The Bahamas recently recognized the exceptional contributions of over 500 citizens during the three-part National Honours Ceremony 2025. Held at the prestigious Baha Mar on October 13 and 14, the event was presided over by Governor General Dame Cynthia A. Pratt, who awarded medals across various categories. Among the honourees, Pompey Rolle, a leader of the 1830 slave revolt on Exuma, was posthumously awarded the Order of National Hero, the nation’s highest honour. Prime Minister Philip Davis highlighted the unifying theme of service among the recipients, emphasizing that true success is not measured by material wealth but by one’s ability to uplift others. He called on Bahamians to preserve and perpetuate the values of community, caring, and sharing, which form the foundation of the nation. The honourees, representing diverse fields such as healthcare, sports, religion, and the armed forces, embodied the essence of Bahamian identity—kindness, generosity, and compassion. The ceremony served as a powerful reminder of the enduring spirit of unity and service that defines the Bahamas.
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Tribune president interviews for MICAL seat
A wave of enthusiasm swept through the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) headquarters as supporters from the MICAL constituency rallied behind Robert Dupuch-Carron, a prominent figure in Bahamian media and aviation. The founder of Bahamas Aviation Climate and Severe Weather Networks Ltd (BACSWN) and president of The Tribune Media Group, Dupuch-Carron, was interviewed by the PLP’s candidates committee, sparking fervent chants of “We want Robert!” from his loyal backers. Residents from Mayaguana, Acklins, Inagua, and Crooked Island gathered early, waving placards and donning PLP gold, to express their support for the potential candidate. In an unusual gesture, some supporters were even permitted inside the headquarters during the interviews. The MICAL seat has become a focal point since incumbent MP Basil McIntosh announced he would not seek re-election, creating a vacancy that has ignited significant interest within the governing party. Dupuch-Carron, who described his interview as straightforward, positioned himself as a “change candidate,” emphasizing the importance of free speech, democratic choice, and addressing infrastructure deficiencies in the southern islands. He outlined ambitious plans to enhance airports, transportation, food stores, banks, ATMs, pharmacies, and street lighting, while also advocating for youth opportunities and regional trade. Dupuch-Carron also highlighted his deep family ties to the constituency, with ancestors like Sir Etienne Dupuch playing pivotal roles in the region’s history. He vowed to continue this legacy if selected. Other contenders for the PLP nomination include Angela Michelle Cox-Lockhart and Laverne Bertrum “Dyie” Ingraham, both of whom have presented their visions for the constituency. Cox-Lockhart emphasized her commitment to strong representation, while Ingraham cited political neglect as his motivation for running. The PLP’s Candidates Committee also interviewed several other candidates for various constituencies, signaling a dynamic and competitive nomination process.
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Former boxing world champion Hatton found hanged at home, inquest told
LONDON, United Kingdom—The tragic death of former boxing world champion Ricky Hatton has sent shockwaves through the sports community. A coroner’s court in Manchester revealed on Thursday that Hatton, 46, was found hanged at his home in Greater Manchester on September 14. The inquest into his death was opened and subsequently adjourned until March 20, 2024.
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Radcliffe ‘Dougie’ Bryan dies at 78
Radcliffe ‘Dougie’ Bryan, the celebrated guitarist whose iconic riffs graced numerous hits by Toots and The Maytals, The Sensations, and Gregory Isaacs, passed away at the age of 78 on October 16 in Florida. His longtime colleague and bassist Jackie Jackson of The Maytals confirmed the news in an interview with Observer Online. Bryan’s illustrious career spanned decades, leaving an indelible mark on reggae and ska music. Earlier this year, in July 2024, he was honored with seven Grammy certificates by the Recording Association of America, recognizing his contributions to three Grammy-winning albums and four nominated works. The ceremony, held at the Island SPACE Museum in Plantation, South Florida, was presided over by Kennedy Mensah, managing director of Back 2 Da Future Music Ltd, a London-based music publishing firm representing Bryan. Among the albums acknowledged were Black Uhuru’s ‘Anthem,’ Bunny Wailer’s ‘Crucial! Roots Classics,’ and Toots and The Maytals’ ‘Got to Be Tough,’ which won Best Reggae Album Grammys in 1985, 1995, and 2021, respectively. Bryan’s work on other classics, including Toots and The Maytals’ ‘Light Your Light’ and ‘Ska Father,’ Jimmy Cliff’s ‘Hanging Fire,’ and Sizzla’s ‘The Messiah,’ was also celebrated. Born in Trelawny, Bryan moved to Kingston in his early teens and began his musical journey in the mid-1960s. He joined The Sensations, a harmony group that achieved success with hits like ‘Those Guys’ and ‘Everyday is A Holiday.’ Bryan’s guitar riffs became synonymous with timeless tracks such as ‘Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner,’ ‘Soon Forward,’ ‘Monkey Man,’ and ‘Pressure Drop.’ As a core member of The Maytals, alongside Jackie Jackson, drummer Paul Douglas, guitarist Hux Brown, and organist Winston Wright, Bryan helped shape the band’s signature sound. In the 1970s, he was part of The Revolutionaries, the house band at Channel One, where he collaborated with legends like Black Uhuru, Gregory Isaacs, and Jimmy Riley under producers Joseph Hoo Kim and Sly and Robbie. Bryan’s legacy as a pioneering guitarist and reggae icon will continue to resonate across generations.
