest rates Wednesday, and the consensus expectation among traders is that it will hold the federal funds rate steady. Lower rates would give the economy a boost, but they would also threaten to worsen inflation when oil is more expensive and tariffs are threatening to raise prices for all kinds of other products.

Wednesday will likely be the final meeting where Chair Jerome Powell will lead the Fed. His term as chair is scheduled to expire next month, and Trump has already named a nominee to replace him, Kevin Warsh.

The European Central Bank, Bank of Japan and Bank of England will also be announcing their own interest-rate decisions this week. In stock markets abroad, indexes slipped in Europe following a stronger finish in Asia. South Korea’s Kospi jumped 2.2%, and Japan’s Nikkei 225 rose 1.4% for two of the world’s bigger moves.

Valley tech moguls are adamantly opposed. They warn it will drive California’s wealthiest residents out of the state. Nearly half of California’s personal income tax revenue comes from the top 1% of earners. Some have already purchased properties out of state in case it passes.

“After playing with matches since October the SEIU has succeeded in lighting a ‘Tax the Rich’ wildfire by getting enough signatures,” said David Lesperance, a tax consultant who’s advised some of his wealthy clients who left California because of the proposal. “The many billionaire targets of their efforts have already responded by executing fire escape plans by relocating to other states.”

NOTICE

NOTICE is hereby given that ASMILE VIXAMAR PIERRE of Palmetto Avenue, New Providence, Bahamas is applying to the Minister responsible for Nationality and Citizenship, for registration/ naturalization as a citizen of The Bahamas, and that any person who knows any reason why registration/naturalization should not be granted, should send a written and signed statement of the facts within twenty-eight days from the 28th day of April, 2026 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, Bahamas.

NOTICE

NOTICE is hereby given that RANDY JOEL HART of P.O. Box N-8727, Ferguson Road, New Providence, Bahamas is applying to the Minister responsible for Nationality and Citizenship, for registration/ naturalization as a citizen of The Bahamas, and that any person who knows any reason why registration/naturalization should not be granted, should send a written and signed statement of the facts within twenty-eight days from the 21st day of April, 2026 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, Bahamas.

NOTICE

NOTICE is hereby given that I GREGORY AUGUSTIN of Garden Hill #1, Nassau, Bahamas, applying to the Minister responsible for Nationality and Citizenship, for Registration Naturalization as a citizen of The Bahamas, and that any person who knows any reason why registration/ naturalization should not be granted, should send a written and signed statement of the facts within twenty-eight days from the 21st day of April, 2026 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, New Providence, The Bahamas.

CRYPTOQUOTE

One letter stands for another. In this example, A is used for the three L’s, X for the 2 O’s, etc. Single letters, apostrophes, the length and formation of words are all hints. Each day the code letters are different.

By CARA HUNT Tribune Features Writer cbrennen@tribunemedia.net

AFTER battling Sickle Cell Anemia all his life, Gregory Culmer is facing a new fight that is well known to many with chronic illness and disability - the daily struggle to make ends meet.

Despite having a Bachelors Degree in International Affairs, Gregory has been unable to hold fulltime employment due to his condition and while he is fortunate enough to have a home, it is in dire need of repairs that he can’t afford.

He also has had trouble paying for groceries, utilities and other daily life expenses and often has to rely on the generosity of family and friends - all of whom have their own responsibilities and expenses.

“My mother found out I had Sickle Cell Anemia when I was a few months old,” said Gregory. “We were on a plane ride between Nassau and Florida when I went into a crisis because of the low pressure in the cabin, I was just a baby.”

In fact, his earliest memories are being in and out Princess Margaret Hospital for treatments.

He learnt from an early age the role diet and stress management played in minimising the effect of his condition.Throughout his life, he has tried to not overwork or stress out as it negatively impacts his health.

Despite his efforts, Gregory faced numerous challenges after he left the Bahamas to attend college, including racking up almost a hundred thousand dollars in medical bills due to Sickle Cell crises.

