In the bustling square where the voices collide,
Where the ego is loud and the logic has died,
There’s a duty that falls to the brave and the bright,
To stand as a beacon and shine out the light.
For silence is fertile, a soil for the weed,
If we do not confront every dangerous deed.
So lift up your voice, let the clarity ring,
Against every foolish and fraudulent thing.
We live in an age where the fiction is sold,
In whispers of silver and headlines of gold.
The merchant of myths and the weaver of lies
Will look at the truth with disdain in their eyes.
They peddle the rumors, the "facts" they’ve designed,
To poison the well of the innocent mind.
But a citizen knows that the truth is a shield,
And to blatant deception, we never shall yield.
When they speak of the "secret" that nobody knows,
While the shadow of doubt and conspiracy grows,
Don't nod in agreement to keep at the peace,
For that is the way that the follies increase.
Call out the fake news and the data they’ve blurred,
Let the weight of the evidence always be heard.
To make up a story is easy and cheap,
But the harvest of lies is a bitter to reap.
Rick Fox — internationally known as a former NBA star, actor, businessman, and Bahamian sports ambassador — has emerged as one of the most intriguing figures in the current Bahamian political landscape. In late 2025 and early 2026, he moved from high-profile global careers into frontline politics in The Bahamas. His decision to seek election under the Free National Movement (FNM) banner has sparked debate nationally about citizenship, political eligibility, motives, qualifications, and the possibility of electoral success.
This analysis explores Fox’s background, his multifaceted career, the specifics of his emerging political ambitions, issues of dual citizenship and eligibility, public perception, and a reasoned assessment of what his involvement means for The Bahamas.
The shadows stretch across the floor, a cold and concrete cage,
The final chapter written now on life’s embittered page.
A man sits hunched in silence where the heavy silence dwells,
The king of nothing, ruling o'er a kingdom of small cells.
He counts the stones, he counts the bars, he counts the wasted years,
But all the water in the world can’t wash away his fears.
The clock upon the distant wall is ticking like a debt,
For mercy’s sun has finally set; it’s too late for regret.
It started with a simple thrill, a teenage, restless heart,
The sliding doors of grocery stores where he would play his part.
A candy bar, a pack of gum, a trinket tucked away,
The rush of blood, the secret win, the games he chose to play.
His mother saw the shifting gaze, his father felt the lie,
They begged him: "Walk the narrow path before your youth goes by."
But counsel was a heavy chain he sought to cast aside,
With arrogance for armor and a jagged sense of pride.
The stakes grew high, the pulse grew fast, the darkness took its hold,
He traded in his innocence for silver and for gold.
No longer just a shoplift thief, he walked the midnight street,
With iron tucked against his waist to make his power fleet.
He’d corner strangers in the park, beneath the moon’s cold light,
And steal the safety from their souls in the middle of the night.
The firearm was a heavy weight, a cold and lethal friend,
He never thought his chosen road would find a bitter end.
We live in a time when opinions travel faster than evidence. A claim can circle the globe in seconds. A rumor can harden into “truth” before anyone pauses to ask a simple question: Is this actually supported by facts?
If we want to make better decisions as individuals and as a society, we have to learn to separate feelings from facts. Emotions are part of being human. They help us care. They push us to act. But when emotions replace evidence, we drift away from reality. And when we drift away from reality, we become easier to mislead.
This essay is not about ignoring emotions. It is about putting them in the right place. Feelings can guide our values. Facts must guide our conclusions.
When shadows lengthen 'cross the floor,
And doubt comes knocking at your door,
When skies of grey begin to loom,
And silence fills a hollow room—
Do not retreat, do not despair,
For strength is found in morning air.
Arise and shine, the day is new,
The light of hope is meant for you.
The mountains stand with jagged peaks,
To silence those whose spirit speaks,
But you were born with feet to climb,
To leave your mark upon all time.
Stand strong and tall, a sturdy oak,
That weathered every lightning stroke,
With roots dug deep within the soil,
Unbroken by the years of toil.
Be brave when winds of malice blow,
When progress feels entirely slow.
For courage is a quiet flame,
That does not need a loud acclaim;
It’s simply getting up once more,
To face what you have faced before,
To look the monster in the eye,
And tell the darkness: "Not today, not I."
Located on the narrow stretch of Paradise Island in the Bahamas, the Versailles Gardens represent one of the most remarkable architectural and horticultural feats in the Caribbean. A multi-tiered masterwork of landscape design, the gardens serve as a lush, formal sanctuary that leads toward the crowning "Cloisters"—the physical remains of a 14th-century French monastery. While the Bahamas is primarily celebrated for its turquoise waters and coral reefs, the Versailles Gardens offer a profound counter-narrative, blending medieval European stonecraft with the vibrant, untamed beauty of the tropics.
The Queen of Rake n Scrape, our very own Sweet Emily, has a special gift for everyone this Valentine’s season. She just announced her brand-new single titled “Can’t Help Falling In Love.”
Sweet Emily shared the big news on her Facebook page, showing off a beautiful new cover (check it out above!) and giving us the heads-up that this track is dropping just in time for the holiday of love. Whether it comes out right before or on Valentine’s Day, it’s definitely going to be the perfect song to set the mood.
We all know and love Sweet Emily for her classic hits that get everyone on the dance floor, like:
She’s been busy lately, too! You can find her featured in the 2026 Bahama Beat Calendar presented by BAF General. She’s standing alongside other Bahamian greats like Shine, KB, Juliet Believe, and Stileet. It’s amazing to see our legends getting the shine they deserve.
Make sure you keep an eye out for the official release of “Can’t Help Falling In Love.” Once it drops, be sure to share it with your friends, family, and that special someone!
Why it matters:
• The current financing — a loan covering around $195 m of a ~$278 – $300 m project — is governed by Chinese law and may involve Chinese labour standards and jurisdiction for disputes, which raises sovereignty and legal concerns.
• The U.S. is suggesting alternative financing that adheres to international norms, potentially with fewer strings attached.
Best Action:
The Bahamian government should publish the full loan agreement and impact assessments (legal, financial, economic, social) so that Parliament and the public can understand:
interest rates and repayment schedule
clauses on employment and labour
dispute resolution and governing law
what happens if The Bahamas can’t meet repayments
This transparency will strengthen public trust and allow informed debate.
Bribery and extortion are among the most damaging forms of corruption affecting countries across the world. While they often operate quietly and behind closed doors, their consequences are loud, far-reaching, and deeply destructive. These practices weaken institutions, distort justice, slow economic development, and erode public trust. Over time, they shape societies where power replaces fairness, fear replaces law, and privilege replaces merit. Understanding how bribery and extortion function and why they are so harmful is essential to addressing their long-term effects on a nation and its people.
