> Nassau Cruise Ports, worst rated among
> cruise passengers, Royal Caribbean.

Yes, it appears that Royal Caribbean's new investment in the Royal Beach Club Paradise Island is a direct response to the dissatisfaction expressed by passengers regarding Nassau, despite the port being one of the busiest in the region. While the company has invested heavily in improving the cruise experience, including developing private islands like CocoCay, this new initiative suggests that the existing port facilities in Nassau have not been up to their standards.

The new beach club is an attempt to bypass the limitations and shortcomings of the Nassau port by offering an exclusive, all-inclusive experience right on the waterfront. By purchasing land in a prime location, Royal Caribbean aims to provide a high-quality destination for its passengers without relying on the current port infrastructure, which, as the report mentions, has been ranked poorly by cruise passengers.

In essence, while Royal Caribbean has invested in Nassau's port in the past, they are now shifting focus to creating a superior, more controlled environment that aligns with their brand's image and passenger expectations. This move could be seen as somewhat of a critique or a pivot away from relying on Nassau's existing port infrastructure, which they have acknowledged as lacking in innovation.

> **Wow!**

https://www.royalcaribbeanblog.com/2024…

> Houston, we have a problem: "Our local
> pilots are not pilots after all."

"Lord, Lord, Lord, we aspire to be a 'first world' nation but resist the measures necessary to achieve that status. The Bahamas Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (BAOPA) and the Bahamas Airline Pilots Association (BALPA) would be wise to consider updating and upgrading their liability insurance, particularly if local pilots attempt to 'shortcut' their qualifications.

This situation could have serious repercussions for the local aviation industry. Now that the truth is out, questions arise regarding whether some local pilots are truly qualified to hold their positions. If they lack the aptitude to pass the aviation exam 'prescribed by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA),' it not only undermines industry credibility but also poses significant risks to public safety—not to mention legal ramifications, 'God forbid there are accidents with injuries.'

Thank you for your kind words. I appreciate your feedback. :)

The larger-than-life Speaker persists with a combative attitude that risks inciting rebellion among opposition members. She fosters an atmosphere of arrogance that could easily provoke widespread opposition among the Bahamian public, ultimately leading to calls for her resignation. This may very well be the last time anyone dares to throw the mace out while she is Speaker, as what the esteemed Madam Speaker fails to consider is that the mace could easily be shattered into pieces upon hitting the floor.

Ironically, while you describe the Speaker’s role as requiring strength, you resort to dismissive language yourself. A strong Speaker isn’t one who mocks members of the House but one who upholds impartiality, professionalism, and respect for all. Such dismissive and brash behaviour reflects poorly on the Speaker's office and diminishes the integrity of the role. Fairness—not favouritism—must always remain the guiding principle.

But under a PLP administration, this comes as no surprise. The downward trajectory of the Bahamas is nothing new—this is PLP 101. We, the Bahamian people, have endured this before, and we will once again survive and dig ourselves out of this mess.

I fail to see why "drug-tinted" Brave Davis would expect the DEA or U.S. authorities to trust him, given his historical ties to figures like Samuel “90” Knowles. Knowles and his associates were central to a major drug trafficking network that operated through The Bahamas from the 1980s until Knowles’s extradition to the United States. Knowles was eventually tried and convicted as the leader of a transnational smuggling operation spanning South America, the Caribbean, the U.S., and Canada.

Davis's past affiliations with individuals linked to such illicit activities cast a long shadow over his current leadership. It is no secret that these historical connections undermine his credibility, especially in the eyes of international law enforcement agencies like the DEA.

Further, the internal discord between former schoolmates Clayton Fernander and Marvin Dames during their time in law enforcement highlights the dysfunctionality within the system. The unresolved tensions, which led to Clayton's temporary removal from the force, only for him to return as Commissioner under circumstances many considered politically motivated, underscore the questionable decision-making that plagues the government. It is widely recognized that Clayton’s return to such a high-ranking position exceeded his professional capacity, a reality the U.S. authorities are undoubtedly aware of.

