> International aviation standards, as
> endorsed by the International Civil
> Aviation Organization (ICAO) and other
> regulatory bodies like the FAA and
> IATA, mandate that pilots must possess
> a comprehensive understanding of air
> law and safety protocols that may not
> be exclusive to local or regional
> considerations.

The rationale for including questions about global scenarios, such as operations at Heathrow Airport or dealing with volcanic ash, lies in the fact that aviation is inherently an international field. Pilots are licensed to operate under a framework that ensures they can navigate various situations, some of which could occur when flying to or from other jurisdictions or in emergencies. The principle of standardization is meant to elevate safety universally, and it is not uncommon for licensing requirements to encompass broader scenarios to ensure that pilots are well-rounded and prepared for any situation.

> Scary Safety Implications

The concern raised that Bahamian pilots should not have to take exams with broader international content is concerning from a public safety standpoint. Aviation safety regulations are stringent for good reason. The Civil Aviation Authority of the Bahamas (CAAB) aims to ensure that all pilots have a robust understanding of air law, which includes not just local laws but also regulations that could impact operations during international or emergency situations. Reducing the scope of the examination might lower the standard of safety and could lead to gaps in pilots' knowledge that become critical in unexpected scenarios.
Furthermore, recent accidents involving fatalities highlight the importance of rigorous and comprehensive training and certification. Mr. Brown's position does not address the necessity of maintaining or improving aviation safety standards, which should be the top priority in any aviation regulatory framework.

The Funeral Homes ...

Remarkably, this is the mindset of Mornel Brown, President of the newly established Bahamas Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (BAOPA). One cannot overstate the gravity of such a perspective, as aviation is fundamentally a science. Whether one is landing in Nassau or at Heathrow, the principles of aerodynamics and aviation safety remain consistent. This approach is indeed concerning. Wow

Take Away The Guesswork And Go Straight To The Source - Amazon.com: : All Departments

> Dr. Minnis’s call for a political
> “purge” comes against the backdrop of
> practices within his own
> administration.

While perhaps not at the scale alleged in the Baha Mar case, his tenure as Prime Minister was not without controversies surrounding political patronage, alleged wealth disparities, and perceived interference in legal and governmental processes. This raises questions about the enduring structural issues within the Bahamian political system that go beyond any one administration.

The entanglement of the political executive in the daily administrative functions of the government presents a systemic flaw, creating fertile ground for corruption, political favouritism, and lack of accountability. As long as ministerial departments, under the control of elected officials, manage critical areas of governance, the influence of political agendas over fair and independent decision-making remains a persistent issue. This structure enables wealth-based prejudice, and party-driven interference in legal matters, and undermines the autonomy that should define governance, leading to societal stagnation and widening inequalities across the nation.

A reformed approach could involve redefining the role of ministers as policymakers exclusively, rather than managers of institutional operations. Decision-making, regulatory oversight, and day-to-day administrative tasks should rest within an independent legal framework, ensuring impartial governance without political interference. Government institutions should be led by individuals selected based on qualifications and merit rather than party allegiance, with these public servants, held accountable by law and governed by transparent processes that are rooted in the public interest.

Accountability at every level of governance is crucial to dismantling the entrenched culture of political favouritism. From Permanent Secretaries down to other government officials, each individual must operate within a system of legal accountability that upholds public trust. This includes being sufficiently qualified for their roles, being insulated from political pressures, and being elected or appointed through fair and open processes.

Ultimately, Members of Parliament and the Prime Minister bear responsibility for oversight, ensuring that policies are enacted lawfully and that officials are held to a high standard of accountability. This shift towards a governance model based on law, rather than on personal alliances or party loyalty, could foster a culture of integrity in Bahamian politics.

> "The FNM has little room to speak on
> transparency when it comes to local
> contracts"

However, when it comes to the FTX scandal and the mess with Izmirlian and CCA, there's no question – we absolutely need a Royal Commission of Inquiry. It’s time to bring some real excitement back to the country and uncover the full extent of how deep the PLP's dirty laundry runs.

> Commission of Inquiry 2.0 or 3.0

Leave it to the PLP to shame and bring down The Bahamas and The Bahamian People.

Pure criminals

*“This is exactly what happened. Additionally, the defendants committed fraud by making the representation that they needed a $54m payment so that they could pay sub-contractors. The evidence adduced at trial established they did not need it or use it for that purpose. They wanted it and used it to buy a competing hotel development down the road.”*

> Question:

were Bahamian sub-contractors ever paid in full?

> Bahamas’ path to independence
> documents handed over by Britain

We must ensure that these documents, chronicling our nation’s path to independence, become a publicly accessible digital archive—not another collection stored away on the shelves of officials, destined to be forgotten or discarded over time. The preservation of our history cannot afford to fall victim to poor storage, neglect, or environmental degradation.

The return of these 10,000 pages from the British government marks a symbolic repatriation of Bahamian heritage, as described by Prime Minister Davis. These records, including handwritten notes from UK officials and pivotal moments like Sir Lynden Pindling’s efforts for independence and the Abaco Independence Movement, are integral to understanding who we are as a people. They offer an opportunity to restore the voices of those silenced by history, such as 'Black Dick' Deveaux, whose courage and sacrifice must now be honoured through proper historical preservation.

Let this handover not merely be a ceremonial moment but a commitment to safeguard our cultural legacy. The digitalization and public availability of these records will allow future generations to engage with our history firsthand, ensuring it remains alive and relevant. This initiative must reflect a broader commitment to acknowledge the legacies of colonialism and slavery with honesty and integrity. As Prime Minister Davis highlighted, reparations go beyond financial compensation—they encompass the recognition and preservation of our shared history.

We now have an obligation to ensure these records are not buried but made accessible to all Bahamians, integrated into our educational curriculum, and honoured as a living memory of our journey as a nation. Only through open access and careful stewardship will these documents serve their purpose, empowering the next generation to understand their heritage, learn from the past, and build a stronger, more informed future.

> Here is a list of countries near the
> Bahamas that charge overstay fees for
> boaters, along with the available
> details of those fees:

**Bahamas:** Overstay Fee: $200 USD for the first offence. Additional penalties may apply for repeat offences.

**Cuba:** Overstay Fee: Overstay fines in Cuba typically range between $40–$100 USD per day, depending on the duration and specific circumstances. Penalties increase with longer overstays.

**Turks and Caicos:** Overstay Fee: A fee of approximately $100–$150 USD per day, depending on the length of the overstay. Boaters need to seek extensions to avoid these charges.

**Dominican Republic**: Overstay Fee: The Dominican Republic typically charges about $50–$100 USD per day of overstay. Extensions must be arranged to avoid these fines.

**Puerto Rico (U.S. Territory)**: Overstay Fee: As part of U.S. regulations, Puerto Rico applies U.S. Customs and Border Protection rules, with fines ranging from $100–$500 USD, depending on the duration of the overstay.

**British Virgin Islands:** Overstay Fee: Boaters can incur overstay penalties of approximately $200–$500 USD, depending on the length of the overstay and whether the violation is a first offence.