07052016 business

TUESDAY, JULY 5, 2016

business@tribunemedia.net

Minister to activists: Don’t deny us jobs

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

Legal actions against developers ‘big concern’

A CABINET Minister yesterday urged environmental activists to be “balanced and responsible” when launching legal actions against legitimate developers, warning that these could deny Bahamians muchneeded “economic benefits”.

Khaalis Rolle, minister of state for investments, told Tribune Business that Judicial Review-type actions, such as the one launched against the Abaco Club’s proposed Little Harbour marina facility, threatened to impede job creation and economic development.

He called on the activists initiating these legal challenges, and those sponsoring them, to have more “consideration” for Bahamians impacted by delays to bona fide investment projects.

Emphasising that the Bahamas “does not have the luxury of not developing its economy”, Mr Rolle said developments such as the Little Harbour marina project created employment opportunities for young Bahamians who might otherwise turn to crime for a living.

“It’s a very big concern,” Mr Rolle said of the numerous legal challenges unleashed in recent years See PG B4

Bahamas ‘does not have luxury’ of no development Minister: ‘What are you saving Little Harbour from?’

KHAALIS ROLLE

Marina project eyes ‘Blue Flag’ quality stamp Don’t make EDISON SUMNER

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

GENUINE environmental concerns over the Abaco Club’s marina project should be satisfied by the 44-slip facility’s bid for Blue Flag status, a Cabinet Minister said yesterday.

Khaalis Rolle, minister of state for investments, confirmed that the Little Harbour-based development, which is currently facing a Judicial Review challenge from environmental activists, is seeking a designation confirming it adheres to the highest quality and eco-friendly standards.

Referring to a town meeting held on the project last Monday, Mr Rolle said: “I was pleased to see directly how the Abaco Club have gone to great lengths to submit proposals that are environmentally friendly.

“They are proposing a Blue Flag marina, of which there are very few in the Bahamas. Atlantis

Should be welcomed by ‘genuine environmentalists’ Little Harbour ‘not sanctuary made out to be’ ‘Alarming’ levels of human waste pollution is one, Albany is another. If you count the number of such marinas, there are just three-four.

“It says a lot that Winding Bay, the Abaco Club, is proposing to make that area - a currently unrecognised area - into a Blue Flag marina,” the Minister added.

“If there is genuine concern about the environment, I would See PG B4

Fiscal hawk fears politicians ‘Deceptive indicators’ hurt Budget estimates

By NEIL HARTNELL won’t ‘face the music’ Chamber chair Tribune Business Editor

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

THE Government yesterday asked Moody’s to ‘take a bet’ that its economic growth and Budgetary initiatives will succeed, as a well-known fiscal hawk said: “They’re not going to have to face the music.”

Rick Lowe, an executive with the Nassau Institute think-tank, told Tribune Business that the “political class” would likely escape the consequences for both parties’ involvement in pushing the $6.6 billion national debt towards unsustainable levels.

“The Government has got itself and the Bahamian taxpayer in a real pickle,” he said. “These guys that have run up this debt and stuck us with it, they’re not going to have to face the consequences when the worst case scenario happens, because they’ve not brought their spending under control.

“They’re not going to have to face the music, the political class that has done this to us.”

Mr Lowe said the Bahamas’ economic and fiscal situation was “getting scarier by the day”, after Moody’s on Friday See PG B6

Taxpayer placed ‘in real pickle’ Moody’s warning means situation ‘scarier by the day’ Govt: 77 cents of every new $1 going to pay debt

$4.15 $4.20 $4.21

$4.21

nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

urges end to ‘% of GDP’ for revenues

THE Chamber of Commerce’s chairman believes the use of “misnomers and deceptive indicators” are causing the Government to consistently miss unrealistic Budget and fiscal targets.

Under-estimates forcing GFS ‘surplus’ push back

Gowon Bowe, in a recent interview with Tribune Business, said fiscal deficits were frequently larger than projected because the Government was not basing its revenues on “proper assumptions” and indicators.

He explained that revenue forecasts were heavily tied to economic growth, and determined as a per-

centage of gross domestic product (GDP), when a deeper analysis of the Government’s tax base was required.

Mr Bowe said that as a result, the Government’s revenues consistently under-performed despite the introduction of Value-Added Tax (VAT).

And, with spending often

GOWON BOWE tied to revenue estimates, any ‘under-shooting’ on the latter inevitably led to wider-than-expected deficits and national debt increases, pushing the achievement of a GFS surplus “further out”.

Asked whether the Christie administration’s fiscal See PG B5

Moody’s a ‘political football’

Chamber chief warns parties on ‘point scoring’ ‘No one to blame but us’ if downgrade comes Confident Bahamas can again be ‘envy of Caribbean’

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net THE Bahamas will have “no one to blame but ourselves” if Moody’s follows through with its threat of a potential ‘junk’ downgrade, the Chamber of Commerce’s chief executive yesterday urging all political parties not to exploit the situation for “point scoring”.

Edison Sumner warned that the Bahamas needed to “work hard to get us out of these economic doldrums”, and the trend of successive cuts to its credit standing by both Moody’s and Standard & Poor’s (S&P).

With the former threatening another sovereign downgrade by end-August 2016, Mr Sumner said the ramifications meant the issue was not simply a matter for the Government, but all Bahamians, to address.

“It’s extremely See PG B5

PAGE 2, Tuesday, July 5, 2016

THE TRIBUNE

Hotel pension funds praise administrator A 10 year-old financial services provider has been praised for its role in guarding the retirement benefits of 14,000 hotel workers.

Robert Sands, trustee of the Bahamas Hotel and Allied Industries Pension Fund, and chairman of the management fund, said he was “extremely proud” of Providence Advisors’ work in administering both funds.

“With $340 million in assets under management, and having paid out $180 million in benefits to employees of the hospitality sector, Providence has played - and continues to play - a vital role in nation building.

With creativity and boldness, they continue to secure benefits for the futures of over 14,000 employees of the hospitality sector,” Mr Sands said.

Providence Advisors was created in 2006 via a ‘management buyout’ led by current chief executive, Kenwood Kerr, which took over S.G. Hambros’ domestic financial services market as that institution exited the market.

With a ready-made client base through the two hotel industry pension funds, Providence Advisors provided the ‘self-governance’ the funds desired. A business model was tailored to both meet the funds’ objectives and compete in the domestic financial services sector.

“Providence Advisors has attained ten years of successful growth and operations as the leading, wholly Bahamian-owned pension administrator and thriving investment management firm,” said Julian Francis, its chairman and former governor of the Central Bank of The Bahamas.

“The Bahamas has been making tremendous steps forward in the development of the indigenous financial services sector, of which Providence is a part. The demand for more sophisticated and internationally competitive services is becoming more and more of a reality in today’s environment.

Providence has positioned itself to increas-

Providence Advisors celebrates 10th anniversary

PROVIDENCE Advisors chief executive, Kenwood Kerr. ingly take advantage of the opportunities that these changes are creating.”

Clients, partners and industry stakeholders gathered to celebrate the company’s 10th anniversary at a reception hosted at the Goodman’s Bay Corporate Centre.

Current and former directors of the company joined with clients and the Providence Advisors team.

Mr Kerr said: “Ten years later, we are a real example of Bahamian fortitude and purpose. We are stronger than ever, committed and focused on the future.”

Businesses monitor air cargo fall-out

By NATARIO McKENZIE

Tribune Business Reporter

nmckenzie@tribunemedia.net BAHAMIAN businesses are continuing to monitor the fall-out from new and increased Customs fines on the air cargo industry, which has prompted some carriers to threaten to withdraw from this market.

“There’s been a lot of noise in the market about these Customs amendments. We are definitely

monitoring the situation,” said one local businessman, speaking on condition of anonymity.

“I don’t think they have been very clear on this whole thing. There is certainly a great deal of concern over any additional costs at this time. We are going to watch and see how things play out, but more fees, added costs are not what anyone - and most definitely not the consumer - is going to want to hear. They

are the ones who are going to feel the pinch in the end.”

Bahamians were last week warned that the cost of imported air freight will increase “tremendously” as a result of the new Customs fees and fines set to be imposed on operators from July 1.

The warning came as Florida-based air cargo companies confirmed Tribune Business’s exclusive Thursday article that a See PG B4

THE TRIBUNE

Tuesday, July 5, 2016, PAGE 3

BA upgrade boosts Bahamian tourism BRITISH Airways (BA) has boosted transport links between the Bahamas and UK with the introduction of a larger plane on its direct flights between Heathrow and Nassau.

British Airways (BA) made its inaugural Boeing 777 flight to Nassau on July 1, replacing the smaller B-767 aircraft. The B-777 offers twice the seating capacity of the B-767 with space for 275 passengers, and it will operate four times a week as opposed to the previous five times’ schedule.

Ian Blackman, BA’s vicepresident for customer service and operations in North America and the Caribbean, said the airline wanted to upgrade its flights to the Bahamas.

“We wanted a bit more capacity on this route, and the 777 gives us about 46 per cent more capacity overall but, certainly in the Club World cabin, it gives us double the capacity,” Mr Blackman said.