Given this backdrop, the lack of trust exhibited by the U.S. toward Davis’s administration is not surprising. Trust must be earned through integrity, transparency, and consistent action—qualities that appear lacking when considering the legacy and current state of Bahamian governance.

The Speaker of the Bahamian House of Assembly, who also serves as the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) Member of Parliament for Bamboo Town, appears to misunderstand the impartial and balanced nature of her role. The Speaker's primary responsibility is to act as a neutral arbiter, ensuring fair and respectful deliberation for all members of the House, irrespective of political affiliation. However, recent actions suggest an unfortunate bias, as the Speaker seems to prioritize the interests of PLP members while displaying hostility toward opposition members. This behaviour undermines the dignity and impartiality of the office and fosters a perception of partisanship, which is damaging to public trust.

The Speaker’s conduct—marked by perceived rudeness and apparent alignment with a political agenda—highlights a deeper systemic issue. The current rules and traditions of the Westminster parliamentary system, under which the Speaker is elected, require urgent reform to ensure such positions are filled by individuals committed to neutrality and fairness. Positions such as the Speaker of the House, Commissioner of Police, and Permanent Secretary must transcend political influence to safeguard democratic principles and public confidence.

These developments underscore the need for comprehensive reforms to modernize our parliamentary system and make these issues central to future election campaigns. It is imperative that the Bahamian people demand accountability and structural adjustments to ensure the impartiality and integrity of such pivotal roles. Such changes would enhance the democratic process and restore faith in the institutions that are foundational to governance in the Bahamas.

If we follow the logic of the situation, it’s likely that the person in question is already aware of being under investigation. It’s now up to those with inquisitive minds to deduce who this individual might be—someone with significant power and connections in both the Bahamas police, aviation and the drug world to orchestrate such an operation-and this is no new person to politics.

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Issue formal and public diplomatic requests to the United States Government for the immediate disclosure of the implicated individual's identity.

Statement on the Handling of Allegations by Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis

The recent revelations regarding the alleged involvement of a high-ranking Bahamian politician in a federal indictment by the U.S. Southern District of New York highlight the dire need for accountability, transparency, and forthrightness from our nation's leadership. Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis' public remarks on this matter have done little to reassure the Bahamian people or safeguard our country's reputation on the international stage.

The Prime Minister's suggestion that U.S. officials have refused to provide the name of the implicated politician raises serious questions about the strength and execution of our bilateral agreements with the United States. Such agreements, rooted in mutual cooperation and trust, should ensure the timely and accurate exchange of information, particularly in cases that directly implicate national security and governance. If the Prime Minister is insinuating that the United States is failing to honour its commitments, this assertion must be substantiated with concrete evidence.

Moreover, his comments attempting to divert attention to unrelated issues within the U.S. undermine the gravity of the allegations at hand. While corruption is a global challenge, the Bahamian government's responsibility lies in addressing the accusations against its own officials, not deflecting by pointing fingers elsewhere. This approach not only tarnishes the integrity of his administration but also detracts from the nation's efforts to restore its image as a trustworthy and law-abiding jurisdiction.

The Bahamian people deserve decisive action and clear answers. If the Prime Minister and his administration are genuinely committed to rooting out corruption, they must:

1. Issue a formal and public diplomatic request to the United States for the immediate disclosure of the implicated individual's identity, as provided under the relevant bilateral agreements.

2. Conduct an independent and thorough investigation into the allegations, led by an impartial entity with no ties to the government or political parties.

3. Commit to full transparency throughout the process, ensuring that those found guilty are held accountable, regardless of their rank or affiliation.

Anything less than these measures would signal a failure of leadership and an unwillingness to uphold the principles of justice and good governance. By attempting to shield the implicated individual or obscure the truth, the Prime Minister risks further eroding public trust and damaging The Bahamas' standing on the world stage.