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  • Miami conference spotlights Bahamas investment opportunities

    Miami conference spotlights Bahamas investment opportunities

    The Bahamas has been prominently showcased as a prime investment destination for real estate, tourism, and sustainable development during a major Caribbean-focused investment conference held in Miami this month. The Agency Bahamas organized its annual ‘Exploring the Caribbean Conference’ under the theme ‘Gateway to Growth: Investing in the Future of the Caribbean,’ attracting over 100 developers, investors, and industry professionals from across the region.

    The conference served as a strategic platform to expand development pipelines and investment opportunities specifically within The Bahamas. Key discussion areas included real estate development, tourism infrastructure, financial services, digital transformation, and sustainable investment practices.

    Danny Lowe, Founder and Managing Partner of The Agency Bahamas, noted the growing international interest in Caribbean real estate, particularly within stable jurisdictions. ‘This highly successful conference enabled participants to reimagine existing opportunities and identify new pathways for growth,’ Lowe stated, emphasizing The Bahamas’ continuing appeal for lifestyle-oriented and long-term investments.

    Public sector representatives detailed the nation’s investment framework during the event. Phylicia Woods-Hanna, Director of Investments, highlighted The Bahamas’ investor-friendly environment, supported by robust institutions and clear policy directives. ‘Through the Bahamas Investment Authority, we function as a one-stop-shop to simplify investment processes, evaluate major tourism and commercial projects, and assist both Bahamian and international investors in streamlining business operations,’ Woods-Hanna explained.

    Jonathan Lord, Regional Manager of Yachting and Sports at the Ministry of Tourism, Investments and Aviation, identified yachting and sports tourism as emerging growth sectors with significant potential. ‘These represent powerful verticals where The Bahamas possesses natural advantages and considerable untapped potential,’ Lord noted.

    The event also featured contributions from regional officials and private-sector leaders, including ministers from Turks and Caicos and executives from The Agency’s Caribbean operations. Organizers confirmed the conference reinforced The Bahamas’ status as a leading investment destination and supports ongoing initiatives to promote Bahamian real estate and development opportunities in global markets.

  • Rousing welcome for Gibson after securing nomination

    Rousing welcome for Gibson after securing nomination

    GRAND BAHAMA – The Free National Movement (FNM) has formally ratified Frazette Gibson as its parliamentary candidate for Central Grand Bahama, concluding months of speculation and a contested selection process. The announcement has ignited fervent enthusiasm among party supporters, who greeted Gibson with a substantial welcome at Grand Bahama’s airport following her official nomination.

    The ratification meeting on Monday culminated in Gibson’s selection over fellow contenders Darren Cooper, Dr. Trevor Johnson, Reverend Ricardo Grant, and Johnyk Bevans. Lester Dawkins, Chairman of the FNM’s Central Grand Bahama Association, characterized the local membership as highly motivated and prepared to commence immediate campaigning. “We’re excited, and we’re ready to hit the road,” Dawkins stated. He emphasized Gibson’s profound local connections, noting, “She is a wonderful candidate—a lifelong member of the Central Grand Bahama community. She serves here, she lives here, she works here.”

    In her post-ratification statement, Gibson expressed being “truly humbled and grateful” for the party’s endorsement. She extended gratitude to her family, FNM Leader Michael Pintard, party executives, and broader membership for their support.

    Gibson brings substantial civic experience to her candidacy, spanning decades of public service. A career educator by profession, she has also completed three terms in local government representing the constituency. Her advocacy work has consistently focused on widows and senior citizens, which she cites as a fundamental motivation for seeking higher office. “I have prayerfully and passionately answered the call to serve at yet another level,” she remarked, framing her run as an extension of her lifelong community commitment rather than personal ambition.

    A notable aspect of Gibson’s civic engagement is her dedication to youth voter participation. In August 2025, she personally accompanied first-time voters to register at the Parliamentary Registration Department. Drawing from her background as a social studies, history, and civics instructor, she emphasizes, “Registering to vote is how you make your voice count. It’s how you help shape the future of your community and your country.”

