02102023 NEWS, SPORT AND BUSINESS

A 58-YEAR-OLD male resident of Carmichael Road is in custody being questioned in connection with last week’s death threats against Prime Minister Phillip Davis, according to police.

In a statement released yesterday, police said the suspect was arrested on Wednesday, adding that investigations are continuing.

His arrest comes less than a week after the Prime Minister’s office received two anonymous calls from someone who threatened to kill Mr Davis.

Police Commissioner Clayton Fernander said during an

emergency press conference last Friday the caller was believed to be a male.

“Both calls came in, one right after the other about 15 minutes apart, threatening to kill the nation’s leader,” Commissioner Fernander said at the time.

“We, as Bahamians, it shouldn’t happen. When you’re talking about threatening the nation’s leader and we as Bahamians, how we got to this level in threatening individuals and you can go beyond the prime minister and individuals and we take this very seriously.”

‘MORE MUST BE DONE’ TO STOP SCHOOL VIOLENCE

By EARYEL BOWLEG Tribune Staff Reporter ebowleg@tribunemedia.net

“MORE must be done” to deal with violence in schools, said Bahamas Union of Teachers president Belinda Wilson yesterday, following a stabbing at an Abaco high school this week.

Police reported on Wednesday that a 17-yearold student in Abaco was stabbed by another student of the same age while on the playing field.

After the stabbing,

Education Minister Glenys Hanna-Martin said she asked officials to consider placing police officers at the school where the incident occurred.

Officers did not name the school where the stabbing took place, but said the incident happened around 10am on Tuesday. However, Mrs Wilson said it happened at SC Bootle High School in Coopers Town, Abaco.

She said: “What is very disturbing though is that the teachers were not

MAILBOAT RUNS AGROUND OFF EGG ISLAND

By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net

A GROUP of passengers and crew members had to be evacuated from the M/V Legacy after the mailboat ran aground in waters near Egg Island off Spanish Wells, Eleuthera, on Wednesday morning.

The boat was reportedly en route to Marsh Harbour, Abaco, from New Providence with heavy cargo

onboard when the incident occurred. The Ministry of Transport and Housing said in a

FTX ASSETS DEPLETED BY 75% AHEAD OF COLLAPSE

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

CASH assets held by FTX’s Bahamian subsidiary were “materially depleted” to the extent they shrank by 76 percent - or more than three-quarters - in the five weeks immediately prior to the crypto exchange’s implosion.

FTX Digital Markets’ provisional liquidators, in their first interim report to the Supreme Court, revealed they have to-date located $219.5m in bankdeposited cash in The Bahamas and abroad compared to the $927.9m shown in the company’s management accounts at October 5, 2022. That represents a negative $708.4m swing.

TAXIS

AND

VENDORS ON LICENCE FAST TRACK

By JADE RUSSELL Tribune Staff

ECONOMIC Affairs Minister Michael Halkitis revealed yesterday that business licence applications for taxi drivers, straw vendors, and roadside vendors will be fast-tracked - while only 3,000 of 33,000 applications have been approved so far.

During a press briefing at the Prime Minister’s Office Mr Halkitis said all business applications will be dealt with by or before March 31, which is when current licences will become invalid.

statement yesterday that reports indicated the vessel lost generation power while en route.

Emergency plans were later activated after officials were alerted to the incident, the ministry added.

“The Ministry is advised that the cargo on board includes 4,500 gallons of diesel fuel, five vehicles, a tar truck and other miscellaneous cargo items,” the ministry said.

Nassau & Bahama Islands’ Leading Newspaper

Watson: ‘we don’t know what decision has been made’ on NIB increase

LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net

PRESS secretary Clint Watson was unable to confirm yesterday whether the government has approved an increase for National Insurance Board contribution rates.

On Tuesday, Myles Laroda, State Minister responsible for NIB, told reporters that the government will soon announce its decision on whether NIB contribution rates will increase or not.

While he declined to say what course of action the Davis administration intends to take, a local daily reported that Cabinet had greenlit a rate increase which is believed to take effect on July 1.

When questioned yesterday, Mr Watson was unable to confirm the reports.

However, he noted that

government was mindful of increasing costs facing Bahamians. “I can’t say much on the increase because it’s not been announced as yet from Cabinet other than what you would’ve heard the minister talking about –the fact that a decision has been made,” he said.

“We don’t know what decision has been made as far as what it will be. What I can tell you though is as far as all of these increases, the Cabinet is mindful of that and that’s why programmes and designs are being implemented to try and soften the blow upon the Bahamian people.

“But I cannot say whether or not there has been an agreed increase because it hasn’t come to my desk yet.”

The Tribune previously reported about the dire straits of the fund over the years.

Most recently, this newspaper exclusively reported in April that the 11th actuarial review of the National Insurance Board predicted the fund could be depleted by 2028.

That report had reduced the fund’s potential depletion timeline by one year, as the 10th review had made a prediction of 2029.

It also recommended NIB to increase the contribution rate by two percent and continue increases every two years until 2036.

“That matter has been dealt with at Cabinet. We are at a decision. We have a little bit of cleaning up to do with regards to the decision that was made,” Mr Laroda said Tuesday.

“We (will) be coming forth shortly with the direction of which the National Insurance Board would go with regards to the raise in contribution rates and other recommendations that was made in the report that the executive management team of the National

Insurance Board has recommended to the government that in their view needs to change.”

In April last year, Prime Minister Philip Davis said there would be no increase in NIB contributions until his administration was able to arrest the hardships facing Bahamians. He said: “These are difficult times and it would be a last resort for me to put any more burden on their backs.”

He added at the time: “We’ll see how we could be innovative and creative to ensure that we do not do or embrace such an initiative until we have brought the relief that is necessary to allow that to happen.”

In July, Mr Watson said the government was “being creative and finding additional ways to fund the National Insurance Board without just taxing the Bahamian people, which is the lazy way out.”

PRESS SECRETARY SAYS WILCHCOMBE WILL ADDRESS THE FNM’S QUESTIONS WHEN THE HOUSE RECONVENES

By JADE RUSSELL. Tribune Staff Reporter jrussell@tribunemedia.net

AFTER Free National Movement leader Michael Pintard said he would summon senior civil servants before the Public Accounts Committee, press secretary Clint Watson said yesterday parliamentarians will deal with the matter if it arises.

On Wednesday, Mr Pintard called a special meeting at FNM headquarters following the House of Assembly being suspended to February 20. Mr Pintard had chastised government for avoiding the question-and-answer period in Parliament.

During the FNM meeting, Mr Pintard said starting next week the opposition, through the Public Accounts Committee, will call the permanent secretaries and heads of public corporations to answer questions raised by the Bahamian people.

“If it happens, people in parliament will address that issue. And they’ll address it from the floor of the House of Assembly so Bahamians will have that on record,” Mr Watson told reporters at the press briefing at the Office of the Prime Minister yesterday.

Mr Watson noted the earlier uproar in the House of Assembly on Wednesday.

He added that the leader

of government business, Obie Wilchcombe, has previously said they are prepared to answer questions when the House reconvenes.

“The leader of government business, has already said that they’re prepared to answer (the) questions when the House reconvenes.”

Mr Watson continued:

“So I think that’ll hopefully satisfy. Again, a lot of the questions that have been put on the table to be asked, at some point, have come up with some of the answers.

“But I understand that they want to have them in detail. And so, the minister responsible, who is, of course, the leader of government business, has said they will address those

UPCOMING CARICOM TO SHOWCASE BAHAMIAN CULTURE AND DISCUSS REGIONAL ISSUSES

By LETRE SWEETING lsweeting@tribunemedia.ne

LESLIA Miller-Brice, the Bahamas High Commissioner to CARICOM, looks forward to progressive discussions on energy security, climate change, and food security in The Bahamas at the CARICOM meeting next week.

Yesterday at the Office of The Prime Minister, Mrs Miller-Brice, who is also the Seabreeze MP and chair of the Independence Secretariat, spoke on what she hopes the upcoming CARICOM meeting will achieve, as both CARICOM and The Bahamas turn 50 this year.

“Next week, I look forward to welcoming our regional counterparts and diplomatic colleagues from within the region. I look forward to Prime Minister Davis’s chairmanship over the deliberations and

in depth discussions,” she said.

“(These discussions) I believe will underscore the urgency of regional cooperation on key issues of national and regional importance, such as energy security, climate change, and food security, particularly in light of inflation and cost of living crisis at home and regionally,” Mrs MillerBrice said.

“Next week, we will have the opportunity to showcase our Bahamian talent with an evening of entertainment, music and art. We will pause and honour and pay tribute to Dame Janet Bostwick. And we look forward to sharing with our regional brothers and sisters, a taste of Bahamian culture, our heritage and our pride,” she said.

“But beyond the jubilant celebrations and camaraderie, we aim to leave next week’s meeting more united, more connected and more focused on sound solutions that strengthen our region, uplift our communities and empower our people,” she said.

“To CARICOM and to The Bahamas, may we always remember these words, we cannot be separated in interest or divided in purpose. Where there is unity. There is always victory,” she said.

BRENSIL ROLLE SAYS UNCOLLECTED FEES THE MAJOR ISSUE FACING NIB

By EARYEL BOWLEG Tribune Staff Reporter ebowleg@tribunemedia.net

A FORMER minister says he believes the major issue facing the National Insurance Board (NIB) is the collection of outstanding fees – as well as making certain other businesses and individuals pay their national insurance.

Brensil Rolle, the former Public Service and National Insurance Minister, was speaking after current State Minister with responsibility for NIB Myles Laroda said the government had made a decision concerning the future of the NIB fund.

While Mr Laroda said nothing would be announced yet, it was reported by the Nassau Guardian that a rate increase had been approved to take effect from July 1.

Mr Rolle, however, could not say if this was a good time to bring in an increase.

He said: “I can’t say that because I really don’t … have been too far removed

from what the actual situation is. What I did say was NIB spent three quarters of a billion dollars in assistance to individuals during the pandemic.

“If you take this three quarters of a billion dollars in assistance alone, during the pandemic and you don’t replace it you have an issue.

So I don’t know what steps are being taken to rectify it and do those things and make sure the fund is safe.”

There has also been a debate over possibly increasing the retirement age. Mr Rolle acknowledged that people were against the idea.

He said: “There are many individuals who are presently employed who don’t feel that the retirement age should be done. I think it could be applied to individuals joining the board or individuals joining various companies. A good example of that and, this is critical, a good example of that is at least 16 permanent secretaries have retired in the public service.

“In the public service, the

questions.”

Meanwhile, Mr Pintard during his meeting blasted the Davis administration as he accused them of being “undemocratic”.

Mr Pintard stressed that he has tried continuously to have discussions with the government.

“I want the Bahamian people to know that we have tried every conceivable way to engage in mature conversation with a government that said they would be ready on day one and they’ve proven over and over again, they are unwilling to be democratic, they are unwilling to consult with the opposition in the same way they have been unwilling to consult

with various private sector groups even when they are making decisions that could dismantle the lives of various Bahamian businesspersons,” he said at the FNM meeting.

Mr Pintard said they have written to the Prime Minister about many national issues and offered recommendations, suggesting there has been little to no response.

Prior to Mr Pintard’s special meeting the House of Assembly was suspended after a screaming match erupted when Mr Pintard criticised government for avoiding parliament’s question-and-answer period in Parliament.

Shortly after House

But, despite the incident, Prime Minister Davis has continued his duties – though under tighter security.

Earlier this week, former Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis said he believed Mr Davis’ reaction to recent death threats was an “overkill”.

Dr Minnis argued that every former Prime Minister has been threatened at some point, adding he has never seen others take on such intense security measures as has Mr Davis.

In response to the former prime minister, National Security Minister Wayne Munroe told reporters Tuesday: “I don’t know what he (Dr Minnis) means. Anybody who makes a threat of death, it’s investigated by the police. Whether you’re the Prime Minister or somebody from Kemp Road.” “If someone threatens you with death, and you make a complaint the police will investigate.”

proceedings began, Mr Pintard questioned government MPs as to whether they intended to honour its commitment to allow for question time.

However, Mr Wilchcombe told parliamentarians he had informed Mr Pintard that the government intended to lay several bills and adjourn proceedings until February 20.

He said when they returned on that date, the government would answer questions posed by the opposition.

Mr Pintard did not accept this explanation, saying he was assured that Parliament would proceed with question time during Wednesday’s sitting.

government has hired them, all rehired all of them.

That’s an example that the government is sending.

The government is saying at 65 you have gone home with all your benefits. But we don’t think if we get rid of you, come back, we’re going to pay you the salary. We’re going to get your pension and salary and in the case of permanent secretaries, their pension is equal to what their salary was. So if that’s the example you’re setting, I mean, you’ve already increased the retirement age with a huge benefit.”

He added: “But from a firm perspective the major issue at the board, I believe, is a collection of outstanding fees, making sure other businesses and companies and individuals pay to national insurance because national insurance benefits all. It is investment that benefits everyone. So people ought not to have any challenge or difficulty paying to the board what is required.”

PRESS Secretary Clint Watson addressing the media yesterday at the office of the Prime Minister.

Photo: Moise Aimsial

from page one

LESLIA Miller-Brice speaking yesterday about the plans for the upcoming CARICOM meeting.

Photo: Moise Aimsial

SANTISHA AGARO

POLICE SEEK MISSING GIRL

POLICE are appealing for help in finding a missing 13-year-old girl.

Santisha Agaro was last seen on Wednesday in Yellow Elder Gardens. She has a brown complexion, is 5ft 3in tall and slim. Her last known address was 42 Fourth Street.

Anyone with information is urged to call the Criminal Investigation Department on 502-9991/1, 911 or 328TIPS (8477).

FREE HIV TESTS

A VALENTINE’S Day HIV testing event for couples will be held on Monday at Windsor Park.

The event offers both testing and counselling free of charge and in confidence, and runs from 8am to 3pm.

Prevention educator at the Ministry of Health Keith Kemp said in a statement: “By encouraging couples to test together, we can provide comprehensive options for HIV prevention and treatment where needed.”

CLEANER RECALL

A RECALL notice has been issued for 4.9 million units of Fabuloso Multi-Purpose Cleaner by manufacturer Colgate-Palmolive because of bacteria in affected batches, the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (USCPSC) has announced.

Consumers are being warned to immediately stop using the Lavender Scent Original and 2X Concentrated formula in 22 FL OZ, 33.8 FL OZ, 56 FL OZ, 128 FL OZ and 169 FL OZ sizes, as well as the one gallon professional all purpose cleaner and degreaser in that scent. Additionally, those specifications in the Refreshing Lemon Scent, Passion Fruits Scent, Spring Fresh Scent and Ocean Scent.

The first eight digits of the lot code of the recalled products are 2348US78 through 2365US78 and 3001US78 through 3023US78.

Mailboat runs aground off Egg Island

from page one

“At present, there is no threat to the environment and all crew members and passengers have been safely disembarked.”

When contacted by The Tribune yesterday, Spanish Wells’ Chief Councillor Robert Roberts said seven passengers, one of whom was an elderly lady, had to be taken off the ship Wednesday after the ship ran aground.

“Yesterday (Wednesday) afternoon, at about 2.30 (pm), we were able to take the passengers off- seven of them and they were brought in and transported to Abaco which is where they were going initially,” he said.

Mr Roberts said up to 11am yesterday, some 15 crew members were still on board and could not be evacuated until later in the day when tide was low. They were taken from the ship around 3pm on Thursday, he later told The Tribune

Mr Roberts also said the ship was loaded with vehicles and containers on board, thus causing concern about its potential impact to the environment.

However, government officials have already assured that the incident posed no threat to the marine environment there.

“She departed Nassau to go to Abaco fully loaded so

she is loaded with vehicles on board. I can’t speak to how much freight there is in the freight hold, but the deck is pretty full. They got containers on board with cargo in it so she was on a freight run,” Mr Roberts added.

“That area is one of the areas that is used by all of the charter captains because of the reefs and because of the fish and everything else that’s in the area so of course, everyone is concerned.’

“Not only about the boat

because the boat is a $3 to $4m vessel but they are also concerned about the environmental impact. You see what happened right over in hole in the wall.”

In a statement posted on Facebook Thursday, Dean’s Shipping Company said of the incident: “In an unfortunate turn of events, the M/V legacy ran aground enroute to Marsh Harbour Abaco on Wednesday, February 8.”

“The call was made to wait until high tide to

determine if the vessel could be dislodged through its own propulsion. Unfortunately, this was not the case.”

“The assistance of a tug has been enlisted, and an attempt will be made to remove the vessel at next high tide.”

The shipping company also said that further updates would be provided as more information becomes available.

According to officials, a tugboat was expected to be at the site 6pm yesterday

to assist with the vessel’s refloating once weather permits.

“The Ministry of Transport and Housing is clearly monitoring this matter and an assessment will be conducted once the vessel is made free,” the ministry also said.

This latest boating incident follows the recent sinking of cargo ship Onega Traveller in waters off Abaco and last summer’s spill of more than 30,000 gallons of fuel in Exuma waters.

