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Tourism in ‘huge win’ on COVID test ease By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

peak winter season, while also “going a long way” to maintain the pent-up demand for Bahamian vacations that had existed prior to the Christmas/New Year holiday. Besides “saving and protecting” guest bookings already made, Mr Sands said the move also “eliminates any roadblocks for potential bookings” that may be made in the coming weeks and months by easing the healthrelated protocols that must be complied with for entry to The Bahamas. The Bahamian and tourism resort industry had become increasingly fearful that the peak winter tourism season, which typically runs from February to April, would be curtailed and undermined by the Government’s original plan to mandate that all visitors - regardless of

• Hotels chief says: ‘Booking roadblock eliminated’ • Move ‘saves and protects’ peak tourism millions • ‘Gets rid of angst’ for up to 90% of travel market

BAHAMIAN tourism was yesterday said to have secured “a huge win” after millions of dollars in visitor bookings were rescued by the Government suspending tougher COVID testing measures. Robert Sands, the Bahamas Hotel and Tourism Association’s (BHTA) president, told Tribune Business the Davis administration had “addressed a significant amount of industry concerns” by halting plans that would have required vaccinated visitors to obtain a negative RT-PCR test result during the three days before travelling to this nation. He added that the Government’s action “removes any impediment to booking demand” for the upcoming

ROBERT SANDS

KERRY FOUNTAIN

SEE PAGE 12

Realtor unveils his rent-to-own crowdfund plan By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net A BAHAMIAN realtor yesterday predicted his crowdfunding-driven rent-to-own initiative could build a $10m property portfolio within two years, adding: “The sky’s the limit.” Matt Sweeting, broker with 1 Oak Bahamas, told Tribune Business that talks with legal

advisers on the proposal were just about complete and he hopes to launch it during the 2022 first quarter as a solution to home ownership dreams for many Bahamians. Anticipating “huge demand”, he explained that his plans were targeted at Bahamians in good financial standing with the potential to obtain home loans but who are nevertheless shunned by mortgage lenders because they are

either self-employed or work in seasonal industries such as tourism. Given the latter industry’s status as The Bahamas’ largest private sector employers, Mr Sweeting said his rent-to-buy initiative offered an alternative financing mechanism for such workers to realise their housing ambitions without having to come up with the

SEE PAGE 4

MATT SWEETING

Realtor sees ‘bumper year’ over 400% transaction rise By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net A WELL-KNOWN Bahamian realtor yesterday revealed that his firm enjoyed a “bumper year” in 2021 with closed property transactions increasing by 400 percent year-over-year. George Damianos, president of Damianos Sotheby’s International Realty, told Tribune Business he was optimistic that 2022 would be equally as strong for the high-end market the company specialises in following 2021’s five-fold jump as he forecast the sector will “stay strong” for another two years at least. Suggesting that the COVID Omicron variant

was unlikely to dampen international buyer interest in The Bahamas unless border/travel restrictions were unreasonably tightened, he added that the Government’s recent move to eliminate the 12 percent VAT rate on the portion of property purchases valued over $2m would create a further “psychological” boost that aids the sector. “We had a bumper year in 2021. We were up 400 percent over 2020 on closed transactions, volume and value,” Mr Damianos disclosed to this newspaper. “Our average list price today is $2.5m, and the average sale price in 2021

SEE PAGE 11

Tourism urges Gov’t to cut 14-day quarantine By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net BAHAMIAN tourism operators are urging the Government to reduce the 14-day COVID quarantine period, and bring it into line with US and UK measures, to give a further peak season boost. Robert Sands, the Bahamas Hotel and Tourism Association’s (BHTA) president, told Tribune Business this was the “outstanding issue” the sector wants addressed given concerns that the mandated isolation period is deterring visitors from coming to

this nation for fear they will have to spend two weeks here if they test positive for COVID-19n during their stay. “The issue we think remains outstanding, and we continue to address with the Government, is for them to give consideration to the length of the quarantine period,” he said, “which has been reduced in the UK from 14 days to seven days, and in the US to just five days. “We’re currently at 14 days, and we’d wish it to come into line with best practices, and that

SEE PAGE 5

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Super Value’s solar roll-out eyes 60% energy bill slash • Roberts: $3m-$4m spend payback in under 4 years • Aims to install panels on all stores by summer 2022 • And pledges to pass savings on $1m bill to shoppers By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net SUPER Value’s principal yesterday revealed the supermarket chain is aiming to slash its energy bill by “60 percent or better” through installing solar power at all its stores by summer 2022. RUPERT Rupert Roberts ROBERTS told Tribune Business the estimated $3m-$4m investment would need less than four years to start producing financial returns given the $1m monthly bill that Super Value and its Quality Supermarkets affiliate are currently paying to Bahamas Power & Light (BPL). Pointing out that the $40,000-$50,000 monthly energy costs at Super Value’s warehouse were cut significantly when solar roof-top panels were installed some two years ago, he added that the supermarket chain would seek to pass the forecast savings from the business-wide roll-out on to consumers and ensure more money circulated in the Bahamian economy. Crediting BPL’s fuel hedging strategy for stabilising Super Value’s energy costs, and keeping them “constant” for the past 18 months, Mr Roberts told this newspaper:

SEE PAGE 8

PAGE 2, Thursday, January 6, 2022

THE TRIBUNE

HOW TO HAUL YOURSELF OUT OF A BUSINESS RUT IT IS not unusual for business owners to feel stuck at times, especially if sales are declining, and you feel like you are in a rut. When this happens, you may need a new set of eyes to help you find ways to reenergise and grow your business. At some point you may have to ask the question: “How do I get to the next level?” The answer could cover a daylong workshop, but here are a few options you can take. Set clearly defined directions Establish clear, meaningful goals and milestones, and define the strategies that will get you there by answering the following questions: • Do your employees know where your company is headed? • Do they understand what actions they need to take to move in that direction? • Do they know if you are on track to achieving the most meaningful results? Communicate Regular communication, feedback and support are essential to achieving superior results.

• What communication tools do you use to reinforce trust? • How do your employees interpret your communications? Mind the numbers Imagine playing a competitive sport with no access to statistics or scores, and no way of knowing if you were winning or how to make helpful changes. Before you can begin tracking data for business tools, determine which methodology is best. • Are you focused on the right result drivers? • How do you ensure that you are tracking meaningful information (and not just numbers)? Anticipate the future Evaluate past and current results, and anticipate the future so you can make it happen. • How well are you identifying opportunities and threats? • How reliably can you project results? • What business tools do you use to get the best results?

