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Volume: 121 No.53, February 7, 2024

THE PEOPLE’S PAPER: PRICE–$1

‘STREETS NEVER FORGAVE’ VICTIM Latest man killed had turned to a Christian lifestyle

By EARYEL BOWLEG Tribune Staff Reporter ebowleg@tribunemedia.net A MAN on bail for murder was killed yesterday despite reportedly recently embracing a Christian lifestyle.

“He made a change, but the streets never forgave him,” Chief Superintendent of Police Chrislyn Skippings

said about the victim.

She said she interacted with the man recently, during which he admitted he had been involved in “some activities” and was on the “road to doing something positive”.

She spoke to the 31-yearold last week when Prime Minister Philip “Brave” SEE PAGE THREE

DEMENTIA CASES EXPECTED TO TRIPLE BY YEAR 2050

By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune News Editor rrolle@tribunemedia.net DEMENTIA prevalence in The Bahamas is projected to increase by 226 per cent by 2050, with experts warning that the country has no plan and isn’t doing enough to tackle the issue.

“Over the past year,

The Bahamas has made no significant strides in its national dementia response, and we’re disappointed in the lack of funding for diagnosis and research, which is vital if we hope to progress in fighting the disease,” said Wendyi Poitier-Albury, president of The Bahamas Alzheimer’s Association.

SEE PAGE FOUR

THE BODY of a 31-year-old man is taken away after he was gunned down on Hospital Lane yesterday afternoon. Chief Superintendent of Police Chrislyn Skippings said she recently spoke with the victim and he was ‘on the road to doing something positive.’

Photos: Dante Carrer

Miller slams idea of ‘Drag’ on tourist bookings violence interrupters after crime alerts issueD

By LYNAIRE MUNNINGS Tribune Staff Reporter lmunnings@tribunemedia.net FORMER Cabinet minister Leslie Miller slammed the idea that Carlos Reid and Rodney Moncur could

FORMER Cabinet Minister Leslie Miller

be violence interrupters, saying: “This is a real country, man, stop it.”

In April 2022, Officer of the Prime Minister communications director Latrae Rahming said Mr Moncur was appointed as a violence interrupter because he understands the dynamics of communities and was trusted by people in the inner city. He said the programme was key to solving the issue.

Mr Reid told The Tribune last week that the violence interrupter programme never began.

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net BAHAMIAN hotels yesterday revealed recent crime alerts have sparked “a drag on the booking pace” while a former DNA leader blamed seven cancellations at his vacation rental business on the warnings.

Robert Sands, the

SEE PAGE FIVE

Nassau & Bahama Islands’ Leading Newspaper

Bahamas Hotel and Tourism Association’s (BHTA) president, told Tribune Business the industry is still trying to “quantify” the precise impact from international media “misrepresentation” of US and Canadian travel advisories although February “still remains a very strong month”.

FULL STORY - SEE BUSINESS

national staDium ‘facelift’ incluDes worlD-class track SEE SPORTS

PAGE 2, Wednesday, February 7, 2024

THE TRIBUNE

GB Disaster Relief Foundation Hurricane Dorian Home Repairs programme ends

By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net THE Grand Bahama Disaster Relief Foundation’s Hurricane Dorian Home Repairs Programme has come to an end, completing restoration to over 600 damaged homes on the island.

The initiative involved reconstruction and repairs to 640 households in the Central and East Grand Bahama areas that were affected by Dorian, in September 2019.

In a press statement issued by the Grand Bahama Port Authority on Tuesday, the company said that “millions of dollars” were invested in the reconstruction effort.

“Guided by a team of four individuals - Andy Stofleth, Cameron Quinlan, Caroline Delvin, and Dara Olivencia – the project, in collaboration with the St Bernard Project (SBP), stands as a testament to solidarity and impactful disaster relief efforts,” the company said.

Andy Stofleth, Executive Director for the Caribbean at SBP, said: “We have been able to assist 640 households with home repairs over the last four years thanks to GBDRF’s early and continued support of our work. Words cannot express my gratitude.”

Deann Seymour, GBDRF board member, said they have impacted the lives of those most vulnerable in Grand Bahama since the passing of Hurricane Dorian.

“With over 2.5 million dollars in funding, the foundation first provided

DEBORAH KNOWLES, thanks members of the Grand Bahama Disaster Relief Foundation for roof repair assistance. relief of food, water, personal hygiene, and survival tools immediately after the storm and subsequently assisted with rebuilding over 200 homes over the last three years,” she stated.

Ms Seymour said an additional investment of

$2 million was invested through the furniture relief programme, supplying residents with furniture and equipment.

She noted that the foundation’s outreach extended from east to west, encompassing feeding programmes that continued

for at least two years.

Deborah Knowles, one of the beneficiaries of the programme, was very appreciative of the GBDRF for assisting her with roof repairs.

“I am extremely grateful for the work the GBDRF has done for my home and

my family. My roof was destroyed during Hurricane Dorian. Heavy rain and storms caused leaks in the hallway and the bathroom. Overall, it took the team about a week and a half to repair the roof, and now I can relax during storms,” she said.

Photo: G BPA Ms Seymour said the GBDRF remains steadfast in its commitment to being prepared for any future disaster events.

“As we continue to rebuild and rebound, the foundation’s goal is to be ready for any disaster event,” she stated.

THE TRIBUNE

Wednesday, February 7, 2024, PAGE 3

‘Streets never forgave’ victim

POLICE at the scene of the country’s 25th murder for the year, where a man was gunned down on Hospital Lane yesterday.

Photos: Danet Carrer

from page one Davis and a delegation walked through the community.

She said: “He recognised where he was, and he stood there, and he spoke to me, and I’m saying that to say, every week or every time we come to a crime scene, we always talk about somebody murdered, someone shot the person here. I want to use this opportunity to say to parents, loved ones, girlfriends, all right-thinking Bahamians who have children, men.

“It’s imperative that you train your children properly; once again, you have to deter them from getting

involved in criminal activities from an early age. If you fail to steer them in the right direction, steer them away from a life of crime.

“When they get older, and they recognise the consequences of being involved in criminal activities, it’s too late. The young man recognised that some things he didn’t do right early on in his life. He made a change, but the streets never forgave him.”

Shortly before 3pm, the deceased was walking south on Hospital Lane when a man emerged from Sarah Ingraham Park and opened fire. The assailant fled on foot in a northern direction.

When reporters arrived

on the scene, the victim’s body was near a church close to the park.

Pastor Carlos Reid said he knew of the victim, adding that some community members spoke highly about him.

“You know, it just shows that our society is a very unforgiving one,” he said.

“You know that once you label, you label. What is ironic is that we just came to this area last Wednesday night. We did a walkthrough to this area, started right off this same park. So at that, it grieves my heart to have to come back to this area and have to see somebody like dead on the very same spot that we started.”

Cartwright Calls for Munroe’s resignation - ‘CriMe Crisis needs new leadership’

By LYNAIRE MUNNINGS Tribune Staff Reporter lmunnings@tribunemedia.net FREE National Movement Deputy Leader Shanendon Cartwright called for National Security Minister Wayne Munroe to resign, saying the “crime crisis” requires new leadership.

“The opposition calls on the minister of national security to resign and a more capable and effective replacement to be appointed in his stead,” he said in a press statement yesterday.

The country has recorded 25 murders for this year.

Mr Cartwright said the Bahamian people no longer have confidence in Mr Munroe’s capacity and ability to lead the ministry.

“As the unfortunate spate of murders continues to rise in the Commonwealth of The Bahamas, the government seems to be paralysed in its inability to address the daily bloodshed,” he said. “The Bahamian people are angered and dismayed that the ministerial leadership at the Ministry of National Security is not bringing the results as promised by the Davis administration.”

Mr Cartwright questioned the effectiveness of the violence interrupters

programme given the country’s crime crisis.

In 2022, Rodney Moncur and Carlos Reid were hired as violence interrupters to help fight crime, according to Latrae Rahming, communications director in the Office of the Prime Minister. However, the programme has not been rolled out. Last week, Mr Munroe told this newspaper that Mr Reid and Mr Moncur were hired for community outreach purposes, not as violence interrupters.

Mr Cartwright said in a statement: “In 2022 the Office of the Prime Minister boasted of the commencement and execution of a violence disrupter

Constable removed from RBPF and charged with stabbing man at stadium

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net A POLICE constable was removed from the force and charged in court yesterday with allegedly stabbing someone at the Thomas A Robinson National Stadium last November.

Acting Chief Magistrate Roberto Reckley charged Trevor Brown, 22, with causing harm.

Kelsey Munroe represented the accused.

Inspector Deon Barr served as prosecutor.

Brown is accused of stabbing and injuring Patrick Williams with a knife at the national stadium on

November 1, 2023.

After pleading not guilty to the charges, the accused was granted $3,500 bail with one surety.

Under the terms of his bail, Brown must sign in by 6pm at the East Street South Police Station on the last Friday of every month.

Constable Brown’s trial begins on April 25.

programme inclusive of strategic hiring of consultants in the Ministry of National Security. It was emphasised that the ‘violence interrupters’ were a key component in the government’s crime strategy.

“As the crime crisis rages, the Bahamian people are questioning the value, impact and effectiveness of the ‘violence interrupters’ initiative.

Moreover, the minister’s contradiction of the Office of the Prime Minister regarding the role of the ‘violence interrupters’ initiative has further eroded public confidence in this administration’s policies and his ability to lead it.”

FNM deputy leader Shanendon Cartwright

PAGE 4, Wednesday, February 7, 2024

THE TRIBUNE

Dementia cases expected to triple by year 2050 from page one A statement from Alzheimer’s Disease International said 40 per cent of forecasted cases could be delayed or potentially avoided, but planning is necessary. It noted that dementia was the 9th leading cause of death between 2017 and 2018.

Yesterday, Health Minister Dr Michael Darville called Mrs Poitier-Albury’s criticism “sad,” adding: “We do have a plan and are addressing many forms of neurological and degenerative diseases. We must meet with them.”

WENDYI POITIER-ALBURY, president of The Bahamas Alzheimer’s Association.

In an interview with The Tribune yesterday, Mrs

Poitier-Albury couldn’t say how much funding for

diagnosis and research is needed, but said to her knowledge there is no funding for Alzheimer’s and dementia research in the country.

She compared the matter to breast cancer.

“We know that in The Bahamas, we have the prevalence of the BRCA gene, and so we cannot use information that you would find in Canada, in England or in the United States because here in The Bahamas, we are different, and so what we needed for Bahamian women with breast cancer is different,” she said.

“You would have to start testing earlier, doing your mammograms earlier.

And I say that to compare that to dementia and Alzheimer’s. Right now, we do know what we are doing is we are using information, and we’re extrapolating that and saying this might be something similar here, but it may be different, and the only way we could find out is if we do research here in The Bahamas.”

She said risk factors that increase dementia and Alzheimer’s include those that also explain the country’s high rates of diabetes

and heart disease.

She highlighted the insufficient availability of daycare and respite centres.

She said most options are privately run and owned.

“Daycare is not inexpensive,” she added. “The ones that are here, they’re already full because there’s just that lack of resources available.”

She said a Fun Run Walk will be held on March 2nd to promote physical activity while emphasising the value of memories. She said officials want to give a grant to the University of the Bahamas for research.

MOE security officers protest for owed Dr LinDa Davis ‘unanimousLy’ enDorseD as new presiDent overtime, promotions and insurance

By JADE RUSSELL Tribune Staff Reporter jrussell@tribunemedia.net SECURITY officers in the Ministry of Education protested outside the Office of the Prime Minister yesterday, saying they are tired of fighting for owed overtime pay, promotions, and insurance.

More than 30 officers stood in harsh weather conditions chanting “pay me what you owe me”.

Sheion Lopez, security officer of Eva Hilton Primary, said security officers need to be respected, adding they put their lives on the line daily to protect school members.

“If something was to happen to us, they going to meet the security first before they get inside the office to who sitting in those seats,” she said. “Hear us out. We need our money. We need it now.”

She told reporters she worked overtime tirelessly almost every day.

She said she had to leave her children at home while working extra hours, but now she can’t even afford to send her son to college.

“My son come ask me for $2,700 to help him to Snow College,” she said. “I only could have looked up at my son. I couldn’t even answer him. Please help me to help my son, not me. Help me to help my children, not me. I just need an answer today in the name of Jesus.”

Tashana Thompson, assistant security officer of Eva Hilton Primary School, also emphasised her grievances. She said the security department hadn’t received promotions in over 40 years. She also noted that security officers don’t get hazardous pay or health insurance.

Some security officers have been working week to week for 20-plus years, but still haven’t been made permanent workers, she said.

Maria Daxon, deputy leader of the Coalition of Independents, and Richard Johnson, vice chairman of the Free National Movement, showed up to support the security officers.

Although the Bahamas Public Service Union represents the security officers, officers said they were

of Btvi, says BoarD chairman

SECURITY officers of the Ministry of Education protest outside the Prime Minister’s office. The security say they are tired of fighting for overtime pay, promotions, and long overdue health insurance. unsatisfied by the little sup- of auditing, etc., because port they received from there were one or two conBPSU president Kimsley cerns of Ministry of Finance Ferguson. to certain levels. We are now One officer called Mr Fer- at the point where the Minguson’s efforts “lousy”. istry of Finance authorised For her part, Education an initial minimum payment, Minister Glenys Hanna and they have now authorMartin said security officers ised the full payment, which will be paid this week. is being processed as we “There was an accumu- speak.” lation of overtime which Mrs Hanna Martin also exceeded the budget of the applauded the BPSU presiMinistry of Education,” dent for advocating for she said. “And we’ve been members to have promoworking with the Ministry of tions, additional uniforms, Education to supplement the and equipment. funding, and it was a process

NEW BTVI PRESIDENT DR LINDA DAVIS THE Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute has unanimously endorsed Dr Linda Davis as president of BTVI, according to Elvin Taylor, the board’s chairman.

She is the institution’s second president and the first woman in that position.

“Having held the post of interim president since May 2022, Dr Davis has proven to be a valuable asset and transformative leader who is forward-thinking, skilled and consistent,” Mr Taylor’s statement said. “She truly has BTVI’s best interest at heart and has achieved many accomplishments in these almost two years of charting our course to success.

“These include but are not limited to: laying the groundwork for the launch of a new strategic plan and pathway to institutional accreditation across a growing network of BTVI sites, including the Family Islands, policy review and refinement, setting the foundation for the comprehensive review and revision of programmes of study and more coherent degree audits, the launch of a new website and of an innovative Solar PV Installation and Maintenance Programme and a steady growth in student enrollment numbers.

“Dr Davis has the leadership ability to elevate the institution to even greater heights,” the statement continued. “She has a proven track record of commitment to advancing BTVI’s position as the pre-eminent technical and vocational education and training (TVET) institution. For

that, we are most appreciative.

“The Board of Directors also takes this opportunity to thank Dr Davis for steadying the ship as she continued to build on the institution’s vision and strategic direction, enhance academic excellence, strengthen organisational capacity and sustainability, and raise the profile and prominence of an already extraordinary legacy.

“The Board is confident Dr Davis will maintain this remarkable momentum and progress. Dr Davis has served in higher education administration at the senior level for over two decades.

Her journey has taken her from the College of The Bahamas (COB) to the former Wheelock College (Boston, MA, USA) and back to the University of The Bahamas (UB) before bringing her expertise to our BTVI community in 2021, initially as vice president of academic affairs.

“As an education veteran and respected individual in higher education, we are excited that Dr. Davis has agreed to take on the mantle of President of BTVI. We are confident of her unwavering support to serve in this capacity and execute her duties in a role directly aligned with the institution’s strategic goals.

“The Board of Directors wishes to express deep appreciation to all BTVI staff and faculty for their dedicated service to strengthening our institution and look forward to their support of Dr. Davis and the institution at large as we continue to build on our recent successes.”

NOTICE

NOTICE

NOTICE is hereby given that GARY FRANCIQUE of North Eleuthera Heights, Eleuthera, 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 7th day of February, 2024 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, Bahamas.

NOTICE is hereby given that JODLY FRANCIQUE of North Eleuthera Heights, Eleuthera, 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 7th day of February, 2024 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, Bahamas.

NOTICE

NOTICE

NOTICE is hereby given that IDECK LEONARD THEOC of Crooked Island Street, Nassau, The Bahamas 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 31st day of January 2024 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, New Providence, The Bahamas.

NOTICE is hereby given that MILOUSE MICHEL of Fox Hill Road, 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 7th day of February, 2024 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, Bahamas.

NOTICE

NOTICE

NOTICE

NOTICE is hereby given that WISLEY JOSEPH of #11 Sanderling Circle, Freeport, Grand Bahama, 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 7th day of February, 2024 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, Bahamas.

NOTICE is hereby given that RAYMOND JEAN JACQUES of Podoleo Street off Balfour Avenue, 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 7th day of February, 2024 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, Bahamas.

NOTICE is hereby given that CLAYE MONDESIR of Blue Hill Road South, 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 7th day of February, 2024 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, Bahamas.

THE TRIBUNE

Wednesday, February 7, 2024, PAGE 5

Miller slams idea of violence interrupters from page one During an appearance on Eyewitness News “Beyond The Headlines” - on Monday, Mr Miller asked: “What are their job descriptions? Violence interrupters? What is that?

Critical in doing what?

“This a real country, man, stop it. If them guys want to make a movie with those fellas fine, but this real life we are dealing with. Who the hell they are going to stop from doing something?

Who? Which influence do they have on anybody in this country? Please tell me.