TAXIS AND VENDORS ON LICENCE FAST TRACK

from page one

“We have an excess of 33,000 business licence applications, of which 3,000 so far have been successfully dealt with, approved, and there’s nothing else that’s required of them,” he said.

He explained 47 percent of the business applications have either reported zero turnover or the same exact turnover for the last three years.

The Department of Inland Revenue is aiming to verify the turnovers reported on some of the applications, said Mr Halkitis.

“What we have found is that of all the applications we have just under half, 47 percent either reporting zero turnover or turnover, exactly the same for the last three years.

“And so, what the department has determined is that they require additional

information to verify these reports.”

Mr Halkitis clarified that not all businesses are being required to provide income statements, adding a decision was made to fast track certain applications.

“Because there are people from the very small businesses to the very large businesses who are now applying for either renewals or new business licences. We have decided to fast track a certain category of licences. So, your taxi drivers, straw vendors, roadside vendors, we’ve agreed to fast track those,” he said.

He noted an additional 24 persons have also been deployed to The Department of Inland revenue to assist with the excess number of applications.

When asked if some businesses were underreporting its income to avoid paying for a business licence, Mr Halkitis responded that there have been issues with

under reporting.

“There have been issues where it has been under reporting, I don’t want to point the finger at everybody. But we have to ensure that we do our best.”

He stressed: “As I said, nobody would be put out of business. You know, we will resolve all of the issues before the 31st of March.”

“We’re not requiring everybody to go and hire an accountant or put in audited statements or even put in income statements. What we’re saying is, in some cases, additional information is required. That might be a utility bill, that might be a bank statement, that might be a rental agreement, whatever. But it’s an effort to ensure that these turnover amounts are credible.”

In recent times, small

business owners have expressed frustration over the new requirements affecting business licence renewals, describing them as “short notice”, “offensive”, “insensitive” and “cruel”.

The Free National Movement has accused the Davis administration of failing small businesses, saying its “ill-advised” policies have made it difficult for business owners to operate.

The party spoke out hours after the Bahamas Chamber of Commerce and Employers Confederation criticised the government on its recent policy changes related to business licence renewals.

Last month, the Davis administration made policy changes mandating that all businesses provide the real property tax assessment number for the building

from which the business operates, even if they are renting the space. They are also requiring businesses that earn less than $100,000 to submit proof of income at the time of applying for a business licence renewal, among other things.

The BCCEC said in a statement: “These decisions have added to the mounting frustration of the private sector, added delays, and continue to hinder the timelines in how businesses are able to operate and prepare for the future.”

“Businesses suffer and cannot properly plan when the GOB makes policy shifts that have a material impact on how they are to operate without providing a fair and adequate notice period for implementing new policies.”

‘MORE MUST BE DONE’ TO STOP SCHOOL VIOLENCE

from page one

informed by the principal or anyone from administration. They actually got the information from social media. These incidents are occurring too frequently in our schools. Although there is the school resource officers who are from the police force, more must be done.

“There needs to be metal detectors. We need to have other safety devices in the schools. These are recommendations that the Bahamas Union of Teachers has been giving to education officials for years and years and years.”

The union leader turned her attention to parents and their role in knowing their children’s activities.

She said: “Parents, I’m

admonishing you to know who your children’s friends are. Talk to your children, play an active role in your child’s life - this is happening too much. “I’ve been in communication with the police, with the acting district superintendent, and with the union representatives on the ground in Abaco and this is a matter that we will continue to watch closely.”

THE M/V Legacy after it ran aground off Spanish Wells.

Junior Junkanoo is back!

By LYNAIRE MUNNINGS Tribune Staff Reporter lmunnings@tribunemedia.net

THE annual Junior Junkanoo made its return to Bay Street yesterday after a two-year hiatus.

Officials considered the event a huge success and are looking forward to even more schools participating in the upcoming year. Some 13 schools participated in yesterday’s parade

showcasing colourful banners, dynamic dancers and joyous music.

In the preschool division, One on One Preschool took first place; Just Kids Preschool in second place; Two

by Two Academy in third place.

In the primary school division, Centreville Primary won first place; Majorie Davis Primary took second place; One on

FNM LEADER: DAVIS ADMINISTRATION ‘UNDEMOCRATIC’

By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

OPPOSITION leader Michael Pintard is accusing the Davis administration of being “undemocratic” and is warning that the FNM will not be quiet when the rights of opposition parliamentarians and the Bahamian people are being abused.

He was speaking at a special meeting on Wednesday evening at FNM headquarters in New Providence.

Many FNM supporters in Grand Bahama gathered at the party’s headquarters in Freeport to watch the meeting as it was live streamed at 7pm on Facebook.

This comes following a protest by Mr Pintard and opposition members of parliament in the House of Assembly on Wednesday after the government refused to allow the question-and-answer period.

Mr Pintard told supporters the government has proven consistently their word cannot be trusted.

“This administration is undemocratic - and we will not be quiet whenever we believe our rights are being abused,” he stressed.

He told supporters: “And I am saying to you, if you work in a ministry and you are being trampled upon, you have a union that will fight for you, and we will fight for you. We will go to work with you,” said Mr Pintard.

The party leader told supporters and persons not to be intimidated, but to report instances of

victimisation.

“If they are transferring you from one department without just reason, let us know; we will be involved.

“If they are sending someone to your house and telling you to come in and talk with them, tell them your attorney will be in contact with them; if someone cuss you out, get their name and number and let’s see who it is because the best and brightest do not behave like that. Do not be intimidated, we must let them know when you touch one you touch all.”

Mr Pintard stressed that government is to govern for all citizens. “And when talking about creating employment, it isn’t about firing group A to put group B in place,” he said.

Another issue of concern

Mr Pintard addressed was the government’s extravagant spending on travelling when two of the country’s major public hospitals need fixing.

“When we say that they travel too much … we believe the Prime Minister should travel and ministers should travel, but we don’t believe you need a massive delegation to tackle some of the issues that are being tackled.

“We have ambassadors in almost every country at the moment. The problem is they have a bucket list that they are ticking off places we wish to go. Folks we could not reward with a job because we are not growing the economy so we are taking them on business class, and sometimes the high-profile media they

have is insensitive to know things are rough and they should not be doing selfies. Profiling with our money and they are telling us that we can’t fix the Rand and PMH in the way it should be fixed.”

At FNM headquarters in Grand Bahama, Kwasi Thompson, MP for East Grand Bahama, told reporters that Mr Pintard’s message was clear that they are standing with the people and demanding answers of the government.

“Tonight’s meeting is evidence that the people have had enough of this government. Tonight’s message is that we want the entire Bahamas to know we are standing with the people and demanding answers, and that the government do their job,” he stressed.

David Thompson, chairman of the FNM Grand Bahama Council, said the Prime Minister and his government continue to seek to frustrate and shut up the opposition.

“We are a country of laws and there are rules … and Wednesday is set aside for questioning of the people’s business that government must come prepared to answer. Not answering the question is failure on their part in terms of our democracy to carry out their duties that they were sworn to obey.”

“Walking around ducking our law is not the message we must send to The Bahamas, the people, and particularly, our young people,” he said.

One Primary school in third place. For the Senior High School Category in first place was CV Bethel High school; Discovery Learning Centre and Jordan Prince

William High School was second; and Atlantic College was third. Scores of parents, family and friends lined the streets to show their support yesterday.

ONE on One Primary School took first prize in the preschool division at Junior Junkanoo yesterday. Photos: Moise Aimsial

ONE on One Primary School took first prize in the preschool division at Junior Junkanoo yesterday.

THE FLOAT that helped propel CV Bethel High School to victory in the High School Division at Junior Junkanoo last night.

JORDAN Prince William High School took second in the High School Division at Junior Junkanoo last night.

MARJORIE Davis Primary School came second place yesterday at Junior Junkanoo.

The Tribune Limited

Universities experiment with nuclear power

IF YOUR image of nuclear power is giant, cylindrical concrete cooling towers pouring out steam on a site that takes up hundreds of acres of land, soon there will be an alternative: tiny nuclear reactors that produce only one-hundredth the electricity and can even be delivered on a truck.

Small but meaningful amounts of electricity — nearly enough to run a small campus, a hospital or a military complex, for example — will pulse from a new generation of micronuclear reactors. Now, some universities are taking interest.

“What we see is these advanced reactor technologies having a real future in decarbonising the energy landscape in the US and around the world,” said Caleb Brooks, a nuclear engineering professor at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

The tiny reactors carry some of the same challenges as large-scale nuclear, such as how to dispose of radioactive waste and how to make sure they are secure. Supporters say those issues can be managed and the benefits outweigh any risks.

Universities are interested in the technology not just to power their buildings but to see how far it can go in replacing the coal and gas-fired energy that causes climate change. The University of Illinois hopes to advance the technology as part of a clean energy future, Brooks said. The school plans to apply for a construction permit for a high-temperature, gas-cooled reactor developed by the Ultra Safe Nuclear Corporation, and aims to start operating it by early 2028. Brooks is the project lead.

Microreactors will be “transformative” because they can be built in factories and hooked up on site in a plug-and-play way, said Jacopo Buongiorno, professor of nuclear science and engineering at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Buongiorno studies the role of nuclear energy in a clean energy world.

“That’s what we want to see, nuclear energy on demand as a product, not as a big mega project,” he said.

Both Buongiorno and Marc Nichol, senior director for new reactors at the Nuclear Energy Institute, view the interest by schools as the start of a trend.

Last year, Penn State University signed a memorandum of understanding with Westinghouse to collaborate on microreactor technology. Mike Shaqqo, the company’s senior vice president for advanced reactor programs, said universities are going to be “one of our key early adopters for this technology”.

Penn State wants to prove the technology so that Appalachian industries, such as steel and cement manufacturers, may be able to use it, said Professor Jean Paul Allain, head of the nuclear engineering department. Those two industries tend to burn dirty fuels and have very high emissions. Using a microreactor also could be one of several options to help the university use less natural gas and achieve its long-term carbon emissions goals, he said.

“I do feel that microreactors can be a game-changer and revolutionise the way we think about energy,” Allain said.

For Allain, microreactors can complement renewable energy by providing a large amount of power without taking up much land. A 10-megawatt microreactor could go on less than an acre, whereas windmills or a solar farm would need far more space to produce 10 megawatts, he added. The goal is to have one at Penn State by the end of the decade.

Purdue University in Indiana is working with Duke Energy on the feasibility of using advanced nuclear energy to meet its long-term energy needs.

Nuclear reactors that are used for research are nothing new on campus. About two dozen US universities have them. But using them as an energy source is new.

Back at the University of Illinois, Brooks explains the microreactor would generate heat to make steam. While the excess heat from burning coal and gas to make electricity is often wasted, Brooks sees the steam production from the nuclear microreactor as a plus, because it’s a carbon-free way to deliver

steam through the campus district heating system to radiators in buildings, a common heating method for large facilities in the Midwest and Northeast. The campus has hundreds of buildings.

The 10-megawatt microreactor wouldn’t meet all of the demand, but it would serve to demonstrate the technology, as other communities and campuses look to transition away from fossil fuels, Brooks said.

One company that is building microreactors that the public can get a look at today is Last Energy, based in Washington, DC. It built a model reactor in Brookshire, Texas that’s housed in an edgy cube covered in reflective metal.

Now it’s taking that apart to test how to transport the unit. A caravan of trucks is taking it to Austin, where company founder Bret Kugelmass is scheduled to speak at the South by Southwest conference and festival.

Kugelmass, a technology entrepreneur and mechanical engineer, is talking with some universities, but his primary focus is on industrial customers. He’s working with licensing authorities in the United Kingdom, Poland and Romania to try to get his first reactor running in Europe in 2025.

The urgency of the climate crisis means zero-carbon nuclear energy must be scaled up soon, he said.

“It has to be a small, manufactured product as opposed to a large, bespoke construction project,” he said.

Traditional nuclear power costs billions of dollars. An example is two additional reactors at a plant in Georgia that will end up costing more than $30bn. The total cost of Last Energy’s microreactor, including module fabrication, assembly and site prep work, is under $100m, the company says.

Westinghouse, which has been a mainstay of the nuclear industry for over 70 years, is developing its “eVinci” microreactor, Shaqqo said, and is aiming to get the technology licensed by 2027.

The Department of Defense is working on a microreactor too. Project Pele is a DOD prototype mobile nuclear reactor under design at the Idaho National Laboratory.

Abilene Christian University in Texas is leading a group of three other universities with the company Natura Resources to design and build a research microreactor cooled by molten salt to allow for high temperature operations at low pressure, in part to help train the next generation nuclear workforce.

But not everyone shares the enthusiasm. Edwin Lyman, director of nuclear power safety at the Union of Concerned Scientists, called it “completely unjustified”.

Microreactors in general will require much more uranium to be mined and enriched per unit of electricity generated than conventional reactors do, he said. He said he also expects fuel costs to be substantially higher and that more depleted uranium waste could be generated compared to conventional reactors.

“I think those who are hoping that microreactors are going to be the silver bullet for solving the climate change crisis are simply betting on the wrong horse,” he said.

Lyman also said he fears microreactors could be targeted for a terrorist attack, and some designs would use fuels that could be attractive to terrorists seeking to build crude nuclear weapons. The UCS does not oppose using nuclear power, but wants to make sure it’s safe.

The United States does not have a national storage facility for storing spent nuclear fuel and it’s piling up. Microreactors would only compound the problem and spread the radioactive waste around, Lyman said.

A 2022 Stanford-led study found that smaller modular reactors — the next size up from micro — will generate more waste than conventional reactors. Lead author Lindsay Krall said this week that the design of microreactors would make them subject to the same issue.

Kugelmass sees only promise. Nuclear, he said, has been “totally misunderstood and under leveraged”. It will be “the key pillar of our energy transformation moving forward”.

By JENNIFER McDERMOTT Associated Press

Will COI air dirty laundry?

EDITOR, The Tribune.

I’M GUESSING that the average Bahamian is unaware of Prime Minister Philip Brave Davis’ role in CARICOM as chairperson. Davis will head this year’s 44th Regular Meeting of the Conference of the Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community or CARICOM in New Providence. The meeting will be held on February 15-17.

Government stakeholders held a two-day Training and Information Sharing Workshop at Police Headquarters on East Street, to address matters such as protocol, security, liaison and transportation.

Understandably, the Progressive Liberal Party is determined to put this nation’s best foot forward in an effort to impress the Caribbean counterparts of Davis, especially Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley.

However, Davis might encounter a massive hurdle in seeking to achieve his goal of impressing CARICOM. That obstacle might be a tentatively planned demonstration rumoured in the press to be carried out by popular activist Lincoln Bain and his Coalition of Independents.

If officials were to grant permission to COI, it is quite possible that Davis, while en route to the meetings with his CARICOM

delegation, might be heckled and verbally abused by demonstrators like he was last week.

In a Facebook video that I can only imagine went viral, a demonstrator was heard verbally abusing this nation’s leader in the presence of Royal Bahamas Police Force personnel.

The issue COI has brought to the fore in recent months has been the immigration crisis, which seems to be getting worse as whatever semblance of government Haiti has further deteriorates, particularly since the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in July 2021.

The Bahamas finds itself in the unfortunate geographical position of being between Florida and Haiti. The other CARICOM states do not share our unique immigration dilemma. There are well documented flourishing Haitian shantytowns in Abaco, New Providence and Grand Bahama. Our resources continue to be stretched to their breaking point, with so many thousands of Haitians looking to defect to the United States.

Obviously the crisis in Haiti is too big for the small Caribbean bloc of nations to solve. First World nations such as the US,

Canada, Germany, Great Britain and Australia must step up to the plate.

Meanwhile, I suspect that one of the aims of COI in demonstrating at CARICOM is to embarrass the Davis administration by airing our dirty laundry before its high profile delegates. I cannot think of any other reason.

COI might also be aware of this coming July 4 marking the 40th anniversary of The Bahamas joining CARICOM, which will only make any embarrassing hiccup all the more pronounced.

I cannot imagine the PLP not wanting to address this issue, as the Haitian immigration dilemma has the potential of causing The Bahamas to be subsumed by Haiti within the next two to three generations.

I am also unaware of any other CARICOM member state having to deal with a protest by opposition forces during a meeting. I would hope that, in the event Bain is given the green light to stage his demonstration, his members will conduct themselves in a professional manner.

Embarrassing Davis will not solve an immigration issue that has been plaguing us since the Pindling administration.

KEVIN EVANS Freeport, Grand Bahama, February 9, 2023.

Speaking for Bahamians?

EDITOR, The Tribune.

A VOICE note has been sent around on Whatsapp from the president of the taxi union, Wesley Ferguson – and it has to be heard to be believed.

The more you hear it, the more it sounds like he’s shooting his fellow taxi drivers in the foot!

He is speaking up in favour of the Royal Caribbean development over on Paradise Island, but in doing so, he seems happy to throw his fellow Bahamians under the bus.

First, he says it’s better for a foreign business to be granted Crown Land over Bahamians because he says Bahamians don’t follow through on their plans.

He says Bahamians will switch their plans to housing for the wealthy so we

should trust the foreigner instead.

Then what next? He talks of opportunities for ferry boat operators. Does he not think Royal Caribbean will have its own boat to drop people off to their venue?