Identify top-performing players Processes are critical, but it takes the right players to make your team truly successful. As a leader, it is crucial to know how to place (and coach) your top performers. You will always reap the best results by “putting your best players in the game changer positions”. • What are your game changer positions? • How do you ensure you get ‘A’ grade players in those positions? • How frequently do your key people receive coaching? Keep it moving Small changes often add up to big results. Analyse your current structure to find ways to improve and keep it moving. Keeping employees happy Employee morale is vital, and you must ensure your staff feel valued and appreciated. “If we keep our employees happy and engaged, they will keep our customers happy, who would then reward us with their loyalty,” so the saying

RISING REALTOR EARNS FIRM’S TOP PRODUCER

goes. “That repeat business helps our bottom line and creates value.” • Are you measuring employee and customer satisfaction?

business knowledge. It is in the exchange of information that others perceive your confidence in building a business, and new partnerships are discovered.

Build in downtime This is not vacation or “off” time. This is time away from working in the business to work on the business. This is used to review data, and plan for the next day, week, year or whatever timeline makes sense for your business. This is a good time to strategically plan and have insight into small problems before they become major issues.

Develop a strategic plan Develop short-term goals and create a plan that will help you achieve them. Ensure that your plan considers the resources you may need: Cash, people, equipment, inventory and additional operating costs. Set the metrics and monitor them to see if you are meeting your goal. If not, find out why? Is marketing not working? Are you targeting the right customer segment?

Advisory board Forming an advisory board to boost your business performance and provide fresh ideas is an increased value to a business. Ask and share Never hesitate to ask questions from other business owners for fear of looking like you are not the expert. Truth is, you are not the expert; you are the entrepreneur. Be willing to share

A REALTOR yesterday said the youngest licensed broker in The Bahamas has earned its top producer title for 2021. Tim Rodland, managing partner at Better Homes & Gardens MCR Bahamas, said of Danny Lowe: “At 29, Danny demonstrated what it takes to be number one in an active, highly competitive market, putting his energy into finding off-market listings when MLS (Multiple Listing Service) inventory was running low due to high demand for The Bahamas. “Danny is also a very likeable guy who gives his all for every client and is a friend to other agents, so we are extremely pleased to award him top producer title for 2021.” Mr Lowe joined Better Homes & Gardens MCR Bahamas in 2016 and, in his first year, was named rookie of the year. “I’ve learned so much since then,” he said, “but the lesson that stands out from the year of COVID, when we had a rush of people, particularly from the US and Canada, wanting to buy and very little inventory for them to choose from, was to think outside the MLS. I had to look for off-market listings to satisfy the demand.” In some cases, those off-market listings were properties that Mr Lowe believed owners were considering selling but had not yet listed, especially large

DEIDRE

BastiaN fill your life with memories rather than regrets. Enjoy life and stay on top of your game.

What is the risk? Reaching the next level can involve growing pains, but with these steps you can be ready to tackle the growing pains that stand in the way. Until we meet again,

NB: Columnist welcomes feedback at deedee21bastian@gmail.com ABOUT COLUMNIST: Deidre M. Bastian is a professionally-trained Graphic Designer/Brand Marketing Analyst, Author and Certified Life Coach with qualifications of A.Sc. B.Sc. M.Sc. She has trained at institutions such as: Miami Lakes Technical Centre, Success Training College, College of The Bahamas, Nova Southeastern University, Learning Tree International, Langevine International and Synergy Bahamas.

estates now occupied by empty nesters. “The search for offmarket properties takes courage but it can also be very rewarding,” he said. “I found myself knocking on doors or calling folks who had large family estates, but had not yet fully embraced the idea of downsizing. “Once they knew there was a potential buyer and selling would not be a laborious process, it was amazing how they felt a sense of relief, weighing the financial and practical benefits against the sentimentality.” His approach in those cases was a combination of patience and understanding. Mr Lowe also knocked on strangers’ doors when a potential buyer identified a community or area they liked and there were no listings. He added that there was a noticeable market shift in mid-2021 that rapidly transformed Bahamian property into a seller’s market. “In early 2021, we had inventory,” Mr Lowe said. He brokered the sale of a $10m Paradise Island residence in the 2021 first half but, by the second half of the year, demand was exceeding listed supply. “That’s when I had to get creative,” said Mr Lowe who also credits “working with a great team” for his success. In August, Bahamas Real Estate Association

(BREA) president, Christine Wallace-Whitfield, recognised that team by presenting Better Homes & Gardens MCR founder, Mario Carey, with the second annual ‘Good Neighbour Award’ for what the 700-plus member association called “his significant contribution helping to organise a feeding programme dubbed Pasta Fridays in 2020”. Along with businessman Paolo Garzaroli, whose family owns and operates Graycliff, Mr Carey organised the feeding programme that transformed the fivestar restaurant into a feeding centre serving some 40,000 meals. Volunteers from Better Homes and Gardens MCR Bahamas and Graycliff dedicated every Friday for six weeks to feeding the hungry. Mr Lowe is starting 2022 on another high. He has about $10m under contract that is expected to close in the year’s first quarter. “I think that speaks to the trajectory started by the pandemic and other global events that are linked,” he said. “And with one variant after another, regardless of the severity of the symptoms, the desire to live in a warm weather, hospitable, politically stable and secure environment like The Bahamas will continue. I don’t see it slowing down for another two years.”

Do not go it alone Build your team of counsellors who can offer input, join in your celebrations and help you find the light at the end of the tunnel.

THE TRIBUNE

Thursday, January 6, 2022, PAGE 3

FRUSTRATION MOUNTS OVER CAY’S ‘ECONOMIC DISASTER’ By YOURI KEMP Tribune Business Reporter ykemp@tribunemedia.net A TREASURE Cay investor yesterday described the Abaco-based destination as an “economic disaster” due to its painfully slow rebound from the devastation inflicted by Hurricane Dorian. Bruce Neandross, owner/ operator of its Bird Cay Cottages, told Tribune Business that Treasure Cay has been allowed to steadily deteriorate since the 2019 hurricane. He accused both the former Minnis administration and current government of failing to pay sufficient attention to its plight despite repeated cries for help from residents ever since Dorian struck.

