04282026 NEWS

CANDIDATE SLAMMED ON CROWN LAND DEEDS

Dr Pratt draws fire over distribution of property papers in East GB

By Denise Maycock Tribune Freeport Reporter

pbailey@tribunemedia.net

A PLP candidate’s declaration that she had Crown Land deeds in hand and had been told to distribute them has drawn fire and questions about how such allocations are handled.

According to video footage, East Grand Bahama

candidate Dr Monique Pratt made the claim at a PLP rally in West End on April 13, just weeks before the gereral election, telling supporters she possessed the long-awaited documents and had been instructed to release them.

“Some other folks on the other side was talking about

LAND - SEE PAGE THREE

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter

pbailey@tribunemedia.net

A DOMINICAN man was charged yesterday with fraudulently obtaining a Bahamian voter’s card and passports, the latest in a series of such cases in recent months.

Prosecutors allege that Biandry Francis, 36, obtained a voter’s card from the Parliamentary Registration Department on August 19, 2019, in New Providence, and later uttered a fraudulent Bahamian passport in his name. He is also accused of fraudulently obtaining another Bahamian passport on March 1, 2022.

Co-accused Horatio Francis, 52, is alleged to have conspired with others to commit fraud on September 20, 2013, and to have fraudulently obtained a Bahamian passport in Biandry’s name on October 1, 2013.

FAKES - SEE PAGE FOUR

CUSTOMS Comptroller

Customs flags six fraud cases a month as 103 recruits join

By KEILE CAMPBELL Tribune Staff Reporter kcampbell@tribunemedia.net

CUSTOMS officials are uncovering up to six fraud cases a month, many involving importers understating the value or quantity of goods to reduce duties, Comptroller Ralph Munroe said yesterday, as the department inducted more than 100 new recruits to strengthen enforcement.

“What it means is that you have an invoice where someone knows they paid $1000, but when you look at it, they probably put $600 or maybe $500,” Mr Munroe said. “Or when you compare the prices with when you go online or back to the

suppliers, you find that the prices have been slashed.” He said officers are trained to spot discrepancies by checking invoices against supplier records and prevailing market prices, while also relying on information from within the business community.

PM warns Pintard to drop ‘crazy antics’ ahead of vote

By EARYEL BOWLEG Tribune Staff Reporter ebowleg@tribunemedia.net

PRIME Minister Philip Davis warned Opposition Leader Michael Pintard to abandon what he called “crazy antics” and avoid disrupting the election process, as tensions rise ahead of the April 30 advanced poll.

Speaking at a Progressive Liberal Party rally at Thomas A Robinson Stadium, Mr Davis said recent by-election clashes should not be repeated.

“Please, I ask our opponents to observe the dignity of the day. Stop the crazy antics we have seen in the two by-election held during this term. Crazy Junkanoo Dancing is one thing, but do not try to disrupt election process. No need to fuss and fight and carry on,” he said.

“We only have one Bahamas, so let’s act accordingly. Just try to be, I guess, graceful losers.” His comments come as the Free National Movement raises concerns about the voter register and seeks international election observers.

Mr Davis previously

criticised Mr Pintard for appealing directly to the United States for observers, calling the move inappropriate and outside established protocols.

The prime minister pointed to last year’s Golden Isles advanced polling, which descended into chaos when supporters of the FNM and Coalition of Independents blocked the removal of ballot boxes over a dispute about how materials should be transported.

He argued that an FNM victory would reverse progress, warning of renewed instability and political conflict.

Mr Davis also dismissed the FNM’s pledge to build 5,000 homes, saying the party had not delivered housing in more than 15 years.

“ I hope they’re not relying on that candidate from Garden Hills to build. A few years ago to build some environmentally friendly, affordable homes, got some Crown land, but hasn’t built a single home yet,” he said.

He criticised the party’s proposal to provide single mothers with a $200 monthly payment, saying it lacked broader support

measures. “ No plans to help the maternity leave, no plan to bring down the cost of living on diapers or daily food. No plan to provide

better maternity services in the hospital. No. Just give people a few dollars a month to say they are giving them something” Mr Davis also took aim at the FNM’s proposal for a national lottery.

operators to make their profits from it.

“You see, they want to turn the Treasury into a numbers house, and they want their private

they’re not saying is, which of their rich friends will really hit the jackpot.”

PLP hands out over $200k in gift cards

By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Chief Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net

GIFT certificates worth

more than $200,000, currently being given to Abaco residents in the names of PLP election candidates and officials as ‘Hurricane Dorian relief payments,’ were paid for by the Ministry of Finance, according to Chris Lleida, chief executive officer of Premier Importers, the company that issued them.

His claim was strongly rejected yesterday by Valentine Grimes, a PLP trustee, who said he was not familiar with the case but insisted the party would never use public funds in this way.

“Anything that candidates give out to people, anything, is paid out by the party or the candidate,” he said.

Mr Lleida claimed the vouchers to his company for people in Abaco were issued at the request of the Ministry of Finance as part of post-Hurricane Dorian relief, with the total value exceeding $200,000 and certificates issued in “amounts of $200, $300 and $500.”

The timing of the distribution is likely to draw scrutiny, coming two weeks before the next general election, and more than six years after Hurricane Dorian struck Abaco.

The arrangement Mr Lleida described is likely to revive longstanding concerns about the use of cash or material assistance during election periods to influence voters. His claim about the funding source also raises fresh and potentially explosive questions about whether public funds have been used in a way that blurs the line between government assistance and electioneering.

Certificates obtained by The Tribune show vouchers issued to residents signed by Central and South Abaco candidate Bradley Fox Jr and Preston Roberts, the PLP’s campaign coordinator and a Disaster Reconstruction Authority board member.

Mr Lleida said his company’s role was limited to issuing and honouring the certificates.

“We'll honour them, but

the actual responsibility for their distribution falls under the ministry and whoever they direct it to,” he said.

Asked about the timing of the vouchers with the general election weeks away, he conceded: “Why didn’t this happen two years ago?”

It is unclear how many certificates were distributed or who determined the recipients, leaving open questions about how beneficiaries were selected.

Office of Prime Minister Communications Director Latrae Rahming did not answer questions about the source of the funds for the vouchers before press time last night, but Mr Grimes found it unbelievable that a CEO of Premier Importers

Pressed on whether both things can be true — someone can be in need of help and a candi date is trying to influence their vote — he said that would be up to people to interpret.

When contacted, Mr Fox avoided answering questions about why the vouchers carried political signatures or whether he considered the exercise to be vote buying. Instead, he responded with a bibli cal reference: “You will never see the righteous forsaken or begging for bread. That’s my comment.”

Mr Roberts could not confirm the source of the funds, but said he believed they came from the party’s relief

practices are carried out by “all sides of the political equation" — a topic long whispered about but rarely addressed publicly. “There’s nothing wrong with giving that assistance as long as you’re not doing it to influence their vote,” he said. “If I see someone who needs food, what do I do?”

“There’s nothing wrong with giving that assistance as long as you’re not doing it to influence their vote.”

- Valentine Grimes

dona tions fulfilled a commitment to Hurricane Dorian survivors.

efforts.

