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WOMAN&HEALTH

MURDER, FRAUD AND A FIGHT OVER DIAMONDS

Judge rules in battle over millions after death of MP’s husband

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor

nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

A SUPREME Court

judge has issued a ruling over the ownership of diamonds in a multi-million luxury goods battle featuring two murdersincluding that of an ex-Cabinet minister’s husband - and likely Customs fraud.

JusticeLoren

Klein said he had “great difficulty in accepting at face value anything said” by the parties fighting over millions of dollars worth of stock left behind by TreasuresBahamas,thejewellery and luxury goods retail

chain that was headed by thelateLeonGriffin.

Both Mr Griffin, former Bahamas Taxi Cab Union president and husband of ex-Cabinetminister,Melanie Griffin,andhisbusinesspartner,accountantBiswajitPati, were slain within months of each other in 2021. Justice Kleinruledon the ownership of four loose diamonds that were “caught up in a seize and search” order granted by the Supreme Court in July 2023 - saying theyshouldbehandedtothe agent of Satish Daryanani, principal of Miami-based SovereignJewelry.

OLYMPIAN’S FATHER DIES IN DOUBLE TRAFFIC

THE father of Olympic and World Champion sprinter Steven Gardiner Jr and another man died in a traffic accidentonAbacoonSundaynight.

Police said Steven Gardiner Sr and Stanley McIntosh were killed after their car crashed into a utility pole shortlyaround11pmontheSCBootle Highway.

Only last week, Gardiner Jr added another milestone to his decorated career, claiming his first national title in the men’s 200m sprint in the BAAA Senior National Track and Field Championships at the original ThomasARobinsonStadium. News of the men’s deaths sent shockwaves throughout the community yesterday, with locals remembering the pair as well-known

Former FNM vice chairman Johnson says he backs PLP

MUNNINGS

By LYNAIRE

FORMER Free National Movement (FNM) vice chairman Richard Johnson has vowed to never again support the party under its currentleadership,accusing it of mistreating and discarding loyal members who foughtfortheorganisation.

Mr Johnson later dropped the legal action, saying it was too costly to continue. “In the second term for what the leadership of the FNM has done to me, I will never, ever support

Mr Johnson, who served as vice chairman from 2016 to 2018, said he was sidelined and ostracised after publicly criticising internal party decisions in what he described as the victimisation of long-standing members. His relationship with the leadership had long been strained but worsened in 2022 when he sued the party’s executives after its council barred him from attendingmeetings.

A 26-YEAR-OLD Royal Bahamas Defence Force (RBDF) marine will today be charged in connection with the alleged abuse of young people at thisyear’sRangerscampin Eleuthera. MARINE TO BE CHARGED FOR RANGERS ‘ABUSE’

MP ‘SPEECHLESS’ AFTER MASS SHOOTING THAT LEFT 2 DEAD, 5 HURT

By JADE RUSSELL Tribune Staff Reporter

ENGLERSTON MP

Glenys Hanna Martin said the mass daylight shooting in the Ridgeland Park area left her speechless, emphasising the need for community involvement to stop the bloodshed among thecountry’syouth.

Mrs Hanna Martin, who represents the constituency, said she did not know the motive behind the shooting, but regardless of the reason, it resulted in two youngmenlosingtheirlives tragically. She noted that one of the victims had just graduated from high school inJune.

She added that her ministry is making significant efforts in public schools by launching programmes focusing on counselling, literacy, numeracy, and other initiatives to build children’s confidence. However, she believes community involvement is the strongest way to impact

youngpeople. “It’s not so much about ratting or whatever word you want to use, you know, it’s about ensuring we don’t see this kind of bloodshed and this tragedy that we saw on this street or on any street in this country,” Mrs Hanna Martin told reporters during a walkabout in the Englerston community. Police reported that shortly after 2pm on Saturday, officers responded to gunshot reports on Robertha Drive, Ridgeland Park. Uponarrival,officersfound an unresponsive male with apparent gunshot injuries seated in a vehicle parked ataresidence.

A second unresponsive male with gunshot wounds was found lying in the street just north of the residence. Emergency Medical Services examined both men, aged 18 and 20, and found no vital signs of life. Prior to police arrival, five other individuals aged 16 to 22, who had sustained gunshot injuries, were

takentohospitalbyprivate vehicles.

Mrs Hanna Martin said the Ridgeland community hadexperiencedviolencein the past but had been quite peacefulrecently.Someresidents told her they could notsleepaftertheincident.

During the walkabout, she saw one of the young men caught in the crossfire. “Hesaidhe’sfine,butlooking at him I don’t think so. No person can go through thatandjustmoveontothe nextbestthing.”

The minister said counselling would be provided inthecommunity.

BahamasChristianCouncil president Bishop Delton Fernander also joined the walkabout to speak with residents. He noted the church is exploring ways to reach the new generation, including teams of peers the same age as the young men involved in violence. He suggested that messagesofpeacemaybemore effective when delivered by someonefromthesameage group.

BE ON YOUR GUARD - ERIN EXPECTED TO BECOME HURRICANE

By EARYEL BOWLEG Tribune Staff Reporter

WITH Tropical Storm Erin expected to become a major hurricane by the endoftheweek,localforecasters say they are closely monitoring the system amid uncertainty about its track.

Weather experts say the storm, which formed early Monday morning and is movingwestintheAtlantic, could become the season’s firsthurricane. Members of the public were urged to start preparing in case the storm affects the country by Jeffrey Simmons, acting director of the Bahamas Department of Meteorology. “Thursday, Friday, we’ll

have a better idea of how The Bahamas will be impacted, if we will be at all – around that time,” he said.

“But it will be a major hurricane by the end of the week.”

Meanwhile, the Disaster Risk Management Authority (DRM) said yesterday it is too early to predict the storm’s impact, but that it

is closely monitoring the system.

Mr Simmons added that while the storm will strengthen over time, it is not expected to undergo rapidintensification.

“It’s in the eastern Atlantic at this time. So it’s still a good distance off. It’s still at least about, if you’re looking at the southern Bahamas, I would say it’s

Two arrested after weekend mass shooting

By EARYEL BOWLEG Tribune Staff Reporter

ebowleg@tribunemedia.net

POLICE have arrested two men in connection with Saturday’s mass shooting that left two dead and five othersinjured.

The suspects are in their early-to-mid20s.Policealso believe they have recovered the vehicle used in the crime, as well as the one involved in a second fatal shooting near Superwash onSaturday.

“You can see that police is out there doing what we have mandated to do,” said Chief Superintendent Sheria King after a police-led walkabout in the Englerston community yesterday. “We take safety as our top priority and as such we have put more visibility of the police out on the streets. Our operation units are working 24/7 and we have strengthened our intelligent led policing as a proactive measure trying ourbesttoensurethatthese incidentsdonotreoccur.”

The two who died in Saturday’s shooting were identified as Markentash Saintil, 19, and Eden Louis, 18. They were sitting next to a car with a group of men on Robertha Drive, Ridgeland Park, when two gunmen pulled upandopenedfire.

Videosoftheattack,widely sharedonsocialmedia,show two hooded men with highpowered weapons exiting a car and firing before fleeing thescene.

During the shooting, one manranawaywhileanother was seen lying on the ground. After the shooters left, the man on the ground got up, and another person

inside a red vehicle ran insideanearbyhome.

Police said five men were injured in the attack. Most of the victims in Saturday’s shooting were of Haitian descent. One of them — Saintil’s brother — was released from hospital on Sunday, while the condition oftheothervictimsremains unknown.

Reacting to the brazen shooting, anti-crime activist Carlos Reid called for more conflictresolutionandanger management programmes in schools. He pointed to the failure of schools to adequately resolve conflicts among students, which then spill onto the streets with violentconsequences.

“Our teachers have to be taught how to manage the conflicts and help our young people come to a place where they could resolve their conflicts.

Another thing that we see happening is that a lot of people, and not just young people, people in general areangry,”MrReidsaid.

“The next call we’re callingforishowdoweinstitute angermanagement?Howdo we help people to cope with some of the issues that they face? We’re seeing people that come out of schools, peoplegoonworkforce,and they can’t hold jobs because they don’t know how to managetheiranger.”

He illustrated how friendships and social networks in schoolsandneighbourhoods often draw young people intogang-relatedgroups.

