victim

For Tameka Barrat, losing her twin sister was losing the person she describes as her “other half.”

Now, as she tries to come to terms with a loss that came suddenly and tragically, Barrat is asking the Bahamian community for help giving her sister, Toniquea Gilot, a final farewell.

“Help us lay our beloved twin sister, Toniquea Gilot, to rest,” Barrat wrote in a GoFundMe campaign launched on Monday.

Toniquea was among 10 people killed in a plane crash on July 10, Bahamas Independence Day, while travelling from Nassau to San Andros.

She was also a singer with the Pond Band, bringing music and her own presence to the lives of those who knew her.

For her twin, however, Toniquea was family and her other half.

And now Tameka is facing the painful reality of having to bury her.

“Losing my twin sister is a pain that is difficult to put into words,” Barrat wrote. “She was not only my sister, but my other half, and her sudden passing has left an enormous hole in our family.”

The family is now trying to raise $7,000 to help cover the costs associated with Toniquea’s burial, including a burial plot, casket, funeral arrangements and other necessary expenses.

For a family already dealing with the shock of losing a loved one in such a sudden way, the financial burden can make an already painful period even harder.

Barrat is therefore turning to relatives, friends, strangers and anyone willing to help.

“We are reaching out to family, friends, and anyone who feels moved to help us during this incredibly difficult time,” she said.

“Anything will help,” she later wrote on Facebook.

It is a small request carrying a heavy weight. The family wants to give Toniquea the peaceful and dignified farewell they believe she deserves.

“Forever loved and forever missed, forever my twin,” Tameka wrote.

Click here to help: GoFundMe

“Daddy… my daddy.”

Those heartbreaking words echoed through the cemetery as one of James McPhee’s sons clung to his father’s coffin, overwhelmed by grief. Unable to stand on his own, he had to be held and comforted as loved ones said their final goodbye to a man they say lived with courage, conviction, and an unwavering loyalty to those he loved.

Inside Bible Truth Church, hymns filled the sanctuary as family, friends, political leaders, and colleagues gathered on Monday to celebrate the life of the businessman whose death has shaken the nation.

As the congregation sang “And Can It Be,” McPhee’s wife and sons embraced his casket one last time before it was closed forever.

“Daddy!”

“I love you,” one grieving son cried.

Moments later, another hymn gently carried the congregation through their sorrow: “It Is Well With My Soul.”

For those who knew James McPhee, his greatest legacy the way he showed up for people.

Killarney MP Michaela Barnett-Ellis described him as “bold and loyal.”

She recalled that although McPhee proudly referred to himself as “an Ingraham FNM,” he never wavered in supporting people he believed in.

“James never let me doubt that he believed in me,” she said, reflecting on her 2026 election campaign.

“He leaves us with an example—to stand for what you believe, to support others, and to always show up.”

Former Cabinet Minister Shane Gibson struggled to find the words as he sang “How Great Thou Art” before paying tribute to a man he had known for more than two decades.

“When James entered the room, everyone knew he was there,” Gibson said. “His presence was so warm, so genuine, so full of life.”

The two first met while serving in the Bahamas Public Services Union, where McPhee was a shop steward.

Although they belonged to opposing political parties, Gibson said that never mattered to James.

Recalling his own political ambitions, Gibson remembered McPhee telling him: “I ain’t no PLP… you is my man. I support you.”

It was a reflection, he said, of a man who valued him.

But the service also confronted the circumstances of his death.

McPhee was deliberately killed just weeks before he was expected to testify in a 2019 robbery case against a man accused of robbing him. Court records indicate the accused had been granted bail and allegedly failed to report to police 81 times before McPhee’s death.

Gibson questioned how so many missed bail check-ins could have gone without intervention.

“Eighty-one times,” he said, pausing as murmurs of agreement spread through the church.

“Eighty-one opportunities for the system to intervene.”

He suggested those missed reports represented missed opportunities that might have spared McPhee’s family the heartbreak they now carry.

Free National Movement Leader Michael Pintard remembered McPhee as a man who was never afraid to speak his mind.

“He had an opinion, and he was passionate about expressing it,” Pintard said.

Calling for an end to the violence affecting Bahamian communities, he added: “This carnage in our streets and in our homes has got to stop.”

Perhaps the most emotional tribute came from McPhee’s twin brother, John, who described him simply as “the best human being I had ever known.”