“I know that the government reaches out to donors and sometimes donors say, well, I’ll meet you this way, so I don’t know the percentage on what it is, that is beyond me,” he said. “It came from the party through, I guess what I would say, the relief funds.”

“It was a promise made, promise kept that once the country had stabilised, they would be able to do whatever they can to assist,” he said. He said the process is ongoing, with vouchers expected to be distributed in North Abaco, and that recipients include residents still in need of roofing, cabinetry and bathroom assistance, with single mothers and elderly people

FNM slams PLP candidate over Crown Land remarks

from page one

some crown land they have for y’all,” Dr Pratt told supporters. “Well, I’m proud to say that I have in my possession your long-awaited deeds to your crown land, and I’ve been given the instructions from our prime minister to release them to you.”

A subsequent social media post showed Dr Pratt at a party event calling out the names of East Grand Bahama residents who had reportedly been granted Crown Land. Her remarks have raised questions about why title deeds would be in the hands of a political candidate rather than processed through government channels.

Contacted Monday, Dr Pratt referred questions to the PLP, saying party officials were aware of the issue and would respond. Latrae Rahming, who handles communications for the Office of the Prime Minister and the PLP, later told The Tribune the prime minister

would address it directly with reporters whenever he faces them.

The issue drew criticism from Free National Movement chairman Dr Duane Sands, who said it raised concerns about fairness, transparency and the rule of law.

“Crown Land is not a political reward, it is a sacred national patrimony, held in trust for all Bahamians,” Dr Sands said.

He questioned how title deeds came into the custody of a political candidate and whether allocations were being used for political patronage.

“The issuance of title deeds is a formal governmental function, not a political favour to be dispensed from a campaign platform,” he said. Dr Sands also called for answers from Prime Minister Philip Davis, who has ministerial responsibility for Crown Land, asking whether he instructed that deeds be given to a candidate for distribution.

He said the matter

raises “significant legal and ethical questions” and called for accountability and transparency in the administration of Crown Land.

Mr Lleida said he believes the certificates should be distributed on a bipartisan basis, with residents able to seek assistance regardless of political affiliation.

“I mean, we appreciate the business because the economy for local businesses, particularly building supply companies, is not fantastic, so we appreciate the support from government, and we do everything we can to make it work and to give value and to give service for what we’re asked to do,” he said. He said he has dealt with

stituencies over the years who used their budgets to help residents with house repairs and other needs, so while the request was larger than usual, he did not find it “bizarre.” The Bahamas has no comprehensive campaign finance regime, and there are no clear, enforceable rules requiring full disclosure of political spending or governing the use of public resources during election periods. Both major political parties have continually promised to introduce a campaign finance system but have failed to do so.

Customs flags 6 fraud cases a month at ports

FRAUD from page one

“We train officers so that they can detect fraud. Also, we make sure that we have a good relationship with the business community. You get information from businesses who are in competition with each other,”

Mr Munroe said.

He noted that competing businesses often flag suspiciously low declarations, helping authorities identify irregularities and take action.

Mr Munroe said many cases are handled administratively, with the Comptroller empowered to impose fines or confiscate goods under the law, rather than sending matters through the courts.

“Sometimes a comptroller may be in a better position than a magistrate to deal with the matter, because he has more knowledge of that,” Mr Munroe said.

He said the approach allows for quicker resolution while easing pressure on the court system.

The remarks came as the department inducted 103 new recruits, part of an ongoing effort to strengthen staffing across its operations.

Mr Munroe noted Customs generates roughly 40 percent of the country’s revenue, about $1.5bn annually, through duties, taxes and fees collected at ports of entry.

He said the department operates across more than 28 ports throughout the archipelago, which spans over 100,000 square miles, many requiring round-theclock coverage. While the additional officers will help ease the strain, manpower challenges remain.

Mr Munroe said Customs continues to monitor imports through courier systems and has received no major complaints beyond occasional pressure from high volumes. He said integrity remains central to the department’s work, stressing that public trust is essential for effective enforcement.

Two men granted bail over fraudulent Bahamian passports

FAKES from page one

Biandry is charged with possession of a false document, uttering a false document, and two counts of fraud by false pretences. Horatio faces charges of conspiracy to commit fraud by false pretences, possession of a false document, and fraud by false pretences.

Both men pleaded not guilty before Senior Magistrate Kendra Kelly Burrows.

Biandry was granted $8,000 bail, while Horatio was granted $7,000 bail. Biandry must sign in at the East Street South Police Station every Friday by 9pm, and Horatio must report to the Elizabeth Estates Police Station on the first Monday of each month.

They are scheduled to return to court for trial on August 5.

Sergeant Vernon Pyfrom prosecuted the case.

BAHAMAS FOREIGN AFFAIRS MINISTER UNVEILS LANDMARK REFORMS TO MODERNISE FOREIGN SERVICE

By LYNAIRE MUNNINGS Tribune Staff Reporter lmunnings@tribunemedia.net

FOREIGN Affairs Min-

ister Fred Mitchell said new Foreign Service orders will be gazetted by the end of the week, introducing reforms to make most contract officers permanent and pensionable while protecting non-political staff from dismissal.

He said the orders, made under the Foreign Service Act 2025, are intended to modernise the country’s diplomatic service and establish a clearer framework for its operation.

“These orders are pursuant to the Foreign Service Act 2025, this achievement marks a major milestone in the long-standing effort to modernise the legal, administrative and operational framework governing the Bahamas Foreign Service,” he said.

Mr Mitchell said the regulations will provide detailed provisions governing appointments, postings, discipline, promotions and the overall management of the restructured Department of Foreign Affairs and its personnel.

“The Foreign Service orders will give full regulatory effect to the Foreign

Service Act 2025, providing detailed provisions governing appointments, postings, discipline, promotions, and the overall administration and management of the restructured Department of Foreign Affairs, as well as the Foreign Service personnel,” he said.

He added that the framework is aligned with international standards while responding to the country’s evolving diplomatic and consular needs.

“Together, the Act and its orders establish a modern and coherent framework aligned with international best practices, while responding to the evolving

FOREIGN Affairs Minister Fred Mitchell

diplomatic, consular and strategic needs of the Bahamas,” he said.

“The completion of the orders follows several years of sustained technical work, consultation and policy development, culminating in a fit-for-purpose regulatory framework designed to strengthen professionalism, accountability, transparency and career development within the Foreign Service.”

Mr Mitchell said a key factor shaping the reforms was the treatment of contract officers following the 2017 change in administration.

“I would, however, like to add disaggregate from this general statement that my main concern about bringing these orders into force is that when we left off, when I left office in the year 2017, my predecessor

came in, and all those people who were at the non-political level, junior officers, were selectively dismissed because they were on contracts,” he said.

“There's a history of contracts in the Foreign Service and in the public service generally, because the procedures for hiring people at the Public Service Commission are often so torturous, and they take such a long time, governments decided to use the contractual provisions to bring people that we needed into the service.

“So that was a quicker possibility, because the cabinet can make a decision to bring people in on contract. These contracts were for three years, and they could be terminated with a particular notice period. It appears that our successors in office determined that these people were somehow political supporters of the PLP and simply got rid of them. It's my view that this is this was wrong.”