“What are their credentials? Experience with what? Doing what the fellas is do, hey? That’s what they used to do? They used to kill people too and rob people? That’s where they get the experience from?

Or just hanging with them?

“What about retired police officers who have distinguished records on the force? Young men who would have served their time and now would like to make a contribution? Have you ever thought of picking those people, who know who these guys are? That idea ever enters anybody’s mind?”

Mr Miller slammed the desk in frustration.

Earlier this week, National Security Minister Wayne Munroe said

neither Mr Moncur nor Mr Reid were contracted to be violence interrupters, adding that the government wouldn’t hire such people in those positions because identifying them would make them a target.

He said Mr Moncur was contracted as an independent contractor for community outreach, with Mr Reid a consultant for community outreach.

Mr Miller said the country’s murder rate is like a “horror movie”.

“I think what’s so sad is we are seeing our country crumble before our eyes,” he said. “Every day, every week, the carnage continues, and you ask yourself a question: when is it going to stop?

“The honourable minister said that he hoped that it would subside. I don’t know how the hell you could subside deaths, but it’s like a fiction damn movie, you know.”

“You cannot expect the police to be everywhere, every time, in this little small island called New Providence.

“We have to police ourselves, we have to be better parents, we have to be better citizens. We got to stop it.”

Twenty-five people have been murdered in the first month of this year.

FORMER CABINET MINISTER LESLIE MILLER

Pintard inaugurates new recreation park and community garden in Mayfield Park, GB

Water and Sewerage’s CFO questioned over contracted companies ownership

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net

MICHAEL PINTARD, the MP for Marco City, opens the recreation park at Mayfield Park Subdivision.

Photos: Mackeymedia

By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Staff Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net MARCO City MP Michael Pintard inaugurated a recreation park and community garden in Mayfield Park Subdivision on Friday, realising a long-standing vision of four of his predecessors.

He announced that two additional community parks will be established in the Marco City constituency.

They will be located at Frobisher Drive and Dampier, as well as Gambier Loop.

Mr Pintard said the twoyear re-zoning process for establishing a Tech Hub at Gambier has finally been completed.

At an official opening ceremony, the FNM leader said it took the collective effort, resources, and commitment of many people to get the park project off the ground and completed.

He commended the City of Freeport Council, the Ministry of Agriculture, and his Marco City team. He also thanked former MPs David Thompson, Zhivargo Laing, Pleasant Bridgewater, and Gregory Moss for their advice.

“This park is here because of a conversation I had with some outstanding persons,” he said. “This was envisioned

ZHIVARGO Laing and David Thompson, former Marco City MPs attended the opening of the recreation park at Mayfield Park last Friday. long before I got here, and they explained what the hurdles are and walked me through it, and I want to say thanks.

“This park is a sign of what we ought to be doing as a community. There are many things the community needs.”

Mr Pintard said the area required an enormous amount of fill, and many of the trees were destroyed due to Hurricane Dorian. He thanked the heavy equipment operators who assisted and Bahamian wood carver Brian Maycock for transforming the damaged trees into wonderful wood

carvings.

MP Pintard said the park is a work in progress. He said a community garden will be constructed in memory of the late Ron Darville for his contributions, particularly in backyard farming.

He said they put community gardens with fruit-bearing trees at the eight parks in his constituency.

In Gambier, Mr Pintard recently received clearance and permits from the Grand Bahama Port Authority to start the construction of a Tech Hub. A building has been identified and work has started on the inside.

THE Chief Financial Officer of the Water and Sewage Corporation (WSC) testified yesterday that Adrian Gibson was not named the owner of three companies under scrutiny for the contracts they received during his time as executive chairman of the company.

Patrice Munroe, who heads the corporation’s financial unit, testified during the bribery and fraud trial of Mr Gibson and former WSC general manager Elwood Donaldson, Jr, Rashae Gibson, Joan Knowles, Peaches Farquharson and Jerome Missick.

Ms Munroe said that police came to WSC headquarters with a warrant on April 22, 2022, and requested documents concerning proof of payments to several vendors. He said officials surrendered receipts and wired cheques from those vendors.

Acting Director of Public Prosecutions Cordell Miller Frazer, who is prosecuting the case, showed Ms Munroe a list of payments made by WSC with her signature.

Ms Munroe confirmed that Elite Maintenance got a total of $701,468.36 for landscaping services and water tank painting contracts.

She said that Bahamas Restoration received $578,064.61 for landscaping and water tank contracts. She also said Adam’s Landscaping and General Maintenance received $690,625.34 for similar contracts.

During questioning from Mrs Frazer, Ms Munroe confirmed that while executive members of WSC are responsible for the day-to-day management of the company, they report to the chairman.

When questioned by Damian Gomez, KC, who represents Mr Gibson, Ms Munroe said she believed Mr Gibson received $5,000 per month as part of his salary as executive chairman of WSC. She believes that Mr Gibson also received an allowance of around $1,000 and that he was entitled to per diems, bringing his monthly payments to around $7,000.

She could not say if she saw a cheque with Mr Gibson’s signature. However, she explained that payments would have been shown through bank statements. She said she only requested to see a cheque if there was an issue with the bank.

Ms Munroe agreed that she keeps financial records and is responsible for payments at WSC. She clarified to Mr Gomez that she did not have the actual contracts, but has evidence of payments.

Ms Munroe also explained that

recently, contracts over $250,000 would be copied in emails from the minister and sent for Cabinet approval. This policy was enacted under the current general manager of WSC. She said that VBO serves as an external auditor for WSC and that only their 2017–2018 report is complete. The 2018–2019 audit is in the draft phase, while the 2019 – 2020 and 2020 – 2021 audits are still in progress.

Ms Munroe confirmed that a vendor would only be paid after an inspector confirmed that the work was being done.

When the three aforementioned vendors registered on WSC’s online portal, Ms Munroe could not recall Mr Gibson being identified as the owner of any of the companies. However, she could not say if a company’s stakeholders must be disclosed. She said the business licences and proof of tax payments should be submitted.

She said the portal system enhanced cheques and balances as payments are only made to registered vendors.

She agreed with Mr Gomez that the WSC board approved payments for five water tank contracts.

Although Ms Munroe said she could not recall Alexandria Mackey, Mr Gibson’s ex-fiancée, being a contact person for any of those companies, she vaguely recalls a correspondence that Ms Mackey is no longer a contact person for Elite Maintenance.

She also could not say when Elite Maintenance became a vendor, but that the first payment was in 2018.

While she could not say who else was on Mr Gibson’s bank accounts, she said that his salary was sent to Scotiabank and his allowance to RBC. After it was explained that a change order was necessary to approve funds if a project went over budget, Ms Munroe could not say if she saw such a form for a contract for painting WSC’s headquarters.

Ms Munroe further clarified to Mrs Frazer that the general manager, deputy general manager and herself must sign off on a change order.

When Mrs Frazer said that the five water tank contracts had an initial budget of around $700,000 but that the final cost was $1,435,225.67, Ms Munroe said she did not receive a change order form for those tanks.

Mr Gomez, KC, Murrio Ducille, KC, Bryan Bastian, Ryan Eve, Mr Raphael Moxey, Christina Galanos, Ian Cargill and Donald Saunders represent the defendants.

Mrs Frazier, Cashena Thompson, Karine MacVean and Rashied Edgecombe are the Crown’s prosecutors.

PAGE 6, Wednesday, February 7, 2024

THE TRIBUNE

The Tribune Limited

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Super Bowl ads: It’s getting harder for commercials to score with consumers (This article is by Linda Ferrell, Auburn University and O.C. Ferrell, Auburn University for THE CONVERSATION) WITH the Kansas City Chiefs and the San Francisco 49ers set to face off in the 2024 Super Bowl, another conversation now begins in earnest about the TV commercials that will run during one of the most-watched television events of the year.

And while some of the usual suspects will once again advertise on-air to the more than 110 million viewers watching the game in the U.S., other regulars will be noticeably absent.

As professors who study marketing and business ethics, we’re keenly interested in Super Bowl advertising. So we looked at the roster of advertisers in search of trends.

The most interesting thing we found may be who’s not advertising. Gone are the Big Four automakers – Ford, General Motors, Chrysler parent Stellantis and Toyota – which have chosen to dedicate their ad dollars to more tightly targeted marketing campaigns. Only Kia and BMW are stepping up to promote their new electric vehicles, while Volkswagen has advertising lined up to celebrate its 75th anniversary in the U.S. Also missing this year will be GoDaddy, whose Super Bowl ads have generated buzz over the years. Its management has indicated that the company is exploring other marketing options that create more engagement for their target markets.

Advertisers seeking a touchdown Super Bowl ads this year, which sold out by early November 2023, are dominated by food and beverage brands. These products appeal to a broad target audience.

First-time advertisers like Popeyes, Drumstick, Nerds, and Pepsi’s new lemon lime soda, Starry, will join perennial advertisers Reese’s, M&M’s, Pringles, Frito-Lay and Mountain Dew, among others.

The world’s largest brewer, AnheuserBusch InBev, plans to run multiple ads across its various brands, including recently tarnished Bud Light, hoping to add to its history of producing iconic Super Bowl commercials.

At a cost of up to US$7 million for a 30-second spot – the same as last year – this brief stint on the big stage doesn’t come cheap.

And that’s before taking into account the cost to create the ads themselves, often more than twice what they will spend to run them on game day. All together, one spot can cost companies more than $20 million.

What are these advertisers hoping to gain, and is it worth it? For some, it clearly can be.

To start, consider that the most effective ads – those that stand out above the crowd – are visible long before the game begins and for weeks and even years afterward. Teasers, trailers and sometimes the full ads themselves are typically released in the weeks prior to the Super Bowl and reviewed on TV, online and across social media.

That coverage also continues after the game, with polls and feature stories ranking which ads worked and which didn’t as Monday morning advertising quarterbacks weigh in. Some of the best Super Bowl ads even take on a life of their own that lasts long after they first ran. Who can forget the iconic 1980 Coca-Cola commercial featuring Pittsburgh’s Mean Joe Greene tossing a young fan his jersey? While the ad originally aired in late 1979, it reached a much broader audience during the game a few months later.

That ad has remained so popular that it was remade as a commercial for Coke Zero 30 years later featuring fellow Steelers player Troy Polamalu. Pre- and post-Super Bowl coverage in recent years often revives them both, as well as other iconic ads – decades later.

The TV tide is turning — a little So why are the Big Four automakers, GoDaddy and other former Super Bowl advertisers forsaking the big game? Gen Z, in particular, is not impressed by Super Bowl ads, and complicating the matter is their lack of interest in broadcast TV. Marketers know TikTok and other social sites are better platforms for delivering messages to targeted demographics. The return on investment for advertising is far easier to track in these venues, and the ad spend is easier to justify – especially considering how often these ads will be shared with family and friends in a matter of seconds with just a few keystrokes.

Still, in today’s fractured media landscape, the Super Bowl is a rare event with truly mass appeal: More than 60% of Americans tuned into last year’s game, according to the NFL. That’s a lot of eyeballs.

In the end, today’s marketing executives recognise that Super Bowl TV commercials work best when they promote mass market products – through humour, use of animals, nostalgia and celebrities – as well as social causes that resonate with consumers. Linking a brand with memorable and creative storytelling is also an effective way to boost overall brand visibility.

That’s the formula for success in this year’s Super Bowl.

(The Conversation is an independent and nonprofit source of news, analysis and commentary from academic experts.)

THE LAVA field produced during January’s volcanic eruption steams in the foreground in front of the town of Grindavik, Iceland, Tuesday. (AP Photo/ Marco Di Marco)

This is my land EDITOR, The Tribune.

I WISH simply to underscore and reiterate the brilliant submission lately by my two great and honoured friends, Dianne Phillips and Ortland H. Bodie re. ownership by young Bahamians.

They both speak of ownership of land in this nation.

Many of us, including myself, have been preaching this sermon for many years.

Way back in the year 1977, in the midst of the drug scourge, I begged the then government to afford every young man and woman in this nation a piece of land.

Sadly, nothing much has been done in that regard by any administration.

Land use is a gem that we can use to cultivate elements of development in our country. Over the Hill and many other areas in Nassau, young men and women own nothing; many live forever with parents or they rent; and I have done my homework and can state unequivocally that 45 percent of our young in this country own nothing on which they can stand and point to and proclaim: ‘THIS IS MY LAND’!

Let us look at Long Island as an example of ownership of real estate and its significance. Back in the day growing up there, early 1940s, if a young man from Pettys desired engagement to a young lady from Mangrove Bush, there was this procedure: He would take himself to the father of the special young lady to ask for her hand. The first question was not if he loved the daughter; it was “do you own land”? If his answer was no, then he was asked to come back when

LETTERS letters@tribunemedia.net he did. If the answer was yes, then the next question was: “Do you have a building up to “bell course?” If the answer was “no”, then he was requested to come back when he did. If both questions were answered in the positive, then and only then did the father and mother give their blessing to the engagement. Maybe, the many bell-course homes now existing unfinished reflect engagements not ending in marriage?

New technology, hiring more police officers, enacting an abundance of new laws, stiffer penalties for crimes – none of these will accomplish the return of peace and comfort in the areas breeding violent crime and death. Until our nation of young people have an ownership and involvement in the affairs of this nation, there will be no peace in the land. Until the tripod of strength be established by home, school and church, led by conscientious men and women, nothing will change in this nation.

If a young man has no means and purpose of producing, he will become a plague on society. Too many of them will continue to enter the walls of Her Majesty’s Prison where the only ownership they can claim is the shared bucket to relieve themselves.

Once again, I call upon men in this nation to care for their sons; a mother alone cannot give the necessary elements for stable growth for boys. I beg the government to allocate land

for ownership by young men.

A gentleman right here in Freeport after retiring from the power company seven years ago has applied and been begging for allocation of land in his homeland, Cat Island, so his sons there could farm for a living.

Every time he goes to the office of Crown Land, he is asked to check back later.

He is so frustrated that he has even asked me to speak directly to the PM. Why are our people treated in such disdain, when foreigners can so easily come in and very easily lay claim to our heritage? We talk plenty of producing food for our people, yet we delay and block the very means by which they can produce.

Every major island in this nation should have a BAMSI where thousands of our young men and women could be gainfully employed.

When Monsignor Preston Moss was alive, he had a great plan to attach hundreds of young and unemployed men to fishing vessels to learn how to fish and support themselves and their families. Give fishermen this assistance rather than taxing them out of business.

I have a suspicion that as we cry for producing more, our politicians secretly do not share this call, for how can the government function as it currently does, without the inordinate taxes levied on imported goods?

What a state of contradiction we do spin!

Sincerely, JOSEPH DARVILLE: Farmer by birth and desire.

BAHAMIANS ARE THIRD CLASS CITIZENS EDITOR, The Tribune.

THANK you very much for printing my letter in your valuable paper dated November 21, 2023 concerning BTC charging $5.00 for $0.01 outstanding. It did invoke a response from BTC’s hierarchy. They responded with a “PUBLIC NOTICE” saying that no late fees are charged to the account unless the amount is greater than $10.00. This is an erroneous statement. It is really an untruth. They further stated that they wanted to speak with the customer to make it right. It was also stated the amount was significantly paid down, however, the amount was paid in full.

Upon contacting the office a CSR informed me that they were working on it and a refund would be made. However on December 7, 2023 I went to pay December’s payment and absolutely no credit was posted to my account. It’s not the amount of the late fee charged it’s the principle behind it and statements should not be made unless you are prepared to follow through. Calling the office is a waste of time, one can find something more productive to do at home.

It is a pity our Bahamians do not like to read and write, they prefer to complain among themselves. One would be surprised to know the many complaints you hear from friends and the other public you meet

in these establishments, but they prefer to do nothing. Some say they are afraid of being victimised if they speak out.

I agree with Mrs Pam Burnside’s letter in your Letters to the Editor section dated Tuesday, December 12, 2023. The Banks are atrocious, no matter what time of the day you go into anyone of them there are just two Tellers to assist. If you ask where are the others? You are told they went for lunch.

Senior citizens are treated with disdain and disrespect.

The banks refuse to have a senior’s line and they would not even provide a chair.

Instead they want you to stand on the lines which many seniors are unable to do for any length of time. In addition to this, they are encouraging you to do “On-Line Banking”, with all the malfunctions and the fact that not all are fortunate to have a computer. Every bank has its own rules and regulations. It causes one to wonder if the Central Bank exists.

Bahamians are now third class citizens in their own country with no one willing to make a difference.

Still a Dissatisfied Senior Citizen.

SENIOR CITIZEN Nassau, December, 2023.

THE TRIBUNE

Wednesday, February 7, 2024, PAGE 7

Court of Appeal revives $1.8m lawsuit against Defence Force

By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune News Editor rrolle@tribunemedia.net THE Court of Appeal revived a $1.8m lawsuit against the Royal Bahamas Defence Force after the appellants’ vessel sank and sustained significant damage while in the RBDF’s custody.

According to a Court of Appeal judgement, the RBDF seized the vessel “Miss Keffie” and arrested its fishing crew on October 4, 2014.

The crew was charged in the Magistrate’s Court.

In 2016, their vessel sank while docked at the RBDF’s Coral Harbour base.

It was refloated in 2017 but sustained significant damage.

The appellants took legal action in 2018, alleging that the RBDF was negligent in sinking their ship.

The Supreme Court dismissed their

claim for malicious prosecution and negligence in 2017.

“Miss Keffie” was a 50-foot vessel containing a Twin Detroit 871 engine.

