10172025 NEWS

PM: BY-ELECTION FOR GOLDEN ISLES

Sebas and Pickstock only two newcomers among 14 announced

By LYNAIRE MUNNINGS

Tribune Staff Reporter lmunnings@tribunemedia.net

PRIME Minister Philip

“Brave” Davis announced last night that a by-election will be held in the Golden Isles constituency after Progressive Liberal Party ratified 14 candidates for the next general election, all incumbents except prominent businessman Sebas Bastian and Senator

Darron Pickstock, who aims to succeed the late Vaughn Miller in Golden Isles. When pressed for a specific by-election date, Mr Davis said it would be revealed “in due course”. “PLPs,” he said, “I told y’all before, stay alert! Y’all ready? Because tonight, I’m announcing it officially. Golden Isles, a by-election

JCNP A ND PM MEETING OVER

PARADE M A N AGE MEN T ISSUES

By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Chief Reporter

lrolle@tribunemedia.net

PRIME Minister Philip

“Brave” Davis is expected to meet today with the Junkanoo Corporation of New Providence (JCNP) amid soaring tension between the long-standing parade managers and the government over who will control this year’s national Junkanoo parades. It was unclear yesterday which parties were invited or the precise purpose of the meeting, but the meeting follows weeks of escalating friction after Youth, Sports and Culture Minister Mario Bowleg announced that only two

Sands eyeing Bamboo Town as FNM will soon reveal additional candidates

By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Chief Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net

FREE National Move-

ment Chairman Dr Duane Sands is eyeing the party’s nomination for Bamboo

Town instead of Elizabeth, the constituency he once represented and unsuccessfully ran for on two other occasions, according to several sources.

Dr Sands did not confirm nor deny the claims

when contacted by The Tribune yesterday but said he’d be happy to discuss ratified candidates once they’ve been confirmed by the council and candidate

Cooper: Saudi funding will be shifted to Grand Bahama International Airport

By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune News Editor rrolle@tribunemedia.net

By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Staff Reporter

dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

DEPUTY Prime Minister Chester Cooper announced yesterday that the Saudi Fund for Development (SFD) has agreed to reallocate funding originally earmarked for the George Town and North Eleuthera airports to the Grand Bahama International Airport, a move he described as “progress” for the island’s economic revitalisation. The extent of the SFD’s funding for the airport was unclear up to press time.

Speaking at the Exuma

DEPUTY PM CHESTER COOPER

THE grieving families of two Bahamian men killed in Haiti more than three months ago say they are desperate for closure, as the remains of their loved ones continue to languish in a Haitian morgue. The bodies of Shadrack Stuart and Joey Russell have been held up for months by bureaucratic delays and a lack of official assistance, relatives said, claiming a single missing

Sebas ratified for Fort Charlotte constituency

is coming! Family, we ready?”

The rally itself was a political spectacle as the PLP headquarters was blanketed in a sea of yellow and blue as supporters poured in by the dozens, many draped in party paraphernalia such as flags, t-shirts, and glow sticks waving through the night.

The energy built steadily throughout the evening as supporters danced in the aisles, jumped to the beat of junkanoo rhythms, and erupted into coordinated chants that echoed through the crowd. Every major speaker was greeted with cheers, horn blasts, and rhythmic drumming. As the programme reached its climax, fireworks exploded overhead, lighting up the night sky and sending the already frenzied supporters into a uproar.

Among those ratified were Cabinet ministers Pia Glover-Rolle for Golden Gates, Mario Bowleg for Garden Hills, Fred Mitchell

for Fox Hill, Jobeth ColebyDavis for Elizabeth, Jomo Campbell for Centreville, Myles Laroda for Pinewood, Keith Bell for Carmichael, and Leon Lundy for Mangrove Cay, Central and South Andros. Also ratified were Leslia Miller-Brice for Seabreeze, Jamahl Strachan for Nassau Village, Mckell Bonaby for Mount Moriah, and Bacchus Rolle for South Beach. Mr Bastian was ratified as the candidate for Fort Charlotte, replacing outgoing MP Alfred Sears.

Mr Bastian, the sole newcomer to frontline politics among the 14, entered the stage to his theme song “If Sebas is Standing by Your Side”. He was joined by Mr Sears, whom he thanked for his service and described as a “buffalo soldier”.

He told the crowd he entered politics because he is a “problem solver” ready to “put the vision to work.” He said: “I am not looking for nothing because I am already blessed with enough.”

The night also featured fiery political messaging,

with party veterans drawing contrasts between the PLP and the FNM. Foreign Affairs Minister Fred Mitchell sent a pointed message to Fox Hill FNM candidate Nicholas Fox, warning that “cutass is coming”.

Mr Davis devoted a significant portion of his speech to addressing the salary dispute with Bahamas Union of Teachers President Belinda Wilson. Without naming her directly, he delivered a forceful defence of his government’s labour record, particularly in education.

“Now, PLPs, let me talk to you straight. Because no one, and I mean no one, is going to play in Brave face. I will say this again: no one is going to play in Brave Davis face,” he said.

He accused the former FNM administration of abandoning unions. “Under the FNM, unions went years without an agreement. Years! Teachers left behind. Nurses forgotten. Public servants ignored.

SEE PA GE THREE

‘No one is going to play in Brave face’

But when we came to office, we changed that!” he said.

He said his government has raised the minimum wage, restored increments, honoured every industrial agreement, delivered promotions, expanded health insurance, and increased entry-level teachers’ salaries by over $3,000 annually

over the past three years. He also noted that his administration approved a retention bonus for teachers that had not been part of the original union agreement.

The Golden Isles byelection will be the PLP’s second since 2021. The first took place in West Grand Bahama and Bimini in 2023 following the death of MP Obie Wilchcombe, a contest the PLP won comfortably. The upcoming vote is expected to serve as a key measure of the governing party’s political strength heading into the next general election. from page two

He then issued a warning to union leaders: “Be careful who you let stand beside you. Don’t let political parties use you as pawns. Not everyone marching with you means you well.”

FNM

SANDS from page one

selection committee.

“I would not want to prejudge their deliberation,” he said.

Members of the FNM’s Bamboo Town association say they were told that Dr Sands would now be nominated for the area instead of Heather Hunt. This comes as internal tensions continue to simmer after former MP Renward Wells was denied the nomination.

Dr Sands is not the only FNM said to be shifting to another constituency.

St Barnabas MP Shanendon Cartwright is eyeing a seat in western New Providence, with party vice chairman Jamal Moss said to be the frontrunner to replace him. The shake-up comes as the party prepares to ratify additional candidates at the end of the month after confirming 24 candidates earlier this year.

Asked if the remaining incumbents would be included in the next round of candidates, party leader Michael Pintard told reporters yesterday that officials are still waiting on the boundaries report before confirming them.

“The government has an obligation to provide the boundaries report they

have not, and we do know that they intend to engage in the election shortly and so we believe that we should be also strategic in terms of naming the additional candidates, but certainly this month we will ratify additional candidates. It’s critical for us,” he said.

He also again declined to say whether the party would contest the Golden Isles by election if one is called, only saying “when the time comes, he will be ready.”

“Brian Brown is an exceptional candidate. He’s been in the constituency for more than ten years, working diligently with residents. He has solved many of critical issues related to families. He lives with them and so we are more than pleased that we have a candidate and a team,” he said.