He said the new orders are designed to prevent a repeat of that situation by ensuring that contract officers who are not politically appointed are made permanent and pensionable, with only those appointed by the Prime

MINISTER DEFENDS PRIVACY AMID CONTROVERSY OVER PUBLIC OFFICER’S POLITICAL CLOTHING

By LYNAIRE MUNNINGS

Tribune Staff Reporter

lmunnings@tribunemedia.net

FOREIGN Affairs Minis-

ter Fred Mitchell yesterday refused to comment on the controversy surrounding a senior public officer photographed in political paraphernalia, insisting that “personal conduct is one’s personal conduct” and that personnel matters should remain private.

His remark yesterday followed scrutiny over Melvin Seymour, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, who was seen wearing Progressive Liberal Party gear on Nomination Day at a political event on Cat Island linked to Prime Minister Philip Davis.

Former Public Service

Minister Brensil Rolle last week criticised Mr Seymour’s actions as a breach of the General Orders and warned that failing to act could undermine confidence in the public service’s neutrality and

integrity and make the rules governing polit ical activity by those in office ‘unenforceable.’

But Mr Mitchell refused to be drawn. “I really don't have any comment to make on any of that, except to say that one's personal conduct is one's personal con duct,” he said during a press conference. “And there are people who are responsible for the matters which you've raised, but that's as far as I can go at this point.”

Pressed on whether public officers are treated fairly regardless of their political views, he declined to engage, saying: “It would be inappropriate for me.”

He stressed that privacy should guide how such matters are handled.

“I understand in this dispensation that privacy means nothing to anyone anymore, but my view is privacy is an important issue,

Melvin Seymour, Permanent Secretary

and personnel matters are private and personal, unless that person wants to disclose what those issues are,” he said.

“I would rather stay away from any comment on any personnel matters of that nature. All I can say is that no one who is FNM in this ministry has been dismissed or otherwise affected as a result of being a member or otherwise at the FNM, not under my watch, as far as I'm concerned.”

Gates, said he was among those who left without receiving copies.

Mr Mitchell reiterated his position when pressed further, adding: “Again, I said personnel matters are private. I have no wish to delve into someone's personal personnel issues in public, and I don't think it's appropriate to do so. I think that's a question which ought to be left to others.”

Labour and Public Service Minister Pia

Glover-Rolle said on Sunday that the matter falls under the Office of the Prime Minister.

“The Office of the Prime Minister will, in that regard, handle any communications regarding that matter,” she said, adding that her ministry has repeatedly issued general orders governing political involvement by public servants.

Minister at the political level excluded.

Mr Mitchell said some of the dismissed officers challenged their terminations and were later reinstated, though he was unable to provide figures.

He also argued for a separate regulatory framework for the Foreign Service, distinct from the wider public service.

“The Foreign Service has always been treated as well or was always part of the public service, and the problem with the public service rules is that they are complicated, arcane and take a long time to get executed,” he said.

“So what we've been trying to say over the course of a number of terms is that you needed, as in most other states, a separate set of rules to apply for foreign service orders for foreign service officers, and largely because, under our constitution articles, 112, and 111, the Prime Minister is actually responsible for the disposition of officers in their service overseas.”

“These rules are meant to reflect that separate and discrete pattern which applies to foreign service officers and to make it possible for the execution of the work of the Foreign Service to be done, to be done with dispatch,” he said.

Latrae Rahming, communications director in the Office of the Prime Minister, said yesterday that Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis would address questions about Mr Seymour directly with reporters, though he could not say when that would happen.

The controversy centres on whether Mr Seymour breached General Orders requiring political neutrality.

Mr Seymour, a retiree rehired into the public service, receives total annual compensation of $221,316, including salary, pension and allowances.

FNM candidates left in limbo ahead of advanced polls

By JADE RUSSELL Tribune Staff Reporter

jrussell@tribunemedia.net

CONFUSION characterised the distribution of the voter register at the Parliamentary Registration Department yesterday, leaving some Free National Movement candidates without copies and raising concerns about a potential disadvantage ahead of Thursday’s advanced polls. Several FNM candidates were seen waiting outside the department after electricity went off around 1pm following a fire alarm, halting the process.

FNM legal adviser

Michael Scott, KC, said the Parliamentary Commissioner had indicated the registers would be ready for collection at 11am, including the advanced poll register, overseas register, and national register. However, he said some FNM members received only one copy instead of all three.

“This place is mired in confusion,” he said, warning

that if the situation is not resolved, the country will not be in a position to have a proper election on May 12th.

Mr Scott also questioned the timing of the fire alarm on the day the certified voter register was due to be distributed.

“I don't know whether that's an actual fire alarm or a faux fire alarm,” he said. “There's no explanation being offered, but this is disturbing, because there seems to be some sort of attempt almost unconsciously to as it were, interfere, impede the electoral process.”

He further raised concerns about the fixed register system, noting that the previous system required voters to re-register every five years, allowing invalid entries to be removed.

The FNM said it had heard that some Progressive Liberal Party members had already received their registers.

Michael Foulkes, FNM candidate for Golden

“A number of us left without getting registers,” Mr Foulkes said. “We now learn that apparently, PLP candidates got theirs. And this is a very, very serious matter, because it puts us and every other candidate in this election that's not a PLP candidate at a truly unfair disadvantage.”

“It's truly unfair because now they have the ability to go through the advanced poll registers that they now have and start working on contacting these voters when we don't have that ability.”

At one point, FNM Deputy Leader Shanendon Cartwright and Parliamentary Commissioner Harrison Thompson had a heated exchange, with Mr Cartwright telling the commissioner the situation was troubling.

Mr Thompson confirmed that yesterday was the official publication day of the voter register and said candidates from the FNM, PLP, and Coalition of Independents had been collecting copies since the morning.

He rejected suggestions that the fire alarm was suspicious, saying it was an emergency that is under investigation. He also assured the public that the integrity of the voting process would be upheld.

Mr Thompson said the register is backed up and that all candidates will receive their copies.

The Tribune Limited

NULLIUS ADDICTUS JURARE IN VERBA MAGISTRI

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

LEON E. H. DUPUCH,

Publisher/Editor 1903-1914

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

Publisher/Editor 1919-1972

Contributing Editor 1972-1991

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

Publisher/Editor 1972-

Published daily Monday to Friday Shirley & Deveaux Streets, Nassau, Bahamas N3207

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Zero tolerance in corruption fight

CORRUPTION is both pernicious and pervasive – and it is something that has an effect across our nation.

In January this year, there was considerable outrage expressed when a US lawyer claimed that in our country, the “entire system is infected with drug money and corruption”.

Martin Roth went on to say: “The entire system in The Bahamas – the police, defence officials, government personnel – is corrupted.”

Now, lawyers say what they do because it serves the interests of their clients – but it is hard to argue that Mr Roth’s client was not an example of that corruption.

Darrin Roker was jailed for four years for facilitating cocaine smuggling to the US – he had been a chief petty officer with the Royal Bahamas Defence Force, and his guilt came as part of a massive conspiracy that included a number of other arrests, including of other Bahamian officials.