The appellants alleged that the RBDF tied their vessel to an “old decrepit sinking boat.” They claim the vessel was written off because of its damage. They said the Defence Force failed to take notice of their warning regarding the “improper storage” of the boat.

The appellants, Clemenza Ltd, a company registered in The Bahamas, and Jamal Nixon, the company’s director, seek $250k for the destruction of their vessel and $1,615,887 for loss of earnings.

The Court of Appeal’s judgement, written by Justice Indira Charles, said: “The key question is whether the respondents were negligent in securing and storing the vessel, which calls for a

critical evaluation of the testimonies of Captain Henry Daxon and Captain Herbert Bain. Captain Daxon, a witness of fact with considerable experience, provided firsthand knowledge about the storage of vessels. Captain Bain, an expert witness with extensive experience, was cross-examined on the vessel’s condition and associated costs but not on his opinion regarding proper storage.

“As the judge found the respondents not negligent, it must be that she rejected the expert evidence of Captain Bain as to the proper procedure for the permanent storage of a vessel. Having done so, it was incumbent on her to give a reason or reasons for her rejection of his evidence given that he was the only expert called in this matter and his evidence was uncontroverted.

“This omission is an error in law, as Captain Bain was the sole

expert witness, and his evidence was unchallenged. To assess negligence in securing and storing the vessel, the judge should have considered all the evidence, especially Captain Bain’s unchallenged expert testimony.

“In view of the errors of law made by the learned judge, the Court has concluded that a new trial is necessary.

“Allowing the judgment to stand would result in greater injustice to the parties given the judge’s lack of clarity on the status of the two critical witnesses i.e. Captain Daxon and Captain Bain and her failure to explain the basis for preferring the evidence of Captain Daxon over the expert evidence of Captain Bain.

“Further, the learned judge did not discuss the relevance of Captain Bain’s expertise or lack thereof to her decision.”

Minister convenes meeting on concerns over uninsured drivers and vehicles MINISTER of Energy and Transport Jobeth Coleby-Davis convened a meeting yesterday to discuss the concern of uninsured drivers and vehicles.

Chief Superintendent of Police David Lockhart, head of the traffic division, said in December that 50 per cent of cars in accidents last year were uninsured.

He said the penalty for driving without insurance needs to be increased.

He said some people have been getting temporary cover notes to license their vehicles without completing the insurance process.

“Once the vehicle is licenced, they don’t renew it and continue to pay for the policy to last for one year and then they get into traffic crashes after the temporary cover has not expired,” he said.

“In order to curtail that, the law would have to change to make it mandatory that you have insurance for one year.

“Maybe we need to move like our brothers and sisters in the Caribbean and the government to seize vehicles that are on the road that’s not insured because we’ve had traffic crashes this year involving

fatal accidents where the person who was at fault for taking someone’s life had no insurance and there was no kind of compensation that could be recovered.”

Major stakeholders during yesterday’s meeting included representatives of the Bahamas Insurance Association, Insurance Commission of The Bahamas, Bahamas Chamber of Commerce, Police Traffic Division, Digital

attendees contributing to how best to address the prevalence of uninsured motorists and vehicles traversing the streets daily.

As a result of the discussions, breakout subcommittees are being

formed to examine policy and technical issues. Future meetings will build a roadmap for the execution of the agreed objectives.

Photos: Anthon Thompson/BIS

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net A MAN awaiting retrial for his alleged involvement in a fatal graveyard shooting in Grand Bahama in 2016 was sentenced to four months in prison yesterday after he admitted to breaking curfew.

Magistrate Raquel Whyms charged Doyle Mackey, 52, with 10 counts of violation of bail conditions.

The defendant was on bail charged with two counts of murder and three counts of attempted murder.

Mackey is alleged to have shot and killed brothers Carlos and Carlton Hamilton at McClean’s Town cemetery in 2016.

During this shootout, Mackey is also alleged to have shot and injured Jermaine Ferguson, Joshua Williams and John Edgecombe.

While the defendant was previously convicted and ordered to serve a 35-year prison term, this was quashed by the Court of Appeals in 2021, and a retrial was ordered.

Mackey failed to obey his court-ordered residential curfew ten times in New Providence between October 8, 2023, and January 6.

After pleading guilty to the bail charges and accepting the facts, Mackey was sentenced to serve four months at the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services.

GUILTY PLEA TO POSSESSION OF DANGEROUS DRUGS

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net A MAN was bound to keep the peace for six months yesterday after he pleaded guilty to having drugs on his person last weekend.

Magistrate Samuel McKinney charged Barrington Flowers, 35, with possession of dangerous drugs.

Flowers was found with three grammes of marijuana in New Providence on February 3.

Following his guilty plea, the defendant was bound to keep the peace for six months. Defaulting in these conditions would incur a $500 fine or a onemonth prison term.

BTC OUTAGE ‘DUE TO TRENCHING

BY ANOTHER UTILITY PROVIDER’ THE Bahamas Telecommunications Company said customers in the Eastern Road and Johnson Road corridors had experienced a landline, mobile, and internet outage due to trenching, which led to BTC’s fibre being cut by another utility provider.

Director of Technical Operations Drexel Woods said: “We noticed that our services were abruptly interrupted on Sunday, and following investigations, it was determined that our underground fibre was cut by another utility provider that was

Transformation Unit, Deloitte & Touche, Road Traffic Department, and Acting Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Energy & Transport.

Preliminary discussions took place with the

MAN AWAITING A RETRIAL JAILED FOR BREAKING CURFEW

trenching in the Eastern Road area. Unfortunately, due to the inclement weather and safety concerns for our technicians, we could not complete repairs on Monday.

“Our teams are still working on repairing the fibre, and we anticipate that customers will begin to be restored on Tuesday.

“BTC apologises to customers for the inconvenience and is urging the utilities regulator to investigate this matter to fully understand what happened to reduce similar occurrences.”

Communities: People coming together for a common goal PAGE 8, Wednesday, February 7, 2024

IN a small group discussion earlier this week, someone noted that we use the word “community” very frequently and loosely. It is used in reference to people who intentionally and consistently come together with a particular purpose, and it is used in reference to people who have something in common and are then, in many cases, assumed to be connected through that commonality. There are many ideas of communities between these two, making it more of a spectrum than a single formation. There are residential communities, school communities, religious communities, sports communities, professional communities, expat communities, partisan political communities, and business communities among many other categories. There is always something that the people in communities have in common. Where we live, where we go or went to school, what we do for a living, how we spend our free time, which organization we support, or some other factor is the central cause for us being together.

Communities, while they exist everywhere and in many forms, are not always active. We may know they exist, and even be a part of them, but be entirely unaware of what, if anything, they are doing. Sometimes communities seem to go to sleep. They just seem to fade into the background, and it is a head-scratching moment when someone suddenly asks, “Whatever happened to … ?”

Communities, whether formal or informal, rely not only on the commonality, but on the commonality being recognized. In many cases, it must be both recognized and prioritized over anything else, namely differences. There may be a community, for example, of people who live in a particular area. What happens when

THE TRIBUNE

By Alicia Wallace

some of those people fail to pay their dues on time? Are they still recognized as community members? Paying members may say they do not “deserve” to enjoy the benefits of the community when they are not making financial contributions.

When those people become outsiders, being rejected by the paying members, it sends a strong message. “You may live here like us, but you are not one of us.”

of people a “community,” it is implied that there is togetherness. It is not singlemindedness or sameness, but a recognition of, if not commitment to, being together.

Members of the community say, “This is important to me, I see that it is important to you, and there is value in us sharing this with one another.” It could be a cause, it could be a goal, it could be an idea, and it could be struggle. It is identified, and it is central to the coming together of people.

Walking the walk, beyond simply being a member of the group, is a different story. It is less about identity and relationship than it is about personality and integrity. Within communities, we tend to make proclamations about who we are and what we believe, and to go along with those stated by others. This, unfortunately, does not translate into daily behaviour. Some of it is benign, and some of it is of real consequence.

Being in a running club and frequently failing to show up may only negatively impact the individual and their goals, so they ignore the community and the community may choose to ignore their lack of commitment to their goals and the camaraderie they said they valued in the club. On the other extreme, one person failing to show up may impact the group by disqualifying them from discounts or access to certain resources and service

It is important to connect with other people who have the same values, opening space for questions, challenges, ideas, and actions to be shared.

This othering, this punishment, whether or not we believe it to be warranted, has consequences for everyone.

Not only are the nonpaying members excluded, but the paying members will likely experience nonpaying members’ noncompliance with regulations and agreements.

They may rhetorically ask, “If I can no longer use this amenity or access this service, why should I concern myself with the preferences of the people who have locked me out?” Us versus them quickly materializes, compromising the purpose of community.

Unity does not exist where there is division.

One of the most insidious threats to community is the widening gap between professed values and action.

Even by calling a group

because they do not meet the minimum number of people required. Their absence may also affect other people’s attendance. When everyone consistently shows up, everyone shows up consistently.

Some communities are entirely built on values.

Within these communities, it is expected that people behave in a particular way, in alignment with the values they espouse. Members of a community formed around child protection should not be abusers of children. That much is clear. Whether or not they consider corporal punishment to be child abuse — an area in which many seem to struggle despite the practice being an intentional infliction of physical harm — may be considered entirely differently, both by individual members and the broader community.

It is interesting to hear people state their support for the protection and respect of children, elderly people, people with disabilities, and

people with compromised health, yet observe their actions and inaction that are not only unaligned, but outright in contravention with their own statements. How do you support people with compromised immune systems when you do not wear a mask in large gatherings or on flights, knowing that COVID-19 is still around, still making people sick, and still fully capable of killing people?

People claim to care about girls’ health and/or education. It is not possible to truly care about this without supporting access to comprehensive sexuality education.

It is not possible to truly care about this without affirming the bodily autonomy of girls.

It is not possible to truly care about this without without calling for STEM education for girls, early in their lives.

Is it not possible to truly care about this without supporting access to HPV vaccination for girls.

It is important to, first of all, know our values. It is important to state them, letting other people know what they are. It is important to connect with other people who have the same values, opening space for questions, challenges, ideas, and actions to be shared. It is important to live your values, not just on special occasions or when called on to make a speech, but in everyday life. Our values should be evident in our behavior. They should be so obvious that when we start to share them with anyone who knows us or has observed us for a while, they stop us, almost offended that we would think that they do not know.

Many claim to value community. In most cases, this is at least partly true. People enjoy having a place to discuss their favorite topics, to have their thoughts affirmed, and to have a showing of people who hold the same position. It is comfortable. It is convenient. Community can be powerful, and it can be incredibly useful when its members understand one another, are motivated, and care more about what they share than what they do not.

Community is an ideal space to challenge and be challenged. To learn. To grow. To galvanize. To take action, in great numbers. The action, of course, depends on the true values and positions of the members, and this often goes unknown or ignored for the sake of comfort, yet the “community” is celebrated for its “oneness.” This is a farce, and it is a complete failure to the work of community building, much less leverage it in meaningful ways.

It is a helpful exercise to think about what “community” means, which communities we see ourselves in, how the function, and whether there is togetherness or it is stuck at so-called “oneness.” It is helpful to think identify the communities that are missing, and the communities we can build. Being in a group for having something in common is not necessarily a community, but it can be the beginning of building one. A critical component of community is, indeed, diversity of identity and ideas, and the ability to use them for the common good, beyond the community itself.

Recommendations UÊ The Sunday Drive. This playlist is updated on a weekly basis by Bahamian DJ Ampere, setting the mode for Sunday activities. From a drive along the coast to doing household tasks like laundry and cleaning, the music is always a good match. While there may be a few familiar songs, you are likely to hear quite a few for the first time. Expand your list of go-to tunes with great additions from The Sunday Drive. All of the songs featured in January 2024 are now available in The Sunday Roadtrip - January ’24 playlist on Spotify.

UÊJoin Feminist Book Club. Equality Bahamas and Poinciana Paper Press are hosting the first meeting of 2024 on Wednesday, February 21.

Members will discuss Blind Days by Ian Chinaka Strachan and Citizen by Claudia Rankine. Join in person at Poinciana Paper Press, 12 Parkgate Road, or virtually. Register at tiny.cc/fbc2024 to receive more information. Buy or borrow the books, or drop by the library at Poinciana Paper Press to read the copies there.

UÊ Late Bloomer. Jasmeet Dutta is a content creator with a decent enough following that people in his community know who he is, but isn’t quite making a living. He lives with his parents and tries to balance his ambition as a content creator with his responsibility as a son.

The thirty-minute episodes give a glimpse into the life of a millennial on an unconventional path. As he gains popularity, it becomes more difficult to meet his parents’ expectations, especially as the delivery person for his mother’s food business. The show also depicts the lives of the members of Jasmeet’s immigrant family, living in the western world while holding on to eastern roots.

THE TRIBUNE

Wednesday, February 7, 2024, PAGE 9

WHY APPLE IS PUSHING THE TERM ‘SPATIAL COMPUTING’ ALONG WITH NEW VISION PRO HEADSET

By MICHAEL LIEDTKE AP Technology Writer SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — With Apple’s hotly anticipated Vision Pro headset hitting store shelves Friday, you’re probably going to start to see more people wearing the futuristic googles that are supposed to usher in the age of “spatial computing.”

It’s an esoteric mode of technology that Apple executives and their marketing gurus are trying to thrust into the mainstream. This while avoiding other more widely used terms such as “augmented reality” and “virtual reality” to describe the transformative powers of a product that’s being touted as potentially monumental as the iPhone that came out in 2007.

“We can’t wait for people to experience the magic,” Apple CEO Tim Cook gushed Thursday while discussing the Vision Pro with analysts.

The Vision Pro also will be among Apple’s most expensive products at $3,500 — a price point that has most analysts predicting the company may only sell 1 million or fewer devices during its first year. But Apple only sold about 4 million iPhones during that device’s first year on the market and now sells more than 200 million of them annually, so there is a history of what initially appears to be a niche product turning into something that becomes enmeshed in how people live and work.

If that happens with the Vision Pro, references to spatial computing could become as ingrained in modern-day vernacular as mobile and personal computing — two previous technological revolutions that Apple played an integral role in creating.

So what is spatial computing? It’s a way to describe the intersection between the physical world around us and a virtual world fabricated by technology, while enabling humans and machines to harmoniously manipulate objects and spaces. Accomplishing these tasks often incorporates elements of augmented reality, or AR, and artificial intelligence, or AI — two subsets of technology that are helping to make spatial computing happen, said Cathy Hackl, a long-time industry consultant who is now running a startup working on apps for the Vision Pro. “This is a pivotal moment,” Hackl said. “Spatial computing will enable devices to understand the world in ways they never have been able to do before.

It is going to change human to computer interaction, and eventually every interface — whether it’s a car or a watch — will become spatial computing devices.”

In a sign of the excitement surrounding the Vision Pro, more than 600 newly designed apps will be available to use on the headset right away, according to Apple. The range of apps will include a wide

TECHTALK

META SAYS IT WILL LABEL AI-GENERATED IMAGES ON FACEBOOK AND INSTAGRAM

By MATT O’BRIEN AP Technology Writer

THE APPLE Vision Pro headset is displayed in a showroom on the Apple campus after it’s unveiling last year. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu, File)

AN APPLE worker holds a Vision Pro headset. selection of television networks, video streaming services (although Netflix and Google’s YouTube are notably absent from the list) video games and various educational options.

On the work side of things, videoconferencing service Zoom and other companies that provide online meeting tools have built apps for the Vision Pro, too.

But the Vision Pro could expose yet another disturbing side of technology if its use of spatial computing is so compelling that people start seeing the world differently when they aren’t wearing the headset and start to believe life is far more interesting

AN APPLE Vision Pro headset rests on display during the first day of sales at a Palo Alto, California, Apple store on Friday.

(AP Photo/Noah Berger)

when seen through the goggles. That scenario could worsen the screen addictions that have become endemic since the iPhone’s debut and deepen the isolation that digital dependence tends to cultivate.

Apple is far from the only prominent technology company working on spatial computing products. For the past few years, Google has been working on a three-dimensional videoconferencing service called “Project Starline” that draws upon “photorealistic” images and a “magic window” so two people sitting in different cities feel like they are in the same room together. But Starline still hasn’t been widely released. Facebook’s corporate parent, Meta Platforms, also has for years been selling the Quest headset that could be seen as a platform for spatial computing, although that company so far hasn’t positioned the device in that manner.

Vision Pro, in contrast, is being backed by a company with the marketing prowess and customer allegiance that tend to trigger trends.

Although it might be heralded as a breakthrough if Apple realises its vision with Vision Pro, the concept of spatial computing has been around for at least 20 years.

In a 132-page research paper on the subject published in 2003 by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Simon Greenwold made a case for automatically flushing toilets to be a primitive form of spatial computing.

Greenwold supported his

(AP Photo/Noah Berger) reasoning by pointing out the toilet “senses the user’s movement away to trigger a flush” and “the space of the system’s engagement is a real human space.”

The Vision Pro, of course, is far more sophisticated than a toilet. One of the most compelling features in the Vision Pro are its highresolution screens that can play back three-dimensional video recordings of events and people to make it seem like the encounters are happening all over again. Apple already laid the groundwork for selling the Vision Pro by including the ability to record what it calls “spatial video” on the premium iPhone 15 models released in September.

Apple’s headset also reacts to a user’s hand gestures and eye movements in an attempt to make the device seem like another piece of human physiology.