Cooper says Beaches Exuma project will now exceed $150m

FUNDING from page one

Business Outlook, Mr Cooper said the decision followed negotiations he led with Saudi officials for airport projects across the Family Islands. He said while George Town and North Eleuthera airports have since been fully funded by other means, the freed-up Saudi financing will now go toward Grand Bahama’s airport redevelopment, a project seen as central to the island’s broader recovery from hurricanes and economic stagnation.

His announcement comes a month after he revealed that the long-promised redevelopment of the Grand Bahama International Airport had been halted because the private partners tapped to lead the $200m project failed to secure financing.

The Grand Bahama airport project has been a government priority following Hurricane Dorian’s destruction in 2019, which left the island’s main gateway inoperable for months and forced the use

of temporary terminals.

The Davis administration pledged a new, hurricaneresilient international airport as a cornerstone of Grand Bahama’s tourism and logistics rebound. The government bought the facility in April 2021. Demolition was supposed to start in 2023, then again in February this year when Mr Cooper assured it would happen “within 30 days.” Neither pledge was met.

Mr Cooper also announced that the Beaches Exuma project, previously valued at $100m, is now projected to exceed $150m, with final agreements expected to be executed in mid-November. Mr Cooper said the project will revive the former Sandals Emerald Bay site, expanding year-round employment, marketing reach, and international visibility for the island.

The timeline for the project has shifted several times. In August 2024, Mr Cooper estimated a six- to eight-month construction phase for the resort’s transformation into a Beaches property. However, Sandals

representatives later indicated that construction could take up to 15 months. The Free National Movement recently criticised the government for its “silence” on the timeline for the resort’s re-opening. Beyond tourism, Mr Cooper said the government is working on new housing subdivisions in Moss Town and George Town, and has begun discussions with an international city-planning firm to design a new town centre plan for George Town, including the relocation of the port to free up waterfront space for civic and commercial redevelopment.

He said Exuma will eventually need double or triple its current housing stock to sustain inclusive growth.

He also confirmed plans for new schools, a multipurpose youth centre, and a new government services complex to make public services more accessible. On healthcare, he acknowledged delays in hospital upgrades but said additional doctors and nurses have been recruited from Ghana, with three recently stationed in Exuma.

Govt drafting bill to balance landlord and tenant rights, says Bell

By LEANDRA ROLLE

Chief Reporter

HOUSING Minister

Keith Bell said the government is pushing to complete draft legislation before the end of its term that “would

strike the delicate balance” between landlords and tenants’ rights, as soaring rents and complaints on both sides continue to mount.

Mr Bell told reporters yesterday that his ministry routinely receives reports from tenants about sudden

rent hikes of up to $500 and electricity disconnections, and from landlords about tenants refusing to pay rent or barring them from entering their properties.

He said the government is also worried about people living in unsafe

or uninhabitable conditions, warning that this could become a growing burden on the Department of Social Services if not addressed.

“We want to ensure that landlords keep up the premises, that they are tenable,” he said. “We want to ensure that the tenants are not mistreated, but at the same time that they live up to their obligations as well.”

The push for reform comes amid widespread concern about housing affordability, with Mr Bell acknowledging that families are increasingly squeezed by high rental costs and stagnant wages.

A recent IMF report found rents in The Bahamas rose by 14 percent between 2012 and 2022, while average wages grew by just two

percent — a trend that has hit low-income households hardest.

Mr Bell said the government’s review of the Rent Control Act aims to modernise the law and close enforcement gaps that leave both landlords and tenants frustrated.

Asked about regulating the surge in homeowners converting properties into Airbnbs, he said the Ministry of Finance and the Department of Inland Revenue are studying the issue closely amid mounting complaints about covenant breaches in residential communities.

“We don’t want to create a piece of legislation and then it’s difficult to enforce,” he said, adding that magistrates will be involved to ensure the law is enforceable.

Mr Bell said the draft law is being “looked at with a fine teeth comb,” acknowledging that the process is taking longer than expected but insisting the final product will be fair to all parties.

He also revealed progress in the government’s compulsory land acquisition programme, saying properties have already been acquired in Englerston, Bain and Grants Town, and Freetown, with plans to take over about ten more lots on Charles Vincent Street.

“What we hope to do is to use these properties for our affordable housing,” he said, adding that some owners have expressed interest in partnering with the government to rehabilitate their properties.

Pintard condemns Lincoln Bain’s “unfortunate” defamatory remarks

By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Chief Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net

FREE National Movement Leader Michael Pintard yesterday condemned as “unfortunate” the defamatory remarks Coalition of Independents Leader Lincoln Bain made during a heated confrontation outside Parliament on Wednesday.

The public spat, captured on camera and widely shared online, erupted as dozens of public servants protested over pay adjustments. In the footage, the two leaders shouted at each other before being separated by guards and onlookers, as Mr Bain hurled insults that included unsubstantiated claims of drug abuse and mental illness.

After facing backlash, Mr Bain apologised to Mr Pintard during a Baptist Convention service, admitting the confrontation was “inappropriate.”

When asked yesterday if he accepted the apology, Mr Pintard said it was troubling that some people make false claims intended to harm others’ reputations without clearly retracting them.

He said: “(To) do so consistently, and when convenient, they don’t say what I said was false. I know it to be false. I intended it to be injurious, and I now withdraw and apologise. That’s an

‘Bodies’ release just needs doctor to sign’

CLOSURE from page one

signature from a Haitian doctor has stalled their return home.

The doctor, they claimed, fears for his safety if he signs the release papers needed to transport the bodies back to The Bahamas. Without his signature, the paperwork cannot move forward.

The men were killed in July during what Haitian authorities described as a drug-related operation. Officials said they intercepted a small vessel carrying narcotics and that gunfire ensued.

Bahamian officials later

confirmed the deaths with Haitian authorities.

Relatives of Mr Stuart, a native of Moore’s Island, were shown images of his body floating in the water after the shooting.

Both families have since been caught in a cycle of false hope and dead ends as they try to reclaim the remains.

Lloyann Stuart, Mr Stuart’s widow, said the ordeal has been “extremely depressing.”

“It’s been too long. Every time they get hope that the paperwork will be signed so they could come and take the bodies, that hope just goes back down the drain,” she said.

She said the family’s morticians in Haiti are also growing frustrated, adding that the process has stalled over the doctor’s refusal to sign.

“They saying they only waiting on this one signature, and they need the paperwork for the body to come on the plane and clear Customs. It’s been three months now,” she said.

Mrs Stuart said the experience has left the family emotionally drained. “It’s very hard. We’re trying our best to stay strong. Right now, as I’m talking to you, I feel like I could break down,” she said.

She also believes

say.

Bahamian officials could have done more. “It seems like they don’t know anything because every time we reach out, we don’t get any answers or help. We heard they are asking for a letter from the Ministry of Health in The Bahamas. We reach out to them and all, but they haven’t gotten back to us. I don’t know what’s going on,” she said.

Austin Russell, brother of Joey Russell, shared similar frustrations. He said both the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs must sign off on documents before the bodies can be released.

drug-related operation.

“We told them we don’t need them to do nothing else. We don’t need them to pay for nothing because we doing everything by ourselves. We just want to get the body back home,” he said. Mr Russell said the families have been paying to keep the remains at the Haitian morgue since July and are heartbroken that the process has dragged on. “I can’t see how it could be a problem for him,” he said, referring to the Haitian doctor’s fear of signing the paperwork. He added that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs could have been more proactive. “I think

families

Foreign Affairs should have been there to assist. They said they got people down there, but they didn’t check or do anything. The first thing they told us was to let the funeral home deal with it, and that’s what we did. We have a funeral home in Haiti and one here in The Bahamas,” he said.

