07182017 business

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‘Red line must be drawn’ at BOB AGM

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

DARRON CASH

A PROMINENT Bank of the Bahamas investor yesterday said “a red line must be drawn” over its future at the upcoming annual general meeting (AGM), after it missed a second dividend payment to preference shareholders.

Darron Cash, the former FNM chairman and senator, he would be “aggressively pursuing” shareholder resolutions at the August

2 meeting in a bid to obtain specific details on any turnaround plan for the troubled BISX-listed institution.

Warning that minority investor patience had been stretched to breaking point, Mr Cash warned that the Minnis administration will “be fooling itself” if it believes a new Board is sufficient to solve all Bank of the Bahamas’ woes.

Calling for “leadership changes” at the management level, he also cautioned the Government against giving See PG B4

Troubled bank misses second pref dividend Govt ‘fooling itself’ if thinks new Board enough Ex-FNM chair urges management shake-up

Baha Mar chairs: BAHAMAS ‘LEFT BEHIND’ ‘CCA reneged on WITHOUT TRANSPARENCY making us whole’

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net THE Florida supplier at the centre of the Baha Mar ‘completion’ controversy yesterday hit back by accusing the project’s main contractor of reneging on promises to make it “100 per cent financially whole”.

Gerald Shavartsman, Source Outdoor’s chief executive, alleged in an affidavit filed with the south Florida federal court that China Construction America’s (CCA) Bahamas contract manager, Natalia Dwornik, had initially pledged to “make good monies owed”.

That referred to sums owed to Source Outdoor prior to Baha Mar’s Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection filing in June 2015, and Mr Shavartsman said this promise induced it to resume working with CCA on the project’s lounge chairs.

However, he claims that just two months after Ms Dwornik’s promise, CCA performed a ‘u-turn’ and warned Source Outdoor that it was “unlikely any further payments can be made”.

The Florida supplier is claiming to still be owed more than $332,000, and its legal filings yesterday questioned the motivation for CCA (Bahamas) assertion that it may suffer “irreparable harm” as a result of its

Florida supplier hits back on $332k debt Says chairs ‘not a Picasso or Michael Jordan’ Asks if CCA seeking cover for finish miss potential failure to deliver 1,420 lounge chairs.

Source Outdoor said it was personally aware of two-three other companies that manufactured a similar product, yet argued that CCA was making its products out to be the equivalent of “a Monet or a Picasso”, or “a basketball that is signed by Michael Jordan”.

And it openly questioned in its legal filings whether CCA was using the ‘lounge chairs’ dispute as a smokescreen, or cover, for other unknown reasons that might cause it to miss Baha Mar’s October 15 ‘substantial completion’ deadline.

“Nowhere does CCA’s affidavit indicate that CCA is otherwise on schedule for timely completion, absent delivery of these particular chaise lounges,” Source Outdoor alleged. “Are they? Are there any other delays or issues that may impact substantial completion?

See PG B6

By NATARIO McKENZIE Tribune Business Reporter nmckenzie@tribunemedia.net

THE Bahamas will “continue to be left behind” unless it becomes fully transparent, amid suggestions yesterday that the Government could save $13 million annually through procurement.

K Peter Turnquest, Deputy Prime Minister and minister of finance, said the Government “cannot hide” the country’s challenges from the Bahamian people, and pledged to lay out this nation’s economic and financial performance “good and bad”.

Speaking at the launch of a $33 million InterAmerican Development Bank (IDB) project to reform the Government’s financial management and procurement systems, Mr

DPM: We ‘can’t hide’ from Bahamian people

$13m procurement savings via IDB project Turnquest bemoaned the “frustrating” lack of access to quality statistical data in the Bahamas.

Refuting recent Opposition charges, Mr Turnquest said it was “ridiculous” to suggest that the Government should be less transparent on the state of its finances and the economy. He added that the project would bring “meaningful change” to the Government’s management of its fiscal resources, and improve its ability to collect See PG B3

DIONISIO D’AGUILAR

OBIE WILCHCOMBE

OBIE: ‘DON’T HALT GROWTH IN MIDDLE OF SOWING SEEDS’

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net THE former Minister of Tourism yesterday questioned his successor’s decision to amalgamate four US offices into two, saying: “You can’t stop growth in the middle of sowing the seeds.”

Obie Wilchcombe told Tribune Business that See PG B5

Says give LA, D.C tourist offices ‘a chance’ Closures to hit Govt’s GB film location plan Dionisio: 50% of visitors ‘buying online’

Near 40% of public workers ‘temporary’

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net ALMOST 40 per cent of public sector workers are temporary employees, the Chamber of Commerce’s chief executive revealed yesterday, depriving them of job security and benefits.

Edison Sumner, speaking at the launch of a $33 million project to reform the Government’s financial management and procurement systems, said the fact four out of 10 public sec-

Unfair not to have ‘proper status’ Chamber chief urges e-Govt roll-out Calls for decisionmaking reforms tor workers are temporary was uncovered in crafting the National Development Plan.

See PG B3

PAGE 2, Tuesday, July 18, 2017

THE TRIBUNE

Brewery shrugs off $10m storm costs COMMONWEALTH Brewery shrugged off more than $10 million in Hurricane Matthew-related damage and business interruption costs to post a 45 per cent year-over-year profits increase for 2016.

The vertically-integrated, BISX-listed brewer foreshadowed an improved 2017 financial performance at its recent annual general meeting (AGM), confirming it had become the Bahamian distributor for British American Tobacco’s (BAT) products.

“While 2016 had its share of challenges, we remain confident that Commonwealth Brewery is positioned on the right track for sustainable gains in revenue and profits in 2017 and the coming years,” said Hans Neven, its chief executive and managing

Posts 45% profit increase for 2016 Takes over Bahamas BAT distribution director.

For the year to May 2017, Commonwealth Brewery said its retail and wholesale trade were benefiting from significant growth. Kalik brands and Heineken both outperformed 2016’s results.

The beer, wine and spirits distributor told shareholders at its sixth AGM that revenues for the 12 months to end-December 2016 came in at $117.8 million.

Commonwealth Brewery finished the year with $81.1 million in total assets, and total comprehensive in-

come of $17.1 million - an increase of more than 45 per cent over 2015.

More than 100 shareholders attended the AGM, re-electing members of the Board including Julian Francis, who has served as chairman since the company went public in 2011, Mr Neven, Eugene Ubalijoro, Ed Fields, Dennis Hanna, Guido De Boer and Patricia Hermanns.

Hurricane Matthew caused major damage at the company’s 150,000 squarefoot brewery at Clifton Pier, as well as two retail stores in Grand Bahama and Abaco.

“Total damage and business interruption costs amounted to more than $10 million,” said Mr Neven. He also praised employees who assisted in restoration of the Brewery,

COMMONWEALTH BREWERY DIRECTORS adding: “I wish to thank them again publicly, and let them know that we were beyond impressed; we were moved by their dedication”.

Commonwealth Brewery also donated more than $250,000 to its employees to assist with their

individual recoveries following the hurricane.

In 2016 the number of retail stores increased to 57 stores nationwide. The new unifying brand and logo was also introduced, 700 Wines & Spirits. The Todhunter-Mitchel local

rums, Ricardo and Ole Nassau, were also rebranded in 2016. The Heineken 16oz can and Kalik Light Platinum were launched in 2016 as well with resounding success. Similarly, Coors Light has seen phenomenal growth.

Bahamas attorney gains Maritime Law Masters A CALLENDERS & Co associate has successfully completed her Masters in Maritime Law, earning an LLM (Dist) from the Maritime Law Institute in Malta.

Syneisha Y. Bootle becomes one of only seven Bahamians to have graduated from the Institute, with two former graduates

applying the knowledge to public sector positions.

“We are extremely pleased to congratulate Syneisha Bootle on this accomplishment,” said Fred Smith QC, Callenders & Co’s managing partner.

“Callenders has had a long history as pioneers in maritime law under the direc-

tion of senior attorneys, including Lester Mortimer and the late Colin Callender.

“Ms Bootle strengthens the level of expertise at a time when the Bahamas will enjoy greater opportunities than ever before to play an important role in maritime affairs, as new cruise ships

and commercial vessels are commissioned and built at record pace, and seek registration and business with reputable, efficient jurisdictions.”

Ms Bootle, who did her dissertation on the the Bahamas’ Marine Insurance Act 1908, detailing the need for reform to comply

with standards set by the UK’s Insurance Act 2015, including the regulations against dumping at sea, earned her first Associates in Law and Criminal Justice degree from the College of the Bahamas.

She then attended Keele University in the UK, earning an LLB. Ms Bootle completed the LLM Bar Professional Training Course (BPTC) with a ‘Very Competent’ classification at Northumbria University in the UK in 2015.

While completing the Bar, Ms Bootle, also obtained a Masters Degree in Marine Insurance from the same Northumbria University.

She was awarded the Ede and Ravenscroft Prize for the best Masters Project.

While studying in the UK, Ms Bootle attained the qualification of Accredited Mediator through the London School of Mediation, and was called to the Bar of England and Wales (Lincoln’s Inn) in July 2015.

SYNEISHA BOOTLE She was called to the Bahamas Bar that same year, and joined the Nassau office of Callenders & Co, where she had interned for six consecutive summers.

Ms Bootle is a member of the International Federation of Women Lawyers, the Honourable Society of Lincoln’s Inn and the Bahamas Bar Association.