He says there will be opportunities for straw vendors and hair braiders.

Good luck with that!

Mr Ferguson even admits there will be no road to the property so there’s no extra money coming the way of his fellow taxi drivers, so why is he speaking up in favour of a project that will be of no benefit at all to his members?

The visitors getting off ships Downtown now will have one more thing to take them away from spending their money there. They can hop on a boat to the

RCCL resort instead – not a taxi, likely not a water ferry, but the RCCL ferry boat. Off they go with their money in their pockets, and no one left ashore gets a penny.

You would think Mr Ferguson would be keen for his members to pick up fares to take visitors to Atlantis or Baha Mar, on island tours, perhaps to the Fish Fry, to the beach, to Fort Fincastle, Fort Charlotte or anywhere else that keeps their meters turning.

It doesn’t look like you’re speaking for them, Mr Ferguson. And it certainly doesn’t look like you’re speaking for Bahamians!

A YOUNG musician from Centreville Primary taking part in Junior Junkanoo last night.

Photo: Moise Amisial

Priest calls on government to ‘respect and protect’ sacramental right to marijuana

By LYNAIRE MUNNINGS Tribune Staff Reporter lmunnings@tribunemedia.net

WITH legislation for marijuana legalisation near completion, Rastafarian priest Rithmond McKinney is urging the government to “respect and protect” his community’s sacramental right of cannabis possession.

After assuming office, the Davis administration promised to present the marijuana legalisation to Parliament before the end of 2022, but that deadline was missed.

Earlier this month, Attorney General Ryan Pinder said legislation for marijuana legalisation is nearly completed, however, he was unable to provide a timeline as to when it will be presented to Parliament.

He said there were several matters with the proposed legislation that the government was addressing based on recommendations it received from health officials and other stakeholders.

Mr Pinder had previously said that the government intended to advance comprehensive legislation to regulate a medical cannabis industry and a separate framework for industrial hemp.

As the Rastafarian community still faces ongoing legal changes to have the criminal records of its members expunged for what they believe are wrongful cannabis convictions, Mr McKinney called on the Bahamian government to do what is right not only for his community, but the country at large.

In an interview with The Tribune yesterday, Mr McKinney, of the local Rastafarian Bobo Shanti tribe, remains hopeful that his community’s sacramental rights will be given legal protection, saying that it is also considered to be a constitutional right.

“I said the government did say the first of this new

year, we still give them about two more months before the first quarter over, as you know the first quarter is between March and April so we still have to hear what they have to say,” he told The Tribune yesterday.

He added: “But I also said that considering the Rastafarian sacramental

rights, we didn’t see nothing about that, but we know for a fact that the sacramental right is the constitutional rights, they don’t need to table a legislation on that, they just need to respect and protect the Rasta man’s sacramental right.”

Mr McKinney also reiterated the desire to have a stake in the proposed cannabis industry. He also voiced his support for the current administration by commending the Davis administration for moving in the right direction regarding marijuana reform.

“We commend the government for making the first step to regularise the cannabis industry as a medical and industrial industry,” he said yesterday.

“Because it’s a lot of revenue and income to our people, and also (it would) help with employment because you know people always want a job so we feel as if that’s a good step.

“But, of course, we are still optimistic and we are asking the government to make sure that Rastafarians can be a stakeholder, also when it comes to the medical and industrial industry.”

When interviewed by The Tribune yesterday, Mr McKinney insisted he expected the government to follow the tracks of Antigua and Barbuda, whose leaders have previously issued formal apologies for the long-standing oppression inflicted on the Rastafarian community due to their sacramental use of the plant.

MAN GETS ONE YEAR IN PRISON FOR MARIJUANA POSSESSION

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Court Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net

A BUS driver was ordered to financially compensate a fellow bus driver after he admitted to assaulting him over vehicle repairs.

Hensley McKinney, 26, stood before Magistrate Algernon Allen, Jr, on charges of assault and stealing.

On February 3, in New Providence, McKinney assaulted Lockwood Deleveaux and stole $70 from him. In court, the accused pleaded guilty. He told the magistrate that the argument with Deleveaux only occurred because of damage he said the complainant caused to his bus’s side mirror. He went on to

claim that he only grabbed the complainant’s shirt during their argument over repairs in order to get the cash.

Magistrate Allen admonished the accused for his actions. The magistrate said that as someone who provides a public service McKinney needs to find alternative ways to resolve conflict.

Magistrate Allen ordered McKinney to compensate the complainant with $250 for the ordeal as well as repay him for the stolen cash. McKinney was further ordered to be of good behaviour for three months during which time he is expected to attend anger management classes.

The accused is expected to return to court for a report on May 9.

BAIL BREACH LEADS TO 6 MONTHS IN PRISON

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Court Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net

A MAN was sentenced to six months in prison yesterday after he admitted to breaching curfew while on bail for a murder charge.

Rakeem Strachan, 30, stood before Senior Magistrate Carolyn Vogt-Evans on five counts of violation of bail conditions.

Strachan awaits trial for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 22-yearold Richard Charlton, Jr, on Butler Street on November

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Court Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net

A MALE TEENAGER was placed on a year’s probation in court yesterday after he admitted to injuring a woman. The 17-year-old appeared before Magistrate Samuel McKinney on a charge of causing harm. It is said that around

17, 2015. While on release for these charges between January 21 and February 4, it is said the accused failed to abide by his daily residential curfew on five occasions. In court, Strachan pleaded guilty to all five counts against him. The magistrate sentenced him to six months at the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services. Strachan was further ordered to pay a fine of $1,500 or risk an additional three months in prison.

BUS DRIVER FINED $250 FOR ASSAULTING ANOTHER BUS DRIVER TEEN ON PROBATION AFTER CAUSING HARM TO A WOMAN

1.40am at Milton Street on February 4 after a physical argument the accused injured Dennisia Gardiner.

In court, he pleaded guilty. He was placed on one year’s probation and ordered to pay the complainant $250. If he defaults, he will face a fine of $500 or spend three months in prison.

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Court Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net

A MAN was sentenced to a year in prison yesterday after he changed his plea and admitted to having $70,000 worth of marijuana in 2018.

Alvin Morrison, 28, represented by Bjorn Ferguson, faced Magistrate Samuel McKinney on a charge of possession of dangerous

drugs with intent to supply. According to police reports, at around 1pm on August 2, 2018, officers from the Drug Enforcement Unit (DEU) acting on a warrant searched a residence on Elmer Close off Sea Breeze Lane. There, Morrison was arrested after DEU officers seized 20 packages of marijuana. The drugs had a collective weight of 70lb and estimated street value of $70,000.

In his latest court appearance, the accused reversed his earlier position and pleaded guilty.

During his plea of mitigation, Mr Ferguson said his client is a productive citizen and is gainfully employed.

In addition to saying that Morrison is involved in the community and his local church, Mr Ferguson indicated to the court that the defendant’s girlfriend is eight months pregnant with

his first child. After asking the court to consider Morrison’s young age and that he is capable of reform, Ferguson implored the magistrate to exercise his discretion and only impose a sentence under a year.

Magistrate McKinney sentenced Morrison to a year at the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services. The court further imposed a fine of $10,000 or risk an additional six months in custody.

RASTAFARIAN Priest Rithmond McKinney is asking authorities to “respect and protect” his community’s right to sacremental cannabis.

By

THANKS to the voices of developing world leaders such as Bahamas Prime Minister Phillip Davis and Gabon’s President Ali Bongo at the recent United Nations conference on climate change, there is now a global agreement on establishment of a fund to compensate poor nations for the excesses of developed countries. A committee of 24 countries, drawn from nations rich and poor, will hammered out the details of how payments will be made.

This agreement is long overdue and should be implemented quickly given that the US and Europe are responsible for more than half of global ecological destruction over the past 50 years while countries with limited financial resources like Caribbean island nations have been bearing the brunt of extreme floods, heat, hurricanes, wildfires and more.

The eastern and southern Caribbean region and Latin American region accounts for only 0.17% of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Yet, the Caribbean depends disproportionately on sectors that are among the most vulnerable to climate shocks such as tourism, agriculture, and fishing. Sea levels in the region continue to rise at a faster rate than globally. Coral reefs — a key source of food and tourism for Caribbean islands — are dying from warming temperatures, with bleaching, disease, acidification, and physical damage from increased hurricane activity. Increased temperatures and

must pay for damage to the Caribbean, but how?

longer dry seasons have contributed to a massive reduction in agricultural productivity. These trends are expected to continue, increasing the risk of acute food insecurity, malnutrition, and economic stagnation.

For the world to succeed in tackling the climate crisis, every country must be given the opportunity and support they need to build a climate strategy that works for them and their people. But Caribbean islands don’t just need reparations, they need private and non-profit investors willing to work with government leaders to provide real and lasting climate finance. The time is now to move beyond one-off investments in carbon reducing projects that are not part and parcel of sound economic country-by-country strategies that can deliver the transformation

that climate change demands. Just as we learned in the US with the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the Inflation Reduction Act, we already have clean energy technologies and low-carbon products and practices that offer cost-effective solutions to tackle our climate crisis in ways that improve people’s lives today. Deployment of these climate solutions at scale, across the developing world, is essential to build strong economies, to lift up the most vulnerable people in the developing world, and to make the world safer and more secure.

Prime Minister Davis of the Bahamas articulated his vision for such a comprehensive strategy on Grand Bahama, which has seen its economic fortunes languish as climate change has taken a toll on infrastructure

and ecology on the island.

It is high time that government leaders from the developing world be given the support they need to define their clean energy and economic security paths forward to open up private investments that work for them and all of us - with the help of Multilateral Development Banks that focus on their mission instead of gold stars and higher returns.

For far too long, we have been touting and even rewarding international investments in new solar arrays in small island nations while new LNG terminals pop up along the shore and now hang like an albatross around their necks and ours. We have been watching developing countries take on the burden of high-cost desalination plants when investments in water and wastewater infrastructure could deliver clean water at a fraction of the cost. We have been touting GMO’s and new fertilisers to “enhance food security” in the Caribbean, rather than supporting local farmers by investing in infrastructure that would significantly reduce crop loss, build new supply chains that open up markets, and retain huge amounts of carbon in the soil.

But we remain stubbornly hopeful that 2023 will be the year when governments and the private and non-profit sectors across the world move beyond project-by-project cost benefit analysis to strategic investments and partnerships that are mobilised to deliver the transition to clean energy at scale in ways that build a healthier, more secure world for all of us.

We can invest in the

restoration of coral reefs in small island nations like The Bahamas — whose longest contiguous reef is along Grand Bahama — to overcome decades of damage from shipping and commercial overfishing, so they can restore fish stocks vital to their sustenance and economic vitality and better protect their critical infrastructure from climate-related extreme weather events?

Yes, 2023 must be the year when we quickly start up reparation and loss payments, but it also must be the year when we truly launch a world-wide response to the biggest threat facing our world today. We have solutions we can deploy at scale. We have engaged, thoughtful leaders across the developing world, private companies and non-profit organisations ready to invest and reinvest. Together, we can outline a path for economic growth and development that’s inclusive and sustainable.

• Gina McCarthy served as US President Joe Biden’s National Climate Advisor. Previously, she served as US President Barack Obama’s Environmental Protection Agency Administrator. She is now an Operating Advisor to Pegasus Capital Advisors. Craig Cogut is CEO of Pegasus Capital Advisors, the first and only US Fund Manager accredited to invest the UNadministered Green Climate Fund. Pegasus, together with Weller Development Corporation, is building the world’s leading luxury eco-hotel “Six Senses” on Grand Bahama, part of a larger vision for sustainable development on the island.

GINA MCCARTHY and CRAIG COGUT

PRIME MInister Philip “Brave” Davis at the COP27 UN Climate Summit in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, in November.

Photo: Peter Dejong/AP

Another iconic Bahamian voice gone, there’s a hole in my radio dial

There’s a hole in my radio dial.

It’s where Island FM 102.9 used to be. I can’t even write Island FM 102.9 without humming the music in my head, drawing out the ‘point niiiiiine’ as if it were a word.

For 22 years, Island FM was the home of Bahamian music. In recent years, son of Island FM and culture icon the late Sir Charles Carter and host of the lively morning show, Eddie Carter became Island FM.

His was the first voice when the station opened in the year 2000 and the last voice when it ended with his closing show on January 31, 2023. He never missed a show, even on Christmas Eddie was on live. Even during COVID when everything was closed, Eddie delivered music and news and podcasts to keep us informed and entertained.

The story behind the Carter family and Island FM hits at the very heart of Bahamians supporting or not supporting other Bahamians.

Here was a radio station that played Ronnie Butler

and Smokey ‘007’ Robinson and Blind Blake and Fred Ferguson. In fact, Fred Ferguson wrote Boil it up on the Morning Boil, the morning show lead-in that is possibly the best original Bahamian music ever created for a radio show drop.

Here was a station that played reggae even if the origin wasn’t Bahamian, but was close enough. Here was a station that delivered news with a different angle and here was a station with a host who did the news, the weather, sports, what was happening around the world and knew every piece of Bahamian music and a station that made history as the only one that ever got two candidates for prime minister, Perry Christie and Hubert Ingraham, to debate each other on the issues live on air.

And now it is silent.

Eddie’s excited highpitched voice always tinged with what humour he could pull out of any subject, his quick wit, his willingness to let good causes have valuable air time without charge because he believed in community – all gone.

I asked him what

happened and it is the same story he openly told The Tribune the day the music died. Business, he said, never fully came back after the pandemic.

“Some businesses never came back and I got that, some at less. So we were averaging 40% of our prepandemic revenue,” he said. “People were struggling and they still are.”

Yet here was a station like none other.

Even after Sir Charles passed away, the legendary interviews he did with the talented and famous continued to run on Saturday mornings and I’d sometimes find myself listening to the voices of two dead men thinking how much I was learning from them. There will never be another Charles Carter with the resonance in his voice as distinct as Sir Sean Connery’s – you could be in the other room and know it was him, it couldn’t be anyone else. There will never be another Island FM or an Eddie Carter

who managed to bring his A-game 365 days a year.

Eddie’s first co-host was Christina Thompson, better known as Crissy

“The voices may be silent now, but they left us richer for their decades of persistence, swimming upstream in a bed of competition of talk shows, hard rock, fast, upbeat everything from the sound of the deejays to the crescendo of heavy metal.”

Luv. She’s disappeared, too. His regular sidekick for years was Tribune reporter and writer Sancheska Brown. He called her Sanny and they bickered non-stop like an old married couple who could no longer remember why they wed, but her

oft-toned down, near dour treatment of a subject brought balance to Eddie’s near hyper excited pitch. Both were keen observers and knew their stuff.

I also asked him what the high points were.

“I’m a sports guy,” he said, “and I once had Hank Aaron on the show, live. That was something for a sports guy like me. Another time I had Gino D and Ira Storr and they were in the studio, just jammin’ live. It was incredible. But you know what my favourite shows were? They were ordinary Bahamians just talking about life. I’ll really miss those moments.”

Maybe those who did not spend money advertising on Island FM never realized how many of us did listen to the station that was dedicated to ‘Keeping Bahamian music and culture alive.’

The voices may be silent now, but they left us richer for their decades of persistence, swimming upstream in a bed of competition of

talk shows, hard rock, fast, upbeat everything from the sound of the deejays to the crescendo of heavy metal.

Maybe your business model wasn’t perfect but what you gave to community in helping others to promote events that supported worthy causes, describing needs and sharing stories – that was the best community model of all.

Thanks for the memories and do, please, take care of all that memorabilia, the signed posters that fill every square inch of the studio walls, the plaques, the cards and record covers, the entire irreplaceable Carter Collection that should become part of a national museum. Bahamian music could play in that space as locals and other visitors strolled, the voices of Sir Charles and Eddie Carter ringing on, recorded, lasting forever and ever without end living their mission, keeping Bahamian music and culture alive.

TALL, GRANDE, VENTI: KUDOS TO STARBUCK’S FOR HONOURING HISTORIC BAY STREET DESIGN

When Starbuck’s was headed to a vacant store that had once housed Fendi on the corner of Bay and Charlotte Streets in Nassau, some of us held our breath. We knew that Starbuck’s Bahamas parent, John Bull Group of Companies, had fine taste and had maintained the John Bull standard

TAVERNIER, Fla.

(AP) — Some 114 Haitian migrants made landfall in the Florida Keys early Thursday in the latest large group making their way to the state from Haiti and Cuba by water in recent months, the U.S. Border Patrol said.

Border patrol and law enforcement responded to the site in Tavernier, south of Key Largo in the island chain, early Thursday, Chief Patrol Agent Walter N. Slosar said in

to which all others should aspire on Bay Street in its own luxury goods store. But would it be able to resist following the Starbuck’s signature circular disc signage and non-remarkable furniture and design culture when applying the franchise label and rights to a store in a high traffic area like downtown Nassau?