Out came the responses you would expect about how it was “one bad apple”, which in itself turns a blind eye to the possibility that corruption is more endemic in our society.

In 2024, a report by the Inter-American Development Bank stated that nearly three-quarters of all Bahamian firms had admitted to paying bribes to obtain permits and public services –ranking The Bahamas as fourth in the Caribbean for that type of corruption.

The figure of 73.4 percent was in reference to “informal” payments to government officials to either obtain or speed up the necessary approvals or access to services.

Were we surprised at this? Not at all.

The comments from readers largely reinforced what businesses themselves were admitting to.

Did it lead to a wholesale root and branch review of our public services to end the corruption? We think you know the answer to that one.

So when in today’s Tribune, we report that Customs officials are uncovering up to six fraud cases a month, ought we to be shocked at the widespread nature of corruption in our society that it occurs

on more than a weekly basis on even that level?

Comptroller Ralph Munroe pointed out the routine level at which this is happening, saying “you have an invoice where someone knows they paid $1,000, but when you look at it, they probably put $600 or maybe $500”.

It is fraud, pure and simple. Sometimes it is dealt with through fines, and sometimes it is dealt with through the courts.

One does wonder of course, given the number of businesses who have admitted bribes in order to get things done, how many cases are not being caught.

This is not just a problem for our law enforcement officers, this is a problem for our society.

However, it highlights the importance of making sure that there is zero tolerance for corruption from the very top – and that in turn reinforces the need for transparency at those levels.

If voices repeatedly point out that corruption is indeed taking place, but it is shrugged off as being “one bad apple” after another, then that corruption will flourish.

If the perception is that everyone else is doing it, some people will say well, why can’t we?

On a personal level, that is a matter of honour – to be willing to say no to the possibility of corruption. On a broader level, it is a matter of transparency to ensure there is no room for this corruption to flourish.

If the consequences of being caught are clear, no matter who might be the one accused, others are less likely to follow suit.

It should be unacceptable in the law. It should be unacceptable as a moral standard.

We applaud the officers who are catching this ongoing level of fraud –and encourage them to stand strong and keep doing so.

Those officers are the line that prevents corruption from continuing to spread.

But for those who think they can get away with it? You may think you’re helping yourself, but you are harming the nation. Do better.

What effect does campaigning have?

EDITOR, The Tribune.

GRATEFUL for the chance to be able to configure a set of opinions, observations concerning the subject in the caption done for the edification, the internal musings for a more constructive, as well as substantive and provocative take, just saying. Writer, what in the heavens are you talking about? Very glad to shed light on where I intend to go. The Bahamas’ General elections scheduled for May 12th, 2026, not much time between the release of the date and all of the systems, procedures necessary to prepare the electorate, the mad dash I figured that must be taking place over at the Parliamentary Registration Department (PRD), coupled by all of the appendages substations, if you will?

And as I contemplated the shortness of the late hour, I couldn’t help but to wonder to the Minister of National Security the PRD, was being disadvantaged thrusted on him such a short window, the challenges it created was enormous, revealing structural weaknesses in the management of the sub office that I visited on two(2) occasions, unable to secure the transfer of my polling station, have not relocated. Suffice it to say that even after the two (2) days I wasn’t

able to transact the transfer, so I guess I will not be able to vote, but who might the blame fall on is a reasonable query. I don’t suppose that I am the only Bahamian with this complaint, had the Learned PM announced the heads up say a year and a half ago, I do believe that many more of us would have been able to regularise our voting status, I am left having the feeling of betrayal, very hurt by it and for the nation’s head politician to announced a date within weeks of a General election, and give this short window has worked against the masses? Now, in my travels I am accustomed to traversing numerous streets the jitney bus covers, but this morning, the crowds I encountered riding on the back of trucks, cars wondered if these people have jobs just after 9am, surely not Bahamas government ones? I also was challenged to ask myself, who were these people, their mental state as the beer bottles were being displayed in the open? I don’t suppose that many of them knew just what is at stake? You cannot be intoxicated and able to survey objectively the problems this country is being faced by? Never mind as Father God has said. **what politicians tell you, that you ought to watch their actions

Time for Bahamians of goodwill to take charge

EDITOR, The Tribune.

AT the outset, I share with you the words of playwright and poet Susan J. Wallace: Islan’ life ain’ no fun less ya treat everybody Like ya brudder, ya sister, or ya frien’, Love ya neighbor, pla ya part, jes’ remember das de art, For when ocean fence ya in, all is kin.

My esteemed fellow Bahamians it is time to wake up from your national and political slumber before you lose your birthright.

Before it is too late, I appeal to All red-blooded and patriotic Bahamians in the words of the first Premier and Prime Minister of the Bahamas, Lynden Oscar Pindling, who, if he was really serious said, “If Bahamians are not prepared to stand up and defend their own Bahamas, then you don’t deserve to have it.”

I am compelled to express a profound and escalating apprehension about the current trajectory of our cherished Commonwealth of The Bahamas.

As a native-born son of the soil, I observe with increasing dismay a distinct shift in our national course, one that appears laden with systemic vulnerabilities threatening the very bedrock of democratic governance and societal cohesion.

A palpable deficiency in transparent accountability, coupled with an ingrained culture of political clientelism, has permeated various strata of our public life.

The public service, which was once ideally a beacon of impartiality and efficiency in national development, has regrettably become widely perceived as an arena for partisan reward rather than meritocratic advancement for which it was originally established .

Within the last 25 to 59 years, following every electoral cycle, irrespective of whether the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) or the Free National Movement (FNM) assumes the reins of political power, there are pervasive concerns that the state apparatus is unduly expanded to accommodate political acolytes and loyalists rather than being devoted to its original charge: the delivery of health services for All members of the public..

This deep entrenched practice of bowing to wishes of the political protaloriate

LETTERS

frequently sidelines highly competent Bahamian professionals, whose career progression appears contingent less on demonstrable capability and more on partisan affiliation.

This persistent political interference, originating from the machinery of the ruling party, undeniably contributes to a pervasive inefficiency and structural disarray within essential governmental functions.

Furthermore, the very sanctity of our national identity documents, which serve as crucial instruments of our sovereignty and security, have recently been subjected to intense public scrutiny. Allegations concerning the irregular issuance of Bahamian passports and voter cards to individuals who ostensibly do not satisfy the stipulated criteria are profoundly unsettling. These concerns strike at the fundamental integrity and heart of Bahamian citizenship and national identity, demanding rigorous and unambiguous oversight. We are also confronted by the persistent and alarming phenomenon termed “brain drain.” A significant cohort of our most brilliant young minds, having pursued advanced educational opportunities abroad, are reportedly opting against an immediate return home post-graduation. This exodus represents an undeniable depletion of critical talent and specialised expertise, both indispensable for confronting the intricate socio-economic challenges facing the Bahamas. The widespread perception that professional advancement often necessitates “wearing the right political colors”— aligning oneself with the incumbent political establishment—only exacerbates this trend, disincentivising a merit-based return to national service.