“He was humanitarian. He was brave. He was never ambiguous. You always knew where you stood with him.”

John rejected the idea that his brother’s life should be remembered only by the way it ended.

“He refused to bow,” he said.

“He refused to let darkness have the last word.”

He delivered one final plea.

“I am his twin. I am his other half.”

“Will someone help me carry this message?”

Credit: Virtual Funeral for video coverage

When Antonio Cartwright left work on Sunday evening, those who knew him expected to see him again.

Instead, his family, friends and co-workers were left searching for answers.

Antonio had only recently joined the CBS Bahamas family, but in a short time, he left a lasting impression. Colleagues remember him as someone whose kindness, professionalism and willingness to help made him stand out in the Paint Center, where he took pride in guiding customers and serving them with care.

As concern spread across social media, colleagues at CBS Bahamas pleaded with the public to help find their “valued team member.”

Antonio had last been seen leaving CBS Bahamas at Southwest Plaza around 5 p.m. on Sunday, July 19.

“We ask everyone to keep Antonio and his loved ones in your thoughts and prayers,” the company wrote at the time. “Please share this post to help bring him home safely.”

But Antonio never came home.

News of his death has sent shockwaves through those who knew him, many struggling to reconcile the loss of a man they describe as quiet, kind and always willing to help.

Former schoolmate Raynardo Delaney admitted the news was difficult to process.

“School mate, we haven’t spoken in years, but I’d never think you’d do this,” he wrote in a social media post.

To friends, Antonio—affectionately known as “Toonz” or “Gibby”—was remembered for the quiet way he touched people’s lives.

His dedication did not go unnoticed. Just weeks before his passing, Antonio was recognized as Employee of the Quarter, a reflection of his work ethic, and the quiet, positive spirit that touched everyone who had the privilege of working with him.

“Rest up bro, my brother for life,” wrote Alex Miller.

Others remembered his personality vividly.

“Always a bubbly person,” one friend shared.

Antonio was a past student of Government High School, where former teacher Melvin Miller recalled teaching him carpentry years ago. As concern grew while he was still missing, Miller appealed to fellow alumni to help find him.

“Calling on all past students of the MAGICS, please find Cartwright.”

At CBS Bahamas, a co-worker described him as more than an employee.

“He was like family. He also was very quiet and shy.”

For customers, he was simply the helpful employee who went the extra mile.

Karen Smith remembered Antonio coming outside to help install the screws on her vehicle’s licence plate.

“He was so helpful,” she recalled.

As tributes continued to pour in, many reflected not only on Antonio’s life but on the hidden battles people may carry.

“People are suffering and are afraid to seek help,” Ginger Jenkins wrote. “We need to become our brother’s keeper.”

Cicely Godet echoed that sentiment.

“Kindness is a serious thing. We never know what persons are going through, yet it’s so easy to be cruel with our words.”

Antonio’s passing is a painful reminder that behind every smile and quiet personality may be struggles that remain unseen.

James McPhee’s death can be viewed as a test of public confidence in the Bahamas’ criminal justice system.

Police allege that McPhee was deliberately killed just weeks before he was expected to testify in a robbery case against a man accused of robbing him in 2019. That accused man had been granted bail and court records also indicate allegations that he missed 81 required police check-ins before McPhee’s death.

Those facts alone have left the public asking questions.

Bail is a constitutional right in many circumstances and exists because people charged with crimes are presumed innocent until proven guilty, but bail also depends on trust in the suspect.

The courts trust that an accused person will obey the conditions imposed upon them, attend court, and not interfere with witnesses or commit further offences while awaiting trial.

When those conditions are repeatedly ignored, the public naturally begins to question whether the system designed to protect both the rights of the accused and public safety is indeed functioning.

If allegations that dozens of required police check-ins were missed are accurate, how did that happen?

Were authorities aware and what action was taken after the first missed check-in? What about the tenth or the fiftieth missed check-in?

These go directly to public safety.

McPhee was reportedly expected to be a key witness in the robbery trial.

If witnesses believe cooperating with police and the courts could place their lives in greater danger, fewer people will be willing to testify in future cases.

Justice depends on witnesses, and without them, many prosecutions become significantly difficult.

The robbery case dated back to 2019, years before it was scheduled for trial.