THE TRIBUNE

Tuesday, July 18, 2017, PAGE 3

Near 40% of public workers ‘temporary’ From pg B1 “In the work of the National Development Plan, it was determined that nearly 40 per cent of all persons working in the public sector were still considered temporary, meaning they are non-permanent and nonpensionable employees, clerical or miscellaneous,” Mr Sumner said.

Implying that this had implications for public sector and civil service reform, he added: “The question becomes: Is it possible to streamline the public sector? Is it possible to downsize to those who are permanent and pensionable?

Or should we make temporary employees permanent?

“It is unfair to have individuals continue within the system without proper status, particularly those who have been there for many years. We must identify incentives for persons working within the public sector to encourage improvement of performance. Incentives may not necessarily be financial, but could also include comfortable working environments or skills and development opportunities etc.”

Mr Sumner also urged the conversion of all government services and systems to electronic platforms, in

a bid to boost public sector efficiency and enhance the ‘ease of doing business’ for the private sector.

“When considering public sector transformation, we must also identify ways to improve the systems within which we operate— those that make life easier for both public servants, as well as those they serve,”Mr Sumner said.

“For example, the conversion of all government services to electronic portals and single window processes will not only streamline services but reduce wait times, allow application tracking and online payment, reduce paperwork and use of paper products, eliminate corruption or collusion and improve the effective collection of taxes and fees.

“E-government also improves communication between inter-government, government and the general public.” He added that it was also a potential solution to the problem of accessing government services on the Family Islands.

The Chamber chief also called for an end to legislation that made ministers all-powerful, with the discretion to override statutory authority, and urged a decision-making structure

Bahamas ‘left behind’ without transparency From pg B1 data and provide quality statistics.

As a businessman, the Deputy Prime Minister said it was frustrating to try and put together a business plan without having access to basic statistical data.

“It’s not necessarily that it doesn’t exist; it just doesn’t exist in one place and isn’t available to public,” he added. “We intend to be a transparent government, and a part of that is laying out the national statistics, good and bad.

“Only in acknowledging our weaknesses are we able to address them and introduce well thought-out strategies to fix them. We cannot hide from the Bahamian people those challenges that we have. We want to be graded as a government and a country on the facts. Unless we are transparent we will continue to be left behind.”

Mr Turnquest told Tribune Business: “The suggestion that we somehow be less than transparent, in particular to the Bahamian people and the rating agencies, who

where not all issues have to be referred to the top.

“Part of the strengthening of government services is distribution of authority so that necessary decisions can be made without going through the Minister or other higher power,” Mr Sumner said.

“By ensuring that policies and procedures are in place and fully comprehended by those with the remittance to provide service, the level of bureaucracy will be mitigated.”

Mr Sumner added that economic growth and development relied upon fiscal prudence, good public policies and leadership, and implementation of the ‘rule of law’.

“During the recently held fourth annual National Conclave of Chambers of Commerce in the Bahamas, the [Chamber] had the opportunity through various discussions and working groups to understand some of the challenges faced by public sector professionals,” he added.

“As a result, participants have collectively began crafting solutions to many of the obstacles and bureaucracies which hinder the effective management of the public sector and impede the ease of doing business.”

Darville: ‘No concerns’ over legality of NHI

are international observers, is a ridiculous suggestion.

That has led us to where we are we are today.

“We are not benefiting from the feedback of those who have suggestions that may help us to improve. We are committed to be transparent and above board in all our dealings.”

Mr Turnquest added that the Bahamas has gone through a “rough period” economically, and greater efforts must be made to boost the economy. “We believe that we must focus on how we can turn around the economy, and increase employment and private sector wealth creation through business opportunities,” he said.

By NATARIO MCKENZIE Tribune Business Reporter nmckenzie@tribunemedia.net THE Opposition’s shadow Minister of Health yesterday asserted that the legal parameters were in place for the Christie administration to launch National Health Insurance (NHI), saying there was “no need for any concern”.

Speaking with Tribune Business over concerns expressed by the Bahamas Insurance Association (BIA) over the ‘legality’ of NHI’s pre-election implementation, Dr Michael Darville, told Tribune Business that legal advice from the Attorney General’s Office and the NHI Secretariat’s inhouse attorneys convinced the Christie administration to proceed.

The former government rolled out NHI’s then$100 million primary care on May 1. According to an NHI bulletin last week, more than 25,000 Bahamians and legal residents have enrolled in the scheme todate.

“The Act went into force on April 5,” Dr Darville said. “We didn’t enact it in its entirety; just certain

parts. The Minister responsible gave the permanent secretary the authority to go ahead, and start the client [enrolment] process.

“The reason we didn’t enact the complete Bill is because we needed to put in place the Board [for the NHI Authority], and it was so close to the election that the Board itself would have been so questionable and its life would have only been a month or two.”

Dr Darville’s comments support several of the BIA’s contentions. The insurance body yesterday called into question the acts undertaken by the former administration to implement the plan given that the NHI Authority Board had not been appointed.

The BIA said the Government had enforced Parts I, II and Section 45 of the National Health Insurance Act provide for the establishment, functions and powers of the NHI Authority, the establishment of the NHI Fund and other financial provisions. “All other aspects of the NHI Act have not yet been given the force of law, including the parts that establish the NHI plan, outline the eligibility for NHI, provide for enrollment for NHI and establish the

framework as well as functions of regulated health administrators and health care providers,” it added.

Dr Darville replied: “We believe that based on the advice of our in-house attorneys at NHI, as well as the Attorney General’s Office, that we had the legal authority in order for us to implement NHI and to set up the capabilities to do what we had to do.

“We felt that we were in the parameters of the law. Looking at it, we believe that Section 9 of the Bill covers all of that and so there is no need for any concern.”

Dr Darville added: “I don’t think we have anything of any major concern.

We did get legal opinions concerning it, and those opinions verified that the minister responsible, under the Bill, had the ability to enforce Parts I & II and give the permanent secretary of the NHI Authority the go-ahead for the contractual agreement with the providers and begin to set everything in motion. I believe that the legal parameters were in place for us to move the way we did to launch NHI during our term in office.”

“We want to transition people from government jobs, or even jobs in the private sector per se, to creating wealth and opportunity for themselves.”

Mr Turnquest said that the IDB project, combined with the Minnis administration’s ‘intense’ expenditure review and enhanced revenue collection, would help to narrow the deficit. “We believe that there has been far too much wastage over the years,” he added.

The $33 million project was approved by the IDB in

July 2014, but only received Parliamentary approval in February 2016. The project consists of four components. The first will focus on strengthening the management capacity of the public sector to monitor priority projects and programmes more efficiently and effectively.

The second component will aim to improve the ability of the Government to collect data and produce quality statistics, while the third will deal with public financial management, with the objective of improving efficiency

in how public funds are allocated.

The fourth component aims to modernise the public procurement system by promoting efficient market competition and value for money.

According to the IDB, the Government will save more than $13 million annually from a centralised, more modern public procurement system.

Mr Turnquest promised that public procurement will become much more transparent and competitive to the benefit of the Bahamian people.

IT’S BEGINNING TO LOOK A LOT LIKE

Jollification November 17th, 18th - 19th, 2017 The Bahamas National Trust is accepting applications from vendors wishing to exhibit at the Christmas Jollification Arts and Crafts Festival. Crafts must be original and made in The Bahamas.

Forms may be collected from the BNT office on Bay Street Business Centre. Deadline for application is August 18, 2017.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Call: 393-1317 OR e-mail: bnt@bnt.bs

PAGE 4, Tuesday, July 18, 2017

‘Red line must be drawn’ at BOB AGM From pg B1 Bank of the Bahamas “carte blanche, unqualified support” until signs of a sustained turnaround emerged.

Mr Cash was speaking after Bank of the Bahamas confirmed on Friday that it will miss a second semiannual dividend payment to preference shareholders due to its weak financial position and solvency challenges.

Capital markets sources familiar with the situation said Bank of the Bahamas had informed preference

shareholders that it was “not allowed” to make the dividend payments, although it did not explain why.

“One has to kind of join a few dots, but I think that the Central Bank wouldn’t let them pay the dividend,” one source said, speaking on condition of anonymity.

“The explanation would be that Bank of the Bahamas has not fully met the capital requirements the Central Bank has.”

They added that Bank of the Bahamas executives had informed them they were “working on some plans” that could allow payment of

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Shareece E. Scott Liquidator

THE TRIBUNE a preference share dividend if successful, but no details were provided.

This is likely to involve some kind of capital raising, and the August 2 AGM’s timing suggests that the BISX-listed institution and the Government, as 82.58 per cent majority shareholder, may be hoping to unveil their strategy then.

Tribune Business revealed earlier this year that holders of Bank of the Bahamas’ class A, B, D and E preference shares had not received their customary year-end dividend for 2016, and now the BISX-listed institution has confirmed the mid-year payment will not be forthcoming.

The non-payment comes after Bank of the Bahamas became embroiled in a legal battle with the Central Bank over the latter’s regulatory impositions, and continuing losses that have added to the $120 millionplus in ‘red ink’ that has accumulated since its October 2014 ‘bail out’.

The bank’s latest financials showed that its total comprehensive loss for the nine months to end-March 2017 jumped by 69 per cent year-over-year, growing from $6.707 million to $10.793 million.