After college, he moved to DC with with the hope of being selected for a clinical trial for a new Sickle Cell Treatment. While in DC, he worked two part-time jobs - one at the Bahamian Embassy and the other at age International Centre for Non Violent Conflict. However, he unfortunately was not approved for the trial. Since his return to the Bahamas, he initially lived with each of his parents and had a variety of jobs. Both of his

Senior Researcher and Lead Bioinformatician, The Oxford Centre for Microbiome Studies, University of Oxford

Through the air we breathe and the food we eat, we can’t help but inhale and ingest tiny bits of plastic every day. These microplastics, as they’re known, have been found in many parts of the human body – including the lungs, placenta and blood vessels. Research has even linked the presence of microplastics to cardiovascular disease and poor health in humans. Evidence also shows that microplastics can interact with the gut microbiome, and their presence could contribute to inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

Microplastics are microscopic fragments of plastic that are smaller than 5mm long (and as small as 0.001mm) – and they’re everywhere. Some microplastics are created intentionally, glitter and confetti being obvious everyday examples. Others are created when larger plastic items are worn down (such as when plastic pollution in the ocean or environment is eroded).

Nevertheless, whether they’re shed from plastic chopping boards, in our drinking water or inadvertently added to processed food products, we could consequently be consuming up to 5g every week.

However, we don’t currently know the exact quantities of microplastics a single person may have in their body at any one time.

The struggle to make ends meet with a chronic illness

The

home before Gregory began repairs

“I wanted to share my story to raise awareness because while I have a college degree I am still struggling, but there are people who are much worse off than me, people who want to be self sufficient but need help to get themselves there.”

parents are now deceased and he is currently living in his father’s home. However, he is not able to work full-time due to the negative impact stress and strenuous activity has on his condition.

He is hoping to turn the home located in Perpall Track into a source of income if he can get in good enough condition to turn it into an Air and B property.

“The house needs a lot of work,” he added. “I have already done what I can, like some plumbing repairs, replacing pipes and there was

microbiome. Some 500 to 1,000 different microbial species work together in harmony to keep our gut healthy.

A major function of the microbiome is to take what we eat, chew it up and spit out breakdown products. These products are called metabolites and are critical for gut health.

A well-studied group of metabolites are short-chain fatty acids. Short-chain fatty acids garnered attention around a decade ago, when they were found to be produced by good gut bacteria and could help prevent IBD.

IBD is an increasingly common disease, affecting around one in every 123 people in the UK. It can cause severe abdominal pain, diarrhoea, weight loss and fatigue.

One of the gut’s key short-chain fatty acids is butyrate, which is produced by bacteria when they break down dietary fibre. Butyrate is crucial for gut health, helping to boost immunity and preserve the gut barrier. However, if the gut microbiome is disturbed, microbes that produce butyrate are reduced, and gut health is jeopardised.

a bad leak in the bedroom, so the roof needs to be fixed I sold my car so I could put in new windows.” However he had an issue with the contractor which has unfortunately delayed that process.

Gregory says that his inability to work full-time and the financial stress of living with his condition has left him severely depressed. He admits that at his lowest points he has had suicidal thoughts and has even looked into assisted suicide options in other countries.

He has fortunately been blessed by persons who have helped his financial needs whether it be paying his electricity when it has been cut off or helping with grocery or donating building supplies such as windows. He has also reached out to Urban Renewal for assistance in home repairs and is awaiting their response. Social Services gives him a small monthly stipend.

“It’s more than I had and I am very grateful.”

The Red Cross has also donated meals without which he says he would likely starve.

Gregory says he is only one of many persons with a chronic illness or disability struggling to survive on a daily basis.

“I wanted to share my story to raise awareness because while I have a college degree I am still struggling, but there are people who are much worse off than me, people who want to be self sufficient but need help to get themselves there.”

He said that many of those people are forced to work just to maintain a roof over their heads and provide for their families despite the fact that they have been given medical advice on the contrary. In the end, the jobs they need to survive, become the very thing that kills them.

If persons are interested in assisting Gregory in his home repairs they can contact CBS Bahamas where an account has been set up in his name.

He is also a photographer and sells his work on www. junkanoomedia.com.

A recently published study in the Journal of Hazardous Materials showed that giving mice a group of polystyrene microplastics of various sizes makes the gut vulnerable to IBD. This happens because key members of the microbiome are reduced, stopping the production of butyrate and increasing the severity of inflammation.