“Alotofthesepersonslive in communities and because theyliveinthecommunities, they get to hang around like the leaders, the drug dealers and some of them find favor. So when they go to

CLAIMS THAT CHILDREN ASSAULTED AND FORCED TO DRINK TOILET WATER

RANGERS from page one

He will be arraigned on seven counts of cruelty to children and two counts of indecentassault,saypolice. Police and military investigations were launched after The Tribune revealed reports of physical assaults, forced consumption of toilet water, and sexually inappropriate behaviour by a supervising officer at the camp,heldfromJune30to July 19.

One parent said her son was “visibly shaken” on returning from the camp,

school, they just have their little friends come and hang out with them. Just through hangingoutlikeyoubecome apartoflikethatfraternity.”

Immigration rights activist Louby Georges called the incident a tragedy “no matterthenationality”.

He stressed the importance of parental involvement and encouraging positive extracurricular activities to help prevent youth from engaging in harmfulsituations.

One of the deceased, Eden,wasarecentgraduate. His father, Renauld Louis, told TheTribune on Sunday that he tried to get his son hired at his workplace but facedchallengesbecausehis sonlackedapassport.

Yesterday, Mr Georges pointed to inefficiencies in processing naturalisation and citizenship applications as a factor that can leave some individuals vulnerable.“Therealityisthatthe gangs exist. The reality is that drugs exist. The reality isthegunsexist,”headded.

“Life happens and when these individuals end up in this very vulnerable position because they cannot regularizetheirstatus,some of them may end up going astray and finding some grouping to belong to, and peer pressure, the environment, the community, the peers that they surroundthemselveswith,may just be the ones that they shouldn’thavebeenwith.”

“Again, I’m not blaming the government. I’m not blaming the Department of Immigration, but what I’m saying is, when persons end upinthatvulnerableposition because of the inefficiencies, then we may find ourselves withasituationlikethis.”

describing his experience as “degrading” and filled with humiliatingpunishments. The accused marine was initially confined to base for eight days in accordance with Defence Force regulations, then released before being returned to detention. Defence Force Commodore Floyd Moxey told The Tribune on Sunday the accused was recently handed over to police and remainsincustody. He added that the findings of an internal inquiry into the incident are expected to be completed thisweek.

BAHAMIAN WOMAN ARRESTED BY ICE

A BAHAMIAN woman arrested in New Orleans by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) last month was listed in the agency’s “Worst of the Worst” category - an illegal criminal with a history involving forgery and larceny.

Shakara Danielle Thompson, 43, was convicted of forgery and previously arrested for larcenyinTennessee.

Sheisexpectedtoremain in ICE custody in New Orleans until a judge rules onhercase.

Separately, a US ICE report states that as of

about about 10 days out andthat’sratherlong.”

Officials’ attention on the system comes amid expectation of an aboveaverage Atlantic hurricane season.

Colorado State University forecasts 17 named storms this year, including eight hurricanes, with four potentially becoming major hurricanes. This is a slight

November 2024, 426 Bahamian citizens were under final orders of removal. These individuals, not detained at that time, are part of a larger group of more than 1.4 million people from various countries facing deportation. The Trump administration has intensified immigration enforcement by increasing daily arrests and expanding deportation efforts. This includes using military planes for removal flights and threatening diplomatic repercussions for countries that refuse to acceptdeportees.

decrease from its 2024 forecast of 23 named storms, 11 hurricanes, and five major hurricanes.

AccuWeather offers a similar outlook, predicting 13 to 18 named storms, seven to ten hurricanes, and three to five major hurricanes.

The Atlantic hurricane season officially runs from June1toNovember30.

Pair killed in Abaco crash hailed as ‘outstanding community leaders’

andlovedacrosstheisland.

“It is really unfortunate. It is a crushing blow to the entire community of North Abaco,” said Family Island administrator Stephen Wilson.

Mr McIntosh, a resident ofFireRoad,wasabeloved boat captain, while Mr Gardiner Sr was described as loved“byall”.

Both leave behind heartbrokenfamilies.

Mr Wilson said residents in North Abaco are deeply saddenedbythetragedy.

“This is a very low moment for everyone in the community. One of

the staff members, her brother, passed, and she did not come to work this morning. She is continuouslycryingforherbrother, and the community is shocked at this point,” he told TheTribune “They both were outstanding community leaders, people looked up to them for guidance from daytoday.Theyhavereally done well for their families and taught them how to be community-minded. They will be dearly missed by everybody.”

The traffic fatality is one of several fatal crashes on the SC Bootle Highway in recent years, renewing concerns about the

road’s condition. When asked about this yesterday, MrWilsonsaidhecouldnot comment,notingthatpolice arestillinvestigating.

He said: “We will allow policetodotheirworkasto what really transpired last evening.”

Still, he urged residents to keep both families in their prayers and to drive carefully along the long, windingroads.

“We are asking people to be very mindful of the long and dangerous curves on the roads,” added Mr Wilson.

The victims’ immediate relatives could not be reached up to press time. However, The Tribune

understands that Mr Gardiner Sr had been planning to travel this week for a family reunion in Florida that his son was also expectedtoattend.

His family’s pastor, Samuel Cornish, described him as “friendly” and “sociable”.

“They were industrious,” he said. “Nobody was expecting this; it is shocking, especially the way that they passed. So, it is really tragic for the entire island to wake up to such unexpected sad news,” he said. “We will get through it, like we get through everything else. We are praying for the families.”

“Both of them were

SCOTIABANK CLEAN-UP AT GOODMAN’S BAY

well-known, likeable young men who had a good reputation. They will be truly missed. Gardiner is the father of Steven Gardiner, people know that, and we are praying for Steven Jr, as he is on the world stage, and to be shocked by this, must be very difficult for him.”

Pastor Cornish said that tragic events such as this areapartoflife.

“As long as we live, we will have these kinds of stuff that will happen. As a pastor, the only thing I can say is we have to all make sure we are ready to go when our time comes. This is the world that we live in; as long as we live,

tragedieswillhappen.”

The religious leader described Mr McIntosh as a very outgoing man who was friendly and hardworking.“Hewasaverysociable guy; people will miss him,” hesaid.

Terrece Bootle-Laing, former administrator, is saddened and offered condolences to the families in NorthAbaco.Shehadsimilar words of praise for the men, calling them “vibrant, cherished, and deeply connected to families who served as pillars of their community.”

Their deaths bring the traffic fatality count to 46 for the year, according to TheTribune’srecords.

Funeral Service for LEO DWIGHT FERGUSON SR., 72

a resident of #12 Egret St., Nassau East Estates, will be held at St. Agnes Anglican Church, Baillou Hill Road, on Wednesday, 13 August, 2025 at 10:30 a.m. Officiating will be The Venerable Archdeacon Keith Cartwright, assisted by Fr. Howard Bethel. Cremation follows

Leo was predeceased by his parents Amos James Ferguson Sr. and Elizabeth Rose Ferguson, his brother Glenroy and Wenzel Ferguson and his loving wife Judy Patricia Ferguson.