“The only thing we want to do—we just want to bury him on the side of our old lady,” he added softly. When contacted yesterday, Minister of Foreign Affairs Fred Mitchell and Director of Foreign Affairs Jerusa Ali did not respond up to press time.

ROSE ISLAND BOAT T R AGEDY INQUEST HALTED DUE TO INSUFFICIENT EV IDENCE

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net

AN inquest into the fatal 2024 boating accident off Rose Island was abruptly halted yesterday after Coroner Kara Turnquest-Deveaux found that numerous police officers had failed to appear in court and that there was insufficient evidence to proceed.

The inquest, which lasted only three days, had been examining the deaths of Adriel Rolle, 56, and Sean Laing, 51, who were killed on June 7, 2024, when their vessel struck a

reef near Rose Island.

According to police reports, the 32-foot Concept boat left a marina bound for South Andros before hitting a reef and ejecting all three people on board. The victims were later found by a passing vessel. The lone survivor, Julian Butler, a retired police reservist, was treated for head injuries. The vessel reportedly sank while being towed back to New Providence. Coroner TurnquestDeveaux ended the proceedings after hearing the testimony of Inspector Ford, the captain of the boat that took officers and

members of the press on the recovery mission. She questioned him for more than ten minutes about his role and his handling of GPS data, but he failed to give clear and consistent answers.

Inspector Ford was unable to say how long GPS coordinates were stored on the vessel, one of the new boats donated to the Royal Bahamas Police Force by the US Embassy. He claimed the storage duration depended on how often the boat was used but could not explain how he obtained the coordinates for the crash site, saying both that he had

BTVI launches search for new president to replace Davis

THE Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute (BTVI) has begun the process of selecting a new president to replace Dr Linda A Davis, who has served in the post for just over four years. BTVI Board Chairman Elvin Taylor announced yesterday that a Presidential Advisory Search Committee has been appointed by the board under Section 7 of the BTVI Act, 2010, to recruit a successor. The committee, which includes stakeholders from across The Bahamas, will be chaired by Retired Anglican Archdeacon James Palacious. Mr Taylor said members are expected to carry out their duties with integrity as they work to identify the ideal candidate.

entered them manually and that he was directed to the area.

The coroner told him he was impeding the investigation and ordered him off the stand.

Evidence marshal Angelo Whitfield told the court that of the 30 witnesses summoned, only 11 appeared to testify. He said the investigation had been “grossly impeded” by the failure of officers to appear and by inconsistencies in the evidence presented. He recommended that the inquest be suspended until the Royal Bahamas Police Force reevaluates its case.

Coroner TurnquestDeveaux then discharged the jury and officially halted the inquest.

Before the proceedings ended, Assistant Superintendent of Police Gardell Rolle read reports from three officers who did not appear: Detective Constables Alex Rolle, Trevon Paul, and Deniro Deveaux.

A Presidential Profile outlining the qualifications, experience, and qualities sought in the next president has been developed and will be published on BTVI’s website and in local newspapers. The profile serves as the benchmark for assessing candidates and guiding the committee’s selection process. According to the board, the next president must be a skilled administrator with executive-level experience leading a complex, multifaceted organisation. The successful candidate will be expected to build on BTVI’s national and international achievements while advancing its recently approved strategic plan in collaboration with stakeholders.

set by the National Accreditation and Equivalency Council of The Bahamas (NAECOB) and the Council on Occupational Education (COE). As the central point of contact for private and public industries seeking workforce training resources, the president is expected to embody BTVI’s principles and core values, demonstrate a clear vision for its mission, and motivate others to champion that mission.

The president serves as chief executive officer and accreditation representative of BTVI, with responsibility for ensuring compliance with standards

The Presidential Advisory Committee will first compile a preliminary list of candidates before creating a shortlist of three to four finalists to be interviewed. The committee will then recommend the top candidate to the BTVI Board of Directors for appointment by the Governor General, in accordance with the BTVI Act, 2010.

This is the second inquest this year to collapse due to poor evidence. Last month, the inquest into the 2024 traffic accident that killed three brothers, Philip McCarron Christie, 24, Philip D’Caprio Christie, 23, and D’Angelo Christie, 20, was also suspended after the evidence marshal found key testimony and documentation from traffic police were missing.

The Christie brothers were killed shortly after 2am on September 2, 2024, in a collision on Sir Milo Butler Highway.

According to DC Rolle’s report, the blue-and-white vessel was recovered and towed to Arawak Cay on June 8, 2024. Photographs of the boat showed extensive damage to its front, with sections of the upper hull missing and damage to the tops of both rear engines.

The Tribune Limited

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LEON E. H. DUPUCH

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Bring on the by-election and whatever will be

IT is no-go for a general election just yet – but a by-election for the Golden Isles constituency is on the way, Prime Minister Philip Davis confirmed last night. On the eve of a memorial service for Vaughn Miller, whose passing has led to a vacancy in the seat, Mr Davis called out to those gathered at the party headquarters last night: “Golden Isles, a by-election is coming! Family, we ready?”

There had been some speculation –and calls from the FNM – for the prime minister to bypass a by-election and skip directly to the general election.

Mr Davis has resisted those calls.

What exactly that means, we are sure will be interpreted in many different ways. Some will consider it a sign that the party is worried about the outcome of the general election – a feeling that seems to have been bolstered amid the current disputes with unions in the country. A teachers’ strike that led to a third of teachers not showing up for work and the head of the union being ignored by Mr Davis outside Parliament are bad news at any time, let alone on the countdown to a general election.

But there is also an equal likelihood that the party has its plan and simply did not decide to change that to fit in with the outcome of a tragic circumstance.

That comes at a cost, of course. Running an election campaign is not cheap – and now those wanting to win Golden Isles will have to run that campaign twice over, in the by-election and in the general election soon afterwards.

How much damage will be done to each party’s war chests by having to fund the extra campaign is a matter of debate, and plenty of bean counting at party headquarters.

Even the spending itself will be looked at closely to see signs of how much each

PICTURE OF THE DAY

party will have in the general election. Spend too much, and your pot will be diminished for the bigger campaign to come. Spend too little, and it looks like you are not going to have enough for the road.

Where will those funds be coming from? Well, each party will have its donors.

The PLP will perhaps feel more confident after last night confirming Sebas Bastian as the candidate for Fort Charlotte.

Mr Bastian had current constituency MP Alfred Sears by his side, a man widely respected and who once himself seemed poised to have a tilt at becoming prime minister.

There have been concerns about Mr Bastian because of his involvement in the gambling industry, including letters on this very page from readers. It does not take too much looking ahead to see the possibility of changes in laws that limit those in that industry from ministerial positions.

Mr Bastian has pledged to stand aside from his gaming business, however, so we shall see what comes of that.

His speech ended with fireworks, literally, exploding in the night sky. What fireworks shall be on the campaign trail is to be seen.

As for the other candidates, there was only one other newcomer as a candidate, Senator Darron Pickstock.

Among the rest, there were some who have done well in the current term, and some who have received less favourable reports. One or two have been anonymous, and others have received criticism for their performance.

As a reveal, it did not shock or surprise in large part. It was mostly the same team marching onward.

Whether that will be marching to success, we must wait and see.

EDITOR, The Tribune.

W HILE we enjoy the beauty of our island, a quiet emergency is happening all around us. It is the crisis faced by our homeless dogs and cats. These innocent animals are left to survive on their own, through no fault of their own, in an environment that is often harsh and unforgiving.