Every delay extends the period during which victims, witnesses, and accused persons remain in limbo. While delays can occur for legitimate reasons, they can also increase risks for everyone involved.

None of these questions diminishes the importance of due process. The accused remains innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law, the police investigation must be allowed to proceed independently; and the courts must determine the facts.

But regardless of how the criminal case unfolds, McPhee’s death has already exposed issues that deserve national attention—bail supervision does not work; high-risk cases are not monitored effectively; witnesses in serious criminal matters do not receive greater protection; and the justice system does not move serious cases to trial quickly.

These are truths that extend far beyond McPhee’s family.

He leaves behind a wife, children, relatives, friends, and employees, and it is a personal tragedy.

His death is also an opportunity for national reflection, because, in the end, justice should be measured by whether the public believes the system can protect those who seek it.

There were tears, laughter and memories that only family could tell.

Inside the packed sanctuary of Kingdom Worship Center, loved ones gathered to mourn Stafford Ferguson but also to remember the man whose life touched so many before it was cut short.

As mourners stood to sing “Sing the Wondrous Love of Jesus,” the mood of celebration overcame grief in the room.

In an emotional moment, Jahreal Glinton, who described Stafford as a brother, stood to sing “How Do I Say Goodbye.” He shared that Stafford had been more than a friend, but a Superman to his nieces.

His brothers, Jamal and Kambrel Ferguson, painted the picture of a man who could light up a room with laughter.

“He had a heart of gold,” Jamal said. “He was mischievous. He was hardworking and always busy.”

Growing up, their mother raised four boys, but everyone knew Stafford was the one most likely to get into mischief.

“He was always getting into something that never made sense,” Jamal recalled with a smile. “But it never fazed him.”

Because of his height, many assumed he was older than he really was. To many, he naturally became someone others looked up to.

Those closest to him said humour was simply part of who he was. “To him, everything was a joke,” Jamal said. “He never meant to hurt your feelings. If you took it hard, you took it hard.”

But Stafford was a man deeply committed to his work and the people who depended on him.

Known for his skills as a mechanic, Stafford took pride in satisfying every customer who trusted him.

“My brother was beyond loved,” Jamal said. “And he will be missed.”

But perhaps the role Stafford treasured most was being a father. He leaves behind four children.

His family said he patiently taught them the ins and outs of mechanics, passing on lessons they hope will stay with them forever.

For Kambrel, Stafford was an older brother and the one who helped him buy his first car.

He could always call on him, even teaching him how to tie a necktie.

They shared unforgettable memories, including attending the Best of the Best concert together.

“I was always trying to get him to come to church,” Kambrel said.

“He’ll always have my heart.”

As the family reflected on the memories they shared, Jamal, fighting back tears, revealed the one regret that now weighs heavily on him.

“What bothered me most is I never told him I loved him as much,” he said. Seeing his brother laid out after his death changed everything. “When I saw him on the table, I said, ‘Stafford, I love you.'”

Those words echoed a painful reminder of how quickly life can change and how often love is unspoken.

Police said Ferguson was found suffering from multiple gunshot wounds beside his vehicle outside a business establishment in Hunters last month. Investigators said he was walking toward his vehicle when he was approached by a lone gunman who opened fire before fleeing the scene. Ferguson later died in hospital from his injuries.

Keno Gordon came to New Providence with a plan. Like many young Bahamians leaving the Family Islands, he was looking for opportunity.

His family said he worked, saved, and dreamed.

College was next and basketball was the dream.

But six days after a devastating crash on Shirley Street that had already claimed four young lives, Keno lost his own battle on Saturday morning.

He was only 19.

“He wanted to go off to school to pursue a basketball career,” his aunt, Ronique Clarke, recalled to the Nassau Guardian.

To make that happen, Keno had already begun building his future. After graduating from Old Bight High School in Cat Island in 2024, he moved to New Providence for work, determined to earn enough money to continue his education.

He worked at the Royal Beach Club and had recently secured another job at CocoCay.

“He said he was saving to go off to school,” Clarke said. “That was one of his dreams.”

Those who knew Keno described him as kind, gentle and hard-working.

“He was so quiet, but he was just loved by all,” Clarke said. “He was just a good boy. He was loving and hard working.”

Back home in Cat Island, Old Bight High School was struggling to comprehend yet another heartbreaking loss.

“This summer has really started off with news we never dreamed of sharing,” the school wrote.