His legacy lives on in his children: Christa Ferguson-Munroe (William), Nikkita Rahming, Vanessa Huyler and Leo Jr.; Adopted sons: Chad Rolle, Warren Wilson and Pastor Nathaniel Rolle. Grandchildren: Taneisha, Takera and Tamia Munroe, Evelyn, Justice and Sunsett Knowles. Great Grandchildren: Janiyah and Kaiden; Brothers: Amos Jr., Wayde, and Alfred (Bernice) Ferguson; Sisters: Sandra (Beauregard) Kelly, Jestina Ferguson and Sheila Brown; Uncles: Weston (Eliane), H.E. Lowell and Philip (Linda) Mortimer and Edward Williams. Aunts: Anne (Tracy) Whitehead and Delores Mortimer; Sisters-in-law: PatriciaandSandraFerguson; Brother-in-law:Alphaeus(Teresita) Forbes; Nephews: Kevin, Marvin (Indira) and Ricardo Ferguson, Kelson (Beverley) Deleveaux, La’Vaughn and Alfred Ferguson Jr., Ryan and Ryan and Rashaan Forbes and Tamar Poitier; Nieces: Shonette Ferguson, Raquel Carrol, Antonia (Andrew) Miller, Tamara (Arien) Rolle, La’Shanta Smith, Audra Gibson, Wendia and Evol Ferguson, Nashetta Evans, Katiemae Ferguson, Shacara Ferguson-Dames, Wenzena and Nicole Ferguson, Taisha (Deniro) Lloyd, Alyssa, Takeisha and Faleesha Forbes. Numerous Grand Nieces and Nephews including but not limited to: Kevaughn, Kourtni, Sahara and Summah Ferguson, Ardyn and Araya Rolle, Layla and Jaya Smith and Ro’Vari Armbrister. Cousins including Laurence, Julius, Brenneth and Berkley Chisholm and families, Nancy Mejias, Jackie and Garth Bethel, Stephanie & Esther Joy Sargent, Julie Wilson, Rev. Edna Lopez, Francita and Lofton Neely, Dianna and Coleman Andrews, Deidre and Bursil Woods, Delora Moncur, Dr. Dellareece Woods-Isaacs, Roy Ellis, Derek Gilbert, Pam (Capt. Wolf) Palacious-Seyfert, Dr. Terika Chisholm-Smith, Cheryl, Rosemarie and Marina, Deveaux, Patrick, Celeste, Karen and Neil Williams, Cornel (Beverley), Lester Jr. (Paulette) Denise & Kendall (Sonia) Mortimer, Cheryl Neely, Gina Mortimer-Storr, Ulric, Sean, Dwayne & Ronnie, Capt. Sylvester (Andrea) Rollins, Maxine Rollins and Debra Pinder, the children of the late Lillian Audley Humes, Averil, Kenneth and Claire Mortimer, Olivia Saunders, Ulrica Missick, Ivis Zonicle-Segura, Eden and Charles Zonicle, Tracy & Terry Whitehead. Extended Family: Isadell Ferguson-Howells, Cora, Mallory, Wellington Ferguson and Sterling Humes Numerous friends including Hon. Leslie Miller, Eric Maynard (his little brother), Edward and Yvette Lockhart, Evelyn Rolle, Brian Hassan, John Forbes and Brendan Foulkes, The Venerable Archdeacon Keith Cartwright, Rev. Father Howard Bethel, The Pastoral Care Team, Ken O’Brien, Addington Godet The office staff, Ms. Clarke and the entire membership of St. Agnes Church, Rev. Father Scott Brennen and the members of St. Ambrose Church, Evanette McPhee Cheryl Bethell, Mark, Elvis & Glenroy Cartwright, Marco Rolle, Freeman Deveaux andAnthonyGreene.

Friends may pay their last respects at Demeritte’s Funeral Home, Market Street, from 11-5:00 p.m. (TODAY) Tuesday & on Wednesday at the church from 9:30 a.m. until service time.

JOHNSON: I SUPPORT MINNIS - BUT I SUPPORT THE PLP AS GOVERNMENT OF THE NATION

the FNM under this leadership, and I would advise the public not to do so,” Mr Johnsonsaidyesterday.

“If Dr Minnis could get treat bad, if Renward Wells could get treat bad, if Iram Lewis could get treat bad, if Richard Johnson could get treatbad,ifDevinTBannistercouldgettreatedbadand ostracised by the FNM, who are members of the FNM who fought for the FNM, if we could be discarded and disrespected, what you think willhappentoyou?”

Mr Johnson has been outspokenaboutwhatheseesas apatternofdisrespectwithin theparty,accusingleadership

ofalienatingsomeofitsmost committedmembers.

He has also criticised the party’s recent handling of constituency affairs, appointments, and candidate selections during recentelection.

Despite his boycott of the FNM, Mr Johnson said he is backing Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis and the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) in the next generalelection.

“Now, those things could matter or not at the end of the day. I am a Bahamian citizen, I’m a voter, I have influence, I have family members, I have brothers and sisters, and so I’m prepared to support the Prime Minister,”hesaid.

“The Prime Minister has sat down, we’ve talked, we’ve forgiven each other. It’s time for war, political war. We are in battle mode rightnow.” Although Mr Johnson hasshiftedhisloyaltytothe PLP, he still supports Dr Hubert Minnis as the MP forKillarney.

“Well, Dr Minnis will have a very challenging time on his hands as the incumbent of Killarney. I believe he will be successful. I support him 1000 percent, he’s my man of business in Killarney, but however, I support the ProgressiveLiberalPartyasthe government of The Bahamas,”MrJohnsonsaid.

JCNP absent - but Family Island support for Junkanoo Authority

By LYNAIRE MUNNINGS

Staff Reporter

FAMILY Island Junkanoo groups say they fully support the government’s proposed National Junkanoo Authority Bill, but needgreaterclarityonhow thenewauthoritywilloperateandwhatthismeansfor the roles of existing Junkanooorganisations.

Representatives from Family Island Junkanoo groups in Grand Bahama and Exuma shared their views during a government-led consultation session held yesterday at the Goldwynn Resorts & Residences.

The Junkanoo Corporation of New Providence’s (JCNP) executive team were invited but chose not to participate. In a statementreleasedonFacebook,theysaidthedecision was made collectively and in the best interest of their organisation and member groups.

Their decision follows repeated pushback to the legislation, which they see an attempt to centralise control and roll back the organisation’s self-governance. The JCNP has suspended all parading activitiesinprotest.

But the move has stirred backlash from some within the Junkanoo community, with some members accusing the JCNP of acting unilaterally and without broadconsultation.

Under the proposed bill, a new National Junkanoo Authority would be established to regulate all Junkanoo parades held under the aegis of

the government, administer prize money and seed funding, issue licenses and approvals, and set national rules.

Michael Miller, leader of the Swingers Junkanoo Group in Grand Bahama, welcomed the opportunity for his group to participate in various committees createdundertheauthority. Miller emphasised the challengesGrandBahama’s Junkanoo community faces andsaidtheauthoritycould provide much-needed support to maintain recent progress.

“We are for the Bill,” he said, while stressing his group’s desire to avoid setbacks. Miller also pointed out that no committee can replace the vital role played by the practitioners themselves.

Having been involved with Junkanoo in Grand Bahama for over 30 years, he highlighted the importance of preserving the culture while working alongside the new Authority.

Oliva “Shine” McPhee,

TEENAGERS IN GUN BATTLE DURING CHASE BY POLICE

THREE teenagers exchanged shots with police during a high-speed carchasewhichendedwith them being arrested after their vehicle crashed into a utility pole on Eastern Road around 4.30am on Monday. Officers from Operation Black Scorpion first spotted the suspects in a white Japanese vehicle travelling without headlights at high-speed near Ida Street and Robinson Road. When policeattemptedtostopthe vehicle, the suspects fled, promptingapursuit. Thesuspects—twoaged 19andoneaged17—were arrestedatthescene.Police recovered a high-powered weapon from the vehicle. All three sustained injuries in the crash, and one 19-year-old also suffered gunshot wounds to the buttocks. He was taken to hospital by EMS for

treatment. During the pursuit, officersfromanotherpatrolunit were alerted by a motorist near Robinson Road with apparent gunshot wounds. The man reported being shot by occupants of a vehicle matching the one involvedinthepolicechase. The high-speed chase was one of two incidents reported by police yesterday.

Shortlybefore2pm,officersonmobilepatrolspotted a motorcyclist acting suspiciously on Theodora Lane. Police signalled for him to stop, but he fled at highspeedandlatercrashedinto amedian.

Officers searched the man and confiscated a firearm and ammunition, leading to his arrest. He was taken to hospital for injuries sustained in the collision. Investigations are continuing.

leader of the Mighty Warriors Junkanoo Group in Exuma, also voiced support for the Bill, viewing it as a positive step toward upliftingandpreservingthe culturenationally. She underscored the importance of transparency and stressed that Family Island leaders must have a meaningful voice in the decision-makingprocess. Ms McPhee called for additional consultations

directly on the islands to engage fans and participants who still have questions about how the billwillaffectthem.

Denzel Rolle, a member of the JCNP and a veteran Junkanoo participant with over 50 years of experience, praised the Bill as a significant advancement for Junkanoo. He acknowledged that similar efforts had been initiated by past governments but said this

Bill is the furthest the processhasgone.