With the increasingly grim situation at Bank of the Bahamas’ showing little sign of improvement, Mr Cash told Tribune Business: “There really ought to be a red line drawn at this AGM. At some point it should not get worse. At some point it has to begin to reach a turnaround posture.”

He accused the former Christie administration of doing “very little to almost nothing” to address the problems plaguing Bank of the Bahamas, headed by a loan portfolio where a staggering 46.07 per cent, or $234.886 million of the $510 million book, was non-performing at end-June 2016.

Describing the bank as “a financial institution on the brink of collapse”, Mr Cash added: “This is an organisation where survival at this juncture is almost 100 per cent contingent on the support of the Government of the Bahamas.

“Without the support of the Government of the Bahamas, the organisation would collapse.... At this juncture, we do not know the full complement of the Board at Bank of the Bahamas. For an institution that is highly troubled, that is not acceptable.

“The Board ought to have been announced already, and some information put out in specific terms on what the Government intends to do to turn the organisation around, and what the new Board intends to do to turn the bank around. The failure to name a full Board does not inspire.”

The Minnis administration has named financial services professionals, Wayne Aranha and Anthony Allen, as the bank’s chairman and deputy chairman, respectively.

Attorneys Kirk Antoni and Ruth Bowe-Darville have also been named as Bank of the Bahamas directors.

Mr Cash, though, said minority shareholder confidence was low because the previous Board had “lacked financial acumen” and failed to address investors’ numerous concerns.

Calling for change to go deeper beyond the Board level, he added: “It is criti-

cal going into the AGM that minority shareholders be given some indication as to whether there will be meaningful changes at the executive level.

“The fact that, at this stage, the bank is unable to meet its commitments to preference shareholders gives the impression none of the turnaround initiatives enunciated by the executive leadership at previous AGMs have worked.”

Mr Cash continued: “Going into a new administration with a new Board; that is basically a maximum of half the change needed to turn the organisation around or inspire confidence that the people people governing it have the capacity to do it.

“I cannot be just a new Board, but executive changes at the bank. The Government will be fooling itself if it thinks just changing the Board is enough.’

The former FNM chairman also warned Deputy Prime Minister, K P Turnquest, “to be extremely careful” in his vocal public statements of support for Bank of the Bahamas and its current management.

“Within four months he will own everything the previous government has done,” Mr Cash said of the Deputy Prime Minister.

“The existing administration within the bank have not done enough to demonstrate they are still deserving of this government’s unquestioning loyalty and support.

“I would be very cautious in giving carte blanche support until such time as these guys produce, and shareholders can see what is different with the new administration.”

Mr Cash also urged the Government to use the upcoming AGM to clarify whether it supported, and

will see through, plans announced under the previous administration and Board to appoint independent directors to Bank of the Bahamas’ Board to represent minority shareholder interests.

To-date, the Board has been 100 per cent dominated by directors appointed by the Government, but Mr Turnquest previously announced his support for the initiative.

Still, Mr Cash told Tribune Business: “I will be aggressively pursuing to bring some shareholder resolutions before the AGM. “There are a lot of unanswered questions and issues that ought to be addressed at the AGM, and perhaps this administration will be more forthcoming in presenting information and details as to how to turn this bank around.

“There are a number of issues about the governance of the bank under the previous regime that ought to have a more open discussion in an AGM in terms of the policy decisions made by the former Board that were of questionable nature,” he added.

“We’ve given the previous Board and management latitude to demonstrate their ability to follow through and turn the bank around. Certainly in the minds of shareholders the history has been that we cannot rely on the Board and management to provide meaningful information.

“The previous statements about turnaround, profitability have not borne fruit, so specifics about what is going to happen going forward should be discussed at the AGM so people walk away with enough information to decide whether to burn their share certificates.”

THE TRIBUNE

Tuesday, July 18, 2017, PAGE 5

Obie: ‘Don’t halt growth in middle of sowing seeds’ From pg B1 Dionisio D’Aguilar should have given the Washington D. C. and Los Angeles tourism offices “a chance for another year or two” before deciding to combine them with the New York and Houston locations, respectively.

In particular, Mr Wilchcombe questioned how the Minnis administration would be able to successfully market Grand Bahama as a TV and film location without a strong, permanent presence in Los Angeles and Hollywood the global entertainment industry’s hub.

The former minister was responding after Mr D’Aguilar confirmed the two consolidations, which are intended to save $1 million in annual costs. The new Minister of Tourism said his ministry had no choice but to find such cost savings, otherwise it would have to slash its ‘reason for being’ - its marketing and promotional spend.

Mr D’Aguilar suggested to Tribune Business that the Los Angeles and Washington D.C offices had delivered little value since they were opened under the former Christie administration some two to three years ago.

And he argued that the Bahamas needed to adjust its marketing and tourism business model, given that “at least 50 per cent” of this nation’s stopover visitor base purchased online, rather than through the travel agents serviced by his Ministry’s overseas offices.

“We’ve recalled 12-15 people back to Nassau, and the savings will be $1 million,” the Minister told Tribune Business, denying that any jobs would be lost as a result.

“We’re basically trying to determine what’s essential to our performance in the US, and what can be done in Nassau. If we feel those positions are not essential in the US, we recall them back.

“This takes into consideration that we’ve had a 20 per cent cut in our Budget, and we’re trying to spend the people’s money wisely.

If we cut nothing, then that $14 million [Budget cut] comes right out of our marketing Budget,” he added.

“We’ve got to make funds available to do the

marketing. That’s our primary function: To sell and market the Bahamas. If there’s fat we’ll cut it to free up money for our marketing mandate, and attracting stopover visitors to the country. We’re looking at the low hanging fruit.”

But Mr D’Aguilar’s comments, and Mr Wilchcombe’s response, also highlight significant differences between FNM and PLP administrations when it comes to marketing an industry that accounts for more than 60 per cent of Bahamian GDP output.

The former minister yesterday explained that the Washington D. C and Los Angeles offices were opened in a bid to expand the Bahamas’ US source markets beyond its traditional Florida and northeast corridor staples, and grow airlift to this destination.

Mr Wilchcombe said he believed it was vital to have ‘boots on the ground’ and a physical Bahamas’ presence in these areas, as it was the only way to cultivate the business relationships that would boost this nation’s tourism business.

“The reason I had those offices open was I thought it important to nurture those markets because we’d been out of them, and the way the US economy grows, you’ve got to have a presence,” the former minister told Tribune Business.

“I thought it was important for us to re-open those markets and maintain them. Obviously there’s a cost, but you have your people on the ground in a more competitive environment than ever before.

“You must have persons on the ground to market it, and get more airlift. We needed to get more airlift to keep average hotel occupancies up to 75-80 per

cent.”

Mr Wilchcombe added: “I’m from the old school.

I don’t criticise the Minister; I know what it is to walk into that chair. I understand his position, but you’ve got to spend money to make money and be out in the market.

“With so many competitors out there, and spending considerably more than I have, I have to use human resources to build relationships. I find it more important to have the bodies there. The work is over there.”

Suggesting that the tourism office consolidations may have been premature, the former minister said of his successor: “I thought he’d give it a chance for a year or two to see how it works before making a decision.

“You can’t in the middle of sowing the seeds stop the growth.”

Budgetary and fiscal pressures seem to have forced Mr D’Aguilar’s hand, but Mr Wilchcombe argued that Los Angeles was important to the Bahamas for several reason, not least because it and other US west coast cities could provide an air link for Chinese tourists.

He added that the city could also be vital to the Minnis administration’s Speech from the Throne pledge to market Grand Bahama as a TV and film location.

“The Government wants to establish a film centre in Grand Bahama,” the former minister said.

“Maintaining an office in Los Angeles assigned to develop and sell the idea to film studios, producers and directors et. all should be considered.”

Mr Wilchcombe then emphasised why he thought the Washington D. C. tourism was required, saying: “We established a relationship with the Washington Redskins to build a presence in their marketplace.

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“Co-branding with such a major brand gave the Bahamas a major presence in a powerful city. Several months ago, the team’s iconic players came here for a weekend and brought with them a good number of guests.

“The potential is enormous. With a Bahamasair direct flight from Washington, tourism growth from the Washington, Virginia and surrounding areas will follow.”

But, rather than ‘boots on the ground’, Mr D’Aguilar indicated that the Ministry of Tourism will increasingly focus on electronic and social media marketing during times of fiscal austerity.

“At least 50 per cent of people coming to the Bahamas buy online,” he told Tribune Business.

“Our business model has

changed; we need to change with it.

“Do you need to build an office to move into this area? You can build satellite offices and build from there. The requirements for offices, rent and administrative personnel to run them are no longer critical.

We want people on the road to perform our number one mandate, which is to grow the destination.”

Implying that the Los Angeles and Washington D. C. offices had failed to deliver ‘value for money’, Mr D’Aguilar added: “The money didn’t grow, and we spent all this money, and we don’t think this [the consolidations] will have any effect on the MO of stopover visitors.”

The Minister said the consolidation idea had come from his staff at the Ministry of Tourism, and

was not something being driven by himself.

“This is what the technical people suggested,” he told Tribune Business.

“This is not me. I asked them where we could save money, and this is what they came up with.

“I find it odd that people expect us to keep the status quo. Given that we are Budget and resource challenged, we need to focus on ways to spend the people’s money wisely. We can’t keep operating the same old way when your Budget has been cut to reduce the deficit.”

