标签： Bahamas

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – The Consumer Protection Commission (CPC) has announced the successful recovery of $203,676.51 for Bahamian consumers through its dispute resolution services in 2025. The government agency handled 271 formal complaints throughout the year, achieving a 55 percent financial recovery rate that marks a 2 percentage point improvement over 2024’s performance.

According to the Commission’s annual report, 191 cases were conclusively resolved through direct intervention, while 35 matters remain under active investigation. An additional 19 complaints were referred to specialized agencies for further action, and 26 cases were settled through advisory services and consumer guidance without requiring formal proceedings.

The data reveals a notable shift in complaint patterns, with claim amounts increasing by 20 percent year-over-year while recovery amounts grew by 18 percent. This occurred alongside a significant reduction in total complaint volume, which dropped by 39 percent compared to 2024’s 444 cases.

CPC Executive Chairman Randy Rolle attributed these developments to growing consumer awareness and confidence in the protection system. “These results demonstrate that consumers are becoming more informed, more confident, and more willing to come forward with their concerns,” Mr. Rolle stated. “Our work has not only assisted individual consumers but has strengthened accountability across the broader marketplace, ensuring fairness remains central to our economic framework.”

Despite the lower absolute recovery amount compared to 2024’s $240,426, the Commission highlighted improved operational metrics across multiple dimensions. The agency reported higher case closure rates, reduced pending investigations, and fewer referrals to external organizations, indicating enhanced resolution efficiency.

Looking toward 2026, the CPC announced plans to digitize its complaint submission process through a dedicated mobile application, upgrade data analytics capabilities, expand public education initiatives, and strengthen collaborative enforcement mechanisms with partner agencies.

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – The Junkanoo Beach shoreline glowed with a somber luminosity on Saturday evening as a community united in grief to honor Jayden Pinder, a 19-year-old boat captain whose life was tragically cut short in a drowning incident on December 26th.

The vigil, organized by his close friends and former baseball teammates, drew hundreds of family members, colleagues, and loved ones who gathered to create a poignant maritime memorial. Participants launched illuminated paper lanterns that ascended into the nocturnal sky while floating candles drifted across the ocean’s surface—a dual tribute reflecting Pinder’s profound connection to the sea.

Isadora Blyden, the young man’s grand-aunt, characterized the gathering as a profoundly appropriate farewell. ‘This was fitting for us as a family, to be here together with people whose lives he touched,’ she expressed. ‘We know him to be someone who always wore a smile, who was always helpful, respectful, and polite.’

The tragic sequence unfolded on Boxing Day when Pinder and another individual were riding a jet ski off West Bay Street. According to eyewitness accounts, a substantial wave displaced both riders into the water approximately at 6 PM. While bystanders successfully assisted both individuals to shore, Pinder had become unresponsive.

Immediate cardiopulmonary resuscitation was administered until Emergency Medical Services personnel arrived on scene. He was rapidly transported to a nearby medical facility but was subsequently pronounced dead, sending shockwaves through his family and the broader community.

The loss has been particularly devastating for his mother, Janeile, who dedicated her life to nurturing her only child’s ambitions. ‘She’s been able to laugh, but she’s had a lot of tears,’ Ms. Blyden disclosed. ‘Every interest that he had, Janeile has supported 110 percent, and so as a family, we feel her pain.’

Pinder, who served as captain aboard The Allegra, nurtured ambitious maritime aspirations. Relatives confirmed he dreamed of establishing his own charter company to share his passion for oceanic exploration. ‘He wanted people to be able to explore and enjoy the waters as much as he loved to,’ a family member noted.

Devera Pinder, the young captain’s aunt, described processing the loss as among life’s most challenging experiences. She recalled her nephew as a ‘kind, loving and gentle giant’ who stood over six feet tall and consistently served as protector and leader among his cousins. ‘Although we can’t understand in this moment,’ she reflected, ‘we’re still grateful we had him in our lives.’

In a powerful address before dozens of police officers and senior officials, prominent Anglican Archdeacon Dwight Rolle delivered a compelling call for ethical reform within the Royal Bahamas Police Force. The occasion was the Force’s annual church service at Christ Church Cathedral, attended by officers, dignitaries, and community leaders featuring prayers, musical tributes, and honors for fallen personnel.