“Going from 24 seats up to 48 seats give us a lot of additional cargo capacity, which we hope to exploit locally by uplifting more goods and services in the Bahamas and out of the Bahamas as well.”

Tyrone Sawyer, the Ministry of Tourism’s senior director of airlift development, believes the change has the potential to increase connecting air arrivals to the Bahamas from Europe.

“In the case of BA, it is not an inaugural. We’re actually manufacturing ex-

citement by virtue of the fact that they’re coming with an upgraded aircraft, and they’re coming with the ability to bring almost twice the amount of people,” Mr Sawyer said.

He added that the Bahamas plans to intensify its promotional efforts to attract more European travellers.

“We’re now looking to our promotional efforts and the marketplace to build the awareness and the demand to therefore fill those seats,” Mr Sawyer said.

Joy Jibrilu, the Ministry of Tourism’s director-general, said BA’s decision to upgrade the aircraft gives travellers the option to maximise their time in the Bahamas.

See PG B4

HARBOUR BAY

Strong attendance at first Yacht Show THE first-ever Bahamas Yacht and Travel Show (BYTS) attracted scores of Bahamians and visitors to Bay Street Marina during the three-day event that ended on Sunday, June 19.

Attendees were treated to tours on luxury yachts and excursions, plus islandinspired entertainment that included a Junkanoo RushOut and live performances by artist Tim Daniels.

Featured events included a resort wear fashion show hosted by Josephine Knowles, of Aqua Soleil, A La Plage, Blue Moon Resort Wear and Paradise Blue Surf Shop. The Miss Bahamas contestants modelled the stylish island-inspired collections.

The show was organised by Boat 4 A Day, the Ministry of Tourism and Bay Street Marina, in a bid to promote and increase awareness of the numerous boating and yachting experiences available in the Bahamas.

These range from day charters to boutique hotels and marinas, handmade Bahamian products and resort wear. Organisers created a yacht and travel show so that small businesses in the Bahamas’ marine industry would have the opportunity to market their products to both a local and international audience.

“We are extremely happy with this year’s show,” said John Bruce, of Boat 4 A Day. “The first of its kind, the BYTS was created in an effort to showcase and highlight not only yachting and the charter market, but the amazing boutique and luxury tourism product the Bahamas is proud to embody.

“We were very successful in our endeavours, and are very appreciative of our partners, sponsors and exhibitors who worked tirelessly along with us to make the show a reality. Plans have already commenced for BYTS 2017, and we an-

THE NEW BA-777 aircraft brings in 275 visitors out of London, England. Photo/KEMUEL STUBBS

SHOPPING

PLAZA

SPACE for

RENT 357-3414 GENERAL Manager of Multi-Destination Marketing Giovanni Grant, Sean Ives, General Manager of The Ministry of Tourism Maritime Earl Miller, Deputy Director General of Tourism Ellison ‘Tommy’ Thompson, Capt.

John Bruce and FC Lubbe all come together for a picture. ticipate it will be bigger and better.”

Bob Bower, executive director of the Association of Bahamas Marinas, added: “We believe in this show See PG B4

will be closed on Friday, 8th July, 2016

Project:

Request for Proposals and Qualifications Hotel Renovations

CORAL TOWERS ATLANTIS PARADISE ISLAND, BAHAMAS

in observance of the Firm’s

Annual Fun Day The office will re-open on Tuesday, 12th July, 2016

dck Bahamas Inc. is hereby soliciting contractors interested in providing qualifications and proposals for renovation work for the above referenced project.

Project Description

the project consists of refurbishing and renovations to Guestrooms and corridors, ocean tower, Lagoon tower, and coral towers Main Lobby. the Guestroom work includes demolition, millwork, electrical, HVAc, paint and tile. the Lobby will be refinished with new materials. this is a phased project and will be turned over to the owner progressively. All locations will be worked on at the same time.

Proposal Request

this project may require that the contractor provide a Performance and Payment Bond or Surety Letter of credit for the value of the work. the owner and construction Manager reserves the right to accept a proposal that is in the best interest of the owner. the Atlantis is a World class Facility and has expectations of the highest quality of work.

Interested parties should send an email to the address noted

SMOAtlantisBahamasRenovation@dckww.com

by July 15, 2016.

We regret any inconvenience caused.

PAGE 4, Tuesday, July 5, 2016

Minister to activists: Don’t deny us jobs From pg B1 against a variety of major Bahamas-based development projects.

“We have to be a bit more balanced and a bit more responsible in how we approach these things,” he added.

“As much as the individuals pushing these Judicial Reviews call on developers to be responsible, they have to be equally responsible for the reasons they initiate these actions.”

Among the major foreign direct investment (FDI) projects subjected to Judicial Review challenges in recent years have been the Resorts World Bimini expansion (dredging activities); the $12 million Blackbeard’s Cay development; and efforts by multimillionaire Canadian fashion designer, Peter Nygard, to develop his Nygard Cay home.

The Abaco Club’s 44-slip Little Harbour marina is the latest project to attract such scrutiny from local residents and activists alike, with the Judicial Review’s foundation set in claims that the Government failed to properly consult them on the project.

But Mr Rolle, who attended last Monday’s Cherokee Sound town meeting on the Little Harbour project, said audience feedback suggested the development’s economic benefits were superior to any environmental impact.

“In this case, if you look at the economic benefits to the Winding Bay (Abaco) Club, the Cherokee Sound community and the whole of south Abaco, versus the potential environmental impact, what I got from the town meeting was I believe the economic benefits outweigh the environmental issues,” the Minister told

Marina project eyes ‘Blue Flag’ quality stamp From pg B1 have thought people would welcome the concept, the management technique that they will be introducing to that area [Little Harbour].”

A copy of the meeting notes from last Monday’s meeting, taken by representatives from Responsible Development for Abaco (RDA), confirms that the developers are seeking Blue Flag status for the marina.

The notes suggest that the idea to go for Blue Flag status came from the Government’s Bahamas Environment, Science and Technology (BEST) Commission, rather than the Abaco Club or its owners.

The suggestion was contained in a June 2015 letter sent to the developers by the

Bahamas Investment Authority (BIA), which passed on BEST’s conditions - including the Blue Flag idea - for approving the project’s Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA).

Tim Sullivan, director of construction for Southworth Development, the Abaco Club’s principal owner, said the Little Harbour facility was expected to be the fourth marina in the Bahamas to attain Blue Flag status.

“BEST suggested that the developer look further into it,” the RDA notes said in summarising Mr Sullivan’s Blue Flag comments.

“Blue Flag Programme (BFP) is a recognition of excellence in matters of environmental awareness and

Businesses monitor air cargo fall-out From pg B2 withdrawal from the Bahamas market remains an option should the amendments to Customs regulation 147 not be reversed.

“I have been hearing lot of things. We got some flowers this week, but that was through Sonic and there wasn’t much kickback from that. Sometimes the other freight forwarders have their issues. We have to get our flowers in because we have clientele we have to service,” said a Bahamasbased florist.

Jim Whitehead, owner and operator of Nassau Florist ,told Tribune Business: “We haven’t had any problems. It hasn’t really affected me to this point. Everything seems to be OK. We really don’t have a lot of freight coming in.”

The shipping/cargo/logistics industry has been thrown into turmoil by the Budget amendments. In

common with the ocean shipping industry, the cargo airlines are especially concerned about the changes to regulation 147 in the Customs Management (Amendment) Regulations.

This requires all cargo planes to submit their C7 general declaration forms to Customs, detailing all freight items they are bringing in one hour before touching down in the Bahamas. While this will incur a $75 processing fee, any C7s submitted less than an hour before arriving in the Bahamas will be subjected to a $2,500 charge.

Air cargo operators will be subjected to a $5,000 per item fine for every “prohibited or restricted good” found on board. A fine equivalent to 25 per cent of the value will also be incurred for every item not declared prior to landing in Nassau.

THE TRIBUNE

Tribune Business.

“What I would have been concerned about, had I heard it, would have been that the marina’s construction would contribute to environmental degradation, not improve it.

“You’re starting point cannot be that you’re saving Little Harbour, but are not saying what you’re saving it from. If you don’t want the streets paved, don’t want to have the pollution dealt with, you’re doing it at the expense of individuals that have the potential to be employed by this developer.”

Executives from the Abaco Club and its principal owner, Southworth Development, told last week’s Town Meeting that they would seek to obtain the prestigious ‘Blue Flag’ status for the Little Harbour marina (see other article on Page 1B).

They also disclosed that testing by the Water & Sewerage Corporation in February 2016 revealed that Little Harbour is “unswimmable”, due to the unsafe level of human waste con-

tamination in its water.

Picking up this theme, Mr Rolle said yesterday: “Based on the feedback we got, there is no environmental management at [Little Harbour currently] at all, no provisions for pump out, and massive pollution taking place there now.”

The Minister called for the Bahamas to strike a better balance between economic development and environmental protection, and for activists committed to the latter cause to compromise and dialogue more frequently.

With the economy unable to grow fast enough to meet the job creation demands of an ever-expanding workforce, Mr Rolle implied that it was not in the national interest to obstruct legitimate investment projects.

“We are facing challenges nationally, and individuals with greater means have to be considerate of the actions they take on behalf of different groups,” he added.

