02212017 business

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TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2017

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Baha Mar ‘fumes’: Govt eyes local landfill solution

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

The Government was last night leaning towards a Bahamian consortium as its best hope for resolving the New Providence landfill’s woes, amid growing pressure from Baha Mar’s new owner to deal with the fumes and associated health hazards.

Tribune Business can reveal that members of the 10-strong Waste Resources Development Group (WRDG) met with Prime Minister Perry Christie yesterday, as the Government becomes increasingly eager for a solution ahead of Baha Mar’s April 21 opening.

Kenred Dorsett, minis-

Discusses ‘first shot’ on management takeover

ter of the environment and housing, who has direct oversight of the landfill, was also present yesterday, which was a follow-up to a meeting last week between WRDG members and the

Kenred Dorsett

Graeme Davis

Prime Minister.

Tribune Business sources said WRDG, whose members include companies such as Wastenot, United Sanitation, BISX-listed Bahamas Waste and Impac,

has been asked to come up with a management/business plan for the landfill, together with the necessary financing, “in an extremely short time”.

See pg b4

BTC deal approval wait now 9 months

Consumer chief urges more banking licenses

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

nmckenzie@tribunemedia.net

Liberty Global’s acquisition of the controlling equity stake in the Bahamas Telecommunications Company (BTC) has yet to be approved by the Christie government nine months after the deal closed.

The revelation is contained in Liberty Global’s annual 10K filing with US regulators, which discloses that its acquisition of Cable & Wireless Communications (CWC) last year is still awaiting regulatory review and approval in the Bahamas and several other Caribbean jurisdictions.

“Most recently, the CWC acquisition triggered regulatory approval requirements in certain jurisdictions in which CWC operates,” Liberty Global disclosed to its shareholders and broader capital markets.

“The regulatory authorities in certain of these jurisdictions, including the Bahamas, Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, the Seychelles and the Cayman Islands, have not completed their review of the CWC acquisition or granted their approval.

“While we expect to receive all outstanding approvals, such approvals may include binding conditions or requirements that could have an adverse impact on

URCA: It’s not us, implying Govt yet to give nod BTC operating income cut $4m by Matthew Repair costs total $40m; some $22m spent in Q4 CWC’s operations and financial condition.”

Liberty’s purchase of CWC, which acquired the controlling equity interest in BTC for $206 million via the 2011 privatisation, was completed on May 16, 2016.

This means that the company controlled by renowned cable TV pioneer, John Malone, has been waiting exactly nine months for the Christie administration to approve it as the Government’s new partner in BTC. Stephen Bereaux, acting chief executive of the Utilities Regulation and Competition Authority (URCA), yesterday said the communications regulator had completed its side of the Liberty/BTC approval process.

“That’s nothing to do with the regulatory approvals from URCA. They’re See pg b4

By NATARIO McKENZIE

Tribune Business Reporter

The Consumer Protection Commission’s (CPC) chairman yesterday queried whether new banking licenses were required to boost competition, after a majority of Bahamians blasted the industry’s feerelated practices.

Jerome Gomez expressed hope that the findings of the Commission’s newlyreleased consumer survey on commercial banking practices would stimulate discussion on whether further reforms and controls needed to be imposed on the sector.

He was speaking after the survey, which elicited just 598 responses, found that 83.3 per cent or more than four out of every five respondents felt there was

As Bahamians blast industry’s fee practice Over 80% of consumers feel no protection Feel too many fees, no warning of increases no consumer protection for Bahamian banking customers.

When asked to rate their satisfaction with Bahamian commercial banks on a scale of one to 10, with 10 the highest, the majority of those surveyed - more than two-thirds or 70.1 per cent See pg b3

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Mobile number transfer in further month’s delay

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

PM meets with Bahamian waste consortium

Baha Mar chief admits ‘huge concern’

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Regulators yesterday announced a further month’s delay in launching mobile number portability, pushing the start date back to April 25, 2017, as they slammed both the Bahamas Telecommunications Company (BTC) and Aliv.

The Utilities Regulation and Competition Authority (URCA), unveiling its final determination on the issue, said it was “clear that both operators had failed to adequately and effectively plan and prepare” for number portability’s launch by the agreed February 14 target date.