Getting precise measurements of microplastics in human samples can be difficult. This is because other small fragments (such as some fats) in bodily samples can appear to scientific instruments like plastic. While scientists are sure that we’re eating

microplastics, there’s also still some debate around their ability to enter our bloodstream and build up in body tissues. Nevertheless, the fact that we consume them at all is enough for microplastics to meet our metabolic organ, the gut microbiome.

Current research suggests that these encounters can reduce the good bacteria in our gut, contributing to IBD.

Microplastics and gut health

Our gut is home to trillions of microorganisms – known as the gut

The gut microbiome faces many challenges that now include plastic pollutants.

Evidence for how microplastics influence the microbiome and gut health in humans is presently scarce, largely due to the previously mentioned difficulty in measuring microplastics in human samples. But work in mouse models has been more revealing, allowing us to observe the consequences of various types of microplastics in the gut.

Clearly, microplastics are capable of inducing poor gut health. However, whether animal studies accurately capture levels of microplastics found in human tissues remains to be completely understood – something that will hopefully become possible with technological advances. It’s also still not clear exactly how microplastics do this. Even with bans on intentionally produced microplastics, we still have to fight against those that are produced through the wear and tear of plastic-containing materials. What if we could use our bacteria to help us in this battle? There is some tantalising evidence that some bacteria found in human guts are capable of breaking down some types of microplastics. Although we don’t yet know if this breakdown happens in the gut (or whether it’s a good thing), there is a real, albeit distant, possibility that in collaboration with our microbiome, we might be able to fend off some of the ill effects of microplastics. With ever-growing technological advances, it is plausible that we could, in the future, harness the power of the microbiome to dispose of plastics outside and inside our guts.

From urgent diagnosis to hopeful recovery: Dr Tyneil Cargill’s cancer fight inspires national call to early care

WHAT began as a sudden and alarming diagnosis has now turned a hopeful corner, as community health advocate Dr Tyneil Cargill recovers from successful cancer surgery and prepares for the next phase of treatment in his fight against lung cancer.

Just days before undergoing surgery, Dr Cargill was diagnosed with multiple cancerous lesions on his left lung, a discovery that shocked family, friends and the wider community. The urgency of his condition required immediate medical intervention, with surgery scheduled at Doctors Hospital to address cancer affecting both his lung and surrounding chest area.

That procedure, carried out by Dr Duane Sands and his medical team, has now been deemed a success—marking a critical and encouraging step forward in what is expected to be a long recovery journey.

Dr Cargill is now resting, as doctors await the results of an immunochemistry genetic study on the mass that was removed. These findings will play a key role in determining the most effective treatment plan moving forward.

The next stage is expected to involve immunotherapy, an advanced form of treatment that offers significant hope but comes at a high financial cost. Some treatment plans can exceed $30,000 per month and may be required for months or even years as patients work toward remission.

Despite the challenges ahead, there is strong optimism. With the latest advancements in medical science, lung cancer is increasingly treatable and, in many cases, curable—particularly when detected early.

Dr Cargill has also indicated that additional treatment options may require travel outside of The Bahamas, further adding to the

Hannah Foster-Middleton

financial and emotional de mands of his care.

Throughout this journey, the response from the pub lic has been overwhelming. An outpouring of national support—led by a GoFund Me initiative organised by his daughter, Jayla Cargill— saw nearly $100,000 raised within the first 48 hours, with a broad er goal of $300,000 to assist with ongoing medical expenses.

In a powerful show of faith and unity, family members, friends and supporters gathered at the New Providence Community Center ahead of his surgery

special prayer session, laying hands on Dr Cargill and lifting him in collective hope. Even in recovery, Dr Cargill continues to use his voice to advocate for others. In a message shared following his surgery, he emphasised the importance of self-care and routine medical checkups, revealing that his own symptoms initially felt like the flu or pneumonia—an experience that underscores how easily serious conditions can be overlooked.

As he begins this next chapter, his story stands as both a testament to resilience and a national reminder of the life-saving power of early detection. Those wishing to support Dr Cargill and his family ing to his ongoing medical

Strong from the inside out: Why physiotherapy is essential for women’s health and continence

There are some topics that don’t get nearly enough airtime—and women’s pelvic health is one of them. Bladder leaks when you laugh or exercise, a constant urge to go, discomfort after childbirth, or even pain during certain activities… many women experience these issues, but far too many suffer in silence.