Mr D’Aguilar said that unless the Ministry of Tourism and other government agencies found cost savings, the Bahamas will “be back in the same position one year from now running huge deficits and facing another downgrade”.

PAGE 6, Tuesday, July 18, 2017

THE TRIBUNE

Baha Mar chairs: ‘CCA reneged on making us whole’ From pg B1 “Logically, it is also important to remember that we are talking about chaise lounges here. We are not talking about a product (eg delivery of drywall framing) that one would assume

may hold up completion of other items necessary to achieve substantial completion (hanging drywall, achieving a particular level finish, and painting).

“In addition, because the CCA affidavit did not see

NOTICE

NOTICE is hereby given that CHRISTOPHER HUMES of Peadale Street, New Providence, Bahamas is applying to the Minister responsible for Nationality and Citizenship, for registration/naturalization as a citizen of The Bahamas, and that any person who knows any reason why registration/ naturalization should not be granted, should send a written and signed statement of the facts within twenty-eight days from the 11th day of July, 2017 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, Bahamas.

fit to include a copy of the underlying contract related to such liquidated damages, the claimed ‘facts’ here leave more questions than answers. For example, how is that clause drafted? Are there limitations on it or conditions related to it?”

Source Outdoor, bizarrely, relied on Tribune Business’s July 3 report on CCA’s complaint for much of its evidence. This newspaper pointed out that CCA’s failure to complete Baha Mar on time, and on budget, and missing three previous completion deadlines was what forced the original developer, Sarkis Izmirlian, to file for Chapter 11 protection.

The Florida supplier also picked up on this newspaper’s reporting of CCA’s relationship with its fellow Chinese state-owned entity, the China Export-Import Bank, and the contractor’s seat on the claims commit-

tee that disbursed $101.5 million to the project’s creditors.

“One is left to wonder at least what is the true relationship between CCA and others involved in connection with the project,” Source Outdoor added. “If the relationship is closer than is alluded to thus far

by CCA, that would tend to refute CCA’s claimed separation from any responsibility of others, and instead support a connection that may render CCA liable in and of itself.”

And, emphasising that there is nothing “peculiar or unique” about its products, Source Outdoor added: “Simply put: We are not talking here about a Monet or a Picasso; a basketball that is signed by Michael Jordan or any NBA player for that matter; a baseball card of Hank Aaron or any Hall of Fame MLB player for that matter; a personal memento that carries with it memories of times past for one who claims to be its rightful owner; or even an antique piece of furniture.

In this particular instance, we are simply talking about chaise lounge chairs that can be purchased openly on the market.”

Mr Shavartsman, meanwhile, said Source Outdoor had initially sold $1.886 million worth of furniture to

Baha Mar via its purchasing agent, Purchasing Solutions International (PSI), prior to the Chapter 11 filing.

The company then received a letter from Raymond Winder, the Deloitte & Touche (Bahamas) partner who was one of Baha Mar’s receivers, confirming that they had “authorised CCA to complete transactions carried out with you on behalf of the Baha Mar companies”.

This was accompanied by a November 28, 2016, email from CCA Bahamas’ Ms Dwornik, who corresponded with Source Outdoor’s national accounts manager, Candice McCarthy.

Ms McCarthy informed the CCA executive on December 7, 2016: “Unfortunately, we’re owed a lot of money from Baha Mar. If you’re willing to pay for what’s owed, we’ll be willing to help you with anything we can.”

This prompted Ms Dwornik to reply the same day: “We appreciate the debt situation and we are making good the monies owed. So please send me all the details as requested.

“I can then make out new CCA purchase orders so we can settle the debts and have all the outstanding orders completed.”

Mr Shavartsman said Source Outdoor began dealing with CCA (Bahamas) as a result of that email, but was then informed on February 8 that “it is unlikely any further payments can be made” due to a review by management.

Ms Dwornik had warned in a February 1 e-mail that Baha Mar’s Deloitte &Touche receivers “have a fundamental problem with the $450,000 deposit monies paid previously, none of which is being honoured by Source Outdoor”.

This prompted Mr Shavartsman to write that Source Outdoor had been forced to apply $352,677 to “mitigate losses” caused by an inability to deliver product to Baha Mar when it was in Chapter 11, while a further $32,822 was incurred for storage fees.

“You have also advised us that it is unlikely that any further payments can be made,” he told Ms Dwornik. “That is certainly problematic as we will need a resolution of any and all financial matters prior to manufacture of and/or delivery of further materials.

“We need to start with some sort of assurance that Source Outdoor will be made 100 per cent financially whole.”

This prompted CCA (Bahamas) contract manager to reply on April 12, 2017: “Your debt with Baha Mar Ltd is not something that CCA Bahamas are responsible for”.

Mr Shavartsman alleged: “Had CCA not indicated that they would make good on the outstanding financial responsibilities to Source, Source would not have proceeded with CCA as it did.

“Despite such indications from CCA, CCA failed to - and refused to - make good on such promises and responsibilities.”

TO ADVERTISE TODAY IN THE TRIBUNE CALL @ 502-2394 PUBLIC NOTICE

MARKET REPORT MONDAY, 17 JULY 2017

INTENT TO CHANGE NAME BY DEED POLL t. 242.323.2330 | f. 242.323.2320 | www.bisxbahamas.com

BISX ALL SHARE INDEX: CLOSE 1,864.40 | CHG 0.03 | %CHG 0.00 | YTD -73.81 | YTD% -3.81 BISX LISTED & TRADED SECURITIES 52WK HI 4.38 17.43 9.09 3.60 2.41 0.13 6.50 8.60 6.00 10.60 14.49 2.52 1.60 6.00 10.00 11.00 10.00 6.90 12.51 11.00

52WK LOW 3.65 17.43 8.19 3.50 1.47 0.12 3.80 8.35 5.83 10.05 10.00 2.18 1.45 5.80 8.75 8.56 7.90 6.35 11.92 10.00

1000.00 1000.00 1000.00 1000.00

900.00 1000.00 1000.00 1000.00

PREFERENCE SHARES

1.00 106.00 100.00 106.00 105.00 105.00 100.00 10.00 1.01

1.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 105.00 100.00 100.00 10.00 1.01

SECURITY AML Foods Limited APD Limited Bahamas Property Fund Bahamas Waste Bank of Bahamas Benchmark Cable Bahamas CIBC FirstCaribbean Bank Colina Holdings Commonwealth Bank Commonwealth Brewery Consolidated Water BDRs Doctor's Hospital Famguard Fidelity Bank Finco Focol ICD Utilities J. S. Johnson Premier Real Estate Cable Bahamas Series 6 Cable Bahamas Series 8 Cable Bahamas Series 9 Cable Bahamas Series 10 Colina Holdings Class A Commonwealth Bank Class E Commonwealth Bank Class J Commonwealth Bank Class K Commonwealth Bank Class L Commonwealth Bank Class M Commonwealth Bank Class N Fidelity Bank Class A Focol Class B

CORPORATE DEBT - (percentage pricing) 52WK HI 100.00 100.00 100.00

52WK LOW 100.00 100.00 100.00

SYMBOL AML APD BPF BWL BOB BBL CAB CIB CHL CBL CBB CWCB DHS FAM FBB FIN FCL ICD JSJ PRE CAB6 CAB8 CAB9 CAB10 CHLA CBLE CBLJ CBLK CBLL CBLM CBLN FBBA FCLB

SECURITY Fidelity Bank Note 17 (Series A) + Fidelity Bank Note 18 (Series E) + Fidelity Bank Note 22 (Series B) +

SYMBOL FBB17 FBB18 FBB22

Bahamas Note 6.95 (2029) BGS: 2014-12-3Y BGS: 2015-1-3Y BGS: 2014-12-5Y BGS: 2015-1-5Y BGS: 2014-12-7Y BGS: 2015-1-7Y BGS: 2014-12-30Y BGS: 2015-1-30Y BGS: 2015-6-3Y BGS: 2015-6-5Y BGS: 2015-6-7Y BGS: 2015-6-30Y BGS: 2015-10-3Y BGS: 2015-10-5Y BGS: 2015-10-7Y

BAH29 BG0103 BG0203 BG0105 BG0205 BG0107 BG0207 BG0130 BG0230 BG0303 BG0305 BG0307 BG0330 BG0403 BG0405 BG0407

BAHAMAS GOVERNMENT STOCK - (percentage pricing) 115.92 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00

104.79 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00

MUTUAL FUNDS 52WK HI 2.07 3.95 1.96 170.77 146.34 1.49 1.67 1.58 1.10 6.99 8.54 6.15 10.52 11.46 10.46

52WK LOW 1.67 3.04 1.68 164.74 116.70 1.43 1.64 1.54 1.04 6.41 7.62 5.66 8.65 10.54 9.57

LAST CLOSE 4.27 15.85 9.09 3.60 1.47 0.12 4.00 8.60 6.00 10.48 10.01 2.55 1.56 6.00 9.75 8.10 9.75 6.90 12.50 10.00 1000.00 1000.00 1000.00 1000.00 1.00 100.00 100.00 100.40 100.00 100.00 100.00 10.00 1.01 LAST SALE 100.00 100.00 100.00 108.54 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00

CLOSE 4.27 15.85 9.09 3.60 1.47 0.12 4.00 8.60 6.00 10.48 10.01 2.59 1.56 6.00 9.75 8.10 9.75 6.90 12.50 10.00

CHANGE 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.04 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