It added that based on the responses received from both BTC and Aliv, it was “infeasible” to launch mo-

Portability launch now set back 2 months to April 25 URCA criticises both BTC and Aliv ‘readiness’ New players to unveil ‘keep number’ campaign bile number portability before April 14 and, “out of an abundance of caution” due to Easter’s timing, had elected to move the date back to April 25.

The latest delay comes just one week after URCA advised that, based on initial assessments, the See pg b4

CIBC’s corporate unit in 40% bad loan shrink

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net CIBC FirstCaribbean’s Bahamian corporate and investment banking unit saw non-performing loans shrink by almost 40 per cent in its 2016 financial year, as the bank continued its “solid” recovery from past credit provisioning.

Marie Rodland-Allan, CIBC FirstCaribbean International Bank (Bahamas), managing director, told shareholders that the unit had also managed to increase productive loans by a net 20 per cent during the year to end-October 2016.

Writing in the bank’s annual report, Mrs Rodland-

Sees net 20% productive loan rise in 2016 Bank’s total delinquent loans fall 4% pts to 8.9% Allan said: “The corporate and investment banking team achieved great success in 2016, driven by a net increase in productive loans of 20 per cent and a notable reduction in non-performing loans of almost 40 per cent.

“New client acquisition and loan growth were key contributors to this year’s See pg b3

PAGE 2, Tuesday, February 21, 2017

THE TRIBUNE

Tourism battles blizzards to promote the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism officials, together with hotel and Promotion Board representatives, overcame US winter snowstorms and blizzards to recent New York Times and Boston Globe travel shows.

Some 30,000 persons attended the New York Times show, which is touted as the largest consumer travel trade show in the US. Exhibitors numbered 560 companies representing 170 destinations, each competing for a share of the multi-billion dollar travel industry.

The Boston Globe Travel Show also saw travel agents and consumers brave the winter conditions to attend.

The Bahamas booth at both events updated consumers on the latest developments in this nation.

Travel agents were assured of the Bahamas’ commitment to their profession, as shown by the monthly Bahamas Travel Agents Newsletter and the recently-unveiled Bahamas Specialist Programme through the Travel Agent Academy.

Mikala Moss, the Bahama’s east coast area manager, also updated agents who attended the Boston Globe’s roundtable discussions.

The Out Island Promotion Board’s booth featured a special consumer offer of ‘Two Fly Free’ to a Family Island from Nassau.

Ms Moss led the Bahamas’ team in both cities, together with Chrystal Bethel, sales manager at the New York office.

Edward Archer, general manager for Atlanta, and Judy Pratt, sales manager in Florida, assisted the team at the New York Times Show. In Boston they were assisted by Jeannie Gibson, manager, global vommunications.

Partners at the Bahamas booth in both cities included the Nassau/Paradise Island Promotion Board; the Grand Bahama Island Tourism Board; and the Bahamas Out Islands Promotion Board. Hotel partners included SuperClubs Breezes.

The Bahamas’ team at the Boston Globe Travel Show. From L-R: Mikala Moss, Bahamas area manager, east coast; L’oreal Sweeting, Bahamas Out Islands Promotion Board; Everald Christie, SuperClubs Breezes; Donna Munroe Isidora, Grand Bahama Tourism Board; Mary DiPasquale, Nassau/Paradise Island Promotion Board; Jeannie Gibson, Ministry of Tourism, global communications; Chrystal Bethel, marketing manager, New York office; and Carmel Churchill, Grand Bahama Island Tourism Board.

Airline grows flights to the Bahamas 25% Silver Airways has increased flights to the Bahamas from Florida by almost 25 per cent year-over-year, the carrier announced yesterday.

The additional non-­stop flights include: * Fort Lauderdale to George Town (Exuma) * Jacksonville to Marsh Harbour

* Orlando to Eleuthera * Orlando to Marsh Harbour (Abacos) * Fort Myers to Nassau * Tampa to Marsh Harbour * Fort Lauderdale to Governor’s Harbour Silver Airways has also increased

the number of flights from Fort Lauderdale to Bimini, Eleuthera, Marsh Harbour and Treasure Cay, and the frequency of service from Nassau to West Palm Beach and Tampa.

The carrier is offering fares starting from $69, inclusive of taxes and fees, until February 27, 2017, for travel on or before May 3 this year.