Many of us have seen it: a dog limping on the side of the road or a cat shivering in a doorway. And each time, we are faced with the same heartbreaking question: where do we take them? We have nowhere to bring these animals to get the help they so desperately deserve. Existing facilities are often full, and when space is available, the tragic outcome for a healthy but injured animal is often euthanasia, when all it truly needs is medical attention and a second chance. These pets-turnedstrays are not merely wandering; they are suffering. Every single day is a struggle for simple survival: fighting for a bite to eat, searching for a clean

drink of water, and seeking shelter from the heat and rain. They endure sickness, injury, and, tragically, cruelty from people who have forgotten their capacity to feel pain and fear. To see this is heartbreaking, and it challenges our identity as a caring community.

For a place as tightly knit as Nassau, it is striking that we lack a dedicated animal sanctuary. We are a community with the resources and the spirit to correct this, but we cannot do it alone. This leads to a pressing question: where is our government in all of this?

This is a communitywide issue that demands official attention and leadership. We need our government to acknowledge this problem and partner with us to find a solution. A sanctuary is more than just a roof; it is a statement of our values. It would be a true safe haven, providing medical

Homeless dog and cat crisis Peace prize, Machado and Trump

EDITOR, The Tribune.

OUT of over three hundred nominees, Maria Corina Machado, nicknamed Venezuela’s iron lady was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize by the Norwegian peace prize committee for 2025. The presenters described her as a champion of peace, who kept the flames of democracy burning in the darkness.

In latin America, she is seen as a unifying force, who promoted democratic peace, and human rights in her country. President Nicholas Madura of Venezuela saw her as a political threat and removed her name from

the last presidential elections in Venezuela. She is presently in hiding for her own safety, and has barely seen the sun in months because president Madura threatened to arrest her. The Norwegian peace prize committee made democracy the corner stone or fundamental plank in their decision making, noting that dictatorship is on the rise the world over. They emphasised that the tools of democracy are intertwined with the elements of peace.

President Donald Trump(USA) promoted a rigorous campaign in an effort to get the peace

care, safety, and a pathway to a loving home for those who have been cast aside. The positive impact would be felt by everyone. It would humanely manage the stray population, leading to cleaner streets and enhanced public safety for all. It would be a center for education, teaching our children about empathy and responsibility.

Personally, I believe that a society is judged by how it treats its most vulnerable. This is more than an “animal problem”; it is a test of humanity. So, I must ask: is it too much to ask for proper shelter? Must we stand by and let these innocent animals continue to die and suffer?

Let us come together, residents, businesses, and community leaders, to build this sanctuary. Let us transform our concern into concrete change and give these voiceless creatures the compassion they deserve. We have the power to end this crisis. It is time we succeed where we have previously failed.

LATESHA CLARKE October 15, 2025.

prize, but many world leaders view Trump as an enemy of democracy and an agent of chaos and division-not peace- who threatened to prosecute and jail his political opponents, as is presently the case in the United States. Those of us who are friends of history, and followers of world events will watch to see whether Norway will now be slapped with sanctions or tariffs by the Trump administration for not awarding Trump the Nobel Peace Prize.

ZEPHANIAH BURROWS Nassau, October 13, 2025.

Major groups warn govt’s changes

risk dividing Junkanoo community

official national parades

— Boxing Day and New Year’s Day — will be held under the new Parade Management Committee, with no allowance for any competing private events.

At a press briefing yesterday, Calvin Greene, deputy chair and grand marshal of the Parade Management Committee, said the new body is currently assembling judges and other personnel needed for the parades. He said the committee would soon meet with Junkanoo leaders to ratify rules and ensure they align with the committee’s vision.

He said all A Groups

will be allowed to compete and that disqualifications will be replaced with point deductions.

However, major groups affiliated with the JCNP have voiced uncertainty about how they will proceed, warning that the government’s change risks dividing the Junkanoo community. The failure of the Saxons, One Family, Roots and one of the Valley Boys groups to participate in the NJC’s parade would likely infuriate Junkanoo lovers and embarrass the government.

Saxons chairman Toby Austin said he was unsure what other groups would do but hoped there could still be a neutral agreement since “much have been put

into these parades.” He said groups begin their planning early in the year and questioned what the National Junkanoo Committee (NJC) could offer that the JCNP cannot.

“You just can’t come out the ninth hour trying to disrupt what was going on from about January, February, sponsors involved. We start all our planning long time,” he said.

Roots chairman Duane Ellis said whether his group participates under the NJC or the JCNP will depend on his members’ decision. He too wants unity between the two bodies.

“I’d like to see one big happy parade, that goes without saying. We don’t

like the separation, and we really want everybody to be unified under one umbrella, and we have one big happy Boxing Day and New Year’s Day parades,” he said.

He added that his group’s majority opinion will determine whether Roots rushes if the JCNP is not involved.

One Family leader Vernon Rolle expressed optimism that the matter will be resolved, saying he believes the prime minister’s meeting could help bring closure.

“I think the prime minister is trying to bring a closure to this matter. I think he wanted to be in good faith. I don’t think he want Junkanoo to do the

same thing the unions are doing. I think he wants to sit to the table, hear both sides, and I think the buck stop at the prime minister,” he said.

“I guess if he decide to say Junkanoo going with the NJC, and then if you don’t want to listen to what the JCNP has to say, that it could be a stand down in Junkanoo.”

Mr Rolle also defended the JCNP, saying there has been misinformation about the organisation, including claims that it lacks a business licence.

Ten major groups — including One Family, Saxons, Roots, The Valley Boys, The Mighty Eagles, Redland Soldiers, The Original Congos, Nassau

Independent Junkanoo Association and The Bahamas Independent Junkanoo Association — have expressed support for the JCNP.

While Mr Greene said he does not expect a falloff in audience attendance, Mr Rolle questioned whether the new parades could attract crowds without the JCNP’s leading groups.

“You can manage the parade,” he said, “but if you don’t get these four groups now, who is supporting the JCNP to be a part of these parade, who’s coming to watch these parades? You think people are going to spend $50 to sit down to watch the Music Makers? Prodigal Sons? No, they’re not.”

Union chief says PM apologetic school administrators were left out of salary review

By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune News Editor

BAHAMAS Educators Managerial Union president Stephen McPhee said Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis was “apologetic” about the exclusion of school administrators from the government’s public sector pay review.

Mr McPhee, who met Mr Davis alongside other union leaders yesterday, said principals, vice principals and senior masters and mistresses were wrongly left out of the review of managerial and supervisory posts, even though those roles are part of the Ministry of Education’s

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net

A POLICE officer was granted bail yesterday after he and another man were accused of assault in Eleuthera earlier this week.

leadership track. He said the union pressed its case in letters and again in yesterday’s talks, and left with assurances that the omission will be fixed quickly. The May 2025 Salary Review for Middle Management and Technical Officers, prepared by consulting firm DCB Holding Ltd for the Ministry of Finance, covered 85 priority roles across the public sector. The analysis looked at senior administrators, members of the Royal Bahamas Police and Defence Forces, customs and immigration officers, correctional officers, and finance, audit, statistical, executive, and administrative personnel.