1000.00 1000.00 1000.00 1000.00 1.00 100.00 100.00 100.40 100.00 100.00 100.00 10.00 1.01

0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

CLOSE 100.00 100.00 100.00

CHANGE 0.00 0.00 0.00

108.24 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00

-0.30 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

FUND CFAL Bond Fund CFAL Balanced Fund CFAL Money Market Fund CFAL Global Bond Fund CFAL Global Equity Fund FG Financial Preferred Income Fund FG Financial Growth Fund FG Financial Diversified Fund FG Financial Global USD Bond Fund Royal Fidelity Bahamas Opportunities Fund - Secured Balanced Fund Royal Fidelity Bahamas Opportunities Fund - Targeted Equity Fund Royal Fidelity Bahamas Opportunities Fund - Prime Income Fund Royal Fidelity Int'l Fund - Equities Sub Fund Royal Fidelity Int'l Fund - High Yield Fund Royal Fidelity Int'l Fund - Alternative Strategies Fund

VOLUME

46

66

VOLUME

NAV 2.07 3.95 1.96 170.77 146.34 1.49 1.64 1.58 1.07 6.92 8.03 6.15 10.52 11.46 10.01

EPS$ 0.444 0.932 -0.510 0.383 -0.340 0.000 -0.760 0.587 0.190 0.540 0.570 0.102 0.455 0.753 0.763 0.330 0.830 0.600 0.697 0.000

DIV$ 0.080 1.000 0.000 0.210 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.300 0.220 0.360 0.570 0.060 0.060 0.290 0.450 0.000 0.340 0.140 0.620 0.000

P/E 9.6 17.0 N/M 9.4 N/M N/M -5.3 14.7 31.6 19.4 17.6 25.4 3.4 8.0 12.8 24.5 11.7 11.5 17.9 0.0

YIELD 1.87% 6.31% 0.00% 5.83% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 3.49% 3.67% 3.44% 5.69% 2.32% 3.85% 4.83% 4.62% 0.00% 3.49% 2.03% 4.96% 0.00%

0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000

0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000

0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 6.25% 6.25% 6.25% 6.25% 6.25% 6.25% 6.25% 7.00% 6.50%

INTEREST 7.00% 6.00% Prime + 1.75%

MATURITY 19-Oct-2017 31-May-2018 19-Oct-2022

6.95% 4.00% 4.00% 4.25% 4.25% 4.50% 4.50% 6.25% 6.25% 4.00% 4.25% 4.50% 6.25% 3.50% 3.88% 4.25%

20-Nov-2029 15-Dec-2017 30-Jul-2018 16-Dec-2019 30-Jul-2020 15-Dec-2021 30-Jul-2022 15-Dec-2044 30-Jul-2045 26-Jun-2018 26-Jun-2020 26-Jun-2022 26-Jun-2045 15-Oct-2018 15-Oct-2020 15-Oct-2022

YTD% 12 MTH% 1.92% 4.53% 0.82% 2.80% 0.95% 2.49% 3.95% 3.95% 6.77% 6.77% 1.45% 4.17% -1.59% 0.17% 0.49% 2.72% 1.29% 2.00% -1.08% 1.77% -5.96% -3.05% 1.90% 4.59% 7.24% 11.96% 2.77% 3.88% 3.94% 4.69%

NAV Date 30-Jun-2017 30-Jun-2017 30-Jun-2017 30-Jun-2017 30-Jun-2017 30-Apr-2017 30-Apr-2017 30-Apr-2017 30-Apr-2017 31-May-2017 30-May-2017 30-May-2017 30-May-2017 30-May-2017 30-May-2017

MARKET TERMS BISX ALL SHARE INDEX - 19 Dec 02 = 1,000.00 52wk-Hi - Highest closing price in last 52 weeks 52wk-Low - Lowest closing price in last 52 weeks Previous Close - Previous day's weighted price for daily volume Today's Close - Current day's weighted price for daily volume Change - Change in closing price from day to day Daily Vol. - Number of total shares traded today DIV $ - Dividends per share paid in the last 12 months P/E - Closing price divided by the last 12 month earnings

YIELD - last 12 month dividends divided by closing price Bid $ - Buying price of Colina and Fidelity Ask $ - Selling price of Colina and fidelity Last Price - Last traded over-the-counter price Weekly Vol. - Trading volume of the prior week EPS $ - A company's reported earnings per share for the last 12 mths NAV - Net Asset Value N/M - Not Meaningful

TO TRADE CALL: CFAL 242-502-7010 | ROYALFIDELITY 242-356-7764 | FG CAPITAL MARKETS 242-396-4000 | COLONIAL 242-502-7525 | LENO 242-396-3225

The Public is hereby advised that I, Kendra Turnquest of #12 Seagull Close, Coral Vista, P.O. Box CR-55059, Nassau, Bahamas, mother of KHYLIE DANIELLE HINSEY intend to change her name to KHYLIE DANIELLE TURNQUEST. 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 N-742 Nassau, Bahamas no later than thirty (30) days after the date of the publication of this notice.

THE TRIBUNE

Tuesday, July 18, 2017, PAGE 7

B O DY A N D M I N D

Out of the darkness

By DANIELLE BARNES dbarnes@tribunemedia.net

A

FTER being unemployed for over a year, popular local musician and artist Steve “Too Loose” Holden had to face yet another challenge – an unexpected medical condition which led to mounting treatment costs, but which ultimately restored some of his faith in life.

A few weeks ago he was diagnosed with retinal detachment. He started feeling the symptoms as he was working on a painting commission. He described it as a darkness creeping up in the corner of his right eye.

After going online to research his symptoms he came to the conclusion that he was suffering from optic neuritis, an inflammation of the optic nerve which is usually temporary and does not require surgery.

Local musician finds hope after medical battle However, a week later his symptoms had not gone away. In fact, they had become more pronounced. He realised that his condition may be more serious than he originally thought, so he went to the Princess Margaret Hospital’s Eye Clinic for testing.

There, doctors discovered that he was suffering from retinal detachment.

Retinal detachment is a serious eye condition that occurs when a layer of tissue at the back of the eye pulls away from the tissue around it. This can result in permanent vision loss if not treated right away.

He was scheduled for surgery at PMH, but the procedure was delayed several times. Steve decided to take matters into his own hands.

He contacted the Bascom Palmer Eye Clinic in Florida and made an appoint-

ment for surgery.

But the artist faced numerable obstacles during this time. Being unemployed, he lacked the funds to fully pay for the surgery.

He went on Facebook and documented his roller coaster journey with no intent to gain money. Little did he know that his friends who followed his story would become his biggest support. Steve said he was overwhelmed with the outpouring of love, concern and donations he received He was able to buy a plane ticket and one of his friends created a Go Fund Me page which raised more than $6,000. Steve describes this stage in his life as a moment of “angels intervening”.

“Bascom Palmer’s charge for detached retina surgery is $13,000, but since I am uninsured and a self-pay, they dropped it down to

STEVE “Too Loose” Holden has been a fixture on the local music and art scene for the past few decades.

$8,848,” he explained.

“Thanks to my sons and my wonderful friends, we were able to pay cash the morning of the surgery.”

Steve told The Tribune that the doctors at Bascom Palmer were pleased with the outcome.

“I was in and out in little over an hour…no pain whatsoever,” he said.

A gas bubble was inserted to add pressure to the

laser-repaired retina and he had scar tissue removed.

Steve recently had a check-up to remove the bandage. The darkness which had clouded his eye for the last month had dissipated, and he is now on his way to a successful recovery.

“I am optimistic...funny how things work out,” he said. “A month ago I was manically depressed, an-

gry, blaming others for my minor misfortunes, and this experience, although frustrating at every turn, has somewhat restored my faith, optimism and happiness.”

Steve is expected to be back on his feet in six to eight weeks. Until then, he will remain in Florida with his two sons.

He still finds himself in a financial hole. However, he said some of his fellow musicians are looking to put together a medical fundraiser upon his return.

Steve, who has performed all over the Bahamas for the past few decades, has been described as an ‘island Renaissance man’.

He paints portraiture, caricatures, cartoons and murals, is an accomplished photographer and a jazz artist.

His murals can be seen in public spaces throughout the Bahamas, including at the Jokers Wild Comedy Club at Atlantis and the Pirates of Nassau Museum.

WOMAN, 59, WHO TRIED FOR DECADES TO GET PREGNANT GIVES BIRTH ALBANY, NY (AP) — During nearly four decades of marriage, Akosua Budu Amoako and her husband tried to have a child, without success. But last month, at age 59, Budu gave birth to her first child after fertility treatments.

The full-term sevenpound, four-ounce boy was born June 15 at Bellevue Woman’s Center in Niskayuna, near Albany. He’s named after his father, Isaiah Somuah Anim.

“They’re doing super, very well,” Dr. Khushru Irani, who delivered the baby, told The Associated Press on Monday. The couple, he added, “are so happy about the whole thing.”

Budu said she and her

59-year-old husband, who live in Schenectady, had tried for years to get pregnant naturally after they married 38 years ago, but they eventually stopped trying. Then last year, after learning that a 60-yearold woman in the couple’s homeland of Ghana gave birth to triplets after fertility treatments, the couple, both medical professionals at a local hospital, decided to try once again to have a child.

Irani said he was apprehensive at first, noting the risks of complications that can arise from giving birth at such an advanced age.

“Initially, when I saw her, I’m saying no, it’s not a good idea for your health to have a baby at your age,”

the doctor said. “But they were very insistent and they wanted to try it out.”

