11272025 NEWS

SARKIS VINDICATED IN SETTLEMENT WITH CCA

Settlement brings decade-long fight to an end for Izmirlian and protects downtown resorts

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

SARKIS Izmirlian’s deal to settle his multi-billion damages award against Baha Mar’s main contractor will end the threatened winding-up of two other major Nassau resorts, it was revealed yesterday.

The Lyford Cay-based developer, who conceived and executed the Cable Beach strip’s $4.2bn transformation into today’s mega resort complex, disclosed

that the “resolution” struck with China Construction America (CCA) “meets our expectations,” although neither party unveiled the sum that Baha Mar’s original developer will now be paid to end their decade-long fight.

However, papers obtained by Tribune Business reveal that - provided the settlement is approved by the New Jersey federal bankruptcy court at a December 2, hearing - all legal battles between Mr Izmirlian and the Chinese

state-owned contractor will cease provided the deal is implemented in full.

The documents confirm that, apart from ending CCA’s bid to overturn Mr Izmirlian’s now-$1.8bn damages award by the New York state courts, the settlement will also halt his own bid to wind-up the immediate parent entity for downtown Nassau’s British Colonial and Margaritaville Beach resorts before the Bahamian Supreme Court.

See BUSINESS for full story

Sands claims 3,000 voters ‘unlocatable’ in Golden Isles due to outdated register

By KEILE CAMPBELL Tribune Staff Reporter kcampbell@tribunemedia.net

FREE National Move-

ment chairman Dr Duane Sands warned that the national voters register is so outdated it undermined the accuracy of the Golden Isles by-election, calling the list used “almost 15 years old,’ with as many as 3,000 voters “unlocatable.”

Dr Sands said both the

FNM and the Progressive Liberal Party struggled to verify voters during the contest. Foreign Affairs Minister Fred Mitchell, the PLP's chairman, declined to comment yesterday.

“There are thousands of people that we could not locate,” Dr Sands said. “The PLP, I believe, had the same experience. Notwithstanding the fact that there’s supposedly 7,900 persons on the register, I suspect that

the number is far less than that.” He said the register has not been properly reviewed or maintained.

“Scrutiny of the registry has simply not been done — not just in Golden Isles, but across the country,” he said.

Dr Sands noted the Parliamentary Registration Department’s recent removal of names from the national roll.

Unions slam pay rise as ‘crumbs’ with some workers receiving nothing

By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Chief Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net

UNION leaders are slamming the government’s salary increase rollout for some public officers, with one president calling it “crumbs” and others saying some workers received nothing at all. Bahamas Public Service Union (BPSU) president

Kimsley Ferguson told The Tribune yesterday that he has been inundated with calls from disappointed employees, including police officers, support staff, finance and accounting staff.

“I am trying to wrap my head around what the government is doing,” he added.

Meanwhile, Bahamas Union of Teachers president

(BUT) president Belinda Wilson described the pay increases — which she said ranged from $150, $200 and $341 — as “crumbs” and urged teachers to stay tuned for possible industrial action.

Bahamas Customs Immigration and Allied Workers Union (BCIAWU) president Deron Brooks said

“The government, as you know — or the Parliamentary Registration Department — removed some 15,000 people from the register, but they did not say who those 15,000 people were,” he said. “We know that many, many other people have been added to the register.” He argued that the country’s population movement

HEALTHCARE CRISIS

“Invest in our healthcare infrastructure, prioritise fair treatment of healthcare workers, and commit to prevention and education as national strategies. The time for speeches has passed; the time for decisive action is now.”

A powerful message from Muriel Lightbourn, president of the Bahamas Nurses Union, writing in today’s Tribune

See PAGE SEVEN

NEW PROVIDENCE PARADES GET $500,000 BOOST AS KALIK NAMED OFFICIAL SPONSOR

By JADE RUSSELL Tribune Staff Reporter jrussell@tribunemedia.net

IN an effort to keep the heart and sound of Junkanoo parades alive, Kalik has signed a deal worth over $500,000 to become the official alcoholic beverage sponsor of Junkanoo in New Providence.

The multi-year partnership, signed yesterday with the Ministry of Youths, Sports and Culture and the National Junkanoo Committee (NJC), will run from 2025 to 2029. Kalik is a product of Commonwealth Brewery Limited (CBL).

During a press conference, CBL brand manager Carlos Sands said the

sponsorship will cover the Boxing Day and New Year’s Day parades, as well as official festivals and related events.

“We believe that wherever there is Junkanoo, it's only fitting that Kalik, the sound of the cowbell is there beat for beat,” he said. “This isn't just sponsorship. It's a partnership that goes deeper than any

other beverage brand out there. Kalik and Junkanoo have a connection built over decades.”

Officials noted that Kalik’s brand story was influenced by the late Tyrone Fitzgerald, a Bahamian musician and songwriter, who helped create the beverage’s brand in its early years.

NJC chairman Andrew Pinder said the partnership provides stability for the committee. He added that the funds will

enhance the parades and support the practice rush sponsored by Kalik on December 1.

Minister of Youth Mario Bowleg described the period as transformative for Junkanoo, saying officials are working to make it a year-round cultural industry. He encouraged other corporate businesses to sponsor Junkanoo parades.

“We speak about New Providence right now, but it's definitely important

that all corporate sponsors come on board to understand the importance of us preserving our heritage,” Mr Bowleg said. “When it comes to Junkanoo, I think it's the number one Junkanoo festival that is supported by all Bahamians. For order for it to survive, the government alone cannot be the one to fund this. That's why today's signing is a significant step towards preserving the cultural heritage.”

Teachers urged to prepare for industrial action after ‘disappointing’ pay increase

graduates, including graduate nurses and teachers.

some members of his union received increases, while others did not.

“These payments were not as a result of any union negotiations, but our members come to us for answers but unfortunately we cannot provide any definitive info on short notice from usually reliable avenues available to us,” he said.

Officials in the Davis administration could not be reached for further explanation.

Economic Affairs Minister Michael Halkitis declined to comment, directing The Tribune to Labour Minister Pia Glover Rolle, who did not respond to calls or messages seeking comment.

The payment, issued to workers excluded from earlier adjustments, provides at least two increments, retroactive to September, with exact amounts varying by category.

The move follows widespread protests in October over delayed increases and a reported lack of clarity on how the raises would be applied.

Officials said the move is intended to narrow gaps between public service pay and the wider public sector and noted base-pay gains of 8 to 31 percent over four years, with a 19 percent rise for college

Phase one focused on middle management at the end of June; phase two covers the remainder of the service.

However, union leaders said they were unclear if the exercise was completed considering that not all civil servants received the payments.

Mr Brooks said he contacted the department’s human resources section to determine the criteria for those who qualified for the payment, but was referred to the accounts section, which said the matter was handled by the Treasury.

He said finance representatives could not confirm whether the exercise was complete or if those who did not receive any payment today would get it in December, the previously announced date.

Meanwhile, Mrs Wilson called for clarity on how the amounts were calculated, noting that many workers have been calling and messaging to express their disappointment.

She said frustration was particularly high among those aware that other civil servants received $3,000 or more, with payments retroactive to September 2024.

“We still await the written response from the Prime Minister on the list of items, inclusive of

the salary increase and the space on the salary review,” she said. She also urged members to complete the union’s

survey on industrial action or a potential strike vote, adding theat Friday’s poll will determine the way forward.

Mr Ferguson, for his part, criticised the government for favouring permanent secretaries and other senior servants over

lower-level public servants. He said his union

been pushing for back pay to be consistent for all employees.

FNM chairman warns ‘15 years old’ voters list undermines democracy

“The principle of a living, breathing register is only as good as the ability to maintain it.”

over the past decade has far exceeded the state’s ability to track voters.

“You’re talking about what has transpired between 2011 and now — people have built houses, people have gone to different Family Islands and so on and so forth,” he said. “The principle of a living, breathing register is only as good as the ability to maintain it.”

Asked whether the registry reflects the true size of the Golden Isles electorate, Dr Sands said the numbers do not match reality.

“While we say that there were 7,900 registered voters in Golden Isles, thousands of them could not be found,” he said. “A true reflection of the numbers would be maybe 6,000 or 5,000.”

Pressed to quantify how many voters were unlocatable, he replied: “More than 3,000.”

Dr Sands directly criticised the Parliamentary Registration Department.

“They have not done the work. They have not done the necessary to ensure the veracity of the register,” he said.

He added that he does not expect the Davis administration to address the problem before the next general election.

“I wouldn’t hold my breath to expect that this administration is either interested or minded to do anything to protect our democracy,” he said.

“If we are successful, we will ensure that the register — which undergirds our democracy — is not only brought up to date, meaning that we have a new register, but that it is maintained to serve the democratic needs of this country.”

For his part, Mr Thompson insisted that the number of registered voters in Golden Isles is up to date, dismissing the idea that the voter count was flawed by deceased or moved residents who may have been assigned to a different constituency.

“We clean the register everyday,” he said. “We have removed over 16,000 persons from the register since 2017. Once a voter registers or transfers to a different area, that information is captured, Mr Thompson said.

Thompson ‘baffled’ as official results show 4,000 voters stayed home

By JADE RUSSELL Tribune Staff Reporter

Commissioner Harrison Thompson said officials were baffled by the low voter turnout in Monday’s Golden Isles by-election, with official results showing that more than 4,000 registered voters did not cast a ballot. Only 3,884 people voted, despite 7,926 registered voters in the constituency. Mr Thompson read the official results to reporters. Progressive Liberal Party candidate Darron Pickstock received 1,873 votes, while Free National

Movement

candidate

Brian Brown received 1,637. Coalition of Independents candidate Brian Rolle received 352 votes, and independent candidate Karen Butler received 16. There were six spoiled ballots, according to Mr Thompson.

The low turnout has been a concern for

political parties and observers. FNM leader Michael Pintard said on the night of the by-election that his party must work harder to inspire residents to vote. PLP insiders have also raised concerns about what the turnout could mean for the upcoming general election.

Asked about the low voter turnout, Mr Thompson said he understands that some residents may not have felt motivated to vote in a by-election with a general election expected soon.