Prosecutors allege Constable Leandre Johnson and Aaron Ferguson physically assaulted and injured Leondre Goodman on Barrett Street, Harbour Island, on October 14. Both men pleaded not guilty to the assault charge when they appeared before Senior Magistrate Kara Turnquest Deveaux. Inspector Wilkinson, who prosecuted the case, raised no objection to bail. The

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net

A MAN was remanded to prison yesterday after he was accused of threatening to kill a seven-year-old girl and heckling a prisoner in Harbour Island last week.

Prosecutors allege that Dextron Percentie, 25, threatened to kill the child on October 14. They also accuse him of interfering with a prisoner while he was out of prison on Goal Street in Harbour Island on October 13, and of threatening to kill Shammie Grant on October 8. Percentie pleaded not guilty to two counts of threats of death and one count of interfering with a prisoner outside of prison when he appeared before Senior Magistrate Kara

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter

pbailey@tribunemedia.net

A SECURITY company supervisor had charges of stealing dropped after $30,977 reportedly went missing from a Bahamas Mortgage Company armoured car last month. Prosecutors alleged that Preston Wright, 49, stole the money in a night deposit bag on September 9 while employed to complete a transport job for the company. He had pleaded not guilty to a charge of stealing by reason of

The study did not include teachers, nurses, doctors, or most frontline and support workers, focusing instead on those within the Ministry of Finance’s defined “management and technical” classifications. The omissions and focus on senior roles are at the heart of the recent industrial strife. Mr Davis has said the methodology underlying the report will be applied to ensure increases throughout the wider public service, though he was not clear when those will take effect.

“The prime minister and his team, I must say, was very receptive in some points and was even apologetic and made it clear

magistrate set bail at $3,000 for Johnson and $1,500 for Ferguson, warning both men not to interfere with the complainant.

The officer’s brother told the court he would act as surety.

The matter was adjourned to November 28 for trial in Harbour Island.

Levan Johnson represented the accused.

Turnquest Deveaux.

Prosecutor Sergeant 3738 Johnson objected to bail, arguing that Percentie was at high risk of reoffending if released.

The magistrate denied bail and remanded Percentie to the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services until his trial on November 28.

Quinton Percentie represented the accused.

employment before Senior Magistrate Kendra Kelly-Burrows.

However, the charges were withdrawn after Sergeant 3506 Nesbitt, the prosecutor, presented a sworn affidavit of settlement to the court.

Wright was then told he was free to go.

ELEUTHERA M AN REMANDED AFTER RIFLE THREAT

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net

A MAN was remanded to prison after being accused of endangering the lives of two men with a rifle in Harbour Island last week.

Prosecutors allege that Clarington Bowleg, 33, endangered the lives

of Dextron Percentie and Milton Johnson in Eleuthera on October 9 while armed with a rifle. Bowleg was charged with two counts of possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life when he appeared before Chief Magistrate Roberto Reckley. He was not required to enter a plea, as the

case will proceed to the Supreme Court via a voluntary bill of indictment (VBI).

Bowleg was remanded to the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services until the service of his VBI on January 29, 2026.

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

that there was no ill will or intent,” Mr McPhee said. “We came out knowing what facts are, knowing what our members would be expected to look forward to.”

He said the union accepts that the administrators were “mistakenly” left off the scale and that officials pledged to restore them to the review framework without delay.

Mr McPhee said BEMU tabled further proposals and is giving the government “another week or two” to consider them, adding the union’s second meeting with the prime minister “got results” similar to their first.

Addressing Wednesday’s

teacher sick-out, he said administrators respect staff using lawful means to press pay concerns, but acknowledged it strained schools already short of leadership posts. More than 1000 teachers called in, representing 36% of the workforce.

On Facebook, Mr Davis noted that he also met with Sandra Major of the Bahamas Educators Counsellors and Allied Workers Union (BECAWU) and Obie Ferguson of the Trade Union Congress (TUC).

“We spoke openly about the concerns of workers and our shared belief that the best way to solve problems is at the table, through honest and

respectful dialogue. We may not agree on everything, but we share the same goal — a fair deal for those who keep our country running.”

Notably absent were Bahamas Union of Teachers (BUT) President Belinda Wilson and Bahamas Public Service Union (BPSU) President Kimsley Ferguson. In a national address this week, Mr Davis indirectly accused them of grandstanding and engaging in unnecessary theatrics.

Yesterday, Mrs Wilson and Mr Ferguson led a small protest in front of the Office of the Prime Minister and delivered a letter to him.

Building a stronger Bahamas

IN The Bahamas, where community ties run deep and non-profits face significant challenges, One Eleuthera Foundation (OEF) is sowing seeds for long-term change with the Social Good Accelerator (SGA).

This important programme, designed to address sector challenges and empower Bahamian non-profits, is now entering its transformative phase. Non-profits are the backbone of our communities. They provide many essential services that our government and the private sector simply cannot.

Currently, many of our country’s non-profits struggle with challenges of funding, governance, sustainability, geographical isolation, volunteer and staff burnout, access to technology, and a lack of opportunities to collaborate.

Over the past 12 months, OEF has been meeting with non-profit leaders across the country to understand their challenges and aspirations. We listened as they identified the need for practical tools, including access to funding, training workshops, digital resources, and mentorship tailored to Bahamian realities. Local leaders also envisioned regular gatherings and convenings to “recharge, reflect & envision”. From this input, OEF launched a dedicated national accelerator to bridge these gaps and help to foster resilience and collaboration within non-profits and social enterprises across The Bahamas. The SGA isn’t just about fixing problems; it is about unlocking potential. Nonprofits such as Hands for Hunger and many others across nine sectors face unique hurdles, such as limited resources, overworked staff, and difficulty scaling impact. OEF’s mission is to equip these organisations with the tools to grow sustainably, ensuring they can effectively serve the needs of our communities for years to come.

I recently sat with a nonprofit leader who shared how her youth organisation nearly folded due to funding woes and burnout. Her passion and determination to continue despite the odds showed me why we need the SGA to support these unsung heroes who are so essential to nation-building.

At one of our other convenings, I met a non-profit leader from a small Bahamian non-profit struggling with board development. Many of our non-profits find it difficult to understand the compliance and legal challenges, recruiting, onboarding, training and retaining of qualified and committed board members for their organisations.

SGA is determined to help mentor Bahamian nonprofit leaders to get the best out of their boards.

Over the next year, SGA’s focus will be to develop an innovative curriculum with practical modules on such topics as board development, governance, fundraising, planning, program development, and impact evaluation. We don’t intend for these to be dry lectures, but engaging, accessible tools, such as short videos, workshops, and Q&As housed on a digital platform that

By Tim Hauber

our non-profit leaders can access from anywhere at any time. In 2026, we will host a symposium to launch our digital non-profit hub and introduce the learning tool to our community of nonprofit leaders. We will then align clusters of non-profit leaders to journey through the curriculum together and, receive mentorship and support, while sharing their experiences.

At OEF, we strongly believe in the idea of collaboration and partnership. In our experience, there is a marriage value in purposeful collaboration, which also leads to increased trust within the sector. Currently, many non-profit leaders are working in silos and isolation. They are often unaware of other organisations working in the same space and may fear that collaboration could impact their funding streams.

Since August of this year, SGA has hosted monthly get-togethers for non-profit leaders at New Providence Community Church, an SGA partner. Here, leaders spend time in fellowship, connecting with each other and enjoying light refreshments and “wellness” exercises. These monthly meetings create a safe space for our non-profit leaders to gather, share insights, and build collaboration. When non-profit leaders come together, there’s an incredible energy and a sense of connection and belonging that makes everyone feel at home within our shared “tribe”. During a recent get-together, I saw leaders from opposing organizations laugh together over shared struggles and start to build trust and opportunities for collaboration. That is the Bahamas I believe in, a place where people lift

each other up, despite differences, and strive for the common good.