Archdeacon Rolle articulated critical concerns regarding societal decay and institutional responsibility. He warned against the dangers of personal ambition and authority misuse, stating emphatically that uniforms should not become instruments for bullying vulnerable citizens. The religious leader identified a cultural shift toward mediocrity where mere paycheck collection supersedes pursuit of excellence.

Highlighting the essential foundation of community policing, Rolle emphasized that law enforcement effectiveness becomes meaningless without established trust and perceived safety. He reminded officers of their unrecognized role as mentors for younger generations seeking guidance, purpose, and emotional security.

The archdeacon portrayed policing not as mere employment but as vocational calling requiring radical commitment to national improvement. He detailed alarming social pathologies including narcotics proliferation, firearms trafficking, escalating gang operations, armed robberies, home invasions, and gratuitous violence – all indicating deterioration of the nation’s fundamental bonds.

Rolle demanded intentional, transformative approaches to address these systemic ills, emphasizing officers’ moral obligation to champion justice, especially for defenseless children. The event also featured addresses by Bahamas Christian Council President Bishop Delton Fernander and National Security Minister Wayne Munroe, who expressed official gratitude for police service.

Police Commissioner Shanta Knowles concluded the gathering by acknowledging departmental dedication, anticipating successful outcomes through divine guidance, and presenting a financial contribution to support the Christian Council’s community initiatives.

A Bahamian family is pursuing accountability and systemic reform following the tragic death of 36-year-old Clanesha Adderley at Princess Margaret Hospital (PMH) in November. Her parents and teenage daughter allege that medical negligence and inadequate care directly contributed to her passing, which occurred just two weeks before her 37th birthday.

The ordeal began on October 27th when Adderley sought treatment for severe pain. After initial clinic visits provided minimal relief, she was taken to PMH where tests revealed critically elevated white blood cell counts. Despite being deemed urgent for hospitalization, she waited nearly three days before formal admission.

Once admitted to the Female Medical-Surgical East ward on November 1st, her condition deteriorated rapidly. Family members describe atrocious nursing care, with patients allegedly having to intervene to summon staff. Critical incidents included a severe reaction to a blood transfusion followed by a two-hour period without medical checks.

In audio recordings obtained by The Tribune, Adderley repeatedly pleaded for legal representation and transfer to another facility. She expressed concerns about unauthorized medication administration and described deteriorating conditions.

The final tragedy unfolded on November 14th when relatives discovered Adderley unresponsive near arguing nurses. Despite resuscitation attempts, she was declared dead. Subsequent blood tests revealed acute lymphoblastic leukemia—a diagnosis communicated without family presence days earlier.

This incident marks the family’s second traumatic experience with PMH, following a near-fatal surgical complication suffered by Adderley’s mother in 2008. The Public Hospital Authority has confirmed an investigation into the allegations is underway.

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Mario Bowleg has declared an end to the era of 12-hour Junkanoo parades following widespread public frustration over extensive delays during this season’s celebrations. The minister’s statements come in response to mounting complaints from spectators who endured overnight waits for major performances during the traditional Boxing Day and New Year’s Day events.

The cultural minister emphasized that Junkanoo exists primarily for Bahamian citizens, urging all stakeholders to collaborate in creating parades that respect audience time and expectations. ‘It has to be a collaboration effort to come together and understand,’ Minister Bowleg stated. ‘We must improve how we smoothly transit and execute these parades so that the Bahamian people can see what they want to see in a timely manner.’

Addressing the historical duration of the celebrations, Bowleg asserted: ‘I think gone are the days where these parades should take 12 to 13 hours to finish. I believe it can be done in a shorter time, where it can be most impactful and effective.’

The current parade management falls under the National Junkanoo Committee, which took over organizational responsibilities following the government’s public dispute with the Junkanoo Corporation of New Providence. This season marked the committee’s inaugural management of both major parades, with the Boxing Day event particularly drawing criticism for extended intermissions between group performances.

Minister Bowleg revealed that the proposed National Junkanoo Authority of The Bahamas – a statutory body the government plans to establish – would enable a more coordinated approach to nationwide Junkanoo management. This authority would facilitate strategic partnerships and closer collaboration between the new governing body, the existing National Junkanoo Committee, and participating performance groups.