Historically, governing parties in The Bahamas have performed well in by-elections. Since independence, the PLP has won most of them, with analysts noting that incumbent governments

often hold an advantage in mid-term contests.

Days before the vote, former Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham warned that the PLP would call an early general election if it won the by-election.

“They might do better next time and they got plenty time,” Mr Ingraham said. “If they win the election on Monday coming, they’re gonna hold an early election. By March, you'll be in the polls. If they don’t win, they’re gonna stench.”

Mr Thompson said that since the by-election, satellite stations across the country have seen increased activity. He expects more people to visit the Parliamentary Registration Department, though he does not anticipate a major rise

in registrations, with the national register already above 196,000.

“This is the highest the register has ever been,” he said.

Officials are also continuing efforts to get residents to verify their information for the newly introduced biometric cards.

Golden Isles and Killarney remain the most populated constituencies. While in opposition, Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis supported adjusting constituency boundaries in those areas to balance voter numbers, not to create new seats.

Mr Thompson said his team is preparing in advance for whatever changes the commission recommends and will be ready to adjust the voter register accordingly.

Court hears officer’s testimony on vehicles suspected to be proceeds of crime in Gibson trial

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net

THE criminal trial of Long Island MP Adrian Gibson and others resumed after a monthslong delay yesterday with an officer testifying that he seized several vehicles suspected of being purchased with the proceeds of crime.

Mr Gibson, the former executive chairman of the Water and Sewerage

MITCHELL TELLS

By AVA TURNQUEST

Tribune Digital Editor aturnquest@tribunemedia.net

AS Ambassador-at-Large Rick Fox moves ahead with plans to run in the next general election, Foreign Affairs Minister Fred Mitchell yesterday reaffirmed that diplomats who cannot fully support the government’s mandate should “know what must be done.” Mr Mitchell doubled down on earlier remarks about ambassadorial conduct, and his dismissal of Opposition Leader Michael Pintard’s repeated claims involving passports and Bahamasair, in a statement issued yesterday.

On the matter of diplomats, Mr Mitchell restated that it is a long-established convention for all ambassadors to tender their resignations when a new administration is confirmed — even when the same party is returned to office. He stressed that the rule is neither new nor unusual.

“An ambassador represents the government, its policies, and its positions abroad,” he said. “If at any time an ambassador finds himself or herself unable to faithfully carry out that mandate because of differences of opinion with the appointing authority, the honourable

Corporation, has been on trial since November 2023, alongside Elwood Donaldson Jr, former general manager, as well as Joan Knowles, Peaches Farquharson, and Jerome Missick. The charges relate to contracts awarded during Gibson’s tenure.

Assistant Superintendent of Police Mackey said one vehicle — a champagne-coloured 2012 Toyota Previa — was recovered from the

Hollywood Subdivision and towed from the premises. Another, a blue Mazda, was seized from a beauty salon in Montell Heights on May 30, 2024. He also testified that two additional vehicles were recovered from Long Island, noting that some of the seized vehicles had been purchased by Elite Maintenance.

ASP Mackey said he served detention orders on Jerome Missick and Adrian Gibson. He told

the court he arrested Gibson, identified him before the court, and noted that Gibson is the MP for Long Island. During cross-examination, defence attorney Murrio Ducille, KC, asked whether he informed Missick of his rights during his arrest. The officer said he did and firmly denied any suggestion otherwise.

When Mr Ducille asked what evidence on paper incriminated Missick, ASP Mackey replied that there

was a company Missick was associated with that he did not mention in his statement. Regarding the two vehicles seized on Long Island, ASP Mackey agreed that Adrian Gibson, Joan Knowles, Jerome Missick, and Oak Bay Limited were all listed on the search warrants. He said it was incorrect when Mr Ducille suggested that he had told the court that the day’s proceedings “amounts to

DIPLOMATS TO DO THE ‘HONOURABLE THING’ AS FOX CONFIRMS ELECTION BID

course of action is clear.

No instruction is required; honourable people know what must be done in such circumstances.”

While he did not name Mr Fox, the renewed comments come after the ambassador publicly declared his intention to seek elected office while still holding his diplomatic post.

Turning to claims involving passports and Bahamasair, Mr Mitchell called the allegations false and harmful.

“A particular public official continues to repeat claims that have been proven false, doing no favours to the public, the country, or himself,” he said. “This behaviour serves only to undermine trust and sow unnecessary confusion. He should cease and desist immediately.”

He added that the Progressive Liberal Party has now asked Mr Pintard to either present evidence or withdraw the claims.

“If he or anyone within his ranks possesses actual evidence to substantiate these allegations, then they should present it without delay,” he said. “Otherwise, the responsible and honourable thing is to withdraw these claims.”

Mr Mitchell said the ministry remains focused on its mandate, adding: “We will continue to uphold the standards expected of us by the Bahamian people.”

latest murder victim

Man stabbed by roommate during confrontation becomes country’s

A 25-YEAR-OLD man was allegedly fatally stabbed by his roommate early yesterday in a confrontation that turned deadly inside their Hepburn Estates apartment, becoming the country’s latest murder victim.

Police were called to the Cowpen Road community around 3am and found the victim unresponsive with a stab wound to the upper left chest near the armpit. Preliminary reports indicate the roommates got into a heated argument after the 32-year-old suspect threw the victim’s belongings outside. The dispute escalated, and after the victim stepped onto the porch, the roommate allegedly went inside, retrieved a sharp object and stabbed him in the torso. The victim managed to walk a short distance before collapsing near the apartment door. Police have taken a 32-year-old man into custody. They did not release his identity. Relatives described the victim as humble and sweet but were too distraught to speak at length yesterday. According to The Tribune’s records, this killing brings the national murder count to 73 for the year.

The Tribune Limited

NULLIUS ADDICTUS JURARE IN VERBA MAGISTRI

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

LEON E. H. DUPUCH,

Publisher/Editor 1903-1914

SIR ETIENNE DUPUCH, Kt., O.B.E., K.M., K.C.S.G.,

(Hon.) LL.D., D.Litt .

Publisher/Editor 1919-1972

Contributing Editor 1972-1991

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

Publisher/Editor 1972-

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A settlement for Sarkis, but questions linger for the rest of us

IT has taken ten years but Sarkis Izmirlian has been vindicated in his pursuit of justice in the battle with China Construction America (CCA). Though couched in legal language and in the terms of an agreed settlement, Mr Izmirlian emerges as the clear winner at the end of legal negotiations to figure out a way to resolve the $1.8bn damages award decided in his favour.

But as much as the legal case is huge in its scale, so too should be the resonance of the case politically in The Bahamas.

Baha Mar was a dream that became a legal nightmare. Mr Izmirlian was Baha Mar’s original developer, and ran into conflict with CCA over the failure to complete the mega-resort on time and on budget in 2015. That conflict led to him being ousted as the project’s developer. It also led to the court case that ruled comprehensively in his favour as he claimed fraud and breach of contract.

The case revealed some astonishing details. Indeed, CCA did not even dispute one of the claims, that a senior executive admitted before then Prime Minister Perry Christie that CCA was deliberately slowing work down to force payment from Mr Izmirlian.

“Mr Izmirlian gave unrebutted testimony that Mr Wu admitted during an April 7, 2015, meeting attended by the Prime Minister of the Bahamas, Ambassador Yuan and Mr Izmirlian himself that CCA Bahamas was deliberately slowing the work.”

Who wrote those words? Was it someone with a partial interest? Not at all! It was the judge in the case, Judge Andrew Borrok. Imagine such a claim being made and the other side not even trying to defend it.

Judge Borrok went on in his New York Supreme Court ruling: “Slowing down the work was a breach of CCA’s and Mr Wu’s obligation to act in Baha Mar’s best interests. Mr Wu himself admitted this at trial. The trial record was replete with numerous other examples of CCA Bahamas’ employees threatening or suggesting work stoppages.”

And yet Mr Christie has said he stands by his administration’s handling of the Baha Mar crisis – despite the US court finding that CCA deliberately sabotaged the project. Current Prime Minister Philip Davis, it should be noted, was Deputy Prime Minister in that administration.

The ruling also found that CCA made $2.3m in payments to Notarc

Management Group, an entity managed by Leslie Bethel, the son of Sir Baltron Bethel, then Christie’s senior policy advisor, in a bid to gain influence with the government.

Mr Christie previously told The Tribune that he had no knowledge of those payments, and that his focus was always on the national interest.

The final outcome of the negotiations means we do not know the final amount of the agreed payment to resolve matters – but we do know these accusations remain unrefuted. This was a fraud on a monumental scale. While it has had a legal resolution in the US, it has yet to be meaningfully dealt with in any manner of probe here. Never mind punishment for fraudulent behaviour on such a scale, the courts elsewhere have had a say in that, but what about simply making sure that such a thing never happens again?

Parallels can be drawn with the disaster that was the end of FTX here in The Bahamas, a financial collapse of global significance, for which legal battles have been largely fought elsewhere without analysing what we could have learned here in our country before the iceberg hit this titanic failure.

Last year, the FNM called for an “immediate investigation” into the allegations that CCA sought to “curry favour” with the government of the day by paying money to the son of the Prime Minister’s trusted advisor. No such probe has been launched.

Some might see this agreement as an opportunity to sweep everything else under the carpet. It is a deal between the two litigating sides on how much money will be paid. We do not know the exact amount, but it is clear it is a sum that Mr Izmirlian is comfortable with accepting. It leaves him vindicated, it leaves the legal rulings unchallenged.

But it leaves open questions about the political decisions of the time here in The Bahamas. Those remain unresolved, no matter what deal may have been done on the price tag in the court case.

A massive fraud was perpetrated within our borders and we have done nothing to investigate on a public policy level what could have been done to prevent it from happening. That remains a monumental failure on our watch – and should not be ignored.

Mr Izmirlian, meanwhile, is a clear winner, his reputation defended. After ten years of fighting, that deserves to be properly recognised.

We need leaders who can think

EDITOR, The Tribune.