“We have to be responsible. We only have one country, yet we continue to push

this zero sum game where somebody wins and somebody loses.”

The Minister did not make clear who the “individuals with greater means were”, but most of the Judicial Reviews have been launched by the Save the Bays or Coalition to Save Clifton, either by themselves or on behalf of ‘sister’ environmental organisations.

Mr Rolle said projects such as the Abaco Club, and its Little Harbour project, were vital to reducing the Bahamas’ 30 per cent youth unemployment rate, and providing jobs for those who will never go to college.

Without gainful employment, he suggested some young Bahamians would be tempted into a life of crime.

“A lady at the town meeting said to me that a number of kids are coming out of school and will never go to college,” Mr Rolle told Tribune Business. “If they do not get a job at the Abaco Club or somewhere else, they’ll potentially become our worst nightmare.

“When they file these Judicial Reviews, they have to consider the people impacted by this. Unfortunately, the Bahamas does not have the luxury of not developing the economy.

“We have no magic lamp we can rub so that the genie comes out and makes it happen. That’s not just at Little Harbour, but throughout this country.”

Calling for compromise and dialogue to address environmental concerns related to major development projects, Mr Rolle also urged Bahamians to trust the Bahamas Environment, Science and Technology (BEST) Commission to protect their interests.

Praising the professional and technical capabilities of BEST Commission employees, Mr Rolle said it frequently employed outside consultants, such as Black & Veatch, to assist its work.

However, BEST has no statutory basis in law, and it can only advise the Government - not insist that its recommendations be implemented.

responsibility in operating a facility. It is an eco-label that is trusted and recognised by the worldwide boating community.”

Mr Sullivan said existing Bahamas-based Blue Flag marinas are those at Atlantis, Bimini Sands and Cape Eleuthera, and said the designation consists of five components.

“There is the educational component. The developer has staff who will educate its boaters and other members of the public who may need it for the proper appreciation of the environment in the harbour,” the notes by RDA representatives state.

“Information will be available on how the developer is performing. The accreditation programme has to be renewed annually.

The developer would have to meet 25 performance criteria every year.”

There was said to have

been initial contact between the Abaco Cub and the Bahamas Reef Environmental Educational Foundation (BREEF), which is the local contact and liaison for the Blue Flag programme.

The developers also argued at the Town Meeting that Little Harbour was “not the environmental sanctuary” it was being made out to be, as human waste contamination had made swimming a health hazard.

Tom Southworth, Southworth Development’s vicepresident of development, said a February 2016 study by the Water & Sewerage Corporation had revealed “alarming” results.

“The developer has had its own concerns about waste contamination in Little Harbour for some time, based on eye witness accounts and watching boat discharges in broad day light and reports by resi-

dents of swimming in - and seeing - human waste,” the meeting notes said.

“The commentary from the last meeting (September 2015) led the developer to investigate further. The Water and Sewerage Corporation (WSC) conducted an independent study in February 2016 and the results, as feared, were alarming.

“E-coli and fecal contamination were found to be beyond safe levels, and indicative of human waste contamination and sewerage pollution. Unfortunately, Little Harbour is not the sanctuary that many have made it out to be. Irresponsible waste management practices have rendered the harbour unswimmable.”

The notes said this had changed the Abaco Club’s views on how waste from its proposed marina facility was to be collected and disposed.

“After consultation with the experts, the developer believes the most environmentally conscious approach is to store waste in a below-ground holding tank and bring it to the developer’s WSC-approved facility in Winding Bay for disposal,” the meeting notes said.

Mr Rolle told Tribune Business that it was “a known fact” that Little Harbour has a pollution problem requiring remediation.

“The developer is proposing to put in a pumpout system that currently doesn’t exist, and which has contributed to the pollution in some parts of Little Harbour,” he added.

“They’re proposing to organise Little Harbour a little better than it is now, and many people in the area have been thankful for the re-opening of Winding Bay.”

Strong attendance at first Yacht Show

From pg B3

and its importance to our nation. The concept is right and will only grow bigger and better. We’re expecting it to expand in all sort of ways, with more foreignbased yachts and companies to join next year.

“Antigua has a show, so why not the Bahamas?

We’re much closer to the yachting capital of the world and we have so much more to offer visitors, as well as locals. The more we showcase our beautiful islands and how to enjoy them, the more business we can anticipate, with this being especially advantageous to our marinas.

“As far as the show management was concerned, the execution was superb. It was very-well thought out.

The show organisers were eager to please and helpful.

They made sure everyone had a good time,” added Mr Bower.

“There was something for everyone. The local public and party planners enjoyed going on board the yachts. Now they know they can charter these luxurious craft for a day or for an event.”

The event’s sponsors included: * The Ministry of Tourism (partner) * Bay Street Marina (partner) * Green Parrot Restaurant * Island Wines and Spirits * Bahamas Local * Association of Bahamas Marinas (formerly the Marina Operators Association of the Bahamas) * Aqua Soleil, A la Plage Boutique, Blue Moon Resort Wear and Paradise Blue Surf Shop * Bahamas Out Island Promotion Board * National Marine Supplier

PUBLIC NOTICE INTENT TO CHANGE NAME BY DEED POLL The Public is hereby advised that we, CLIVE CORNISH and TA-TANISHA ANOUSH CLARKE of # Trotter Avenue, P.O. Box F-40721,Freeport, Grand Bahama, Bahamas intend to change our child’s name from TACHAINA AZURE DAWN CLAKE to TACHAINA AZURE DAWN CORNISH. If there are any objections to this change of name by Deed Poll, you may write such objections to the Chief Passport Officer,P. O. Box F – 43436, Freeport,G.B. Bahamas no later than Thirty (30)

days after the date of publication of this notice.

NOTICE

Triax International Fund Ltd. (Voluntary Liquidation)

Notice is hereby given that, in accordance with Section 138 (4) of The International Business Companies Act 2000 the above-named Company is in dissolution, which commenced on the 20th, day of June 2016. The Liquidator is Dillon Dean of Nassau Bahamas.

IAN BLACKMAN, BA’s customer service and operations head for North America and the Caribbean, is given a commemorative plaque at Lynden Pindling International Airport (LPIA) by the Ministry of Tourism’s director-general, Joy Jibrilu.

Photo/KEMUEL STUBBS

BA upgrade boosts Bahamian tourism

From pg B3

“The Bahamas has been the only Caribbean destination to have retained and maintained a Heathrow departure,” she said.

“All the flights from other Caribbean countries leave from Gatwick, and anyone who travels knows that it is much further to get to, much more expensive normally an overnight stay closer to the airport - and it would have effectively eliminated all of our European connections… Not only does it fly out of the UK, it connects with every European city.”

Ms Jibrilu added that before the upgrade, BA used

an old aircraft that was not used anywhere else in the world, and it created an issue with the Bahamas as a destination in terms of product.

“It’s about understanding how important a Heathrow departure and an upgraded plane matches the profile of Lynden Pindling International Airport (LPIA),” Ms Jibrilu said.

The passengers onboard the new aircraft were greeted by the sounds of the traditional goatskin drum as they entered LPIA. They were also greeted by Ministry of Tourism, Nassau Airport Development (NAD) Company and BA officials.

Certified General Accountants Association of The Bahamas NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN as follows:

(a) Certified General Accountants Association of The Bahamas is in dissolution. (b) In accordance with Section 226 of the Companies Act 1992 the dissolution of the said company commenced on the 2nd day of February, 2015 on the passing of a resolution by the Directors and members of the company. (c) The Liquidator of the said company is Errol Haines, of P. O. Box N-4911, Nassau, Bahamas.

Dillon Dean (Liquidator)

Errol Haines Liquidator

THE TRIBUNE

Tuesday, July 5, 2016, PAGE 5

Don’t make Moody’s a ‘political football’ From pg B1 concerning,” he told Tribune Business of Moody’s latest warning, which threatened to cut the Bahamas’ ‘Baa2’ rating by “one or more notches”.

“It’s not a surprise we’re there. It’s something we’ve got to work hard to get ourselves out of. We cannot see it as a Government of the Bahamas problem. It’s a Bahamas problem.

A two-notch cut would cost the Bahamas’ (and its Government) their investment grade rating, slashing this nation to ‘junk’ status, with all the implications that has for its borrowing costs and access, plus the ability to attract foreign investment.

Moody’s Friday announcement is also likely to have further dented an already-fragile confidence among the Bahamian business community, which is still struggling to recover from the blow delivered by the Baha Mar impasse.

With a general election less than one year away, Mr Sumner warned all political

parties against a partisan response that seeks to turn the Moody’s situation to their advantage.

“One thing that we don’t want to see happen, as we enter the political season, is we don’t want to see this kicked about as a political football,” Mr Sumner told Tribune Business.

“We need every person working hard to find ways to get us out of this situation. If the Government has to also engage members of the Opposition and other political organisations to come together and find solutions, they’ve got to do it.

“Anyone not coming to the table with a solution is aiding the problem. We cannot use this news to score any kind of political points.

It has to be a nationalistic and patriotic approach, not a partisan political one.”