    Looking ahead, Gibson anticipates a competitive election season and remains confident that the FNM’s platform will deliver concrete benefits for both her constituency and the wider Bahamas. Affirming her deep roots, she declared, “From birth to my present home and a record of trials and triumph, I am from and for Central Grand Bahama.”

  • Convicted killer Chuck Attin gets additional 22 years for rape

    Convicted killer Chuck Attin gets additional 22 years for rape

    In a significant judicial ruling that closes a decades-old case, convicted murderer Chuck Attin, also known as Clint Pierre, has been sentenced to an additional 22 years and 9 months imprisonment for the 1994 rape of a domestic worker during the same crime spree that claimed two lives in Westmoorings, Trinidad.

    High Court Justice Kathy-Ann Waterman-Latchoo delivered the sentence after Attin pleaded guilty to multiple sexual offenses, including rape, serious indecency, and buggery. The court imposed a total sentence of 26 years and 8 months with hard labor for the rape charge, granting credit for 3 years, 10 months and 5 days already served in pre-trial custody.

    The additional sentences come thirty years after Attin, then just 15 years old, and accomplice Noel Seepersad murdered Candace Scott, 23, and Karen Sa Gomes, 31, in a brutal home invasion. Attin has been detained since 1994 and is already serving time at the court’s pleasure for the murders under a sentence that required periodic reviews.

    Justice Waterman-Latchoo rejected defense arguments for concurrent sentencing and discounts due to procedural delays, ordering instead that the sentences run consecutively as they would have if prosecuted in 1996. The judge also completely extinguished separate one-year sentences for indecency and buggery due to time already served.

    The horrific details of the case emerged during proceedings: On July 11, 1994, the victims’ maid was alone with the Scotts’ infant son when Attin and Seepersad arrived under false pretenses. After threatening the woman’s life, Attin sexually assaulted her multiple times while Seepersad ransacked the property. Both men subjected the victim to repeated rape and buggery while threatening to kill the crying infant.

    Forensic evidence and identification parades subsequently linked both men to the crimes. Seepersad was convicted and sentenced to hang, though his appeal to the Privy Council was ultimately dismissed.

    State prosecutor Shervon Noreiga secured the conviction while defense attorney Michelle Ali of the Public Defenders’ Department represented Attin during sentencing proceedings that concluded this month.

  • Prisoner dies in police custody

    Prisoner dies in police custody

    Authorities in the Bahamas have initiated a comprehensive investigation following the death of a 35-year-old detainee during a physical confrontation with police officers at Fox Hill Police Station. The incident occurred yesterday morning as officers attempted to transport the man from his cell to a scheduled court appearance.

    The individual, who had been held for two days on burglary charges, reportedly resisted officers’ efforts to remove him from his cell around 10am. According to Assistant Commissioner of Police Anton Rahming, who addressed media outside the station, the situation escalated when the detainee became aggressive and refused to comply with instructions to proceed to court.

    Initial attempts by two officers to restrain the man proved insufficient, prompting calls for additional assistance. During the subsequent struggle to subdue and handcuff the detainee, officers noted he suddenly became unresponsive. Emergency Medical Services were immediately summoned to the facility, but personnel pronounced the man deceased at the scene.

    ACP Rahming emphasized that the force applied was consistent with standard procedures for managing resistant individuals, noting the detainee had demonstrated aggressive behavior earlier that morning. Preliminary observations revealed no visible injuries or signs of vomiting prior to the man becoming unresponsive. Police records indicated no known medical conditions, though this will form part of the ongoing investigation.

    The coroner has been notified and a postmortem examination will be conducted to establish the exact cause of death. Authorities are also attempting to contact the deceased’s relatives while reviewing the circumstances surrounding the incident. ACP Rahming confirmed that no medical personnel are routinely stationed at the Fox Hill facility.