IN recent years, a troubling trend has emerged in The Bahamas: we are increasingly confusing loudness with leadership. If you pay attention to talk and opinion shows, browse through social media, or listen to political debates, you might notice a common pattern. The individuals who dominate conversations often shout louder than others and make broad claims about various topics. Unfortunately, these loudspeakers are frequently perceived as the most knowledgeable, even when that is not the case.

There’s a term for this behavior: “ultracrepidarian” - someone who speaks confidently about subjects they don’t truly understand. While this may be annoying in private discussions, it becomes dangerous when it affects national decision-making.

For approximately 25 years, we have been dealing with the consequences of systemic deficiencies in governance, planning, and execution. In that same time frame, the world has transitioned into a fast-paced, datadriven, knowledge-based economy. Energy, healthcare, education, crime, immigration, housing, and the cost of living are now influenced by complex global forces and technological advancements. Yet, we continue to evaluate “leadership” based on who can deliver the sharpest one-liner or provoke the most outrage, rather than on who can present a credible, datadriven plan.

For The Bahamas to thrive, we need to raise our standards. At a minimum, our leaders should adhere to the DIKW model: Data, Information, Knowledge, Wisdom (DIKW).

Data: Leaders must prioritize factual information over intuition. We need to examine the actual numbers related to poverty, energy arrears, literacy rates, unemployment, housing demand, and health outcomes.

Information: They must be able to interpret these numbers within their context. Raw data without proper understanding is simply background noise.

Knowledge: Leaders should have a clear understanding of how systems operate, such as finance, regulation, social services, and technology, to ensure that policies are effective and withstand real-world challenges.

Wisdom: Ultimately, they must make decisions that balance short-term pressures with the longterm interests of the nation, even when those decisions might be politically unpopular.

Everything we need to improve life in this country dramatically already exists. Proven models for reducing poverty, restructuring energy, improving healthcare and education, addressing immigration more intelligently, and expanding access to housing and decent work are all available. Remarkably, even countries with

fewer resources than The Bahamas have successfully implemented these models. Our challenge is not a lack of tools; it is a lack of standards for who we allow to speak and act as leaders. This issue extends beyond politicians. It includes party executives, union leaders, business figures, pastors, media hosts, and social media influencers who shape public opinion. If you seek the authority to influence the nation, you should be prepared to meet a higher standard than just having volume and charisma. As citizens, we also have a role to play. We must stop rewarding theatrics and start demanding substance. When someone proposes a solution, we should ask: What data supports this? Where has it worked before? How will we measure progress? What are the trade-offs? If they cannot answer these basic questions, we should not give them our trust - or control over our future. An individual who is uninformed yet vocal on everything is no longer a harmless personality type. In a small, vulnerable nation facing 21st-century challenges, this has become a liability we can no longer afford. It is time to move beyond the noise and insist on leaders who can think, learn, and act at the level required for this moment.

NOĒSIS — CRITICAL THINKER Freeport, Grand Bahama November 23, 2025.

The crisis in our healthcare system: A call for urgent action

HEALTHCARE is not just a medical issue — it is a political one. Every decision about funding, staffing, infrastructure, and access is shaped by political will. Our leaders must recognise that the health of the nation is inseparable from the policies they enact. When hospitals are underfunded, when promotions for nurses are delayed, when mental health is sidelined, these are not accidents of fate — they are the consequences of political choices.

I urge policymakers to act with urgency and courage. Invest in our healthcare infrastructure, prioritise fair treatment of healthcare workers, and commit to prevention and education as national strategies. The time for speeches has passed; the time for decisive action is now.

A System at Breaking Point

There is a growing chorus of concern surrounding the state of our healthcare system. From the community clinics that serve our neighbourhoods to major hospitals like Princess Margaret, the signs of strain are undeniable. Overcrowded wards, long wait times, and exhausted healthcare workers paint a troubling picture — one that demands our immediate attention.

Structural Concerns:

A House in Disrepair

At the heart of the crisis lies the physical infrastructure of our hospitals.

A hospital is, in essence, a house — a building constructed by human hands. And like any house, it requires regular maintenance, care, and

By Muriel Lightbourn, a Senior Trained Clinical nurse

with 42 years of experince.

Mrs Lightbourn is president of the Bahamas Nurses Union (BNU) and 2nd Vice President of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas Trade Union Congress(CBTUC).

“The views expressed in this editorial are solely my own. I do not speak on behalf of any institution, organisation, or other individual.”

investment to remain safe and functional. Yet many of our facilities were built decades ago to serve a much smaller population. Today, they are expected to accommodate a growing and aging populace with increasingly complex health needs. The result? Leaky roofs, outdated plumbing, failing electrical systems, cramped layouts, and overcrowded emergency rooms where patients wait on gurneys in hallways. These are not mere inconveniences — they are hazards that compromise patient care and staff efficiency.

Social Ills: The Hidden Drivers of Overcrowding

Beyond bricks and mortar, social challenges are silently fuelling the crisis. Violence is one of the most alarming contributors.

Gunshot wounds, stabbings, and other violent injuries demand immediate, resource-intensive care, diverting attention from other patients in need.

Other social ills compound the problem:

• Chronic diseases linked to poor lifestyle choices continue to fill hospital beds.

• Mental health crises often go unaddressed until they escalate into emergencies.

• Poverty and inequality limit access to preventive care, forcing many to seek help only when conditions become dire.

• Low health literacy leads to poor self-management of illnesses, resulting in avoidable complications and hospital visits. No discussion of healthcare can be complete without addressing the alarming shortage of nurses. Recent reports highlight a deficit of some 500 nurses in our system — a staggering figure that should be sounding alarms in the halls of government. This is not just a local challenge; nursing shortages are being felt across the globe. Yet despite the deficit, nurses continue to leave the profession, and their reasons must be taken seriously.

Some nurses voice their displeasure at the unfairness in promotions, feeling overlooked despite years of service.

• Others leave in search of better pay and improved working conditions, frustrated by stagnant wages and unsafe environments.

Still others depart because of the disrespect they experience on the job, a wound as deep as any financial grievance.

• And of course, many reach the mandatory age of retirement, yet even

“Policymakers, healthcare workers, and the public must stand together in recognition that the health of the nation is the wealth of the nation.”

here the system fails them. While workers in other government entities retire and return to service within weeks, nurses often wait months knocking on doors, eager to contribute but left sidelined.

This is unacceptable. If we are serious about strengthening healthcare, we must face these challenges head-on and with purpose:

• Make promotions a fair and transparent process.

• Improve salaries and benefits to reflect the value of nurses’ work.

• Ensure safe working conditions and provide the necessary tools to do the job effectively.

• Engage retirees before their retirement to explore their interest in continuing service, ensuring a smooth and efficient transition.

You have heard the saying, 'nurses are the backbone of the healthcare system.' However, a wise woman nurse said we are not the backbone, rather we are the brain of the

Unions push back against PHA plan to replace badge swiping with fingerprints

By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Chief Reporter

lrolle@tribunemedia.net

KEY unions representing healthcare workers are pushing back against the Public Hospitals Authority’s plan to replace badge swiping with biometric fingerprint scanning, arguing the move is not only unlawful, but raises serious privacy concerns.

The PHA announced the planned switch in a notice to staff last week, advising that fingerprint enrolment will begin on Monday, December 1.

The authority said ID badges will no longer be used to clock in and out; instead, employees will use their fingerprint template to record their time

and attendance, a move unions say violates the Employment Act. Staff were also advised that they would be issued updated ID badges to meet international standards and enhance security. Bahamas Public Service (BPSU) union president Kimsley Ferguson, whose union represents PHA support staff, clerical workers, laboratory and morgue employees, opposed the changes yesterday, saying he’s written to PHA officials warning of the legal breach. He also plans to advise workers to ignore the directive. In the letter written to PHA officials, he cited Section 67 of the Employment Act, which states that no employer may

require an employee, as a condition of employment or continued employment, to provide fingerprints or undergo a lie detector test.

The letter was also copied to Labour Minister Pia Glover-Rolle and other officials.

“The law is the law,” Mr Ferguson told The Tribune yesterday. “It’s very disappointing to know that this is a government that is having a disregard for the law.”

Bahamas Nurses Union (BNU) president Muriel Lightbourn also opposed the plan yesterday, raising not only legal concerns, but privacy fears as well.

She said she became aware of the proposal last year, but believed it

wouldn’t be implemented after raising objections to its legality.

“I cannot agree something that’s going to ask us to go against the law,” she said, adding that the union sees no need for the switch.

She said officials already have cameras to verify who is clocking in, along with other measures.

She questioned where employees’ biometric information would be stored and whether the PHA had fully considered the privacy risks involved.

“You have to be concerned as to where this information is going and who’s going to be able to get this so it’s a lot of

healthcare system. Without nurses, hospitals cannot function, patients cannot be cared for, and communities cannot thrive.

Addressing this shortage is not optional — it is urgent, and it is a moral obligation.

Solutions: Prevention, Education, and Empowerment

While infrastructure investment is essential, it must be paired with a robust focus on public education and prevention. Prevention is still better than cure.

We must launch a sustained campaign to improve health literacy and empower citizens to take charge of their well-being.

This includes:

• Using social media to educate the public on conflict resolution, chronic disease management, and when to seek care.

• Engaging families and caregivers to create a more informed and supportive environment.

• Rethinking delivery methods: if current programs aren’t reaching people, we must change how we deliver them, not the message itself.

Educating in waiting rooms — turning idle time into learning time with videos, posters, and health talks.

• Expanding community health programmes, especially those led by nurses who meet clients where they are. Their work is vital and deserves greater support.

Mental Health Integration: A Critical Piece of the Puzzle

Mental health must no longer be treated as an afterthought. Integrating mental health services

concerns and I don’t think this would be a direction that PHA would want to go into at this time,” Ms Lightbourn stressed. Mr Ferguson, meanwhile, warned that fingerprints are highly sensitive personal data that could be misused, saying technology makes it easy for biometric information to be exploited.

“Your fingerprint is unique to you and if it shows up some place, there’s no excuse as to how it would’ve gotten there because nobody’s giving consideration that someone is going to misuse your fingerprint,” he added.