Mr Sumner’s words, though, may be falling on ‘deaf ears’, as both the Free National Movement (FNM) and Democratic National Alliance (DNA) have already used the development to blast the Christie admin-

‘Deceptive indicators’ hurt Budget estimates From pg B1 forecasts were too aggressive, given that it has been forced to push back projections of a ‘GFS surplus’ by three full years to 20182019, Mr Bowe said: “In the Bahamas we use the term: ‘Mouth can say anything’.

“The reason I make that statement is because in the first instance, politicians are hoping: ‘Who’s going to remember what I said three years ago?’

“And for the average man in the street, how many will remember this year is supposed to be the year for surplus? There will always be excuses as to why that objective has not been achieved.”

Tribune Business recently revealed that the Christie administration projected in its 2013-2014 Budget that the GFS deficit (debt principal redemption is stripped out) would be eliminated by the close of the recentlyended 2015-2016 fiscal year.

However, it is now forecasting that this will occur in 2018-2019.

Mr Bowe, meanwhile, suggested it was a mistake for the Government “to go off GDP and percentages” in estimating its annual revenues.

He argued that it needed to dig deeper and analyse taxpayer numbers, combined with the level of taxes and account for inflation.

“We shouldn’t be making these key estimates on broad brush indicators,” the Chamber chairman told Tribune Business.

“All of these elements are what I would call misnomers and deceptive indicators.

“What we’ve found in the last two-three years, the primary reason for pushing out the Budget surplus is because revenues are under performing what has been projected.”

Prime Minister Perry Christie backed this up in his recent 2016-2017 Budget communication, disclosing that revenues for the 20142015 and 2015-2016 fiscal years had under-performed projections by $42 million

istration.

Both Moody’s and Standard & Poor’s (S&P) are due to visit the Bahamas this month to conduct their annual assessments of the Bahamian economy, and the strength of the Government’s growth and fiscal policies.

Whether Moody’s follows through with its downgrade threat depends heavily on how well the Government, and Bahamian private sector, are able to ‘sell’ the prospects of an improved fiscal performance and economic growth.

Should they fail to convince the New York-based credit rating agency that they will be able to deliver on these targets, a downgrade is likely to swiftly follow.

Asked how likely he thought this outcome, Mr Sumner told Tribune Business: “That will depend on the Bahamas’ response.

“Whether they go through or not with their threat to further downgrade depends entirely on how the Bahamas responds to this action. If they go through with this downgrade, we will have not one to blame but ourselves.

“We’ve said before that

the challenges with these ratings are coming out of our own doings as a country.”

Mr Sumner pointed to the ‘ease of doing business’, energy policy and costs, and the ability of small and medium-sized enterprises to access credit as areas that continued to hinder economic growth and job creation.

“These cannot be addressed in silos,” he added.

“They must be addressed in a meaningful, collaborative approach between the Government and the private sector. This will drive home the message that there must always be collaboration between the two to make this economy what we need it to be.”

Mr Sumner further told Tribune Business: “We should be able to recover this economy, growing it out and getting it back on sounder footing, and becoming the envy of the region again.

“Even though we are where we are now, we’re still ahead of many countries in the region. But we can be doing a lot better, and doing a lot better means identifying areas of weakness.”

The Chamber chief exec-

utive said the Government would require “a tough skin” to listen to, and work with, the Bahamian private sector on the reforms vital to boosting growth and economic competitiveness.

“The Government has to be open to constructive criticism from the private sector,” Mr Sumner added, “as the only objective is to grow and make better our economy for our people.”

He said it was critical for the Government and private sector to collaborate before Moody’s and S&P arrived in Nassau, so the two sides could both identify areas of weakness for improvement, and explain how they would work together on the strategies and opportunities to build the Bahamian economy.

Moody’s placed the Bahamas “on review” for a potential downgrade due to both its unexpected economic contraction and further deterioration in the Government’s fiscal position.

Moody’s move appears to have been sparked by Prime Minister Perry Christie’s affirmation of official Department of Statistics data showing that the Bahamian economy contracted by 1.7

per cent in 2015, following a 0.5 per cent shrink in 2014.

This contrasted sharply with previous positive growth estimates by both the Government, itself and the International Monetary Fund (IMF), prompting Moody’s to determine that the Bahamas is “unlikely” to hit its 1.5 per cent GDP growth potential in the short-term.

Apart from its shock at the revised negative growth numbers, Moody’s ‘review’ also appears to have been sparked by concerns that the Christie administration’s consolidation plan has yet to arrest the growth in the $6.6 billion national debt and related ratios.

It pointed out that “debt accumulation” has continued to increase, with the Government’s direct debtto-GDP ratio growing by five percentage points in two years to hit 65.2 per cent at the June 30 end to the 2015-2016 fiscal year.

And Moody’s also appears concerned that the Christie administration consistently fails to hit its Budget projections, and the adequacy and effectiveness of its policy responses to the Bahamas’ problems.

and $37 million, respectively.

He attributed both misses to GDP growth coming in below forecast, with the $42 million revenue gap in 2014-2015 helping to produce a $381 million deficit for the year - almost $100 million greater than projections.

And the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) recently criticised the Ministry of Finance’s budget estimates, pointing out that they were constantly too optimistic, and overly aggressive, under both the former Ingraham administration and the current government.

The last FNM government under-estimated spending in 2011 and 2012 by sums equivalent to 6 per cent and 4 per cent, respectively, while revenues in both years were over-estimated by 5 per cent of GDP. While the Christie government was able to cut spending below projections by a sum equivalent to 6 per cent of GDP in its first year, this was more than offset by a revenue over-estimate equivalent to 12 per cent of GDP. While it has done better

since then, revenues have been over-estimated by 3-4 per cent, with spending under-estimated by 3-5 per cent.

As a result, the Government has always been dealing with a deficit of 5-10 per cent of GDP between its Budget forecasts and the actual outturn.

“The estimates indicate a systematic overestimation of fiscal revenues and an underestimation of expenditure in most fiscal years,” the IDB report said.

“Budget preparation and execution in the Bahamas could be improved.

Prudence in budget preparation and execution are important determinants of the fiscal outturn, and can provide insights about the quality of institutions involved in the budgetary process.

“The adoption of fiscal rules, perhaps based on

structural fiscal budgets, accompanied by institutional strengthening of budgetary institutions, may be in order. Such would increase the credibility of fiscal policy, and perhaps reduce the cost of financing.”

Mr Bowe told Tribune Business that the Bahamas needed to switch from “creating expenditure Budgets based on artificial revenue targets” to ones that were based on previous years’ spending and revenue out-

comes.

“If you base your spending on what you hope materialises in revenue, for some reason we always over-estimate revenue and seem to spend what we earn,” he added.

“We should look at tying the numbers to spending what we had in the past, and if there are extra revenues, spend them later. We should not spend what we don’t have.”

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PAGE 6, Tuesday, July 5, 2016

Fiscal hawk fears politicians won’t ‘face the music’ From pg B1 threatened to downgrade this nation’s sovereign creditworthiness further.

With the credit rating agency not ruling out the loss of the Bahamas’ investment grade rating via a downgrade to so-called ‘junk’ status, Mr Lowe said the development confirmed what the Nassau Institute had been warning about for more than a decade.

“The Nassau Institute has been suggesting all along that if they [the Government] didn’t control their waste and their spending, and bring it to where it needs to be, this day would come,” he told Tribune

Business.

“It took a bit longer than anticipated, but we’re there now and we still don’t have an answer from the Government on how they’re going to turn this around.”

Mr Lowe queried why the Government had not seen fit to address the Bahamian people on the issue, given its potential negative impact.

“They gloss over things in Parliament as far as Bahamians are concerned, but they’re under scrutiny,” he said.

“I’m surprised there’s not a huge flight of capital at this stage, how it’s coming out. I don’t think we can

avoid a downgrade, do you?

We’ll have to deal with the fall-out.

“We knew this day was coming if they didn’t change course, anticipating growth that never came in.

We’re in the mess we’re in because they didn’t plan or take heed.”

The Government, in its first official response to the Moody’s threat, albeit four days later, implied that its strategy to ward off a further downgrade will rely on persuading the rating agency that it will execute on its strategies.

The Christie administration’s economic growth and fiscal consolidation policies are now effectively on trial, and being put to the test,

by Moody’s, who will need convincing that these will work and that the Govern-

ment is capable of delivering on them.

The Government, in its statement, said that 77 cents out of every $1 in new revenue raised since 2013 had gone to debt servicing.

That, though, indicates the huge costs (more than $260 million annually) involved in servicing the national debt, and raises questions about why the latter is still growing and why the GFS deficit is not being eliminated more quickly.

The Christie administration also touted a reduction in “operating expenditure” since 2013, even though the Government’s recurrent costs are projected to rise by $166 million in the 20162017 fiscal year.

It pointed to the Bahamas’ “favourable debt profile”, illustrated by the “uni-

THE TRIBUNE form maturity schedule” and the fact that more than three-quarters, 76 per cent, is held by locally-based investors.

“The rate of growth of government debt has declined steadily over the past three years, and with recent revenue enhancement measures and expenditure control efforts, it is expected that the increase in debt will halt and the level of government debt will begin to decline in absolute terms by 2018-2019,” the Government said.