Mr Rolle stressed the urgentneedfortheAuthority to clearly define the roles of key organisations such as the JCNP and the National Junkanoo Committee (NJC), pointing out that current arrangements areunclear.

He urged the Authority to ensure that the opinions of all members within each group are properly gathered and reflected, ratherthanrelyingonafew representatives.

“When a group is made upofthreeto600individuals, if one or two people make a decision for the entire group, then you are notgettingthefullresponse of those individuals,” he said.

MrRollealsohighlighted the financial burdens borne by participants, revealing he personally spent $5,000 preparing for two parades while spectators paid only a fraction to watch. He expressed his strong endorsement of the

Bill, calling it a “dream come true” for advancing Junkanoo.

Youth, Sports and CultureMinisterMarioBowleg responded to concerns about the operational roles under the new Authority, explaining that the minister currently manages the logistics, operations, and funding of all Junkanoo paradesnationwide.

This includes coordinating with government agencies and organising the events before groups perform on parade routes. Once the Authority replaces the Government’s role, existing Junkanoo corporations and island associations will negotiate agreements with the Authorityonhowtojointly managetheparades.

“Nothing changes,” Minister Bowleg assured. He cited the recent successful rescheduling of the Grand Bahama parade from January 1 to January 10, which initiallyfacedresistancebut ultimately delivered positiveeconomicimpact.

The Tribune Limited

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LEONE.H.DUPUCH, Publisher/Editor 1903-1914

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

Publisher/Editor 1919-1972

Contributing Editor 1972-1991

RTHONEILEENDUPUCHCARRON, C.M.G., M.S., B.A., LL.B.

Publisher/Editor 1972-

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What to know about Putin-Trump summit

THE US-Russia summit in Alaska is happening at a site where East meets West — quite literally — in a place familiar to both countries as a Cold War front line of missile defense, radar outposts and intelligence gathering.

Whether it can lead to a deal to produce peace in Ukraine more than 3 1/2 years after Moscow’s invasion remains to be seen.

Here’s what to know about the meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump, the first summit in four years:

When and where is it taking place?

The summit will take place on Friday in Alaska, although where in the state is still unknown.

ItwillbePutin’sfirsttriptotheUnited States since 2015, for the UN General Assembly in New York. Since the US is not a member of the International Criminal Court, which in 2023 issued a warrant for Putin on war crimes accusations, it is under no obligation to arrest him.

Is Zelenskyy going?

Both countries confirmed a meeting between only Putin and Trump, even though there were initial suggestions that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy might be part of it. But the Kremlin has long pushed back against Putin meeting Zelenskyy -– at least until a peace deal is reached by Russia and Ukraine and was ready to be signed. Putin said last week he wasn’t against meeting Zelenskyy “but certain conditions need to be created” for it to happen and were “still a long way off”. That raised fears about excluding Ukraine from negotiations. Ukrainian officials last week talked with European allies, who stressed that peace cannot be achieved without Kyiv’s involvement.

What’s Alaska’s role in Russian history?

It will be the first visit by a Russian leader to Alaska, even though it was part of the czarist empire until 1867, the state news agency Tass said. Alaska was colonized by Russia starting from the 18th century until Czar Alexander II sold it to the United States in 1867 for $7.2m. When it was found to contain vast resources, it was seen as a naïve deal that generated remorse and self-reproach.

After the USSR’s collapse, Alaska was a subject of nostalgia and jokes for Russians. One popular song in the 1990s went: “Don’t play the fool, America … give back our dear Alaska land.”

SamGreeneofKing’sCollegeLondon said on X the symbolism of Alaska as the site of a summit about Ukraine was “horrendous — as though designed to demonstrate that borders can change, land can be bought and sold.”

What’s the agenda?

Trump has appeared increasingly exasperated with Putin over Russia’s refusal to halt the bombardment of Ukrainian cities. Kyiv has agreed to a ceasefire, insisting on a truce as a first step toward peace.

Moscow presented ceasefire conditions that are nonstarters for Zelenskyy, such as withdrawing troops from the four regions Russia illegally annexed in 2022, halting mobilisation efforts, or freezing Western arms deliveries. For

PICTURE OF THE DAY

a broader peace, Putin demands Kyiv cede the annexed regions, even though Russia doesn’t fully control them, and Crimea, renounce a bid to join NATO, limit the size of its armed forces and recognize Russian as an official language along with Ukrainian.

Zelenskyy insists any peace deals must include robust security guarantees for Ukraine to protect it from future Russian aggression.

Putin has warned Ukraine it will face tougher conditions for peace as Russian troops forge into other regions to build what he described as a “buffer zone.”

Some observers suggested Russia could trade those recent gains for territory still under Ukrainian control in the four annexed regions annexed by Moscow.

Zelenskyy said Saturday that “Ukrainians will not give their land to the occupier”.

But Trump said Monday: “There’ll be some land swapping going on. I know that through Russia and through conversations with everybody. To the good, for the good of Ukraine. Good stuff, not bad stuff. Also, some bad stuff for both.”

What are expectations?

Putin sees a meeting with Trump as a chance to cement Russia’s territorial gains, keep Ukraine out of NATO and prevent it from hosting any Western troops so Moscow can gradually pull the country back into its orbit.

He believes time is on his side as Ukrainian forces are struggling to stem Russian advances along the front line amid swarms of Moscow’s missiles and drones battering the country.

The meeting is a diplomatic coup for Putin, isolated since the invasion. The Kremlin sought to portray renewed U.S. contacts as two superpowers looking to resolve various global problems, with Ukraine being just one.

Ukraine and its European allies are concerned a summit without Kyiv could allow Putin to get Trump on his side and force Ukraine into concessions.

“Any decisions that are without Ukraine are at the same time decisions against peace,” Zelenskyy said. “They will not bring anything. These are dead decisions. They will never work.”

European officials echoed that.

“As we work towards a sustainable andjustpeace,internationallawisclear: All temporarily occupied territories belong to Ukraine,” European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said. “A sustainable peace also means that aggression cannot be rewarded.”

NATOSecretaryGeneralMarkRutte said Sunday he believed Trump was “making sure that Putin is serious, and if he is not, then it will stop there.”

“If he is serious, then from Friday onwards, the process will continue. Ukraine getting involved, the Europeans being involved,” Rutte added.

Since last week, Putin spoke to Chinese leader Xi Jinping, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, as well as the leaders of South Africa, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Belarus and Kyrgyzstan, the Kremlin said.

That suggested Putin perhaps wanted to brief Russia’s most important allies about a potential settlement, said proKremlin analyst Sergei Markov.

By DASHA LITVINOVA Associated Press

Poor service from Cable Bahamas

EDITOR, The Tribune.

I AM wondering, along with at least half the population of the islands of The Bahamas, if there is a category below “3rd world” into which we could slot Cable Bahamas and their obvious inabilitytoprovide consistent cable and internet service - or, indeed, any service at all, sometimes for days - as we have all been experiencing.

This is not new or temporary it seems, but has become a chronic problem lasting for weeks now with no obvious end in sight. I am asking the question because we are also deprived of any information from this provider as to the source of, or reason for, these outages.

Where is the customer service? Perhaps no longer in their playbook? Have they assumed that as we are powerless to make any changes to the provision

of these services that they needn’t bother to explain or rectify? I know I, along with many, have been calling in our own technicians and electricians to find an answer to the problem at our own expense - in the vain hope that we might get some connectivity and get on with our personal and professional lives. Yet the hyped up ads and voice messages continue as if we are to be lulled into acceptance of inferior service - and unsurprisingly, I see no lack of or cessation or even an indication that our billings will be suspended because obviously we are paying fore no service and no sensible individual would want to do that. Yet the reminders and invoices to pay keep

coming. What precisely are we paying for? And so we are left to speculate: is the equipment old; do they not have the funds to repair if necessary; is the company broke; do they need new equipment; do they need more technical expertise? Perhaps the best thing they could do currently, is offer up real, transparently honest answers to the public as to the why - and when we can expect efficient service to be restored so that we might be able to communicate with each other and the rest of the world. Is the bar really set so low, that this dismal failure of both service and answers as to what is now universally considered a very basic service, acceptable to Cable Bahamas? Don’t they owe us a (credible) explanation at the very least?

VICTORIA SARNE August 11, 2025.

Rosewood fear

EDITOR, The Tribune.