In its statement, the PHA acknowledged the importance of protecting staff data, assuring that fingerprint templates are stored as encoded information and linked only to employees’ HR IDs.

The authority added that the system improves

into primary care is not just compassionate — it is essential.

We must:

• Place mental health professionals in clinics and hospitals to provide immediate support.

• Train general practitioners and nurses to recognise and respond to mental health concerns.

• Normalise mental health conversations to reduce stigma and encourage early intervention.

• Establish mobile crisis teams to respond to psychiatric emergencies in the community.

• Support school-based mental health programmes to build resilience from a young age.

By addressing mental health proactively, we can reduce psychiatric emergencies, improve overall health outcomes, and ease the burden on our hospitals.

Final Thoughts: A Call to Unity

The challenges facing our healthcare system are urgent, but they are not insurmountable.

We must act now — not only by repairing buildings, but by healing the social fractures that send so many to our hospital doors. Investment in infrastructure must go hand in hand with education, prevention, and community empowerment.

But above all, we must unite. Policymakers, healthcare workers, and the public must stand together in recognition that the health of the nation is the wealth of the nation.

And as we move forward, let us never forget to honour those who hold the line every day. To our nurses and healthcare workers: thank you for your compassion, your strength, and your service.

accuracy, eliminates buddy punching and streamlines attendance tracking.

Still, both union leaders insisted their members will not be forced to provide fingerprints. Mr Ferguson also warned that if the PHA intends to proceed, the union is confident the court would have no issue granting an injunction, adding that the authority could also expose itself to liability.

Dr Charelle Lockhart, president of the Consultant Physicians Staff Association (CPSA), said that although the policy doesn’t apply to her members, she stands in solidarity with the other unions. She added that the CPSA would also reject the measure if it affected them.

PHA Managing Director Dr Aubynette Rolle declined to comment on the matter when contacted yesterday.

Of common manners, declining civility and increasingly brutish behaviour

While most motorists on NewProvidence areconsiderate,a largenumbertoday treatthe roadwaysand parking spaces as their personal space, self-absorbed and indifferentto theneedsof fellow motorists.

Somehaphazardly pullinto parking spaces ina manner that blocks other motorists from also parking. Others pull into spaces clearly marked No Parking. The self-absorbed excuseoften usedto justifysuch selfishnessand blatant disregard?

“I’ll beright back.” Translation: To hell with you, this suits my convenience and My needsare moreimportant than yours.

And asking theperson who poorly parked tomove their vehicle for the convenience of others, often elicits an angry or defensiveresponse (anda failure to comply.)

Most people drivethe way they think. This includes those who drive or turn at a snail’s space,helping toclogthe roads.Most ofthe roadragers out thereare notconsiderate drivers.

Ithappens instorestoo. Watchhow someshoppers manoeuvretheir cartsthrough a grocerystore, unconcerned withthe needfor othersto shop unencumbered. Some

make certain theydo not block others in the aisle, while othersobliviously blockthe wayas ifthey arealone inthe store. Suchmicro examples are part of a broader pattern of incivility. Thestory wastold inthis columnsome yearsago ofa 40-something, bejewelled, well-dressed womandriving a newluxury SUV,whopulled intoa clearlymarkedhandicapped-reserved parking space at apopular grocery store in westernNew Providence. She perfumedthe air with her sense of entitlement. After afew well-practised stilettoedsteps intotheentrance ofthe storeshewasintercepted bya malestore employee, who politely informed her that she could not park in the reserved space. Seemingly afraid to challenge her, he told her that anotherfemale customer had complained.

Thedriver ofthe SUVflew into a rage.She loudly demanded how anyone dare complain about where she parked.She threatenedtotell the other woman about, euphemistically, her derrière. Given the levelof outrage, itseemed thatthe parking spot was reserved exclusively for theSUVdriver. A perfect exampleof how some ofus havelost thein-

terior disposition toact civilly andabide bypositivesocial mores. Worse, this poor behaviour is allowedandtolerated in public spaces.

A friend remarked about sitting next to a group of young peopleat apopular eating spot, who were loudly using a barrageof curses. They had zero sense that their behaviour wasinappropriate, especially sincesuch behaviour is often tolerated.

The lady whoparked in the handicapped-reserved parking space did sobecause there is

Bolivia's new president plans to scrap taxes and borrow money to confront economic crisis

By PAOLA FLORES Associated Press

LAPAZ, Bolivia(AP) President RodrigoPazof BoliviasaidTuesdayhe planned to scrap a ream of taxes, in one of his first moves since becoming the nation's first conservative leader in nearly two decadesin abid torescue acrisis-stricken economy.

Just overtwo weeks sincetaking office, Paz also announced his government would slash 30% of total federal spending from Bolivia's 2026budget toreverse yearsof populist economic measurestaken under the long-rulingMovement TowardSocialism, or MAS, party. He did not give further detailson howhis government would make such deep cuts.

Speakingto reporterson Tuesday,Paz said he was proposing to repeal Bolivia's nationalwealthtax, arguingthatithad crippledgrowth anddiscouragedbillions of dollarsin investments sincebeing imposed by his left-wing predecessor, former President Luis Arce.

Another levyon thechopping blockis Bolivia's0.3% taxon everydayfinancial transactions, Paz said, something that long motivatedBolivians tokeepclear ofthe formal bankingsystem andinstead stash their savings under mattresses and floorboards.

"We are giving the first signs of security thatthecountry requires,"Pazsaid."We are paving theway for economic activity."

Thebills toremovethetaxes mustbe sent to Congress for approval before taking effect. Business leaders were already thrilled.

"The persecutionof theprivate sectoris ending," said KlausFreking from the country's main agricultural chamber. "It is the beginning of legal certainty."

ButPaz andhisEconomy MinisterJosé Gabriel Espinoza said Tuesday that, for now,theirgovernment wouldn'ttouchthe pillarsof Bolivia'seconomic modelunder the MAS party specifically, the country's fuel subsidies thatkeep its retail priceofgasoline amongtheworld's cheapest, as well as its fixed exchange rate that becamedistorted asthe country's

rarelyapenalty forsuchinconsiderate and obnoxious behaviour.Slapa $1,000fineon her andone may betthat she will neverpark ina handicapped-reserved space again. She parks wherevershe wants because she usually gets away with such behaviour.

After he lostoffice, Sir Lynden Pindlingpublicly regrettedthathe didnotintroduce some formofnational service to help in the development of young Bahamians, especially young men.A few years before his death, Sir Lynden bemoanedthat we were “raising anation of brutes.

The brutish behaviour became virulent with the onset ofthe drug-plaguedera ofthe late 1970sand 80s.Asked back then what they aspired to become, manyyoung people replied with no hesitance or senseof shame a drug dealer.” Dealers and their high-priced lawyers were celebrated and openly courted.

What makes a country civil and humane isthe internalization and expression of certain core values, such as the rule of law and respect for others.

Contempt for therule of lawis widespread,including by much of the political class whorightly bemoanstreet crime, butwho indulgein all manner ofcorrupt practices while wilfully ignoring the standards of parliamentary democracy.

Manyyoung menhavebecome animalisticin theirattitude and behaviour toward each other, aswell as toward society in generaland visitors toourshores. Thereexistsa pervasive crudeness and crass behaviour with which residents of New Providence must daily contend, whether when driving or seeking service in a store.

Our life in common has become meaner and harsher.

Brutish has exploded with fury. It is not only the socalled thugs who often act in a brutish manner. Manyat the

highest levelof societyact with contempt and disregard forrules andtraditionsas well.

Fromparking wherewe please, to all manner of crime, to abusing our parliamentary system, we have become more brutish,more lawlessandless

central bank ran out of U.S. dollars.

"The president is starting off on the right foot, aiming togenerate better investments," saidBolivian economicanalystGonzaloChávez. "Buthe'snotaddressing the core problems."

Paz issticking tohiscampaign promise ofdeploying gradualmeasures asopposed toa shockfiscal adjustmentofthe kindthatBolivianshave known andfeared since the 1990s to dig Boliviaout of itsworst financial crisis in four decades.

While major challengesremain and doubts linger, there are already signs that the medicineis takingeffect. Theendemiclines thatsnakedfrom fuelpumps across the country due to a severe shortage of gasolinehave largely disappeared as Paz works to secure imports.

A friendly Congresshas helpedthe governmenttakeon a$3.1billionloan fromthe AndeanDevelopmentCorporation, $550million ofwhich hasalready beenreleased.Espinoza onTuesdaysaid the government seeks to borrow up to $9 billionto stabilizetheeconomy andplug thedeficit forthe nextthree years.He said he expected the packagein 60 to 90 days,without namingthemultilateral lenders involved in the deal.

The government has also repaired relations with Washington after years of antiAmerican hostility dating back to when ex-President Evo Morales,a charismatic coca-growing union leader,kicked out the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration in 2008 and cozied up to Russia, Iran and Venezuela.

The U.S. State Department has already announced agreements on nuclear cooperation and security assistance, and Paz has said his administration will allow Elon Musk's Starlinkto operate in Bolivia for the first time, after his predecessor refused to give it an operating license last year.

As Boliviastarts toregain credibility in the eyes ofinvestors, sovereign bonds have risen in recent weeks and the chronically depreciating currencypared back some of its losses against the dollar in unofficial trading.

civilized. Things are likely to worsen if not arrested. Another endemic sociological trait commontoday is the throw meout society anddependency culture,particularlydependency ongovernment.

A friend recalls working at an upscale resort. On the rounds in housekeeping, he observeda co-workergoing into a room and taking an item from the minibar. The coworker askedif myfriend wanted something from the bar, which he declined. When asked whyhe stole theitemfrom theminibarthe co-worker said, “Daddy wants ustohave this.” When asked who Daddy was, hereplied simply and clearly: “The owner of the hotel. Hotel management and owners often reportthat em-

ployee theft is the security issuetheydeal withmostin The Bahamas.Many Bahamians see nothing wrong withsuch theftbecause,in theirminds,there isplentyto go aroundand theowners can afford it.