The SGA isn’t just about today. It is about creating a sustainable future. Envision a Bahamas where every non-profit, from Great Inagua to Grand Bahama, has access to a digital non-profit development hub with the right tools to grow, strengthen their organisations, and access critical resources that were previously out of reach. Imagine a sector where organisations collaborate seamlessly, supported by an engaging curriculum and a diverse mentorship team.

The data we plan to collect over the next three years, through baseline surveys, quarterly reports, and endline evaluations, will paint a clearer picture of nonprofit needs, attracting funders and policymakers to invest in our third sector.

The SGA will also help

to amplify voices often unheard, ensuring that both grassroots movements and established groups thrive. This isn’t just about stronger non-profits. It’s about social development, healthier communities and meeting the needs of our country’s most vulnerable populations.

Reflecting on the motto on our Coat of Arms, “Forward Upward Onward Together”, OEF invites Bahamians to join us on this journey, whether as non-profit leaders, corporate sponsors, volunteers or community supporters. The challenges are real, but so is our potential. As we pilot the SGA model, we are not just building programmes; we are building hope, resilience, and a legacy of social good through enhanced leadership. By empowering non-profits with practical tools, fostering collaboration, and building scaleable

models, we are laying the foundation for a future where all non-profits, from fledgling startups to established entities, can elevate and continue to create positive change throughout our archipelago.

Established in 2012, the One Eleuthera Foundation (OEF) is a non-profit organisation located in Rock Sound, Eleuthera. For more information, visit www.oneeleuthera.org or email info@oneeleuthera. org. The Centre for Training and Innovation (CTI) is the first and only postsecond-ary, non-profit education and training institution and social enterprise on Eleuthera. CTI operates a student training campus in Rock Sound, Eleuthera, with a 16-room training hotel, restaurant and farm. For more information about CTI’s programmemes email: info@oneeleuthera.org

Are we making investments count?

How The Bahamas can beneft in ways we haven’t even dreamed of

EVERY government

boasts of the foreign direct investment it signs under its watch. It’s a flirtation method that never fails.

The lure is set, the investor bites, the country hopes to feed upon the catch. PLP, FNM did it, if the DNA had won or COI were to win, they would all do it. It’s as if they cast a net and snagged the biggest catch and now they can line them up, one by one, till six figures turns into seven and the smiles get broader with every photo opp. Like the fisher on the stern of the snazzy sports fish vessel with the luckiest line or best lure or who happened to be in the tongue of the ocean when the largest sailfish leapt and clamped down on the hook, they landed the big fish and have every right to brag.

But ever since the first Heads of Agreement was signed in the early 1990s under the first Ingraham administration, what happens after that catchand-brag photo opp and the headline in the morning paper is a mystery to the rest of us. With the catch of the day, we can see the fish on the deck or in the hold. But with the big fish we land to invest in The Bahamas, much of what happens post photo-opp is behind the scenes, leaving us to wonder ‘What are we really getting out of it? Of the jobs they promised, how many went to Bahamians or legal residents whatever their original nationality? Of those, how many were menial jobs, how many were technical or professional? How many led to salaries sufficient for the employee to qualify for a mortgage?’ This is not meant to demean investors – quite the opposite. It is only because the process is so secretive that we don’t have the answers we seek and developers, unlike contractors, real estate professionals, attorneys and others, have never formed a legal Bahamas Developers Association so those with the loudest voice are protestors who have little understanding of just how difficult it is to do business in The Bahamas. And others ask the questions that no one is answering once the headline becomes yesterday’s news.

Missing benefts

It is not just the questions

By Diane Phillips

about jobs, training, long-term investment or environmental impact that are left hanging. It is the really important benefits we might be leaving on the table because we have never developed a standardized formula for developer contribution. What the developer has to give in order to get what the government has to offer has always been a matter of mystery, a compromise following secret negotiations behind closed doors – matter between the government of the day and the developer in its grasp –even though it may involve Crown Land or public utilities.

Those negotiations begin to take root in the first meetings as the terms of a Heads of Agreement is

drawn up. Various administrations have used Heads of Agreement as a tool that works in their favour, or they would say, the country’s favour. It offers a time for negotiation. ‘You want to build a resort? Fine, then build a police station.’ Or a park or fix a bridge. Intended as a means to provide comfort to the investor by exchanging a commitment on the part of government to support the investment, a kind of foundational support document, it also leaves questions as to what it means to develop in The Bahamas because there is no clear-cut road map, just a step one, the HOA, prior to meeting the regulatory requirements that follow.

That all sounds very plausible but the very pliability

makes it suspicious when in fact it may be a way to twist the arm of a developer to give more than they intended. But the fact that it takes place behind closed doors and its contents are secret, never intended to be leaked (though they frequently are) raises ethical questions surrounding doing business in and with The Bahamas. What would happen if instead of Heads of Agreement, we had a standardized formula? A project of a certain size would be required to provide x, y, a and a, b, c. – a school, a park, a new road, job training and skills upgrading, x amount of green space. I remember asking someone once in the City of Boca Raton, Florida why a certain gas station had such beautiful landscaping and so much green space in what was clearly prime real estate square footage. They looked at me as if I had dropped in from another planet, was cross-eyed and illiterate. “It’s required,” they said, “it’s what makes Boca, Boca.”

If we had standardized green space and landscaping requirements and open air demands and specified historic districts, would we not attract the very best developers and developments? Would we not make Bahamians more comfortable about investing in their own country? If it were standardised, would we not be better able to provide the social services we need to provide, to offer greater

attention to students with special needs? If it were standardised would we not be able to say that according to those building in a certain zone, x amount of space must be devoted to kid-friendly family leisure space or in another zone, to historic restoration efforts or in a Family Island, to additional power generation? If permission to develop were standardised and not off-the-cuff ‘what I need for popularity in the next election’, would we not see less flooding because there could be a requirement for less concrete and more green to absorb the heavy deluges? If it were standardised and not negotiated behind closed doors, would we not all feel a little more comfortable and secure that the negotiations our government was making really were benefitting us? We are doing business with some of the richest individuals, businesses, institutions and foundations in the world and while they – and Bahamians complain about the lack of ease of doing business, we could also ask ourselves the counterpart – are we asking enough of them in terms of what benefits The Bahamas?

A once-brilliant tool

The Heads of Agreement may have been a brilliant tool invented by a brilliant leader when it was most needed as the Immovable Property Act was being repealed and replaced and international buyers were

once again being welcomed to a new Bahamas, but at some risk, I offer this invitation to reconsider the usefulness of the tool.

Thirty-three years after it was first introduced, the time has come to retire the Heads of Agreement as a means of mutual commitment between government and developer.

National Development Plan

Instead, and with public consultation, I suggest we develop and publish standardised, detailed formulas for development. The public consultation process can lead to the formula in conjunction with the essential National Development Plan but would be mindful of location, size of project, investment range, provision of long-term jobs and careers, environmental footprint and impact and other variables. At age 50+ we have moved past deals in secret. Clear rules benefit developer but they benefit the people of The Bahamas even more. Let us stop missing out on what we leave on the table and find ways to help build education, health care, infrastructure, social services, cultural and the creation of a Bahamas Developers Association, long overdue, will ensure that both sides take a seat at the table with solid standing, without fear and with the doors open to the public, to media and to suggestion.