The truth? These problems are common—but they’re not something you just have to “put up with.” Physiotherapy, particularly

can become weak, uncoordinated, or overly tight. But because it’s not always openly discussed, many women assume it’s just a normal part of aging or having children. It’s not.

What Exactly Is the Pelvic Floor?

The pelvic floor is a group of muscles that sit at the base of your pelvis, supporting your bladder, uterus, and bowel. These muscles play a key role in

issues is simply “do your Kegels.”

While pelvic floor exercises can be helpful, they’re not a one-size-fits-all solution. In fact, doing them incorrectly—or when they’re not appropriate—can sometimes make symptoms worse.

Some women have weak pelvic floor muscles that need strengthening. Others have muscles that are too tight and need to learn how to relax. Some need to work on coordination rather than

floor. Hormonal changes, increased pressure, and the physical process of delivery can all impact muscle function.

Physiotherapy can help prepare the body during pregnancy by improving strength, flexibility, and awareness of the pelvic floor. After birth, it plays a key role in recovery—helping women regain control, reduce symptoms, and return to exercise safely.

It’s not just about “bouncing back”—it’s about heal-

Again, it’s about staying proactive rather than reactive.

Improving Confidence and Quality of Life

Let’s be honest—continence issues can be incredibly frustrating and, at times, embarrassing. They can affect everything from exercise routines to social activities, even limiting what clothes you feel comfortable wearing.

Many women start to avoid activities they enjoy,

So, while the focus might start with bladder control, the benefits often go far beyond that.

Breaking the Silence

Perhaps one of the most important roles of physiotherapy in women’s health is education. Understanding what’s normal, what’s not, and what can be done about it is incredibly powerful.

The more we talk about these issues, the more we normalise seeking help— and the less women feel like

Leaking, discomfort, or pelvic issues might be common—but they are not something you have to live

Physiotherapy offers a alised way to address these tion, and support women at

Because when it comes to your health, strength isn’t just about what you see on the outside—it starts from

By JEFFARAH GIBSON Tribune Features Writer jgibson@tribunemedia.net

“AUTISM is not a poor man’s disease.”

It is a statement that stops you in your tracks, and for Bahamian mother Leslyn Robinson, it is a reality shaped by years of navigating care, therapy and support for her son, Chayse William Bethel. As Autism Awareness Month comes to a close, stories like his offer both inspiration and a sobering look at the realities many Bahamian families face.

Behind the milestones and public recognition is a journey shaped not only by resilience and growth, but also by the often unspoken cost of care.

Chayse was born on March 10, 2010, and by the age of four, he was diagnosed with autism, ADHD and sensory processing disorder. His early years were marked by developmental delays. He walked later than expected and began as non verbal, leaving his family to confront the un-

“Autism is not a poor disease”:man’s A mother’s truth and a son’s journey of

growth and possibility

known while searching for the right interventions.

For his mother Robinson, the journey quickly became both emotional and finan cial.

“You must have top

Her experience reflects a broader reality for many families in The Bahamas, where specialised care can often come at a high cost and access is not always equal.

Yet within that challenge came determination. Through early intervention and ongoing therapies, both locally and abroad, Chayse began to find his footing. Over time, the uncertainty of those early years gave way to progress, and with it, moments that would redefine what his future could look like.

“I am so proud of him,” Robinson said. “Especially

when he showed an interest in drumming at the age of six.” That interest would go on to shape a major part of his development.

Under the guidance of the late Howard Bethel at the Nassau Dance School,

Chayse began to develop not just a skill, but a sense of rhythm, expression and confidence. Music became a turning point, opening doors that extended beyond the classroom.

Today, he is an active member of the First Boys’ Brigade Company at Wesley Methodist Church, where he now plays three instruments including the drums. His involvement in the programme reflects discipline and growth, but also a level of confidence that once seemed far from reach. That confidence has carried into other areas of his

life. At St Anselm’s Church, Chayse occasionally reads during Youth Mass, continuing to strengthen his communication skills while taking an active role in his church community. He has also stepped into public spaces in ways that challenge long standing perceptions of autism. In May 2025, Chayse made his modelling debut in the BeautifulYOU Fashion Show, an event centred on diversity and inclusion. He later appeared in I Am Stac’s music video “Don’t Count Me Out,” a project dedicated to persons with disabilities, further amplify-

“... autism does not have a specific appearance. It is a neurological difference.”

ing his presence as a young advocate.