Indeed, the current political milieu is characterized by an entrenched and often acrimonious polarisation between the PLP and FNM. Rather than fostering constructive debate and collaborative governance for the national good, this dynamic often perpetuates a cyclical pattern where party loyalty routinely

eclipses genuine national interest.

This environment suggests a societal condition where survival and upward mobility can depend on one’s adeptness at navigating these shifting allegiances, compelling some to adopt a chameleon-like adaptability to secure their standing. In my considered assessment, The Bahamas now finds itself at a pivotal and precarious juncture, teetering on the precipice of a significant systemic crisis.

While I acknowledge the solace that faith provides, I believe it is an imperative for us, as a collective body of citizens, to engage in a rigorous and unsparing assessment of our national trajectory.

The prevailing partisan loyalties, which seemingly obscure the gravity of our situation for many, necessitate an urgent and profound national introspection. The clarion call for deeper, systemic reforms—prioritising unimpeachable transparency, uncompromising accountability, and a genuine, unwavering commitment to meritocracy—is not merely a rhetorical flourish. It represents an existential imperative for ensuring the enduring resilience and prosperity of The Bahamas…. My Bahamian brothers and sisters what is at stake is far beyond partisan politics because too much is at stake….

When all is said and done, as I close as I began this appeal to my Bahamian patriots with words of the final verse of Susan Wallace’s poem from her book”Bahamian Scene” entitled “Islan Life”: Islan’ life ain’ no fun less ya treat errybody

Like ya brudder, like ya sister, or ya frien’ Love ya neighbor, play ya part, jes’ remember das the art, For when ocean fence ya in all is kin. For the sake of our beloved homeland, the Commonwealth of the Bahamas, I hope and pray that the words contained herein take root in the hearts of all Bahamians… everywhere where these words are read…. May God Bless the Commonwealth of the Bahamas… DR DONALD M McCARTNEY Freeport, Grand Bahama April 20, 2026.

and just what has that action been over the four (4) years? For one they have a major problem answering queries that Opposition have? They have challenges with accounting to The Bahamian people on their expenditures and love to travel the globe no matter what the expenses were, and borrow money from countries, institutions like money going out of style (what is the National Debt stand at, the figure)? The Bahamian people will have to pay it no matter how they kick and scream, okay, but God! There is a disconnect amounting to their accounting, a disconnect observed by public economics analysts, just too many unknowns that seemed to hinge on bad management? All of the other matters that the Office of the governing party is responsible for were out in the open for a grade score but those people parading around on the back of trucks will they be able to rightly divide the word of truths?

I also have observed the uptick in political activities, with the majority of the vehicles that I see living in the south, have been flying PLP flags, but how come, why?

FRANK GILBERT Nassau, April 16, 2026.

EDITOR, The Tribune.

THE introduction of a National Lottery by Michael Pintard’s FNM, were they to win the next General Election, would come closer to embodying the slogan “Everybody Wins” than its creator. We attribute the objections and dismissals of the announcement to any combination of sour grapes, hypocrisy and a tempest in a teapot. We will not spend any time defending the proposal because in our view it is unnecessary. The benefits of a National Lottery more than outweigh the many negatives spawned by the industry and for which real accommodations can be made to address them.

What we would like to see, are similar efforts expended on devising and expounding on new ideas that would truly change the economic and we daresay social construct of The Bahamas.

The sometimes-vilified Stafford Sands can continue smiling wherever he is, because his economic model continues to be the engine that drives the

financial lives of Bahamians nearly a century after it was introduced. A conversation with a colleague last week brought about the following suggestions/observations. How about some serious thought given to creating another modern Bahamian city on the island of Andros? The social, economic possibilities and benefits of such a venture are endless! While this would obviously be a heavy lift for anyone, Felix Stubbs, the former IBM president and chairman of the National Development Plan, among his many high-profile postings, has shown how a Bahamian can drive such a national undertaking. Unfortunately, his experience with the Development Plan has also demonstrated the difficulty attendant on such an ambitious project. However, we should not be dismayed.

If this generation of Bahamians, arguably the most academically qualified, are to have any meaningful impact on our national development as did our founding fathers and truly bring our nation into the

21st century, this type of thinking cannot be an anomaly and we cannot be afraid to dream. Coming back to New Providence where traffic congestion is on the level with crime, healthcare and the cost of living, wouldn’t this be as good a time as any to seriously consider overpasses as the new cornerstone of a new traffic management plan? We must discard and shed the garments of 20th century thinking if our country is to truly progress. Bold and courageous thinking backed up by decisive action, whether it be on a National Lottery, Overpasses, a serious commitment to Family Island development that does not parcel out our patrimony for peanuts or taking serious control of the proven natural resources in our possession is what is required of Bahamian leadership that expects to be successful in the 21st century.

ED MURROW II Nassau, April 19, 2026.

Mortgage action against Lincoln Bain withdrawn

By KEILE CAMPBELL Tribune Staff Reporter kcampbell@tribunemedia.net

A SUPREME Court mortgage action against Coalition of Independents leader Lincoln Bain was withdrawn before it could be determined, court records show, after filings indicated the debt had grown to nearly $300,000. The reason for the withdrawal is not stated in the filings.

According to court documents, Mr Bain entered into a mortgage agreement with Scotiabank (Bahamas) Ltd on June 25, 2009, securing a $135,000 loan against a residential property in Pinewood Gardens. The property, located at Lot 1829, Soursop Street, was used as security, with ownership to pass to Mr Bain upon full repayment of principal and interest. Filings show Mr Bain made regular payments between August 4, 2009, and June 28, 2010, totalling nearly $10,000. However, by a payoff balance cutoff date of November 30, 2022, accrued interest had reached roughly $150,000. Documents indicate the total amount owed stood at $299,990.96 as of December 12, 2022, including principal, interest, and additional charges. Over the life of the loan, $958.57

was applied to principal and $9,280.59 to interest. The mortgage was transferred to Gateway Ascendancy Ltd on February 26, 2018, making the company the legal lender with the right to enforce the terms of the agreement, including recovery of outstanding sums and the statutory power of sale in the event of default.

In an affidavit, the company’s legal manager at the time, Tamika Thompson, said Mr Bain “ceased making regular payments under the Demand Mortgage” around the time of the transfer and remained in arrears.

Court documents show the lender issued a demand letter dated June 2, 2022, advising Mr Bain he was in default and requesting that he bring the account up to date. The letter also warned that the lender intended to exercise its rights under the mortgage if the arrears were not cleared. At the time, the account was said to be 4,322 days past due.

A Notice of Default and Intent to Sell dated September 26, 2022, outlined the full amount claimed and indicated the lender intended to proceed with the sale of the property if the debt was not settled.

Mr Bain was given 30 days to pay the full sum or make arrangements to remedy

the breach, with the notice warning that failure to comply could result in the property being sold under the lender’s power of sale without further notice.

In October 2023, a notice published by order of the Registrar directed that service of the summons and related pleadings be carried out through a newspaper. The notice advised that Mr Bain had 14 days from publication to respond, failing which judgment could be entered against him.

