> 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.

Part 2 of 2

Response in Support of the Bahamian Government’s Position on Regulatory and Tax Compliance in the Yachting and Tourism Sectors

Those who claim they can operate elsewhere do so to pressure The Bahamas into compliance with their demands. However, our unmatched natural beauty, strategic location, and cultural heritage remain irreplaceable. If these operators leave, they will inevitably return because The Bahamas offers a unique and unparalleled experience.
It is crucial to recognize that the criticism of these new regulations often comes from those who have long benefited from lax enforcement. The government’s recent reforms have highlighted the need for improved infrastructure and streamlined processes, such as reintroducing an online portal for registration and payment of fees. While we acknowledge the need for improved efficiency, logistical challenges should not overshadow the importance of these policies. It is far better to take the time needed to enforce equitable rules than to allow the perpetuation of unfair practices.
The government’s strategy to raise fees on tourists and foreign operators—without disproportionately affecting Bahamian citizens—is both prudent and necessary. Cruise passenger taxes, environmental levies, and increased fees on private aviation and yacht charters represent a move toward fairness. This policy ensures that those who profit most from our resources contribute meaningfully to their sustainability and the development of the Bahamian economy. The notion that our destination should remain a tax haven for the wealthy, while local businesses and citizens bear the burden, is both unjust and unsustainable.
In closing, the recent tax increases and compliance measures are essential to charting a new course for The Bahamas—one that prioritizes economic sovereignty, environmental preservation, and fairness. As Bahamians, we must reject the narrative that foreign operators are indispensable to our success. Our economy will thrive when those who benefit from our resources contribute their fair share. If these operators believe they can find better opportunities elsewhere, they are free to explore them. However, they will discover that there is no destination quite like The Bahamas. And when they return, they will find a nation that no longer sells itself short.
This is our moment to reclaim ownership over our economy and resources, and we must not allow anyone—be it cruise lines, foreign boaters, or complicit individuals within our industries—to stand in the way of progress. Let us stand firmly behind the government’s efforts and ensure that the future of The Bahamas is one of fairness, sustainability, and prosperity for all.

> Response in Support of the Bahamian
> Government’s Position on Regulatory
> and Tax Compliance in the Yachting and
> Tourism Sectors

The long-standing practice of selling The Bahamas too cheaply has acted as a whip, holding back economic growth and fairness for over 70 years. Over time, foreign interests—including cruise operators, yacht owners, and private aviation clients—have benefited enormously from our natural resources without making equitable contributions to their preservation or the national economy. As Bahamians, we must now stand united with the government’s efforts to enforce tax compliance and restore balance in these sectors, ensuring that those who exploit our nation’s wealth are held accountable.
A glaring example of this exploitation is the cruise industry, which books its packages online and outside the jurisdiction of The Bahamas. This means that these companies evade VAT obligations, despite conducting business directly within our borders. The same applies to operators in the shark dive tourism sector, who similarly structure transactions to avoid VAT. This is a troubling loophole that must be closed. If businesses are profiting from our waters and natural attractions, they must pay their fair share into the Public Treasury, like everyone else.
Adding further weight to this problem is the deeply concerning documentary by Nicola Smith, The True Extent of Fishing in the Bahamas, available on YouTube. This film exposes the troubling practices within the fishing sector, revealing the shameful exploitation of Bahamian resources and the treacherous culture within the industry. Even more disheartening is the complicity of some Bahamians, who refer to violators as ‘friends’ and enable destructive activities that erode the sustainability of our marine environment. This is a national disgrace, one that underscores the urgent need for stronger enforcement and cultural change.
The introduction of the 10% VAT on foreign yacht charters, in addition to the existing 4% Port Department levy, is a necessary corrective measure to address years of imbalance. For too long, the yachting and cruise sectors have used our resources, profiting immensely while evading responsibility for their upkeep. The temporary decline in yacht charters and the reported $90 million shortfall should be seen for what it is—a short-term adjustment that reflects resistance to long-overdue reform. Our national policy cannot be dictated by the convenience of foreign operators; sustainability and fairness must be our guiding principles.
Threats from yacht and cruise operators to move their business to other destinations—whether Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, or even South America—must not deter us from pursuing policies that serve our long-term interests.

> Part 1 of 2 (continue in reply)

> Law enforcement officials and
> investigators are legally obligated to
> conduct investigations in a
> transparent and timely manner.

From a legal perspective within the Bahamian legal system, the concerns surrounding this case highlight issues of transparency, accountability, and due process in investigating fatal traffic incidents. The questions raised by the victim’s father, combined with public sentiment, stress the importance of ensuring that the Bahamian legal system functions without bias, regardless of the social status of those involved.

**Key legal considerations include:**

*Right to Due Process under the Bahamian Legal System:* The father of the victim has a legal right to be informed about the progress of the investigation. Any unnecessary delays in delivering information, particularly in a fatality case, could give rise to concerns about whether the legal process is being properly observed. In the Bahamian legal system, due process mandates that all involved parties are treated fairly and that justice is neither delayed nor obstructed.