“Keno Gordon has also now lost his fight and is resting in eternal peace.”

Principal Bennique Brown-Pratt, who had watched Keno grow from student to graduate just a year earlier, found herself writing words no educator ever wants to write.

“How am I saying ‘Rest in Peace’ again to another one of my students that just passed this morning from that fatal crash on Sunday?” she wrote.

“Teach your children that life is uncertain. Only God is sure.”

For those who celebrated Junkanoo alongside him, Keno was known simply as “KJay.”

As a member of Roots Junkanoo, he was part of a family bound together by music, culture and community.

“It is with heavy hearts that we mourn the passing of our beloved brother,” the group said. “KJay was more than a member of Roots—he was family.”

His fellow Junkanoo members remembered the passion he brought to every practice, parade and moment they shared together.

“His spirit will continue to live on in every beat of the drum and every step we take together.”

“Thank you for the memories, the laughter and the legacy you leave behind.”

Keno’s death raises the number of lives lost from the June 28 Shirley Street crash to five.

For those who knew Brandon Williams, it was his kindness, warmth and the way he welcomed people that made him unforgettable.

He was described as a loving son, devoted brother and cherished friend — someone who brought light into the lives of those around him.

But on Monday, a sudden traffic accident in Abaco took away a life many believed still had so much more to give.

Brandon, 30, died after a vehicle accident in which his vehicle overturned following a collision, ejecting him from the vehicle. He died at the scene.

And now, his family and friends are left remembering him after the horrific tragedy.

His older brother, Lester Smith, described Brandon as someone whose presence brought joy to others.

“He was the light in the lives of all who knew him,” Lester shared.

He remembered his brother’s kindness, strength and uplifting spirit — qualities that made him loved by many.

But the reality of losing him is still difficult to accept. “I never thought this would actually happen,” Lester wrote.

“But here I am, making an announcement for my younger brother’s demise.”

Cora Kemp remembered Brandon’s kindness in the simplest moments, meeting him at Maxwell Food Store in Abaco.

At the time, she was still becoming familiar with people in Abaco. Brandon struck up a conversation, and what stood out was his willingness to make her feel welcome.

She remembered that he invited her and a friend to his home for dinner, even though he did not have much himself.

“He didn’t have much, but he offered two strangers,” she recalled in a post.

Friend Wilbert Thurston is holding onto the memory of their final conversation. Just days before Brandon’s passing, the two talked about the overwhelming summer heat. It was an ordinary conversation, but neither of them knew it would become their last.

“I never known that would have been our last conversation,” Thurston shared.

For Keon Williams, the loss feels impossible to process. He remembered the friendship built through nights spent playing games, laughing and joking with each other.“

Every other night we played games,” he wrote. “I love you my ‘G’… never was suppose to be you. This hurt me so much.”

For many who knew Nica Julien, it was her smile and personality that stood out most.

She was described as bubbly, free-spirited and full of life — someone whose energy could be felt before she even said a word.

But early Sunday morning in Grand Bahama, her life, filled with so much personality, came to a sudden end.

Nica, 26, died after leaving a function and crashing into a utility pole. She later succumbed to her injuries in hospital, leaving behind family, friends and a young son trying to understand a loss no one expected.

Those closest to Nica say the hardest thing to accept is the silence left behind.

Friend Helen Morrison remembered the qualities that made Nica unforgettable. “Your smile, personality and tenacity will always be remembered,” she wrote.

Friend Jamal Hall described Nica as someone who carried genuine love wherever she went.

“She was such a sweet soul who brought fun and genuine love to those she came in contact with,” he shared.

Perhaps the most important role Nica carried was being a mother. Those who loved her described her as a caring mother who loved her young son deeply.

Friend Tatyana Lockhart struggled to find words after hearing the news. But her thoughts quickly turned to the child who now has to grow up without his mother.

“Ohh boyyyy! Where to start? Nica!!! Ya cut deep with that one!… What about baby boy?! All he knows is mommy.”

Tatyana remembered Nica not only as a friend, but as someone who showed up and checked in.

“Thank you for the laughs we shared, the shoulder to cry on and being the overall gem that you were,” she wrote.

She remembered Nica as the person who could brighten a room, “the infectious smile.”

Friend Tiaree Mills also described the pain of losing someone who meant so much. “This one hit close to home. My adopted baby girl gone too soon,” she wrote.