It will also point to the introduction of ValueAdded Tax (VAT) to offset Moody’s concerns that the Government continues to miss its fiscal and Budget targets, and the national debt is still rising.

“The decision to place the ratings on review was prompted by the continuing rise in risks to the country’s medium-term economic prospects and to its fiscal strength, notwithstanding the Government’s ongoing fiscal consolidation programme,” Moody’s said on Friday.

“The review will allow Moody’s to assess the likelihood that economic growth prospects will improve, debt metrics will stabilise and government policy will effectively address its macroeconomic and fiscal challenges.”

Still, the Government said it was “confident that this review will reveal that medium-term economic prospects for the Bahamas are good, given projected foreign direct investment, the Government’s fiscal consolidation efforts and the implementation of innovative policy initiatives with respect to certain structural constraints the country has traditionally faced in the

energy sector and labour market”.

Many of these initiatives, though, are still in the ‘pipeline’ or early stages of implementation, and have yet to deliver the anticipated results.

The Government also appears to be placing significant weight on positive developments with the $3.5 billion Baha Mar project, an outcome that is again far from assured.

“Growth prospects for the Bahamian economy are also very good with the imminent restart of construction at Baha Mar and its subsequent opening,” the Government said.

“In addition, challenges within the energy sector are being addressed by the new private sector management team at Bahamas Power and Light, and the benefits of this will be realised in the short term.”

The Government is also falling back on foreign direct investment projects, arguing that they are producing “significant economic activity”, even though few have yet to materialise.

Trying to explain this away, it said: “While the archipelagic nature of the Bahamas at times creates a lag in economic activity in the Family Islands being reflected in official statistics, there is no question that the level of real economic activity in much of the major islands of the Bahamas is much higher than it was three years ago.

“The Government has also strategically entered PPPs to deliver growth enhancing infrastructure in New Providence and the Family Islands to support economic growth.”

These PPPs, again, were not identified.

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THE TRIBUNE

Tuesday, July 5, 2016, PAGE 9

B O DY A N D M I N D

Bahamas Heart Centre celebrates 26th anniversary

T

O help Bahamians determine if they have calcium buildup in their arteries, thereby allowing them to take proactive measures against potential heart disease, the Bahamas Heart Centre is offering a specialised scan at a discounted rate throughout the month of July in honour of the facility’s 26th anniversary.

Heart disease is the number one killer in both Bahamian men and women.

Heart attacks and strokes account for more death and disability than all cancers combined. Multiple screening tests are approved for subclinical cancers such as mammography for breast and colonoscopy for colon cancers. However, none is approved for subclinical atherosclerosis (a disease of the arteries characterised by the deposition of plaques of fatty material on their inner walls), which underlies most heart attacks and strokes. This void leaves many individuals, even those with severe atherosclerosis, unaware of their risks, because they have no symptoms.

Many Bahamians have been unexpectedly hit by heart attacks. Sadly, many of them die before reaching a hospital, leaving their loved ones in pain and grief.

What is especially sad is that most of these victims could have been alerted to their risk and possibly saved, had they been offered more than the routine and traditional cardiovascular risk assessment tests. With thousands of American men dying this past year from heart attacks, the Society for Heart Attack Prevention and Eradication (SHAPE) urged families to give dads a Father’s Day gift of a special heart attack risk assessment test in the form of a coronary calcium scan which determines the coronary calcium score (CCS).

A coronary calcium scan checks for the microscopic buildup of calcium in the walls of the arteries of the heart (coronary arteries). Calcium is attracted only to atherosclerotic plaque, thereby defining coronary artery disease, and is not usually deposited in otherwise normal arterial walls. Hence a score of zero is consistent with no atherosclerosis (the basis of most heart attacks), and therefore negligible risk of a heart attack in the immediate future (usually three to five years). This test can therefore be used to screen for coronary artery disease and heart disease in an early stage, and can also predict the severity of the disease.

Dr Conville Brown, cardiologist-inchief at the Bahamas Heart Centre at the Medical Pavilion Bahamas, agrees with Dr Morteza Naghavi, founder and chairman of SHAPE, that “testing” for traditional risk factors and having a normal “average” cholesterol and blood pressure is not enough. It is no guarantee that you will not have a heart attack or are not at risk for same. In fact, over 60 per cent of heart attack victims have “normal” cholesterol levels. A population-based, statistically normal cholesterol level may not be good for an individual. If your cholesterol is “normal” and your coronaries have plaques, that cholesterol is not normal for you.

July 1 marked the 26th Anniversary of Dr Brown’s return home to the Bahamas as an American Board certified internist and cardiologist, the establishment of the Bahamas Heart Centre therewith, and the introduction of Dr Brown’s “Partnered Care Model” that aims to offer affordable access to all for the many life-saving therapies that he has been instrumental in introducing and providing in the Bahamas. In celebration of this milestone anniversary, Dr Brown invites the general

The best gift to give those over 40

THE BAHAMAS Heart Centre on 72 Collins Avenue DR Conville Brown poses with his Bahamas Icon Award for Health

public to visit the Bahamas Heart Centre on 72 Collins Avenue, and be screened for heart disease by having a coronary calcium scan performed. The cost of $100 is extended to all for the entire month of July. His team of highly trained professionals will personally review each scan and provide complimentary advice on one’s score. “Knowing one’s calcium score can be a matter of life or death,” said Dr Brown. “Early screening and detection has been proven to save lives. “The best gift any one can give or receive is the gift of a longer, healthier and functional life.”

The Bahamas Heart Centre’s 26th will hold its annual corporate worship service at Christ The King Anglican Church in Ridgeland Park West on July 10.

Celebrations will also include a “Pathway to Wellness” health fair on Thursday, July 14, from 10am to 3pm on its grounds at the Medical Pavilion Bahamas. All 10 plus centres along with a number of health and wellness companies from around the Bahamas will advise and encourage that persons are headed in the right direction with their health. This event is free to all.

Dr Brown will be honoured by the Caribbean Cardiac Society in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the advancement of cardiology and cardiovascular care in the Bahamas and the greater Caribbean, and to the growth and development of the Society at its 31st Caribbean Cardiology Conference, to be held July 26-29, in Bridgetown, Barbados. Last summer, he was awarded the Bahamian Icon Award for Health.

DR CONVILLE BROWN’S 26 TIPS FOR A HEALTHY HEART AND LIFESTYLE 1. Educate yourself and your family by reading, listening lectures, researching on the internet, attending health fairs and asking probing questions and information of your health professionals.

2. Stop smoking.

3. Lose weight to achieve your ideal.

4. Make the majority of your foods low in fat, salt and calories.

5. Drink little or no alcoholic beverages.

6. Eat lots of fruit, veggies and fibre (antioxidants).

7. Control blood pressure (hypertensives).

8. Control blood sugar (diabetics).

9. Control stress and relax.

10. Exercise regularly: 30-60 minutes per day for five to seven days each week.

11. Follow your doctor’s advice KNOW YOUR NUMBERS! 12. Your ideal body weight for your height (BMI).

13. Your blood pressure should be ≤ 120/80 14. Your heart rate should be ≤ 70 15. Your glucose or sugar should be ≤ 110 16. Your cholesterol total should be ≤ 200 17. Your cholesterol HDL should be M ≥ 40; F ≥ 50 18. Your cholesterol LDL should be ≤ 100 19. Your triglycerides should be ≤ 150 20. Your cardiac risk should be ≤ 3.5 - 4.5 21. For men, PSA blood test should be < 4 22. Your coronary calcium score should be 0 - 10 23. Know the emergency numbers: 911 or 919 24. Know your doctor’s, your neighbour’s and a close friend’s telephone number in case of emergency.

25. Remember, prevention is much better than cure.

26. Remember to thank the Almighty for our health and His many, many blessings, Bahamas.

The importance of deep scaling GUM diseases are responsible for almost all the loss of teeth in the world’s adult population.

Although this is a very shocking reality, many adults continue to devote insufficient attention to the health of their mouths. Ultimately, the gums will demand attention and require some type of treatment. In many instances of gum disease, one of the early treatments is “deep scaling”.

What is deep scaling?

Deep scaling is a non-surgical dental procedure that falls under treatment for gum diseases. The treatment requires the dentist to reach between the teeth and under the gums in order to remove deep unwanted debris.

Why is deep scaling performed?

Deep scaling is performed because whenever there is trapped

How does debris get trapped under the gums?

Dr Sparkman Ferguson Registrar of the Bahamas Dental Council debris (dental calculus) under the gums, the gums become swollen and painful. The deep scaling is then performed to remove this debris that is deep under the gums and between the teeth.

If debris is getting trapped under the gums, it is one of the signs that some form of gum disease maybe underway. Further, it may suggest that the disease has already caused bone loss between the teeth. Because of this bone loss, a space is created between teeth, which is called a “pocket”.

Within this pocket (a physical space) hard crusty dental calculus accumulates and attracts other food particles to it thereby filling the pocket with debris.

in dentistry?

is performed?

After it is determined that deep scaling is the indicated treatment for a patient, a dental local anaesthetic is administered to deaden the affected gums. With special scaling instruments, the dentist or dental hygienist then get it between the teeth and under the gums and remove all the debris from the pockets. The roots of the involved teeth form a part of the boundaries of the pockets and these root surfaces are scaled and cleaned during the treatment also.