I AM a Bahamian PhD student at the University of Oxford and my research focuses on how small island nations like The Bahamas rely on their natural environments for food security, coastal protection, and economic resilience. These connections have become even more critical as climate change continues to affect our islands. Recognising the vital role healthy coastal ecosystems play in supporting our people, several initiatives related to mangrove replanting, coral restoration, and aquaculture have emerged in our country in recent years. With this in mind, I’m writing to you with urgency to request greater media attention on the Rosewood Exuma development. Led by Rosewood Hotels and the Yntegra Group, this project plans to dredge coral reefs, seagrass meadows, and sandbars in the North Bay of Sampson Cay, threatening not only the unique marine ecosystem of the area, but also the cultural heritage, livelihoods, and long-term food and economic security of local Bahamians. The future of our children, our communities, and our heritage is at stake.

We have seen this pattern before across all of our islands: development proposals that promise economic prosperity but

compromise the natural resources our economy depends on. When will we collectively acknowledge that the Bahamian economy is built on the natural resources and biodiversity we hold, that is found nowhere else in the world? These are the very ecosystems that feed our people, support our culture, and draw people to our shores. It is shortsighted, even reckless, to destroy them in the name of development. Furthermore, when profits are made, it is unlikely that they will be shared equitably. Developments like this tend to benefit a wealthy few, while local residents lose access to areas that once provided food and income, under the precedence of creating a handful of tourism jobs, that keep us locked in a cycle of servitude rather than ownership over our land and sea. This is not the sustainable development our nation needs, neither for our environment or our people.

The North Bay of Sampson Cay is an area local people rely on for grouper, conch, and crawfish, which is particularly important given how urgent the issue of food security is in our country. Research shows that in times of need, it’s our fisheries that people turn to, to put a little extra food in their mouths and money in their pockets, yet, we are considering

destroying the ecosystems that make that possible. As a nation deeply affected by hurricanes and the climate crisis, potential damage to the ecosystems that protect us is alarming. For instance, the Bahamas ranks third in the world for the flood protection and averted damages we receive from mangroves, and fifth in the world for coral reef protection. Additionally, seagrass beds have been shown to break wave energy, and store carbon dioxide from the atmosphere up to 35 times faster than tropical rainforests. We’ve seen firsthand how climate change has affected us, especially after Dorian. We need these ecosystems intact now more than ever. I am writing, not only for this particular plan to be halted (or seriously reconsidered), but I’m also calling on our government leaders to implement stronger environmental policies that safeguard our landscapes, our heritage, and our collective future. I acknowledge that development is necessary to move our country forward; However, we must put decision-making power back in the hands of the people who depend on these ecosystems and who will be left to deal with the aftermath of poor choices.

ZOE OLIVIA BROWN Nassau, August 5, 2025.

Nightclub gun attack suspect faces court

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net

A MAN accused of carrying out a double shooting that left two men injured outside a nightclub on Market Street last week was remanded to prison yesterday.

Prosecutors allege that Charlton Williamson, 33, shot and injured Franklyn Dean and Ramon Selva as they stood outside Sweet Scent club on Market and Rosedale Streets shortly after2amonAugust5.

The victims, aged 31 and 29,reportedlysufferedgunshot wounds to their lower extremities, with one man being shot in the leg. Both weretreatedinhospitaland

laterdischarged. Williamson was not required to enter a plea to two counts of attempted murder and two counts of firearm possession during his arraignment before Chief Magistrate Roberto Reckley. Instead, he was told his case will proceed to the Supreme Court through a voluntary bill of indictment (VBI). He was advised of his right to seek bail in the highercourt. He will be held at the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services until the VBI is expected to be servedonNovember6.

Ian Cargill represented the accused, while Inspector Deon Barr prosecuted thematter.

THREE YEARS IN JAIL FOR GUN POSSESSION

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net

A MAN was sentenced to three years in prison yesterday after admitting to having a high-powered weaponinhisbackyardthis month.

John Laguerre, 25, was found with a black DTI-15 calibre 5.56 mm rifle and nine rounds of ammunition at his home in Dorsett AlleyonAugust7.

He pleaded guilty and was sentenced to three years at the Bahamas Department of CorrectionalServices(BDOCS).

Co-accused Andrew

Ferguson, 26, who has a pendingmurdercharge,was also charged in connection with the incident. However, he denied the offence before Magistrate Lennox Coleby.

Assistant Superintendent of Police Lincoln McKenzie,theprosecutor,objected to Ferguson’s bail, citing a pending murder charge stemming from the 2017 fatal shooting of Omar Dorsette at his home in CoconutGrove. Ferguson was denied bail as a result and will remain in custody until his next court appearance on August 15. Levan Johnson representedtheaccused.

MURDER SUSPECT JAILED FOR BREACHING CURFEW

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net

A MAN awaiting trial for murder was sentenced to three months in prison yesterdayafteradmittingto breaching his curfew for 37 days.

Senior Magistrate Kara Turnquest arraigned Alcott Fox, 31, on violation of bail conditions.

Fox is currently awaiting trial for his alleged involvementintheNovember2022

CELEBRATING CULTURE

murderofMalikFernander inExuma. Fernander was also out on bail for a separate murder charge at the time ofhisdeath.

Fox had previously been charged with breaching his curfew for four days in February.

While out on Supreme Court bail, Fox violated his residential curfew for 37 days between July 2 and August7.Hepleadedguilty to the charges and was remandedtoprison.

MAN ACCUSED OF STABBING CO-WORKER REPEATEDLY

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net

A MAN accused of stabbing his co-worker five times with a knife during a physical confrontation was grantedbailyesterday.

Police allege that Terran Duvalier,33,stabbedErickson Gustave, 18, during the confrontation at the Renaissance construction site on Carmichael Road around2pmonAugust4.

Duvalier elected to have his matter heard in the Magistrates’ Court and pleaded not guilty before Senior Magistrate Shaka Serville.

Sergeant 3506 Nesbitt, the prosecutor, raised no objectiontobail,whichwas set at $5,000 with one or twosureties.

Duvalier is expected to return to court on September5.

The victim was last listed as in serious condition in hospital.

5O MIGRANTS DETAINED IN FIRST WEEK OF AUGUST

THE Department of Immigration apprehended 50 migrants during the first week of August, with half already repatriated to their homecountries.

Among those detained, 47wereHaitian,twoJamaican,andoneColombian.

The arrests followed a targeted enforcement operationacrossNewProvidence carried out by the department’s enforcement unit. These efforts included routine status checks and responses to public tips, supported by partner agencies. Most apprehended migrants were found to have overstayed their visas or landed illegally. Additionally, outstanding immigration fees totalling $31,000werecollectedfrom employersandsponsors.

During this period, the department also brought 21 immigration-related cases before the courts, all resulting in convictions for offences such as illegal landing and overstaying. Twenty-five Haitian nationals were also repatriated thoughcharteredflights.

“The public is reminded to ensure that all residence and work permit documents remain current and that individuals residing or working in The Bahamas do so in full compliance with the law,” the departmentsaid.

“Thedepartmentremains committed to upholding laws of The Bahamas and encouraged the public to report immigration violations by calling the hotline at (242) 604-0249 or (242) 604-0171/2.”

Too much junk food, booze, smoking and sugar - it’s a recipe for destruction

I SUPPORT putting things in their proper perspective. Our diet is poor, we glorify consuming large amounts of alcohol, smoke cigarettes, cigars and watch our children slaughtered with heavy concentrations ofsugar,andfastfoodmade from God knows what, is a recipeforthedestructionof acountry.

Bahamians brag about their diet. We have become obsessedwiththeideathata Bahamiandietisthegospel. We criticise and look down on other countries and cultures, comparing our dishes tothoseofothers.

Some of us, without travel experience, ignorantly ask for Bahamian

‘Our children are growing up in a culture that celebrates being overweight as cute, a fictitious narrative that ignores the dangerous practices that could lead to serious complications and even death.’

dishes as if they are supposed to know what we eat.