For those who shared life with Nica, the grief comes from knowing how much more life she still had to experience.

Margo Smith called her a “beautiful soul,” saying the impact Nica made in such a short time was tremendous.

And even former classmates remembered her ability to bring joy. Dior reflected on the disbelief at hearing her name linked to the tragedy. She remembered Nica as someone who made people laugh and someone who became part of the best memories of high school.

Steph Newman remembered the everyday moments that now feel priceless. “No more lunch dates in the cafe with your hard mouth and tall self?” he wrote.

He called Nica, “a real angel here on earth.”

For those who knew Bertrica Brown, one thing is remembered again and again— her smile.

A smile that reflected the joy, kindness and warmth she carried wherever she went.

Bertrica was a young woman with dreams ahead of her — a recent graduate, a talented athlete and a person of faith whose life touched many in her community.

But those dreams were suddenly cut short.

Bertrica, a 2026 graduate of Agape Christian School, in Marsh Harbour, Abaco, was among the four young women whose lives were tragically lost in a car crash early Sunday morning in Nassau.

At Kingdom Builders Ministries in Marsh Harbour, Bertrica was known as someone who used her gifts to serve God.

Her pastors, Bishop Terrance and Shoine Strachan, remembered her faithful service on the church’s dance team as a mime dancer.

They said she used her talents “to glorify God and minister to others.”

Her beautiful smile and worshipful spirit, they said, will always be remembered.

For those who taught her, Bertrica was a joy to be around. Her teacher Ayanna Bernard described her as “such a sweet soul.”

She remembered Bertrica as a student who was “never rude,” but always brought laughter and positivity wherever she went.

Bertrica’s future seemed full of promise. At her recent graduation, she was described as a bright young woman with incredible potential.

Member of Parliament Mario Bowleg, who spoke at her graduation, remembered her as someone with a future ahead of her.

And that future included continuing her education after receiving a full scholarship to play volleyball.

Volleyball was her passion.

Madeline Albury, who knew her, remembered the joy she brought to the game.

“She had a wonderful spirit wherever she went. It was filled with laughter, such a sweet girl,” Albury shared.

Those closest to her are now left with memories and a pain that words cannot fully explain.

Florence Fullerton shared an emotional goodbye: “Oh Trica, no more ‘mumz.’”

Others remembered the energy and life she brought into every space.

Retta Thomas described the loss as devastating, remembering Bertrica as a young woman who had only recently graduated alongside her grandson and others.

She said Bertrica had “an amazing vibrancy of life” and was an example to those around her during her time at Agape Christian School.

Stania Webb was full of promise and her presence brought joy to the people around her.

A 2024 graduate of Old Bight High School, she was remembered by her alumni as “cherished” — a rising star whose future held so much possibility.

But in the early hours of Sunday morning, that future was suddenly cut short. Stania was one of four young women who lost their lives in a tragic car crash after the vehicle they were travelling in struck a tree.

Old Bight High School remembered Stania as someone who left a lasting impact on the school community.

The school, led by Principal Bennique Brown-Pratt, said her time at the institution was marked by moments that will not be forgotten.

“We also remember with love and gratitude Stania Webb, whose life touched many within our school community,” the school shared.

“Though her time with us has passed, her memory will continue to live on in the hearts of classmates, teachers, and all who had the privilege of knowing her.”

Her school community said she left an indelible mark, hoping the memories of her life continue to inspire future generations.

Beyond the classroom, Stania shared her talents through music.

She was a member of the Cat Island Community Band, where she played the saxophone — using her gift to contribute to the cultural life on the island.

Band Director Jerrard Storr expressed the deep pain felt by those who knew her.

“My heart is heavy with sadness and words cannot truly express the pain we are feeling at this moment,” he said.

Perhaps one of the most heartbreaking reminders of Stania’s impact came from her sister, Diamond Nabbie, who struggled to process the sudden loss.

In an emotional tribute shared online, she wrote: “Nia I keep walking in the room looking for you.”

Stania was also part of the Highway Church of God in Cat Island, where she worshipped alongside another victim of the crash, Diamond Stubbs.

The church community said her passing has deeply affected those who knew her. Mericha Walker, General Youth Director, shared that the church is standing with the grieving families during this painful time.

“Words cannot fully express the sorrow we feel,” she said.