A Notice of Withdrawal filed November 1, 2023, discontinued the action before the court ruled on the matter.

Efforts to obtain clarification from Gateway Ascendancy Ltd and its attorneys were unsuccessful.

Mr Bain said yesterday that he owes no money as the issue had been resolved.

“That came up during the by-election,” he said. “That was false. That’s an old matter, and that was resolved.”

“I didn’t owe them any money,” he said, adding that the existence of a civil filing did not necessarily reflect wrongdoing.

“Anyone can go to court for any reason. That doesn’t mean it has any validity,” he said.

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net

PROSECUTORS have alleged that Henry Bethel Jr, 26, intentionally shared pornographic videos of a 16-year-old girl on social media on April 7.

Man granted $8,000 bail over child pornography charge Man faces court accused of raping 26-year-old woman

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net

Bethel was not required to enter a plea to a charge of possession of child pornography before acting Chief Magistrate Ancella

Evans yesterday. The court was advised that the matter will proceed to the Supreme Court by way of a voluntary bill of indictment. Bethel was granted

$8,000 bail with one or two sureties. As part of his bail conditions, he must sign in at the East Street South Police Station every Monday by 9pm.

He is expected to return to court for service of the indictment on August 6. Inspector Deon Barr prosecuted the case, while Bjorn Ferguson represented the accused.

A 36-YEAR-OLD man was charged yesterday with raping a 26-year-old woman on April 11. Kevano Knowles was not required to enter a plea to the charge of rape before acting Chief Magistrate Ancella Evans. The court was informed that the case will proceed to the Supreme Court through a voluntary bill of indictment. Knowles was advised of his right to apply for bail in the higher court. He was remanded to the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services until August 13, when he is expected to be served with the indictment.

Inspector Deon Barr prosecuted the case.

24-year-old granted bail over unlawful sexual intercourse charges

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net

PROSECUTORS allege that Isaiah Butler, 24, had unlawful sexual intercourse with a minor on two occasions between September 2025 and January 2026 in New Providence. Butler was not required to enter a plea to two counts of unlawful sexual intercourse before acting Chief Magistrate Ancella Evans yesterday. The court was informed that the matter will proceed to the Supreme Court by way of a voluntary bill of indictment. Butler was granted $8,000 bail with one or two sureties and must sign in at the Wulff Road Police Station every Monday by 9pm. He is scheduled to return to court for service of the indictment on August 13.

Inspector Deon Barr prosecuted the case, and Levan Johnson represented the accused.

PRIME MINISTER PHILIP DAVIS ADDRESSES NATIONAL YOUTH GUARD COHORT 6 AT GRADUATION

Minister Wayne Munroe introducing the Prime Minister at National Youth Guard Graduation held at Bahamar Grand Ball Room April 27th 2026

Executive Officer of NYG Allen Dixin giving brief remarks at National Youth Guard Graduation held at Bahamar Grand Ball Room

The great Bahamian masquerade:

a nation selling its soul for a foreign accent

FOR decades, we have boasted ofour "legendary hospitality," as if it were a natural resourcelike saltor sun.We wearitlike abadge of honour, claimingit s the bedrock of ourprimary industry. But lookcloser at the reflection in the crystal-clear waters of ourharbours, and youwillsee afacethatis startingto looklikea stranger.

Thathospitality hascurdled into a submissive, identity-erasing performance.We haven t just opened our doors tothe world.We’ve remodelled the houseuntil we can’t recognizethe furniture.And, in the process, we have systematically dismantled what it means to be "raw born" Bahamian.

We are anation in the throesof aculturalidentity crisis.In adesperate,greedy rushto pleasethe visitorand appeasea deep-seatedinferiority complex,we’re trading ourheritagefor acheap,foreign imitation. If we don’t stop pretending to be everyone else, the true Bahamianwillsoonbeanextinct species.

The linguistic contortionists

Themost immediatecasualtyofourself-loathingisour tongue. There’s apeculiar, painfulcomedyinwatchinga Bahamianenter aroomof Americans orEuropeans. Suddenly, the melodic, rhythmic cadence of our dialect,the sharp"v"sounds, thebeautifulefficiencyofour phrasing, the "h"that we so proudly drop, isstrangled in the throat. We begin to strain, pulling andstretching our vowels into aphonetic caricature of North American speech. We thinkwe sound"educated." Wethink wesound "sophisticated." In reality, we soundlikepeopleashamedof their mothertongue. Weare so anxious to impress the visitorthat weabandon thevery thingthat makesusdistinct. It’s a linguistic inferiority complexthat suggestsour natural wayof speakingisn't good enoughfor theglobal stage. Buthere isthe irony:the tourist didn’t travel thousands ofmiles tohear a second-rateversion ofthemselves. They came to hear us When weput onan accent, wearen't beingprofessional, we’re beingfraudulent. We retelling theworldthat our cultureis acostume we onlywearwhen nooneimportant is looking.

Thesilent deathofthe Bahamian rhythm

Musicisthe heartbeatofa nation.But intheBahamas, our heart is beatingto a foreign drum. We’ve abandoned the storytellingof Calypso andthe raw,earthy energyof ourownsoundforthesakeof regional conformity.

Walk into any major "Bahamian"party ornightclub today. Forthe firstthree hours, you’ll hear the frantic pulse of Soca from the south ortheheavybassofJamaican Dancehall.We bowatthe altar of other Caribbean identitieswhile ourown Goombay and Rake ‘n’ Scrapeare relegatedtothe "cultural segment" a token gesture at the end of the night rather than a lived reality. When avisitor stepsoff a cruise ship, they’re often

greeted by a harsh, discordant sound. They hear patwah beingblasted inthe streets or spoken by those claimingto be "native," leavingthe tourist bewildered. They camefor the landof Sloop John B and the rhythm of theObeahMan,but they leave with a playlist from Kingston or Port of Spain. By mimicking our neighbours, we aren't being "Caribbean." We’re being lazy. We are telling the world thatour ownmusic isn'tvibrantenough tocarrya party.

Theprostitution ofthe marketplace Perhapsthe mostegregious betrayal of our national soulis foundin ourcommerce. We havesold our souls on the altar of greed, and the evidence is written in the stalls ofour markets and the front seats of our taxis.

The Straw Market, once thehallowed groundofBahamian industry--wherethe smell ofdried palmfronds andthe soundofBahamian laughter defined the experience--has beenhijacked. Stalls intended for Bahamian artisans, intendedto showcasethe intricateweaveof our elders, are now occupied by people withforeign accents selling mass-produced trinkets fromhalfway across the world.

We see the same erosion in ourtaxi industry.Franchises, bornof theempowermentof Bahamians to be the primary ambassadors ofour shores, are being subleased or handed off tothose with a foreign tongue.The visitor climbs into a cab, expecting the wit, thehistory, and the old stories of a Bahamian driver, insteadfinds a stranger whocan barelydescribe the significance of the Water Tower or the Queen’s Staircase. Wehave commodifiedour identity andthen outsourced the labour. Wehave allowed the native experienceto be diluted by those who have no stake inour history.All becausewewere toogreedyto

brate ourmusicians, ensuring thatGoombay and Rake n Scrape arenot "touristmusic," butthe soundtrack of our daily lives.