Budu underwent in vitro fertilization at an Albanyarea clinic using her husband’s sperm and a donor egg. The entire process, from initial screening to successful fertilization, cost $20,000 and took about a year, the elder Amin told the newspaper.

“We haven’t gotten much sleep, but I feel fine and I think he already knows our voices,” Budu told the Times Union.

The couple, who came to the United States in 2005, are naturalized US citizens.

“And our son is born an American, and a New Yorker,” Amin said.

ISAIAH SOMUAH ANIM, 59, and his wife Akosua Budu Amoako, 59, hold their son Isaiah Somuah Anim, Jr. (AP photo/Lori Van Buren, Times Union)

Easy ways to lighten up your cookout (BPT) - The mouthwatering taste of grilled foods, the indulgence of rich desserts and the joy of entertaining with family and friends - a cookout is always a crowd-pleaser, no matter the time of year.

The food and fun make for a memorable time, but sometimes all those savory sauces, scrumptious salads and succulent sweets can be a little heavy. Fortunately, you can cut calories and lighten up your menu without sacrificing taste.

Try these eight ideas at your next cookout for lighter foods bursting with flavor.

Go lean: Hamburger and red meat can be high in fat content and calories. When grilling meat, opt for leaner varieties, such as chicken breasts, turkey burgers or fish.

Guests will love the variety. If you just can’t forgo the classic American hamburger, look for leaner meat such as a 9010 ground mix.

Skip the barbecue sauce: A cookout without barbecue sauce? It can be done. Try marinating or rubbing spices on meats and sides instead.

For example, citrus juice, olive oil and chopped fresh herbs are a healthier marinade for

chicken or fish that brings out natural flavours.

Cut sugar in desserts: Bake with Stevia In The Raw, a zero-calorie sweetener with extracts from the stevia plant.

Try replacing about half the sugar in any of your favourite

baking recipes with Stevia to cut calories and reduce sugar, while still achieving the proper browning, rising and caramelising desired.

Think outside the bun: Iceberg and butter lettuce are smart alternatives for buns for those who want to cut calories or have gluten sensitivities. If you do want to include buns in your menu, opt for whole grain rather than plain old white ones.

Drink up: Soda, punch, blended frozen drinks and adult cocktails are packed with calories. Swap or add in flavored water to the menu for a light and refreshing alternative. Fill pitchers with water, ice and add in flavor enhancements, such as sliced lemons, cucumbers, strawberries and raspberries.

Want more inspiration?

Try this recipe for a decadent dessert that is ideal whether you’re hosting a cookout or attending a potluck.

CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES

Makes 2 dozen cookies Ingredients: 1/2 cup butter, melted 1 egg 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1/4 cup Sugar In The Raw + 1/2 cup Stevia In The Raw Bakers Bag 1 1/4 cup all-purpose flour 1/2 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 cup macadamia nuts 1 cup chocolate chips Preparation: Preheat oven to 375 F. In a large bowl, beat together the melted butter, egg, vanilla extract and the Sugar In The Raw/Stevia In The Raw Bakers Bag combo. Meanwhile, mix dry ingredients (flour, baking soda, salt) in a separate bowl. Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and stir well to combine. Slowly add nuts and chocolate chips until well combined. Drop the dough in spoonfuls onto ungreased baking sheets. Bake for 10 minutes.

Nutrition information: Per serving (1 cookie): 144 calories, 9 g fat (4.5 g saturated fat), 16 g carbohydrate, 1 g protein

PAGE 8, Tuesday, July 18, 2017

THE TRIBUNE

‘Miracle Treat Day’ spotlights Down syndrome community

By JEFFARAH GIBSON Tribune Features Writer jgibson@tribunemedia.net

W

ITH its fourth annual Miracle Treat Day, Dairy Queen turns its attention to those with special needs in the Bahamas who are seldom in the spotlight – children with Down syndrome .

On this year’s Miracle Treat Day, scheduled for July 27, patrons of Dairy Queen will be able to treat their sweet tooth and support a worthy cause at the same. Two dollars from every Blizzard sold will help families affected by Down syndrome.

Benefitting organisations include three non-profits dedicated to bettering the lives of those with Down syndrome, including the Bahamas Down Syndrome & Friends Centre, Stapledon School and the Hopedale Centre.

The Miracle Treat Day is fast becoming a staple on the Bahamian social calendar for summer. Dairy Queen began celebrating Miracle Treat Day in 2014 and has since raised more than $23,000 for families affected by cancer, diabetes and autism.

This year, with the public’s support, the ice cream franchise aims to raise $12,000 for those affected

by Down syndrome.

“Miracle Treat Day celebrates life and hope, and enables all of us to come together and make mira-

(L-R) Carltanek Brown of Dairy Queen; Luke Davis of the Bahamas Down Syndrome & Friends Centre; Cheryl Johnson-Newell, founder and president of the Bahamas Down Syndrome & Friends Centre; Jonathan Newell and Anna Smith of the Bahamas Down Syndrome & Friends Centre, and Dairy Queen’s Stephano Butler.

ANNA Smith and Jonathan Newell of the Bahamas Down Syndrome & Friends Centre enjoy a blizzard treat.

cles for children and families who need it most,” said Dairy Queen’s Derek Osborne.

The Bahamas Down Syndrome & Friends Centre provides a safe haven for both children and adults with Down syndrome. The nonprofit relies on the support of the community to help with its overhead expenses.

“For many years persons born with Down syndrome were kept at home and sometimes hidden...

Today, we are learning that most of our children born with Down syndrome are capable of doing what most people can do.”

The centre’s founder and president, Cheryl JohnsonNewell, explained that those who are affected by Down syndrome require a great deal of help and support.

“We are so grateful to Dairy Queen for their generosity in raising funds for our centre and also bringing awareness to our community. This not only allows the public to play a part, but also makes them aware that there is a centre that assists persons born with Down syndrome here in the Bahamas,” she said.

There are a multitude of challenges those affected

by Down syndrome face.

For instance, Mrs Johnson-Newell said some of the children are born with holes in their hearts and require open heart surgery.

She is proud that her organisation is a support system for parents who do not what to do or where to turn in the face of these difficulties.

“For many years persons born with Down syndrome were kept at home and sometimes hidden. Doctors would tell parents to just love them and keep them clean. They would never amount to anything.

Today, we are learning that most of our children born with Down syndrome are capable of doing what most people can do. It just takes them a little longer to learn, but once they learn something they never forget it. We are seeing more people employing persons with disabilities, but we as Bahamians have a long way to go. We as a

community have to care and help support businesses and entities that give and support these children.

It is how we succeed,” she told Tribune Health.

At the centre, programmes are designed to meet the specific needs of all. The centre was officially opened in September 2011 and provides a special learning space for younger children. There are two classrooms, an art and music room, a library, and a fully equipped kitchen.

In January 2012, the centre launched its Saturday programmes, including as basketball, soccer, horseback riding, art and cooking classes.

“Our centre will be opening a coffee shop/deli, juice bar and car wash for all of our adults to work.

This will be the first of it’s kind in the Bahamas. We will need the support of our Bahamian community to make this work and to help our special needs community to see that they are accepted and have self-worth.

“It is imperative that we learn to embrace all children and adults born with challenges in order to be a better Bahamas. By coming out and supporting this special day will not only show us that you care, but will make you understand the importance of what you are doing. It takes a community to raise a child and special people to understand the importance of giving back,” said Mrs Johnson-Newell.

HEARING IS BELIEVING: SPEECH MAY BE A CLUE TO MENTAL DECLINE

By MARILYNN MARCHIONE AP Chief Medical Writer

YOUR speech may, um, help reveal if you’re uh ... developing thinking problems. More pauses, filler words and other verbal changes might be an early sign of mental decline, which can lead to Alzheimer’s disease, a study suggests.

Researchers had people describe a picture they were shown in taped sessions two years apart. Those with early-stage mild cognitive impairment slid much faster on certain verbal skills than those who didn’t develop thinking problems.

“What we’ve discovered here is there are aspects of language that are affected earlier than we thought,” before or at the same time that memory problems emerge, said one study leader, Sterling Johnson of the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

This was the largest study ever done of speech analysis for this purpose, and if more testing confirms its value, it might offer a simple, cheap way to help screen people for very early signs of mental decline.

Don’t panic: Lots of people say “um” and have

KIM Mueller administers a test to Alan Sweet, where he describes an illustration, as part of a University of Wisconsin-Madison study on dementia, which was to be discussed July 17, 2017 at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference in London. (AP Photo/Carrie Antlfinger) trouble quickly recalling names as they age, and that doesn’t mean trouble is on the way.

“In normal aging, it’s something that may come back to you later and it’s not going to disrupt the whole conversation,” another study leader, Kimberly Mueller, explained. “The difference here is, it is more frequent in a short period,” interferes with communication and gets worse over time.

The study was discussed Monday at the Alzheimer’s Association International

Conference in London.

About 47 million people worldwide have dementia, and Alzheimer’s is the most common type. Current drugs can’t slow or reverse it, just ease symptoms.

Doctors think treatment might need to start sooner to do any good, so there’s a push to find early signs.

Mild cognitive impairment causes changes that are noticeable to the person or others, but not enough to interfere with daily life.