Despite the initial challenges, the New Year’s Day parade demonstrated noticeable improvements with reduced gaps between performances. The strategic deployment of B groups to maintain entertainment continuity while major groups prepared for their appearances helped sustain momentum along Bay Street. While acknowledging that further refinements will require time, Bowleg expressed satisfaction with the progress made and emphasized that systematic improvements are essential to preserving Junkanoo’s status as the nation’s premier cultural celebration.

NASSAU, BAHAMAS – ONE Family cemented its dominance in Bahamian cultural celebrations by capturing the New Year’s Day Junkanoo parade championship, completing a remarkable back-to-back sweep after previously winning the Boxing Day parade. The group’s triumphant performance, themed “No Matter What, We Gern to Church! So What’s Your Reason,” electrified Bay Street with vibrant costumes adorned with jewels, feathers, and Christian symbolism.

The winning presentation featured dancers in sparkling church attire moving energetically along the parade route, with some performers carrying offering baskets while others in pastel pink and purple ensembles executed dynamic choreography that drew enthusiastic cheers from spectators. Supporters enthusiastically shouted “two straight” in recognition of the group’s consecutive victories.

ONE Family achieved victory with an impressive 594 points, decisively outperforming defending champions Saxons Superstars who placed second with 566 points under their theme “The Crusaders: The Divine Battle for Salvation.” Roots secured third position with 539 points for their presentation “The Greatest Shows on Earth.”

Additional rankings included The World Famous Valley Boys 1958 (fourth, 533 points), Genesis Warhawks (fifth, 531 points), The Way Forward Valley Boys (sixth, 446 points), Music Makers (seventh, 390 points), and Prodigal Sons (eighth, 225 points).

In the B Division competition, Colours Entertainment and Junkanoo Organisation emerged victorious with 570 points for their presentation “A Bahamian Sunday,” followed by Immortals Junkanoo and Community Organisation (second, 449 points), and Fancy Dancers (third, 371 points).

Christina “Muffin” Fernander, former chairman of ONE Family, told The Tribune that these consecutive victories held special significance following what she described as a disappointing previous season. She credited the group’s members for their determination and hard work, noting that they “wanted it really badly, and their efforts paid off.” Fernander emphasized that these wins demonstrate ONE Family’s enduring presence in Junkanoo, recalling earlier years when the group received little support but has now established itself as a major force among traditional contenders.

This achievement marks the second time ONE Family has secured back-to-back major parade victories, having previously accomplished consecutive wins during the 2022-23 season.

The Bahamas mourns the loss of distinguished physician and former parliamentarian Dr. Franklyn Walkine, who passed away at age 73. The prominent figure served as Member of Parliament for Acklins and Crooked Island from 1989 to 1997, leaving an indelible mark on both healthcare and political landscapes.

Dr. Walkine’s political career began amidst controversy when he entered a 1989 by-election following the resignation of predecessor Wilbert Moss, who was convicted for attempting to bribe a magistrate. Despite initial internal party disagreements within the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) regarding his nomination, Dr. Walkine secured victory and maintained his parliamentary seat through subsequent elections.

Beyond politics, Dr. Walkine established himself as a medical pioneer and successful entrepreneur. He founded Air Ambulance Service Ltd in the 1990s, creating the first wholly Bahamian-owned air ambulance service that provided critical emergency medical flights to the Family Islands. The service conducted over 30 flights weekly between Nassau, Freeport, South Florida, and throughout the Bahamas, dramatically improving emergency healthcare access for remote communities.

Prime Minister Philip ‘Brave’ Davis led tributes, describing Dr. Walkine as having “lived a life of service” that combined medical expertise with political dedication. “He was a doctor who cared for people in their most difficult moments, and he was a former Member of Parliament who carried his community’s hopes into the nation’s Parliament,” Davis stated.

Dr. Walkine’s academic credentials were equally impressive, with a chemistry degree from the University of Detroit, a medical degree from the University of the West Indies, and postgraduate specialty training at Canada’s McMaster University. He was a diplomate of the Canadian College of Family Medicine and served as head of the medical council.

His contributions to public health were recognized in 2024 when he was honored as a Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George. PLP chairman Fred Mitchell remembered him as “forthright and matter-of-fact” in his approach to public service and as a cherished personal friend.

The nation remembers Dr. Walkine as both a medical innovator who transformed emergency healthcare accessibility and a dedicated public servant who consistently advocated for his constituents’ interests throughout his political career.