Now featured in the 2026 Colina Calendar representing autism awareness, Chayse continues to use his platform to promote inclusion and visibility. His story pushes back against a common misconception that still lingers in public discourse.

“Many people often say, ‘He doesn’t look autistic,’” Robinson told Tribune Health. “But autism does not have a specific appearance. It is a neurological difference.”

Through his daily life and achievements, Chayse continues to challenge that narrow understanding.

His time working at The Tribune last year offered another example of that.

According to Robinson, he made such a strong impression that his colleagues were unaware of his diagnosis.

“They saw only his capability and dedication,” she said, reflecting on how easily people can overlook a diagnosis when they focus instead on what an individual can do.

For his mother, these moments stand among her proudest. They are reminders that her son’s identity is not defined by a diagnosis, but by his potential and the effort he continues to put into everything he does.

Behind that progress is a strong network of support.

Family remains central, particularly his grandfather, Charles Bethel, affection ately known as Grumpy. Their bond, built on pa tience and uncondi tional love, has been a steady source of encouragement throughout his journey.

Educators and profes sionals have also played an essential role.

From his home school teacher Mrs Marcus to occupational therapist Sheni ka Coop er McIntosh, Chayse has ben efited from con sistent guidance and care. Schools including Blairwood Academy, Cleveland Eneas Primary and A F Adderley Junior School have contributed to his development, alongside support from specialists at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital in Miami. Community or ganisations have fur ther strengthened that foundation. Through programmes offered by REACH Bahamas, Chayse has had oppor tunities to grow, connect

and participate in meaningful ways. The Bahamas Literacy Association has also supported his reading development, helping him reach key milestones along the way.

“Whenever REACH Bahamas calls on him, he shows up with enthusiasm and pride. He is always willing to represent and support autism awareness efforts”

That willingness has made him a visible and positive presence within the community.

This month, Chayse is among the young honourees being recognised during Autism Awareness Month, an initiative that celebrates the achievements of students across the country. For Robinson, that recognition goes beyond ceremony.

“It affirms their hard work and builds confidence. It reinforces that their progress matters.”

Robinson hopes her son’s journey sends a message to other families navigating similar paths.

“With the right support, patience and belief, children can thrive in ways that may once have seemed impossible,” she said.

Beyoncé, Bezos, baubles and bustiers: What to know about the 2026 Met Gala

By JOCELYN NOVECK AP

Fashionistas knew

this already: “Fashion is Art.” But how will Met Gala guests interpret that dress code at this year’s extravaganza?

Last year’s theme, “Tailored For You,” led to a lot of great suits; this year’s promises to produce some truly flamboyant attire as guests mount the famous carpeted steps on May 4. As always, the dress code is inspired by the spring exhibit at the Costume Institute of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

“Costume Art” will pair some 200 art objects with 200 garments to highlight the connection between fashion and art through the centuries.

Here are some key things to know as fashion’s biggest night approaches:

When is the Met Gala?

As always, the first Monday in May.

What exactly is the Met Gala?

It’s a fundraiser for the Costume Institute, the only self-funding department at the Met — and it's a huge one. Last year the evening brought in a record sum of more than $31 million.

Who’s hosting?

None other than Beyoncé, a familiar gala guest, is a co-chair, joined by Nicole Kidman, tennis champ Venus Williams and the one who runs it all, Vogue’s Anna Wintour.

There's also a “host committee” chaired by designer Anthony Vaccarello and filmmaker Zoë Kravitz, and featuring names

But the names generating the most discussion are ….

“The exhibition and benefit are made possible

A Di Petsa dress by designer Dimitra Petsa appears on a pregnant mannequin, from left, an ensemble by Michaela Stark on a mannequin in Stark's image, a Burberry ensemble by Christopher Bailey on a mannequin image of Sinéad Burke, foreground, an ensemble by designer Karoline Vitto, on a mannequin model of Charlie Reynolds, and an outfit by designer Maria Grazia Chiuri for the House of Dior on a mannequin model of Yseult, are displayed in a room at the Metropolitan Museum of Art during preparations for the Met Gala exhibit "Costume Art" on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, in New York.