He said: “Treasure Cay has been totally decimated. It looks like Hiroshima after the nuclear bomb. There’s nothing left and nothing has happened. We still only have power intermittently, we have no sewer now going for over two years, and I can’t use my house. I can’t flush my toilets. “The reality is everyone has left us and there’s nothing going on. We can’t resolve the sewer system. We finally got to where eight of us collectively from the Homeowners Association said we would just pay for it ourselves to get it done. “The locals are broke and there’s nothing going on there because everybody sits and waits. Nobody has any money. This is just such a bad situation; this is the hub of the Abacos, so we have to bring it back,”

Mr Neandross, who owns 10 beachfront cottages, continued. “This is why I say this is the biggest economic disaster in The Bahamas. It’s a joke. I can’t get the Prime Minister to do anything; we can’t get anybody to do anything. Nobody wants to respond. It’s gotten to the point now where none of us know what to do.” Treasure Cay’s current owners, Robert and Stefan Meister, are currently negotiating to sell the development to Dr Mirko Kovats, the controversial Austrian financier who has a home in Lyford Cay and once attempted to acquire New Providence’s South Ocean property. He is now moving to obtain all necessary permits for a Love Beach development, and is understood to have a sales agreement in

place for the Treasure Cay acquisition. Not all Treasure Cay residents are overjoyed at Dr Kovats’ potential acquisition, and some are pinning their hopes on alternatives. “One investor for the island is Craig Roberts and he has real money; I know him well. The other is a group of philanthropists that really want to bring Treasure Cay back,” Mr Neandross said. “I’ve reviewed all of their plans. They want to create a middle class within our community for Bahamians to build homes with the Government so we can create a working environment, so we have a community that is supported by the locals. “We’re going to give up a whole portion of our property for that, and the designs are there and this group is ready to start at

TOURISM CONCERN OVER US COVID DOWNGRADE By YOURI KEMP Tribune Business Reporter ykemp@tribunemedia.net TOURISM operators yesterday voiced fears that The Bahamas’ latest COVID-19 downgrade by US health authorities could spark a “bookings pull back” for the peak winter tourism season. Cheryl Bastian, owner/ operator of Androsbased Swain’s Cay Lodge, told Tribune Business that the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) decision to raise its Bahamas travel advisory to ‘Level 3’ is “very concerning” and will “pull bookings back” over the next four months. The CDC had upgraded The Bahamas to ‘Level 2’ status as recently as early

December after COVID infections and related hospital cases dropped to minimal levels, but the recent rapid spread of the Omicron variant has resulted in this nation being downgraded once again. The CDC, in unveiling its ‘Level 2’ advisory, warned American travellers: “Make sure you are fully vaccinated before travelling to The Bahamas. Unvaccinated travellers should avoid non-essential travel to The Bahamas. “Because of the current situation in The Bahamas, all travellers may be at risk for getting and spreading COVID-19 variants. Travellers should follow recommendations or requirements in The Bahamas, including wearing a mask and staying 6 feet apart from others.”

Omicron, which current data suggests is more contagious but less deadly than previous COVID variants such as Delta, has produced an explosion of infections with 1,850 new cases recorded in The Bahamas between Thursday, December 30, and Monday, January 3 for a daily average of 370. Another 375 were recorded on Tuesday, taking the six-day total to 2,225. Hospitalisations have also risen, albeit more slowly, to 71 with four persons in intensive care. Ms Bastian added: “We just have to get it together. But I’m happy with the news that we are moving towards testing our visitors for COVID-19 some 48 hours after [arriving in The Bahamas], because with the virus you can test today and be up to five days out and, really, it

is only in full bloom when they arrive.” She was referring to the change in entry protocols by the Government where visitors remaining in The

$200m. They want to put in a green sewer system, green water, green everything and they’re willing to put the money up, but we can’t get anybody to talk to us. It’s the biggest catastrophe in The Bahamas right now.” As for initiatives directly in Mr Neandross’ vicinity, he said: “Both projects on either side of me have been bulldozed. The whole marina has been bulldozed. The hotel has been bulldozed, every establishment has been bulldozed. “There is a place called the Palm Beach Club, owned by Craig Roberts. He has 25 units there and he can’t open up. He’s dying. He can’t close the units and he can’t open them up. He finally opened up the restaurant over the New Year, thank God, but he can’t flush the toilets. So he’s in the same problem we’re in, it’s an economic disaster.”

Mr Neandross continued: “Worse than that, there are over 1,000 locals that live there and they have no work. To the point where I have to spend thousands of dollars just to help people buy groceries. It’s just an economic disaster and nobody wants to report on it, nobody wants to talk about it. “Think about it, Abaco represents 25 percent to 30 percent of the annual GDP of The Bahamas. I’m a developer and I’ve done hundreds of millions of dollars worth of business, but I’m just stymied by how this is not a business situation and how this is not an economic catastrophe, and how the Government allows us to continue on. It’s going to be five years from now and we are still waiting on something to be done.”

Bahamas for longer than 48 hours will be required to undergo a rapid antigen test regardless of vaccination status. However, the Government has also suspended mandatory RT-PCR testing for vaccinated travellers that was due to take effect from tomorrow.

Ms Bastian said: “All of these changes give time for things to progress and people to actually get the test. So there is more time to do that. Then, as an added measure, we test them as they come in. This means additional hours

SEE PAGE 9

PAGE 4, Thursday, January 6, 2022

THE TRIBUNE

REALTOR UNVEILS HIS RENT-TO-OWN CROWDFUND PLAN FROM PAGE ONE

10-20 percent equity down payments now increasingly demanded by commercial banks. He added that the proposal would use a crowdfunding mechanism, where investors could

contribute as little as $100$500, to the collective purchase of a residential property that would then be leased/rented to the intended owner. The latter would repay investors via the rent, giving them a return on their investment, until the

original purchase price is paid off, and only then obtain ownership rights. “The demand for alternative financing options is huge,” Mr Sweeting told Tribune Business. “One of the projects that we’re going to roll-out and launch this year to address

that is a rent-to-own programme. We’re in talks with out legal advisers to determine how we can legitimately operate alternative financing strategies to allow for people that have liquidity, borrowing potential to be able to seek alternative means for financing. “We’re excited that we’re going to be able to launch this in the first quarter of the year. The way it will work is through a crowdfunding mechanism where micro investors are able to collectively buy the property, with individual investments as low as $100, and put it back on the market as a rent-to-own property that gives quarterly and monthly yields on the rent payments this person makes.” Asked whether the capital raising would use an established crowdfunding platform such as ArawakX, Mr Sweeting said that “might happen” as he was in “early talks” with that entity. However, he indicated that it was more likely to take place through other “alternatives”. Mr Sweeting added that realtors were one example of the self-employed professions he was targeting, given that - while regarded as one of the higher-earning jobs - they operate on a commission basis and therefore have to cope with inconsistent cash flows and incomes. “This is to address that market. There’s huge