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‘AI amplifies human intelligence’, says expert
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Amid growing concerns about artificial intelligence (AI) replacing human roles, Adrian Dunkley, founder and CEO of Star Apple AI, reassured human resource professionals that AI’s true potential lies in enhancing human intelligence, not replacing it. Dunkley’s remarks were delivered during the Human Resource Management Association of Jamaica’s (HRMAJ) launch of HRM Week 2025, held from October 5 to 10 under the theme, ‘Transforming Work: Human-Centered Leadership in the Age of AI.’
Speaking at the HRMAJ webinar titled ‘Empowering People with AI,’ Dunkley emphasized that AI serves as a tool to amplify human capabilities rather than diminish them. ‘AI didn’t replace human intelligence; it amplified it,’ he stated. He highlighted the transformative potential of AI in freeing employees from routine tasks, enabling them to focus on creativity, innovation, and meaningful connections. ‘The real opportunity lies in using AI to make work more human,’ he added.
Dunkley also shared insights from Caribbean organizations already leveraging AI, noting an average weekly time savings of five hours per employee. He underscored the importance of leadership in fostering trust and collaboration, stating, ‘When leaders help employees understand and experiment safely with AI, confidence and collaboration grow.’
Dr. Cassida Jones Johnson, President of HRMAJ, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the rise of emotional intelligence as a critical leadership skill in the AI era. ‘As AI takes over routine and analytical tasks, emotional intelligence is fast becoming the defining skill of successful leaders,’ she said. Dr. Jones Johnson also stressed the irreplaceable value of human insight, emotion, and connection, asserting that the most effective leaders combine intelligence with empathy and ethics.
HRMAJ further highlighted the growing importance of empathy, creativity, adaptability, and ethical decision-making in leadership, citing World Economic Forum predictions that these skills will be in high demand by 2030. The association also emphasized the significance of neurodiversity, psychological safety, and inclusive leadership in building resilient and innovative workplaces.
HRM Week 2025 set the stage for HRMAJ’s annual conference, scheduled for November 12–13, 2025, at the Pegasus Hotel in New Kingston. The conference will explore the theme ‘From Strategy to Impact: Mastering Leadership Excellence Through HR,’ further delving into the intersection of AI and human-centered leadership.
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Rick Fox ‘would renounce Canadian citizenship’ for local political stage
Former NBA star Rick Fox has expressed his willingness to fully commit to Bahamian politics, even if it means relinquishing his Canadian citizenship. Born in Canada to a Bahamian father and an Italian mother, Fox has recently sparked public curiosity about his political eligibility after hinting at a potential run for office on Facebook. In an interview with The Tribune, Fox clarified his stance, stating that while he does not need to renounce his dual citizenship to vote, he would adhere to Bahamian laws if he entered frontline politics. He emphasized his pride in being a Bahamian, holding only a Bahamian passport. Fox also addressed criticisms about his national identity, asserting that he would never apologize for being born abroad, a result of his parents’ love and marriage. He recounted his family’s journey, from his mother’s Italian-Canadian roots to his father’s early struggles in Massachusetts before returning to The Bahamas to establish a successful business. Fox shared personal memories of growing up in The Bahamas, including his participation in the 1973 Independence celebrations. Since returning to his homeland in 2021, Fox has registered to vote and encourages all Bahamians to view voting as a civic duty. Beyond his basketball fame, Fox has taken on roles as a sports ambassador and CEO of Partanna, a climate technology company, focusing on national development and addressing challenges while identifying opportunities for growth.