Like some other cultures, many Bahamians view business owners andthe government as sugar daddies or sugar mommies, who are supposed to takecare of usor throw something out to us.

Another friend whoruns a retailbusiness recallsoneof her foreign suppliers regularly complaining that hewas constantly being asked for money, favours, breakfast,and various goodsfrom theemployees of the businesses he supplied.

Hefound thepracticeof constantly beingasked for something rampant in The Bahamas. Arguably,most Bahamians viewgovernment as the ultimate sugar daddy. The transactional “throw me out” culture iswidespread. Many votersexpect toget amonetary donation for their vote.

Someone elseI knowrecallstaking apan ofcooked chicken toa fellowshipevent at a church attended mostly by middle-class families. She noticedthat, duringtheevening, the chicken never made its way outside ofthe kitchen. Someone, ora smallgroup, took thefood homefor themselves.

Thissortofstoryisoftenrepeated.Food itemsintended for others are taken by those who can affordto buy the food,but whosimplydecide they preferto getsomething for nothing. Thenotions ofthecommon good, ofpersonal responsibility, andother suchvalues preachedby membersofthe clergy and promoted in the politicalsphere areexemplary idealspractised bysome. However, many basic tenets of civility have atrophied. The longer thisdecline is unredressed, the more uncivil

Some Americans: Trump is to blame for taking the “thanks” out of Thanksgiving

THIS morning is Amer-

ican Thanksgiving. Sadly, many Americans will be framing their views about this wonderful, joyous, and yet sobering holiday around the caustic current politics of the nation.

There’s a feeling that’s hard to escape on this uniquely American day of feast, family, and festivity. The next general election will mark the unmistakable, inevitable ebbing of the current president’s strong grip on the Republican Party and on the levers of American government and military power.

Things don’t look good for Donald Trump at the moment. There’s no relief that he promised on the cost of living for Americans.

In fact, his corrosive tariffs regime is broadly seen as cruelly and unnecessarily amplifying the inflationary price trends in the US economy that doomed the Biden/Harris candidacies just a year ago. The tariffs epitomize Trump’s economic malfeasance.

There are other issues that work against Trump. One is certainly his defensiveness on the whole Jeffrey Epstein issue. But even more important for us and the world is his stubbornness on Ukraine. It’s helpful to seek perspective in considering this, away from the cloying familiarity of Washington. Well beyond the Washington DC beltway, the air seems fresh. There’s a crisp bite to any breeze these

STATESIDE

with Charlie Harper

days, as winter rolls toward America’s Mid-Atlantic region. Out in far western Virginia, in the shadow of the Appalachian Mountains and the Blue Ridge Parkway and the Shenandoah River, it feels more distant than simply a couple of hours from the capital.

Old friends Reggie and Mary live there and recently welcomed holiday guests from Washington DC.

Reggie and Mary were enjoying a leisurely coffee with old friends and--despite nearly everyone warning against it because the subject has become so divisive in the US--they were talking politics and trying again to figure out what is in Donald Trump’s head.

Mary has never been able to tolerate Trump. She quickly looked up old friends in Toronto when he was shockingly elected in 2016. She wanted to vent to them and see if they might sponsor her and Reggie on a move to Canada. But her long-time pals had recently passed.

Reggie sees himself as a pragmatist. ‘Give me the situation, and I’ll try to figure

out how to manage it, so we come out ahead or no worse than we began,’ he is fond of saying. He tries to see the benefit of Trump’s presidency, but admits that it’s been hard to do in recent months, as this second Trump term lurches toward the first quarter pole.

Once her guests were settled, Mary spoke fiercely.

“Can anyone honestly tell me what Trump is doing in Ukraine?” she demanded. No one replied right away, so she continued.

“This stupid war has now been underway for almost four years. Counting Putin’s illegal annexation of Crimea in 2014, it’s actually been going on for almost a dozen years! The whole enterprise is supremely illegitimate. Russia has no business whatsoever doing what it is doing, and yet Trump continues to support the Kremlin and turn his back on Ukraine, a nation fighting for its freedom like America did 249 years ago!

“The US is going to celebrate two-and-a-half centuries of independence next summer. At the same time, it appears it will still be actively hindering efforts

to assist Ukraine in its own fight for independence from rapacious Russia. What is this even about?”

Reggie glanced around the room quickly, as if trying to gauge the willingness of his guests to engage in another spirited review of the current president’s mystifying myopia when it comes to Russia and its president Vladimir Putin. No one raised their eyebrows in response, so Reggie dipped his toe in the discussion, almost immediately regretting doing so. He began quietly, almost reluctantly. “Dear Mary, I assume you are hoping one of us can crack the code of this president and offer you a reasonable explanation. I’m going to try. If your questions were rhetorical and not looking for answers, this would be a good time to let me know and we can talk about football or Taylor Swift’s upcoming marriage.” Mary didn’t reply, nor smile, and their guests seemed vaguely engaged, if only to see where things turned out between their long-time friends.

“OK, here goes nothing,” Reggie said with a smile no one returned. “I’ve done some reading and thinking about Trump and Ukraine, because it doesn’t make any sense to me either. I’ve concluded that there are probably two explanations for Trump’s love affair with Putin. Both are consistent with Trump as I understand him.”

Mary looked over at her long-time partner with a puzzled curiosity. He didn’t usually speak this way. She considered for a moment when she realized that he really had been thinking about this. She had just been shouting into the wind, venting fruitlessly as

she and her friends so often did. But Reggie looked thoughtful, serious, and full of something to say. She sat still and waited.

Reggie paused, took a breath, and began.

“The first reason has to do with Trump, Biden, and Ukraine. Remember Trump’s attempts in his first term to withhold aid to some other countries until they launched investigations into Joe Biden and his son Hunter? Trump correctly deduced, and often spoke publicly, about the threat to his re-election that Biden represented. He tried to smear his future opponent in any way he could. Here are a few conclusions that I found from the report of the House Intelligence Committee:

"President Trump, personally and acting through agents within and outside of the US government, solicited the interference of a foreign government, Ukraine, to benefit his re-election... President Trump conditioned official acts (delivering military and other assistance) on a public announcement by the new Ukrainian president (Volodymyr Zelensky) that Ukraine would initiate an investigation into alleged improprieties by Joe Biden. In pressuring President Zelensky to carry out this demand, President Trump withheld critical US military assistance to fight Russian aggression in eastern Ukraine."

Reggie reminded his listeners that in January 2020, the Government Accountability Office, a non-partisan watchdog, found that the White House broke federal law by withholding Congress-approved military aid to Ukraine.

“Zelensky refused,” Reggie continued. “Trump lost to Biden in November 2020. And Trump never forgets and he never forgives. So, it’s entirely possible that Trump’s otherwise inexplicable behaviour--as he tries so hard to stack the ceasefire deck in favour of Russia--is simply retribution for Zelensky’s refusal to engage in a political

scam six years ago.

“I think that’s entirely consistent with who Trump has repeatedly revealed himself to be during his decade or so in public political life,” Reggie concluded. “Now let’s stretch our legs and have a drink of something, take a break. There’s more.”

The others left Mary to her thoughts. After a few minutes, her friends returned and found her still sitting there, looking off into space. Reggie started slowly again, carefully choosing his words.

“I think the second reason for Trump’s bromance with Putin is what has long been rumoured. I think Putin may have something profoundly embarrassing for Trump that the president fears might be released. My hunch is that whatever it is, I think this scary information would reveal a side of Trump that he fears could also be exposed by the release of the Epstein files.”

No more trance for Mary. She sat up and looked directly at Reggie. “I always wondered about that,” she said. “Are you thinking about Trump’s time in Moscow during the Miss Universe pageant that he staged there in 2013? I remember hearing a lot of speculation about that when Trump was running for president for the first time, and even then, his positive fascination with Putin was hard to understand or explain.”

Reggie thought for a moment. “It might be that. It could be anything, really. But Trump has also often referred to Roy Cohn as a mentor. Cohn was Senator Joseph McCarthy's chief counsel during his infamous investigations of suspected communists in the 1950s. There is still much speculation that Cohn was gay. If Putin has something on Trump, it could relate to some sex-based embarrassment either from Cohn, Epstein, or someone else.

“Where there is smoke, sometimes there really is fire.”

Gramma the Galapagos tortoise, oldest resident of San Diego Zoo, dies at about 141

By JAIMIE DING Associated Press

A FTER more than a century of munching on her favourite foods of romaine lettuce and cactus fruit, beloved Galapagos tortoise Gramma, the oldest resident of the San Diego Zoo, has died. Gramma was born in her native habitat and was estimated to be about 141 years old, zoo officials said. She died Nov. 20.

It’s not clear exactly when the tortoise arrived at the San Diego Zoo, but zoo officials said she came from the Bronx Zoo in either 1928 or 1931 as part of their first group of Galapagos tortoises.

As the world changed around her, she delighted visitors with her sweet, shy personality. She lived through two World Wars and 20 U.S. presidents.

Her care specialists affectionately called her “the Queen of the Zoo.” She was suffering from bone conditions related to her old age that progressed recently before she was euthanised, the zoo said.

Many visitors commented on social media about getting to first visit Gramma when they were young, and being able to come back years later with their kids.

Cristina Park, 69, said one of her earliest memories from her childhood was going to the San Diego Zoo when she was 3 or 4 years old and riding on the back of a tortoise. That’s no longer allowed, but the experience inspired her to keep a small desert tortoise as a pet and learn more about tortoise conservation.

“Just how amazing it is that they managed to live through so much,” Park said. “And yet they’re still there.”

Galapagos tortoises can live for over 100 years in the wild, and close to double that in captivity.

The oldest known Galapagos

tortoise was named Harriet, who lived at the Australia Zoo until the age of 175. She was collected from the Galapagos Islands in 1835, when she was just the size of a dinner plate, according to the zoo. This means that she hatched somewhere around 1830, and she died in 2006.

Galapagos tortoises include 15 subspecies of tortoises from the islands, three of which were deemed extinct. The rest are all vulnerable or critically endangered, according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature.