  • ‘I don’t know if I’m going make it’

    ‘I don’t know if I’m going make it’

    A Nassau mother is confronting what she anticipates will be the most agonizing holiday season of her life following the brutal murder of her teenage son just weeks before Christmas. Shanique Griffiths, mother of 17-year-old Javaughn Deveaux, expressed her profound grief in an emotional interview with The Tribune, stating she doubts her ability to endure the coming days.

    The devastating tragedy unfolded on December 8 when Deveaux’s body was discovered on a dirt road off Gladstone Road with severe injuries to his head and upper torso. The incident marked the nation’s 80th homicide for the year according to official records, with authorities subsequently charging a 15-year-old male in connection with the killing.

    Griffiths recounted how she and her son had been actively planning Christmas portrait sessions mere weeks before his death—joyful preparations that have now become painful reminders of his absence. The grieving mother revealed that Deveaux had secretly planned to surprise her by introducing his girlfriend, a revelation she only learned after his tragic passing.

    As the holiday approaches, Griffiths has abandoned all traditional celebrations. The mother of three, who also has daughters aged four and ten, described having no motivation for holiday preparations including hair appointments, nail treatments, or purchasing new clothing. She has requested solitude during the holidays, allowing relatives to take her daughters while she processes her immeasurable loss.

    The bond between mother and son was exceptionally close, with Deveaux described as a gentle and supportive presence who consistently comforted his mother during stressful moments. The CI Gibson High School student was scheduled to graduate next year and aspired to pursue a career in law enforcement.

    Griffiths poignantly recalled her son’s habit of reassuring her during difficult times, including recent words of comfort while she was hospitalized. The memory now serves as both comfort and anguish following his sudden death. The grieving mother noted that despite previous family losses, including a sister and grandfather, the pain of losing her child transcends all previous experiences.

    The depth of her grief manifests in heartbreaking details throughout her home—particularly the uneaten food still waiting in the refrigerator that she prepared for her son’s return. Unable to discard these final remnants of his presence, Griffiths navigates what she describes as ‘the worst feeling ever’ while seeking justice for her murdered son.

  • Man claims he was held over MP’s missing firearm at bar

    Man claims he was held over MP’s missing firearm at bar

    A resident of Andros has come forward with alarming allegations of police misconduct after being detained for over 24 hours without charge in connection with a missing firearm belonging to a sitting Member of Parliament. Zakari Campbell detailed his ordeal in a widely circulated Facebook post that has sparked significant public concern regarding power dynamics and equal application of the law.

    The incident reportedly began during a Friday night gathering at Round Two bar, where the MP was present with several companions. According to Campbell, the establishment’s manager attempted to close around 2am, but the MP reportedly objected and signaled the DJ to continue playing music. The group remained for approximately another half-hour before departing.

    Campbell emphasized that nothing appeared amiss during the evening’s conclusion: ‘Before leaving the establishment, there was no indication that anything was missing. No one expressed concern. No one searched. No urgency was shown. The night ended without any suggestion that a firearm or any other item was unaccounted for.’

    The situation escalated dramatically on Monday when police officers arrived at Campbell’s workplace and took him into custody. He described the experience as particularly humiliating given his recent employment in a position involving substantial cash transactions. Police executed a search warrant at his residence in his mother’s presence but discovered nothing related to the case.

    Only during interrogation did Campbell learn the missing item was allegedly the MP’s firearm—the first time he claims to have been informed of what exactly was being investigated. He maintained to officers that he had never seen the weapon in question.

    Despite the absence of evidence, Campbell was detained in a cell without formal charges or explanation for over 24 hours. He was finally released at 4:50pm the following day after his mother intervened, reporting that he received no apology upon his release.

    The case has drawn scrutiny from former North Andros MP Carlton Bowleg, who is related to Campbell. Bowleg has raised critical questions about whether the MP’s firearm was properly licensed, why the weapon was allegedly present in the bar establishment, and whether the MP himself faced police questioning. ‘The whole community is concerned as to why he even had a gun inside the place,’ Bowleg stated.