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Picasso painting vanishes en route to Spanish exhibition
Spanish authorities have initiated an investigation into the mysterious disappearance of a Pablo Picasso masterpiece, ‘Still Life with Guitar,’ while it was being transported from Madrid to Granada for a scheduled exhibition. The oil-on-canvas artwork, valued at 600,000 euros ($700,000), was part of a showcase organized by the CajaGranada foundation, featuring pieces from private collections. National police sources confirmed the ongoing inquiry but refrained from disclosing further details due to confidentiality protocols. This incident adds to a history of thefts targeting Picasso’s works, which are highly sought after for their immense value. Notably, two of his paintings fetched over $140 million at recent auctions. One of the most infamous thefts occurred in 1976, when more than 100 of Picasso’s works were stolen from the Palais des Papes museum in Avignon, France, though all were eventually recovered. Picasso, born in 1881 in Malaga, Spain, and passing in 1973, remains one of the most influential artists in history, renowned for his groundbreaking experimentation with diverse styles and themes.
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Children, 9 and 10, charged with attempted murder and rape in brutal attack on 5-y-o in US
In a deeply disturbing incident in Cleveland, Ohio, a nine-year-old boy and a 10-year-old girl have been charged with attempted murder, rape, felonious assault, kidnapping, and strangulation following an attack on a five-year-old girl. The incident, which occurred on September 13, has sent shockwaves through the community. According to the Cuyahoga County Prosecutor’s Office, the suspects were charged in juvenile court, and no further details will be released due to the case’s sensitive nature. The victim’s mother described the harrowing scene, stating her daughter was brutally beaten, assaulted, and ‘scalped,’ leaving her ‘unrecognizable.’ The child had been dropped off at a relative’s home before wandering out and being attacked in a nearby field. The mother recounted the traumatic aftermath, saying her daughter’s injuries were ‘unbelievable,’ with severe bruising, blood covering her body, and her hair forcibly removed. Cleveland police are actively investigating the case, emphasizing the need to protect the privacy and constitutional rights of those involved.
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EU court rules dogs are same as baggage for airline liability
In a landmark decision on Thursday, the European Union’s top court ruled that dogs traveling in an airplane’s cargo hold are legally classified as baggage. This means airlines are not obligated to pay higher compensation if the animal is lost or harmed during transit. The ruling emerged from a legal dispute between Spanish carrier Iberia and a passenger whose dog went missing during a flight from Buenos Aires to Barcelona in October 2019. The dog, which was too large and heavy to travel in the cabin, escaped while being transported to the aircraft and was never recovered. The passenger sought €5,000 ($5,400 USD) in damages, but Iberia argued that compensation should align with the Montreal Convention’s limits for checked baggage, which caps liability at a lower amount. The Spanish court referred the case to the European Union Court of Justice, which sided with the airline. The Luxembourg-based court stated that while the term ‘baggage’ typically refers to objects, it does not exclude pets, provided animal welfare requirements are met during transport. The court also noted that the passenger had not made a ‘special declaration of interest’ at check-in, which could have allowed for higher compensation with the airline’s approval. The judgment is advisory, and the final decision on compensation will be determined by the Spanish court handling the case.
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Allow children to be children
In a compelling letter to the editor, Kelli Coombs highlights the pervasive influence of gang leaders on youth and the urgent need for government intervention to address this societal crisis. Coombs reflects on her 2016 article, ‘Gold, girls and guns,’ where a 13-year-old boy aspired to become a gang leader, citing the allure of wealth, power, and societal validation. This aspiration, she argues, is fueled by the legitimization of gang leaders through government contracts, which sends a dangerous message to impressionable children.
Coombs recounts numerous interactions with young individuals who committed crimes under duress from gang leaders, often referred to as ‘the boss.’ These leaders, she notes, wield immense power in their communities, acting as law enforcers, judges, and executioners. One harrowing account involves a young man forced to kill his best friend after a gang leader threatened his mother’s life.
The author criticizes the government’s historical practice of awarding contracts to gang leaders, which perpetuates a cycle of violence and criminality. She calls for immediate action, including audits of HDC apartments to remove unauthorized residents, frequent roadblocks in gang-prone areas, and bolder measures from the Homeland Security Ministry. Coombs emphasizes the importance of protecting children and ensuring they can grow up free from the influence of gang culture.
Her letter concludes with a plea for the government to leverage its authority to dismantle gang networks and create safer communities for future generations.