*Equal Treatment under Bahamian Law:* One of the primary concerns is whether the status of certain individuals, particularly those in positions of power, is influencing the course of the investigation. The Bahamian legal system, rooted in fairness and equality, is designed to ensure that no one is above the law. Any perception or evidence of preferential treatment based on one’s social or professional status erodes trust in the system.

*Bahamian Duty of Care and Negligence:* Legally, all drivers have a duty of care to operate their vehicles in a manner that ensures public safety. In this instance, an investigation must determine whether the driver or the motorcyclist acted negligently. The Bahamian legal system requires a thorough and impartial examination of all evidence, including eyewitness testimonies and traffic reports, to assess who, if anyone, bears responsibility.

*Accountability within Bahamian Law Enforcement:* Law enforcement officials and investigators are legally obligated to conduct investigations in a transparent and timely manner. Any deliberate delay or failure to communicate with the victim’s family could lead to accusations of negligence or obstruction. Within the Bahamian legal system, those responsible for conducting the investigation could face legal repercussions or internal disciplinary measures if found to be deliberately impeding the process.

*Legal Recourse for the Victim’s Family:* The family has the right to seek independent legal counsel if they feel the investigation is being mishandled. They may also pursue legal remedies through the Bahamian courts to compel action from law enforcement or seek compensation for any proven negligence. In some cases, civil litigation could be initiated against individuals or entities involved in delaying or mishandling the investigation.

The comparison I was making with the Bahamas’ new visa extension fees underscores a broader principle: many countries, including the US and UK, impose fees and procedures for tourists seeking to extend their stays. Although the specific costs and processes may vary, charging for visa extensions is widely recognized as an international norm. The Bahamas' introduction of the $200 fee aligns with these global practices, as it allows governments to recover the administrative costs associated with processing such requests.

While it's understandable that tourists, particularly those who visit during the winter and wish to stay for longer periods (4-6 months), might be impacted by this new fee, this situation is not unique to The Bahamas. Many nations require tourists to pay for extended stays. The Bahamas, like the US and other sovereign states, has the right to set policies for managing its borders, ensuring that adequate resources are in place to support these processes.

For too long, certain visitors have taken advantage of The Bahamas, whether through disregard for our fisheries regulations or now expecting to avoid the cost of extending their stay - personally, we are selling the Bahamas much too cheaply. It’s time to acknowledge the reality: the resources and infrastructure that tourists enjoy come at a cost, and it’s only fair that those who wish to stay longer contribute accordingly.

Google question: How Much Does it Cost to Extend Visas in the USA?

It can be challenging to navigate the complicated visa extension process in the USA. Amidst the various steps and documentation, the associated costs are a significant concern for many. If you’ve found yourself pondering how 'much does it cost to extend visas in the USA?'

The answer is more straightforward than one might think.

> The US government charges a fee of
> $185 to renew a B1/B2 visitor visa,
> which is directly transferred to the
> government during the filing process.

https://www.gov.uk/standard-visitor/ext…

In the wake of the tragic incident involving a wheelchair-bound man, left lifeless on Strachan Boulevard due to a suspected hit-and-run, my prior concerns about the dangerous state of our roadways have been sadly reaffirmed. This is not simply a tragic accident; it serves as a stark reminder of the deeply ingrained culture of lawlessness that has taken over our streets. Recklessness, a flagrant disregard for human life, and a lack of accountability now define much of the driving behaviour in Nassau, resulting in yet another unnecessary and entirely preventable loss of life.
We have now reached a critical juncture where negligence on our roads is no longer just an inconvenience—it is a grave matter of life and death. The fact that a disabled individual, reliant on a wheelchair, could be struck down, potentially dragged, and abandoned to die on the roadside is a powerful indicator of the erosion of moral responsibility and civic duty in our society. It should never take the death of such a vulnerable individual to remind us that every time a driver chooses to ignore traffic laws or act recklessly, they are endangering the lives of innocent people.
The penalty for a hit-and-run conviction, set at $10,000, is a woeful reflection of how little we value human life in such cases. This paltry sum is a grave insult to the grieving families and the very fabric of our society, which is torn apart by such senseless acts of negligence. What does it say about our values when the price of recklessness and indifference is so severely undercut, reduced to a monetary figure that hardly reflects the gravity of the crime?
It is high time we put an end to this rampant disregard for life on our streets. This incident is not an isolated case but a symptom of a larger, more dangerous trend that threatens the safety and well-being of every citizen. We urgently need a comprehensive overhaul of traffic law enforcement, harsher penalties for offenders, and a fundamental shift in societal attitudes towards responsibility and accountability. Furthermore, we must close the gap of corruption that enables reckless drivers to evade justice and continue operating on our roads without consequence. Without these changes, we will continue to witness unnecessary suffering and senseless death.
To the authorities: the time to act is now. Fulfil your duty to protect the citizens you have sworn to serve by taking decisive action against the epidemic of reckless driving. To the public: let this serve as a wake-up call. We must reclaim our streets before they spiral further into chaos, and this starts with each of us holding ourselves and others to a higher standard of responsibility. No more lives should be lost to this madness.