Charles Sykes/Invision/AP

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority empowers local youth with sustainability initiative at Hugh Campbell Primary

The ladies of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® Pi Upsilon Omega Chapter recently donated seeds, planting pots and trays, and soil to the Hugh Campbell Primary School, reinforcing its commitment to environmental awareness and sustainable living.

The initiative aligns with this year’s Earth Day theme, “Our Power, Our Planet,” and the chapter’s 2026 theme, “The Power of Us,” which emphasises community engagement and collective responsibility.

As part of this effort, the chapter also distributed plants, vegetables, and spices as a “gift of love” to charter members and jewels of the Chapter who are Silver Stars and Golden.

not attend. Among past New York mayors who've attended is Eric Adams, who wore a tuxedo with the words “End Gun Violence” on the back in 2022.

Anything new this year? Yes, new digs. “Costume Art” will inaugurate the Conde M Nast Galleries, created from what was formerly the museum’s retail store and occupying nearly 12,000 square feet (1,115 square meters) off the museum’s Great Hall.

by Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez Bezos,” said a Met press release in February. We tried, but the museum won’t say how much the Amazon founder and his wife, as lead sponsors and honorary chairs, are contributing. Protest against their participation has come from an activist group called Everyone Hates Elon, which posted an Instagram video of members hacking subway display cases to post anti-billionaire messages.

Who WON’T be there?

New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who took office on an affordability platform, told the local news outlet Hell Gate he will

Aside from giving fashion a grander display space, this means gala guests now can stroll easily between the show and the dinner at the Temple of Dendur. In a more lasting way, it will prevent snaking lines elsewhere in the museum once the show opens to the public May 10.

Even the mannequins are new

Despite the prominence of classic body shapes through art history, curator Andrew Bolton has made sure there’s an element of body positivity in his exhibit, with sections on body types long ignored in art: the corpulent body, for example, and the disabled body. And he’s added 25 new mannequins that reflect these body types. Nine reallife people — including disability activist Sinéad Burke and musician Yseult — allowed their bodies to be digitally scanned for the mannequins, which will also bear mirror-like polished steel surfaces so viewers can see themselves.

How long has this been going on?

The Met Gala started in 1948 as a Manhattan society midnight supper — held at various places like the Waldorf Astoria and the Rainbow Room. It took many years before it turned into a global event and one of the starriest nights of the year.

Can anyone buy a ticket to the Met Gala?

No. You must be rich, famous or powerful enough to be invited.

If I had one, how much would it cost?

Individual tickets are $100,000, and a table of 10 starts at $350,000. There will be approximately 400 guests in all.

How do guests spend the evening?

After the carpet, guests enter the museum, check in (and get stickers placed over their phone cameras!) and walk past an enormous flower arrangement in the museum’s lobby. Often there is an orchestra playing.

After hitting the receiving line, everyone heads either to cocktails, or to the exhibit. Then to dinner. By the main course, most tardy guests have managed to arrive, but not all. Some even wait ’til dessert.

Then again, occasionally, you’ll see a guest or two leave before dinner even starts. They must have a REALLY great after-party to attend.

Sisters, those ladies who have been members for 25 years or more or 50 years or more, respectively,

This action further encourages sustainable practices and healthy living within its membership.

Chapter President Rashema Ingraham said that both efforts reflect the importance of extending service beyond the organisation and into the wider community.

“With the theme for this year’s Earth Day being ‘Our Power, Our Planet,’ and it tying directly into our theme, ‘The Power of Us,’ we are moving beyond what we do within the chapter to actively touch the community, Ms Ingraham said. Through this initiative, we are highlighting the importance of food as essential to

our well-being and encouraging  greater self-reliance by growing what we can so that we promote healthy eating.”

Ingraham added that the chapter values its ongoing relationship with the school.

“We partnered with Hugh Campbell Primary two years ago for our initial tree-planting program and have continued maintaining those trees,” she said. “As one of the largest  primary schools on Grand Bahama, it is important that students understand how fresh foods can support their health, focus, and overall development.”