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interest,” he added of the rent-to-own plan. “There’s real opportunity. It’s bigger than I can see us handling, even in the first ten years. I don’t think it’s a gap we can bridge. We’re talking tens of millions of dollars in opportunities that are available through this kind of strategy. “We’ve already had those initial conversations with the legal advisers. Those are pretty much done. We have a couple of ‘i’s’ to dot and ‘t’s’ to cross before we go live with this.” Mr Sweeting said his estimate that 40 percent of buyers in New Providence’s Venetian West complex purchased using in-house financing showed there was sufficient appetite for his initiative. “It gives me confidence that there is a huge demand for it, and that it could work successfully for the purchasers and the investors,” he told Tribune Business. “I think within the first two years we could build a portfolio of around $10m, and the sky’s the limit from there. “These are conservative estimates with people able to put in micro investments of $100, 500. It’s really fractional ownership, real estate ownership, and the bar is that much smaller. For those wanting to become real estate investors they will have an opportunity to do so.” Mr Sweeting’s initiative thus represents an enterprising attempt to solve the problems of access to mortgage financing for a significant proportion of the working Bahamian population. The crowdfunding mechanism, though, would

need multiple like-minded investors to come together and be patient given that typical mortgages extend for 20-30 years. The 1 Oak Bahamas broker confirmed that traditional mortgage lenders were still requiring “considerable down payments” from borrowers before they will commit to lending funds for home purchases or new construction, and he added that they “have become a little less bullish” on lending to both tourism workers and the self-employed in the current COVID environment. Voicing doubts that the Omicron variant’s emergence will dampen real estate activity, Mr Sweeting said a “lack of inventory” in the Bahamian segment - typically involving homes priced at $500,000 and below - was helping to both create a seller’s market and pricing pressure. “We’re still reeling from low inventory and high interest,” he explained. “That interest has carried into 2022 where scores of people we were working with in 2021 were not able to find their ideal property and carry through. By all indications 2022 will be comparable to the business we did in 2021. “There are bidding wars going on. We had bidding wars on three to five properties, and all of them sold over asking price. Those where I was actively involved in negotiations sold for approximately 10 percent over asking price. There’s a lot of activity in the market.”

THE TRIBUNE

Thursday, January 6, 2022, PAGE 5

TOURISM URGES GOV’T TO CUT 14-DAY QUARANTINE FROM PAGE ONE

consideration be given to that. I think it’s a concern for the individuals. It’s on their minds, but we can address that through this particular issue being amended by the Ministry of Health or adjusted by the Ministry of Health.” The concerns raised by Mr Sands over the 14-day quarantine were echoed by Benjamin Simmons, proprietor of The Other Side and Ocean View properties on Harbour Island and Eleuthera.

He told Tribune Business: “I think because it [the Omicron variant] is so transmissible, people are concerned about getting it and getting trapped here. A 14-day quarantine is a long period. In the US it’s five days, and in the UK it’s seven. It seems like the science has moved on a bit, and it’s definitely a little difficult to navigate, but the standard the Government sets is the standard we go by. “People are concerned about getting trapped,

CUBAN WOMEN PUSH TO JOIN BUSINESS OPENING, CITE OBSTACLES By ANDREA RODRÍGUEZ Associated Press HAVANA (AP) — Cuba was an early leader in recognizing women’s rights and equality after Fidel Castro’s revolution in 1959. Women were put in positions of power and responsibility, and the government legalized abortion and created day care centers, steps that allowed women to join the workforce alongside men. Yet Cuban women who are seeking to take part in the island’s gradual opening to independent small businesses say they are facing unique challenges put up by a patriarchal society that favors men and maleowned businesses. At a recent business expo for women entrepreneurs, Natalhie Fonseca, owner of Carrete, an online enterprise she started to make and sell handmade decorations for children’s rooms, said women are held back

by Cuban society’s expectations that they also be homemakers. Fonseca said she rises at dawn, washes, cooks, takes care of her two girls, cleans, and works part-time in her husband’s coffee shop, in addition to working on her own business. “Twenty-four in a day are not enough,” she lamented. “If we had a little help.” AIynn Torres, a researcher on gender issues at the Rosa Luxemburg Foundation, said that while Cuba “made a very big leap” in the 1960s and ‘70s in bring women into the workforce, its efforts have stagnated. She said 60% of Cuba’s university graduates are women, but they mostly end up in the least paid economic sectors, such as education or social assistance. Women account for only a third of selfemployed workers in Cuba, whose economy is still largely state-run businesses,

TEMPLE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL

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that’s the thing. The repercussions of a positive test are so great that creates a question mark. Is this a dangerous destination to come to because of Omicron? If there was an update to policy to reflect CDC guidelines people would understand that, but two weeks out of work on top of a vacation, people are questioning that.” Meanwhile, Mr Sands said it was “unfortunate” that the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has again

downgraded The Bahamas to a ‘Level 3’ from a ‘Level 2’ due to the explosion of COVID-19 cases over the past two weeks. However, the warning was targeted mainly at unvaccinated Americans who make up a minority of The Bahamas’ tourism market given that 85-90 percent of guests at large hotels are fully inoculated. “Make sure you are fully vaccinated before travelling to The Bahamas,” the latest CDC advisory warned. “Unvaccinated travellers

should avoid non-essential travel to The Bahamas. “Because of the current situation in The Bahamas, all travellers may be at risk for getting and spreading COVID-19 variants. Travellers should follow recommendations or requirements in The Bahamas, including wearing a mask and staying six feet apart from others.” Mr Sands said The Bahamas was far from alone in being downgraded by the CDC because of Omicron’s rapid spread, and added:

“We’re not in the ‘do not travel’ category. We don’t want to bring too much exposure to this particular change at this particular point because we do not want to create uncertainty in the marketplace. “We’re grateful it’s not ‘Level 4’, and we have to work hard to get back to ‘Level 2’. I would say this is always a concern, but it’s not a highlighted concern. For me the issue is to work very hard to get us back to a ‘Level 2’.”

and they make up just over 20% of the owners of small- and medium-size businesses, according to official figures. “Conscious and systematic state actions, not only

words, are absolutely essential to ensure the greater participation of women,” Torres said. She said there should be more credit available for women business owners

and more done to care for children, the sick and the elderly, which are responsibilities that now fall mainly on Cuba’s women. Battered by low economic productivity as well

as the obstacles presented by the U.S. embargo, Cuba’s government a gradual opening of the private sector during the last decade.