If deep scaling is performed, a group of positive effects take place. First of all, the debris will no longer be impinging on the gums, nor will it be lodged on the root surfaces of teeth. As a direct result of not having the constant irritation by the dental debris, the gums begin to heal, gum bleeding begins to recede, and the normal colour of the gums begin to return.

In a matter of weeks after the deep scaling, improvement can be measured in the depth of gum pockets, and can be seen in the overall appearance of the gums.

What happens if deep scaling is not performed?

Persons in need of deep scaling include those who have accumulated sub gingival debris, and those who are suffering from periodontal disease.

If deep scaling is not performed, sub gingival debris would go unchecked, and periodontal disease would progresses. The gums would then get redder, more swollen, and more painful.

Ultimately, there will be more bone loss, increase in pocket depth, and teeth becoming shaky.

How is deep scaling performed

What happens after deep scaling

Who needs deep scaling?

In conclusion, should your general dentist or periodontist (gum specialist) recommend the “‘deep scaling” procedure for you, it should be seriously considered.

The mere recommendation would have suggested that the condition and health of your gums was already in jeopardy. Such treatment would then put your gums back on the road to health.

PAGE 10, Tuesday, July 5, 2016

THE TRIBUNE

Toxic emotions: Anger – Part IV THIS is the last week I will be discussing the toxic emotion anger. As we look around today at what is going on in society, we realise that collectively we have serious anger issues.

Domestic violence is on the rise. Simple disagreements are ending in single and double homicides. Loved ones of individuals lost are angry and taking the law into their own hands.

School children are being hurt by peers and by the parents of disgruntled peers. While I fully understand that anger is not the sole cause of such actions and outcomes – alcohol, poor conflict resolution skills, and access to illegal weapons all play a role – we cannot deny that our anger issues need to be addressed, and that anger is a significant factor in these situations. And although we may not be able to control those around us, we do have the ability, no matter how infuriated we may become – even justly so – to control ourselves. Today we look at some more of the ways to curtail our anger response and bring it to a state of equanimity.

Let’s say that you employed the tips we discussed in the previous article. Among your actions you have identified your stressors; you made an effort to avoid the situation; you recognise when you are getting angry and you valiantly tried not to get furious. But it happened: despite all your efforts you exploded like bomb in “The Angry Birds” movie, and here you are, irate once again. This is the time for you to diffuse and implement these “healthier, safer alternatives”.

One of the quickest things you can do to take your fury down a notch is to change the scenery.

Walk out of the office or house, or off the passport line, and go for a short walk. This is an excellent way to remove yourself from the situation and avoid further stressors, which may only serve to

Dr Monique Thompson push you over the edge.

Taking deep breaths will increase the amount of oxygen getting to your brain, which will in turn help you to think more clearly. The increased oxygen will help relax muscles, get your body out of “fight or flight” mode by activating your parasympathetic nervous system and getting your body to a state of “rest and digest”. For those of us who experience a knot in our stomachs when we get emotionally worked up, breathing deeply will help relieve this.

Ever notice how people who are angry would stretch their neck, or deeply rub their foreheads or temples? That is because massaging or stretching tense muscles in the forehead (frontalis and procerus for example), neck, shoulders and upper back will also help foster relaxation during an angry moment. It also feels really good.

Counting slowly to 10 (or to 100 for some) may seem too simple of a tactic, but this time gives your brain the opportunity to be rational and catch up with raging emotions. During a fit of rage this is a very important time frame in putting a stop in episodes outbursts.

If you are able to, exercising is also a great way to diffuse anger.

STIMULATE the Shen Men point in your ear for a calming effect It is a natural stress reliever, and a way to stimulate the body to release the “feel good” hormones, endorphins. In making exercising work as a stress reliever, it is best to not let anger fuel your workout, or be your focus while working out. Listening to music that you know has a calming effect on you can be a healthy distraction during exercise. On a slightly different note, it would be remiss of me to not call attention to the health benefits of sex as a stress reliever in a healthy, wholesome

relationship.

There is an auricular acupuncture point (located on the outer ear) that is widely known for its calming and sedating actions. It is called Shen Men, or “heavenly gate”. It’s specific location is in the apex of the triangular fossa of the ear. You can also search for “Shen Men ear point” on Google images to see exactly where it is.

The good news is that to stimulate this point, you do not need needles. You can simply pinch the area with your fingers and ap-

ply pressure steadily and gradually for three minutes.

Three minutes is ideal, but benefits can be had from a bit more or less time. Controlled, deep breathing during this time is an added benefit. Each point that is stimulated will feel somewhat different when you press it, so it is not uncommon for the point to feel tense, sore or ache. You can employ this quick, easy, free therapy at any time.

Finally, a part of addressing anger that is problematic in our lives is to know when to seek help. Undoubtedly, for some to effectively address the deep seated anger they have, professional intervention would be necessary. Some factors that can indicate that it may be time to seek professional assistance can include being angry all the time; anger being the only emotion you can express; personal, professional and social relationships being negatively impacted because of your anger; expressing anger as violence; or incurring problems with the law. If this paragraph describes what you or a loved one experience, reaching out to the right person or professional can yield great benefits.

In closing, anger is just one of the numerous toxic emotions we experience. Managing it correctly is important, especially in light of the fact that too often, uncontrolled and unchecked anger leads to the development and persistence of other toxic emotions that we will explore in upcoming sessions.

• Dr Monique Thompson is the founder of Cornerstone Healing Institute, an integrative family medicine clinic, and can be contacted at 356-0083 with any questions/comments. Visit www.chibahamas.com for more information. This article is not intended to diagnose or treat any medical condition.

(L TO R) Sherrilyn Wallace, Ministry of Health; John Bush, political/economic officer, US Embassy Nassau; Dr Kathleen Israel, PAHO/WHO representative for Bahamas; Leah Davis, senior manager, marketing and public relations, Scotiabank; Dwight Burrows, director of retail banking, Northern Caribbean, Scotiabank; Dr Perry Gomez, Minister of Health; Maisie Evans, acting permanent secretary, Ministry of Health; Dr Nikkiah Forbes, director of the National HIV/AIDS and Infectious Diseases Programme; David Allen, political/economic chief, US Embassy Nassau; Dr Bridgette Rolle, section head, Bahamas National Drug Council.

SCOTIABANK volunteers assist at HIV Testing Day on June 24.

Bahamians support ninth annual HIV Testing Day

A CONDOM demonstration by SASH Bahamas

CLOSE to 1,000 persons were tested during HIV Testing Day on Friday, June 24, in Rawson Square on Bay Street. The annual regional event is hosted

by Scotiabank, in conjunction with the National HIV/AIDS Programme Ministry of Health, PEPFAR and other partners.

Scotiabank branches across the Caribbean led the charge in providing private and confidential locations to facilitate voluntary HIV counselling and

testing. This year, 17 countries participated. In the Bahamas, HIV testing was free. Those who got tested received phone cards and gifts, while supplies lasted. Healthy lifestyle counselling, glucose and cholesterol screenings, blood pressure readings, and preventative tools were also offered at no charge.

Dr Nikkiah Forbes, director of the National HIV/AIDS and Infectious Diseases Programme, led stakeholders on a

guided tour of the testing site.

The Caribbean Broadcast Media Partnership on HIV/ AIDS under the aegis of Scotiabank and local government agencies across the Caribbean have leveraged their strengths towards a common goal since 2007. In its ninth year, more than 70,000 people in 21 countries have been tested through this initiative.

The goal is to have tested at least 100,000 people in the Caribbean by 2017. Regional Testing Day 2015 was a resounding success with 16,655 persons being tested across the Caribbean. In 2015, 110 of those 16,655 people tested positive for HIV.

Scotiabank employees raise sickle cell awareness SCOTIABANK employees throughout the Bahamas, including in New Providence, Freeport, Exuma, Andros and Abaco, wore T-shirts and jeans to commemorate World Sickle Cell Day last month.

“Community is at the heart of all we do at Scotiabank. Our employees enthusiastically supported this initiative raising public awareness of sickle cell disease and contributing funds to the BSCA. The bank also made a donation to the (Bahamas Sickle Cell Association),” said Leah R Davis, senior manager of marketing and public relations at Scotiabank.

Each year, June 19 is recognised by the United Nations as World Sickle Cell Day. According to the World

Health Organisation, sickle cell anaemia is one of the world’s foremost lethal genetic diseases that have severe physical, psychological and social consequences for those affected and their families. Further, it is estimated that 500,000 persons are born every year with this severe and incapacitating condition.

Fifty per cent of them die before reaching age five.

Here in the Bahamas, the Sickle Cell Association was founded in 1981

by Dr Patrick Roberts and a group of civic-minded individuals, some of whom were personally affected by the disease were instrumental in its formation. The association was formed to increase public education and awareness of sickle cell disease in the country and to lessen

EMPLOYEES at the Rawson Square complex and Leah R Davis, senior manager of marketing and public relations, present Vanessa Miller and Jayme Gomez of the Bahamas Sickle Cell Association with a donation.

the effects of its impact on those with the disease.