3. Purge theMarketplace: Wemust returnthe BahamiantotheBahamianexperience.Thismeans strictenforcementofour lawsregardingtheStraw Marketand taxifranchises.Ifit says"native,"it mustbenative.Wecannotallowforeigntonguesto be the firstvoices a visitor hearswhen they are seeking a Bahamian welcome.

4. Teach the Stories: We must reintroduce our history and folklore intoour homes and schools. People who don’t know their own stories are easily convinced to tell someone else s.

protect our own and too ashamedtoinsist onourown standards.

The inferiority complex: emulating what we despise It’s a funny,twisted thing: weoften spendour timein private circlescriticizing foreign influence,yet wespend our public lives desperately tryingtoemulateit.Weadopt theslang,thefashion,andthe attitudes of people from lands we claim to despise.

Wedon’ttelltheoldstories anymore.The folklore,the bush medicine, andthe historicalstruggles thatforged our characterare beingreplaced by thelatest viral trendfroma screen.Weare becoming ahollowed-out people. We havetraded the grit ofthe "raw born"for the glossof theworldtraveller, notrealizing thataperson who is everywhere is ultimately nowhere.

Thetourists areanxiousto meet areal Bahamian, someone with the pride of a personwho knowsexactly where they come from. Instead, they finda nation of people anxious tobe anyone else.

Theway forward:reclaiming theBahamian soul

What are we going to do to retain ourcharm, ourauthenticity, and that Bahamian pride that once catapulted us into international prominence? How do we stop the slide into extinction?

BahamianBrewery&BeverageCo.is lookingforasuitablecandidatetofillthe followingposition:

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Interestedpersonsmayapplyinwritingto:

BarefootMarketing: P.O.BoxF-41779 Freeport,GrandBahama,Bahamas

1. Reclaim the Tongue: We must stop apologizing forour dialect.It’s not "broken English," it s thelanguageof oursurvivaland ourcreativity.Wemust speakit withpride inour shops,our schools, and our seats of government.

2. Reprioritize theRhythm: Our airwaves and ourdancefloors must belong to us first. We must incentivize and cele-

Facing Reality,The Bahamas is losingits identity because we have beentoo hospitable to everyone else’sculture andtoo hostileto ourown. We muststop beingpretty forthe visitorand start being realfor ourselves.The pridethat once brought visitorsback repeatedly wasn'tbased on how well we could mimicthem. It was based on the fact that we were unlike anyone else on earth. It s time to put down the foreign mask. It is time to speakour truth,sing our songs,and standtall in ourraw bornglory. Ifwe don treclaim oursoul now,we won’thavea countryleftto behospitable with.

King Charles III arrives at the White House on a delicate mission to restore the UK-US relationship

By DARLENE SUPERVILLE and JILL

LAWLESS Associated Press

WASHINGTON (AP)

Twoand a halfcenturiesaftertheAmericancolonies declared independence from Britain under King George III, his descendant King CharlesIIIarrived atthe White HouseonMondaywithtrans-Atlanticties under strainand security in the spotlight. A shootingat aWashington dinner attendedby PresidentDonald Trump on Saturday sparked alast-minute security reviewof thefour-daystate visit,intendedto celebratethe UnitedStates’ 250th anniversary, and the U.S.-U.K. “special relationship.”

Buckingham Palace said the king “is greatly relieved to hear that the president, first ladyand all guests havebeen unharmed.”

Trump and first lady Melania Trump greeted Charles and Queen Camilla at the White HouseSouth Portico.The couples were tochat over teain theGreen Room before they gooutside to see anew beehive in theshape of the WhiteHouse that the first lady had installed last week Charlesand Camillaboth supportbeekeeping. Hekeeps at leastthree beehives at his private residence in England as part of his support for the environment and sustainability.

Trump praises theking but derides Starmer

A riftbetweenthe U.K. government andTrump overissuesincluding theIran warhadalreadyraisedthepoliticalstakes for the British monarch's visit.

In recent weeks,Trump has lambasted Prime MinisterKeir Starmeroverhis unwillingness to join U.S. military attacks onIran, dismissingBritain’s leaderas notWinston Churchill, the WorldWar II primeminister whocoined thephrase “special relationship” for the U.K.-U.S. bond. It's part of a wider riftbetween Trump andthe UnitedStates’ NATO allies, whom hehas called cowards and useless”fornotjoiningactionagainstIran.A leakedPentagonemailsuggestedtheU.S. could reassesssupport forthe U.K.'s sovereignty over theFalkland Islands in the south Atlantic.Britain and Argentina foughta 1982waroverthe islands,also known as the Islas Malvinas.

Thepresidentinsists thepoliticalchill won taffectthe royalvisit.Charles has nothing to do with that,” Trump said in March, meaning NATO.

The president has spoken in glowing terms aboutCharles, repeatedlyreferring to the monarch ashis “friend” and a

great guy. He alsocontinues to mention his “amazing” trip to the U.K. in September with firstlady Melania Trump for an unprecedented secondstate visit Starmer hand-delivered the invitationfrom thekingin theOval Officefiveweeks after Trump returnedto office,ina verypublicattempt to woothe Republican president. The U.K. royal family laidonpompandpageantry forthe Trumps,with scarlet-clad guardsmen, brassbands andasumptuousbanquet atWindsor Castle.

“PresidentTrump hasalways hadgreat respectfor King Charles,and theirrelationship was further strengthened bythe president shistoric visittothe UnitedKingdom lastyear,” White Housespokesperson AnnaKelly toldTheAssociatedPress.“Thepresident looks forwardto aspecial visit byTheir Majesties, which will include a beautiful state dinnerand multipleevents throughoutthe week.”

Trump, meanwhile, told the BBCthat theking’s visit could “absolutely” helprepair thetrans-Atlantic relationship.

“He’s fantastic. He’sa fantastic man. Absolutely theanswerisyes,”thepresident said.

Somehave calledfor the trip to be cancelled Kristofer Allerfeldt, a University of Exeter professor specializing in American history, said the twogovernmentshavevery different objectives for the trip.

He said that for Charles, the trip is about “reinforcing long-term ties, showcasingthemonarchy’s softpower andreminding the worldthat Britainstill carries diplomatic weight.”

ForTrump, it s more about“amediaevent,”with emphasison theoptics ofa visit that resembles a meetingof “two gilded monarchs.”

Some U.K.politicians worry thatthe tripis fraught with opportunities for embarrassment.

Trump’s recent broadsides at Pope Leo XIV have heightened those concerns. Ed Davey, leaderof the U.K. centrist opposition Liberal Democrats party, earlierthis monthcalled Trump “a dangerousand corrupt gangster and imploredthe governmentto cancel the trip.

Ireally fearforwhat Trump might sayor do whileour kingis forcedto stand by his side,” Davey said in the House of Commons. We cannotput His Majesty in that position.” Starmer defended the visit, saying the monarchy, throughthe bondsthatitbuilds,isoften ableto reachthroughthe decades” and bolsterim-

portant relationships.