It did and not only did John

Bull and its executives persuade Starbuck’s that the large round brand disc would not be necessary to attract business, the designers who worked on the project pulled out the old original blueprints and restored the building to original materials specified by the late architect Henry Melich. (There’s a photo of the building in the new book, Island Follies, released late last year

and written by his daughter Tanya Melich Crone and historic architect, author and professor Alistair Gordon),

Thanks, John Bull and the team –Sir Fred Hazlewood, Inga Bowleg, Omar – all of you who made this project so outstanding. If only we could engage your services to help restore more beauty on Bay Street and remind us that there are

treasures worth saving even if we have to uncover them at our own expense.

We’ll raise a cup of Joe to you and suggest that you place an historic Nassau plaque on the building creating a selfie photo opp with old Nassau Instagramming round the world encouraging others on the street of fading architectural treasures to follow your lead.

MIGRANTS ARRIVE ON RICKETY BOAT IN FLORIDA KEYS

a tweet. First responders were assisting the migrants at the scene, he said.

Slosar also tweeted a video of a rickety boat tied up along the rocky shore in Tavernier.

On Wednesday, another 26 migrants were taken into custody after making landfall on Marquesas Keys, a string of uninhabited islands off Key West.

In early January, the Biden administration announced a new policy of turning back many

migrants at the Texas border while also offering a new kind of humanitarian parole to Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans and Venezuelans.

Federal officials said by late January land crossings by migrants of those nationalities had slowed to a trickle. They also have said they expect the new policy to deter sea crossings, partly because migrants who arrive illegally can become ineligible for the new parole

programme.

People from those nations have been eagerly applying for the new programme.

Still, dangerous sea crossings have continued by Cuban and Haitian migrants as inflation soars and economic conditions deteriorate in their home countries. In the four months since Oct. 1, the Coast Guard has intercepted more than 5,321 migrants at sea. That compares with 6,182 for the

entire previous year, and 838 for fiscal year 2021.

Those intercepted at sea are generally returned, but the fate of those who arrive on Florida shores can depend in part on their nationality.

Haitian immigrants who arrive illegally get sent back more often despite severe economic hardship and rife political violence at home. Because the U.S. and Cuba do not have formal diplomatic relations, it is

difficult for the American governor to return Cuban migrants. Often, they are released to relatives in South Florida but given an order that requires them to contact federal immigration authorities periodically to confirm their address and status. They are allowed to get work permits, driver’s licenses and Social Security numbers, but cannot apply for permanent residency or citizenship.

US relations in ‘unprecedented crisis’ Russian diplomat says

MOSCOW Associated Press

RUSSIA-US relations are in a state of “unprecedented crisis” without any sign of improvement, a senior Russian diplomat said Thursday.

Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov argued that the White House’s emphasis on increasing weapons supplies to Ukraine to ensure Russia’s defeat leaves no room for diplomacy.

“I don’t see any prospect for a productive political and diplomatic process,” Ryabkov said at a briefing. “We have a very deep and unprecedented crisis in Russia-US relations. The Biden administration has driven them into a deadlock.”

Ryabkov warned that the US and its allies must carefully assess the risks stemming from supplying increasingly powerful Western weapons to Ukraine.

“The Americans need to thoroughly and deeply weigh the risks linked to their unabashedly cavalier course,” he said.

Ryabkov noted that Moscow doesn’t trust Western statements about self-imposed restrictions on a range of weapons supplied to Ukraine in order to avoid escalation, adding that such assurances in the past have served as cover for a steady expansion of the assortment of arms deliveries.

“We don’t see any sign of reason in any of the NATO and EU members’ capitals,” Ryabkov said. “What they are doing isn’t going to strengthen their security.”

He rejected the US argument that Russia’s refusal to allow the resumption of inspections of its nuclear facilities represents a breach of the New START

treaty, the last remaining nuclear arms control pact between the two countries. The New START treaty, signed in 2010 by President Barack Obama and Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, limits each country to no more than 1,550 deployed nuclear warheads and 700 deployed missiles and bombers. The agreement envisages sweeping on-site inspections to verify compliance. Just days before the treaty was due to expire in February 2021, Russia and the United States agreed to extend it for another five years. Russia and the US have suspended mutual inspections under New START since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, but Moscow last fall refused to allow their resumption, raising uncertainty about the pact’s future. Russia also indefinitely postponed a planned round of

consultations under the treaty.

The US State Department last week said that Russia’s refusal to allow the inspections “prevents the United States from exercising important rights under the treaty and threatens the viability of US-Russian nuclear arms control.” It noted that nothing prevents Russian inspectors from conducting inspections of the US facilities.

Ryabkov on Thursday insisted that Russia has continued to comply with the treaty and exchange information in accordance with it. “We adhere to the treaty and observe its provisions,” he said.

At the same time, he reaffirmed Moscow’s view that resuming inspections wasn’t possible in the current environment.

Ryabkov’s comments followed a Russian Foreign Ministry’s statement declaring that it was impossible

to maintain “business as usual” with Washington at a time when “the US has effectively unleashed a total hybrid war against Russia, which is fraught with a real danger of a direct military confrontation between the two nuclear powers.”

It charged that Washington’s demand for resuming inspections of Russian nuclear facilities sounds “cynical” after a recent series of Ukrainian drone strikes on Russian air bases housing nuclear-capable strategic bombers that the ministry said relied on US intelligence assistance.

Ryabkov, who met recently with the new US ambassador to Moscow, Lynne Tracy, also said that the Russian Foreign Ministry has lodged a formal complaint to the US Embassy, charging that its use of social networks represented interference in Russia’s domestic affairs.

NEW YORK Associated Press

BURT Bacharach, the singularly gifted and popular composer who delighted millions with the quirky arrangements and unforgettable melodies of “Walk on By,” “Do You Know the Way to San Jose” and dozens of other hits, has died at 94.

The Grammy, Oscar and Tony-winning Bacharach died Wednesday at home in Los Angeles of natural causes, publicist Tina Brausam said Thursday.

Over the past 70 years, only Lennon-McCartney, Carole King and a handful of others rivalled his genius for instantly catchy songs that remained performed, played and hummed long after they were written.

He had a run of top 10 hits from the 1950s into the 21st century, and his music was heard everywhere from movie sound tracks and radios to home stereo systems and iPods, whether “Alfie” and “I Say a Little Prayer” or “I’ll Never Fall in Love Again” and “This Guy’s in Love with You.”

Dionne Warwick was his favourite interpreter,

but Bacharach, usually in tandem with lyricist Hal David, also created prime material for Aretha Franklin, Dusty Springfield, Tom Jones and many others.

Elvis Presley, the Beatles and Frank Sinatra were among the countless artists who covered his songs, with more recent performers who sung or sampled him including White Stripes, Twista and Ashanti.

“Walk On By” alone was covered by everyone from Warwick and Isaac Hayes to the British punk band the Stranglers and Cyndi Lauper. His appeal often seemed more aligned with Tin Pan Alley than with Bob Dylan, John Lennon and other writers who later emerged, but rock composers appreciated the depth of his seemingly oldfashioned sensibility.

“Music softens the heart, makes you feel something if it’s good, brings in emotion that you might not have felt before,” he told the AP in 2018. “It’s a very powerful thing if you’re able to do to it, if you have it in your heart to do something like that.”

COMPOSER BURT BACHARACH, seen here performing in Milan, Italy on July 16, 2011. died of natural causes on Wednesday, at home in Los Angeles. He was 94.

Photo: Luca Bruno/AP

RUSSIAN Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said yesterday that Russia-US relations are in a state of “unprecedented crisis” without any sign of improvement. He said that US emphasis on increasing weapons supplies to Ukraine to ensure Russia’s defeat leaves no room for diplomacy.

Photo: Maxim Shemetov/AP

SPORTS

CARIFTA tickets on sale

By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

With the box office now open, patrons are flocking to the Thomas A Robinson National Stadium to purchase their tickets for the 50th Independence CARIFTA Games.

Although the games are scheduled for April 7-10 at the stadium, many persons said they wanted to ensure that they get the “best seats” for their bucks as they threw their support behind the young people competing in the biggest junior regional competition in the world.

Kenderlyn Minnis, one of the patrons visiting the stadium yesterday, said she simply wants to make sure that her family has a “seat in the house.

“We are the host, 242, so we have to represent. I’m not an athlete, so the next best thing I can do is to be there to cheer on the black, gold and aquamarine,” said Minnis in pledging her support for Team Bahamas.

Minnis said they want to “see everything.”

She noted that too many times the spotlight is placed on the sprints, but at the end of the day, all of the events make up the

track meet, so they want to “see it all.”

She said she purchased the three-day pass for her family, so they won’t miss any of the excitement.

Flo Rolle, a former versatile athlete who participated in track and field and was a top-notch softball player, said she wanted to make sure she got her “seat” and to make sure she can “sit” where she wants.

“I just love track and field and I have a granddaughter, Alexia Mason, who is involved in track and field, so every weekend when there is a track meet, I am here watching,” Rolle stated.

Local Organising Committee chief executive officer Lynden Maycock said words could not express his gratitude as he watched Bahamians line up to purchase their tickets

so early. “We see the anticipation building up and now that the box office is open, we see Bahamians coming forth and purchasing their tickets, not only in person, but persons are purchasing their tickets online worldwide,” Maycock said.

“We know that the CARIFTA Games are going to be the best and the Bahamian people are coming out to support it. They want to support

Ayton, page 14

EAGLES’ DEEP RUN GAME FUELS SUPER BOWL SHOT

By JOSH DUBOW AP Pro Football Writer

PHOENIX (AP) —

While the fight song for the Philadelphia Eagles may be “Fly, Eagles Fly,” the offensive formula that carried the team to the Super Bowl was more grounded. With a trio of capable running backs, one of the best running quarterbacks and a dominating offensive line, the Eagles eschewed the pass-happy approach that has taken over the league in recent years to rely more on the ground game to overwhelm opponents physically.

the young people of this nation,” stated Maycock.

Next week, Maycock said they will be providing the merchandise for the public to purchase as well so that they can be properly prepared for the games when they take on the visiting countries, including Jamaica.

Kirk Seymour, a former official when the first

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Philanthropists join CARIFTA sponsorship

By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

THE husband-and-wife

team of Trent and Julia Jordan have thrown their philanthropic support behind the Local Organising Committee for the 50th CARIFTA Games as they support their daughter, who has a disability, but is eager to participate in track and field.

The Canadian citizens, who have been residing here in the Bahamas for more than a decade, were invited to join the games, scheduled for April 7-10, through their long-time association with LOC chief executive officer Lynden Maycock.

“We want to say thank you for your contribution to the youth of this nation,” said Maycock, as he introduced the couple to the public at a press

conference yesterday. “We want to say thank you and we invite you to the greatest CARITA Games. Thank you for coming and going gold with us.”

Maycock said the Jordans were first introduced to track and field during the 2015 World Relays and ever since, they were looking at ways to extend their generosity as they have done in so many other ways in assisting Bahamians in the past.

Fern Hanna, the marketing manager of the LOC, said she will definitely be calling upon the Jordans to make their contributions in supporting the LOC in making the games a success.

As a former rugby player, Jordan said youth sports has always been near and dear to his heart and when they moved to the Bahamas about 14-15 years ago, they were

hoping that their children would be participating in sports.

However, he said while their son has been able to get involved, it was only when they enrolled their daughter in Queen’s College last year that she started to get serious about participating in sports.

“She’s really excited about her school, excited

about the track team and while we’ve known Lynden for about 10 years, we really jumped on board with CARIFTA to show our daughter that there are so many other people suffering from different things in life and they are still participating in sports.” His wife, Julia, said they are so grateful and honoured to be a part of track

NBA trade deadline sees Irving, Durant bolster teams in West

By BRIAN MAHONEY AP Basketball Writer

FIRST it was Kyrie Irving to Dallas. Then came Kevin Durant to Phoenix.

The breakup in Brooklyn is rebuilding some contenders in the West.

Trade deadline day in the NBA arrived yesterday with news of a blockbuster.

The Nets had agreed overnight to deal Durant to the Suns for a package that included Mikal Bridges, Cam Johnson, Jae Crowder — who later tweeted he was headed to Milwaukee — four first-round picks and additional draft compensation.

A day earlier, the Lakers agreed to send Russell Westbrook to Utah as part of a three-way deal with Utah and Minnesota that

brought D’Angelo Russell back to Los Angeles.

“Just like that it’s a war in the West!” Sacramento Kings guard Terence Davis II tweeted.

The Lakers stayed busy up until the deadline with a couple more moves as they try to build a contender around NBA career scoring leader LeBron James. They added another big man in Mo Bamba from the Orlando Magic for Patrick Beverley, a second-round pick and cash considerations, according to a person with knowledge of those negotiations.

The Magic are not expected to keep Beverley, said the person, who spoke to The Associated Press on condition anonymity because the trade did not yet have league approval.

The deadline was 3pm EST, though most of the deals won’t be approved by the league office until much later; agreed-to deals were confirmed to AP on condition of anonymity because they were not yet official. “I’ll show you how

wrong I was,” said Cleveland president of basketball operations Koby Altman, whose team was one of few that made zero moves. “I thought it was going to be a quiet, quiet deadline. But

SEE PAGE 14

and field, which was a passion of hers before they came here. She said this is one of the amazing outlets for their children and kids on the whole to exert their energy and so they are thrilled to be able to assist in the sponsorship of the games.

Her husband, Trent, said while they have given away scholarships, provided food packages and given to hurricane relief efforts, their sponsorship was done primarily because of their daughter and so this was the right fit in supporting CARIFTA.

Mike Sands, president of the North American, Central American and Caribbean (NACAC), responsible for the sanctioning of the games, said they are delighted to be able to welcome the first philanthropic team to the

SEE PAGE 14

“It’s like a boxing match,” running backs coach Jemal Singleton said. “Hopefully we’re getting enough body blows in the first and second quarter that when it comes to the third and fourth quarter, those body blows get a little bit heavier and you start to diminish your opponent a little bit. That’s part of what we try to do is just stay physical throughout the game.”

Few teams have done that as well as the Eagles, who have run the ball on half their offensive plays

SEE PAGE 13

TROUT, BETTS, OHTANI AMONG EIGHT MVPS IN WORLD BASEBALL CLASSIC

PALM BEACH, Fla.

(AP) — The United States’ Mike Trout and Mookie Betts, Japan’s Shohei Ohtani and Venezuela’s Miguel Cabrera and Jose Altuve are among eight Major League Baseball MVPs on rosters for next month’s World Baseball Classic.

Canada’s Freddie Freeman and the United States’ Paul Goldschmidt and Clayton Kershaw also are on the rosters announced yesterday for the 20-nation tournament, to be played from March 8-21.

SEE PAGE 14

Celtics’ Brown has broken bone in face, out indefinitely

BOSTON (AP) —

Boston Celtics All-Star Jaylen Brown has a broken bone in his face, the team confirmed yesterday in an injury update that did not specify how long he will be out.

The Celtics said Brown will miss tonight’s game against Charlotte but provided no further details.

Brown left Wednesday’s game against Philadelphia after colliding with Jayson Tatum under the basket when they were both going for an offensive rebound.

Brown appeared to take Tatum’s elbow in the left side of his head. He went to the floor and was slow to get up; when he did, he went straight to

JAYLEN BROWN

the locker room, rubbing his left eye and cheek.

After the game, coach Joe Mazzulla said he had no more information, but guard Malcolm Brogdon said Brown appeared to be in pain when he left.

KEVIN DURANT, centre, looks on from the bench during the second half against the Los Angeles Lakers in New York. (AP Photo/Corey Sipkin)

SHOWN, from left to right, Lynden Maycock, Julia and Trent Jordan and Harrison Thompson.

GET YOURS TODAY: Bahamians share a special moment with Local Organising Committee members as they purchase their CARIFTA tickets yesterday at the Thomas A Robinson National Stadium.

Pro Picks: Eagles’ talent over Chiefs’ experience

By ROB MAADDI AP Pro Football Writer

PHOENIX (AP) — The Philadelphia Eagles left their dog masks at home.

Back in the Super Bowl five years after winning the first Lombardi Trophy in franchise history, the Eagles took a different path to reach this one.

They’re 1 1/2-point favourites against the Kansas City Chiefs, per FanDuel Sportsbook, after outscoring the Giants and 49ers 69-14 in the playoffs. In their previous appearance, the Eagles became the first No. 1 seed to enter the playoffs as a home underdog. After sneaking past

Atlanta in the divisional round, they were underdogs against Minnesota in the NFC championship game. They routed the Vikings and went on to beat Bill Belichick, Tom Brady and the favoured New England Patriots in the Super Bowl. During that run, players embraced their underdog status, brought dog masks to the games and wore them around Minnesota for Super Bowl week. No need for any extra motivation this time around. The Eagles (16-3) are getting much of the hype, even against Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs (16-3).

With Jalen Hurts leading a high-powered offence

and Haason Reddick headlining a stingy defence, the Eagles have been dominant throughout much of the season.

Meanwhile, the Chiefs had a tougher path to this point. They beat the Jaguars 27-20 in the divisional round and edged the Bengals 23-20 on a field goal in the final seconds. Mahomes played with a badly sprained ankle against Cincinnati. An extra week off has helped but he’ll face a ferocious, relentless pass rush.

“They’re one of the top defences in the league for a reason,” Mahomes said.

“They get after the quarterback, so it’ll be a great

challenge for us to go out there and try to have some success.”