The initiative highlights the chapter’s ongoing dedication to youth development, environmental stewardship, and community partnership.

ON, A MOTHER CARRIES GRIEF, MEMORY AND A CALL FOR JUSTICE

By JEFFARAH GIBSON Tribune Features Writer jgibson@tribunemedia.net

FIVE years after her son was killed, Esther Pinder says time has not softened the weight of her loss. If anything, it has deepened it.

As another anniversary passed earlier this month, she found herself back in the same place emotionally, reliving the shock and pain of April 15, 2021.

“When you lose a loved one, especially a child, persons would say it gets easier as time goes on. For me, on my son’s fifth year death anniversary, it was just like the day it happened. It gets harder and harder. More painful than ever before,” she said.

Her son, Maurice Pinder, was 20 years old when he was killed in what became known as the Jerome Avenue shooting, a brazen and coordinated attack that left multiple young men dead and several families shattered.

According to police reports at the time, Maurice and the others had been released from police custody moments before they were travelling in a Honda vehicle along Jerome Avenue. Among those inside the vehicle was also a toddler, adding to the shock and gravity of what would unfold next.

Investigators said a white Kia Sportage pulled up and four men dressed in black exited the vehicle and opened fire, ambushing the occupants at close range. The attack was swift and deliberate, unfolding in a matter of moments and leaving little chance for escape. The incident sent shockwaves through the community, not only because of its brutality, but because of how suddenly multiple lives were taken in broad daylight. Families who were expecting to see

“It’s been very hard but most disappointing that justice has not prevail in this matter. But my family and myself have left everything in God’s hands. If that day ever comes it may not bring him back, but at least we would have closure and that someone or some persons has been charged for such a henious crime.”

recent memory. Yet, despite

the passage of time and heightened attention, no one has been arrested, charged or prosecuted in connection with the killings.

For Ms Pinder, the passage of time has not brought closure. Instead, it has introduced a different kind of grief, one that evolves but never leaves.

“Looking back since 2021 to now, the grief for my son has evolved tremendously. The feelings are difficult at times, especially when I sit down and dwell back on memories I have of him,” she said.

Those memories are both a comfort and a source of pain. They come in quiet, ordinary moments, often when she least expects it. Mornings, in particular, are the hardest.

“In my quiet times in life I feel his absence the most in the mornings when he comes into my room to

check on me, or to look in my mirror even though he had his own,” she said. It is in those moments that the reality of his absence feels most pronounced. The routines that once included him now carry a silence that cannot be filled. Yet even in that absence, Ms Pinder continues to see herself as his mother.

“To continue the role of Maurice’s mother even though he is not here is very, very difficult, because sometimes I find myself calling his name and waiting for him to respond. I am honoured to be his mother and know that persons out there still remember and embrace me through my daily life when I come into contact with them,” she said. That sense of community support has helped her navigate the years since his death, but it has not

replaced what was lost. Nor has it eased the lingering question of justice. For families like hers, the pain is compounded by the fact that there have been no answers. No arrests. No trials. Just a case that remains unresolved.

“It’s been very hard but most disappointing that justice has not prevail in this matter. But my family and myself have left everything in God’s hands. If that day ever comes it may not bring him back, but at least we would have closure and that someone or some persons has been charged for such a henious crime,” she said. Her words reflect a quiet but persistent hope, one rooted in faith as much as in the desire for accountability. She acknowledges that nothing can undo what has happened, but believes that justice would at least bring some measure of peace.

In the meantime, she continues to move forward, drawing strength from her faith, her children and the people around her who have stood by her through the years.

“On my most difficult days the full support of The Almighty Father God himself, my other children and my very supportive friends that gives me the strength to continue each day and to be able to honour my son’s memory,” she said.

Honouring Maurice’s memory has become a central part of her life. It is how she keeps him present, how she ensures that he is remembered not just for how he died, but for who he was.

Five years on, Ms Pinder is still learning what it means to live with a loss that has no clear resolution. Her grief has changed, but it has not faded. It shows up in quiet reflections, in daily routines and in the ongoing call for justice that remains unanswered.

While the world moves forward, she continues to carry both love and loss, holding onto the memory of her son and the hope that one day, there will be accountability for what happened.