    Law enforcement officials have remained silent on the matter, with Andros police referring inquiries to Chief Superintendent Sheria King, who declined comment. The MP allegedly involved in the incident has not responded to calls or requests for comment, leaving numerous questions unanswered as community concerns continue to mount.

  • Couples Resorts and Issa Trust Foundation lead rebuilding efforts for employees

    Couples Resorts and Issa Trust Foundation lead rebuilding efforts for employees

    WESTMORELAND, Jamaica – In a significant post-hurricane recovery initiative, Couples Resorts has launched a comprehensive rebuilding program for employees affected by Hurricane Melissa. Through its philanthropic arm, the Issa Trust Foundation, the resort group welcomed its first volunteer construction team on December 1, shortly after reopening to guests.

    The volunteer mission, spearheaded by Wisconsin-based contractor Dirk Bartolazzi of Bartolazzi Homes, dedicated the past week to reconstructing and repairing homes of severely impacted staff members from both Couples Negril and Couples Swept Away resorts in Westmoreland. Beyond immediate construction work, the program includes distributing essential building supplies to affected team members, with plans for the volunteer team to return in the new year to continue reconstruction efforts.

    Paul Issa, Chairman of the Issa Trust Foundation, explained the strategic shift in focus: “While our foundation has historically concentrated on pediatric health care, we made a decisive pivot following Hurricane Melissa to address the urgent housing needs of our Couples Resorts staff. Thanks to the tremendous generosity of our loyal repeat guests and various donors, we are actively executing this mission.”

    Bartolazzi emphasized the urgency of their mission: “When families lose their homes, time becomes critical. Our objectives were straightforward: act swiftly, maintain safety protocols, and restore homes that families can truly call their own. Witnessing the immediate transformation and the restoration of hope is precisely what motivates our work.”

    The hurricane response included extensive relief measures beyond reconstruction. Couples Resorts mobilized immediate support through care packages containing food, water, batteries, and other essentials, provided temporary housing for over 100 displaced employees, and continued wage payments throughout the recovery period.

    A transparent disaster relief fund, established with contributions from dedicated resort guests, friends, and partners, has distributed approximately US$455,000 in financial assistance based on damage assessments. This total includes a substantial US$100,000 contribution from Couples Resorts itself.

    The rebuilding process has received personal attention from leadership, with Couples Resorts Chairman Lee Issa and his brother Paul, Chairman of the Issa Trust Foundation, personally visiting reconstruction sites in Westmoreland to monitor progress and support affected staff.

  • Real estate developer freed of fraud charges in sale of townhouse

    Real estate developer freed of fraud charges in sale of townhouse

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — In a decisive ruling at the Corporate Area Criminal Court on Thursday, St Andrew real estate developer Devon Evans was acquitted of all criminal charges stemming from a 2008 property transaction. The case, which involved allegations of fraudulent conversion and obtaining money under false pretenses, concluded after the prosecution’s evidence unraveled under judicial scrutiny.

    The controversy centered on the sale of a townhouse to Dr. Loyd Goldson, who had paid a substantial deposit exceeding US$400,000 and taken possession of the property. The core allegation asserted that Evans failed to transfer the registered title to Dr. Goldson following the transaction. Additional claims suggested Evans had withheld rental income from a separate townhouse in which Dr. Goldson held a financial interest. These complaints prompted an investigation by the Jamaican Fraud Squad, leading to criminal charges against Evans.

    However, the trial took a dramatic turn during cross-examination by Evans’ legal representative, King’s Counsel Peter Champagnie. Through rigorous questioning, significant inconsistencies emerged in Dr. Goldson’s testimony. A critical revelation indicated that Dr. Goldson was aware prior to his deposit that the property was under a lien from the National Commercial Bank, legally preventing Evans from immediately transferring the title. Furthermore, evidence demonstrated that Evans had, in fact, remitted all disputed rental income from the second property to Dr. Goldson, directly contradicting the allegations.