Trump confirms the CIA is conducting covert operations inside Venezuela

WASHINGTON Associated Press

PRESIDENT Donald Trump confirmed Wednesday that he has authorized the CIA to conduct covert operations inside Venezuela and said he was weighing carrying out land operations on the country.

The acknowledgement of covert action in Venezuela by the US spy agency comes after the US military in recent weeks has carried out a series of deadly strikes against alleged drug-smuggling boats in the Caribbean. US forces have destroyed at least five boats since early September, killing 27 people, and four of those vessels originated from Venezuela.

Asked during an event in the Oval Office on Wednesday why he had authorized the CIA to take action in Venezuela, Trump affirmed he had made the move.

“I authorized for two reasons, really,” Trump replied. “No. 1, they have emptied their prisons into the United States of America,” he said. “And the other thing, the drugs, we have a lot of drugs coming in from Venezuela, and a lot of the Venezuelan drugs come in through the sea.”

Trump added the administration “is looking at land” as it considers further strikes in the region. He declined to say whether the CIA has authority to take action against President Nicolás Maduro.

Trump made the unusual acknowledgement of a CIA operation shortly after The New York Times published that the CIA had been authorized to carry out covert action in Venezuela.

Maduro pushes back

On Wednesday, Maduro lashed out at the record of the US spy agency in various conflicts around the world without directly

addressing Trump’s comments about authorizing the CIA to carry out covert operations in Venezuela. No to regime change that reminds us so much of the (overthrows) in the failed eternal wars in Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya and so on,” Maduro said at a televised event of the National Council for Sovereignty and Peace, which is made up of representatives from various political, economic, academic and cultural sectors in Venezuela.

“No to the coups carried out by the CIA, which remind us so much of the 30,000 disappeared,” a figure estimated by human rights organizations such as the Mothers of the Plaza de Mayo during the military dictatorship in Argentina (1976-1983). He also

referred to the 1973 coup in Chile.

“How long will the CIA continue to carry on with its coups? Latin America doesn’t want them, doesn’t need them and repudiates them,” Maduro added.

The objective is “to say no to war in the Caribbean, no to war in South America, yes to peace,” he said.

Speaking in English, Maduro said: “Not war, yes peace, not war. Is that how you would say it? Who speaks English? Not war, yes peace, the people of the United States, please. Please, please, please.”

In a statement, Venezuela’s Foreign Ministry on Wednesday rejected “the bellicose and extravagant statements by the President of the United States, in which he publicly admits to having authorized

operations to act against the peace and stability of Venezuela.”

“This unprecedented statement constitutes a very serious violation of international law and the United Nations’ Charter and obliges the community of countries to denounce these clearly immoderate and inconceivable statements,” said the statement, which Foreign Minister Yván Gil posted on his Telegram channel.

Resistance from Congress

Early this month, the Trump administration declared drug cartels to be unlawful combatants and pronounced the United States is now in an “armed conflict” with them, justifying the military action as a necessary escalation to

stem the flow of drugs into the United States.

The move has spurred anger in Congress from members of both major political parties that Trump was effectively committing an act of war without seeking congressional authorization.

On Wednesday, Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, the ranking Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, said while she supports cracking down on trafficking, the administration has gone too far.

“The Trump administration’s authorization of covert CIA action, conducting lethal strikes on boats and hinting at land operations in Venezuela slides the United States closer to outright conflict with no transparency, oversight or apparent guardrails,”

Shaheen said. “The American people deserve to know if the administration is leading the US into another conflict, putting service members at risk or pursuing a regime-change operation.”

The Trump administration has yet to provide underlying evidence to lawmakers proving that the boats targeted by the US military were in fact carrying narcotics, according to two US officials familiar with the matter.

The officials, who were not authorized to comment publicly and spoke on the condition of anonymity, said the administration has only pointed to unclassified video clips of the strikes posted on social media by Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and has yet to produce “hard evidence” that the vessels were carrying drugs.

Lawmakers have expressed frustration that the administration is offering little detail about how it came to decide the US is in armed conflict with cartels or which criminal organizations it claims are “unlawful combatants.”

Even as the US military has carried out strikes on some vessels, the US Coast Guard has continued with its typical practice of stopping boats and seizing drugs.

Trump on Wednesday explained away the action, saying the traditional approach hasn’t worked.

“Because we’ve been doing that for 30 years, and it has been totally ineffective. They have faster boats,” he said. “They’re world-class speedboats, but they’re not faster than missiles.”

Human rights groups have raised concerns that the strikes flout international law and are extrajudicial killings.

‘Gen Z’ protesters lead global wave of generational discontent

NEW DELHI Associated Press

FROM the Andes to the Himalayas, a new wave of protests is unfolding across the world, driven by generational discontent against governments and anger among young people.

This week, Madagascar’s President Andry Rajoelina was forced out of power and out of the country after a military mutiny, the culmination of weeks of demonstrations led by young protesters referring to themselves as “Gen Z Madagascar.”

The rage against the political establishment in the Indian Ocean island country mirrors other recent protests across the world, in countries like Nepal, the Philippines, Indonesia, Kenya, Peru and Morocco. These protests have been sparked by specific grievances but are driven by longsimmering issues like widening inequality, economic uncertainty, corruption, and nepotism of leaders.

But they have one thing in common: Mostly leaderless, they are made up primarily of young people who brand themselves as “Gen Z,” defined as those born roughly between 1996 and 2010 — the first generation to grow up entirely in the internet age.

“What connects these youth-led protests is a shared sense that traditional political systems aren’t responsive to their generation’s concerns, whether that’s corruption, climate change, or economic inequality. Protest then becomes the logical outlet when institutional channels feel blocked,” said Sam Nadel, director of Social Change Lab, a UK-based nonprofit that researches protests and

social movements.

Protesters take cues from each other

Though their specific demands differ, most of these protests have been sparked by government overreach or neglect. Some have also confronted harsh treatment by security forces and brutal repression. In Morocco, a leaderless collective called Gen Z 212 — named after Morocco’s dialing code — has taken to the streets to demand better public services and increased spending on health and education. In Peru, protests over a pension law exploded into broader demands, including action to tackle rising insecurity and widespread corruption in the government. In Indonesia, deadly protests have erupted over lawmakers’ perks and the

cost of living, forcing the president to replace key economic and security ministers.

The most widely recognized movement to be dubbed as a “Gen Z” protest was a deadly uprising in Nepal that culminated with the resignation of the prime minister in September. Protesters drew inspiration from successful anti-government movements elsewhere in South Asia — Sri Lanka in 2022 and Bangladesh in 2024 — which led to the ouster of incumbent regimes. In Madagascar in turn, protesters say they were particularly inspired by the movements in Nepal and Sri Lanka.

The protests began against regular water and electricity cuts but quickly morphed into wider discontent, as demonstrators called for the

president and other ministers to step down. On Wednesday, Madagascar’s military coup leader said he is “taking the position of president.”

Uniting behind a manga pirate flag

Across multiple countries, a singular pop culture symbol has emerged: a black flag showing a grinning skull and crossbones wearing a straw hat. T he flag comes from a cult Japanese manga and anime series called “One Piece,” which follows a crew of pirates as they take on corrupt governments.

I n N epal, protesters hung the same flag on the gates of the S ingha D urbar, the seat of the N epalese government, and on ministries, many of which were torched in protests. I t was also hoisted by crowds in

I ndonesia, the Philippines, Morocco and Madagascar.