PAGE 8, Thursday, January 6, 2022

THE TRIBUNE

SUPER VALUE’S SOLAR ROLL-OUT EYES 60% ENERGY BILL SLASH

FROM PAGE ONE “Our plan is that as fast as BPL, the Government and URCA (the Utilities Regulation and Competition Authority) agree we want to put solar on the stores. “That $1m a month we are paying on energy will stay at home to circulate between us. That doesn’t have to go out of the country. We can’t keep inviting tourists here, they spend their money and it goes back out on the next flight. We have to keep some circulating among ourselves. By doing this we’re going to create jobs. “There’s some maintenance, but that’s

insignificant compared to the bill we were getting. We’re on our way. We’ll be doing it store by store. We did the warehouse about two years ago. One month in the summer, BPL owed us a credit but we’re not installing to sell power to BPL. We want to produce our own power.” Super Value may not need to obtain all the permits and approvals currently required for gridtied renewable energy systems if its solar plans just involve producing power for itself. Local renewable energy players have long complained about the long, drawn-out process in obtaining multiple

PUBLIC NOTICE INTENT TO CHANGE NAME BY DEED POLL The Public is hereby advised that I, ORLANDA NELSON THOMPSON, of No.22 Hampton Avenue South Beach, P. O. Box SB-52225, intend to change my name to ORLANDER NELSON THOMPSON. 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 publication of this notice.

Legal Notice

NOTICE

approvals from various agencies, including BPL and the Ministry of Works, for grid-tied systems. And URCA last year admitted that its renewable policies were “not attractive” for companies and investors seeking to enter the sector when proposing a pricing structure switch. It unveiled a move away from larger grid-tied renewable energy systems, capable of producing more than 500 kW (kilowatts) being compensated by BPL for selling energy to the grid via a “buy all, sell” method. This requires participants with such systems, mainly larger businesses such as Super Value and government facilities, to not consume any electricity generated by their renewable systems. They instead

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have to export all energy they generate to BPL, and consume all the electricity they need from the stateowned monopoly at the standard retail tariff levied on all its customers. Those who “sell all” under this arrangement have been compensated by the equivalent of BPL’s appropriate monthly fuel charge, which normally accounts for just 50-60 percent of customer bills. Such a mechanism is vehemently opposed by private sector renewable energy players on the basis that producers are not be fully compensated for what they produce. URCA is now proposing to go with a net billing compensation structure for grid-tied renewable energy systems capable of producing 500 kW and 1 Mega Watt (MW), which will enables companies with grid-tied systems to “net off” the difference between what they supply to, and consume from, BPL. Such considerations may not be relevant to Super Value’s plans. Mr Roberts yesterday said the supermarket chain’s stores would

use BPL’s supply at night, making no mention of any battery storage facility plans, but added that its locations typically “burn one-third” of the energy they consume in the day when consumers are instore and air conditioning systems on high. “We will buy from BPL at night and let the sun supply us during the day,”, he explained. “We’re moving. It’s happening. The [installers] were on the roof probably on January 1. They told me the roods are perfect to move ahead.” Pegging the likely investment at between $3m-$4m, Mr Roberts said he hoped all installations could be completed “by summer”. He added: “It will be less than a four-year pay-off. Every day we delay we’re wasting sunshine. I think we could slash our energy bill by around 60 percent, and could even do better. “Then we don’t have to charge that to the consumer. We are only an agent, and whatever we save we pass on. Whatever it costs us we have to pass on. I want to do the big energy guzzlers first; the big stores

Legal Notice

- Cable Beach, Mackey Street, Winton and Golden Gates, and the three Quality stores. That’s seven to eight of the big stores, and then we have the inner city stores. “We’re cracking, we’re moving. I was talking to the installers this morning. I think the panels are ordered, and it’s less than a three-month delivery. As soon as they land they want to install them because storage becomes a problem. They want to get them tied down as they have to be finished before hurricane season.” Mr Roberts said Super Value had installed two generators at some of its larger stores as an extra precaution against power failures given that those locations carry up to $250,000 of perishable produce. “If BPL fails, one generator fails, you have trouble,” he added. “We’re really big distributors, and use a lot of gasoline and diesel. In the last two years that has probably doubled and tripled. We don’t know where that is going to go.”

Legal Notice

NOTICE

Pursuant to the Provisions of Section 138 (8) of the International Business Companies Act 2000 notice is hereby given that the above-named Company has been dissolved and struck off the Register pursuant to a Certificate of Dissolution issued by the Registrar General on the 22nd day of December, 2021.

Omteck Limited

Blue-Teck Limited

Jonell Rolle Liquidator of Omglory Limited

Jonell Rolle Liquidator of Omteck Limited

Jonell Rolle Liquidator of Blue-Teck Limited

Omglory Limited

Are you highly adaptable? Competitive? Energetic? Flexible? If you have what it takes, we want you! Fidelity is looking for a passionate, sales-driven, networking professional to fill the role of:

Personal Banking Representative (Loan Officer) JOB SUMMARY: The ideal Candidate will be a proven sales leader who is target-driven and possesses excellent communication and interpersonal skills. This role is primarily responsible for the sale of Fidelity’s loan and credit card products, while ensuring successful relationship management of clients. In addition to a fixed salary, this position also earns substantial performance-based incentives.

MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: • The solicitation and sale of loans, credit cards and other credit products. • Solicit and interact with prospective clients regarding loan applications and other credit matters – utilizing effective relationship management skills. • Prepare credit applications (loans, overdrafts, credit cards) and perform credit facility renewals. • Perform collection of overdue loan and credit card payments. • Serve as a backup and relief for other Lending roles or functions as required.

