标签： Bahamas

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.

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 National Junkanoo Committee (NJC) has publicly admitted to significant operational failures during the recent Boxing Day Junkanoo Parade, culminating in the removal of longtime Grand Marshal Dwight Rolle from his position. In an official statement responding to mounting criticism, the committee cited ‘operational performance and adherence to established parade management protocols’ as the basis for their decision, emphasizing that the move was not personal.

The NJC acknowledged that spectators experienced considerable discomfort due to prolonged gaps along Bay Street, where empty seats disrupted the festive atmosphere. The committee revealed that instructions were issued to the parade management team to allow Fun Groups and B Groups to perform during delays, but claimed these directives were not implemented by Mr. Rolle.

In response to circulating rumors, the NJC confirmed that penalty frameworks for rule violations remain active. Deputy Grand Marshal Vincent Johnson, assisted by Calvin Greene, will assume leadership responsibilities for the upcoming New Year’s Day Junkanoo Parade.

Mr. Rolle, who had served as Grand Marshal for six consecutive years, expressed surprise at his dismissal during what he believed was a routine planning meeting with NJC chairman Douglas Hanna. He maintained that his management approach prioritized strict adherence to rules and regulations rather than accommodating informal directives.

‘The role demands enforcement without favoritism,’ Rolle stated. ‘I operate by rules, regulations, and facts—not as a conventional team player when it compromises established procedures.’

Rolle attributed many parade delays to the absence of enforceable penalties, noting that the NJC’s replacement of the Junkanoo Corporation of New Providence eliminated disqualification as a consequence for rule violations. This gap, according to Rolle, enabled participating groups to act without accountability.

Additional operational challenges emerged during the event, including the problematic implementation of digital costume scanning technology. scanners introduced over two hours into the parade malfunctioned and lacked clear operational guidelines, further complicating logistics.

Rolle also highlighted organizational lapses such as incorrect group name displays on screens and dismissed concerns in the tally room. Despite these challenges, he emphasized his commitment to preserving Junkanoo culture and performing his duties under difficult circumstances that predated the Boxing Day event.

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.

A devastating electrical accident on Christmas Eve has claimed the life of Simon Magislin, a 53-year-old Haitian handyman and father of seven residing in The Bahamas. The tragic incident occurred on Wilton Street as Magislin attempted to harvest breadfruit using a metal pole that inadvertently contacted overhead power lines.

According to police reports, emergency responders arrived at the scene following reports of an unresponsive male. Investigation revealed that the iron pole Magislin employed had struck a live electrical wire, resulting in immediate electrocution. The Haitian national had resided in The Bahamas for approximately three to four years, working primarily in maintenance and repair services.

Neighbor Reynold Simon, who witnessed the aftermath, described the sequence of events: “The door was open. I was seated inside that small front shack when the impact occurred. Upon investigation, I discovered him lying motionless on the ground.” Simon speculated that the metal implement may have slipped from Magislin’s grasp due to his attire of shorts, potentially compromising his grip and control.

Family members disclosed that despite recently securing more consistent employment, Magislin had expressed significant financial anxieties regarding Christmas provisions for his seven children, all residing in Haiti. Cousin Odilet Lepin revealed their final conversation approximately two weeks prior centered exclusively on economic hardships: “Everything was great health-wise. He wasn’t sick. He just was crying about how Christmas coming on the way and he had no money. That’s the only thing we discussed—how circumstances were genuinely difficult.”

The scene following the accident was marked by profound grief, with Magislin’s brother reportedly rendered speechless by emotional distress. Local authorities have ordered an autopsy to conclusively determine the precise cause of death, though preliminary evidence strongly suggests accidental electrocution.