However, the reality is that our diet is a cause for concern, laden with animal fat and high cholesterol, which has led to a widespread issue of obesity, triggering a high incidence of diabetes and high blood pressure. We often overlook these health risks, even finding humour in weight gain and sometimes resorting to bullying those whoarethin. We’ve normalised oversizedbodypartsasasignof good health, but the truth

tation of being a friendly nation, and most of our tourists returned several

themselves

is far from it. Manufactured large posteriors are commonplaceandputpressure on those who may not have proportionately built bodies.Becauseoflowselfesteem, the most significant and hilarious new phenomenon is that we spend thousands of dollars adding more fat to essential parts, hoping to capture people’s attention.

Our children are growing up in a culture that celebrates being overweight as cute, a fictitious narrative that ignores the dangerous practices that could lead to serious complications and even death. We often see children being force-fed large portions of food or given sugary snacks as a reward, without considering the long-term health implications, which is a dangerous practice we needtoaddress.

Impressionable children are the most vulnerable victims of our unhealthy dietary habits. We instil fear in them if they don’t consume a heaping plate of food loaded with rice, which eventually turns into sugar during digestion.

This accumulation of sugar causes our insulin to spike.Someofusknowthe repercussions, but because it is Bahamian, peas and rice must be consumed. We’ve been dropping down, especially recently, like flies from diabetes, heart attacks, and strokes, yet we will not abandon thediet.

• High school diploma

We even use our forefathers who lived long lives to justify eating the same food. But what is not said is that they ate vegetables from the ground, fresh fish from the water to the pot and little to no refrigeration. They walked to and from the field. Since we discarded the healthy way of life, anxious to live modern, we discontinued the habits of our forefathers, saddled with chronic diseases, and are dying earlier.

BY IVOINE INGRAHAM

at home with our families, so we rely heavily on fast food. But let’s not be fooled by the term “fast food”. It’s not just fast, it’s also deadly, loaded with plenty of salt and washed down with a drink high in sugar. This combination wreaks havoc on our cells and tissues and will destroy our digestive system, challenging our elimination process. In other words, it’s not just a quick meal; it’s a fast track todeath.

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Children who consume a high volume of sugar are like ping-pong balls, bouncing against the wall and unable to calm down and concentrate. But innocent children are force-fed sugar at an alarming rate at home and school: Lord have mercy on the teachers who have to contend with 30 wired children. We can see why teachers could and should demand higher salaries; Lord knows they deserveit.

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training, and staff discounts.

Sadly, we are witnessing every day, too many of our seniors having to lose a limb because of diabetes, which does not send the strong message that being more cognizant will buy us sometime.

Our bad habits continued because we stopped cooking. We are too busy keeping up with the Joneses, spending less time

But parents who would rather sacrifice their children to save money to party, have their nails done, and change their weaves give them a few dollarstobuylunchrather than make their lunch at home, which is a good time to say that the barbecue sauce on the wings served at schools is loaded with sugar, too.

To stress my point, there have been cries from the public and some sensible parents and teachers complaining about vendors who camp outside the school gate peddling all things detrimental to children’shealth.

Candy and artificial snacks cannot be digested without hurting the children,notimmediately,but

over time. The justification that people have to make a livelihood does not bear fruit, because we should not slaughter our children on the altar of greed.

The damage done to our children is inexcusable. We cannot claim to love our children. The repercusión from the consumption of candies and sweet drinks could lead to wear and tear on the organs and eventuallydeath.

Lazy and ignorant parentstakeshortcutstosatisfy their children; they bribe them with addictive and deadlysweets.Butmakeno mistake,theaftereffectsare morecostlythanahealthier approach.

We all silently see our children weakened, moving around with false energy from high sugar intake. Then they crash, become lethargic, and stop listening to the teacher, making learning impossible. We change our priority from the value of our children to how we look and what we wear. But the family weakens, and the country suffers. We succumb to tradition, culture,andculturalnorms void of common sense and ahealthycountry.

We cannot see that everyone is unhealthy, which puts an enormous burden on an overburdened health system.

Still, when we encourage good habits, the entire community will experience a better fate if its inventory is detrimental to children’s health.

To help all of us be healthy because the food retailer sells candy too, the governmentshoulddiscourage it by making it easier and more reasonable for fruits and vegetables and making it very hard for candy and sugar-related items that will serve as a deterrent.

Finally, to make a significant impact, the government should consider increasing the tax on cigarettes, cigars, and alcohol considerably, which would discourage their consumption and generate much-needed revenue for public health initiatives.

Face reality: We can collect much revenue when we tax the unnecessary and harmful things that cause harm to the body, which would discourage some fromdeteriorating.

Remember the horror to stop mutual destruction

THE PETER YOUNG COLUMN

AT THIS time of year, I normally write about Hiroshima and Nagasaki. It is in remembrance of the total horror - but necessity - of the use of atom bombs to force the ending of the Second World War. This year is their 80th anniversary.

It is also a compelling reminder of the need to avoid and prevent deployment of a nuclear weapon again which could destroy theworld.

On August 6, 1945, the US dropped an atom bomb on the city of Hiroshima. It followed up with another bigger and more powerful one on Nagasaki three days later. These were the first such deployments ever in warfare and there have been none sincethen.

Both these heavily populated urban areas were obliterated by the catastrophic impact of single such bombs. The official figures show that 214,000 people perished in the blasts.

The aftereffects of toxic radioactivity and, later, developmentofcancer,particularly leukaemia, lasted much longer for survivors who had been maimed and even their offspring and rescuers.Theseeffectshave spanned generations and arestillbeingfelttoday.

The momentous decision by the then US president, Harry Truman, to use the atom bomb caused huge controversy on ethical, moral and even military grounds after the US progressively drove Japanese military forces out of the Pacific islands they were occupying. But the eventual consensus was that, in the circumstances, it was the right course of action to take in order to force Japan to surrender and bring the war to a close, the war in Europe having already ended in May the same year.

It is argued by historians that Truman’s decision was justified in order to avoid the mass casualties that would have resulted from an invasion of the mainland, on which the US was already conducting conventional bombing raids, includingonTokyo.

What is more, the Allies had earlier warned Japan through the Potsdam Declaration, which outlined the required terms of a surrender, that Japan’s

failure to give up would resultin“promptandutter destruction.”

Manypeoplenowbelieve that,inamodernworldwith various countries holding nucleararsenalsratherthan just the two main powers (plus Britain) - the US and former USSR during the ColdWar-thelikelihoodof theirbeingusedagain,even carelessly or inadvertently, has become that much greater.

Those in any doubt that the future deployment of nuclear weapons, now even more sophisticated and lethal than ever, should be prevented would do well to study the terrible effects of these atom bombs dropped in1945.

Historians maintain that for a number of years after WW2whiletheworldgradually recovered, people remained in such shock aboutHiroshimaandNagasaki – let alone enormous relief the war was finally over -- that little sustained thought was given to devisinganinternationalstrategy to ban nuclear weapons in thefuture.

However, there were dedicated anti-nuclear activists who mounted sustained protests. There have also always been, of

course, official memorial ceremonies in a number of countries in addition to Japanitself.

In succeeding years, the United Nations has been at the forefront of efforts to advance nuclear disarmament. It has made this a priorityobjective.

Under the Nuclear NonProliferation Treaty of 1968, several of the major nuclear powers pledged their co-operation in stemming the spread of nuclear technology.

Although this international treaty did not prevent nuclear proliferation, it was nonetheless judged to have been a major success for advocates of arms control because it set a precedent for co-operation about nuclear matters amongst states; and the general hope was that other more comprehensiveagreements wouldbeforthcoming.

The Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty, which was a multilateral pactthatbannedallnuclear test explosions, followed in the1990s.

It was designed to prevent development of new nuclear weapons or upgrades of existing ones. By 2024, this was signed

AZERBAIJAN AND ARMENIA

THESE two countries in the Caucusus reached a significant agreement last week. But it appears many people may have hardly noticed. There was limited media coverage of their leaders signing the agreement aimed at ending decades of conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh,anethnicallyArmenianenclavein Azerbaijan. Reportedly, the dispute goes back to the 1980s and 90s,withviolenceflaringup againmorerecently.

It looks as if this became newsworthy because –guesswhat–theagreement signature ceremony was held in the White House in the presence of President Trump. A little research shows that despite everything else on his plate Trump has

been brokering this deal between the two sworn enemies who, in his words, have now promised to stop all fighting “forever”. They havealsoagreedtoopenup travel, business and diplomaticrelations. The White House has said that, as part of the deal,theUSwillhelpbuild a major transit corridor that will be named after Trump who also signed bilateral agreements with both countries to expand trade in technology and energy. Azerbaijan and Armenia are both sovereign statesandnotcontrolledby Moscow.