REQUIREMENTS/QUALIFICATIONS: • High school Diploma • Minimum of 3 years’ experience in the Financial Services industry or in a role which required solicitation and sales based on targets • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills (verbal and written) • Must be energetic, competitive and goal-oriented • Exceptional character, integrity and work ethics • Proficient at Microsoft Office Suite programs • Ability to work in a self-motivated environment, on a team and with little supervision • Ability to manage the administration of multiple tasks at one time

PLEASE SUBMIT BEFORE January 14th 2022

HUMAN RESOURCES Re: Loan Officer

ABSOLUTELY NO PHONE CALLS

careers@fidelitybahamas.com

A competitive compensation package (including base salary and commissions) will be commensurate with relevant experience and qualification.

THE TRIBUNE

TOURISM CONCERN OVER US COVID DOWNGRADE FROM PAGE THREE for my staff that deal with that, but it was absolutely necessary. I think it was necessary, and I think it was a good move, and I’m not against it.” Wesley Ferguson, the Bahamas Taxi Cab Union’s (BTCU) president, said the CDC downgrade will potentially deter cruise ship passengers who have already been warned by the same US health regulator to avoid the industry amid the Omicron variant’s surge and rising COVID-19 cases worldwide. He added: “We are watching this closely and will adjust to what the outcome is. This is going to affect everybody, even those

airlift passengers. I heard the minister saying last night that they have relaxed some of those restrictions they planned to put in place and that is good. I have travelled myself recently, and the trouble I had to get back home was crazy.” “It was very, very difficult to get an RT-PCR test. It was not easy. You had to do some unprecedented things to get tests, even a regular rapid antigen test done within the 72 hours timeframe that was allotted for us. We had to make sure we had the results, we had to wait on the results on pins and needles hoping we didn’t come up positive, although we had no symptoms.”

Legal Notice

NOTICE

Crystal Heights Ltd. Pursuant to the Provisions of Section 138 (8) of the International Business Companies Act 2000 notice is hereby given that the above-named Company has been dissolved and struck off the Register pursuant to a Certificate of Dissolution issued by the Registrar General on the 17th day of December, 2021.

Legal Notice

NOTICE Ivory Bright Investment Limited Pursuant to the Provisions of Section 138 (8) of the International Business Companies Act 2000 notice is hereby given that the above-named Company has been dissolved and struck off the Register pursuant to a Certificate of Dissolution issued by the Registrar General on the 30th day of December, 2021.

Legal Notice

NOTICE

Omsea Limited Pursuant to the Provisions of Section 138 (8) of the International Business Companies Act 2000 notice is hereby given that the above-named Company has been dissolved and struck off the Register pursuant to a Certificate of Dissolution issued by the Registrar General on the 22nd day of December, 2021.

Legal Notice

NOTICE

Walzsolid Limited Pursuant to the Provisions of Section 138 (8) of the International Business Companies Act 2000 notice is hereby given that the above-named Company has been dissolved and struck off the Register pursuant to a Certificate of Dissolution issued by the Registrar General on the 22nd day of December, 2021.

NOTICE NOTICE is hereby given that JEFFREY VERNISE of Warren Street, New Providence, The 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 30th day of December, 2021 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, New Providence, The Bahamas.

Thursday, January 6, 2022, PAGE 9

NOTICE

NOTICE is hereby given that AUDRICA ALEXANDRIA COLEBROOK of Heritage Lane, Nassau, 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 6th day of January, 2022 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, New Providence, The Bahamas.

THE TRIBUNE

Thursday, January 6, 2022, PAGE 11

REALTOR SEES ‘BUMPER YEAR’ OVER 400% TRANSACTION RISE FROM PAGE ONE

was $1.75m. 2020 was also up over 2019. “It was a good year for real estate companies in The Bahamas. If you missed that, you will be feeling pretty sad. I’m optimistic, and think 2022 will be equally as strong maybe a bit less. You might have a slightly lesser year in 2022 because inventory levels are lower, but I’m optimistic because that demand will be there. “I think the real estate market is good in The Bahamas, and it should stay that way for another couple of years.” Mr Damianos

said the realisation that the world will be living with COVID-19 and its variants for some time to come was helping to stimulate demand for Bahamian real estate as buyers sought out socially distanced with reduced infection possibilities (Omicron notwithstanding). “People are at a stage in their lives where they want to make a decision and enjoy a place like The Bahamas, and have a second home or set up residency and move here,” he added. “People think: Do it now rather than later. This COVID thing will be around for a while, so let’s

get it done, go somewhere with the family, and have a nice vacation. Wealthy people have a lot of money these days.” Mr Damianos said he presently saw no further COVID-related market disruption “unless these travel restrictions become onerous and people are not able to come to The Bahamas”. And he argued that there were few better hedges against inflation and/or new and increased taxes in the US “than a hard asset like real estate, especially a beachfront or oceanfront property in The Bahamas”. The Damianos Sotheby’s chief said the Davis

administration’s decision to return to one single VAT rate, 10 percent, on all real estate transactions and eliminate the 12 percent on the $2m-plus portion provided simplicity and reduced closing costs. As for the actual financial impact, he added: “Realistically it’s more psychological than the actual dollars and cents. Would you have deterred a buyer because he had to pay an extra percentage or two to the Government? I don’t think they would have walked, but it’s a nice boost because people will think they will not be taxed to death in The Bahamas.