MOBILE

APP

Take us with you Everywhere you go!

THE TRIBUNE

Tuesday, February 21, 2017, PAGE 3

BTC proposal slammed as ‘unacceptable barrier’

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net Regulators have slammed the Bahamas Telecommunications Company’s (BTC) proposal that two days initially be allowed for the transfer of mobile subscribers, and their existing numbers, to a rival carrier as an “unacceptable barrier” for consumers.

The Utilities Regulation and Competition Authority (URCA), unveiling the results of its mobile number portability consultation, revealed that the incumbent monopoly operator had sought a timeline 24 times’ greater than what was being proposed.

URCA wants the transfer of mobile subscribers, and their existing number, to the mobile operator of their choice to be completed within “two working hours” of the request being submitted - something it is sticking to after rejecting BTC’s arguments.

BTC had attempted to argue that the two-hour timeframe was “unrealistic’,

Wanted customer number switch to take 2 days Timeframe was 24 times’ longer than URCA’s 2-hour Regulator says ‘sub20 minute’ transfers can be done given the Bahamian mobile market’s lack of familiarity with number portability, and would result in all carriers incurring fines for failing to meet it.

“BTC compared the twohour porting timeframe stipulated in the Local Number Portability (LNP) business rules to those in some stated other jurisdictions, ranging from five days to two days,” URCA said of BTC’s response.

“BTC recommends that a gradual reduction in porting speed is a practical and fair approach and, more

CIBC’s corporate unit in 40% bad loan shrink From pg B1 performance, and remain paramount to our strategy moving forward. We also made strategic internal changes that allowed us to create a formal customer service team.”

This, Mrs Rodland-Allan added, had led to improved customer service, enabling CIBC FirstCaribbean to “increase cross-selling and penetration of non-credit products”.

CIBC FirstCaribbean enjoyed a steady, unspectacular year, growing its bottom line by 6.6 per cent to $70.573 million, compared

to $66.213 million in the 2015 financial year. A key factor in the improvement was a $3 million reduction in loan loss provisions.

“The specific allowances decreased by $6 million as a result of lower incremental provisions and higher recoveries,” the bank added in its management analysis of 2016.

“The ratio of loan loss impairment to gross loans was 0.5 per cent compared with 0.7 per cent at the end of 2015. Non-performing loans to gross loans declined to 8.9 per cent at the end of 2016, compared to

Consumer chief urges more banking licenses From pg B1 gave ratings of five or below.

The survey found that many consumers feel Bahamian commercial banks are levying “too many” fees, and that these fees do not match the services offered. And only 172 persons or 28.8 per cent of respondents were aware of the Consumer Protection Commission’s existence before taking the survey.

Mr Gomez said: “We wish for the Government to look at the banking sector and determine whether there is time to introduce competition through the granting of new licenses.

“We hope that this survey will start some discussion about the banking practices, fees and customer service. We want banks to now look at their level of service that they give to the customers, and take as legitimate the complaints about fees and about service, and not simply do business as usual.”

The CPC, through its research unit, initiated and conducted the consumer banking survey between September and November 2016. It acknowledged that the total of 598 respondents was 402 short of the 1,000 goal, raising questions about the survey’s statistical significance.

Asked whether they felt that the fees/charges associated with their accounts were appropriate for the services received, 435 persons or 72.7 per cent said ‘no’.

With respect to the number of fees levied by commercial banks, 494 respondents or 82.6 per cent felt there were too many, with just 13 saying there were too few.

As to whether Bahamians were given sufficient advance notice of fee changes, 385 or 64 per cent said they never received warnings.

Another 12.4 per cent or 74 said they “rarely” received warnings, while 93 or 15.6 per cent “sometimes” got them.

When it came to consumer redress, 379 persons or 63.4 per cent indicated that they have had a dispute or complaint with their bank. Of those, 167 persons or 27.9 per cent said their complaint was resolved in a timely manner, with 228 respondents or 38.1 per cent of the total indicating the reverse.

Some 232 respondents or 38.8 per cent said their complaint was resolved to their satisfaction,with 119 or 19.9 per cent answering in the negative.

As for whether Bahamians would recommend their bank to friends, family or associates, more than half - 310 or 51.8 per cent - said ‘no’, with 36.1 per cent or 216 saying they would.