Sickle cell disease is a severe blood disorder that

affects haemoglobin, the protein found in red blood cells that help carry oxygen throughout the body.

Sickle cell anaemia occurs when a person inherits two abnormal genes (one from each parent) that cause

their red blood cells to change shape. Normally cells are smooth and discshaped, these cells are more stiff and curved in the shape of the old farm tool known as a sickle – that’s where the disease gets its name. Instead of moving through the bloodstream easily, these sickleshaped cells are not flexible and can stick to vessel walls, causing a blockage that slows or stops the flow of blood. When this happens, oxygen can’t reach nearby tissues. The lack of oxygenated tissue can cause attacks of sudden, severe pain, called pain crises. Sickle cell disease is a life-long illness. The severity of the disease varies widely from person to person.

THE TRIBUNE

Tuesday, July 5, 2016, PAGE 11

A new queen is crowned Miss Teen Bahamas International

T

HE Bahamas has a new teen queen. Ariannah Wells-Bain was crowned Miss Teen Bahamas International (MTBI) on Sunday night after impressing the crowd with her stage presence and wit.

Ariannah made a lasting impression on the judges and the audience with her short stature and unique, for local pageantry, Rastafarian background. The high school student, whose platform was “Overcoming Discrimination”, walked away with a handful of trophies and a scholarship to Liberty University worth $90,000.

“I am absolutely thrilled, exhilarated and excited, I can’t wait to begin my reign,” said Ariannah. “I am humbled by the faith all of the judges had in me, and I’m already excited to represent my country, myself and God. It honestly feels as though my soul has prospered through the 12week programme.”

Runner-up, Lezlia Jones, received a $30,000 scholarship to Liberty University, and second place winner Marechan Burrows received a $20,000 scholarship.

All of the other young ladies also received partial scholarships.

Anthony Smith, MTBI’s national director, said the academic partnership with Liberty University has added a priceless component to the pageant. Not only has MTBI become an enrichment programme that teaches the young ladies makeup application, self-defence, counselling, fitness, communication, videography, and more, but, it has now become an important gateway to tertiary education for the young ladies, he said.

“MTBI attracts a specific type of lady,” said Mr Smith. “Some of these young women were already leaders in their schools and communities, and some of the others chose the enrichment programme because they want to become leaders.

“So what’s unique about this year is this academic partnership with Liberty University, which has given us scholarships that are

ARIANNAH Wells-Bain wins the Miss Teen Bahamas International 2016 title.

Parenting of boys WHEN people say they pray over their children, what does that mean?

Does it mean that they go to church and leave their children at home while they pray for them to be delivered from all harm?

In a society where more than 50 per cent of homes are headed by single mothers and where more than 70 per cent of the church going population is female, yet the young people are absent from the pews, what are we doing to pray for our children?

Parenting means that we must be active participants in our children’s lives. This is especially important for young boys who lack positive role models in their communities. We can spend hours and days and months on our knees praying to the wrathful God of the Old Testament and neglecting your children, especially our sons, abandoning them to the watchful eyes of the streets, but what occurs is not a blessing or a guided redemption, but a young boy who is vagabonding all over the neighbourhood and beyond with a group of young people that parents would usually hate to see them with.

Their time spent at church has created a void in the home that allows their sons and daughters to

Dr Ian Bethell-Bennett be led astray, a task they pray that would not happen. Prayer alone will not work in this case, unfortunately.

Raising children requires more time spent at home with them and less time spent out doing good deeds. Being involved in children’s lives means spending time with them, doing interesting things with them, taking them places, building imaginations that extend beyond television and popular culture.

One of the problems we face is that children are led into practicing the images they see on the screen. They only ever see negative images, and we as parents spend so little time with them that our influence is nullified by the television and the streets. If Sun-

days are the only days that can be spent with children, why not dedicate that time to them? This does not mean that they miss religion, but that we build them into people we would like them to be.

Listening to young kids reveals a serious disconnect in families.

It shows that in many families parents spend most of their time working. They have no time to “play” with children because, as they say, “I don’t have time to waste.”

But it is in this wasted time that children learn positive lessons.

When parents, especially single parents, are out all day at work, and then out all night at the second job just to keep a roof over their heads, how do they fill the need in their children for their love? Do they supply them with things that are meant to replace them? Do they spend more money on them? Do they allow them to get away with bad behaviour?

It is ironic that the very structure that we argue builds a society can actually be destroying our societies and communities because it consumes all the energy and time parents may have when they are not at work.

In the confines of many churches, children are not encouraged to explore creativity, they are not encouraged to expend energy being physical, they are discouraged from running around and being loud as the church tends to be a place of quiet reverence. This is

“I’ve taken such a burden off my mother.

It’s incredible for me to know I was able to help with my own education.

She is happy, and that makes me happy.” not the kind of atmosphere children need in order to thrive and they often become vexing discipline problems for mothers deeply committed to their faith.

This discipline problem often means that children are left at home on Sundays while their mothers are at church from 9am to 3pm and then they come home to sleep, rest and take it easy before heading back to work on Monday.

There is no child-focused time in their day. Young girls and boys long to spend time with parents, and they long to explore and be creative and active. As adults hemmed in by our social constructs, we see this as taking time away from God. We need to play ball with them, take them out, spend time talking, listening and being together with them.

We cannot expect this society built on consuming everything, where bad behaviour is rewarded by freedom from prosecution and where murder is usually paid for by years on parole until someone sees the culprit and takes revenge on him or her, to prosper.

In a society that is quickly becoming a revengeful place where vendettas are paid for with young boys and girls being drawn in by big dealers to do small jobs and then to do bigger jobs, and ultimately to become hired hands for violence and crime, let us not be fooled into thinking that the time we spend at work all week

Who is responsible for your personal performance?

ANNUAL evaluation or performance appraisal is a method by which an employee’s job performance is documented and evaluated. Even though performance evaluation can be somewhat stressful, they offer a opportunity for employers to determine if you are performing adequately and offer you a chance to evaluate yourself.

It is the latter opportunity that is most often ignored. The habit of self-evaluation is the only surefire way for you to assess your personal performance. So often employees allow their personal performance to be shaped by the limits of their job descriptions. In other words, they perform just to get past the evaluation, which is often motivated by promotions or increased benefits.

The result of which leads many personal performances being “ordinary”, “average”, or worse, “below average”. In my early working years, I had a conversation with myself about what specific attributes I possessed that would enable

Michelle Miller Motivationals

Michelle M Miller me to become an “outstanding” employee. I knew that I didn’t want to just ‘fit in’ but stand out.

So I pondered questions – like did I arrive at work ahead of time?

Was I willing to stay late? Did I produce quality work? What about my work ethic? What kind of attitude did I have?

These soul-searching questions

early in my career pushed me to be my best and set in motion the habit of ongoing self-evaluation.

As I watched myself excel through many amazing opportunities, it soon became abundantly clear to me that I was fully responsible for my personal performance. Once I “owned it”, I could literally change the game for my career.

Because while my employer was responsible for setting my job description and providing the framework to execute it, I alone was responsible for how it would be executed. The quality of my work and the timely manner in which it was produced was all up to me.

The same is true for you. Only you can determine how well you will perform.

I heard this question asked at a motivational seminar about Kobe Bryant (now retired). If Kobe was fired from the Lakers, was it likely that Kobe would easily get another job with another team? Of course he would. The bigger question was, would Kobe get that job

with another team simply because he played for the Lakers or because performed for the Lakers?

Needless to say, Kobe Bryant’s personal performance was what set him apart from the rest. Who do you think was responsible for Kobe’s performance?

Indeed, there’s a big difference between just playing for a team compared to performing for a team. Similarly, there’s a difference between working for a company and performing for that company. You, and only, you are responsible for your performance; you must own it.

Taking responsibility for your performance gives you confidence to self-evaluate. One of the more powerful assets of a high performance individual is having a cooperative attitude. Your attitude is the glue that holds your personal performance together.

The right attitude opens many opportunities for you to excel. In many instances, having the right attitude is often better than having the right qualifications.

retroactive to our 2014 and 2015 pageant contestants. This says a lot about the impression we’ve made on them with this enrichment programme.”

Ariannah said the scholarship to Liberty University has eased at least one worry for her family.

“That’s the most exciting part,” she said. “I’ve taken such a burden off my mother.

It’s incredible for me to know I was able to help with my own education. She is happy, and that makes me happy.” The field of 18 young women was a mix of public school, private school and college students, which gave the judges a tough two days of scoring. The private judges’ interview accounted for 40 per cent of the overall score for each contestant, while evening gown, fitness, and fashion couture each accounted for 20 per cent each.

“This year was exceptional.

A lot of the young ladies who participated in this year’s pageant demonstrated their capacity for research and retention of information on their various platforms,” said Mr Smith. “They were all very prepared to perform on pageant night, and it was a difficult decision the judges had to make. All the young ladies came highly qualified, and all were very impressive.”

Ariannah will go on to represent the Bahamas in Jacksonville, Florida, this summer at the Miss Teen International competition.

Meanwhile, Lezlia will represent the Bahamas at Miss Teenager Universe in Guatemala.

Marechan, along with special category winners Duranique Minus and Ashley Thompson, will represent the Bahamas at Miss World’s Perfect Jr Teen.