    Presiding Chief Parish Judge Chester Crooks highlighted that the credibility of the prosecution’s case was severely compromised by these inconsistencies, creating what he described as a ‘state of uncertainty.’ The defense successfully argued that the dispute, involving contractual and ownership complexities, was inherently civil in nature and did not warrant criminal prosecution. This verdict not only exonerates Evans but also underscores the critical distinction between civil contractual disputes and criminal fraud within the Jamaican judicial system.

  • 4 ‘smart’ bus sheds commissioned in Tobago

    4 ‘smart’ bus sheds commissioned in Tobago

    Tobago has entered a new era of urban infrastructure with the official commissioning of four technologically advanced bus shelters valued at over $700,000. The initiative, spearheaded by the THA’s Division of Settlements, Public Utilities and Rural Development, represents a significant upgrade to public transportation facilities on the island.

    During the December 18 inauguration ceremony along the Claude Noel Highway, Division Secretary Ian Pollard revealed these innovative shelters originated as a 2022 project under former assistant secretary Niall George, with completion achieved under current assistant secretary Orlando Kerr. Pollard emphasized these facilities rank among Tobago’s finest bus shelters, aligning with the broader vision of establishing Tobago as ‘the greatest little island on the planet.’

    The strategic placement of these shelters serves major educational institutions, with two located near Bishops’ High School and two adjacent to Signal Hill Secondary School. Construction was executed through contractors RJS Transport and Equipment Rentals alongside Desjay’s Construction Services at a total cost of $787,287.10.

    Kerr characterized the commissioning as a landmark achievement for Tobago’s infrastructure development, specifically designed to accommodate the substantial student populations in these areas. The construction timeline spanned from October 13 to November 25, demonstrating efficient project execution.

    These shelters represent a quantum leap from previous facilities, featuring cutting-edge amenities including USB charging ports for mobile devices and Wi-Fi connectivity. Kerr addressed potential safety concerns by emphasizing the importance of responsible usage protocols while acknowledging the necessity of digital access in today’s technological landscape.

    Future enhancements will include digital displays showing real-time bus schedules and arrival information. The shelters incorporate universal design principles with wheelchair accessibility and utilize durable construction materials including reinforced concrete foundations, structural steel framing, polycarbonate sheeting, and galvanized standing seam roofing.

    In an innovative community partnership model, four organizations have adopted maintenance responsibilities: Bishops’ High School (two shelters), Lambeau Credit Union, and Ora-Care Dental Centre (one each). These entities will primarily handle branding and general upkeep, with potential negotiations regarding Wi-Fi service management.

  • THA nomination day in full swing

    THA nomination day in full swing

    TOBAGO – Political activities intensified on December 19 as multiple parties formally submitted their nomination papers for the upcoming Tobago House of Assembly elections. The process unfolded at the Glamorgan Multipurpose Facility, where Tobago People’s Party (TPP) leadership, including Political Leader Farley Augustine, Deputy Political Leader Faith Brebnor, and Orlando Kerr, arrived to complete their electoral documentation.

    The nomination filing attracted visible public engagement, with numerous TPP supporters gathering outside the facility to demonstrate their political allegiance. The event marks a significant procedural milestone in Tobago’s electoral calendar, setting the stage for competitive political contests.

    Beyond the TPP, the nomination process involved multiple other political organizations. The People’s National Movement, Innovative Democratic Alliance, Tobago Liberation Movement, Class Action Reform Movement, and Unity of the People all participated in the December 19 nomination filing, indicating a broad and diverse political field.

    The Tobago House of Assembly elections are scheduled for January 12, when voters will determine the composition of the autonomous governing body that administers local affairs on the island. This election represents a critical democratic exercise for Tobago’s political future and governance direction.