The Eagles realise playing against Mahomes is a tougher challenge than Daniel Jones and the Giants, and Brock Purdy/ Josh Johnson and the 49ers.

“Mahomes is a tremendous talent,” Reddick said. “I don’t know if you can contain him. He’s that good.”

Both teams have scored 546 points this season.

It’s the first time two No. 1 seeds are playing in the Super Bowl since the Eagles-Patriots met after the 2017 season.

The Chiefs have a significant edge in experience as they make their third appearance in this game in four years.

Coach Andy Reid is 1-2 in Super Bowls, including a loss with the Eagles 18 years ago. Philadelphia’s Nick Sirianni has never coached in a Super Bowl.

Pro Picks likes talent over experience. The Eagles are stacked, they’re healthy and they’ve been the more impressive team since Week 1.

EAGLES, 31-23

2022 RECORD

Last Week: Straight up: 2-0. Against spread: 1-1.

Playoffs: Straight up: 10-2. Against spread: 5-7

Overall season: Straight up: 181-101. Against spread: 141-136-5.

and averaged 153.9 yards rushing per game, including the playoffs — which would be the highest mark for a Super Bowl champion since the 1998 Denver Broncos. Philadelphia’s 39 TD runs are the most ever in a season.

The Eagles have a variety of options to fuel the running game with Miles Sanders leading the way with a career-high 1,269 yards and 11 TDs in a contract year.

“This year was kind of one of those years where I just wanted to make everybody feel me,” Sanders

said. “So I just took it upon myself to just control what I could control and just go out there and ball out every game, every time I touch the ball and make everybody pay for it.”

He has done that and gotten plenty of help from Boston Scott and Kenneth Gainwell, as well as quarterback Jalen Hurts. Gainwell leads the team with 160 yards rushing this postseason, with Scott adding two TD runs.

“It’s a really cool situation because we are all able to do pretty much everything you want,” Scott said.

“Whatever is asked of us, whether it’s pass-block, running routes, running in between the tackles,

outside speed, we can all do it. It’s not really a situation where defence is going to be like, OK, this guy’s in and he’s doing this and that. It kind of helps us be unpredictable.”

While some teams try to fool defences with motion, the Eagles prefer a more static approach, believing a line led by All-Pro centre Jason Kelce and right tackle Lane Johnson can control the trenches without using deception.

Philadelphia used motion on just 34% of running plays — about 10 percentage points lower than the next-lowest team.

“You might know what’s coming, but the NFL is all about matchups,” Johnson

said. “So they’re going to put matchups on and create matchup problems for the D-line, for linebackers with our schemes and what we do.”

While the backs get the majority of the yards on the ground, the threat of Hurts running fuels the run game for the Eagles. They were held to 154 yards rushing in the two games he missed with a shoulder injury — about half their season average. Hurts has rushed for 833 yards in his 17 starts with his 15 touchdown runs the most ever for a quarterback in the regular season and playoffs combined. But just his presence is what makes the run game so successful.

“Even if he’s handed the ball off, he may hold a guy for one step that allows us to hit a crease and gain 10 more yards we wouldn’t have gotten had he not been a threat as a runner,” Singleton said. “He’s a big part of our run game, a big part of what we do. I wouldn’t say honorary member, he might be the president of the entire deal.”

The Chiefs use a different philosophy offensively, leaving the ball in Patrick Mahomes’ hands to win by the pass.

Kansas City threw the ball on nearly 62% of offensive plays in the regular season, which would be the second-highest mark ever by a team to win the Super

Bowl, behind only Tampa Bay in 2020.

They know slowing the Eagles run game down and forcing Hurts to pass will be key to their success on Sunday. But that won’t come easily.

“The talent is in the players No. 1, the scheme No. 2, and then you put a quarterback in there that can do the things he can do, that makes them really difficult to defend,” defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo said.

“You have to be on point with scheme. Players have to be on point with responsibility. You can see when that doesn’t happen with people they’ve played, they expose them.”

36th St Valentine’s Day Regatta in Montagu Bay February 18-19

By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

IN keeping the memory of their father alive, the family of the late Eleazor ‘the Sailing Barber’ Johnson will continue with the 36th edition of the St Valentine’s Day Regatta in Montagu Bay next weekend.

Brothers Trevor and Eleazor (Jr) Johnson were on hand at the Island Gal on Bernard Road yesterday with sponsor Gary Christie of Cuba Libre and Streetside Pizza as well as entertainers DJ Rev and D Mac to promote the event.

Trevor Johnson, speaking on behalf of his family, said they are delighted to stage the event over the weekend of February 18-19 in conjunction with the Ministry of Agriculture and Marine’s Regatta Desk.

With the Lady in Red Lady Nathalie undergoing some minor repairs, Trevor Johnson said there will be no “Catch Me If You Can” challenge race between their father’s legendary B boat and the A Class sloop this year.

Instead, he said the emphasis will be on the C and E class sailing where sloops such as the Dream Girl, Whisper, the Cobra, Lady Eunice, San Sally, Flash and Unca John will

be among the list of boats participating.

With onshore action getting underway as early as noon on both Saturday and Sunday, Johnson said they will have a variety of native dishes on sale and the Junior Achievement Company BOB Evolved will be selling their products.

Each night, there will be live entertainment by a group of local entertainers, including D Mac, Blaudy, Nishsi, Veronica Bishop, Melody, Ira Storr backed by the Chad Collie band.

“This is a stepping stone for us to do some muchneeded repairs for other regattas to come,” Johnson said. “This is the first regatta being held since our father passed, so we want everyone to come on board and help us keep his legacy alive.”

Gary Christie said as sponsors, Cuba Libre is thrilled to be involved with the Johnson family to assist in the continuation of an event that their father Eleazor Johnson made it an institution.

“While I never met Mr Johnson personally, I’m old enough to remember him as a hard mouth regatta man, who believed that he was the best sailor in the world,” Christie said. “I don’t know if he was, but he certainly made you think that he was.

“So it’s really a privilege for

Cube Libre and Streetside Pizza to associate with your family and to assist you in this event.

“Regattas are our cultural and major sporting events in our country now with the introduction of cultural food and music. We hope that we are cementing what could be a long-time mutual agreement.”

Having been associated with the event for the past 15-20 years, DJ Rev said he could be considered a part of the Johnson family and so he’s made it a point to mark it on his calendar every year as an event to participate in.

“I will be providing the onshore entertainment and I’m happy to see that this year they have extended it and are taking it to the next level with the introduction of the Bahamian concert,” he stated.

“So, this year, we have a big lineup for you. It’s going to be a big show, nice down home, clean rakeand-scrape fun and good entertainment, so make sure that you are down there on Montagu (foreshore) on February 18 and 19.

“It’s going to be nice. So come on down and be a part of the activities.”

SCORES 23 BUT HAWKS BEAT SHORTHANDED SUNS 116107

By CHARLES ODUM AP Sports Writer

ATLANTA (AP) —

Trae Young scored 25 of his 36 points in the second half and the Atlanta Hawks beat the short-handed Phoenix Suns, still awaiting the arrival of newly acquired Kevin Durant, 116-107 last night.

This marks the first regatta since the death of ‘Barber J’ Johnson in January 2019 at the age of 80. Trevor Johnson said after watching their father work so hard to gain the notoriety in getting the event on the calendar of the Regatta Desk, they could not allow his vision to go down the drain.

“As long as I’m alive and as long as my brothers are alive, we will continue with his legacy,” said Trevor, who followed Eleazor Jr and Sherman Johnson, who have all participated in sailing on the Lady Nathalie in the past.

Colina participates in Junior Baseball League of Nassau’s opening day activities

COLINA’S director of corporate communications threw out the first softball pitch to mark the start of the Junior Baseball League of Nassau’s (JBLN’s) 2023 season. The company continues its corporate sponsorship of the Colina Astros Coach-Pitch baseball team (ages 7-8) and Colina Crushers girls’ softball team (under-21

CLASSIC FROM PAGE 11

Cy Young Award winner Sandy Alcantara of the Dominican Republic is also headed to the tournament, to be played in Tokyo; Taichung, Taiwan; Phoenix; and Miami.

The 600 players include 67 major league All-Stars, 35 of them from last season. There are seven Rookies of the Year: Trout, Pete Alonso and Devin Williams of the United States; Ohtani; Venezuela’s Ronald Acuña Jr.; the Dominican Republic’s Julio Rodríguez; and Mexico’s Randy Arozarena.

Players skipping the tournament include major league home run champion Aaron Judge, New York Yankees teammate Luis Severino of the Dominican

TICKETS FROM PAGE 11

division). “Colina is committed to health, wellness and youth development,” said Maxine V Seymour, director, corporate communications, Colina.

“We are ecstatic about partnering with JBLN to help keep young people active and teach them the sport.”

“JBLN is to be commended for providing a safe

Republic and Minnesota shortstop Carlos Correa of Puerto Rico.

Japan’s roster includes first baseman Munetaka Murakami, winner of the Central League’s last two MVPs; right-hander Yoshinobu Yamamoto, winner of the Pacific League’s last two MVPs; along with San Diego pitcher Yu Darvish and Chicago Cubs outfielder Seiya Suzuki.

Former New York Mets outfielder Yoenis Céspedes is on Cuba’s roster, which includes active major leaguers for the first time.

Among those are Chicago White Sox third baseman Yoán Moncada and outfielder Luis Robert, who are joined by outfielder Alfredo Despaigne, a former star in the Japanese major leagues.

South Korea’s roster includes outfielder Lee

CARIFTA Games was staged here in 1976, said he came out to purchase 30 of the three-day packages for his family and friends. “We are going to be right at the finish line,” he said. “Before they announce who is the winner, I like to see it for myself. I watch Champs online, so I already know who is coming from Jamaica. So I want to make sure that I don’t miss any of the action.”

Pauline Davis-Thompson, the Dame of the Games, said she is overwhelmed to see so many people coming out to get their tickets early.

“It just really touches my heart,” said Davis-Thompson, who in 1984 when the games were held here, emerged as the Austin Sealy winner of the most outstanding athlete of those games. “It’s very touching to see that.”

Mary-Ann Higgs-Clarke, crowned the “Mother” of these games, was the first recipient of the Austin Sealy winner in 1978. Strongwoman Laverne Eve was the first overall back-to-back winner in 1982 and 1983 and was followed by Davis-Thompson in 1984. Debbie Ferguson-McKenzie captured the next title in 1995, while Anthonique Strachan was the second two-time

space for young persons to develop and pursue their passion for baseball and softball,” said Seymour.

After numerous challenges including the COVID-19 pandemic, JBLN is pleased to be back in action once again.

“Our youth baseball and softball programme rely heavily on registration fees from parents as well

as partnering with various corporate companies to assist in defraying the costs incurred for uniforms, equipment, field upgrades and overall operational expenses,” said Jodell Roberts, JBLN board member.

“We are strategically making strides to bring our programme back to the heart of our community, with the opening of our

and Shlomo Lipetz of last year’s Olympic team.

Brothers Edwin Díaz of the New York Mets and Alexis Díaz of Cincinnati will play for Puerto Rico.

Cabrera and Mexican 41-year-old left-hander Oliver Pérez each will be in their fifth WBC.

Each team must include at least 14 pitchers and two catchers.

Jung-hoo, the Korean League’s 2022 MVP and a son of 1994 MVP Lee Jongbeom, along with Cardinals infielder Tommy Edman. Israel’s roster includes Joc Pederson, Dean Kremer and Richard Bleier along with Ty Kelly, Ryan Lavarnway, Danny Valencia

winner in 2011 and 2012 before Shaunae Miller-Uibo became the final Bahamian champion in 2013.

While the Bahamas played host to the games for the first time with the fifth edition in 1976, the games returned here seven more times in 1978, 1981, 1984, 1992, 2002, 2013 and 2018. The Bahamas is the only country other than Jamaica to win the title. However, Jamaica, who has a stranglehold on their dominance of the games, has amassed a total of 770 gold, 532 silver and 338 bronze for a grand total of 1,640. The Bahamas trail with 17 gold, 229 silver and 263 bronze for a total of 663 medals.

Trinidad & Tobago sits in third with 166 gold, 210 silver and 225 bronze for their total of 601.

Tickets for this year’s games are priced daily on the western side for $50 VIP, $25 for gold seats, $20 for silver and $15 for bronze. Threeday packages for all of the sessions are priced at $130 VIP, $70 gold, $55 silver and $40 bronze.

The eastern grandstand is priced at $10 for adults and $5 for children 4-12 years old. People with disability will have access at $5 for the eastern grandstand and $10 for the western grandstand. Interested persons can visit the box office at the stadium or go online at www.carifta50.com to make their purchases.

A pitcher is limited to 65 pitches during a first-round game, 80 in a quarterfinal and 95 in the championship round, though a limit can be exceeded to finish a plate appearance. A pitcher may not pitch in games on three consecutive days. There must be one day off after throwing 30 or more pitches and two days off after throwing 50 or more pitches.

Netherlands plays Cuba in the tournament opener.

CARIFTA FROM PAGE 11

games’ sponsorship. “I had the opportunity to speak to Trent and I can tell you, I already felt the warmth when we started the conversation,” Sands said. “Not only that, which I am impressed with, but the short time that they have immersed themselves into our community.”

Sands said he would like to encourage the Jordans to invite some more of their friends to follow in their footsteps in making their contributions to the development of the Bahamas, which they can now deem their second home.

“Welcome to our home, welcome to our house. Welcome as you help us to make this 50th CARIFTA Games one of the best ever,” said Sands, who extended his gratitude to Maycock for bringing them on board.

CARIFTA chairman Harrison Thompson called it an historic day as they welcomed the Jordans to the CARIFTA family through Maycock, who made it possible. “It warmed our hearts to see how they are concerned about the Bahamas and young

2022-23 baseball/softball

Season,” said Roberts.

The opening took place on Saturday, January 21, 2023 at the Field of Dreams Complex at St Andrew’s, Nassau East. “While we are hoping the Colina Crushers and Colina Rays win their respective divisions, we wish the entire league a safe and productive season,” said Seymour.

First-round groups are:

A: Taichung, March 8-13

— Cuba, Italy, Netherlands, Taiwan.

B: Tokyo, March 9-13 — Australia, China, Japan, South Korea.

C: Phoenix, March 11-15

— Canada, Colombia, Mexico, United States.

D: Miami, March 11-15

— Dominican Republic, Israel, Puerto Rico Venezuela.

The top two teams in each group advance to quarterfinals at Tokyo

March 15-16 and at Miami March 17-18. The semifinals on March 19 and final will be at Marlins Park. This will be the 5th edition of the WBC following victories by Japan in 2006 and ‘09, Dominican Republic in 2013 and the US in 2017. A scheduled 2021 tournament was called off because of the coronavirus pandemic.

people in general,” Thompson said. “CARIFTA is all about young people, so we are appreciative of all of the efforts that they will bring to the table as they join us in making this the best ever CARIFTA Games in the 50-year history of the event.”

Thompson also asked the Jordans to talk to their friends to encourage them to assist the LOC in achieving their goal as they “go gold.”

Pauline Davis-Thompson, the Dame of the games, said when she heard the message of the Jordans, she said they are touching the lives of so many young people. “This is so special what you guys are doing here today,” she said. “I am so emotional. It’s just so touching to see two persons, who are not Bahamians, but are adopted Bahamians, reaching out to assist us.

“We so appreciate you and so on behalf of this entire organisation, this LOC, the Bahamas government, I just want to say may God continue to bless you and the Benebys for what you are doing. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart from my country and now your country.”

After leading 56-47 at halftime, the Hawks extended their lead to 20 points in the third quarter.

Josh Okogie had 25 points and Deandre Ayton added 23 points and for Phoenix, which had its three-game winning streak end.

The Suns had only nine players available after trading Cam Johnson and Mikal Bridges as part of a package for Durant, the 13-time AllStar, before yesterday’s trade deadline. Durant did not join his new team for the game, but the anticipation for his arrival is growing.

“You can put him on any team and he’s going to fit,” Suns guard Landry Shamet said of Durant before the game. “He knows how to play. He’s played in a number of different systems. He’s insertable in any of them. You can throw it to him and he’s going to go score every time. He’s going to make the right play.”

The Hawks also made roster adjustments after two trades. Atlanta traded Justin Holiday, Frank Kaminsky and two second-round picks to Houston for shooting guard Garrison Matthews and centre Bruno Fernando. The 6-foot-9 Fernando began his career in Atlanta in the 2019-20 season. The Hawks were still awaiting the league’s approval of their addition former Detroit small forward Saddiq Bey as part of a three-team trade and sent five second-round draft picks to Golden State. Atlanta led 93-75 after three quarters before Phoenix scored the first nine points of the final period.

DURANT FROM PAGE 11

this is the NBA, and the NBA never stops. And, it’s really fragile. It’s a really fragile industry, and you don’t know what’s going to tip one way or the other.”

Phoenix could end up being more powerful than last season’s squad, which won an NBA-best 64 games then flamed out with a second-round loss to Dallas.

The Suns just got Devin Booker back from a groin injury that had sidelined him since Christmas and soon will add Durant to the lineup when he recovers from a sprained knee ligament. That’s on top of Chris Paul and Deandre Ayton.