“I’m most looking forward to sharing my platform on an international level,” said Ariannah.

“Now that I have the opportunity to take it to an international arena, it will be so exciting to share my knowledge, and gain knowledge from other people.” and in church all weekend is paid for with good children. Children need all the commitment we can muster, because when we leave them alone there are seriously unscrupulous people who prey on them and their innocent natures.

The Dudus event (named after infamous drug lord Christopher Michael “Dudus” Coke) in Jamaica speaks volumes to what happens in a society where drug dealers are respected leaders and there is no degree of separation between them and other leaders.

It shows the danger of violence on both sides: the state uses violence to control the criminals it creates, and the criminals use violence to express their anger at the state that has failed them.

As families, as parents, we are absolutely failing our children. By leading them in no direction, by spending no time with them, by offering up prayers for their welfare but not praying with them, we are leading them to seek out more involved alternatives that foster violence and allow anger to fester.

Can we try at least to become more engaged parents? This effort will go miles in making our entire society healthier. We cannot stand back as parents and not ask where our children are getting money from when we know we are not giving it to them.

• bethellbennett@gmail.com No matter how qualified you may be, if you have a bad attitude nobody wants to work with you and your personal performance will suffer.

Leader to leader, recognise that you alone are responsible for your personal performance. Find ways to adopt the right attitude, go that extra mile, take initiative, get to work ahead of time and offer your assistance beyond your job description.

Ultimately, once you accept responsibility for your performance you will always find opportunities to thrive. Moreover, many opportunities will begin to chase after you, as opposed to you having to chase after them. The ball is on your side of the tennis court; volley it with confidence. In so doing, you position yourself to live an empowered life. Yes, you can do it!

What do you think? Please send your comments to coaching242@ yahoo.com or 429-6770.

• Michelle M Miller is a certified life coach, communication and leadership expert. Visit www. michellemmiller.com; mail can be sent to PO Box CB-13060.

SECTION B

TUESDAY, JULY 5, 2016

Zemi Holland goes deep with second edition of her inspirational book

By ALESHA CADET Tribune Features Reporter acadet@tribunemedia.net

J

UST a year after the release of her first book called “I Gave It To The Pages”, Zemi Holland is back with a new and improved second edition which she hopes will help young readers overcome hurt and prevent self-destruction.

Faced with the sudden death of her mother at age 12, Zemi turned to poetry and short stories as a means of coping with the oftentimes overwhelming pain of her loss. Since her mother’s death, many other tragedies followed: she experienced an abusive relationship, as well as the loss of other mother figures in her life and a series of heartbreaks.

While many would sink into despair under these circumstances, Zemi chose to write; giving all her pain to the pages.

The second edition of “I Gave It To The Pages,” Zemi said is a better product in terms of layout, content and quality, and a better reflection of herself.

She said she wanted to go deeper and truly aid in the healing of others with her work. This is the reason Zemi decided to add more photos, poetry, an author’s note and a reflections section to the book.

“The reflections section is a huge favourite of mine because I was able to ask questions that took a deep dive into the thoughts and feelings of my readers. I asked questions and left space for answers in hopes that my readers will ‘go there’; face their deepest hurts and release it all to the pages, as I did. I want my readers to truly see that pain doesn’t last forever. That

AUTHOR Zemi Holland meets with readers at a recent book signing.

Photos/ICAPTURE PHOTOGRAPHY

there is beauty on the other side of your trials,” she said.

After the release of the first edition last year, Zemi was asked to speak before crowds of young women and men. It was during that time that she realised that young people were her target audience and that she could share with them her story of overcoming loss, abuse, and more.

For young readers, Zemi said, her story can potentially save persons from years of hurt and self-destruction.

“Although I wanted the poems in the book to be a raw reflection of who I was at the time each poem was written, I realised that I had to adapt the content for my readers. I removed all profanity from the book and shared the story of my abusive relationship in a way that maintained the emotion, but without so much of the imagery. Now I feel confident in my work. No matter which hands my book falls into, I know it will be in the right place, at the right time,” said Zemi.

Monique Hinsey will once again be hosting her signature College Preparation seminars

By JEFFARAH GIBSON Tribune Features Writer jgibson@tribunemedia.net FOR the third consecutive Summer, Monique Hinsey is dedicating her time to helping students get prepared for the next step in their education: college.

Ms Hinsey has been in the educational field for over 20 years, starting out as a guidance counsellor in the private school system. She currently serves as an educational consultant with the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology where she oversees several college readiness initiatives and the newly established public school scholars programme.

She is also the founder and president of Global College Access and Mission: College-Bound, where she uses her knowledge, skills and network to train students and parents to access higher educational opportunities.

Ms Hinsey’s 2016 Summer College Preparation Bootcamp aims to give participants the tools they need to become college ready.

“As a culture, we have missed many opportunities to prepare our children for college. Most parents and students believe they are being progressive in the 10th and 11th grade in their college prepa-

ration pursuits. However, studies show that early preparation – as early as elementary school – is essential for the college admission process and the rigor of college that lies ahead,” she told Tribune Woman.

This year’s camp will include three separate workshops for elementary, junior and high school students wishing to master the journey of their high school years and then to make a successful transition to college. Each camp session has been strategically designed to assist students as they transition throughout each phase of their secondary years.

The presenters for the weeklong camp have more than 90 collective years of experience and knowledge in the field of college and career counselling.

This year’s camp will be held at the Kingsway Academy Activity Centre from July 12 to July 16.

The one-day “Making the Transition” workshop will be held on July 12 from 8.30am to 3pm. It is specifically designed for sixth grade students transitioning into the seventh grade.

“This workshop was birthed as a result of me watching my 12-yearold twin daughters struggle as they transitioned from sixth into the seventh grade. The students will learn skills and tips on how to

successfully make the transition along with pertinent skills like note taking, study skills, building positive relationships and other skills to become successful high school students,” she said.

The two-day Student Success Symposium from July 13 to 14 is geared toward current seventh, eighth and ninth grade students.

Those sessions will lay the foundation for successful student development.

Students will become aware of their learning styles, note taking strategies and study skills. Students will also map out their high school plan and understand the importance of balancing academics and extracurricular involvement.

The two-day College Preparation Boot Camp from July 15 to 16 is for current 10th, 11th and 12th grade students and even recent high school graduates. The educational and informative sessions will equip students with cutting edge information and tools for college admissions.

“This intensive, fast-moving workshop is for students who have a desire to attend college, but are in need of the support and assistance to navigate the college application and college admission processes. Students will possess a better grasp of what colleges are

MONIQUE HINSEY looking for. They will learn strategies to complete the components of a college application; gain insight on how to prepare for the SAT and ACT, and draft college and scholarship essays. Mastering these components will boost their college acceptance rate. We will teach students strategies to seek out scholarships locally and abroad to assist in reducing the costs (and in some cases eliminating the financial pressure) of getting a college education,” said Ms Hinsey.

As a college consultant and scholarship strategist, Ms Hinsey said she realised that there are some key things students need to be working on to better prepare them for the opportunities that exist.

“Just knowing how much mon-

It is a gratifying feeling for the fairly new author to present a quality product to the masses. She believes persons often just want to write a story or a book without caring about the quality.

“Quality matters to me. My book is a reflection of me. I wanted it to look like it was published by a top publishing house, even though it was self-published and compiled by me. I added new poems, I added photos, I added questions to the audience and I also elaborated on where I was mentally when some of the poems were written. I’ve also added a few dates to the poems so that my readers can have context. They can see my development through reading a poem written when I was 14 and reading another written when I was 25. Ultimately, you see growth, intention and purpose,” said Zemi.

She encouraged all aspiring authors to dispel all fear, tell their stories and never be afraid to ask for help if needed.

“There are so many avenues available now that make launching a book easy and enjoyable. I think so many need to hear this: just write; write it all down. You can always clean it up and polish it over time, but just write. Someone out there needs to hear your story.

Someone out there is depending on your obedience,” said Zemi.

The second edition of “I Gave I To The Pages”is available for purchase at the Logos Bookstore, Harbour Bay. It is also available on Amazon in print and on Kindle. Readers can also find a few copies of the first edition at the National Art Gallery and at the Island Made Gift Shop in Gregory Town, Eleuthera.

ey in scholarships are available to international students fuelled me. After realising how many other countries were successful in acquiring millions of dollars in scholarships for their students, I accepted the challenge to go out and connect students to the millions of dollars that are out there in scholarships. Sometimes it’s all a matter of asking and I have never been scared or shy to ask on behalf of Bahamian students.

So I decided if this meant independently running boutique programmes to reach students much earlier, I would do it to ensure that more Bahamians were prepared to embrace local and international educational market opportunities. I make it my business to help Bahamian students learn what colleges are looking for and fine tune their college and scholarship application skills so they don’t miss out on the colossal opportunities that are available,” she said.

Ms Hinsey said she is determined to make sure Bahamian students are prepared to take full advantage of any opportunity they that comes their way.

In September of last year, Ms Hinsey released her first book, “A Road Trip Guide To College”, an informative and motivational guide to assist parents and students to navigate the road to college. This book is the manual for her signature College Preparation seminars.