While wearing the headset, users will also be able use just their hands to pull up and arrange an array of virtual computer screens, similar to a scene featuring Tom Cruise in the 2002 film “Minority Report.”

Spatial computing “is a technology that’s starting to adapt to the user instead of requiring the user adapting to the technology,” Hackl said.

“It’s all supposed to be very natural.”

It remains to be seen how natural it may seem if you are sitting down to have dinner with someone else wearing the goggles instead of intermittently gazing at their smartphone.

FACEBOOK and Instagram users will start seeing labels on AI-generated images that appear on their social media feeds, part of a broader tech industry initiative to sort between what’s real and not.

Meta said Tuesday it’s working with industry partners on technical standards that will make it easier to identify images and eventually video and audio generated by artificial intelligence tools.

What remains to be seen is how well it will work at a time when it’s easier than ever to make and distribute AIgenerated imagery that can cause harm — from election misinformation to nonconsensual fake nudes of celebrities.

“It’s kind of a signal that they’re taking seriously the fact that generation of fake content online is an issue for their platforms,” said Gili Vidan, an assistant professor of information science at Cornell University.

It could be “quite effective” in flagging a large portion of AI-generated content made with commercial tools, but it won’t likely catch everything, she said.

Meta’s president of global affairs, Nick Clegg, didn’t specify Tuesday when the labels would appear but said it will be “in the coming months” and in different languages, noting that a “number of important elections are taking place around the world.”

TOYOTA TO INVEST $1.3B AT GEORGETOWN, KENTUCKY, FACTORY TO BUILD BATTERY PACKS AND NEW ELECTRIC SUV GEORGETOWN, Ky. (AP) — Toyota says it will invest $1.3 billion at its huge factory complex in Georgetown, Kentucky, in part so it can build an all-new three-row electric SUV to be sold in the U.S. The company says the money will help with future electric vehicle production, including the addition of a line to assemble battery cells into packs for other EVs. But it won’t add any new jobs to the complex, which now employs nearly 9,400 workers.

The investment brings to nearly $10 billion the amount of money that Toyota has spent at the plant, the company said in a statement Tuesday.

Toyota wouldn’t give further details about the new SUV, including its price or when it would arrive in showrooms.

In October Toyota said it would invest another $8 billion at a hybrid and electric vehicle battery factory it’s building in North Carolina, more than doubling previous investments and the expected number of new jobs.

PAGE 10, Wednesday, February 7, 2024

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Former rebel leader arrives in Haiti’s capital as protests against prime minister gain momentum PORT-AU-PRINCE Associated Press A FORMER rebel leader made a surprise appearance in Haiti’s capital on Tuesday amid large protests across the country for the second consecutive day, demanding the ouster of Prime Minister Ariel Henry.

Guy Philippe — who played a key role in the 2004 rebellion against former President Jean-Bertrand Aristide — was briefly spotted in the upscale community of Pétionville in Port-au-Prince, where he shook hands with Haitians at a park in front of a police station before he left. It wasn’t immediately clear where Philippe was going, but dozens of motorcycle drivers, clearly his supporters, tried to track him down across streets blocked by burning tires.

His appearance caused a great commotion because of a video he released Monday, calling for a

rebellion to oust the prime minister on Wednesday, or Feb. 7, the date Haitian leaders are traditionally sworn into office.

A growing number of Haitians accuse the premier of holding on to power and failing to organize general elections. Henry assumed the leadership of Haiti, with the backing of the international community, shortly after President Jovenel Moïse was killed in July 2021. Since then, he has pledged to hold elections but has noted, as has the international community, that it is currently too unsafe to do so.

Shortly after appearing in Pétionville on Tuesday, Philippe called Radio Télé Éclair in the middle of a live show.

“Tomorrow, I will be out on the streets with my people,” he said, adding that he would be surrounded by security. “The fight is just the beginning.”

Philippe said on the

radio show that he has spoken to different political parties, including ones headed by former Prime Minister Claude Joseph and former presidential candidate Moïse Jean Charles, to try to find a way forward for Haiti.

Philippe was believed to have been living far from Port-au-Prince ever since he was repatriated to Haiti in late November.

A few miles away from where Philippe was spotted, nearly a couple thousand protesters gathered in the capital, preparing to march to the prime minister’s office.

“Ariel has to go! Ariel is the leader of the gangs of this country!” the crowd yelled.

As they began marching, police fired tear gas, temporarily breaking up the crowd as protesters — ranging from teenagers to older adults — vowed that they would reach Henry’s office one way or another.

About an hour later, they

PEOPLE walk past burning tires during a protest against Haitian Prime Minister Ariel Henry in Portau-Prince, Haiti on Monday. Banks, schools and government agencies closed in Haiti’s northern and southern regions on Monday while protesters blocked main routes with blazing tires and paralysed public transportation, according to local media reports.

Photo: Odelyn Joseph/AP reached the office, prompting police to barricade the area and fire tear gas and live bullets.

Another protest organized by Moïse Jean Charles, the former presidential candidate, was taking place nearby as a handful of armed environmental protection agents with Haiti’s Security Brigade for Protected Areas, which recently clashed with police in northern Haiti,

arrived amid cheers from supporters.

Other demonstrations were reported in Haiti’s southern and northern regions on Tuesday, with the biggest protests expected on Wednesday, the date demonstrators have set for Henry to resign.

Feb. 7 is considered a key date in Haiti. On that date in 1986, former dictator Jean-Claude Duvalier fled

for France, and in 1991, Jean-Bertrand Aristide, Haiti’s first democraticallyelected president, was sworn in.

The growing number of protests comes as Haiti struggles with a spike in gang violence and deepening poverty, awaiting a UN-backed deployment of Kenyan police officers that a court in the east African country recently blocked.

HUNDREDS OF PEOPLE ARE MISSING AS THE DEATH toll from Chile’s wildfires reaChes 123

A RESIDENT flees an encroaching forest fire in Vina del Mar, Chile on Saturday. Officials say intense forest fires burning around a densely populated area of central Chile have left several people dead and destroyed hundreds of homes.

Photo: Esteban Felix/AP SANTIAGO Associated Press VOLUNTEERS in central Chile tried to remove charred metal, broken glass and other debris Monday from neighbourhoods devastated by wildfires over the past several days, as officials raised the death toll to 123.

Hundreds of people remain missing.

The fires appeared to have diminished by Monday morning after burning intensely since Friday on the eastern edge of the city of Viña del Mar. Two other towns in the Valparaíso region, Quilpé and Villa Alemana, also have been hit hard, and President Gabriel Boric said Sunday that at least 3,000 homes had been burnt down in the area.

An additional 10 victims were added to the death toll on Monday afternoon, said Marisol Prado, the director of Chile’s Forensic Medical Service.

Prado said that many bodies were in bad condition and difficult to identify, but added that forensic workers would be taking samples of genetic material from people who have reported missing relatives.

Viña del Mar’s Mayor Macarena Ripamonti said that at least 370 people have been reported missing in the city of about 300,000 residents.

The fires ravaged several neighbourhoods that had been precariously built on the mountains that loom to the east of Viña del Mar, which is also a popular beach resort.

Officials have suggested that some of the wildfires around the city could have been intentionally provoked.

Dry weather, strong winds and low humidity helped the fires spread faster, Boric said.

Priscila Rivero, a chef from the neighbourhood of Alto Miraflores, said that it took about 15 minutes for the flames to travel from a neighbouring hill to her home.

She said she rushed her children to safety when she saw the fire approaching, but by the time she returned to salvage some of her possessions her house was burning, with licks of flame emerging

from the windows.

“It’s the place where we have lived all our lives” Rivero said. “It’s so sad to see it destroyed, and to lose our memories, our photos, the pictures from my parents’ wedding, but some of that will remain in our hearts.”

Later Monday, a statement from US President Joe Biden said “Jill and I are deeply saddened by the loss of life and devastation caused by the ongoing wildfires in Chile.”

“My administration is in contact with our Chilean partners, and the United States is ready to provide necessary assistance to the Chilean people,” he said.

Schools and other public buildings in Viña del Mar and in the capital city of Santiago are currently serving as depots, where people are taking donations of water, food, candles and shovels for the victims of the fires.

In Viña del Mar and the nearby towns of Villa Alemana and Quilpé, police have asked people who have not been affected by the fires to stay at home so that rescue crews can move around with more ease.

Hundreds of people affected by the fires returned to their homes on Monday to search through the debris.

Many have said they prefer to sleep near their homes in order to prevent looters from taking what is left of their possessions, or from claiming the land their homes were built on.

In the neighbourhood of Villa Independencia, on Viña del Mar’s eastern periphery, Marco Delgadillo tried to clear rubble from his home, which he built 25 years ago, when the area was first settled haphazardly by workers without construction permits.

The furniture in Delgadillo’s house had been devoured by the flames and the walls were blackened by smoke, but they still stood.

The construction worker said he would rebuild and urged the municipal government to help him fix the collapsed roof of his home before winter starts in the southern hemisphere.

“We don’t have any other choice,” Delgadillo said.

“Buying a new plot of land is unaffordable right now.”

SPORTS PAGE 11

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2024

Buddy

PAGE 13

Top swimmer Lamar Taylor leading by example

By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

L

amar Taylor remembers when he was a rookie on the senior national swimming team. Now he’s going in as the top athlete to watch from The Bahamas at the World Aquatics Championships at the Aspire Dome in Doha, Qatar.

Taylor, 19, will be leaving Arkadelphia, Arkansas on Friday where he attends Henderson State University. Joining Taylor on the team for the championships, scheduled for February 11-18, will be Rhanishka Gibbs, Victoria Russell and Marvin Johnson.

The team will be managed by internationally certified official Gina Culmer-Taylor and coached

by Camron Bruney. The physiotherapist will be Cordero Bonamy. At the championships, Taylor will be contesting the men’s 50 metres freestyle, backstroke and butterfly.

“Right after Worlds, I have to come right back

and get ready for a conference meet,” Taylor said.

“So hopefully at Worlds, I can just go out there and have some fun and try not to put any pressure on me.

“I want to get a good feeling for my sprinting so when I come back for the conference, I will be faster and more prepared. I just don’t want to put too much stress on my body. I still have a long season to go and not risk anything like me getting sick or injured.”

As the top competitor to watch for the Bahamas, Taylor said he doesn’t feel any stress.

“When I was younger and was a rookie or a freshman, as was one of the new kids on the team,” he reflected. “Now I am one of the older guys on the team and it kind of feels special in a way, but I don’t look at it like these guys are below me or younger than me.

“They are all adults now and everyone at this level has worked hard enough to get here and they deserve to be treated like top-tier athletes and not be treated like a kid. But going into this meet, it does feel special

LAMAR Taylor in action.

GIBBS

JOHNSON

being one of the top athletes. But I am not going to add any stress on myself.”

Not to sound cocky but rather confident, Taylor said it doesn’t matter who lines up with him in the pool, he’s going to be

RUSSELL

prepared to go out and give it his best shot.

“Obviously since I am here and these guys are here, let’s make the best out of the situation and make something happen,” Taylor stated.

This year is a special year for Taylor because he will have the opportunity to go after the two medals he’s missing from his collection at the World Championships and the Olympic Games.

He has not yet qualified for the Olympics, but he feels if he can get a chance to come back for a second swim in any of his events, he would have a better chance to get his first World Championship medal to go along with his gold at last year’s Central American and Caribbean games and bronze at the Pan American Games.

“The Worlds and the Olympics are the only two medals missing,” he stated.

“Anything could happen at the games. If I make a final appearance, I have a chance. So I just have to go out and swim hard in the morning and make something happen. If it happens, it happens. If it doesn’t happen, it doesn’t. It’s just not in God’s plan. But once I put in the work and trust in God’s plan, it should happen.”

As for the Olympics in Paris, France in July, Taylor

National stadium renovations include a ‘world-class’ track

is about seven seconds off the qualifying time for the 50m free and about 5.0 off the times in both the 100m free and 100m back.

“This is the closest that I’ve been to all of my cuts so I haven’t shaved or tapered down for any of my meets so far,” he said.

“So I know I am capable of doing it. I have to do it without being shaved down or tapered down. So for the Olympics, I still have more time to get the cuts, so I will see how it goes.”

In preparation for the championships, Taylor said he will still be training in Doha to ensure that he is properly prepared when he returns to Arkansas to get ready for his conference meet.

Gibbs, 17, now at Texas Christian University, was a finalist in the 60m breast at the CAC Games. She will be entered in the 50m free and 100m breaststroke.

Russell, 22 and enrolled at Edinburgh University, will contest the 50m backstroke and butterfly and Johnson, who is 17 and

SEE PAGE 13

SUPER BOWL: CHIEFS COULD BE WITHOUT KEY PLAYERS WHEN THEY PLAY 49ERS

By TENAJH SWEETING Tribune Sports Reporter tsweeting@tribunemedia.net

By MARK ANDERSON AP Sports Writer

THE World Athletics Relays will serve as one of the final opportunities for athletes hailing from over 40 countries to qualify for the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.

With that being said, the elite performers can expect to compete on a “worldclass” track as extensive renovations continue at the Thomas A Robinson National Stadium leading up to May’s sporting extravaganza.

Dr Daniel Johnson, chairman of the World Relays, gave some insight into the repair process following a site visit along with the World Athletics technical team last week. “The

HENDERSON, Nev. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs could be without three key players when they play the San Francisco 49ers in Sunday’s Super Bowl.

Wide receiver Kadarius Toney appeared to get into dispute with Chiefs management about a hip injury that sidelined him for six games, going on Instagram to say he didn’t receive the proper injury designation for the AFC championship game at Baltimore on January 28.

But he told NFL Media on Monday that his expletive-filled rant was aimed at a New York Giants fan and not the Chiefs and called

SEE PAGE 14

WORK IN PROGRESS: Repairs continue at the Thomas A Robinson National Stadium ahead of the World Athletics Relays set for May 4-5.

SPORTS CALENDAR BASKETBALL GSSSA POSTSEASON THE Government Secondary Schools Sports Association junior boys and girls basketball playoffs are scheduled to continue on Thursday. Today’s games at CI Gibson are as follows, starting at 4pm: Thursday Junior girls - #2 CH Reeves vs #3 DW Davis Sr. Girls - #2 CI Gibson vs #3 CR Walker Sr. Boys - #2 Anatol Rodgers vs #3 CC Sweeting YOUTH FLAG FOOTBALL THE Bahamas Youth Flag Football League will be hosting a free offensive camp on February 10 @ the multipurpose field at the Sports Center. Kids ages 6 - 17 are invited to attend and can sign up by email byffl242@gmail.com.

This is the first official event for the

Feb. 2024

BYFFL this year and will be followed by the 2nd Annual High School Tournament planned for April 13.

Inaugural Valentine’s Doubles Tennis Classic Open Invite Insurance Management and The Gym Tennis Club of Winton invite tennis players in the country to experience the “love of the game” with their inaugural Valentine’s Doubles Classic Tennis Open Invitational. The tournament will begin on February 10 and tennis players will converge at the Gym Tennis Club in Winton to battle it out in a “doubles” only tournament featuring four categories, including: Men’s, Ladies, Over 55, and the always entertaining Mixed Doubles category. Interested players should e-mail “gtctourbah@gmail.com” to get their registration forms. Insurance Management and the Gym Tennis Club encourages the public to come come out, cheer, enjoy and even hit a ball or two.”

SEE PAGE 14

BAPTIST SPORTS COUNCIL RENAMED BAHAMAS BAPTIST SPORTS FEDERATION IN rebranding and relaunching the organisation, the Baptist Sports Council has had a name change to the Bahamas Baptist Sports Federation with all of its affiliated churches now referred to as associations.

The move, according to its president Brent Stubbs, is designed to produce a more robust organisation that will provide local and international sporting events for all to enjoy, using the motto “participating to bring honour and glory to God.” The executive board is now structured with four vice presidents, including first vice president Sean Bastian, second VP Rev. Derek Munroe, third VP Renbert Mortimer Jr and fourth VP Kendal Rolle.

The executive secretary is Nicola Major and the recording secretary is Ariel Webb. Olympia Evans is the treasurer.

SEATED, from left to right, are Nicola Major, Brent Stubbs, Rev Dr Philip McPhee and Rev Dr Glendon Rolle. In back are Sean Bastian, Olympia Evans, Rev Derek Munroe and Rev Glen Miller.

Deacons Wellington Miller and Joanna ‘Mother’ Webb will serve as special advisors.

“I take this opportunity to endorse the return of sports in the Baptist Convention and the renaming of the Baptist Sports Council to the Bahamas Baptist Sports Federation,” said Rev Dr Philip McPhee, president of the Convention. “As president, it

gives me great pleasure to endorse the Bahamas Baptist Sports Federation and to say to them that Baptists now remain focused, not just on teaching and preaching, but also equipping our young people to further develop themselves through sports.”

Through the formation of the federation, Bastian

SEE PAGE 13

PAGE 12, Wednesday, February 7, 2024

THE TRIBUNE

2024 SONJA KNOWLES RED-LINE ATHLETIC TRACK CLASSIC

Six athletes qualify for CARIFTA Games

THE recent 2024 Sonja Knowles Red-Line Athletics Track Classic turned out to be another huge success at the original Thomas A. Robinson Track and Field Stadium.

There were six qualifiers for the CARIFTA Games that will be held in Grenada over the Easter holiday weekend. They were Morgan Moss in the under-20 girls’ 400 metre

hurdles, Darvinique Dean in the under-17 girls’ 100m hurdles, Eagan Neely in the under-17 boys’ 200 and 400m, Jercario Wilson in the under-27 boys’ 110m and 400m hurdles, Kenny Moxey Jr in the octathlon and Annamae Mackey in the under-20 girls’ shot put.