However, Russia maintains a strong presence in the region and is known to be a key mediator in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, so the countries are

within Putin’s sphere of influence - and that makes it all the more surprising that the US president has become successfully involvedinallthis.

On the other hand, it is the case, of course, that during the run-up to the 2024 election Trump made it clear that he wanted to be remembered as a leader who made peace not war; andsofarduringhissecond term he has reportedly sought to make peace deals between several warring countries.

It is said that Trump has his eye on a Nobel Peace Prize.Followingthislatest peace-making success, people now wonder what other successful achievements he may already have locked away or what he is planning for the future.

by 71 nations including those possessing nuclear weapons.

The International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons, ICAN, was established in 2007. It is a coalition of non-governmental organisations dedicatedtotheprohibition and elimination of nuclear weapons. According to reports, it helped to push through the UN Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW)in2021.Unsurprisingly, none of the 9 states

possessing such weapons –US, Russia, China, France, UK, India, Pakistan, Israel and North Korea - has agreedtosignit.

ICAN describes nuclear weapons as the most inhumane, indiscriminate and dangerous on earth. They violate international law and cause severe and catastrophic harm and damage to humans and the environment.

Just one can destroy a whole city and potentially killmillions.

So is it any surprise in

the modern unstable world of aggressive dictators that even mention of the use of nuclearweaponssendsshiversdownpeople’sspines. With nine nuclear-armed statestheworldhasbecome amoredangerousplace.

At the most, such weapons should be kept for the purpose of ultimate deterrencealone. Itwas,afterall,thethreat of mutual destruction between the US and the thenSovietUnionthatkept theoverallpeaceduringthe ColdWar.

ISRAELI STRIKES KILL JOURNALISTS AND AID-SEEKERS AS AUSTRALIA BACKS PALESTINIAN STATEHOOD

By WAFAA SHURAFA, SAM METZ and SAMY MAGDY Associated Press

ISRAELI forces killed at least 55 people across the Gaza Strip overnight and into Monday, including a well-known journalist Israel said was a militant as well as people seeking humanitarian aid, according to local health officials.

Hospital officials reported at least 34 people were killed on Monday, not including journalists who were slain in a tent shortly before midnight.

More than 15 people were killed while waiting for aid at the Zikim crossing in northern Gaza, said Fares Awad, head of the ambulance services in northern Gaza.

Israel’s military did not immediately respond to questions about the deaths.

Earlier on Monday, it said air and artillery units were operating in northern Gaza and in Khan Younis, where

resident Noha Abu Shamala told The Associated Press that two drone strikes killed a family of seven in their apartment.

A dozen more people killed seeking aid Among the dead were at least 12 aid seekers killed by Israeli gunfire while trying to reach distribution points, or awaiting aid convoys, according to officials at two hospitals and witnesses.

The Palestine Red Crescent Society said its Saraya Field Hospital received about 30 injured from the Zikim area. Al-Shifa hospital received five bodies and over 70 wounded, said Mohamed Abu Selmiya, the hospital’s director.

Relatives said casualties included children and an infant. Witnesses to gunfire near the Morag corridor said they saw barrages of bullets and later dead bodies, describing the grim scene as a near-daily occurrence.

The AP spoke to five witnesses who were among the crowds in central Gaza, the

Teina area and the Morag corridor. All said that Israeli forces had fired toward the crowds.

“The occupation (forces) targeted us, as they do every day,” said Hussain Matter, a displaced father of two who was in the Morag corridor. “Out of nowhere, you find bullets from everywhere.”

AhmedAttasaidhehelped carry a wounded man from the Teina area who had been shot in his shoulder and was bleeding. “It’s a pattern,” Atta said of the Israeli gunfire toward aid seekers.

Aid seekers were killed from 3 kilometers (nearly 2 miles) to just hundreds of meters (yards) from sites operated by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, according to Nasser and Awda hospitals.

The United States and Israel support the American contractor as an alternative to the United Nations, which they say allows Hamas to siphon off aid. The U.N., which has delivered aid throughout Gaza for decades

TRUMP SUGGESTS HE’LL KNOW IF PUTIN WANTS A PEACE DEAL SOON WITH UKRAINE INTO MEETING

By WILL WEISSERT Associated Press

PRESIDENT Donald Trump said Monday that he expected to determine mere moments intohismeetingwithRussianleaderVladimir Putin this week whether it would be possible to work out a deal to halt the war in Ukraine.

“At the end of that meeting, probably the first two minutes, I’ll know exactly whether or not a deal can be made,” Trump said at a White House press conference that he called to announce plans for a federal takeover of Washington’s police force to help combat crime.

He said he thought Friday’s sitdown with Putin in Alaska would be “really a feel-out meeting.” Trump added that “it’ll be good, but it might be bad” and predicted he may say, “lots of luck, keep fighting. Or I may say, we can make a deal.”

Putin wants to lock in Russia’s gains since invadingUkraineinFebruary2022asTrump presses for a ceasefire that has remained out of reach. Trump’s eagerness to reach a deal has raised fears in Ukraine and Europe about such an agreement favoring Russia, without sufficient input from Ukraine. Trump has alternately harshly criticized both leaders after promising — and so far failing — to swiftly end the conflict.

TheTrump-Putinmeetingsofarisn’tgoing toincludeZelenskyy

Trump on Monday ducked repeated chances to say that he would push for UkrainianPresidentVolodymyrZelenskyyto take part in his discussions with Putin, and was especially dismissive of Zelenskyy and his need to be part of an effort to seek peace. HesaidtheUkrainianpresidenthadbeento “alotofmeetings”withoutmanagingtohalta war that Russia started. Trump also noted that Zelenskyyhadbeeninpowerfortheduration ofthewarandsaid“nothinghappened”during that time. He contrasted that with Putin, who has wielded power in Russia for decades. Trump said that, after his meeting with Putin, “The next meeting will be with Zelenskyy and Putin” but it could also be a meeting with “Putin and Zelenskyy and me.”

when conditions allow, denies the allegations.

The latest deaths raise the toll to more than 1,700 people killed while seeking food since the new aid distribution system began in May, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry.

U.N. agencies generally do not accept Israeli military escorts for aid trucks, citing concerns over neutrality, and its convoys have come under fire amid severe food shortages.

The deaths came hours after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called reports about conditions in Gaza a “global campaign of lies,” and announced plans to move deeper into the territory and push to dismantle Hamas.

Five more Palestinians, including a child, died of malnutrition-related causes in Gaza in the past 24 hours, the health ministry said.

Israel increased the flow of supplies two weeks ago amid such concerns.

Israeli strike targets and

killsAl Jazeera journalists

Israel’s military targeted an Al Jazeera correspondent with an airstrike Sunday, killing him. The strike killed a total of eight people, including six journalists and two other civilians, according to Shifa Hospital. Press advocates described the attack as a brazen assault on those documenting the war.

The network said that along with its correspondent, four others of the slain journalists also worked for Al Jazeera.

The Israeli military claimed responsibility for the strike. It came less than a year after Israeli army officials first accused correspondent Anas al-Sharif and otherAl Jazeera journalists of being members of the militant groups Hamas and Islamic Jihad, an allegation that Al Jazeera and al-Sharif have previously dismissed as baseless.

AlJazeeracalledthestrike a “targeted assassination” while press freedom groups denounced the rising death

toll facing Palestinian journalists working in Gaza. Mourners laid the journalists to rest in Gaza City. Hamas-led militants abducted 251 people and killed around 1,200 people, mostly civilians, in the Oct. 7, 2023, attack that triggered the war. Most of the hostages hav e been released in ceasefires or other deals but 50 remain inside Gaza. Israel believes around 20 are still alive.

Israel’s air and ground offensive has since displaced most of the population, destroyed vast areas and pushed the territory toward famine. It has killed more than 61,400 Palestinians, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry, which does not say how many were fighters or civiliansbutsaysaroundhalf were women and children. Besides those killed, 121 adults and 101 children have died of malnutrition-related causes, including five in the past 24 hours, the ministry said. One was a child.