“The more taxes you put on foreign and Bahamian purchasers, the more onerous it is to purchase than beforehand. With easing taxes, you should get more transactions and those transactions will bring more to the Public Treasury than the extra two percentage points. We’re optimistic.” Mike Lightbourn, Coldwell Banker Lightbourn Realty’s president, similarly told Tribune Business that his firm enjoyed a record year in 2021. “We were way up over 2019,” he confirmed. “It was better for everybody. The only ones who might have had a difficult time would be those

THE WEATHER REPORT

5-Day Forecast

TODAY

ORLANDO

High: 75° F/24° C Low: 58° F/14° C

TAMPA

uV inDex toDay

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

SUNDAY

MONDAY

Mostly sunny and beautiful

Clear

Thickening clouds

Partly sunny, a shower; windy

Windy with clouds and sunshine

Partly sunny with a passing shower

High: 81°

Low: 67°

High: 81° Low: 68°

High: 80° Low: 68°

High: 81° Low: 69°

High: 80° Low: 68°

AccuWeather RealFeel

86° F

71° F

88°-67° F

81°-66° F

83°-70° F

87°-65° F

The exclusive AccuWeather RealFeel Temperature® is an index that combines the effects of temperature, wind, humidity, sunshine intensity, cloudiness, precipitation, pressure and elevation on the human body—everything that affects how warm or cold a person feels. Temperatures reflect the high and the low for the day.

almanac

ABACO

High: 77° F/25° C Low: 72° F/22° C

6-12 knots

High: 78° F/26° C Low: 61° F/16° C

7-14 knots

FT. LAUDERDALE

FREEPORT

High: 78° F/26° C Low: 64° F/18° C

N E S

WEST PALM BEACH

| Go to AccuWeather.com

TONIGHT

High: 74° F/23° C Low: 64° F/18° C

High: 77° F/25° C Low: 66° F/19° C

MIAMI

High: 79° F/26° C Low: 65° F/18° C

3-6 knots

Statistics are for Nassau through 1 p.m. yesterday Temperature High ................................................... 79° F/26° C Low .................................................... 60° F/16° C Normal high ....................................... 78° F/25° C Normal low ........................................ 66° F/19° C Last year’s high ................................. 78° F/25° C Last year’s low ................................... 66° F/19° C Precipitation As of 1 p.m. yesterday ................................. 0.91” Year to date ................................................. 1.11” Normal year to date ..................................... 0.24”

ELEUTHERA

NASSAU

High: 81° F/27° C Low: 67° F/19° C

High: 80° F/27° C Low: 71° F/22° C

KEY WEST

High: 76° F/24° C Low: 69° F/21° C

tiDes For nassau High

4-8 knots

Low

Ht.(ft.)

10:31 a.m. 11:02 p.m.

3.1 2.5

4:12 a.m. -0.5 5:00 p.m. -0.5

Friday

11:22 a.m. 11:58 p.m.

2.8 2.5

5:09 a.m. -0.2 5:51 p.m. -0.3

Saturday

12:14 p.m. -----

2.6 -----

6:07 a.m. 0.1 6:41 p.m. -0.2

Sunday

12:56 a.m. 1:07 p.m.

2.4 2.3

7:08 a.m. 7:32 p.m.

0.3 0.0

Monday

1:53 a.m. 2:02 p.m.

2.4 2.1

8:11 a.m. 8:22 p.m.

0.4 0.0

Tuesday

2:50 a.m. 2:57 p.m.

2.4 2.0

9:12 a.m. 9:12 p.m.

0.5 0.1

Wednesday 3:43 a.m. 3:51 p.m.

2.4 1.9

10:10 a.m. 0.4 10:01 p.m. 0.0

sun anD moon Sunrise Sunset

6:56 a.m. Moonrise 5:35 p.m. Moonset

10:20 a.m. 9:57 p.m.

First

Full

Last

New

Jan. 9

Jan. 17

Jan. 25

Feb. 1

ANDROS

SAN SALVADOR

GREAT EXUMA

High: 81° F/27° C Low: 73° F/23° C

High: 81° F/27° C Low: 75° F/24° C

High: 81° F/27° C Low: 68° F/20° C

W S

LONG ISLAND

tracking map

High: 82° F/28° C Low: 74° F/23° C

4-8 knots

MAYAGUANA High: 81° F/27° C Low: 75° F/24° C

Shown is today’s weather. Temperatures

Ht.(ft.)

Today

High: 81° F/27° C Low: 73° F/23° C

Shown is today’s weather. Temperatures are today’s highs and tonight’s lows.

The higher the AccuWeather UV IndexTM number, the greater the need for eye and skin protection.

CAT ISLAND

only dealing in the Bahamian market because of buyer problems getting financing. That’s not going away. “We’re just going to keep our fingers crossed, that’s all I can say, and if we keep COVID cases down then things should be good. The money is there. I think interest rates will go up in the US a little bit, but not enough to affect tourism. The outlook is bright subject to the unknown. Right now, everything looks good, but this Omicron variant, COVID, we don’t know what effect that’s going to have.”

CROOKED ISLAND / ACKLINS

are today’s highs and tonight’s lows.

RAGGED ISLAND High: 81° F/27° C Low: 76° F/24° C

High: 82° F/28° C Low: 76° F/24° C

GREAT INAGUA High: 83° F/28° C Low: 75° F/24° C

6-12 knots

7-14 knots

marine Forecast ABACO ANDROS CAT ISLAND CROOKED ISLAND ELEUTHERA FREEPORT GREAT EXUMA GREAT INAGUA LONG ISLAND MAYAGUANA NASSAU RAGGED ISLAND SAN SALVADOR

Today: Friday: Today: Friday: Today: Friday: Today: Friday: Today: Friday: Today: Friday: Today: Friday: Today: Friday: Today: Friday: Today: Friday: Today: Friday: Today: Friday: Today: Friday:

WINDS SW at 7-14 Knots NW at 6-12 Knots S at 4-8 Knots NNE at 4-8 Knots SE at 4-8 Knots NNE at 4-8 Knots ESE at 7-14 Knots ESE at 6-12 Knots S at 4-8 Knots N at 4-8 Knots WSW at 7-14 Knots NNW at 6-12 Knots SE at 4-8 Knots NE at 4-8 Knots E at 7-14 Knots E at 7-14 Knots ESE at 6-12 Knots ENE at 4-8 Knots ESE at 7-14 Knots ESE at 6-12 Knots S at 4-8 Knots NNE at 3-6 Knots SE at 6-12 Knots ENE at 6-12 Knots SE at 4-8 Knots NNE at 4-8 Knots

WAVES 3-5 Feet 2-4 Feet 0-1 Feet 0-1 Feet 3-6 Feet 2-4 Feet 3-6 Feet 2-4 Feet 3-6 Feet 2-4 Feet 2-4 Feet 1-3 Feet 0-1 Feet 0-1 Feet 2-4 Feet 2-4 Feet 1-3 Feet 1-3 Feet 4-7 Feet 3-6 Feet 1-2 Feet 0-1 Feet 1-3 Feet 1-3 Feet 1-3 Feet 1-2 Feet