Over 40 clubs participated, including four from Atlanta, Georgia and Texas.

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Wednesday, February 7, 2024, PAGE 13

BUDDY HIELD SCORES 12 IN 132-129 WIN OVER ROCKETS

By MICHAEL MAROT AP Sports Writer INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Pascal Siakam scored 29 points and teamed up with T.J. McConnell to spur a third-quarter comeback, sending the Indiana Pacers past the Houston Rockets 132-129 last night.

McConnell had 17 points and four assists as the Pacers won for the second time in three days. They’ve won nine straight in the series.

Chavano “Buddy” Hield contributed 12 points, six assists and three rebounds in 24 minutes on the hardwood.

Jalen Green had 30 points to lead the Rockets, who have lost two straight.

Dillon Brooks added 23 points and rookie Amen Thompson finished with 13 points, 13 rebounds and six assists as Houston played without starting guard Fred VanVleet.

Still, Houston seemed to be in control when it extended a 75-68 halftime lead to 85-75 early in the third.

But over the final 9:53 of the quarter, Indiana’s defence allowed just 14 points.

Siakam and McConnell, meanwhile, combined for 17 of Indiana’s next 31 points in the quarter to give the Pacers a 106-99 lead.

Pacers guard also contributes six assists and three rebounds in 24 minutes

INDIANA Pacers’ Buddy Hield reacts after hitting a three-point shot during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Houston Rockets last night in Indianapolis.

Houston never fully recovered. Indiana quickly extended the margin to 14

early in the fourth and the Rockets couldn’t get closer than seven until Alperen

INDIANA Pacers’ Buddy Hield (7) dunks against Houston Rockets’ Alperen Sengun (28) during the first half.

(AP Photos/Darron Cummings) Sengun’s tip-in made it 129- pre-injury self despite con- injured VanVleet, a 2022 tinuing to play on a minutes All-Star, to return to the 124 with 1:13 to go.

Green’s 3 with 46 seconds restriction as he works his lineup until closer to the to play cut the deficit to way back from a left ham- All-Star break. string injury. He finished UP NEXT 130-127.

Rockets: Continue their But two-time All- with 18 points and seven four-game road trip Friday Star Tyrese Haliburton assists.

Houston coach Ime night at Toronto. answered with a layup to Pacers: Host Golden seal the victory. Halibur- Udoka said before the ton looked more like his game he doesn’t expect the State on Thursday night.

Kyrie Irving scores 36 in return to Brooklyn, teams with Doncic to lead Mavs past Nets NEW YORK (AP) — Kyrie Irving scored 36 points in a dazzling return to Brooklyn exactly one year after he was traded to Dallas, leading the Mavericks to a 119-107 victory over the Nets last night.

Luka Doncic had 35 points, 18 rebounds and nine assists as the Mavericks’ guard tandem took turns hitting some deep 3-pointers in the second half when the Nets were trying to make a run.

Irving was booed when he touched the ball in the early going but was later cheered for plays including his slam of a lob pass in the third quarter.

Mikal Bridges scored 28 points and Royce O’Neal had 18 for the short-handed Nets, who trimmed a 23-point deficit to 107-101 with about five minutes remaining before Irving knocked down two straight 3-pointers for a 113-101 lead.

KNICKS 123, GRIZZLIES 113 NEW YORK (AP) — Jalen Brunson had 27 points and eight assists before exiting with an apparent ankle injury, Donte DiVincenzo had 32 points, and New York beat

DALLAS Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving (11) shoots next to Brooklyn Nets guard Cam Thomas (24) during the first half of an NBA basketball game in New York last night.

(AP Photo/Peter K Afriyie) short-handed Memphis. Brunson appeared to injure Butler also had eight which won the season series Isaiah Hartenstein had 17 his ankle when he was rebounds, eight assists and against Orlando 3-1. points and eight rebounds fouled by G.G. Jackson in three steals for the Heat.

All-Star forward Paolo and Precious Achiuwa the fourth quarter.

Miami has won a game Banchero scored 23 points scored 17 as the Knicks shot HEAT 121, for just the second time in for Orlando, the 18th con55.8% and won for the 10th MAGIC 95 their last seven on home secutive road game in time in their past 11 games, MIAMI (AP) — Jimmy turf. which he’s scored at least improving to 16-3 over their Butler scored 23 points to Terry Rozier scored 18 20 — tying Tracy McGrady last 19. lead seven Miami players while Tyler Herro and for the second-longest such Vince Williams Jr. scored in double figures, and the All-Star Bam Adebayo streak in Orlando Magic 19 points for Memphis. Heat beat Orlando. each scored 14 for Miami, history.

LAMAR TAYLOR LEADING BY EXAMPLE FROM PAGE 11 attends McCallie Boarding School, will be entered in the 100m freestyle and butterfly.

Taylor advised the other members of Team Bahamas to go out and have fun.

“You have made it this far, so have fun, swim to the best of your ability and try to make a name for yourself,” he said.

“Don’t put any stress on yourself, have TAYLOR fun, swim fast and make a name for yourself.”

With this being his fifth appearance at the Worlds, Taylor said it’s always good to have some familiar faces in the stands but, more importantly this time around, it’s more gratifying that his mother Gina CulmerTaylor will be the team manager.

“It’s always a confidence booster knowing that my mom will be there to ensure that I am at my best in the pool,” he summed up. “So it’s going to be a confidence booster for me there.”

BAPTIST SPORTS COUNCIL RENAMED BAHAMAS BAPTIST SPORTS FEDERATION FROM PAGE 11 said they will be able to bring the highest level of sports to the Baptist community.

“We have restructured the previous Baptist Sports Council and we have assembled some really professional executives who know the various disciplines and who are ready to make an impact in the Baptist community when it comes to sports,” Bastian said.

Bastian said one of the goals is to bring sporting teams from the Family Islands and through the region to come to Nassau to compete in friendly but competitive tournaments in the various disciplines in the future.

Each sporting discipline contested by the federation

will have its own chairman, who will be responsible for the day-to-day operation.

Bastian will also double up for basketball, Kirk Farquharson for volleyball, Thomas Sears for softball, Renee ‘Sunshine’ Davis for track and field and Barron Musgrove for cycling.

The executive team met with Rev. Dr. Philip McPhee, the president of the Bahamas Baptist Missionary and Educational Convention and his executive secretary Rev. Dr. Glendon Rolle.

Miller, who has served in various capacities in sports, including president of the Bahamas Olympic Committee, commended Dr. McPhee and the convention for granting the executives the rights to form the federation. “I know that

president Stubbs and his executive team will build a very strong organisation that will have a rippling effect in building strong minds and healthy bodies throughout the Bahamas,” Miller said. “So we can look forward to some good plans coming forth from this organisation in helping young people once again to gather themselves in a very positive way. Stay tuned for the plans.”

In what is being dubbed the “relaunch weekend,” the federation is set to hold a Fit for Life Family Fun Run/Walk Race on Saturday, February 17, starting at 6am from the William Thompson Auditorium on Jean Street.

The event is being held in honour of Rev. Dr. Philip McPhee.

The walk will start at the William Thompson Auditorium in Jean Street and travel south to Prince Charles Drive, turn right onto Prince Charles Drive and head west to Soldier Road, turn onto Soldier Road and head north to Bernard Road, turn onto Bernard Road and head to Jean Street, turn onto Jean Street and finish at the William Thompson Auditorium.

The run will start at the William Thompson Auditorium on Jean Street and head north to Bernard Road, turn right onto Bernard Road and head east to Fox Hill Road, continue onto Fox Hill Road to Prince Charles Drive, turn right onto Prince Charles Drive and head west to Jean Street, turn

onto Jean Street and finish at the William Thompson Auditorium.

Age group categories will include primary division under-13, junior high under15, senior high under-18, open 19-35, 36-50, 51-69, and 70-and-over in both the walk and run for men and women.

For a registration fee of $20, each participant will receive a t-shirt and a certification on completion of the race. Medals will be presented to the first three finishers in each age category. The overall male and female will also receive a trophy. Following the race, the federation’s next event will be volleyball, followed by softball, cycling, basketball and track and field.

For more information, persons can write to the

federation at bahamasbaptistsportsfederation@gmail. com or visit our Facebook page at bahamas baptist sports federation.

Then on Sunday, February 18 during the 11am worship service at the Mt Calvary Baptist Cathedral on Baillou Hills where Rev. Dr. McPhee is the senior pastor, an installation of the new officers of the federation is slated to take place.

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PAGE 14, Wednesday, February 7, 2024

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GSSSA SUDDEN DEATH BASKETBALL PLAYOFFS - DAY 1

GSSSA sudden death playoffs heat up

By TENAJH SWEETING Tribune Sports Reporter tsweeting@tribunemedia.net THE Government Secondary Schools Sports Association (GSSSA) basketball sudden death playoffs are heating up at the Kendal GL Isaacs Gymnasium with action set to continue on the court on Thursday.

In the junior girls’ division, the pennant-winning HO Nash Lions sent the fourth seeded AF Adderley Tigers packing 50-20 yesterday. Making it to the next step in the junior boys’ division were the DW Davis Royals for a seventh consecutive year. The CV Bethel Stingrays remained unbeaten, defeating the RM Bailey Pacers 44-31.

The CI Gibson Rattlers outmatched the CR Walker Knights 99-56 to book yet another spot in the championship round.

Junior Girls The battle of the Lions and Tigers was won easily by the former. The game was a foregone conclusion from the opening quarter which saw the Lions gain a 14-4 advantage to end the period. Fast forward to the second quarter, the Lions converted on a tough layup and drove the score up 17-6. After this juncture, the Tigers were unsuccessful on multiple shot attempts resulting in them only making one bucket.

At the halftime mark, the Lions were up by 19.

In the third, the first seed held off the Tigers by 23 points and ended the segment 38-12. The Tigers’ junior girls never recovered and watched their opponents advance to another championship series.

Patricia “Pattie ‘’ Johnson, head coach of the Lions, talked about the sudden death playoff win and how it felt to remain in charge after a strong regular season.

“We had a pretty good season. We had some ups and downs. They played way better than they played them the first time.

We cannot look at anybody and say this is what we are gonna do. If you let your guard down you could get sorted out. We have to see who is coming and get ready for them. We have a lot of stuff to do,” coach Johnson said.

Shawnovia Moxey played with a chip on her shoulder this round. She scored a game-high 25 points with 15 gained in the first half of the contest.

Lennice Johnson gave the Tigers 10 points in a losing effort.

Junior Boys The junior boys of HO Nash did not fare as well against the pennant-winning Royals. The lower seed hung around all game long but were unable to upset the reigning

DAY ONE REPLAY: All four first seeds secured a spot in the championship round on day one of the Government Secondary Schools Sports Association (GSSSA) sudden death basketball playoffs at the Kendal GL Isaacs Gymnasium.

Photos: Tenajh Sweeting/Tribune Staff champions who won 42-27.

The game was tightly-contested in the first quarter as neither team was able to put together a significant offensive stretch.

However, the defending champions then went up 15-6 but then came the Lions, who closed in 17-13 after Tavion Farrington pumped in five consecutive points. The Royals went into the intermission 19-15.

The Royals came out with more offensive prowess in the second half and were successful on two goahead layups to push away 29-18 with under 3:00 on the clock. After ending the third quarter in command, the Royals floored ahead 40-25 en route to the bestof-three championship series.

Mark Hanna, head coach of the Royals, was grateful to be back in the finals and has one goal.

“For this programme if we don’t win it then it is a failure. We have been accustomed to taking the bacon home by God’s grace. If we win this one it will be seven straight,” Hanna said.

He gave credit to the Lions for playing hard and said there will be minor adjustments made ahead of the championships.

“We were beating HO Nash all year and they were tired of us beating them. They played tough and they played hard, hats off to them but thank God for the victory. The guys need to play together more, swing the ball faster, little small adjustments.

Depending on who we are playing against we will adjust as we go,” the coach said.

Windisky Paul amassed a game-high 15 points to lead the Royals in the game.

Farrington dropped a sidehigh 10 points.

Senior Girls The undefeated Stingrays stuck to their winning ways on Tuesday night.

They took off on offence leading 23-8 at the 2:51 mark in the second period.

The Pacers tried to generate some offence in the third, gaining ground to make the score 29-18. The pennant winners closed the curtain on the third period up 29-20. They then shifted into the next gear in the fourth quarter, running the score up to 44-21 and sending the Pacers home.

Shantelle Rolle, head coach of the Stingrays, talked about the win to advance to the finals.

“We came out sluggish in the first half. I told my girls we have to step up on defence and let’s try to put the team away. We made one or two adjustments in the second half. We played the box-in-one and continued to step up on the press and hoped to create turnovers,” Rolle said.

She added that they are looking to do the same things in the championships

to take the two games and will not take any teams for granted. Garanique Bethel led the team in scoring with 15 points.

For the Pacers, Vincinique Dames powered her way to a game-high 17 points in the loss.

Senior Boys The Rattlers were in charge from the opening tip to the final buzzer versus the Knights. They opened the game on a 19-5 run and concluded the half 43-21. Going into the break with a 22-point cushion was all the Rattlers needed to end the Knights’ season in the sudden death playoffs.

They slithered away behind a third quarter surge jumpstarted by three consecutive open layups and the Knights were simply unable to respond.

Kevin “KJ” Johnson, head coach of the Rattlers, spoke about the comfortable victory.

“We played hard tonight.

We wanted to play the type of basketball we are capable of playing, on the defensive side of the ball

we did that. Despite the score, I felt like CR Walker played extremely hard and I could appreciate that.

They never looked at the score and gave up. They fought.

Coach Trevor Grant always has a hard-working, fighting team and I appreciate the fight that they brought tonight,” coach Johnson said.

He added that it was their goal to make it back to the championships and remain undefeated.

“It feels really good, that was our goal to try to win this game and go back to the championship to see who we are gonna be opponents against, CC Sweeting or Anatol Rodgers,” the coach stated.

Five Rattlers scored in double digits with Tashan Butler’s 17 points leading the team. On the opposite end, Carlton Johnson was a one-man band, finishing with a game-high 28 points.

The sudden death playoffs pick back up 4:30pm on Thursday at the same venue.

NATIONAL STADIUM WILL HAVE ‘WORLDCLASS’ TRACK FROM PAGE 11 roughing is being done now. Mondo, who does the track, is here and when that roughing is done they lay down the track which takes them only four weeks to do.

The Chinese are here, who are doing a great job for us in building it. We are back in major construction renovation and you will see the first phase will be ready for May. The second phase will be ready at the end of this year and the third phase will be next summer and we will have a completely refitted, outfitted, world-class facility,” the chairman said.

The facelift of the Thomas A Robinson National Stadium began on November 1 of last year.

Following a seven-year hiatus, The Bahamas was re-awarded the rights to host the World Athletics Relays 24 after a successful campaign in 2022.

Robert Mouzas, acting director of works, is actively working on the ground at the venue and gave a progress update on the ongoing repairs from his vantage point.

“There are several works going on here. We have the track being replaced

by Bahamas Hot Mix and Mondo. The track is a world-class track that will be used for the World Relays in May 2024. The roof to the East stand is being replaced so the Chinese contractor has removed the existing roof and he is putting a new steel truss roof back on which will be completed by the end of March,” Mouzas said.

The work being done to the Western Grandstand is also expected to be wrapped up by the end of March. Meanwhile, the former massive displays that resided on the northern and southern parts of the stadium will be demolished during construction.

“The Western grandstand roof is being made safe. We are looking into the possibility of putting a temporary covering — for rain protection mainly. There are some concrete works to be done still, and some repairs to the railings and some general painting that will all be done by the end of March, “Also, the two big scoreboards at both ends of the stadium are being demolished and, for the World Relays, we are gonna use temporary structures for the jumbotrons or LED screens,” he said.

Officials have expressed their confidence in the repairs concluding in time for a grand fourth hosting of the World Relays in The Bahamas.

The Bahamas first hosted the previously known IAAF Relays in 2014, 2015 and 2017.

The event will provide athletes with the chance to qualify in five events — the men and women’s 4x100 metres, 4x400m and mixed relays at the two-day competition.

SUPER BOWL: CHIEFS ARE LIKELY TO BE SHORT-HANDED WHEN THEY PLAY 49ERS FROM PAGE 11 his outburst a mistake.

Chiefs coach Andy Reid didn’t commit Tuesday to playing Toney, opening the way for a potential healthy scratch.

“We’ll see how that goes,” Reid said. “He’s been practicing, and we’ll see whether he’s up or not.”

Also, Reid wasn’t optimistic running back Jerick McKinnon or guard Joe Thuney would play.

McKinnon has been on injured reserve since Dec. 24 with a groin injury and hasn’t practiced.

“It’s slim for him to be out there,” Reid said.

Thuney didn’t play against the Ravens because of a pectoral injury.

“It’s strength and making sure that he’s in a position that he doesn’t get hurt worse than what he’s got,” Reid said. “We’ll see

(whether Thuney practices). I think it’s a long shot.”

GOING ALL OUT 49ers defensive coordinator Steve Wilks called out his unit last week for not playing hard on every play of their 34-31 victory over the Detroit Lions in the NFC championship.

Safety Tashaun Gipson agreed.

“That’s something that never needs to be coached,” Gipson said. “That’s something that never needs to be addressed. This is the National Football League.