US PRESIDENT SAYS HE’S PLACING WASHINGTON POLICE UNDER FEDERAL CONTROL AND ACTIVATING THE NATIONAL GUARD

By JOSH BOAK and DAVID KLEPPER Associated Press

PRESIDENTDonaldTrump said Monday he’s taking over Washington’s police department and activating 800 members of the National Guard in the hopes of reducing crime, even as city officials stressed crime is already falling in the nation’s capital.

The president, flanked by his attorney general, his defense secretary and the FBI director, said he was declaring a public safety emergency and his administration would be removing homeless encampments.

“We’re going to take our capital back,” Trump declared, adding he’d also be “getting rid of the slums.”

For Trump, the effort to take over public safety in Washington reflects an escalation of his aggressive approach to law enforcement. The District of Columbia’s status as a congressionally established federal district gives him a unique opportunity to push his tough-on-crime agenda, though he has not proposed solutions to the root causes of homelessness or crime.

Attorney General Pam Bondi will assume responsibility for Washington’s Metropolitan Police Department, Trump said, as he also railed against potholes and graffiti in the city and called them “embarrassing.”

The president did not provide a timeline for the control of the police department, but he’s limited to 30 days under statute unless he gets approval from Congress.

As Trump spoke, demonstrators gathered outside the White House to protest his moves. And local officials rejected the Republican president’s depiction of the district as crime-ridden and called his actions illegal.

“The administration’s actions are unprecedented, unnecessary, and unlawful,” District of Columbia Attorney General Brian Schwalb said. “There is no crime emergency in the District of Columbia.”

Schwalb, a Democrat, said violent crime in the district reached historic 30-year lows last year and is down an additional 26% this year.

Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser said she would follow the law regarding the

“so-called emergency” even as she indicated that Trump’s actions were a reason why the District of Columbia should be a state with legal protections from such actions.

“While this action today is unsettling and unprecedented, I can’t say that given some of the rhetoric of the past, that we’re totally surprised,” Bowser said.

The president dismissed the idea Washington needed to enlarge its 3,500-officer police force, even as he seeks to have more armed personnel going through the city with the goal of reducing crime.

“What you need is rules and regulations, and you need the right people to implement them,” he said.

Trump invoked Section 740 of the District of Columbia Home Rule Act in an executive order to declare a “crime emergency” so his administration could take over the city’s police force. He signed a directive for Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to activate the National Guard.

While Trump has portrayed himself as a friend to law enforcement and enjoyed the political backing from many of their groups, he pardoned or commuted the sentences of the 1,500-plus people charged with crimes in the deadly Jan. 6, 2021, U.S. Capitol riot, including people convicted of assaulting police officers. About 500 federal law enforcement officers are being tasked with deploying throughout the nation’s capital as part of Trump’s effort to combat crime, a person familiar with the matter told The Associated Press.

More than 100 FBI agents and about 40 agents with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives are among federal personnel being assigned to patrols in Washington, the person briefed on the plans said. The Drug Enforcement Administration, Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the Marshals Service are contributing officers.

The person was not authorized to publicly discuss personnel matters and spoke to the AP on the condition of anonymity. The Justice Department didn’t immediately have a comment Monday morning.

GENEROUS DONORS PROVIDE THOUSANDS IN SCHOLARSHIPS FOR EXUMIANS

SIX high school graduates from Exuma are heading off to colleges and technical institutions, including Harvard University, thanks to a generous $40,000 donation from the Bob and Jeanne Coughlin Foundation. The funds, presented through the Nelson Ranger Scholarship Fund & Golf Camps, mark a significant boost to the long-standing initiative that has already awarded over $200,000 in scholarships since 2014. “We spent time with each recipient,” said Bob Coughlin. “You could see the eagerness in their eyes, hear it in their voices. These are young people who know what they want... All they need is someone to believe in them.”

For Nelson Ranger, the fund’s founder, the moment is deeply personal. Raised in Ferry, Little Exuma by a single mother, his life was transformed by a scholarship

from the Lyford Cay Foundation and the kindness of those who mentored him.

“It leaves me emotional because donations like this allow me to do for children here what someone did for me so many years ago,” said Ranger.

His journey, from learning golf with mentor Andrew Bowe to becoming a director of golf across six US states and working at top courses like Lyford Cay and Baker’s Bay serves as the foundation for the scholarship fund’s mission.

“I’m thankful and I am glad that I am able, with help from people like Bob, that I can do for others what someone did for me,” Ranger said, his voice filled with emotion.

With the Coughlins’ latest contribution, the fund will support four new scholarships and continue two existing ones, offering a brighter future to a new generation of Exumians.

Three Erin H Gilmour School students celebrate national BJC examinations

Erin

of

achieved strongresultsintheBahamasJunior Certificate (BJC) English Language exams. Kamall Forbes earned a Grade A, while Macken Louis and

Quintino Barr each received a Grade C — remarkable accomplishments that have filled the school community with pride and optimism.

Principal Kevin Cartwright, the first blind principal appointed in TheBahamasandanalumnusofthe schoolhimself,praisedthestudents and staff for their determination

andteamwork.

“This is only the beginning,” said MrCartwright. “There is no limit to what our students can achieve when hard work meets consistent mentorship, dedicated tutelage and heart-centred guidance.”

He credited the entire Erin Gilmour team for the success,

emphasisingthatitwasacollective effort and offered words of inspirationtothestudents.

“Thissuccesswouldnotbepossible without the unwavering support of every teacher, support staff member, driver, cleaner and aide: your hands and hearts are in this moment.

“Your teamwork, care and quiet

sacrifices have helped build this foundationofexcellence.”

“Progress imagined can also be lived… With determination, perseverance, and belief in yourself, anythingispossible.

“You’ve made your school, your families, and your country proud.”

Summer culture camp helps youngsters to shine

YOUNGapprenticesattheCultureApprenticeship Summer Camp held at RM Bailey Senior High School recently showcased the creativeskillstheydevelopedoverthesummer infashionandstrawcraft.

Throughout the camp, students engaged in hands-on training, learning traditional techniques and modern design elements that reflect Bahamian culture. Their final showcase highlightedtheprogressmadeovertheweeks,with uniquepiecescraftedbyeachcamper.Among the participants was Akaji James, the camp’s only male apprentice, who received recognitionforhisworkalongsidefellowstudents.

The camp also saw the return of former camperAshley Carey, now contributing as an instructor,showingthefull-circleimpactofthe program.TheCultureApprenticeshipSummer Camp is part of a wider network of free summer programs offered through the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture each July acrossTheBahamas,helpingstudentsexplore interests from the arts and culinary skills to sportsandcarpentry.

Making a splash to help BNT

THE Bahamas National Trust (BNT) has received a donation of more than $70,000 from the Callender family’s annual Silver Fox Fishing Tournament, continuing the family’s mission to support the management of local nationalparks.

The tournament is held in memory of the late Colin Callender - affectionately known as “the Silver Fox” - who was a former member of the BNT’s Wildlife Committee and a committed conservationist. His son, Jason Callender, has carried on this legacy by donating to projects such as enhancing the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park and protectingflamingosintheInagua NationalPark.

This year’s event took place at Albany Resort, where Mr Callender is a partner and resident. Sixteen boats participated, with a large catch of mahi, tuna, and several billfish, which were caught and released. The winning boat wasHotRod,ownedbythe Burwellbrothers.

“Thisisnotthefirsttime the BNT is the recipient of funds raised from the Silver Fox Fishing Tournament hosted by The Callender Family, and we are grateful for this donation that honors Colin’s conservation legacy here in The Bahamas.” said Joanne Smith, BNT president.

Ms Smith said the BNT is entering a pivotal period in its history

under its 2024–2029 Strategic Plan, which focuses on developing national parks as tourism drivers, creating outdoor classrooms for environmental education, and expandingnaturalspacesfor familyrecreation.Shenoted these initiatives require “immediateinvestment.”

Mr Callender thanked the sponsors who contributed to the event’s success, including BluewaterCayMarina,Sands Beer, Lightbourne Marine, HCB Yachts, Cleveland Brothers, and the Albany EventsandMarinateam.

“The Callender Family and Albany are looking forwardtonextyear’stournament, which promises to be even better as they are planning a two-day event,” MrCallendersaid.