It doesn’t mean these folks will develop Alzheimer’s, but many do — 15 to 20 per

BAMSI responds to fitness surge IN an effort to fulfill its mandate to support local farmers, entrepreneurs and a healthy citizenry, the Bahamas Agriculture and Marine Science Institute (BAMSI) has teamed up several partners to promote smart choices when it comes nutrition and exercise.

Working in conjunction with Donovan Ingraham of Atlantic Medical, who assisted in coordinating a number of partnerships for BAMSI, including the Pictet Bank and fitness forum ‘Kickboxing in the Park’, the agricultural institute was able to focus on promoting home-grown produce.

Connecting with Pictet Bank Associate Newell Duncan, the first event was held during the lunch period at the bank where employees were encouraged to peruse the BAMSI stall which featured bananas, thyme, habanero peppers, coconut oil, guava jam and a myriad of other fresh and processed items.

BAMSI joined Trevor McKenzie and his ‘Kickboxing in the Park’ crew during their late afternoon workout session on Goodman’s Bay. Both events were deemed a success as a number of the bank’s employees were able to purchase items from the BAMSI store. And on

Goodman’s Bay, not only were BAMSI employees able to share with workout members, but they also connected with persons who came to the popular workout area to relax, swim and jog.

Part of BAMSI’s mission is to make it easier for Bahamians to select healthy food items. These popup booths allow the institute to introduce itself and its mission to the public by affording them the opportunity to learn more about BAMSI while accessing the best of locally grown fare.

Spearheading the event were members of the BAMSI marketing team Curlean Major and Romeo Josey.

cent per year.

To see if speech analysis can find early signs, researchers first did the picture-description test on 400 people without cognitive problems and saw no change over time in verbal skills. Next, they tested 264 participants in the Wisconsin Registry for Alzheimer’s Prevention, a longrunning study of people in their 50s and 60s, most of whom have a parent with Alzheimer’s and might be at higher risk for the disease themselves. Of those, 64 already had signs of

early decline or developed it over the next two years, according to other neurological tests they took.

In the second round of tests , they declined faster on content (ideas they expressed) and fluency (the flow of speech and how many pauses and filler words they used.) They used more pronouns such as “it” or “they” instead of specific names for things, spoke in shorter sentences and took longer to convey what they had to say.

“Those are all indicators of struggling with that computational load that the brain has to conduct” and supports the role of this test to detect decline, said Julie Liss, a speech expert at Arizona State University with no role in the work.

She helped lead a study in 2015 that analysed dozens of press conferences by former President Ronald Reagan and found evidence of speech changes more than a decade before he was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. She also co-founded a company that analyzes speech for many neurological problems, including dementia, traumatic brain injury and Parkinson’s disease.

Researchers could not estimate the cost of testing

for a single patient, but for a doctor to offer it requires only a digital tape recorder and a computer program or app to analyse results.

Another study at the conference on Monday, led by doctoral student Taylor Fields, hints that hearing loss may be another clue to possible mental decline. It involved 783 people from the same Wisconsin registry project. Those who said at the start of the study that they had been diagnosed with hearing loss were more than twice as likely to develop mild cognitive impairment over the next five years as those who did not start out with a hearing problem.

That sort of information is not strong evidence, but it fits with earlier work along those lines.

Family doctors “can do a lot to help us if they knew what to look for” to catch early signs of decline, said Maria Carrillo, the Alzheimer’s Association’s chief science officer. Hearing loss, verbal changes and other known risks such as sleep problems might warrant a referral to a neurologist for a dementia check, she said.

MEMBERS of the BAMSI team set up the popup booth with local produce.

THE TRIBUNE

Tuesday, July 18, 2017, PAGE 9

Do you have a compelling reason?

It was the great William Shakespeare who said, “Strong reasons make strong actions”.

When it comes to setting goals that will take your life higher, do you have a compelling reason to take strong action?

As a life coach and therapist, many people come to my sessions because they are tired of the same old, same old. They claim that they desire to improve their life situations. Notice I said that they “claim to”, because claiming but remaining is still a factor why many people start and stop; losing momentum to go the distance.

Real change takes commitment. This is especially true when it comes to habit-shifting, lifeimproving kinds of changes. Such changes demand a compelling reason. This means that you must have a deep-seated, motivating reason that moves you to not only start the journey but drives you step by step towards your goal.

Aha! Now this is where the rubber meets the road for many. Yes,

Michelle Miller Motivationals

Michelle M Miller they want to get to an improved outcome in their lives, but they are without a compelling reason to stay the course and go the distance.

A compelling reason is simply defined as something so inspiring – motivating and empowering

that it literally moves you to keep moving yourself forward. Even in the midst of those inevitable challenges, this compelling reason impels you to stay in the game. How many times have you told yourself that you are going to stop doing this or that in order to change this or that?

For example, let’s say you decide to stop eating sugar. Your reason may be because your doctor advised that it’s negatively impacting your health. While you may actually find ways to stop consuming so much sugar, the reason for changing your habit comes from your doctor’s advice, thus may not be compelling enough for you to maintain those changes.

However, if you made up your mind that you want to improve your health and well-being by being more disciplined about what you eat, not only because of what your doctor says but more so because you want to show up in the world as a healthy wholesome

individual, this gives you a more invested reason.

This compelling reason has the emotive, inspirational qualities that enable you to make the shift and stay the course. You are motivated to climb into the driver’s seat of your life. No longer are you driven by the fear of what the doctor said but instead you are compelled by your own desire and power to improve your life.

I believe it is much more compelling to set a goal that moves you to start to a new habit than to a goal to stop some old habit. The latter approach serves to keep you looking backwards. This can be depressing and places your valuable attention towards the rear view mirror of your life. On the flip side, when you set a goal to start a positive new habit, your full attention is focused towards the wide open windshield of your life. You are driven to move forward with optimism.

One of my favourite saying is, ‘Don’t worry about your weakness

– focus on building your strength and your weakness will fade into the background’. Besides, if you already identify it as a weakness, unless you are aiming to change it, highlighting it for highlighting sake changes nothing.

Leader to leader, you are the driver of your life. Find a compelling reason within you to set goals that takes your life higher.

Commit the focus your attention towards the wide open windshield of your life, rather than the rear view mirror. Finding your compelling reason will drive you to live an empowered life. Yes, you definitely can do it!

What do you think?

Please send your comments to coaching242@yahoo.com or 4296770.

• Michelle M Miller is a certified life coach, communication and leadership expert. Visit www. talktomichellemiller.com or call 1-888-620-7894; mail can be sent to PO Box CB-13060.

WILLIE MAE PRATT GIRLS ENJOY END-OF-TERM WEEKEND THE Willie Mae Pratt Centre for Girls bid goodbye to its 2016/17 term with a fun-filled weekend for both its residents and officials.

Organised by the centre’s 2016/17 committee, which was spearheaded

by Chairwoman Krysta A Mason-Smith, the “Farewell Weekend” kicked off last Saturday with an outing to Mario’s Bowling and Entertainment Palace.

The girls, their matrons, supervisors and senior administrators enjoyed a day of good food, fun activities, but most importantly, fellowship with each other in a wholesome environment.

All costs, including bus transportation for the residents, were covered by the committee, as well as a sponsors Gavin Bastian, general manager of Bahama Subs, and Bryan Bastian, senior affiliate of Bahama Subs.

Joia Archer, a representative of Mario’s, facilitated the outing and served as host for the day. Senior administrators in attendance were Supt Michelle Nottage and Asst Supt Sagina Pratt, along with social worker Jenna Christie. Committee members in attendance were Cecelia E Cooper and Andrea Cox. On Sunday, the committee and senior administrators, in partnership with Mount Tabor’s Labour of Love Ministry, attended Mount Tabor Church in Pinewood Gardens for the 10am worship service.

They were welcomed by Mrs Cox, who also leads the Labour of Love Min-

Life after 40 From pg B10 the things that interest me or the things I find most important haven’t really changed,” she noted.

Since the release of “Almost 40”, Nicc said she has taken a physical and emotional journey around the globe.

“But I guess it’s good to know that my personal themes have remained consistent, therefore sincere.

I learned that I really, really do get bored very easily unless I’m physically and/ or intellectually moving around, and I think the film reminded me of my roots in art, how I gravitated to the arts in high school and at COB – my first college degree in Architecture – but a lack of funding diversity and a lack of respect for the arts back then pointed me in the direction of business studies,” she said.

“But I learned that you really can’t run from who you are. Once an artist, always an artist. In retrospect, the film was just a different vehicle for my expression; script writing was a part of

SOCIAL Services and Willie Mae Pratt Centre officials worship at Mount Tabor: (l-r) Andrea Cox; Cecelia E Cooper; Krysta A MasonSmith; Lillian Quant-Forbes; Pastor Lorenzo Clarke; Deidre Hepburn; Michelle Nottage; Kalesa Simmons; Sister Torah McKenzie, and Kava Rolle.

ASST Supt Sagina Pratt hits the lane. that. Now, I’m focused on deeply personal still images that document life in fine art photography.”

Enter Nicc Naked, her foray into abstract documentary photography which will analyse the aging human body in a way that acknowledges and respects imperfection.

“Change is feared, and changing the norms of your existence when you’re older is especially frightening.

But I’m fortunate enough to know when it’s time to shift gears. I was in the world of print media and journalism because I wanted, needed and loved to express myself.

Along the way of writing stories, I also documented them with the camera, and my favourite images have always been the ones that aren’t posed, the bare, naked soul images. Photography was a natural segue from writer to artist. And although it is a saturated field, what I do is not like what’s done by anyone else.