Concerted efforts have been made to breed these tortoises in captivity over the past several decades, with more than 10,000 juveniles released to the wild since 1965, according to the Galapagos Conservancy. Some subspecies have been brought back from the brink of extinction.

In April, four baby Galapagos tortoises were born at the Philadelphia Zoo to first-time parents that were roughly 100 years old, a first in the zoo’s history. In June, Zoo Miami resident and Galapagos tortoise Goliath became a first-time father at the age of 135.

Police Commissioner highlights women in policing at INTERPOL General Assembly

POLICE Commissioner

Shanta Knowles addressed global law enforcement leaders on the importance of women in policing as she led The Bahamas’ delegation to the 93rd INTERPOL General Assembly in Marrakech, Morocco, this week. Commissioner Knowles was joined by Jerusa Ali, Director General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Senior Assistant Commissioner Dwight Adderley, Director of the Security Intelligence Branch; and Superintendent Royann

Russell Collie, Head of the INTERPOL National Central Bureau. The assembly, held from November 24–27, brought together delegates from member countries to discuss key policing priorities, including dismantling transnational organised crime networks, targeting global scam operations, expanding INTERPOL’s policing capabilities and advancing women’s leadership in law enforcement.

With the majority of country delegations led by

men, the role of women in policing emerged as a prominent theme during the sessions. Commissioner Knowles spoke before the assembly on women in leadership, noting both the global need for equitable representation and the lessons drawn from The Bahamas’ own experience.

“Advancing women’s leadership in policing is not simply an aspiration — it is a strategic imperative,” she told delegates. “When women are empowered to lead, our institutions benefit

delegations.

from stronger decision-making, deeper community trust, and more effective operational outcomes.”

She reflected on her appointment as the first woman to lead the Royal Bahamas Police Force, saying intentional mentorship and creating space for women to “rise, contribute and lead authentically” were essential to achieving progress.

Commissioner Knowles also highlighted her track record prior to becoming Commissioner, including

making history as the first woman to command the Criminal Investigation Department, and later overseeing policing operations in the northern Bahamas as an Assistant Commissioner.

“While resources were limited, success was achieved through strengthening community partnerships through our ‘Clear, Hold and Build’ strategy,” she said. She urged member countries to turn shared lessons into lasting action: “We

must ensure women are not only represented but fully equipped and empowered to shape the future of global policing. Through INTERPOL’s platform, we can continue to champion this change together.”

While in Morocco, the Bahamian delegation held bilateral meetings with counterparts from Morocco, Japan, France, Kenya, Ethiopia and Canada. Elections for INTERPOL leadership positions are scheduled for November 27.

Immigration deports 105 haitians in year’s largest repatriation

THE Department of Immigration yesterday carried out its largest deportation operation of the year, repatriating 105 Haitian nationals to Cap-Haïtien on a chartered flight from Lynden Pindling International Airport.

The group included 84 men and 21 women. The flight departed at 10.02am, according to officials.

The operation was led by Chief Immigration Officer Bianca Rolle-Thomas of the Deportation Unit, with support from Chief Immigration Officers Shanori Francis and Philize Rolle-Ellis of the Enforcement Unit. Officials said all protocols were followed to ensure the process was conducted in an orderly and humane manner.

Man accused of assaulting another man and a woman with a glass bottle

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net

A MAN was granted bail yesterday after he was accused of assaulting two people with a glass bottle, injuring one of them during an incident on East Street South and Soldier Road last month. Prosecutors allege that Tanario McKenzie, 35, assaulted Yolanda Major and Walter Kelly with a glass bottle and injured Mr Kelly during a physical confrontation on October 19. McKenzie pleaded not guilty to causing harm and two counts of assault with a dangerous instrument before Magistrate Abigail Farrington.

His bail was set at $6,000 with one or two sureties. Under the terms of his release, he must sign in at Elizabeth Estates Police Station on the last Friday of every month by 7pm.

McKenzie’s trial is scheduled to begin on January 27. Attorney Gary Russell represented him.

Woman allegedly found with a loaded gun in her purse granted $7,000 bail

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter

pbailey@tribunemedia.net

The deportations follow court proceedings on Tuesday, when 29 Haitian nationals and one Jamaican national appeared before Senior Magistrate Kara Turnquest-Deveaux on immigration offences, including illegal landing, overstaying, possession of fraudulent documents and attempting to mislead an immigration officer. Fines ranged from $300 to $3,000, with sentences between three months and one year at the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services. All individuals were

ordered to be transferred to Immigration upon payment of fines or completion of their sentences.

The department continues to urge the public to report suspected immigration violations to its hotline at 604-0249 or 604-0171/2.

Her bail was set at $7,000 with one or two sureties. She must surrender her travel documents as a condition of bail.

She returns to court for trial on February 19 2026.

Assistant Superintendent of Police Lincoln McKenzie prosecuted the case.

A WOMAN was granted bail on Tuesday after she was allegedly found with a loaded gun in her purse on Plantol Street last week. Prosecutors allege that Natasha Henderson-Sands, 42, was found with a black Austria Glock 23 .40 pistol containing four rounds of ammunition when officers stopped her while she was standing among a group of people at about 9pm on November 22. Henderson-Sands pleaded not guilty to charges of possession of an unlicensed firearm and possession of ammunition before Magistrate Lennox Coleby.

Early Christmas for Woodcock Primary as Disney donates gifts to students

By KEILE CAMPBELL Tribune Staff Reporter kcampbell@tribunemedia.net

HOLIDAY cheer came early for some children in New Providence as Disney Cruise Line donated gifts to students at Woodcock Primary, bringing the spirit of giving to the Bain and Grants Town community.

Students received a Disney memory card game, a backpack and a Pluto plush toy as part of Disney Cruise Line’s holiday outreach, which also includes visits to Eleuthera and Abaco. Joey Gaskins, Regional Public Affairs Director for Disney Cruise Line, said the effort reflects the company’s long-standing partnership with The Bahamas.

“We’ve had a long-standing commitment to our community around four pillars –– culture, conservation, community, and specifically when it comes to young people,” Mr Gaskins said.

Disney Cruise Line’s broader investments include significant support for Junior Junkanoo, Junior Achievement, and exposure to Disney creatives, as well as playground upgrades and sporting equipment across South and Central Eleuthera. The cruise line also provides textbooks annually for all primary students in those districts and partners with Aubrey Sayle Primary and the Ranfurly Home for Children in New Providence.

Disney chose Woodcock Primary because of its proximity to the port, allowing volunteers to engage directly with students and experience the community

first-hand.

Woodcock Primary principal Roberta Scott said the donation makes a meaningful difference for students who may not otherwise experience a Disney visit.

“They wouldn’t really have the experience of travelling to Orlando or travelling to Disney World, so Disney World has come to them this morning, and we are forever grateful,” she said.

Ms Scott noted the school has an enrolment of about 269 students and said corporate partnerships help fill gaps government cannot meet on its own.

Woodcock Primary’s principal underlined the importance of corporate donations and partnerships such as Disney Cruise Line’s donation, alligning with their mission statement “to cater to the entire child”, considering that not every child will get a gift on Christmas Day.

“Last year, we purchased a gift for every student, we put it under the Christmas tree, and they were able to come and pick a gift,” Ms Scott explained. “So now, with Disney partnering with us, it would lessen our financial burdenm and everyone would leave with a smile on their face.”

Volunteers from Disney joined the visit, including photographer Nicole Teng, who said she was eager to help “spread the magic and joy of Disney,” and entertainment hostess Lilia Gutierrez.

“It’s wonderful to give back to the communities we visit and bring a little Disney magic to the children,” Ms Gutierrez said.

Family and friends remember James ‘Milky’ Lambert

US sanctions high-ranking Haitian official and accuses him of supporting gangs

By DÁNICA COTO Associated Press

THE US government imposed visa restrictions on Fritz Alphonse Jean, a member of Haiti’s transitional presidential council, accusing him of supporting gangs and other criminal organizations as the country’s political instability threatened to deepen.

The US did not name the person it sanctioned in late Monday’s announcement, but Jean confirmed it was him, telling The Associated Press on Tuesday that he rejected those accusations, which some believe are being used as a threat to try and influence Haiti’s politics.

Haiti is due to hold elections by Feb. 7, when the nine-member transitional presidential council is supposed to step down. Critics have asserted that some council members seek to stay in power beyond that date and are looking for a new prime minister who would support those plans. Jean dismissed that assertion, saying he wants a new prime minister to fight gangs and corruption.

“Once we started reviewing the possibilities of

changing the head of government, members of (the council) started receiving threats of visa cancellation and other sanctions from the US Embassy representative and the Canadian ambassador,” Jean said. He added: “We stand firm on combating corruption, state capture by few individuals, and operators involved in drugs trafficking, weapons and ammunition’s proliferation.”

There was no immediate comment from US or Canadian officials. The office of Haiti’s

current prime minister, Alix Didier Fils-Aimé, did not return a request for comment.

‘A clear message’

Jean is an economist and former central bank governor who once served as president of the transitional presidential council. The council was formed after former Prime Minister Ariel Henry resigned last year following widespread gang attacks, leaving Haiti without a leader.

Gangs currently control 90% of Haiti’s capital and

swaths of territory in the country’s central region, where they extort businesses, kill civilians and fight for territory, using military-grade weaponry.

US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau last week warned on social media that there were “calls for open war against the central government” in Haiti.

“The US and other countries in the region and around the world have a clear message: enough with gang violence and destruction—and political infighting,” Landau wrote on Nov. 19, adding: “Anyone who obstructs Haiti’s path to political stability must expect consequences from the US and others, including visa revocations.”

Hours after speaking with the AP, Jean organized a press conference and shared messages he said were sent to him by unidentified people. One read, “I understand you are part of a group working to topple the head of government...I urge you in the strongest terms to desist from initiatives to oust the PM and to instead publish the electoral decree, as we have discussed. This is not the time to test US

resolve. Thank you.”

Jean also accused Haiti’s prime minister of failing in three areas: security, governance and the organization of elections, adding: “We need a more proactive, more responsible government.” He did not take questions.