Last week in the Peruvian capital, Lima, 27-year-old electrician D avid Tafur stood with the same flag in S an Martín S quare, now the stage for weekly protests.

“We’re fighting the same battle — against corrupt officials who, in our case, are also killers,” he said, recalling that President D ina Boluarte’s government held on to power since D ecember 2022 despite more than 500 protests and the deaths of 50 civilians.

“ I n my case, it’s outrage over abuse of power, corruption, the deaths,” Tafur said, referring to the sharp rise in murders and extortion plaguing the S outh American country since 2017, amid new laws that have weakened efforts to fight crime.

Boluarte had been under investigation for months over various allegations including bribery and involvement in a deadly crackdown on protesters in 2022. S he was replaced last week by interim President José Jerí. Tafur said that wasn’t enough. “ T he president is an ally of Congress and has to go,” he said.

Harnessing social media for mobilization and awareness

Many significant protests in the past, like Occupy Wall S treet in 2011, the Arab S pring between 2010 and 2012, and the 2014 Umbrella R evolution in Hong Kong, have been led by younger people. While they also used the internet and social media for mass mobilization, the “Gen Z” protesters are taking it to another level.

“ D igital platforms are powerful tools for information sharing and building connections, but the most effective movements often combine digital mobilization with traditional in-person organizing, as we’ve seen in these recent protests,” said N adel from S ocial Change Lab. D ays before the deadly protests began in N epal, the government announced a ban on most social media platforms for not complying with a registration deadline. Many young N epalese viewed it as an attempt to silence them and began accessing social media sites through virtual private networks to evade detection.

Over the next few days, they used Tik Tok, I nstagram and X to spotlight the lavish lifestyles of politicians’ children, highlighting disparities between N epal’s rich and poor, and announce planned rallies and venues. Later, some of them also used the gaming chat platform D iscord to suggest who to nominate as an interim leader for the country.

“Whatever movement happens, whether against corruption or injustice, it spreads through digital media. T he same happened in N epal. T he changes that took place after the Gen Z protests in N epal spread globally through digital platforms, influencing other countries as well,” said protester Yujan R ajbhandari. He said the protests in N epal awakened not only the youth but also other generations.

“We realized that we are global citizens and the digital space connects us all and plays a powerful role across the world,” R ajbhandari said.

Girl Guides celebrate 110 years with service, march

The Bahamas Girl Guides Association will begin its 110th Anniversary celebration with a service of thanksgiving at Christ Church Cathedral on Sunday, 19th of October, 2025 at 4:00pm.

Parents, guests, former Guides and friends are invited to join our former Patrons and Presidents, Sunflowers, Brownies, Guides, Rangers and

leaders in this special service.

The public is invited to view the parade of hundreds of girls accompanied by the Department of Correctional Services and the Boys Brigade Bands. The parade leaves the Southern Recreation Grounds at 3 pm and will travel south on Maket Street to Hay Street; then west

on Hay Street, north on Blue Hill Road and Cumberland Street to Bay Street, and south on George Street to Christ Church Cathedral.

The service will be livestreamed on the Christ Church Cathedral Facebook Page.

Our members and former Guides from around The Bahamas are invited to join in this historic event.

Grand Bahama youth unlock their voices in speech competition

GRAND BAHAMA, The Bahamas –Twenty-seven talented students from Grand Bahama’s schools and youth programs lit up the stage during the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture’s National Youth Month Speech Competition. Participants in both the Junior and Senior High categories delivered powerful speeches with the 2025 theme, “Youth: Voices Unlocked.” Renaldo Mader captured first place in the High School Category, proudly representing Urban Renewal, Grace Cooper of Vessels of Purpose Elite (VOPE) took second place, and Taleah Cooper of St. Matthew’s Baptist Church earned third.

BIS Photos/Andrew Miller

Financial literacy gets the spotlight at Rotaract Sunset event

The Rotaract Club of Nassau Sunset will hold its 3rd

Annual “Secure the Bag” financial literacy event on Monday, October 20, 2025, at 6:30 PM at The Cancer Society of the Bahamas. The Rotaract Club of Nassau Sunset is a dynamic service organization dedicated to empowering young professionals and youth in the community. As part of the global Rotary network, it is

committed to creating positive, lasting change through community service and professional development initiatives. Financial literacy represents a cornerstone of our mission to build stronger, more economically resilient communities throughout The Bahamas.

This event is particularly timely, as October is designated “Community Economic Development Month”

Diocese to Host 5th Annual Healing Conference

At a time when communities across the region face growing challenges from rising crime and violence to mental health struggles and family breakdown, the Anglican Diocese of The Bahamas and The Turks and Caicos Islands is extending an open invitation for renewal, reflection, and spiritual healing.

On October 17th and 18th, 2025, the Diocesan Pastoral Care and Counselling Ministry (DPCCM) will host its 5th Annual Healing Conference at The Church of The Epiphany Parish Hall in Nassau, under the theme “Healing in the Midst

of Chaos: Through the Power of the Holy Spirit.” Open to people of all Christian denominations, the two-day conference seeks to bring together believers from across the Family Islands, the United States, and Jamaica for a time of worship, learning, and community connection. The conference comes at a critical time, as increasing reports of crime, violence, suicide, and homelessness have left many Bahamians searching for meaning and strength.

“There is an urgency for the people of God to pray earnestly and consistently for our nations,” said a representative of

the DPCCM. “This conference offers a sacred space to bring our collective concerns before God, who remains our ultimate healer and source of hope.”

This year’s featured speakers include Dr. Claudette Cooke, an ordained minister with the Jamaican Evangelicals Alliance, a trained Christian coach, and Director of Jamaica Broilers Group Ltd. Dr. Cooke, who serves as a minister of inner healing to women, will be joined by Fr. Scott Jupp from the Diocese of The Bahamas and TCI, and two young lay ministers, Renatus Thompson and Xavier Clarke of Holy Trinity Parish.

Throughout the weekend, attendees can look forward to talks on healing, personal testimonies, prayer sessions, and small group discussions. A Youth Night on Friday will focus on faith in the lives of young people, while the weekend will conclude with a Healing Service on Saturday, a time dedicated to both physical and spiritual renewal under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

Organizers are encouraging participants to commit to the full two-day experience, noting that “there may be a word meant just for you.” Registration for the

on the Rotary calendar.

“Secure the Bag” directly addresses the critical need for financial education among young Bahamians and provides them with essential tools to build wealth, manage resources wisely, and achieve long-term financial stability.

The event will feature three exceptional speakers:

- Dr. Leo Rolle, CEO of The Bahamas

conference is $100, and commemorative T-shirts will be available for $20–$25. The deadline for registration is October 13, 2025. Log on to DPCCM 5th Healing Conference For additional details, persons may contact Audrey Major-Rolle at (242) 558-0652 or Marie Cooper at (242) 359-7030. As The Bahamas continues to navigate

Chamber of Commerce; - Shanalee Storr, Funding Manager at the Small Business Development Center; - Richard Pinder, Client Relationship Manager/Senior Literacy Coach at CFAL

This event serves as a vital gateway to financial literacy for our youth and young professionals, equipping them with knowledge that will impact generations to come.

times of uncertainty, the 5th Annual Healing Conference stands as a reminder that faith, prayer, and fellowship remain powerful tools for personal and national restoration. Whether you come seeking healing, spiritual growth, or a renewed sense of peace, one thing is certain hearts will be lifted, and lives may be transformed through the power of the Holy Spirit.