You’re here on the biggest stage. Those plays are unacceptable. Led to two touchdowns. “That film (session) was hard. Obviously, you had to see that.

You had to hear some choice words. But that’s not our brand of football.

We’re a lot better football team than that, so it’s not

something I’m worried about moving forward.”

San Francisco coach Kyle Shanahan said lack of effort was an issue, but there were other problems the Niners had in trying to stop Detroit’s running attack in the first half. The Lions rushed for 148 yards in the first 30 minutes, but only 34 after that.

“When you play an eightman front, it just takes one guy to out of the gap for there to be only one (defender) left,” Shanahan said. “That’s stuff we’ve got to do a lot better at.”

EXPANDING CHIEFS FAN BASE Chiefs owner Clark Hunt was at a function about a week ago when a woman in her mid-20s approached him. She explained that she was never a football fan, even though everyone else in her family were Dallas

Cowboys diehards, but that as a “Swiftie” of the highest regard she keenly followed pop superstar Taylor Swift’s every move.

Naturally, that means she now keenly follows the Chiefs.

Ever since the 14-time Grammy-winning songstress began dating Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce last year, the franchise has seen a noticeable growth in fans in what Hunt called “that young female demographic.” They are driving up TV ratings for games, buying merchandise and apparel by the truck load, and throwing their lot into a team many knew nothing about. “There’s no doubt that her being a fan has put more intense focus on the team than we would have had otherwise, and has opened up the fanbase to a whole new demographic that we really didn’t have,”

Hunt told a small group of reporters on Tuesday.

“Having Taylor as a Chiefs fan is very unique,” Hunt added. “I don’t ever do an interview without someone asking me about it. I frequently have dads come up to me and say, ‘My 10-to-12-year-old daughters never used to watch football, but now they tell me any time the Chiefs are playing to tell them, so they can come and watch.’”

All those Swifties will no doubt tune into the Super Bowl. Swift is expected to make a mad dash from Tokyo, where she will be performing on her Eras Tour the previous night, across the Pacific so that she can arrive in Las Vegas in time for kickoff.

MORE FEMALE STAR POWER Iowa’s Caitlin Clark, the reigning women’s college basketball player of

the year, continues to sell out arenas at home and on the road as she chases the NCAA Division I scoring record.

Her brother was the backup quarterback at rival Iowa State to 49ers secondyear starter Brock Purdy.

Blake Clark will be the best man in Purdy’s upcoming wedding.

“Caitlin, I wasn’t around as much, but obviously just through Blake, we’d always watch her,” Purdy said. “What a baller she was from day one. Obviously, even high school. We knew that she was going to be a game changer. To see her now, just absolutely killing it, couldn’t be happier for her.”

Clark is 66 points from from breaking the NCAA record of 3,527 held by former Washington star and current Las Vegas Aces AllStar Kelsey Plum.

PAGE 16, Wednesday, February 7, 2024

THE TRIBUNE

Tourism ‘booking pace drag’ over crime alerts “I saw where the Prime Minister came out and did what he had to do to try and insist it’s a safe country and what have you, but he didn’t go far enough,” the Halsbury Chambers principal said. “Just talking is not good enough. We need to show we are doing certain things, not just talking about it.

“I agree with and applaud what they are trying to do with the Bail Act and amendments there. We need to go further. Increase the fines for those small offences. We have capital punishment on our books.

Change the law so the Privy Council cannot wiggle their toes out of it in any form or fashion. They will then have to follow our laws in making their decisions.

“We have to show the system is working properly.

More courts, more judges.

The prosecutors need the necessary tools in order to do their jobs. If we have to work around the clock, work on the weekends to get these things in place, then the international community will say they’re serious and pull back on the advisories,” Mr McCartney added.

“Stop playing around with these people wreaking havoc on our safety, tourists and locals alike, and wreaking havoc on our businesses.

Stop playing with these people. Get serious with it.”

Mr Sands, meanwhile, said none of the murders todate had involved tourists, with all the incidents taking

place largely in New Providence in residential areas hardly or never frequented by visitors.

The BHTA president pledged that the Government, industry, police, church and other stakeholders are “all working collectively to treat the safety of our visitors as the single top priority they give to this sector and they are doing that every single day...

“The ‘Level Two’ travel advisory rating of The Bahamas has not changed and has been in place since 2022,” Mr Sands added.

“The Bahamas is ranked alongside 70 of the world’s top tourism destinations such as the UK, France, Germany, the Netherlands.

It’s not bad company.

“I think the US charge d’affaires stated it properly.

This is not a situation about being concerned about the safety of tourists in The Bahamas, but an issue of advising their citizens to be aware... The Bahamas has been in the tourism business for 200 years. We’ve seen the ups and downs, but we’ve learned what’s important as far as tourists are concerned.

“First and foremost, their safety. Second, the product offering of the destination and, third, they leave here satisfied. I can say without fear of contradiction that the overwhelming majority of tourists over those 200 years have done that.”

FTX’S BAHAMIAN LIQUIDATORS DID ‘EVERYTHING IN THEIR POWER’

technology and related intellectual property rights.

The Bahamas will also spearhead “pursuing specific litigation and avoidance actions identified in the global settlement agreement as part of the ongoing efforts to maximise recoveries for customers and creditors”, which seems to imply Mr Simms and the PwC duo will be in charge of efforts to recover the $100m obtained by 1,500 “Bahamian” customers in violation of the asset freeze when FTX imploded.

Mr Simms, in a January 12, 2024, affidavit filed with the Supreme Court alleged it is “extremely unlikely that more favourable terms could be achieved” with Mr Ray given that the Bahamian liquidation is in a “much weaker financial position” than their Chapter 11 counterpart.

While he and his fellow FTX Digital Markets liquidators have “repeatedly pushed back” against “unacceptable” offers by the FTX US chief, Mr Simms signalled that “limited assets” presently available to the trio would be exhausted by continuing their courtroom fight “with no end in sight”.

With the Bahamian trio controlling just 30 percent of the local subsidiary’s cash assets, due in large measure to the US Justice Department’s seizure of $143.2m from its US accounts in late 2022, the Lennox Paton senior partner conceded that assets available to pay creditors would ultimately be exhausted by the legal sparring and they would have to seek litigation financing that comes with its own risks.

And customer and FTX group assets and liabilities are “so commingled” and “inextricably intertwined that it would be practically impossible”, in addition to creating enormous delays and costs, to try and “unravel” what belongs to which liquidation estate The Bahamas or Delaware.

FROM PAGE A20 Sands and Mr McCartney’s comments indicate the tangible impact that the negative global media blitz is having on The Bahamas.

Mr Sands, noting that the US has not altered its ‘Level Two’ travel advisory since 2022, nevertheless revealed that the decline in the pace of tourist bookings has coincided with global media coverage of the crime and murder spike in The Bahamas. He added, though, that a two week drop-off is no indication of a lasting trend, and said the outlook for this nation’s winter tourism season remains strong.

“There’s been a drag on the booking pace, but February still remains a very strong month in terms of bookings,” the BHTA president told Tribune Business.

“We have to continue to monitor the situation on a monthly basis. January finished strongly, almost the same as last year or slightly behind last year. We await to see the results of that.

“But, by and large, we have been seeing a slowdown in booking pace. I would say that’s been in the last two to three weeks, a similar time as the misrepresentation of the advisories which the industry is working diligently to correct and the US embassy is contributing to that position as well. We are going to monitor the booking pace going forward.”

Asked by this newspaper about the magnitude

FROM PAGE A20 creditors and customers of FTX Digital Markets,” the judge said.

“And I say that in regard to the novel and complex legal issues raised by this liquidation. In this regard, I have in mind the adversarial proceedings between FTX Digital Markets and the US debtors which are being compromised as a

of the booking pace slowdown, Mr Sands replied: “It is something we are trying to quantify. It has not begun to impact shortterm bookings, but we have to investigate to see if it’s impacting long-term bookings.

“It also gives the opportunity for people who are satisfied that the destination is safe to book again in the future. We cannot treat the booking pace for two weeks as a trend.” He told this newspaper that any recent hotel booking cancellations are insignificant in number, and that they cannot be directly linked to media reporting on the crime/travel advisories.

“I would say that where there have been cancellations, they have not been material, but I would not deny that there have been incidents of cancellations,” Mr Sands told Tribune Business. “I cannot say unequivocally how it has been, but there have been some cancellations and it may be directly related to misinterpretation of the advisories.

“The best efforts of the collective country, both internationally and locally, are at work to begin to reverse the current trend.

Misinformation does not help the tourism sector, but correcting the information saves us from any further demise.”

Mr Sands pointed out that The Bahamas’ has not been downgraded by the US as the latter’s travel advisory has remained at ‘level two’

result of the global settlement agreement, the multiple cross-border issues and the concurrent proceedings here and in the bankruptcy courts of Delaware.”

Justice Klein also agreed with the Bahamian liquidators and Mr Ray placing all assets in one single pool for distribution to FTX creditors and investors on the basis that they are

since 2022. Instead, the US merely urged its citizens to take care - and be aware of - the recent spike in murders in New Providence with the 25th and latest killing taking place yesterday.

However, this has received extensive media coverage in New York and the north-east, which is the primary tourist source market for this nation, as well as across the US with much of the reporting giving the impression - described by Mr Sands as a “misinterpretation” - that the travel advisory has been elevated.

It has featured on major TV networks, such as NBC, ABC and CNN, as well as in newspapers including the New York Times, Washington Post and USA Today.

The New York Post told Americans to “think twice about a tropical getaway to the Caribbean this winter”, adding: “Safety concerns have reached a point of severity where US officials say people shouldn’t even try to ‘physically resist’ being robbed.”

Mr Sands said industry is working closely with the Ministry of Tourism, Investments and Aviation to correct this, adding: “Stakeholders are doing their part to get that message out; that travellers should stay informed and make decisions on accurate information, and that tourists are coming on a daily basis and we are working with our travel partners to ensure they enjoy the

so commingled that it is impossible to separate what belongs in which estate and winding-up process - The Bahamas or Delaware.

“I think the evidence clearly supports the conclusion that the liquidators have done everything within their power to strike the best possible deal for the stakeholders in question, and one which is not at all unreasonable in the

warmth and hospitality of the destination.

“The overall level of safety in the country remains stable. While isolated incidents occur, they also happen in other jurisdictions. They are not unique to us but they continue to be unacceptable and cannot be tolerated.”

Mr McCartney, meanwhile, told Tribune Business that private sector frustration with the Department of Inland Revenue’s tax reporting portal woes was now spilling over to the crime situation. “We’ve had different countries put out some advisories over tourists coming to the country.

That has a tremendous effect,” he said.

“I’m involved in real estate. We’ve had persons cancel as a result of this. I have Airbnb’s and we’ve had persons, because of these advisories, come out and say they have cancelled their bookings. This is up to April of this year where we have had bookings set and had persons cancel. We’ve had seven persons cancel since the advisory, since the advisory.

“This reminds me of prior to the pandemic. Prior to the pandemic we were booked right out. This is almost another pandemic.

I equate this to the pandemic.” Mr McCartney argued that The Bahamas must go further than the crime-fighting strategies announced by the Government and Prime Minister Philip Davis KC.

circumstances. In the circumstances, the court should lend its approval by granting the requisite sanctions,” the judge concluded.

The Bahamian liquidation trio, in a report filed on Monday with the Delaware Bankruptcy Court as part of the Chapter 15 recognition it granted to them in the US, signalled their desire to move on quickly to adjudicating creditor claims and

returning assets to customers now that peace with Mr Ray has been sealed via the approval of both courts.

“With the settlement approved and authorised by both this court and the Bahamas court, the foreign representatives look forward to collaborating with the Chapter 11 debtors in the monetisation of assets and adjudication of customer claims with the goal of making distributions to creditors of both estates quickly and efficiently,” Mr Simms and the PwC duo said in their report to Judge John Dorsey.

“The foreign representatives will begin their processes for claims reconciliation, realisation of assets (for example, avoidance actions), and making distributions to creditors/customers in coordination with the Chapter 11 debtors.”

Further evidence that the Bahamian liquidators want to move quickly on claims processing comes from the fact that FTX Digital Markets’ website was last reconfigured to enable creditors to provide their main contact details.

Both they and Mr Ray, as part of their now-court sanctioned deal, have agreed to use best efforts to employ similar asset valuations and settlement offers when assessing/ granting creditor claims in their respective liquidation proceedings.

And the Bahamian trio will “take the operational lead in managing the valuemaximising disposition of real estate and other assets in The Bahamas”, some $256m having been invested in around 35 high-end local properties. Mr Ray and his team will lead all asset recovery elsewhere, including the possible sale of FTX’s exchange platform,

CALL 502-2394 TO ADVERTISE TODAY! PUBLIC NOTICE INTENT TO CHANGE NAME BY DEED POLL The Public is hereby advised that I, BYRON FRANKLYN BOOTLE of #5 Egret Street Nassau East North Seagrapes, Nassau, Bahamas, intend to change my name to BYRON FRANKLYN SMITH . 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.

THE TRIBUNE

Wednesday, February 7, 2024, PAGE 17

Developer reassures Adelaide: ‘Heavy work’ to end this month FROM PAGE A20 accordance with the plans approved by all relevant departments. Large development work is never easy or quiet no matter where it occur, and for that reality we apologise.”

Flipping to what he described as the project’s positive attributes, Mr Myers said: “Windsor Lakes is proud to be a Bahamianbuilt development that is providing good paying jobs to many Bahamian contractors, trades and workers.

“The development is a first-of-its kind in The Bahamas and offers the overwhelming majority of Bahamian buyers a high quality, affordable middle high income community with unique amenities. This will be a community that

will bring great value to the Adelaide area, an area we are proud to be a part of.

“Again, we apologise for any disturbance we make as we complete the heavy infrastructure works and we ask for our neighbours’ understanding as we complete these works through the rest of the year.”

Mr Scavella-Ferguson, in his letter, complained that Adelaide residents received no notice of when construction work was to begin.

“Large earthmoving equipment began arriving through the streets of our community and in the nearby quiet neighbourhood of Adelaide Gardens, where at least 22 of the 29 governmentconstructed homes have a history of major structural damage as a result of the unstable ground very near to

the wetlands of Adelaide,” he wrote.

“As work began clearing hundreds of pine trees and excavating the grounds on the Windsor Lakes project, some residents complained of the noise, pollution and feeling tremors in their homes..... Later, the digging of the lakes began with loud earth shattering noises emerging from the banging and excavations of the earthmoving machines from early morning and all through the nighttime 24/7 and even on holidays.

“Every effort was made to get the contractors to ease up the nighttime noises, but to no avail.” Mr ScavellaFerguson complained that residents had received no help from Vaughn Miller, their MP and also minister of the environment and

natural resources, despite repeated efforts and accused the developers of “disrespect and a lack of consideration for their neighbours”.

“They operate their heavy earthmoving machinery and generators from night to morning, having no regard for the health risks to the community associated with the carbon monoxide emissions from their earthmoving machinery,” he added, while also voicing complaints about the dumping of fill and erection of a fence that has made it more difficult for vehicles to manoevere.

Tribune Business reported recently how Windsor Lakes has generated $15m in revenues from selling 35 percent of its available lots within five months. It was planning to imminently increase prices for the second time

due to the heavy demand for lakefront living.

Ryan Knowles, founder and chief executive of Maison Bahamas Real Estate, who is marketing the project to prospective buyers, branded the community - located in close proximity to Albany and Adelaide Village - as “a truly unique product”. He disclosed that buyer inquiries and actual sales since marketing of the project started in August last year have thus far exceeded expectations.

With around 60 of Windsor Lakes’ total 173 multi-family and single-family lots already sold, Mr Knowles told this newspaper that the development’s promotional website has received around 1,000 inquiries from potential purchasers during the first four to five months.

FIVE-HOUR TALKS FAIL TO BREAK HOTEL INDUSTRIAL DEAL DEADLOCK FROM PAGE A20 getting a deal concretised before lunch time tomorrow [today].”

Mrs Glover-Rolle led discussions with hotel union representatives over the latest counter-proposal from resort employers including Atlantis, the Ocean Club, Lyford Cay Club and Town Hotel. Darrin Woods, the union’s president, again could not be reached for comment before press time last night, amid the impasse over reaching a first hotel sector industrial agreement since 2013.

The counter-proposal emerged after the employers, according to Mr Thompson, agreed “to go

back and speak with their accountants to ‘crunch the numbers’ and see if they could possibly agree to the union’s very slightly reduced position on base salary increase across the board”.

Members of the 5,000strong hotel union were last week said to have held-off on plans to go on ‘work to rule’ as the first step in escalating industrial action in a bid to provide time for more negotiations to complete negotiations.

This would be the worst possible time for hotel industry to be hit by industrial action given that The Bahamas is already grappling with the fall-out from frenzied US and international media coverage of this nation’s crime

woes - a development that could potentially deter some tourists from visiting.

The Department of Labour’s and Mrs GloverRolle’s involvement, with a series of meetings held within the space of just a few days to try and bring the two sides to an agreement, signals the Government’s desire to head-off any industrial action that might disrupt The Bahamas’ largest industry at this time.

Mr Woods had complained that the Association was sticking to its previously stated position, which is that tipped workers and other minimum wage staff will not necessarily receive the 8 percent “across-theboard” salary increase the

BANKER BACKS IMF ON TAX REFORM SCEPTICISM FROM PAGE A20 The IMF, in its recent full Article IV report on The Bahamas, asserted that this nation must introduce a personal income tax targeting “the top 10 percent of earners” and implement other reforms to hit the David administration’s 25 percent revenue-to-GDP goal and eliminate the annual fiscal deficit.