The only council member who attended Jean’s press conference was Leslie Voltaire.

Meanwhile, former Haitian Prime Minister Claude Joseph said Tuesday on social platform X that while he and Jean have had many disagreements, he fully supported him and commended his courage.

“It is unacceptable for embassies to presume to threaten a presidential adviser under the pretext that he has decided to participate in the dismissal of Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé,” Joseph wrote.

“No Haitian political leader should submit to foreign dictates.”

No firm election dates

Haiti’s prime minister and the transitional presidential council have been under pressure to hold elections before the council’s mandate expires. But gang

violence has made that February deadline impossible to meet.

Haiti’s Provisional Electoral Council has set tentative election dates for August and December of next year. The country hasn’t held elections in almost a decade, and no one has been president since former President Jovenel Moïse was fatally shot at his private residence in July 2021.

More than 4,300 people including gang members have been killed this year from January to September across Haiti, and violence persists.

A UN-backed mission led by Kenyan police has struggled to contain the violence, and now Haiti awaits a new gang-suppression force that would have the power to arrest suspected gang members, which the current force does not have. In another blow to the country, Sunrise Airways, the only airline offering domestic and international flights to Haiti, announced Sunday that it was suspending service for safety reasons. Gang violence has forced Haiti’s main international airport to close several times since last year.

Dominican Republic authorizes arrival of 800 new flights as tourists rerouted after ‘Melissa’

By MARTÍN ADAMES and DÁNICA COTO Associated Press

THE Dominican Republic has authorized the arrival of 800 new flights to accommodate a surge in tourists who were originally planning to vacation in Jamaica and other nearby islands but were rerouted following the devastation of Hurricane Melissa.

The flights, a combination of regular and charter ones, were approved as the Caribbean country prepares for peak tourism

season, industry officials said Wednesday.

“This will have a positive impact on hotel occupancy in the Dominican Republic, and Dominican hotels have the capacity to receive that influx,” said Nairobi Santos, spokesperson for the country’s Association of Hotels and Tourism.

She said the additional flights will occur over eight months, noting that an average occupancy rate of more than 95% is projected for the holiday season.

“We authorized 800

flights in one fell swoop because all that tourism that was going to Jamaica, the Dominican Republic will benefit,” Héctor Porcella, president of the country’s Civil Aviation Board, told reporters this week.

He lamented the disaster that the Category 5 storm unleashed in the northern Caribbean last month, noting that the impact was especially hard in Jamaica, the Bahamas, Cuba and Haiti.

The number of tourists who arrived in the Dominican Republic last month

rose to more than 672,000, compared with more than 575,600 in September. Officials say they expect that number to surge this month, although data was not yet available.

The Dominican Republic has so far welcomed more than 8 million visitors from January to October.

Hotel occupancy rates rose to 63% last month from 58% in September, according to statistics from the Dominican Central Bank.

Tourism is a cornerstone for the Dominican Republic’s economy, generating

nearly $11 million last year. As the Dominican Republic prepares for a higher-than-normal influx of visitors, Jamaica is struggling to recover from Hurricane Melissa after it made landfall in the western part of the island on Oct. 28.

The storm killed 45 people, with 16 others still missing, Gayle said.

Eleven other people in Jamaica have died of suspected or confirmed leptospirosis, with 91 overall suspected cases reported, said Health Minister Christopher Tufton. Melissa also killed at least 43 people in nearby Haiti, where widespread flooding was reported in the country’s southwest region.

Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett said there have been several flight cancellations, and some major hotels have said they don’t anticipate reopening until mid- or late 2026. But Bartlett said earlier this week that he expects about 60% of hotel rooms to be available starting in mid-December. He also noted that cruise ships have visited Jamaica since the storm, bringing some 32,000 passengers so far, with that number expected to double next week. Melissa ravaged Jamaica’s western region, with 76% of the power grid operational as of Wednesday, nearly a month after the storm hit, said Alvin Gayle, director of the island’s emergency management office. Meanwhile 82% of customers had water, he added.

Death toll in Vietnam floods reaches 90

Associated Press

At least 90 people have now died in floods and landslides in central Vietnam triggered by heavy rains earlier this week, state media reported Sunday, citing the country’s disaster prevention agency. The deluges wreaked widespread destruction across a region already battered weeks ago by floods from record rainfall and the powerful typhoon Kalmaegi.

The rains triggered multiple landslides on major routes in Vietnam’s Central Highlands. Railways lines and roads were submerged, leaving thousands stranded. Vietnam is among the world’s most flood-prone countries, with nearly half its population living in high-risk areas. Scientists warn that a warming climate is intensifying storms and rainfall across Southeast Asia, making floods and landslides increasingly destructive and frequent.

SANDS PREDICTS BOUNDARY CHANGES ‘WITH PLP INTEREST’ BUT WARNS GERRYMANDERING WILL FAIL

KEILE CAMPBELL

Tribune Staff Reporter

kcampbell@tribunemedia.net

FREE National Movement (FNM) chairman

Dr Duane Sands said he “expects” any potential constituency boundary changes to be made “with PLP interest” as the country awaits the Boundaries Commission’s report.

He warned that “gerrymandering has not been an effective tool” in The Bahamas for decades, saying he is unfazed by talk of possible changes. However, he cautioned that “if you advantage one, you will probably disadvantage the other.”

“Let them do what they will — it ain’t gonna change anything,” Dr Sands said, adding that the party “will take note.”

Golden Isles — the site of a recent by-election — is expected to be one of the constituencies that will be split, along with Killarney.

Prime Minister Philip Davis, in July 2025, said “one or two” New Providence constituencies may require an “anxious look”. As opposition leader in 2021, he named Golden Isles and Killarney as constituencies needing boundary adjustments.

When asked whether the recent by-election results — where Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) candidate and former senator Darron Pickstock defeated FNM candidate Brian Brown — could influence potential changes, Dr Sands said the party would not engage in speculation.

“We can theorise a lot of things about what the final commission report will look like, what the timing of the general election will be,” he said. “But once it is tabled, we will look at it and we will respond.”

Dr Sands said the FNM has not been given any indication of when the report will be presented, adding that its timing is solely at the discretion of the prime minister. He described this authority as

a “trump card” historically used by sitting leaders.

“I don’t think that that is necessarily in the best interest of the Bahamian people,” he said. “Moving forward, the concept of a fixed election date is something that has tremendous popular appeal.” He asserted that an FNM administration led by Michael Pintard would implement such reform.

Dr Sands said the party was “very pleased” with Mr Brown’s showing in the by-election despite the loss, and believes the candidate is well-positioned for the general election.

“Whether it’s four months from now or 10 months from now, we are confident that Brian Brown will be the Member of Parliament for Golden Isles,” he said, adding that the party has learned lessons from the race but remains focused on the upcoming national vote.

Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister Chester Cooper dismissed concerns that the PLP’s victory stemmed from low voter turnout. Just over 3,000 voters participated out of 7,900 on the register.

Mr Cooper said Golden Isles residents who were eligible and “minded” to vote made their decision clear, selecting Mr Pickstock as their representative “for the next several months”.

He expressed confidence in the newly sworn-in MP, saying the result reflected a “show of confidence in the leadership of the Progressive Liberal Party” and its candidate.

“We are thankful for the people who came out, who voted, who exercised their right to vote,” Mr Cooper said. “This is a great democracy, and I am delighted that the Bahamian people have engaged in the process. And Darron Pickstock, in the official vote, took home more than 50 percent of the vote.”

West End Bootleggers and Seafood Festival celebrates a successful second year

Carnival Cruise Lines donates $30,000 for upgrades at Lucayan National Park

THE Bahamas National Trust (BNT), in partnership with Carnival Cruise Line, announced the unveiling of new park infrastructure at Lucayan National Park, made possible through a $30,000 donation from Carnival Cruise Lines.

The ceremony, held at the Lucayan National Park Visitor’s Centre, featured remarks from representatives of both organisations, highlighting a shared commitment to environmental stewardship, sustainability, and community partnership.

Lakeshia Anderson-Rolle, Executive Director of the BNT, commended Carnival for dedication to preserving The Bahamas' natural treasures. “On behalf of BNT, I want to express our heartfelt thanks for this meaningful investment in Lucayan National Park, one of our country’s greatest natural and cultural treasures,” she said.

“These improvements may seem simple, but they play a major role in how smoothly guests move through the park and how well we can protect the environment around them.”

The $30,000 donation funded two significant enhancements: the installation of new regulatory signs, which have been strategically placed throughout the park. The new signs provide visitors with clear guidance on park rules, safety protocols, and environmental awareness. And secondly, the construction of an arbour gate at the southern entrance. Replacing the previous gate with a vastly improved gate that now supports enhanced guest flow, improved accessibility, and streamlined entry for mobility aids, park wardens, attendants, and emergency personnel.

“This improvement ensures safer, more efficient access to the southern trails,” noted Anderson.

“Especially important due to the proximity of the Grand Bahama Highway.” Representing Celebration Key, Garelle Hudson, Health, Environment, Safety & Sustainability Manager, emphasized the importance of this milestone. “Today, we mark an important moment, the unveiling of new signage that will help educate,

inspire, and connect visitors to the natural and cultural heritage of this remarkable landscape. These signs serve as symbols of progress, telling the story of our environment, the species that call it home, and the communities that protect it.”

Hudson also highlighted the significance of Lucayan National Park, which is just minutes from Carnival’s Celebration Key and is one of the places that their guests will visit during tours and guest adventures. “This park, home to one of the world’s largest underwater cave systems, pristine beaches, and the iconic mangrove wetlands, is a true symbol of Bahamian natural heritage.”

Adding to the day's impact, following the ceremony, BNT staff and 25 Celebration Key team members participated in a Carnival Sustainability and Community Day, planting sea oats, removing invasive plants and refreshing the LNP Boardwalk. Their efforts contribute to preserving the park as a “living

classroom” that represents Grand Bahama’s ecological and cultural richness.

Philcher Grant, Director of Public and Community Affairs, The Bahamas for Carnival Cruise Line, reaffirmed Carnival’s commitment to environmental stewardship.

