Do you notice that we don't have traffic problems on days when schools are closed, and Bahamians travel off the island?

Certain individuals may deem it wise to utilize instances of fluctuation in traffic flow and road congestion as catalysts to commence planning for economic diversification from being solely Nassau-centric. This would involve promoting significant development on other islands while simultaneously seeking industries that can accommodate a high employee complement, leading to two to three thousand individuals relocating to other islands for meaningful employment and fostering the development of new communities. If ten such developments are established over the next decade, Nassau could see a depopulation of approximately 30 to 40 thousand Bahamians as new communities, government, and other consumer services and schools follow suit to these new developments.

"Constructing overhead bridges and underpasses may simply shift the problem to the next intersection without addressing the root cause. Restrictions on individual freedom of movement, such as carpooling mandates, have proven ineffective. The public bus system could be a viable solution, but it requires proper planning and implementation, which may not be feasible in the Bahamas, which is not a planned environment."

Regrettably, Dr. Finlayson's (April's) father, who was a Bahamian national, has passed away. So DNA testing makes this a more complex challenge, however, given the reputation of the Bahamas for being corrupt and unjust towards its citizens. There is a possibility that someone within the system may be interfering in the "Finlayson Family Affairs" and causing trouble.

Indeed, here's some 'Helpful' insight into the situation. The Bahamas, quite uniquely and perhaps intentionally, some may say; boasts the world's largest concentration of Bull, Tiger, and Hammerhead sharks. Their migratory routes span from Clifton, Goulding Cay, Bimini, Freeport, and Norman's Cay to Green Cay near Rose Island. Divers, myself included, can attest to fascinating encounters with these majestic creatures in these areas.

However, the crux of the matter lies in the fact that many Bahamians are not intimately familiar with the seas surrounding us. While these underwater realms are teeming with life, there's a gap in understanding among our people about the developments beneath our noses, should we choose to take notice. The call for "Help" resonates in addressing potential risks associated with shark encounters and, more significantly, in fostering a deeper connection and awareness among Bahamians regarding the marine environments that define our beautiful country.

Just picture this: hand over the thrilling job of collecting fish waste to a 'White Person' who unveils their fermentation and bottling process in the news, and when the fertilizer products start appearing on the shelves at CBS and Kelly's, priced at $35 dollars a bottle; then we'll have every 'tom, dick, and harry' racing to get their hands on fish waste faster than you can say 'Noni and Moringa'!

> Fish Waste Collection and Disposal

I totally agree that the practice of disposing of fish waste in the sea near the shore should be strictly prohibited. Additionally, it is recommended that a shark monitoring system employing tagging mechanisms be implemented. This would allow for the monitoring of shark populations and provide valuable insights into their movement patterns and behaviour. By introducing a tagging and monitoring regime, we can gather vital information to facilitate decision-making processes such as beach closures or the placement of warning signs, all while maintaining a non-intimidating approach that does not alarm beachgoers.

> Fish Waste As Fertilizer

In many Asian countries, especially in coastal areas, fish waste is commonly used as fertilizer. Fish waste, including parts like fish heads, bones, and guts, is rich in nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus, which are beneficial for plant growth. This practice helps in recycling organic waste from the fishing industry and contributes to sustainable agriculture.

The thing is, most of the "have-nots" shouldn't even be here in the first place. That's the bigger issue that we have allowed to get out of control.

The Royal Bahamas Police Force has been facing an ongoing challenge with regard to Red Light violations within The Bahamas for a number of years. To address this challenge, Chief Superintendent of Police, David Lockhart, has proffered a potential solution. However, questions have arisen about the racial qualifications of the Bahamian "Civilian Services" that have been ignored for years. Concerns have also been raised that investing millions of dollars in foreign services, promoted by retired consultants from the North, fails to provide any benefit to Bahamians. Instead, these consultants receive multimillion-dollar paydays, which has raised concerns about the fairness of the process. As such, it is imperative that the situation is evaluated to ensure that Bahamians are afforded equal opportunities to provide these services. These services

> (presented by Bahamian providers)

have been on the table for many years without any response, and require a thorough evaluation to ensure impartiality and fairness.