However, the Government has consistently described new and/or increased taxes as a last resort measure and a “lazy way out” when it comes to addressing the country’s fiscal woes. Simon Wilson, the Ministry of Finance’s financial secretary, earlier this week said the Davis administration believes there is sufficient “buoyancy” in the current tax system to achieve its revenue ratio ambitions.

Hubert Edwards, the Organisation for Responsible Governance’s (ORG) economic development committee head and principal of Next Level Solutions, agreed that the IMF’s Article IV report was speaking to “some weakness in the revenue streams” of the Government and how sustainable they are when it comes to meeting the

administration’s fiscal targets.

“That’s one of the not clearly spoken underlying implications,” Mr Edwards added of the IMF report’s prodding for new and increased taxes. “I think it speaks to the sustainability of revenue at this point in time, and there is a question of whether or not the Fiscal Strategy Report presentation putting us at 25 percent revenue-to-GDP is going to be attained and attained sustainably over the long-term.

“The IMF seems to be of the view that there needs to be more taxes, and it listed a number of options.... They clearly have a view as to some weakness in the Government’s revenue streams.

That wasn’t explicitly stated, but when you read through the information that’s in there it becomes clear that the IMF is putting a question mark over the sustainability of revenue.”

Mr Bowe, meanwhile, said that while the current regressive, consumption-based tax system “may have adequate from Independence through to the early 2000s” this nation has still run a deficit every year since 1973. And it has also had to cope with multiple hurricane-related

disasters, and the fiscal and economic fall-out, including Hurricane Dorian.

He added that the multiple incentives, tax breaks and other concessions afforded the hotel industry has also much-reduced the Government’s income from that sector - likening it to a “hole in the back of the boat” where monies taken in at the front go straight out the back due to these favourable investment preferences.

Reiterating his previous calls for The Bahamas to shift to a more equitable, progressive income-tax based system, Mr Bowe suggested that many companies and individuals would willingly embrace such reforms once they understood this will not add to the number of taxes they face.

Most in the private sector, the Fidelity chief argued, will “happily do away with the Business Licence fee, high levels of Customs duties and a moderate level of VAT if we simplify the system with income tax and VAT”.

“I still think you would get resounding consensus,” Mr Bowe told Tribune Business of corporate and/or personal income tax. “It’s just that persons believe that income tax will be added on

He asserted that the interest “signals the market has been waiting” for a community targeted at middle and upper middle income price points, with lot prices starting at $205,000 and going up to $400,000, and home packages costing between $895,000 and $1.2m.

And Mr Knowles also suggested that a lakefront gated community “has never been done in Nassau before on this scale”, with the closest comparison being the homes that border Lake Cunningham. He added that the lakes at Windsor Lake, which will be a central or anchor feature for the community, are scheduled to be completed by the end of February 2024.

BHCAWU wants for all members.

Its stance is that such workers, who mainly gain the bulk of their income from guest tips, should receive “which- ever is greater” - last year’s minimum wage increase or an 8 percent pay rise, but not both - when it comes to their base salary.

This would mean that if a hotel worker’s base pay increased by more than 8 percent due to the Government raising the minimum wage last year, they would not be entitled to a further rise under the new industrial agreement.

And he alleged that the Association had also revised its position such that its

members want to deduct the 3 percent pay increase they gave voluntarily to nontipped staff last year from that 8 percent, thus cutting their pay rise to 5 percent.

The four unionised properties involved are Atlantis, the Ocean Club, Lyford Cay Club and Town Hotel.

Mr Miller, the senior Atlantis executive and Bahamas Hotel and Restaurant Employers Association president, previously said in a statement that both sides had “agreed to all financial and non-financial terms” for the industrial agreement and the impasse was ‘unexpected’.

He said: “Both sides had already agreed to all

financial and non-financial terms and conditions in the new agreement, and we were in the process of vetting and binding documents for signature. This unexpected, 11th-hour impasse is incredibly unfair to our bargaining unit team members who have worked without an agreement since 2013 due to the union’s failure to put a new contract forward.

“We have continued to honour and operate under the terms of the expired agreement without fail. We will not allow today to derail our commitment to finalising a new agreement as soon as possible.” The reference to the “union’s failure” refers to the fact it did not submit an offer for a new industrial deal 90 days or more before the last agreement’s expiry in 2013 as the contract mandated it must do.”

top of existing taxes, which is why there is continual resistance.”

The IMF, in its full Article IV report on The Bahamas that was released on Friday, urged this nation to exploit the G-20/OECD drive for a 15 percent minimum global corporate tax to craft and implement such a levy to suit this nation’s own needs.

And, besides imposing a personal income tax on the highest 10 percent of income earners, the IMF called for such a reform to be accompanied by a 5 percent levy on capital gains, dividends and interest income. It also suggested that the marginal personal income tax rate equal that of the corporate tax to prevent companies avoiding the latter by paying our profits as salaries to shareholders and top executives.

Combined with removing the $60,000 real property tax cap for owner-occupied residences and increasing the rates for “higher value” homes, as well as “eliminating tax expenditures” on gambling which does not attract 10 percent VAT, the Fund suggested this reform

package could generate extra government revenue equal to 3.7 percent of GDP - almost $540m based on today’s figures - in four years’ time.

The Davis administration has already set a target for government revenues to equal 25 percent of GDP, or economic output, by the 2025-2026 fiscal year. However, the IMF implied that without the reform package it has outlined, The Bahamas will never achieve that goal as it unveiled projections showing this ratio would remain stubbornly just below 22 percent through 2032-2033.

And, as a result, the IMF also forecasts that the Government will fail to achieve its objective of eliminating the fiscal deficit from 20242025 onwards - a year in which it currently projects a $109.2m Budget surplus.

Instead, in the absence of any adjustments, it is predicting that The Bahamas will continue to run deficits albeit declining slightly every year to less than 1 percent of GDP - through 2032-2033.

The IMF acknowledged that implementing corporate

and personal income tax regimes could be a hard sell in The Bahamas, given that there is no history of such taxation and its implementation would require “significant investment” in training personnel as well as technology to administer such systems.

Should this prove “infeasible”, the IMF suggested The Bahamas raise the VAT rate to 15 percent - a 50 percent increase in percentage terms - as an alternative although it admitted such a move would deepen the regressive taxation where lower income persons give proportionally more of their income to taxes than their wealthier counterparts.

Between corporate and personal income tax, the IMF is forecasting that The Bahamas could raise extra revenue equal to a combined 3.4 percent of GDP - equivalent to just over $495m at today’s economic output.

This, it predicts, will enable the Government to both beat its 25 percent revenueto-GDP target and eliminate the fiscal deficit with a sustainable Budget surplus from 2026-2027 onwards.

PAGE 18, Wednesday, February 7, 2024

THE TRIBUNE

$250m resort requires ‘meaningful’ Bahamian participation to succeed

By FAY SIMMONS Tribune Business Reporter jsimmons@tribunemedia.net THE developer behind Grand Bahama’s $250m Six Senses resort project says it will struggle to succeed without “really meaningful” participation

by Bahamians in all aspects of its build-out.

Marc Weller, Weller Development’s principal, was responding to questions from attendees at the project’s Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) public hearing over how much active involvement Bahamians will have in the project as employees, service provider and even part owners.

One resident, asking about potential Bahamian participation in the project’s economic structure, queried if the project would be willing to partner with locals in similar fashion to the commitment made by Royal Caribbean over its proposed Paradise Island beach club.

He said: “To what extent are Bahamians going to be directly involved? On Paradise Island, where they are developing [the Royal Beach Club], they had to come back and make an offer to the Government

and the Bahamian people that Bahamians are going to be involved in the economic structure of that whole affair. Are Bahamians being included in that regard in this development?”

That refers to the fact that, while Royal Caribbean will hold a majority 51 percent ownership interest in the Royal Beach Club, the remaining 49 percent equity interest will be held

by Bahamians via a combination of the Government and private investors. The Government’s portion of the 49 percent will be based on the value of the four Crown Land acres it is contributing to the project.

Mr Weller, in reply, said there will be multiple opportunities for Bahamians to obtain jobs, invest and provide services to the resort. Noting that Grand

Bahama has a relatively small population of around 30,000, he added participation by local residents is critical to the project’s success amid hopes it will eventually entice those who have relocated for employment and other needs to move back to the island.

“There’s all kinds of opportunities for Bahamians to work here. Quite frankly, work here, participate, make investments, be the providers of different services and so on. Could be everything from clothing to crafts, have small stores in there, a museum. I mean, it’s endless the types of things that can go on in and around this Six Senses project,” Mr Weller added.

“But I think that there’s almost no way to pull it off without Bahamians benefiting from this project. This

BTC BLAMES RIVAL UTILITY ON EAST NASSAU FIBRE CUT

to investigate this matter to fully understand what happened to reduce similar occurrences,” BTC added.

Drexel Woods, BTC’s director of technical operations, said bad weather and “safety concerns” had delayed repairs on Monday but added that customers in the affected areas should have begun to see services restored yesterday.

“We noticed that our services were abruptly interrupted on Sunday and, following investigations, it was determined that our underground fibre was cut by another utility provider that was trenching in the Eastern Road area,” he said.

“Unfortunately, due to the inclement weather and safety concerns for our technicians, we could not complete repairs on Monday. Our teams are still working on repairing the fibre, and we anticipate that customers will begin to be restored today.”

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net THE Bahamas Telecommunications Company (BTC) yesterday blamed a rival utility for cutting its fibre optic cable and depriving customers in the Eastern Road area of landline, mobile and Internet services.

The carrier, in a statement, said the outage had impacted customers located in the Eastern Road and Johnson Road corridors after another utility - which it did not name - allegedly cut its underground fibre cable while conducting trenching work of its own. As a result, BTC is now urging the Utilities Competition and Competition Authority (URCA) to

investigate what happened and prevent further such incidents.

The likeliest purported culprits would be the Water & Sewerage Corporation and Cable Bahamas/ Aliv. The former has been digging up the road and conducting work in the nearby Fox Hill community, while the BISX-listed communications provider has been rolling-out its own $80m fibre-to-the-home network across New Providence.

However, the Water & Sewerage Corporation is not regulated by URCA. BTC’s call for the regulator to initiate a probe therefore indicates the provider it is referring to may be Cable Bahamas/Aliv. “BTC apologises to customers for the inconvenience, and is urging the utilities regulator

isn’t an island with 350,000 people or 500,000 people that are not Bahamian.

This is a smaller island, still bigger than a lot of the Out Islands, but it’s a small island with give or take 30,000 people on it.

“We need.... we must have Bahamian participation in a really meaningful way for us to be successful. If we don’t I just don’t know how you can really do this, quite frankly. So we actually are hoping to bring other Bahamians back here to Grand Bahama or encourage people to leave, maybe, other places that aren’t as great places to live as Grand Bahama is and maybe move back.”

Residents also voiced concern over whether the project could further stress Grand Bahama’s existing water supply and quality issues after fresh groundwater sources were contaminated as a result of Hurricane Dorian.

One attendee said nearby residents already face low water pressure, and questioned what plans Weller Development has to ensure an adequate supply of portable water for guests.

He said: “Right now, because of the invasion of Dorian and hurricanes over the last ten years, our water table has been significantly compromised.

I’m wondering whether this development has any plans afoot…because right now the little bit of water we’re getting through the reverse osmosis system, if you live on the second floor, you hardly get enough pressure to take a shower.

“We have to conserve the water to supply the many people that need it now on Grand Bahama.

With a development like that, what are your plans for either producing freshwater or how are you going to handle that particular phenomenon? People who come here have to take showers, and if they go and one little drip coming out, they’re going to go back home and say ‘Hey, there’s no water in The Bahamas’.”

Six Senses’ development manager said the project has been in contact with Grand Bahama Utility Company, the water supplier, to determine if they have the capacity to provide potable water to the resort. Weller Development is also prepared to install a reverse osmosis plant on-site.

She said: “It’s a good [question] and it’s one that we’re actively thinking about. What we’ve done so far to-date is engage with the utility company to figure out whether or not the capacity to bring that

level of water needed for the resort is available.

“And, whether or not it’s available, what we’re going to be doing, we’ll be putting a water treatment plant on site and figuring out how much water we can store, how we can control the flow and what is already available to us. And so we’re working with the utility company right now as we further our design to determine the level of piping needed to accommodate that.”

The Six Senses resort project is aiming to start construction this summer if it receives the necessary environmental approvals.

The property’s 50-acre site will feature 64 resort villas and 28 branded residences, a wellness centre and Six Senses Spa, multiple restaurants, event space, beach club and oceanfront pool.

Weller Development announced last month that sales of the Six Senses residences are set to begin in the 2024 first quarter. H G Christie will handle the sale of the branded residences while BeSpoke, which specialises in marketing and promoting high-end properties in areas such as New York and the Hamptons, will also be involved in broking these deals

SENATE’S VICE-PRESIDENT ATTENDS TRADE CONFERENCE

private sector for their advantage, and I look forward to highlighting the vast opportunities available to small businesses and entrepreneurs in Latin America,” said Mr Griffin.

In his address, Mr Griffin’s advocated for Bahamian consumers and to ensure there is a balance between trade expansion and a manageable cost of living for every citizen. He prioritised deepening ties with Panama and exploring collaborative opportunities within that country’s transportation and logistics sector, clean energy industry and transformative technologies.

The Senate vice-president also participated in a panel discussion on technology and innovation in trade and industry. The Americas Competitive Exchange (ACE) summit aims to increase economic activity among countries in the Americas and to strengthen development in the region.

THE Senate’s vicepresident represented The Bahamas at a recent trade and economic conference in his role as the Trade Commission’s deputy chairman.

Senator Barry Griffin attended the Americas Competitive Exchange (ACE) held in Panama City, Panama, from January 29 to February 4. “Our government is committed to utilising all available avenues to combat the high cost of living, and trade plays a vital role in this endeavour,” he said in a statement.

“Our primary goal is always identifying opportunities for cost savings on goods imported to The Bahamas through strategic collaborations with producers and improved

NOTICE

transportation and logistics.”

The Bahamian delegation to ACE included Mikhail Bullard, minister counsellor and alternative representative at The Bahamas’ mission to the Organisation of American States (OAS) in Washington DC. The duo participated in a programme organised by the OAS, the US State Department and US Commerce Department.

The delegation aimed to showcase The Bahamas’ investment potential in industries including tourism, climate finance and adaptation, and information and communications technology (ICT).

“We have identified numerous collaboration opportunities, which we aim to bring back to our

NOTICE

NEW FRONTIER LIMITED N O T I C E IS HEREBY GIVEN as follows:

THEBIGSHORT PARTNERS, LTD.

(a) NEW FRONTIER LIMITED is in voluntary dissolution under the provisions of Section 138 (4) of the International Business Companies Act 2000.

(Voluntary Liquidation)

(b) The dissolution of the said company commenced on the 5th February, 2024 when the Articles of Dissolution were submitted to and registered by the Registrar General.

Notice is hereby given that in accordance with Section 138(4) of the International Business Companies Act 2000, the above-named Company is in dissolution, which commenced on the 29th day of January, A.D., 2024. The Liquidator is Galnom Ltd., CUB Financial Center, Western Road, Nassau, Bahamas.

(c) The Liquidator of the said company is Bukit Merah Limited, The Bahamas Financial Centre, Shirley & Charlotte Streets, P.O. Box N-3023, Nassau, Bahamas.

Dated this 7th day of February, A. D. 2024

GALNOM LTD. Liquidator

________________________ Bukit Merah Limited Liquidator

NOTICE

NOTICE

NOTICE

RAYSUKO MANAGEMENT CORPORATION

FIVE K HOLDINGS LIMITED

GRAPPA HOLDINGS LIMITED

N O T I C E IS HEREBY GIVEN as follows: (a) RAYSUKO MANAGEMENT CORPORATION is in voluntary dissolution under the provisions of Section 138 (4) of the International Business Companies Act 2000. (b) The dissolution of the said company commenced on 5th February, 2024 when the Articles of Dissolution were submitted to and registered by the Registrar General. (c) The Liquidator of the said company is Octagon Management Limited, The Bahamas Financial Centre, Shirley & Charlotte Streets, Nassau, Bahamas.

Dated this 7th day of February, A. D. 2024 _______________________________ Octagon Management Limited Liquidator

N O T I C E IS HEREBY GIVEN as follows:

N O T I C E IS HEREBY GIVEN as follows:

(a) FIVE K HOLDINGS LIMITED is in voluntary dissolution under the provisions of Section 138 (4) of the International Business Companies Act 2000.

(a) GRAPPA HOLDINGS LIMITED is in voluntary dissolution under the provisions of Section 138 (4) of the International Business Companies Act 2000.

(b) The dissolution of the said company commenced on the 5th February, 2024 when the Articles of Dissolution were submitted to and registered by the Registrar General.

(b) The dissolution of the said company commenced on the 5th February, 2024 when the Articles of Dissolution were submitted to and registered by the Registrar General.

(c) The Liquidator of the said company is Bukit Merah Limited, The Bahamas Financial Centre, Shirley & Charlotte Streets, P.O. Box N-3023, Nassau, Bahamas.

(c) The Liquidator of the said company is Bukit Merah Limited, The Bahamas Financial Centre, Shirley & Charlotte Streets, P.O. Box N-3023, Nassau, Bahamas.