“Carnival is committed to making a positive difference in every community we touch around the world. Our partnership with the Bahamas National Trust underscores our dedication to sustainability and environmental stewardship, as well as our shared vision for a thriving, sustainable future. By working closely with local communities and valued partners like the BNT, we aim to help preserve the natural beauty and biodiversity of The Bahamas so that future generations can continue to flourish in harmony with their environment.”

The ceremony concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Ellsworth Weir, Director of Parks at the BNT, who expressed deep

appreciation for Carnival’s generosity, partnership, and hands-on approach to conservation.

“Carnival has long been an important partner to The Bahamas, and this project is a shining example of what can be achieved when corporate

partners share a genuine commitment to conservation and community,” noted Anderson to media at the event. “What we are celebrating today is more than new infrastructure; it’s a renewed promise. A partnership grounded in stewardship, sustainability, and a shared vision for the future of Grand

We encourage Carnival and those coming to join Grand Bahama’s rebirth also to support our islands and protect our ecosystems, and beaches, which make their guests’ journeys here so worthwhile.”

Omega Psi Phi targets

$30,000 for scholarships during Achievement Week

A ‘GREASY PIT' serving grilled food, with live music, and a bouncy castle for children, kicked-off fund-raising events for Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc, Pi Xi Chapter’s 2025 Achievement Week activities.

Organised for the last 30 years by the Greasy Pit Fundraising Committee, in conjunction with the Chapter’s Executive Committee, the overall goal was to raise $30,000 towards the group’s Scholarship Programme, in which partial scholarships opportunities are awarded to young men from the community.

Scholarships are not only limited to the University of The Bahamas but also at International Universities.

A service at the New Destiny Cathedral, on Gladstone Road, was well attended by the Brotherhood, as members collectively renewed their faith in God and reaffirmed their commitment to Christian Manhood.

Following the service, a luncheon was held, paying tribute to, honouring, and recognising this year’s essay competition

and scholarship winners, dedicated sponsors, andmost importantly - several own Brothers who demonstrated exemplary courage and leadership throughout the year.

On Founders Day, the momentum continued with another event, providing the opportunity for bonding through football and fellowship. Brothers had the opportunity to connect, laugh, and engage in meaningful conversation— strengthening their bonds and reinforcing the spirit of brotherhood.

The next major event was a collaborative effort among the Pi Xi, AEB, and KLL Chapters of Omega Psi Phi, who hosted an engaging seminar on the University of The Bahamas campus titled “Strategising for Success: Setting the Pillars.”

The seminar provided an opportunity to impart valuable knowledge and provide practical tools to the younger generation - equipping them to live impactful lives rooted in strong physical, financial, mental, and most importantly, spiritual foundations.

The goal was to uplift and edify the whole man. To close out Achievement Week, the Chapter hosted the Davidson “Terribly Well” Hepburn Fun Run Walk & Beach Cleanup. Brothers and youth participants took part in a 3K run/ walk, followed by a community stewardship effort to gently sweep and clean the surrounding beach areas. This event served as a meaningful way for us to uphold and pay tribute to our Cardinal Principles - Manhood, Scholarship, Perseverance, and Uplift - and to honour our Founders and the enduring legacy of our Fraternity. Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc. was founded on the 17th of November ,1911 on the Campus of Howard University. Our four founding fathers were Brother Ernest E Just , Brother Oscar J Cooper , Brother Frank C Coleman and Brother Edgar A Love. Globally , there are over 700 Chapters and 150+ k members . In 1977, the local Pi Xi chapter was chartered in Nassau Bahamas, and has approximately 200 members.

Sands Beer shows continued support for Bahamians in need with $2,000 donation to to Bahamas Cancer Society

SANDS Beer has once again shown its commitment to supporting Bahamians in need through its annual Breast Cancer Awareness campaign. For the month of October, customers across the country joined the cause by purchasing Sands Pink Radler, Sands Passion Radler, and Caribe Rosé, with a portion of the proceeds donated directly to the Cancer Society of The Bahamas.

This year’s promotion, which ran at all Jimmy’s Wines & Spirits locations nationwide, raised $2,000 for the Cancer Society.

The initiative also featured a fun twist — with every purchase of a three-pack of Sands Pink Radler, customers received a complimentary 50ml Tito’s Vodka to create the “Pink Titty,” the brand’s signature cocktail in support of breast cancer awareness.

“Sands has been supporting the Cancer Society for many years as it is

important to us,” said Joel Smith, Sands Senior Brand Manager at Bahamian Brewery. “For each of our pink products sold, we donated $1 to the Cancer Society. I am ecstatic to know that this donation will help aid the Cancer Society and help ease the burdens they face in assisting those in need.”

Jimmy Sands, owner of Bahamian Brewery & Beverage Co. Ltd., shared his gratitude for the continued success of the initiative.

“It is truly our pleasure to give back to such a worthy organization as the Cancer Society,” said Sands. “Cancer touches every family here in The Bahamas, mine included. The work the Society does helps so many affected by this horrible disease, and we are proud that our brands can play a small part in supporting their mission to help those in need.”

The Cancer Society of

The Bahamas expressed its appreciation for the ongoing partnership.“We are so grateful as always for the Sands continuous donation to the Cancer Society,” said Erin Storr, Administrator at the Cancer Society of The Bahamas. “Their donations have helped many of the patients that walk through our doors who need accommodation or medical assistance. We appreciate their continued support, campaigns like this help cancer patients go a long way with their treatment, and we look forward to partnering with them in the future.”

This initiative continues Sands’ long-standing tradition of community engagement and charitable giving. Through creative promotions like this, the company and its valued clients can continue to make meaningful donations that have a lasting impact on the lives of those who need it most.

St Andrew’s School marks feast day of patron saint

DoL and HR society hold job fair and workshop

US sanctions Haitian official, accuses him of supporting gangs

By DÁNICA COTO Associated Press

SAN JUAN,Puerto Rico (AP) The U.S. government imposed visarestrictions on Fritz Alphonse Jean, a member of Haiti's transitional presidential council,accusing himof supporting gangs andother criminal organizations asthe country'spolitical instabilitythreatened to deepen.

TheU.S. didnotnamethe personitsanctioned in late Monday's announcement, but Jean confirmed it was him, telling The AssociatedPress onTuesday thathe rejectedthose accusations, which some believe are being used as a threat to try and influence Haiti's politics.

Haiti is due to hold elections by Feb. 7, when thenine-member transitionalpresidential councilis supposedtostepdown. Criticshave assertedthat somecouncilmembers seekto stay in power beyond that date and are looking for a new prime minister who would support those plans.

Jean dismissedthat assertion,saying he wants a new prime minister to fight gangs and corruption.

"Oncewe startedreviewing thepossibilities ofchangingthe headofgovernment,members of (the council) started receiving threats of visa cancellation and other sanctionsfrom the U.S. Embassy representative andthe Canadian ambassador," Jean said.

He added: "We stand firm on combating corruption,statecapture byfewindividuals,and operators involvedin drugstrafficking, weapons and ammunition's proliferation."

Therewas noimmediate commentfrom U.S. or Canadian officials.

The officeof Haiti'scurrent primeminister, Alix Didier Fils-Aimé, did not return a request for comment.

'A clear message'

Jean is an economist and former central bank

governor who once servedas president of the transitional presidentialcouncil. Thecouncil wasformed afterformerPrime MinisterAriel Henryresigned lastyear followingwidespread gang attacks, leaving Haiti without a leader. Gangs currently control 90%of Haiti's capitaland swathsof territoryin thecountry's central region,where theyextort businesses, killcivilians andfight forterritory, usingmilitary-grade weaponry.

U.S.Deputy Secretaryof StateChristopher Landaulastweekwarned onsocialmediathat therewere"callsfor openwaragainstthe central government" in Haiti.

"TheU.S. andothercountriesin theregion and aroundthe world have aclear message: enough with gangviolence and destruction andpolitical infighting,"Landauwrote on Nov.19, adding: "Anyonewho obstructs Haiti'spath topoliticalstability mustexpect consequencesfrom theU.S.and others,including visa revocations."

Hoursafter speakingwith theAP, Jeanorganizeda pressconferenceand sharedmessages he said were sentto him by unidentified people. One read, "I understand you are part of a groupworking to topplethe headof government...I urgeyouin thestrongesttermstodesistfrom initiativesto oustthe PMand toinstead publishthe electoral decree, aswe have discussed.Thisisnotthe timetotestUSresolve. Thank you." Jean also accused Haiti's prime minister of failingin threeareas:security, governanceand the organization of elections, adding: "We need a more proactive,more responsible government." He did not take questions.

The only councilmember who attended Jean's press conference was Leslie Voltaire. Meanwhile, formerHaitian PrimeMinister Claude Joseph said Tuesday on social platform Xthat whileheand Jeanhavehad manydisagreements,hefully supportedhimandcommended his courage.

It is unacceptable for embassies to presume tothreaten apresidentialadviser underthe pretext that he has decided to participate in the dismissal ofPrime Minister AlixDidier FilsAimé,"Josephwrote. "NoHaitianpolitical leader should submit to foreign dictates."

No firm election dates

Haiti's prime minister and the transitional presidential councilhave beenunder pressure to hold elections beforethe council's mandate expires. But gang violence has made that February deadline impossible to meet.

Haiti's Provisional Electoral Council has set tentativeelectiondates forAugustand Decemberofnext year.Thecountryhasn't held elections in almost a decade, and no one has been president since former President Jovenel Moïse was fatallyshot at his private

residence in July 2021.

More than 4,300 people including gang members havebeen killedthis yearfrom January toSeptember across Haiti,and violence persists. AU.N.-backed missionledby Kenyanpolice hasstruggled to contain theviolence, and now Haiti awaits a new gang-suppression forcethat wouldhavethepower toarrestsuspected gang members, which the current force does not have. In another blow tothe country, Sunrise Airways,the onlyairlineoffering domesticand international flights to Haiti, announced Sunday that it was suspending service for safety reasons. Gangviolence has forced Haiti'smain internationalairportto closeseveral times since last year.