VISIBILITY 7 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 5 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles

WATER TEMPS. 77° F 77° F 77° F 77° F 81° F 80° F 80° F 80° F 79° F 79° F 77° F 78° F 80° F 80° F 81° F 80° F 81° F 81° F 80° F 80° F 76° F 77° F 80° F 80° F 80° F 80° F

PAGE 12, Thursday, January 6, 2022

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THE TRIBUNE

TOURISM IN ‘HUGE WIN’ ON COVID TEST EASE FROM PAGE ONE

vaccination status - must produce a negative PCR test taken within three days of travel from tomorrow onwards. The travel protocol tightening was designed to help combat the explosion in local COVID-19 cases produced by the Omicron variant. However, that strain has also moved rapidly, and virtually unchecked, through The Bahamas’ key tourism source markets in the US, with COVID testing centres in Florida and elsewhere almost overrun. As a result, Bahamian hotel and tourism operators were becoming increasingly concerned that many potential visitors and existing bookings would be unable to obtain PCR tests, the corresponding results, and upload them for Health Travel Visa approval within the required three-day timeframe. And the extra cost associated with PCR tests was seen as a further travel obstacle. Mr Sands yesterday said the Government had eased COVID travel impediments for up to 85-90 percent of The Bahamas’ market by eliminating the need for vaccinated visitors to obtain PCR tests. The vast majority of visitors coming to this nation are already inoculated, meaning that only a small proportion will still have to obtain RT-PCR tests within the three-day window. “The substantive adjustment is from PCR tests to rapid antigen tests for vaccinated individuals, and that’s a huge win for the industry,” the BHTA president told Tribune Business. “I think the industry is

very pleased with the outcome. I think it addresses a significant amount of the industry’s concerns. “What it does is that it allows for the pent-up momentum to continue, and it removes any impediment to booking demand notwithstanding other issues that may occur in the marketplace - bad weather, flight cancellations, which can be a positive outcome for a warm weather destination. “We think this goes a long way. It not only saves and protects; it eliminates any roadblocks for potential bookings going forward... It also takes away this whole concern of potential travellers not being able to get the test, and the cost of having to get it. That remains an issue.” Mr Sands said the Government’s COVID travel protocol change will positively impact the vast majority of tourists given that 85-90 percent of guests at larger hotels are fully vaccinated. Only the unvaccinated minority will still have to obtain a negative RT-PCR test within three days. Dr Michael Darville, minister of health and wellness, yesterday said he is proposing that the RT-PCR test suspension for vaccinated travellers may only last until January’s end. He based this on the anticipation that US demand for COVID tests will ease as Omicron’s spread reduces, while acknowledging that current demand is outstripping available kit supply. The minister said the present situation meant Bahamians, as well as tourists, were struggling to get COVID tests in the required timeframe to travel to this nation, and conceded that millions of dollars in tourism bookings were potentially endangered prior to the suspension. However, while the testing type has been eased for vaccinated visitors, the window in which to obtain a negative test remains narrowed at three days as opposed to the current five as the Government bids to balance lives with livelihoods and the tourism-driven economy in combating Omicron. Omicron, which current data suggests is more contagious but less deadly than

previous COVID variants such as Delta, has produced an explosion of infections with 1,850 new cases recorded in The Bahamas between Thursday, December 30, and Monday, January 3 for a daily average of 370. A further 375 were recorded on Tuesday, bringing the six-day total to 2,225 new cases. Hospitalisations have also risen, albeit more slowly, to 71 with four of these patients in intensive care as of January 5. All visitors staying in The Bahamas longer than 48 hours must, with effect from yesterday, now take a rapid antigen test regardless of vaccination status. Mr Sands yesterday said the tourism industry can live with the narrowed testing window given that the potential for COVIDinfected persons to avoid detection is “much greater” in a five-day period. “By reducing this window from five days to three, the science tells us - and we accept what the Ministry of Health told us - that it would catch 50 percent more infectious cases,” he added. “That’s a significant catch, and very difficult to argue against given where we are.” Asked whether the industry believes The Bahamas can handle COVID testing for all tourists staying longer than 48 hours, the BHTA president said: “I think that a regime is in place. If I had to be honest we would have preferred it was three days, but we’re not going to debate that particular issue. “I think you never get everything you want, but certainly the middle road is an acceptable agreement.” Mr Sands said hotels had already placed the revised COVID travel protocols on their websites, and were including it in booking confirmations, to ensure the message was received and understood by the tourism marketplace. Asked whether The Bahamas needed to do better when it came to travel uncertainty caused by the frequent changes in entry protocols, he replied: “In a perfect world, it would be good to have a situation where we not have to change them. “But, certainly recognising the dilemma governments find

themselves in from time to time, adjustments may be required but we should pick the timeframe in which to do them. Unfortunately, and this is water under the bridge now, this was a busy time for us to do it, but the Government in its wisdom made a huge adjustment.” Kerry Fountain, the Bahamas Out Island Promotion Board’s executive director, yesterday praised the COVID travel restriction alterations for “getting rid of the angst” for many visitors when it came to meeting deadlines and obtaining an approved Health Travel Visa. “It is kudos to the Government for seeing that there was a need to change the protocols based on what is happening in our number one tourism source market for The Bahamas, the US,” he told Tribune Business. “We’ve seen on TV the long lines to get testing and, in some cases, when people have had appointments they’ve run out of tests. “I say that to share that testing in the US, it’s a challenge. Now that we’re requiring vaccinated guests and visitors to have a rapid antigen test as opposed to a PCR test within three days of travel, we’re very psyched about that. As of now, kudos to the Government for making that adjustment. “It definitely makes it easier; it just gets rid of the angst. And not only easier but more affordable. There’s a big difference for a family of four between a $30-$50 rapid antigen test and in some cases you get it for free - versus an RT-PCR test.” Mr Fountain said that while COVID testing tends could be found “every ten blocks”, the problem was receiving the results within the three days required by The Bahamas. And clinics, where such results were typically available in 24 hours, are charging between $150 to $200 per RT-PCR test - which could add between $600 and $800 to the cost of a vacation for a family of four. “People feel OK; we can now go,” he added of the Government’s adjustments. “It’s not costing me. It’s taking away the anxiety and not costing me $600; it’s costing me $200, and the Government says I can travel.”