Dated this 7th day of February, A. D. 2024

Dated this 7th day of February, A. D. 2024

________________________ Bukit Merah Limited Liquidator

________________________ Bukit Merah Limited Liquidator

THE TRIBUNE

Wednesday, February 7, 2024, PAGE 19

‘ABOUT TIME’ CRUISE LINES PRIVATE ISLANDS FACE VAT

By YOURI KEMP Tribune Business Reporter ykemp@tribunemedia.net BAHAMIAN tour operators yesterday asserted it is “only fair” that VAT be levied on the goods and services bought by passengers on the cruise lines’ private islands, adding: “It’s about time.”

Neal Watson, owner of Neal Watson’s Bimini Scuba Centre, told Tribune Business it is “about time they charged VAT on these private islands” and place Bahamian-owned businesses that cater to cruise passengers on a taxation level playing field with the likes of Carnival and Royal Caribbean.

Speaking after Tribune Business revealed the Government wants to levy 10 percent VAT on all goods and services purchased by passengers on the cruise lines’ private islands from March 1, Mr Watson said: “I have to collect VAT and still have to pay VAT. Every person I take diving or snorkelling off of a cruise ship, I have to pay VAT out of their tours already.”

And Nicholas Pinder, Born Free Fishing Charters’ general manager, backed

Mr Watson by arguing it is “only fair” that the cruise lines charge and collect VAT on the Government’s behalf as Bahamian companies already do.

Bahamas-based tour and excursion providers, which operate outside the cruise lines’ private islands, have always had to include VAT in the price charged to passengers since the tax was introduced in January 2015.

But, to-date, the same products and services offered on the private islands have not attracted VAT, thus placing Bahamian-owned companies at a competitive disadvantage when it comes to pricing, A “guidance document,” from the Department of Inland Revenue obtained by this newspaper reveals that, within weeks, the tax authorities plan to change the treatment of goods and services supplied to millions of tourists who visit these locations annually by levying VAT on all such transactions at the standard 10 percent rate. The Bahamas received 5.4m cruise visitors in 2019, many of whom would have visited private islands.

Among the private islands that stand to be impacted by such a move

are Royal Caribbean’s Perfect Day destination at Coco Cay in the Berry Islands, its global showpiece attraction; plus Mediterranean Shipping Company’s Ocean Cay location; Disney Cruise Line’s Castaway Cay and Lighthouse Point; and Holland America’s Half Moon Cay. Simon Wilson, the Ministry of Finance’s financial secretary, said of the rationale for the changed tax treatment: ““When we implemented VAT originally we were under the impression given to us by the cruise lines that any commercial activity on the private islands was an extension of the package purchased [by passengers] on ship - they were indistinguishable. That’s not the case. It’s a different commercial experience.

“It has grown significantly. The private islands are much bigger, much more diverse in their operations, and they actually compete with Bahamasbased businesses for onshore excursions.” The Government’s top financial official added that the move is designed to place the cruise lines and Bahamian businesses who cater to their passengers in

non-private island destinations on a taxation level playing field as both will now have VAT added to their charges.

“Why should the cruise lines be allowed to rent a chair on the beach and pay no VAT while the Bahamian has to pay VAT and Business Licence?” Mr Wilson asked. The Department of Inland Revenue has given the cruise industry until February 16 to provide feedback on the potential impact from the change.

Given that VAT’s imposition will likely mean the total price charged by the cruise lines to their customers will increase, it is thought likely the industry will push for greater time to adjust to the changed treatment on the basis that most cruises are booked 12-18 months out. This means they will be unable to adjust pricing to accommodate the VAT, and could end up having to absorb it themselves.

The Department of Inland Revenue’s guidance note on VAT for cruise lines and their private islands, dated January 15, 2024, said it replaces all previous advice and added: “The Department of Inland

Revenue (DIR) intends to implement this guide with effect from March 1, 2024. The guide is being circulated to the industry for written comments to be provided to the DIR no later than Friday, February 16, 2024.”

It reaffirmed that it now considers the supply of goods and services to cruise passengers on the private islands to be VATable transactions, meaning that they should attract the 10 percent levy, since they take place within Bahamian territory.

“Therefore, where goods and services are provided or sold on-island, the place of supply is considered to be in The Bahamas and the supply of these goods and services is subject to VAT at the standard rate. This is

THE WEATHER REPORT

5-DAY FORECAST

ORLANDO

High: 69° F/21° C Low: 49° F/9° C

TAMPA

TODAY

TONIGHT

THURSDAY

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UV INDEX TODAY

Mostly sunny and windy

Breezy early; patchy clouds

Breezy with some sun, then clouds

Partly sunny and pleasant

Mainly cloudy

Rather cloudy

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

High: 75°

Low: 63°

High: 74° Low: 63°

High: 76° Low: 64°

High: 79° Low: 66°

High: 80° Low: 67°

AccuWeather RealFeel

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AccuWeather RealFeel

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High: 69° F/21° C Low: 49° F/9° C

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High: 74° F/23° C Low: 59° F/15° C

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MIAMI

High: 74° F/23° C Low: 59° F/15° C

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Ht.(ft.)

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5:18 a.m.

5:34 p.m.

2.9 2.2

11:50 a.m. 0.0 11:41 p.m. -0.5

ALMANAC

Thursday

6:11 a.m.

6:29 p.m.

3.1 2.4

12:41 p.m. -0.3 ---------

Statistics are for Nassau through 1 p.m. yesterday Temperature High ................................................... 68° F/20° C Low .................................................... 61° F/16° C Normal high ....................................... 77° F/25° C Normal low ........................................ 64° F/18° C Last year’s high .................................. 80° F/27° C Last year’s low ................................... 66° F/19° C Precipitation As of 1 p.m. yesterday ................................. 1.43” Year to date .................................................. 2.16” Normal year to date ..................................... 1.72”

Friday

7:02 a.m.

7:22 p.m.

3.3 2.7

12:36 a.m. -0.7 1:29 p.m. -0.5

Saturday

7:51 a.m.

8:13 p.m.

3.4 2.9

1:31 a.m. -0.9 2:16 p.m. -0.7

Sunday

8:39 a.m.

9:05 p.m.

3.3 3.0

2:24 a.m. -0.9 3:02 p.m. -0.9

Monday

9:27 a.m.

9:57 p.m.

3.2 3.1

3:18 a.m. -0.8 3:49 p.m. -0.9

Tuesday

10:17 a.m.

10:50 p.m.

3.0 3.0

4:12 a.m. -0.7 4:36 p.m. -0.8

KEY WEST

High: 69° F/21° C Low: 63° F/17° C

ELEUTHERA

NASSAU

High: 75° F/24° C Low: 63° F/17° C

Forecasts and graphics provided by AccuWeather, Inc. ©2024

High: 76° F/24° C Low: 55° F/13° C

N

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TRACKING MAP

High: 76° F/24° C Low: 58° F/14° C

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6:50 a.m. Moonrise 5:58 p.m. Moonset

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GREAT EXUMA

High: 75° F/24° C Low: 58° F/14° C

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SUN AND MOON Sunrise Sunset

High: 76° F/24° C Low: 66° F/19° C

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

Low

CAT ISLAND

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TIDES FOR NASSAU High

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.

N

N

an important change in the DIR’s position as it relates to the VAT treatment of supplies made on private islands and by cruise lines,” the Department of Inland Revenue confirmed.

The cruise lines themselves will have to become VAT registrants if they either own a private island or generate more than $100,000 in annual taxable sales from such destinations. If an island is owed by a separate legal entity, then economic activity and transactions generated by it as well as the cruise line could be VAT-able.

Cabana rentals, shore excursions or charging cruise companies for passengers’ access to on-island services would be caught by this, as would “the purchase of on-island recreational

12-25 knots

MAYAGUANA High: 77° F/25° C Low: 65° F/18° C

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

CROOKED ISLAND / ACKLINS RAGGED ISLAND High: 76° F/24° C Low: 59° F/15° C

High: 77° F/25° C Low: 58° F/14° C

GREAT INAGUA High: 78° F/26° C Low: 62° F/17° C

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

Today: Thursday: Today: Thursday: Today: Thursday: Today: Thursday: Today: Thursday: Today: Thursday: Today: Thursday: Today: Thursday: Today: Thursday: Today: Thursday: Today: Thursday: Today: Thursday: Today: Thursday:

WINDS N at 15-25 Knots NE at 10-20 Knots N at 12-25 Knots NE at 8-16 Knots N at 15-25 Knots NNE at 10-20 Knots NW at 12-25 Knots NNE at 12-25 Knots N at 12-25 Knots NNE at 10-20 Knots NNE at 12-25 Knots ENE at 8-16 Knots N at 12-25 Knots NE at 10-20 Knots NW at 12-25 Knots NNE at 10-20 Knots N at 12-25 Knots NNE at 10-20 Knots NW at 12-25 Knots NNE at 12-25 Knots N at 12-25 Knots NE at 8-16 Knots NW at 12-25 Knots NE at 10-20 Knots N at 12-25 Knots NNE at 10-20 Knots

WAVES 14-18 Feet 8-12 Feet 1-3 Feet 1-2 Feet 12-16 Feet 6-10 Feet 5-9 Feet 5-9 Feet 14-18 Feet 8-12 Feet 5-9 Feet 3-6 Feet 1-3 Feet 1-2 Feet 6-10 Feet 4-7 Feet 3-6 Feet 3-5 Feet 10-14 Feet 8-12 Feet 3-5 Feet 2-4 Feet 3-6 Feet 2-4 Feet 5-9 Feet 3-5 Feet

VISIBILITY 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 6 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 5 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 6 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 6 Miles 10 Miles 6 Miles 10 Miles

WATER TEMPS. 74° F 74° F 73° F 72° F 76° F 75° F 79° F 78° F 77° F 77° F 74° F 72° F 75° F 73° F 78° F 77° F 78° F 78° F 78° F 77° F 75° F 75° F 77° F 77° F 76° F 76° F

business@tribunemedia.net

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2024

$5.30

$5.31

$5.37

$5.28

Tourism ‘booking pace drag’ over crime alerts t )PUFMT DIJFG 'FCSVBSZ ATUJMM TUSPOH EFTQJUF ESPQ PGG t #SBO IJU CZ TFWFO "JSCOC DBODFMMBUJPOT PO XBSOJOHT t 4BZT EFDMJOF ABMNPTU BOPUIFS $07*% QBOEFNJD

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net BAHAMIAN hotels yesterday revealed recent crime alerts have sparked “a drag on the booking pace” while a former DNA leader blamed seven cancellations at his vacation rental business on the warnings.

Robert Sands, the Bahamas Hotel and Tourism Association’s (BHTA) president, told Tribune Business the industry is still trying to “quantify” the precise impact from international media “misrepresentation” of US and Canadian travel advisories although February “still remains a very strong month”.

ROBERT SANDS

BRANVILLE MCCARTNEY

While short-term bookings for the peak winter season, vital to the health of resorts, all tourism-related businesses and the wider Bahamian economy, have not been impacted thus far the fall-out for longer-term visitor bookings remains unclear.

And Mr Sands told this newspaper that while the effect has

“not been material”, he cannot deny that there have been some tourist cancellations although it is uncertain whether they are directly connected to fears sparked by saturation TV and print media coverage of the crime alerts.

However, Branville McCartney, the ex-Democratic National Alliance (DNA) leader, disclosed to Tribune Business that his vacation rental business has been hit by seven visitor cancellations through the peak winter season months of March and April as a result of visitor concerns surrounding The Bahamas’ crime situation following the continuing murder spike.

FTX’s Bahamian liquidators did ‘everything in their power’

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net A SUPREME Court judge has backed assertions by FTX’s Bahamian liquidators that they “have done everything within their power to strike the best possible deal” in settling the dispute with their US counterpart.

Justice Loren Klein, in an initial January 22, 2024, ruling approving the trio’s global settlement agreement with John Ray, head of the 134 FTX entities in Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in Delaware, revealed that the “urgency” to resolve the cross-border rows overcome his desire to withhold judgment “for a few days”.

Affirming that he will grant all the Orders and permissions sought by Brian Simms KC, the Lennox Paton senior

partner, and his fellow FTX Digital Markets liquidators, the PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) accounting duo of Kevin Cambridge and Peter Greaves, Justice Klein branded the deal with Mr Ray a “practical” resolution and “in the commercial best interests” of creditors, investors and the company.

FTX Digital Markets was the Bahamian subsidiary for Sam Bankman-Fried’s crypto exchange, which collapsed in November 2022, its founder now awaiting his upcoming sentencing before a New York federal judge after being found guilty of multiple financial crimes following a jury trial.

“The main purpose of the application before this court is to obtain the requisite judicial sanctions to authorise the JOLs [liquidators] to work cooperatively with the US

debtors to progress the insolvency proceedings, which are taking place concurrently in the US and The Bahamas, and in particular to resolve jurisdictional issues and enter into various compromises,” Justice Klein wrote.

“Given the multiplicity of sanctions and orders which were sought in your summons, I was tempted to reserve for a few days. But given the urgency of the matter and because I have formed a certain view, I don’t think anything will be accomplished by that.”

Justice Klein added that, based on an affidavit sworn

by Mr Simms, as well as evidence provided by Luke Groth, a forensic technologist with PwC’s Hong Kong office, he was “satisfied that I should sanction” the terms of the settlements and agreements reached between the Bahamian liquidators and Mr Ray on December 19, 2023.

BRIAN SIMMS KC

THE Government’s labour director last night said almost five hours of “intense negotiations” had failed to break the deadlock over a new industrial agreement covering much of the PIA GLOVERhotel industry.

ROLLE Howard Thompson told Tribune Business he and the Department of Labour’s external attorney, Keenan Johnson, left the meeting with “a glimmer of hope” that a deal could be finalised before afternoon today even though an “impressive and formidable” effort by Pia Glover-Rolle, minister of labour and the public service, failed to produce a breakthrough.

“All I can say and will say at this time is that, after nearly five hours of negotiations, there is still no concrete agreement,” he said of the stalemate between the Bahamas Hotel and Restaurant Employers Association (BHREA) and the Bahamas Hotel, Catering and Allied Workers Union (BHCAWU).

“However, I hasten to say that the minister’s leadership and handling of matters at the meeting was formidable, and I and external counsel, Keenan Johnson, left the meeting tonight with a glimmer of hope that there is still a possibility of

JUSTICE LOREN KLEIN “In my view, the global settlement agreement and the ancillary agreements and arrangements necessary to support it represent a practical modus operandi for proceeding with the liquidation by the liquidators, and will be in the commercial best interests of the company and the

SEE PAGE A16

SEE PAGE A17

WINDSOR LAKES DEVELOPMENT

Developer reassures Adelaide: ‘Heavy work’ to end this month

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net A BAHAMIAN developer yesterday pledged that noise and other nuisances impacting Adelaide residents should be over by month’s end, and asserted his project will “bring great value” to the area.

Robert Myers, principal behind the Windsor Lakes development in south-western New Providence, in a messaged reply to Tribune Business inquiries apologised to neighbours in the Adelaide Gardens for any inconvenience but explained that “excessive rains” during late 2023 has forced the contractor to work longer hours to make up for lost time.

Pointing out that “large development work is never easy or quiet no matter where it occurs”, he nevertheless promised that Windsor Lakes when completed will be a “first-of-its-kind in The Bahamas” through offering home buyers - the majority

SEE PAGE A16

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Five-hour talks fail to break hotel industrial deal deadlock

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

Comparing the situation to COVID-19, when his vacation rentals went from being “booked out” to almost zero overnight, he branded the cancellations as “almost another pandemic” as he urged the Government and authorities to “stop playing around” with the criminals who are “wreaking havoc” on the safety of Bahamians, residents and tourists alike.

Vacation rentals are more vulnerable to travel alerts and crime advisories because they are often located outside traditional tourist and hotel zones, and therefore have less security and persons around, while also being based in or near areas suffering criminal activity. Mr

of whom are anticipated to be Bahamian - a middle to upper middle income lifestyle with amenities to match higher-end communities.

Responding to complaints voiced in The Tribune’s letters page by Linc Scavella-Ferguson, Mr Myers told this newspaper he was “aware” of most of the concerns and issues raised. “We are aware that our earthworks contractor has been in touch with him and the neighbours in Adelaide Gardens on several occasions,” the Windsor Lakes principal added.

“The earthworks contractor works 7am to 6pm and has, at times, worked longer hours to make up for lost time due to the excessive rains in August through December. All earthworks are scheduled to be complete by the end of February, after which much of the noisy and heavy works will end.

“Infrastructure works will follow the earthworks, all in

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By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net A SENIOR banker has backed the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) scepticism over the Government’s stance that it will hit its deficit and revenue targets solely through better compliance and enforcement.

Gowon Bowe, Fidelity Bank (Bahamas) chief executive, told Tribune Business that while increased enforcement would produce an initial “flurry of collection” activity these gains were likely to “taper off” and be non-recurring with such efforts ultimately becoming “tiresome”.

“The truth of the matter is that... if we don’t have some kind of reform we’re not going to hit the objective of 25 percent revenue-to-GDP,” he argued.

“While we can continue to hold to increased collection efforts and increased enforcement to get us there, there’s a reason those taxes

GOWON BOWE have performed so poorly in the past.

“While there will be a flurry of collection and enforcement efforts it will taper off because if it’s an inefficient system it will not be easy to achieve. If you have to use tremendous efforts on enforcement it becomes tiresome.” Tax compliance and enforcement typically produces one-off gains from outstanding amounts being paid-off but is not usually a sustainable revenue source year after year.

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