Phoenix has won nine of 11 and shared the fourth-best record with Dallas entering its game last night in Atlanta.

The Mavericks also may be stronger after acquiring Irving to pair with Luka Doncic. Irving asked out of Brooklyn last week, frustrated by his negotiations for a contract extension, and he was headed West a few days later. Then it was Durant, who had gone to Brooklyn with Irving in 2019. “I just love the competition now that we can be in the same conference,” Irving said.

BROTHERS Eleazor Jr and Trevor Johnson, Gary Christie and DJ Rev pose above at yesterday’s press conference at the Island Gal for the 36th edition of the St Valentine’s Day Regatta in Montagu Bay next weekend.

JAPAN’s Shohei Ohtani. (AP)

BAHAMAS PROFESSIONAL GOLFERS START NEW YEAR OFF WITH A BANG

THE Bahamas Professional Golfers Association has started this new year off with a bang.

Following recent elections, Master golf pro and former Young Lions standout Glenn Pratt was unanimously elected as the new President.

It was decided that the Bahamas PGA needed to do more and who best to lead that charge is Glenn Pratt.

Pratt is a very vocal and straightforward person who will fight for what is rightfully deserved. And members of the BPGA felt that they needed a jumpstart to this special year where The Bahamas celebrates their 50th anniversary.

“This year is significant and we need to be recognised and a part of the scene,” said one of the members at the meeting.

“We believe that Glenn Pratt is the right man for the job and we stand behind

him 100 percent. Things will start happening for us, I believe that.”

Raquel Riley, the first female golf pro who was admitted to the BPGA a few years ago, is the outgoing president and she was one of the members who believed strongly in Glenn’s new leadership style.

“The ball is now in your hands Mr Pratt, and I believe that you will serve us well,” said Riley following the recent elections.

Elections were held this past Saturday at Britley’s

Restaurant, and members were unanimous in their choice. In addition to Glenn being elected president, Marcus Pratt was elected as vice-president, and outgoing president Raquel Riley was elected as secretary. Kethen Stuart was elected to the post of treasurer and Georgette Rolle-Harris and Keno Turnquest were elected as captains to be in charge of any BPGA event.

The BPGA was originally started by the late former golf pro Roy Bowe. The aim of the association

was to bring local golf pros together as one voice and to pave the way for future generations.

Today, the association has a long hill to climb in bringing back respect to the organisation. But with Glenn as the new president, he will definitely make inroads in re-establishing professional golf in The Bahamas.

Pratt is a master golf instructor who has extensive history in golf, both locally and internationally. Glenn turned a pro golfer

in 1982 and was the youngest Bahamian head golf pro in the history of golf in The Bahamas.

In 1984 as head golf pro under the late golf director Freddie Higgs at the Paradise Island Golf Club, Glenn immediately made history and then went on to be a part of the most fearsome golfing group in our history, the Young Lions..

He is a past-president of the BPGA (2006-2008) and was a former secretary before taking on the presidency again just recently.

PICTURED, from left to right, are Keno Turnquest, Keithen Stuart, Raquel Riley, Glenn Pratt, Marcus Pratt, Georgette Rolle-Harris and Chris Lewis. Master golf pro and former Young Lions standout Glenn Pratt has been unanimously elected as the new president of the Bahamas Professional Golfers Association.

Glenn Pratt unanimously elected as the new president

GLENN PRATT

Businesses ‘not asked to do Inland Revenue’s job’

the move is not intended to force tenants to pay real property tax arrears on behalf of delinquent landlords.

“Someone asked me: ‘OK, you’re asking business persons to do the job of Inland Revenue’,” the minister recalled. “We’re asking for an assist because it benefits us all. This will essentially benefit us all as it will increase the number of properties on the tax roll. The more people get on the

roll, we can begin to look at reducing rates.” The Government is seeking to collect 75 percent of the real property tax it bills on an annual basis, increasing this from the present 40 percent in a bid to increase revenues, improve compliance and ensure that all taxpayers pay their fair share.

“What we have to do is try and get more properties on rolls. Unfortunately, the rolls are still not complete,” Mr Halkitis said in reference to the number of

properties registered to pay real property tax. Besides asking businesses to provide their landlord’s real property tax assessment number, Mr Halkitis said the Department of Inland Revenue also plans to increase staff in the Out Islands.

“We also have plans to increase the number of individuals we have, particularly in the Family Islands, so that we can close any gaps in terms of second homeowners. We’ll be rapidly and aggressively pursuing

that in this upcoming year,” the minister added. “We have initiated with the clearing banks the system where they are ensuring that the property taxes are paid on properties under mortgage with them, and so that is being ramped up. That is a process, every month, as time goes on, the amount of mortgages covered is increasing. That is useful for individuals because we’ve have had instances where individuals have not paid for the life of their of the property.”

MOODY’S CLAIMS THAT WE’RE OPTIMISTIC? WE HAVE TO BE

FROM PAGE A24

they’re optimistic, but quite rightly we think we can achieve those.”

Mr Halkitis argued that fears of a deep, protracted US recession were now “beginning to recede into the background”, which provides further encouragement for The Bahamas and its tourism-driven economy given that presently more tan 90 percent of visitors come from North America.

“Our problem is we don’t have enough rooms to hold the people, so we will be looking at assisting those operators to bring those rooms” back on line, he added, seemingly referring to the still-closed Melia and British Colonial properties. “Our investment pipeline is very strong and spread throughout the islands,” the minister said.

Conceding that the Government needs to have “more conversations” with Moody’s, given that the

rating agency is more hawkish on The Bahamas than its rival, Standard & Poor’s (S&P), Mr Halkitis said of the estimates: “Yes, they are optimistic, but we believe they are realistic and they are quite achievable.”

Noting that the mid-year Budget, which is due to be unveiled before endFebruary, will disclose the Government’s fiscal performance for the 20222023 first half, he added: “Revenue collection has not always been the problem. By and large, taking out COVID and Dorian’s aftermath, revenue performance is within reason. The bigger issue is unexpected expenses, and having to support state-owned enterprises (SOEs) and emergencies that come up and having an archipelago.

“I think we’re optimistic, but we have to be optimistic. Our record shows we’ve been achieving targets and we will continue to achieve them.” Besides spending,

NOTICE is hereby given that JASMIN KIMMIE MACKEY of #29 Canary Terrace, 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 3rd day of February, 2023 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, Bahamas.

NOTICE is hereby given that MORRIS ALEXANADER LINDSAY of P.O. Box SP-60726 #6 Nelson Street, Yellow Elder Gardens, 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 10th day of February, 2023 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, Bahamas.

NOTICE

NOTICE is hereby given that EDDICIA EVA ARTHUR of South Beach, 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 10th day of February, 2023 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, Bahamas.

the Davis administration is also forecasting that it will grow revenues by almost $1.2bn over the next four fiscal years through to 2026-2027.

Mr Bowe yesterday said Moody’s verdict comes as little surprise. “I don’t think the Moody’s report causes concern for us because the realities are known to all parties,” he told Tribune Business. “The point being expressed, if answered frankly, the Government would express the same view that it’s optimistic. I think if we heard the Government deny these elements are optimistic, that would be concerning.”

“It’s not to say it’s unachievable or unrealistic, but based on our historical our performance with revenue-to-GDP at percentages of the past and, more importantly, there being some sensitivity with the GDP numbers. The Government has to demonstrate the projections are based on modelling that shows sensitivity as to what the outcomes will be.”

The Fidelity Bank (Bahamas) chief said The Bahamas needed to develop a range of potential economic scenarios, ranging from the most optimistic to the very worst, so that it is not “caught flat-footed” by unexpected shocks. “We as a country need to focus our attention on ‘what if’ scenarios so that we are not caught flat-footed if our

optimism is not realised,” he argued.

“We can’t wait until something is not achieved and ‘ooops’. We need to prepare ourselves for the base case, which may be optimistic in its modelling assumptions, but also prepare for the worst case and best case so we demonstrate to international observers we have prepared for all outcomes within a reasonable time profile.”

Mr Bowe, however, said the Government cannot afford to use increased revenues to simply boost its spending. He argued that public expenditure needs to be viewed in absolute terms, as opposed to a percentage of GDP, to help prevent this.

“Moody’s is highlighting the optimism that the Government can contain its spending even with elevated revenues,” Mr Bowe said of the Fiscal Strategy Report’s projections. “That is based on past performance, where expenditure has been less than favourable and we’ve not demonstrated our ability to control expenditure. There’s a need to hold the line.

“We need to get into absolute projections. If we’re saying expenditure is going to be $3bn, that number is not allowed to increase as GDP increases. I’d rather expenditure projections be an absolute amount. We then know if revenues are not met it will not impact what the deficit

Mr Halkitis said he had seen “recent cases” where property owners have died, leaving real estate assets for their children, only for the latter to discover “huge outstanding bills” for real property tax that have not been paid. Similar-sized bills have also delayed property sales and prevented owners who have paid off their mortgages from becoming “home free”. The Government, in the past, has typically collected large sums of real property tax arrears in such

will be as opposed to relying on GDP growth to find any errors in forecast.”

Moody’s, in its analysis of the Fiscal Strategy Report forecasts, said: “The Government’s target to keep expenditures broadly unchanged for the next four years compared with fiscal 2022 could prove challenging, particularly in light of higher food and energy prices that would imply a significant reduction in government spending in real terms.

“The Government’s capital budget, which targets an increase to 3.5 percent of GDP in fiscal 2026 compared with 2.3 percent of GDP in fiscal 2022, provides some room to adjust spending in response to lower revenue.”

Noting that revenue projections have been revised upwards, Moody’s added: “Given The Bahamas’ small size, exposure to weather-related shocks and concentrated economic structure reliant on tourism, real GDP growth has been volatile in contrast to the Government’s projections for a steady growth.

Meanwhile, Hubert Edwards, the Organisation for Responsible Governance’s (ORG) economic committee development head, yesterday agreed that the Government’s fiscal and economic goals “need to be” optimistic to drive the necessary economic expansion.

He added, though, that it was critical for the Government to hit its targets given that Moody’s will likely return to assess how

circumstances. However, Mr Halkitis said taxpayers will likely be better off if real property tax payments are included with their mortgage payment and collected by the lender, as this will smooth out the sums involved.

“So we believe that if it’s paid, even if it’s blended into the payment, so there’s a small amount, or if the bank just certifies that it has been paid, that assists us a lot,” he added.

well The Bahamas is faring against these benchmarks. And it was also important for the Davis administration to reduce debt servicing costs through lowering the interest rates attached to The Bahamas’ debt.

“The Government will also rely on lower interest expenditures, which it projects will decline by more than one percentage point of GDP over the forecast horizon. Although a declining debt burden will help reduce the interest bill, the Government is relying on a reduction in the cost of debt,” Moody’s said.

“The Government expects the average nominal interest rate to decline to 4.86 percent in fiscal year 2026, down from 5.55 percent in fiscal year 2022, and lower than the 5.2 percent assumed in the fiscal 2023 budget. Without a significant change in the maturity profile of government debt, lower interest expenditures would likely require replacing expensive outstanding debt with lower-cost borrowing or a significant reduction in borrowing costs going forward.

“Rising external borrowing costs, particularly for commercial debt, have been a key driver of the deterioration in The Bahamas’ debt affordability. If the Government were to reduce its commercial borrowing, either through increased reliance on domestic financing or through greater use of multilateral funding including credit enhancements, it would help contain borrowing costs.”

FTX’s Bahamas cash shrank 76% in month before collapse

The trio’s report also revealed that no financial statements, either audited or prepared, were available for FTX Digital Markets for its 2021 financial year despite the company having to meet mandatory deadlines for their filing with the regulators. The crypto exchange did not employ top-tier accounting firms, either to prepare the statements or audit them, and the provisional liquidators found record-keeping was as shambolic as FTX’s corporate governance.

“FTX Digital used QuickBooks to maintain its accounting records and outsourced financial statement preparation to Robert Lee & Associates based in the US. Prager Metis was the appointed auditor, but at the date of the winding-up petition no statutory financial statements had been prepared or audited for the year ended December 31, 2021,” the Bahamian provisional liquidators revealed. Tribune Business reported yesterday how the trio found “limited controls and governance” that resulted in client monies being commingled with those that belonged to FTX Digital Markets. “FTX Digital had limited accounting

functions in The Bahamas. An initial review indicates that it did not keep detailed records of which funds were client monies versus corporate monies. Furthermore, many large balances were moved between various FBO (for benefit of)” accounts,” they said.

“The joint provisional liquidators identified that there appeared to be limited segregation of IT infrastructure and company data repositories. Key systems such as the IT infrastructure that ran the FTX.com and FTX.us platforms, as well as company record keeping systems, were shared by employees of many FTX Group (and in some cases Alameda) entities.

“Of these, most key systems were not directly owned or controlled by FTX Digital at the time of the appointment. Many subscriptions to these cloud-based software services remained in the name of entities that existed prior to FTX Digital’s incorporation and were not formally transitioned in name.”

FTX Digital Markets’ last set of management accounts, for October 5, 2022, showed some $108.9m in cash assets as belonging to the company and a further $819m due to

clients/investors via the FBO accounts. However, this cash pile had dwindled to just $219.5m as shown by the provisional liquidators in their summary of the estate’s assets.

“The most up-to-date available balance sheet for FTX Digital, as at the appointment of the joint provisional liquidators, was dated October 5, 2022,” the report to the Supreme Court said. “This showed a positive net asset position, with total assets of $396.4m (made up almost entirely of cash ($108.9m) and receivables ($276.2m)) and total liabilities of $297.6m, comprising almost exclusively inter-company payables ($296.4m).”

The joint provisional liquidators said they understood the $296.4m represents a sum advanced to the Bahamian subsidiary by FTX Trading so that it had funding following its incorporation. At end-January, the trio only had a net $19.5m in bank accounts they control, representing funds recovered from Fidelity Bank (Bahamas) and Deltec Bank & Trust.

“The joint provisional liquidators note that FTX Digital’s balance sheet did not include digital assets, and investigation will be required once platform

data is available to establish whether assets and liabilities categorised and allocated between FTX Group entities appropriately represented the realities of how the group operated,” the Bahamian liquidation trio added.

Presently, FTX Digital Markets’ estate includes $219.5m in cash and a further $276.2m in accounts receivables owing to it. The bulk of the latter is $256.3m due from FTX Property Holdings, as the liquidators are alleging that the latter received sums advanced by the Bahamian subsidiary to finance its high-end real estate acquisition spree on New Providence. A further $5.8m in assets have been located, of which $2.4m is the crypto exchange’s vehicle fleet.

“FTX Digital owned and operated a fleet of cars in The Bahamas, which was made available to its employees for their sole use. The joint provisional liquidators have taken steps to identify, locate and secure these vehicles. Office furniture and equipment consists of IT and furniture either in the Veridian Corporate Centre (at the FTX campus) or in off-site storage,” the Supreme Court report added.

However, in the absence of still-to-be-recovered digital assets, the $500mplus in assets identified so far is already dwarfed by some $1.15bn in collective liabilities owed to clients and other entities in the FTX group. And customer claims have yet to be determined, with FTX Digital Markets’ record-keepingor lack of it - preventing the joint provisional liquidators from putting together a proper statement of affairs. The trio added that around $278m was spent on FTX’s lavish Bahamian property purchases, with the 52 identified to-date having a combined worth of $255.4m. The additional $23m is likely to be related to closing costs such as government taxes, attorney and realtor fees.

“Most of the properties are titled in the name of FTX Property, but were funded directly by FTX Digital and recorded on FTX Digital’s balance sheet as an inter-company receivable,” the report added.

“The joint provisional liquidators identified several property titles which appear to be in the name of individual employees or relatives of Sam Bankman-Fried, despite FTX Digital providing the funding. It is understood that

certain employees may have received employee loans or benefits in kind, which assisted with the purchase of residential property.”

Revealing that they have had to “manually collect and reconstruct” a large amount of FTX Digital Markets’ records, the trio of liquidators added: “The joint provisional liquidators will review and determine the prospects of claims against directors and officers for misfeasance, and the extent to which there are claims against third parties for negligence, breach of fiduciary duty or other causes of action......

“Ordinarily, it might be expected that a provisional liquidation outcome would be concluded within six months of a petition date. However, given the complexity of the case and the need to review and implement the matters outlined, in addition to the value and volume of the likely creditor claims, the joint provisional liquidators’ recommendation to the Supreme Court is an extension of the provisional liquidation for a further six months in order to be able to determine and progress key matters.”

‘Can’t look other way’: Queries on 47% of Business Licences

balance” between regulation, ease of doing business and collecting the proper amount of fees.

Noting that Business Licences remain valid until March 31, 2023, which is the date when renewal fees must be paid, Mr Halkitis said the Department of Inland Revenue was not requiring small businesses with an annual turnover of less than $100,000 - and which have to pay zero such fees - to provide income statements as proof of turnover. This newspaper had been informed that the agency is asking, post-submission, for figures such as

revenue and gross profit in its checking.