Macro, abstract, and documentary work is my primary focus. Architecture, urban and historic content are secondary. Then I try to mix them all together,” she explained.

In addition to her new project, Nicc is still enjoying her own experiences as a woman over 40.

“In your 20s you feel like you have forever to make decisions and fix them if they’re the wrong ones. You think you know everything, but you don’t have much

Krysta Mason-Smith, chairwoman of the 2016/17 committee, about to try out her bowling skills.

of a clue if any at all. You idealise life, that it will be neatly packaged and contained in your 20s, enabling you to hit and breeze by every goal post you set for yourself. School, done. Career, done. Partner, done.

Children, done. That’s so off the mark. I just met my partner after turning 40. I have to call him ‘partner’ now, because when you’re over 40 you don’t have boyfriends anymore,” she said.

“As for the 30s, I told my ride share driver the other day that I solidified most of my important life lessons between 30 and 34. He was complaining about being 34 and didn’t believe that I was over 40. He couldn’t see the grey hair from the front seat. Seriously, though, 30s were golden. I couldn’t really see or feel any signs of aging until I hit

39 and then bam! 40! And everything happened all at once. I think a part of it is the older you get the more aware you are of time, and you pay more attention as it manifests itself. Now, as a late bloomer, I’m trying to catch up on my own life.

I’ve probably aged more in the past two years than I would have if I didn’t decide to tour the earth, thugging it out like a nomad.

But nothing beats the life wisdom of a 40-something plus who’s really paid attention to life. Youth really is wasted on the young.”

Nicc admits that there are times when she definitely feels “much older than before”.

“I have a habit of pushing myself to the human limits.

If I stare at the grey hairs, wrinkles, age spots, frown lines, thinning hair and

istry and sits as a chairwoman on Willie Mae Pratt Centre committee.

The service was led by Pastor Lorenzo Clarke, second assistant to Bishop Neil Ellis who was out of country for an international conference, and Pastor Reginald Cox, who also serves in the Labour of Love Ministry.

Ms Mason-Smith said she is extremely grateful to the centre’s board members who gave of their time to ensure that all goals set were achieved during the term, despite time lost due to Hurricane Matthew.

“They were so supportive of me and my platform.

We were all on one accord.

They shared the same passion as I, and we worked

together to better the centre in any way we could. I trust that the 2017/18 committee, once confirmed, will follow our lead and not disappoint. I appreciate all who have worked with me on this journey and given of themselves to assist in keeping our Bahamas beautiful and great, despite the inescapable challenges we often face as a nation,” she said.

The Willie Mae Pratt Centre for Girls aims to provide crafted learning experiences in a neutral environment to adjust the thinking, feelings and actions of its juveniles in custody.

skin, cellulite, and varicose veins too long, the feeling of ‘older’ creeps in. And then the ‘wise’ me has to laugh at myself because, really?

C’mon girl – 40, not 80,” she said.

“Coming to grips with age as a woman is probably quite a bit different than it is for a man, too. But I think coming to grips with anything requires balancing the reality – the chronology of years with the intangible... the knowledge accumulated over those same years.”

Nicc said that she did not give much thought to what 40 meant until she had the birthday.

“The only 40-plus stereotype I can really recall is that everything is ‘downhill’ after 40. But I can’t say that. Body appearance and some body functions change a bit and that can

be a ‘downhill’ experience for some, but other things happen, too. For one, you start to feel like a sage compared to the 20-somethings, even 30-somethings.

Younger people ask for advice. That’s meaningful,” she said.

“Also, I met the love of my life at 40. Well, I met him two years prior and I didn’t know he’d be that, but he’s definitely an ‘uphill’ feature of my life…he’s lovely.

And life after 40 with him is lovely. In fact, he’s more past 40 than I am, but you wouldn’t know it. And being in the after-40 sage that I now am, I’m even more ready for him.

“As for visions of what life would be like at/after 40, I didn’t think it would take this long for me to come to terms with being a creator of things; a true artist at heart. But, I’ve pulled previous experiences into the equation, so I can’t complain that time was wasted.

I have a business degree and education, so I can understand and operate business as a sole proprietor in the art market. I have almost 15 years of what I thought was accidental journalistic experience, from news, to features, social commentary/analysis, to PR, so I know how to analyse and promote myself as my own client. The perception that you can only learn and grow and implement before 40 and then it all falls apart if it’s not all sealed up by then, is so incorrect.”

SECTION B

TUESDAY, JULY 18, 2017

Shopping from home made easy

By DANIELLE BARNES dbarnes@tribunemedia.net

B

AHAMIAN women are continuing to make major strides in the world of entrepreneurship, coming up with innovative ideas and utilising modern technology to unlock new businesses ventures.

Two such women are Parris Barnes and Jerchovia Moxey, who have taken their love of shopping as the inspiration to create a new digital hub designed specifically for Bahamian companies in the areas of fashion, beauty, lifestyle and technology.

The online hub is called Product Joint (http://www.productjoint.com) and came about when Parris and Jerchovia noticed that most local businesses lack exposure. From there, they came up with the concept of providing a digital platform to showcase products that can be purchased right here in the Bahamas.

The idea behind the site, which officially went live on July 12, is to give Bahamians something that every modern shopper craves – convenience. The hub makes it easy for persons to access the merchandise of local businesses all in one spot, to browse their wares and place orders.

The site offers everything from digital cameras to fun novelty fashions, jewellery, hand-crafted candles and soaps, and even false lashes.

The hub also aims to highlight businesses that may only operate on social media by helping them expand their market.

Its founders hope the site will become the trendy go-to site for small businesses and online shoppers alike – a site that increases local brand recognition.

The name Product Joint, Parris and Jerchovia said, is intentionally straightforward. They wanted a name that was catchy; something that people would remember.

“The day we came up with that name I remember us literally plugging in names we thought would clearly explain our idea – a place for products,” said Parris.

“When we searched the website domain name, ‘Product Joint’ was available, so we were super excited.”

While picking a name for the site was easy, the actual putting together of the hub proved more challenging.

For Product Joint’s launch to be successful and immediately give people the desired shopping experience, support from local businesses was crucial. Therefore, the co-founders had to find ways to sell their brand by highlighting the increasing popularity of the online shopping experience among Bahamians.

“There’s no reason to shop abroad

without considering what we have to offer right here at home,” said Jerchovia.

“We searched tirelessly for brands to be a part of the Product Joint team,” Parris added. “We scheduled countless meetings with companies and brand owners. Though we did get a few rejections, we landed quite a few amazing businesses.”

With Parris’ focus on fashion and technology, and Jerchovia’s focus on beauty and lifestyle, they managed to land companies like Crab Toes, YNG DGRT$, The Collectibles by Shop the CC, Dell’s Natural and Trinkets, and Treasures.

The website was designed from the ground up by Jerchovia, who serves as the creative director.

This process took some time, but she said she wanted to get it just right, pro-

Bahamian entrepreneurs launch website to connect local businesses

PARRIS Barnes and Jerchovia Moxey are the founders of a new online hub which links shoppers to local businesses.

“There’s no reason to shop abroad without considering what we have to offer right here at home.” viding a site that shoppers can access and navigate with ease.

“It’s always hard when you break into a new industry,” she said, “We have such a great idea and wanted everyone to see its value, so we focused our efforts on explaining what Product Joint is and assessing its need in our community.”

Parris and Jerchovia said they have received great support from family, friends and participating businesses who all believe in the vision of Product Joint.

Their hope for the future is that more Bahamians take an interest in digital platforms. As trends change, they plan to adapt their services accordingly. Eventually, they hope to expand their business by hosting events like shopping parties, trade shows and online initiatives to capture the attention the modern-day Bahamian shopper.

“It is our expectation that as the internet moves and grows, Product Joint (will) to do the same,” they said.

Life after 40

By CARA HUNT cbrennen@tribunemedia.net IT has been two years since Nicole “Nicc” Burrows documented turning 40 in her short film “Almost 40”.

Now at age 42, the fine arts photographer, writer and former Tribune columnist is continuing to chronicle her fourth decade of life by literally baring it all in her latest project, the Nicc Naked campaign.

The project, which features intimate self-portrait photography, has given her a new purpose, is helping her come to grips with aging and is aimed at empowering other women.

“Starting this project, the Nicc Naked campaign, was necessary for me to look

Photographer documents the aging process for women fully at myself, imperfections and vulnerabilities included, mark my place in time, and then begin my considered journey on a new professional path in what I deemed as my purpose: helping people to be bold enough to see themselves,” she told Tribune Woman.

“I needed to do this now, too, because someone needs to talk to women about how to love themselves more, how to see themselves simply, and how to appreciate their bodies and minds wherever they are in life or time. Working in film, especially in the last

two years, has emphasised for me how much women are objectified when they meet societal norms and derided when they don’t.

And for women over 40 it’s as if suddenly there are no stories to tell in which you exist, beyond the role of somebody’s mother, wife, whore or secretary. Women still have far to go and they need to go together. What I aim to do is unite them in that common journey and document it along the way.”

Nicc explained that the project follows up on her short film, though unintentionally.

“I suppose that’s because See PG B9

“And for women over 40 it’s as if suddenly there are no stories to tell in which you exist, beyond the role of somebody’s mother, wife, whore or secretary.

Women still have far to go and they need to go together.”