Andrew andEpstein cast a shadow Raisingthe stakesisthe shadow of the king’s younger brother Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, who has been stripped of his royal title ofPrince Andrew, exiledfrom public lifeandputunderpoliceinvestigation over his friendship withJeffrey Epstein He has denied committing any crimes.

Epstein victims have urgedtheking tomeetwith themand othersexual abuse survivors. It's unlikely he will do so. Charleshas visited the U.S.19times,butthisishis first statevisit tothe country since becoming king in2022. Hismother, Queen ElizabethII, made four state visits to the U.S. The king, whois 77 and was diagnosedin early 2024 with an undisclosed form ofcancer, willspend four days in the U.S. accompanied by Queen Camilla.

In Washington,the king andqueenwill haveaprivate teawith theTrumps and attend agarden party anda formalWhiteHouse state dinner.The president andthe kingwill alsohave a one-on-one meeting.

The royal couple will also visit theSept. 11 memorial in NewYork and attend a250th birthday blockparty inVirginia, whereCharles willalso meetIndigenousleadersinvolvedin natureconservation afavourite causeof the environmentalist king.

Three centuriesafter Britain’s kingsand queens gave upany realpolitical power,the royalsremain symbols of soft power, deployed by elected governments to smooth international relationships and sendmessages aboutwhat the U.K.considers important.

A keymoment willbe the king’s speechto the U.S. Congress on Tuesday. It’s only the second time, after Queen ElizabethII in 1991, that a U.K. monarch has addressed a joint meeting of both houses. Elizabeth praised liberalism on that trip, spoke againsttheideathat“power growsfromthe barrelofa gun” and praised the “rich ethnicand culturaldiversity of both our societies.

The king’s treasured causes, including the environment andharmony among religious faiths, are in contrast to Trump’s. He's unlikely to accentuate differences,butAllerfeldtsaid that,in themonarch’s subtle way,the kingcould use his speechto send a message.

“He doeshave anunorthodox way of looking at the world, andI think maybe he can actually have something valid to say when headdresses Congress,” Allerfeldt said.

Students invited to Nassau’s first Cardboard Boat Regatta

STUDENTS ages10 to 18 areinvited to takepart in Nassau’sfirstinter-school cardboardboatregatta,hosted by Holon Learning.

Theevent willbeheld onMay 7atMacFit Westand challengesparticipants todesign,build,and raceboats made entirelyfrom corrugatedcardboard andadhesive. Studentsmay competeindividually orin teamsof upto fouracrossage divisions,withanentryfee of$50per team.

Theregatta promoteshands-onlearning bycombining creativity, teamwork, and engineering skills in a fun, competitive environment. It alsooffers students from different schools an opportunity to connect and collaborate. Proceeds fromthe event will supportHolon Learning’s ongoing efforts to secure a permanent campus. Students, parents, and schools interested in participating or attending are encouraged to get involved in this unique educational experience.

Sunshine Pilot Club holds special event for Autism Awareness Month

NASSAU In aheartwarming celebration of Autism AwarenessMonth, the Sunshine Pilot Club of Nassau brought smiles, laughter,and apowerfulmessageof inclusionto dozensof childrenacross NewProvidence through its signature event, I Am Extra Special.

Held on Tuesday,April 21 atthe Fox HillCommunity Centre, thefun daywelcomed autisticstudents frompublic primaryschools,accompanied byteachers, caregivers,and parentsfromspecialeducation units throughout the island.

The initiative, hosted in partnership with the Ministry of Education Bahamas primary schoolspecial education units, created a safe and joyful space wherechildren could simplybethemselves freeto play, explore, and connect.

Theatmosphere wasalive withenergy aschildren movedbetween games,interactiveactivities, andentertainment designed to engage their unique abilitiesand personalities.Food andrefreshments added tothe festive en-

vironment, whilemoments of calmand connectionreflected the day's deeper purpose.

Beyond the fun, the event also carried a strong educational component. Experts, including representatives from REACH Bahamas, shared insightswith parents and caregivers,offering guidance, support, and increased awareness aroundautism and the importance of early intervention, understanding,and acceptance.

Organizers emphasizedthat the eventis partof abroader mission to help build a society that ismore inclusive,compassionate, andresponsive to the needs of all children.

The theme, “I Am Extra Special, served asbothaffirmation andadvocacy reminding the community that every child deservesto be seen, valued, and supported. Through initiatives like this, the SunshinePilot Club of Nassau continues to shine a light onthe importanceof inclusion, ensuring that children ofallabilities arenotonlyaccommodated, but celebrated.

Below: Sunshine Pilot Club of Nassau gifted all special needs teachers in attendance with fruit baskets

Girl Guides celebrate 110 by planting 110 trees

THE Bahamas Girl Guides Associationhas launched a nationwide environmentalproject tocommemorate its110th anniversary, planting110 trees across keylocations throughout thecountry. The initiativehighlightstheorganizationsenduringfocuson leadership, communityservice,and environmentalresponsibility. Inobservance ofEarth Day, tree-plantingactivities were carried out at several schools and community sites, includingAquinas College, St. Anselms Church,the GirlGuides campsite,SummitAcademy, and Queen’s College. These efforts brought together members ofdifferent age groups, reinforcingteamworkandcivicengagement. At SummitAcademy, youngermembers knownas Browniesparticipated ina hands-on learningactivity by creating “soil bombs”—small bundlesof soil and seeds designed to promote plantgrowth throughnaturalpropagation. Thisexercise combinedcre-

ativity withenvironmental education, helpingchildren understand how plants grow andhowtheycancontribute togreenerspaces.

The project alsoserves as apracticalresponsetoglobal environmental challenges such as climatechange and globalwarming.Treesplaya critical role in absorbing carbon dioxide,improving air quality,and supporting biodiversity, makingthem essential to maintaining healthyecosystems.

Beyond its anniversary celebrations,theAssociation isencouraging thewider public to takepart by planting treeswithin their owncommunities. Theinitiativeemphasizes thateven small,individualactionscan collectively produce meaningful environmental change.

Through this effort, the Girl Guides are demonstrating that environmental stewardship is not just a lesson,butalifelongresponsibility one that helps ensure a healthier and more sustainablefuture forgenerationstocome.

Students invited to apply for Carleton Williams Scholarship

ELIGIBLE students are encouraged toapply for the10th annual Caribbean BottlingCompany Carleton WilliamsScholarship, now open through May 3.

Offered byCaribbean Bottling Company,thescholarshipisavailable to sixth-gradestudents atGarvin TynesPrimary Schoolwhomaintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher. The award provides full tuition toa local private high school for allsix years, once academic requirementsare maintained. The scholarship rotates each year between students inNew Providence

and Grand Bahama,expanding accessto educationalopportunities across thecountry. Applicantsmust complete a portfolio, after which selectedfinalistswill beinvitedtoparticipate in an interview process.

Establishedin 2016,thescholarship honoursthe legacyof Carleton Williams andhas supportedmultiple studentsin achievingtheiracademic goals.

Interested students and parents are encouraged to applybefore the deadline.Formore informationandtoaccessthe application,visit www.cbcbahamas/scholarship.com