“I think we have had in excess of 33,000 business that gave applied, of which 3,000 so far have been successfully dealt with,” Mr Halkitis said. He added that around 24 extra staff have been drafted in, or seconded, to the Department of Inland Revenue during 2023’s early months to assist with Business Licence renewal processing.

“What we found, out of all the applications, just under half, 47 percent, have reported zero turnover or turnover that was exactly the same for the last three years,” the minister continued. “What the Department has determined is that they

will request additional information to verify” turnover is deemed necessary.

“They’re being required to provide some additional information so the Department of Inland Revenue is in a position to verify turnover,” Mr Halkitis said of businesses. “What we are undertaking is that all Business Licence renewals that apply will be dealt with by March 31 so that no one will be in danger of not having their application completed.”

Revealing that certain applicant categories, such as taxi drivers, straw vendors, small landscapers and roadside vendors will have their Business Licence renewals “fast tracked”, he added that

the authorities had agreed to deal with an unnamed group of businesses that required Business Licences so they can submit bonds. “We’ve deployed additional employees to Inland Revenue to deal with this busy period,” Mr Halkitis said. “We agree that we should have been more consistently communicating with the public, and undertake to do that, and are looking to improve customer service. We’ve had some complaints recently, and are addressing that and looking to improve that. There will be some delays with the busy period.”

Mr Halkitis, noting the argument that the Government should simply issue Business Licence renewals and then check the accuracy of turnover submissions later, said: “I think that method was tried a few years ago and the result was a significant reduction in Business Licence revenue.

The Department owes it to the Bahamian public to ensure that the information being reported is correct because this is government revenue.”

Asked later in the briefing about turnover compliance, Mr Halkitis added: “Just under half of the businesses either report zero turnover, or just put the same number that was in every year for the last three years. It is an issue.

“What Inland Revenue has to do is verify that what businesses are reporting, as best as they can, is accurate. The law empowers Inland Revenue to request additional information. So, for example, if they see a return that just does not make sense, it’s too low, but you might have a business who, you know that they did not make $20,000 last year, all right, and you have ways to check this by Customs imports etc, utility bills and all sorts of things.”

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The minister continued: “In this particular case, that is under-reporting, and so it is incumbent upon them to do some checks because if we look at the big picture all of us are taxpayers, and all of us are required to pay our share, and so the Department of Inland Revenue cannot just look the other way when someone is providing the number and just take the number at face value.

“Unfortunately, that causes a bit of a delay. But we believe that when we balance the interest of collecting the revenue and what’s due to the Government… When we balance the interest of collecting revenues due to the Government and the slight delay, we think that we will strike that balance. As I said, nobody would be put out of business we will resolve all of the issues before March 31.

“If someone reports the exact same turnover for the last three years in a row, that’s unlikely, as things go up and down.... This is an effort to ensure that the information is credible information. We’re not going to the exact penny, but it’s our responsibility when we feel the correct information is not being given, we have to make sure we get the right information.”

Bran: ‘Can’t water out of stone’ over health VAT

However, the changed VAT treatment also means Bahamian patients will face a greater cost burden when paying for pharmacy medications, doctor visits and treatment/procedures at all healthcare levels up to hospital care using private health insurance. This is because they will now be responsible for 100 percent of the VAT due on the care they receive from April 1, 2023, not just the tax levied on the co-pay as it stands now.

Co-pays account for around 20 percent of total medical costs. As a result of the changed tax treatment, patients will now also be responsible for paying VAT on the 80 percent of their bill financed by private health insurers rather than just what is levied on the co-pay. This will substantially increase consumers’ share of the cost burden, and is a separate issue from whether health insurance premiums will go up.

“The Government is doing it again,” Mr McCartney blasted. “They seem to have failed to consult with the medical community regarding the issue. For the life of me I don’t understand why they go down this road. It’s putting more of a burden on patients, the customers. I don’t understand the reasoning behind it.”

Besides forcing pharmacies and other medical practitioners to adjust their systems, as they will now have to collect VAT on medical claims payments and remit it to the Government once insurers can no longer recover it, he added: “It’s a blow. Persons will be able to get insurance, but paying the full VAT is going to be a deterrent.

“Unfortunately, it’s another misguided decision made by the Government without full discussion with the medical industry, which is to the detriment of the Bahamian public. They may be able to continue to purchase medical insurance, but when it comes down to having medications and procedures, they will now have to pay 100 percent VAT - 80 percent on the insurance, and 20 percent on the co-pay.

“Why? Why? Bahamians can only take so much. You’re not going to be able to get water out of a stone at the end of the day, and

this is what is happening. I don’t know who is advising the Government. They keep on doing the same thing without consulting the professionals and related industries prior to coming up with such practices that work to the detriment of the Bahamian people,” Mr McCartney continued.

“What are they trying to do? What is the method to their madness? Seriously, what is the method to their madness? It seems like they are just shooting in the air and hoping something sticks. The impact is based on the fact patients are going to have to pay 100 percent of the VAT - you pay it on the co-pay, and pay 80 percent on the insurance claim.

“What the hell? Can’t they find some other way to try and raise money for the country? It’s seems like it’s a consistent, consistent attack on the pockets of the Bahamian people coming out of the pandemic, coming out of Dorian. It’s a consistent attack on the pockets of the Bahamian people.... the PLP, FNM and everybody else. I don’t understand it.” He added that raising money by taxing persons is “the laziest way in the world”. More than $206m worth of health insurance claims were paid by Bahamian insurers in 2021, the last year for which data was available, which suggests the Government could earn somewhere in the region of $20m per annum from the new treatment. The Davis administration is arguing that the changed VAT treatment, set to take effect from April 1, 2023, is

merely bringing the sector back into line with the law.

The Ministry of Finance is arguing that it is “clearly against the VAT Act” for insurers to claim back the 10 percent levy on medical claims payouts - a practice allegedly costing the Public Treasury millions of dollars.

It added that one audit of an unnamed health insurance provider in 2021 showed it had “received over $20m illegally” through this mechanism.

Its, and the Department of Inland Revenue’s position, is that VAT is payable on medical insurance claims payouts because these are being made on behalf of the end-user - the consuming patient - and thus should attract the tax. Health insurers are currently claiming this as ‘input’ VAT, offsetting it against their ‘output’ tax on premium, which effectively allows the likes of Colina, Family Guardian and CG Atlantic to claim it back from the Government.

Mr Halkitis, yesterday addressing push back from individual insurers and their trade body, the Bahamas Insurance Association (BIA), said it was “not the case” that the changed VAT treatment by itself will increase health insurance premium costs.

Referring to the audit of that health insurer, he added that the company’s interpretation of how VAT should be applied to health insurance claims payouts was “not in accordance” with the VAT Act. “That insurer was using VAT paid on medical bills as an input to reduce the amount of VAT paid to the Government,” Mr Halkitis explained. “We found that,

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In Voluntary Liquidation

Notice is hereby given that in accordance with Section 138(4) of the International Business Companies Act. 2000, VIOLET PORTFOLIO INC. is in dissolution as of February 7, 2023

International Liquidator Services Ltd. situated at 3rd Floor Whitfield Tower, 4792 Coney Drive, Belize City, Belize is the Liquidator.

discovered that and what we decided was we would ensure was that companies apply the rules as intended in the legislation.”

He added that the changed VAT treatment was supposed to take effect from July 2022 but, after a series of consultations with the BIA, this was pushed back through several other dates to the industry’s suggested timeline of April 1, 2023.

“That this will lead to an increase in premiums, and tying that to the feet of the Government, we don’t believe that’s the case,” Mr Halkitis said. “This is not a new tax. This is just that we are ensuring the deductions are treated in accordance with the law. We will be monitoring the impact and ensuring the rights of consumers are protected, and we will do what we have to do with that.”

The minister added that the Government could have sought to recoup past VAT that was recovered by the insurance industry, which he valued at “millions”, but said the Davis administration plans to be “forward looking” and only collect it moving forward.

Asked whether the sector’s VAT approach was tantamount to fraud, Mr Halkitis said: “I wouldn’t

use that strong a term. I think it was just a misapplication of the rules. I wouldn’t use that term. We want to ensure the rules are being applies as the law says. I don’t think you’ll get any argument from the BIA that that’s what the law says.”

He added that the Government is “not taking on”, and not accepting,

assertions that its drive “to apply the law as it stands” in relation to VAT on medical insurance claims payouts will cause a premium increase for consumers. Mr Halkitis said there are many factors that raise premium prices, including the claims history associated with particular policies.

PUBLIC NOTICE

INTENT TO CHANGE NAME BY DEED POLL

The Public is hereby advised that I, SHERRIE TERELL MATHER of Grand, Bahama, intend to change my name to SHERRY TERELL MADER 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.

PUBLIC NOTICE

INTENT TO CHANGE NAME BY DEED POLL

The Public is hereby advised that I, NATHAN ALEXANDER HOLBERT of #5 Privateer Lane Fortune Point, Freeport, Grand, Bahama, intend to change my name to NATHAN ALEXANDER JOHNSON 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.

PM HAILS ACCOUNTING FIRM FOR ‘ELECTRIFYING’ IMPACTS

THE PRIME Minister has hailed a Bahamian accounting firm for “electrifying the financial sector” as it celebrated its 25th anniversary with the addition of two new partners.

Philip Davis KC described HLB Bahamas as “a firm that has electrified the financial sector with its striking agility, expertise and ability to deliver” as hundreds gathered to celebrate the boutique accounting, tax and advisory services firm’s quarter of a century in business.

New partners, Shoneva Abraham and Rae Turnquest, were also introduced during the anniversary celebration at Balmoral. And

former attorney general, Sean McWeeney, recalled the days and nights going back over three decades when he and HLB Bahamas founding partner, Philip Galanis, drafted and refined legislation governing the Bahamian accounting profession.

“Since its founding in 1998, HLB Bahamas has undergone an impressive metamorphosis in size, scope and capacity,” Mr Davis told attendees. Noting that partners Mr Galanis and John Bain have more than 75 years’ combined expertise, he praised them for growing a firm that evolved from “predominantly audit and accounting practice to one

furnishing tax, public sector and corporate services to a broad cross-section of domestic and international clients”.

One of HLB Bahamas largest growth areas has been audits, driven by new partner, Ms Abraham. “When Shoneva joined the firm, we had a handful of audit clients with most of the firm’s business in accounting and consulting services,” Mr Galanis said. “Today, she can boast of having more than 120 audits in a vast range of industries, including financial services, health care, real estate investment funds, government, aviation and non-profit entities.”

As for her fellow new partner, Mr Galanis said through Ms Turnquest’s “enormous capacity to get things done” she has been able to guide, manage and oversee responsibilities ranging from accounting and tax matters to human resources and internal quality control.

Mr Galanis praised Mr Bain, the partner he first he first took on in 2006 when the company was known as HLB Galanis Bain & Co, a year before it became HLB Galanis & Company. Three years later, Mr Bain left to pursue other interests and later joined London-based UHY, bringing that accounting brand to The Bahamas.

Following the COVID-19 pandemic, the duo - who had maintained a mutual respect - merged, forming HLB Bahamas in May 2022.

“The merger between UHY Bain & Associates and HLB Galanis & Company was one of the most transformative and impactful changes in the firm’s 25-year history,” said Mr Galanis, noting that Mr Bain is the only Bahamian certified or chartered accountant to hold a Ph.D. He called this “a notable accomplishment for one who had hailed from very humble beginnings”.

“Moving forward, I am confident that Phil and John’s professional union

Sarkis set for August 2024 trial on $2.25bn CCA claim

unsuccessful in solving the two sides’ differences.

“Plaintiff believes that it would be worthwhile for the parties to appear at a conference before the court to discuss the upcoming trial. Plaintiff respectfully requests that the court set a date for trial as soon as possible,” Mr Izmirlian’s attorneys argued.

“The trial will be a bench trial, and plaintiff believes that the case can be tried in no more than two weeks. Plaintiff is available on all but the following dates (aside from major holidays) in 2023: June 23 to July 9, and September 29 to October 15.”

The dispute between Mr Izmirlian and CCA has not eased ever since the former

was ousted as the project’s developer by the Chinese state-owned contractor and Baha Mar’s financier, the China Export-Import Bank, another Beijing-owned institution in late 2015 after they successfully defeated his Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection bid.

Mr Izmirlian recently doubled down on allegations of “shocking

evidence” that CCA “paid illegal kickbacks to the family of Bahamian officials” as part of a plot to seize Baha Mar and establish “Chinese control”. He also threatened to reveal the “damning evidence” if the dispute makes it to a full trial.

Mr Izmirlian, whose family live at Lyford Cay, did not name the families or

officials who he was referring to. However, the legal documents suggest their identities may be revealed - along with evidence of the alleged bribes and corruption - before the New York courts should the case reach that stage.

In a blistering opening salvo over their bid for “partial summary judgment” against CCA and its affiliates, the Baha Mar founder and his BML Properties vehicle said that despite failing to complete the multi-billion dollar project on time and on budget when he was in charge, the Chinese state-owned contractor was retained to complete the mega resort - and received a $700m “windfall” - for doing work it should have completed under himself.

“Throughout the project, CCA promised BML Properties that CCA’s management and staff were devoted to the project, that CCA was using best efforts to timely complete the project, and that CCA was acting in the best interests of the project,” Mr Izmirlian blasted.

“However, discovery in this case has revealed shocking evidence of CCA’s fraud and breaches of contract. CCA intentionally delayed construction to extort payments from BML Properties. CCA authorised hundreds of workers to leave the project during the crucial pre-opening period. CCA diverted management and staff to competing projects. CCA paid illegal kickbacks to the family of Bahamian officials to protect CCA’s position.

“And CCA conspired with other Chinese entities to stop construction. Why? To ensure that the resort and casino were transferred

will not only propel HLB Bahamas to new heights,” said the Prime Minister, “but that their example will inspire the entire financial services sector to tirelessly pursue and practice excellence.”

Among attendees were executives from HLB’s global offices in New York, Paris and Turks and Caicos, where the local HLB Bahamas has accounting and corporate services offices. Others present included several Cabinet ministers, Christina Rolle, the Securities Commission’s executive director; auditor general Terrance Bastian; and CFAL chairman, Anthony Ferguson.

fully over to Chinese control.” Baha Mar is now owned by Hong Kongheadquartered Chow Tai Fook Enterprises (CTFE), with Tribune Business having previously revealed evidence suggesting CCA and the resort’s financier, China Export-Import Bank, had long decided it should be a Chinese buyer after ousting Mr Izmirlian.

However, CCA blasted back by accusing Mr Izmirlian of “a nakedly xenophobic attempt to inflame anti-Chinese sentiment” while asserting there was “no evidence” it misused $54m in Baha Mar project funds to acquire the thenBritish Colonial Hilton. CCA, in its December 16, 2022, court papers denied that there was any conspiracy involving itself, the China Export-Import Bank and other Beijingowned entities to force Mr Izmirlian out and wrest control of an asset critical to The Bahamas’ future economic growth and employment levels.

Referring to Baha Mar’s receivership, from which the project was eventually removed and sold, CCA said: “Baha Mar Properties (Mr Izmirlian’s vehicle) writes in its memorandum that this judicially-supervised process reflects a conspiracy among ‘Chinese entities . . . to ensure that the resort and casino were transferred fully over to Chinese control’.

“But Baha Mar Properties does not include an evidentiary cite for this assertion, or otherwise cite evidence to support its implicit accusation that the end results of the Bahamian judicial proceedings were improper or tainted. Instead, the accusation appears to be a nakedly xenophobic attempt to capitalise on and inflame anti-Chinese sentiment.”

TAKE NOTICE that Attorney Pleasant Bridgewater is hereby Ordered to appear in person or via zoom before the Disciplinary Tribunal chaired by Her Ladyship the Honourable Mrs. Justice Renae McKay situate at the Supreme Court Complex, Bank Lane, Nassau, Bahamas which shall issue rulings in the Complaints lodged against her by (i) Gary Belcher, and (ii) First Caribbean International on Wednesday the 15th day of February, A.D., 2023 at Two o’clock in the afternoon, failing which, both decisions shall be rendered in her absence.

The zoom link is as follows: Join Zoom Meeting https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84241734351

DPM: MISSION ‘SIGNIFICANT STEP’ TO DEVELOPING TECHNOLOGY HUB

THE DEPUTY prime minister says The Bahamas is “taking significant steps” to develop the technology sector after he led a three-day trade mission to Canada last week.

Chester Cooper, also minister of tourism, investments and aviation, was joined by fellow Cabinet ministers, parliamentary secretaries and other government officials during his visit to Ottawa between February 1-3. Seeking technology-related investments, they met with digital firms based in the North Kanata Technology Park, Canada’s largest technology and innovation hub.

Among the opportunities that emerged, the delegation was told that The Bahamas ranks highly as “a desired destination” where staff can work remotely. Mr Cooper said in a statement that much of his discussions focused on how The Bahamas can “seamlessly” facilitate this process.

“We are taking significant steps in pursuit of the innovation and technology sectors. This is to revolutionise the way we do business, but also to create jobs and entrepreneurial opportunities, and a new industry in The Bahamas,” the deputy prime minister said.