But, "People who struggle to afford basic necessities such as gas and food often find themselves in accidents just like anyone else. Unfortunately, regardless of their income, the cost of these accidents with uninsured drivers is not a matter of public interest. Once the debris is cleared and the initial curiosity fades away, the victim is left to deal with the aftermath, including medical bills and adjusting to any changes in their life if they survive. The only people who benefit from this human tragedy that this country is living with are the operators and owners of the criminal enterprise down at the RTD and their related entities.

> My bigger question is: Why is this
> 'publicly known secret' of corruption
> not a matter of criminal investigation
> like so many other crimes in this
> country?" How difficult can it be to
> track down a 10 Million Dollar per
> annum Vehicle License Plates, Driver's
> License and other secure documents
> 'criminal enterprise' that every
> Bahamian (and their dog) knows
> exists?

The Bahamas Road Traffic Department has a complete monopoly over the issuance of licenses, plates, and inspection decals. This has led to a history of issues, including corruption within the agency. Until the department's monopoly is broken and authority is placed in the hands of trustworthy individuals, these issues will continue to persist. The current state of affairs at the department is similar to that of a criminal enterprise. It is essential that changes are made to tackle the problem of uninsured vehicles and address the broader issue of criminal activity in the country. ...All of this stems from (the well-known) weakness of the Road Traffic Department and the years of some protecting their criminal enterprise.

> Addressing Uninsured Drivers: Why PTI
> Bahamas' 2019 Proposal Offers the
> Answer

The current discussion around uninsured drivers on Bahamian roads underscores the urgency of implementing PTI Bahamas' comprehensive 2019 proposal, which directly addresses this critical issue. While concerns about the 30% uninsured driver rate and the devastating impact on accident victims are valid, the solution lies in the blueprint laid out in our proposal three years ago.

Our proposal, developed in collaboration with experts and stakeholders, provided a roadmap for modernizing the Road Traffic Department (RTD) and tackling the challenges of uninsured vehicles. Key elements included:

Establishing a new RTD facility equipped with technology to:

- Issue digital driver's licenses and
vehicle registrations efficiently.

Conduct comprehensive vehicle
inspections, including emissions
testing, which would identify and
flag uninsured vehicles.

Implement a digital system linking
the RTD, police, and insurance
companies, seamlessly verifying
insurance status and eliminating
loopholes.

> This modernized system would empower
> law enforcement:

- To quickly identify and impound
uninsured vehicles, deter risky
behaviour and protect innocent
citizens.

To access real-time insurance data,
streamlining investigations and
accident response.

> The benefits extend beyond immediate
> safety:

- Reduced burden on victims: Ensured
access to compensation for damages
and medical expenses from accidents
involving uninsured drivers.

Reduced financial strain on the
public healthcare system.

> Increased revenue for the RTD: The
> proposal outlined opportunities for
> new services and revenue streams, like
> traffic school for violators.

The 2019 proposal was met with positive feedback from industry partners but received a mostly negative response from government ' technical' officials and the Cabinet Minister under the Minnis Administration. While delays are unfortunate, the recent Tribune article demonstrates renewed awareness of the problem. We at PTI Bahamas urge the relevant authorities to revisit our proposal and consider its potential to make Bahamian roads safer for everyone.

> [To address this issue, it is
> recommended to establish an
> independent body that comprises
> industry stakeholders, including the
> police, insurance companies, banks,
> customs, and emergency medical
> services. This body should operate
> independently and without being
> influenced by the inherent and
> historic corruption within the
> Department. By creating such an
> independent body, we can ensure that
> decisions are made impartially and
> with the best interest of all
> stakeholders in mind.]