“The companies we met with this past week have

blazed trails in multiple sectors, including innovation in artificial intelligence, computer automation and agri-technology. These firms are global in nature and are seeking new territories for further expansion.

During our meetings, we highlighted the ease of doing business in The Bahamas, outlined the attractive incentives that our jurisdiction offers to investors, and invited them to give consideration to setting up operations in The Bahamas.

“Chief executives and human resources directors of many of the technology companies we met with indicated that The Bahamas figures high on their list as a desired destination from which their employees can work remotely. Much of our discussions centred around putting arrangements in place that would allow this to happen seamlessly.”

Mr Cooper was accompanied by Ginger Moxey, minister for Grand Bahama; Zane Lightbourne, minister of state for technical and vocational training in the Ministry of Education; Wayde Watson, parliamentary secretary, Ministry of Economic Affairs; Dr Ian Strachan, vice-president of the University of The Bahamas (UB) and president of its northern campus; Dr Raveenia Roberts-Hanna, executive director of the

Bahamas Agricultural and Marine Science Institute (BAMSI); and senior executives from the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Economic Affairs and the Bahamas Investment Authority.

The former Minnis administration had ambitions to develop Grand Bahama into a technology hub, but these did not come to fruition before it was voted out of office on September 16, 2021. The Ministry of Tourism, Investments and Aviation statement did not explicitly say the Canada mission was intended to revive this, or build on what had been left behind, but there was a heavy Grand Bahama presence in Mr Cooper’s delegation.

The trade mission was organised by the Bahamas High Commission in Ottawa. V. Alfred Gray, Bahamas high commissioner to Canada, said staff led by first secretary, Nahaja Black, held meetings with North Kanata Technology Park business leader and heads of tertiary institutions in the run-up to Mr Cooper’s visit.

The three-day mission included calls on Ottawa state government officials; a tour of Kanata North Technology Park; and a visit to Sanmina Corporation, a global electronics manufacturing services company. There were meetings with chief executives and human resource executives from firms in the technology park to discuss an agreement that would allow their staff to work virtually from The Bahamas.

The mission also featured a tour of Carleton University and Algonquin College, where meetings were held with these institutions’ leadership to discuss ways to integrate technology in

THE BAHAMAS delegation tours Ottawa University’s Innovation centre on the Kanata Technology Park. business, the introduction of technical programmes earlier in high schools, and opportunities for technical studies scholarships and internships for Bahamian students.

Talks were also held with Growcer, an investor in the agri-tech space, on advancing food security for The Bahamas and entrepreneurship opportunities in agriculture. The mission closed with a reception hosted by Mr Cooper.

Mrs Moxey said: “This trade mission to Canada came at a very opportune time, as we are seeking to

revolutionise Grand Bahama’s economy with a focus on innovation. Grand Bahama is well positioned to launch a tech hub, and the cutting-edge innovation we witnessed, along with significant interest of key industry partners, will certainly open doors for The Bahamas to make significant advancement in innovation and technology.”

The Kanata North Technology Park is located 14 miles west of downtown Ottawa. It is home to more than 540 technology companies, such as Mitel, You.i

TV, Saba Software, Nokia, Ross, Cienna, Ericsson, Blackberry and QNX. Its occupants employ more than 33,000 skilled workers and collectively contribute more than Ca$13bn to Canada’s GDP annually.

Mr Gray added: “The trade mission to Ottawa this February is just the initial stage of building the industry partnerships required to lay the groundwork for advancing the technology sector of The Bahamas. Follow up meetings are anticipated in the very near future.”

THE BAHAMAS delegation is shown during a meeting with technology chief executives and human resources directors. They represent companies such as Sanmina, Nokia, QNX, Ross Video and Ribbon Communications.

AVIATION FEES DISPUTE HITS ‘DIPLOMATIC LEVEL’

THE DEPUTY prime minister says the Government is engaging at the “diplomatic level” with the US government over airline accusations that The Bahamas’ air navigation fees are discriminatory and anti-competitive.

Chester Cooper, also minister for tourism, investments and aviation, speaking ahead of the full weekly Cabinet meeting said the Davis administration has been engaged in “ongoing” discussions with the US Department of Transportation over the complaint by Airlines4America, whose members include American Airlines, Jet Blue, FedEx, Delta, Southwest Airlines, United

Airlines, and the United Parcel Service. “We are continuing dialogue with the Department of Transportation in the US in relation to the [air navigation] fees matter. You may recall there was a complaint by the US alliance partners. We’re having further discussions this week. We’ve responded to the complaint. We’re now engaged on a diplomatic level and those conversations are ongoing,” Mr Cooper said.

The dispute has potentially serious ramifications given that the US Department of Transportation, if it finds in the US airlines’ favour, could go to the extent of totally barring Bahamian airlines such as Bahamasair and Western Air from flying to the US or reducing such access. However, it is likely there is too

CUSTOMS IMPORT CLEARING SYSTEM OFF-LINE ‘FOR WEEK’

much at stake for all parties to go to such extreme sanctions.

The Bahamas, in 2021, signed a 10-year deal that outsourced management of 75 percent of its air space above 6,000 feet to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), with the US agency agreeing to waive the air navigation fees it previously levied for using this country’s air space.

The Bahamas subsequently imposed its own air navigation services charges in a bid to generate revenue sufficient to fund the development of civil aviation safety and oversight in The Bahamas, and associated regulatory functions. This will thus eliminate the need for Bahamian taxpayers to fund this, saving the Public Treasury millions of dollars per annum at a time when it

By YOURI KEMP Tribune Business Reporter ykemp@tribunemedia.net

CUSTOMS’ system for electronically clearing goods has been down for the past week and is “holding up” The Bahamas’

is coming under increasing fiscal stress. However, arguing that these fees should only cover the cost of providing the service, the US airlines are alleging there is no justification for “the tens of millions of dollars” that The Bahamas is collecting given that it is just paying, at most, $80,000-$100,000 to the FAA. They claim this “runs afoul” of global best practice and agreements, plus the US International Air Transport Fair Competitive Practices Act 1974.

The Bahamas has established a sliding scale for its air navigation services fees that ranges from $8.50 to $51.60 per 100 nautical miles based on the aircraft’s weight. Several observers have privately suggested to Tribune Business that the US airlines are seeking to bully The Bahamas

import economy, brokers confirmed yesterday.

David Humes, owner/ operator of Integral Logistics, told Tribune Business that Click2Clear still is not working optimally and, as of yesterday, he was unable to clear any entries via the system. “This is a daily thing now,” he said. “It’s up, and I’m trying to do something now, and can’t get it done. There is nothing you can do except wait.”

The Click2Clear system has been malfunctioning for the entire week, with the Customs Department previously telling this newspaper that it is a software-related problem that has to be dealt with by the developer. Mr Humes said hat while systems such as Click2Clear can become inoperable, or begin to lag, due to lack of space on the database or cloud, these things should

by placing no value on the worth of this country’s sovereign air space.

They believe the sector is longing for a return to the days when The Bahamas earned not a single cent in revenue from the aviation industry’s use of its air space, which sits on key Atlantic and other routes between Europe and the western hemisphere and North and South America. The FAA used to waive air navigation services fees for planes that took off and/or landed in the US after passing through Bahamian air space, thus giving them free use of this country.

The Government, in its answer to the US airlines’ complaint, asserted that The Bahamas’ air navigation services regime was compliant with the Chicago Convention - the agreement that established the

have been “factored in” when it was implemented.

“The people who designed this should have been able to anticipate stuff like this. I have things I need to clear and this is holding me up,” he added.

“I had one other shipment I was able to clear away, but that was two days ago. But nothing is straight. I have to keep going back at it when the system comes back up. This has been a huge waste of time.

“I want the large firms like Sysco Bahamas, AML Foods and Super Value to put some pressure on the Bahamas Customs Department and tell them they need to get this thing working because they can’t do their work on time. That’s big time revenue, because small players like us, Customs really isn’t checking for.”

main principles of global air transport - as well as International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) guidelines.

The move drew support from the local business community, with Robert Carron saying he supported the Government’s efforts to resolve the issue, and said so should every Bahamian.

He said that under the Chicago Convention on International Civil Aviation, “each signatory recognises that every other signatory (including The Bahamas) has complete and exclusive sovereignty over the airspace above its land and seas”.

He also suggested that renaming the airspace in the region as “Miami Oceanic” had led to some confusion for airlines.

Another Customs broker, speaking on condition of anonymity, also said Click2Clear has not been working for the past week. They have had to halt goods clearance and focus on other parts of their business, only to come back and the system still is not functioning. “I have not uploaded an entry for the entire day,” they said.

“The Department of Customs don’t seem to know how to manage the Click2Clear, but they want us to buy an integrated software to upload our entries into it. This entire Click2Clear experiment has been a failure from day one. The Department of Customs clearly doesn’t have the technical capacity to roll the system out in a concerted manner.”

Businesses ‘not asked to do Inland Revenue’s job’

By YOURI KEMP Tribune Business Reporter ykemp@tribunemedia.net

A CABINET minister yesterday denied that the Government is “asking business persons to do the Department of Inland Revenue’s job” by providing the agency with their landlord’s property tax assessment number.’

Michael Halkitis, minister of economic affairs, told the Prime Minister’s Office weekly media briefing that the tax authority is instead merely seeking “an assist” that will benefit all Bahamians through ensuring

MICHAEL HALKITIS

property taxpayers are accurately billed and taxed.

By providing their landlord’s assessment number, or alternatively their name and the building’s location, Mr Halkitis said business tenants will aid the Department of Inland Revenue in

ensuring the property is on the tax roll and appropriately taxed at commercial - rather than residential - rates. And it will also confirm whether companies are at the same address as reported previously for Business Licence purposes. Companies have been asked to supply these landlord-related details for the first time as part of this year’s Business Licence renewal process. However, the Department of Inland Revenue has assured that renewals will not be held up as a result of this requirement, and Mr Halkitis yesterday reiterated

SEE PAGE A17

Bahamas drives UK tourism via vehiclebased advertising

THE BAHAMAS is employing innovative advertising techniques to drive UK travellers to its shores through flights serving Nassau from London’s Heathrow airport.

Throughout December 2022 and into spring, the Bahamas Tourist Office in London is conducting a home marketing campaign to focus attention on travel to The Bahamas. This uses hundreds of public transportation vehicles and subway stations to make London commuters and pedestrians aware of The Bahamas.

A fleet of 100 Bahamas-branded, doubledecker buses and 25 London Underground stations were enlisted in support of British Airways flights to Nassau. The branded messages were used for two months –December 2022 and January 2023. Avios, British Airways’ reward currency, bolstered the campaign by branding another 200 buses that directed viewers to their flights.

Meanwhile, 30 Bahamas-branded taxis are roaming London streets in support of Virgin Atlantic flights to Nassau. The taxis are scheduled to continue with their advertising until March. The Virgin Atlantic support advertising also included the use of 117 digital displays in Westfield White City and Westfield Stratford shopping malls. Another 117 digital displays for the Bahamas were also located at Central London train stations.

“This is an amazing synergy of advertising at exactly the right time,” said Anthony Stuart, The Bahamas’ senior director of Europe and emerging markets. “Public transportation is crucial in London. So millions of people will see these Bahamas ads

during these especially cold months, driving traffic to our partner flights at a time when airline performance is improving. Due to this and other factors, there is a lot of potential for us to even see an increase in flight frequency to The Bahamas from London.”

Combined, British Airways and Virgin Atlantic provide ten flights per week to The Bahamas.

A LONDON double-decker bus with Bahamas advertising is pictured on its route.

BAHAMIAN tourism’s director of Europe and emerging markets, Anthony Stuart, and area manager, Maria Grazia Marino, show off Bahamas-branded taxi cabs.

Moody’s claims that we’re optimistic? We have to be

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor

THE BAHAMAS must “hold the line” on government spending to build investor confidence that it is not solely relying on economic growth “to fund any errors” in its fiscal projections, a well-known banker urged yesterday.

Gowon Bowe, Fidelity Bank (Bahamas) chief executive, told Tribune Business that Moody’s assessment that the Government’s spending targets will “prove challenging” reflects the failure of past administrations to eliminate wasteful expenditure - especially during periods when revenue flows are relatively strong.

The Davis administration is seeking to control restrain total spending growth to 12.2 percent, or just over $390m, across the next four fiscal periods as it bids to hold fixed-cost expenditure at a

level equivalent to 20 percent of gross domestic product (GDP) by 2020. Moody’s, though, suggested such a goal may be too optimistic given inflation’s impact on government spending, as well as The Bahamas’ vulnerability to natural disasters, recessions and other external shocks.

Mr Bowe, though, told this newspaper that the Government would likely itself concede that the Fiscal Strategy Report’s forecasts are “optimistic”, although

this does not mean they are unattainable or unrealistic. “I think that if we heard the Government deny these elements are optimistic that would be concerning,” he said.

Michael Halkitis, minister of economic affairs, echoed that very same position at yesterday’s Prime Minister’s Office media briefing when he said “we have to be optimistic” about The Bahamas’ economic and fiscal outlook. Agreeing to some

Bran: ‘Can’t water out of stone’ over health VAT

• Pharmacy owner fears rising patient ‘burden’

• Minister: Enforcing rules won’t raise premiums

extent with Moody’s analysis, he agreed that the Davis administration’s estimates are “optimistic” but reiterated that they are “realistic” and “quite achievable”.

“We think they are achievable,” the minister said of the Fiscal Strategy Report objectives. “As a matter of fact, this administration since coming in has met our projections or exceeded our projections. Moody’s thinks

FTX’s Bahamas cash shrank 76% in month before collapse

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

CASH assets held by FTX’s Bahamian subsidiary were “materially depleted” to the extent they shrank by 76 percent - or more than threequarters - in the five weeks immediately prior to the crypto exchange’s implosion.

FTX Digital Markets’ provisional liquidators, in their

first interim report to the Supreme Court, revealed they have to-date located $219.5m in bank-deposited cash in The Bahamas and abroad compared to the $927.9m shown in the company’s management accounts at October 5, 2022.

That represents a negative $708.4m swing.

That date was just over five weeks’ prior to FTX Digital Markets’ being placed into provisional liquidation, and Brian

Simms KC, the Lennox Paton senior partner, and PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) accountants Kevin Cambridge and Peter Greaves, confirmed that cash assets belonging both to the Bahamian subsidiary and its investors/clients have been “materially depleted” prior to their November 10, 2022, appointment.

‘Can’t look other way’: Queries on 47% of Business Licences

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

A CABINET minister yesterday said the tax authorities simply “cannot look the other way” when 47 percent of Business Licence applicants are submitting no turnover or “exactly the same amount for the last three years”.

Michael Halkitis, minister of economic affairs, told the Prime Minister’s Office’s weekly media briefing that the Department of Inland Revenue must not ignore discrepancies and inconsistencies, or take turnover figure supplied by companies “at face value” if they “do not make sense”, given the need to collect all

monies due to the Public Treasury.

While conceding that turnover verification checks do cause delay in Business Licence renewals, he added that the revenue agencies believe they “can strike the

SEE PAGE A18

Sarkis set for August 2024 trial on $2.25bn CCA claim

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

BAHA Mar’s original developer will see his $2.25bn fraud and breach of contract claim against the project’s main contractor go to a full two-week trial before the New York state court in August 2024.

Legal documents seen by Tribune Business reveal that Sarkis Izmirlian’s longrunning dispute with China Construction America (CCA) has finally been set down for hearing some sixand-a-half years after it was filed over the Christmas 2017 holidays. The case has been scheduled for “bench

trial” between August 1 and August 16 next year, with the New York State Supreme Court’s judge, Andrew Borrok, issuing a series of case management instructions. All exhibits to be used at the trial will have to be filed with the court by May 29, 2024, with witness lists, affidavits and all pretrial submissions - including the issues to be determined - to be completed by June 24, 2024.

The trial date is later than Mr Izmirlian had sought, his attorneys having pushed for it to take place this year. They wrote, in a January 27, 2023, letter to Judge Borrok that mediation had proved

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

A FORMER Democratic National Alliance (DNA) leader is blasting the Government’s “misguided decision” to change the VAT treatment of health insurance claims payouts, arguing: “You can’t get water out of a stone.”

• Says ‘won’t get argument from BIA’ on legality SEE

Branville McCartney, whose family owns and operates Wilmac’s Pharmacy, told Tribune Business in a recent interview that the Ministry of Finance’s decision to stop health insurers recovering the VAT levied on claims payouts will impact pharmacists and the entire Bahamian medical industry by raising medicication and care costs for patients.

He fears the move is set to impose “more of a burden on patients”, who will become responsible for paying the full VAT bill associated with their healthcare costs - not just the small portion that they currently cover. And Mr McCartney branded the action as the latest step in “a consistent attack on the pockets of Bahamians” by both PLP and FNM administrations.

Michael Halkitis, minister of economic affairs, yesterday refuted suggestions that health insurance premiums will increase as a result of the Government’s decision to “enforce the rules” and prevent insurers from recovering VAT levied on medical claims payouts. That is likely correct.

MICHAEL HALKITIS

BRIAN SIMMS KC

GOWON BOWE

BRANVILLE MCCARTNEY