“We are going to make the results of the survey available to the Ministers of Finance and Labour, the Central Bank and each of the commercial banks in the Bahamas,” Mr Gomez said.

“We would wish to get a public discussion going to determine if the banking/ customer service process is broken and needs to be repaired.

“Is the banking fee structure running amok because banking fees are unregulated, and are banks trying to improve their balance sheets through fee increases as opposed to creating new and innovative banking products for their customers in an effort to improve income?”

Mr Gomez further questioned: “Are banks charging their Bahamian customers fees not allowed in their own country, and are Bahamian-owned banks adopting these fees simply to be competitive with the foreign-owned banks? Are banks concerned about customer service? Do they care that teller lines are long in most branches all day long?”

The survey results are unlikely to surprise many, given the negative attitudes many Bahamians hold towards the banks, which are

particularly, suggests that at the outset a two-day limit be set with a gradual decrease to six hours after one year of implementation of LNP.” This was swiftly rejected by URCA, which said: “URCA does not agree that the two-hour timeframe is unrealistic, and considers it to be entirely reasonable, provided that all licensees adopt an appropriately committed approach to mobile number portability.

“URCA further considers that a longer timeframe would unnecessarily and inappropriately disadvantage and inconvenience customers.

“URCA stresses that mobile customers are accustomed to, and entitled to, a service within a very short timeframe and considers there to be no justifiable reason why mobile number portability should result in a less satisfactory customer experience by making the customer wait days to port their number. URCA considers that this would represent an unnecessary and unacceptable barrier to

switching.”

The URCA results statement noted that the twohour porting timeframe was, not surprisingly, backed by Aliv, the new mobile operator, which has ended BTC’s long-standing monopoly and is eager to bit into the latter’s dominant market share.

A one-day timeframe had initially been discussed

by URCA and the mobile communications industry, and Aliv urged the regulator “to review the turnaround time to determine whether it can be shortened, once the new process has become familiar to operators”.

URCA added that the systems being used by BTC and Aliv would enable subscriber porting to take less than two hours, saying that experience with similar technology in Jamaica and Trinidad & Tobago showed “sub-20 minute times are consistently achievable” if requests are acted upon by the customer’s existing operator “within one minute or less”.

12.9 per cent at the end of 2015. The coverage ratio increased from 63.5 per cent in 2015 to 76.3 per cent in 2016.”

CIBC FirstCaribbean International Bank (Bahamas) saw revenues generated by its retail and business banking segment remain flat at $95 million, “as lower loan earnings as a result of lower yields was offset by lower interest expense and increased service fee income.

“Segment results declined year-on-year by $1.1 million as a result of lower external and internal revenue and higher allocated costs, which offset the decline in loan loss impairment,” the bank added.

Its wholesale banking unit, which comprises cor-

porate lending and investment banking, saw external revenues drop by $0.9 million - taking the total to $53 million - as a result of lower interest recoveries.

“Segment results declined year-on-year by $3 million driven by lower revenues and higher allocated costs,” CIBC FirstCaribbean added.

As for wealth management, higher loan earnings and reduced interest expense was “offset by lower fees and commissions” to leave total external revenues flat at $2 million.

“Segment results decreased year-on-year by $2.1 million, driven by higher allocated costs and capital charges, and higher operating expenses,” CIBC FirstCaribbean said.

easy targets for public ire in a low-growth, high unemployment environment.

Apart from the spate of new and increased fees levied in recent years, the banks have also been perceived as ‘villains’ over the numerous foreclosures and home sales they have enforced.

The Commission’s survey, though, challenges last year’s findings by the Central Bank of the Bahamas, which refused to counter rising bank fees with price controls, despite increases as high as 43 per cent on “a significant number of services”.

The regulator, unveiling its survey of commercial bank charges for the six months to end-June 2016, said direct intervention through mechanisms such as price controls would only create further distortions that negatively impact consumers.

The survey, reflecting previous comments by Central Bank governor, John Rolle, said improved consumer protection and financial literacy were the best safeguards to concerns over

increased bank fees, and promised to “strengthen” these areas.

“An analysis of data compiled over the last six years showed that banks have raised fees on a significant number of the services charged and, in some cases, introduced new categories of fees on existing facilities,” the Central Bank said.

“However, there have been a few instances where fees have been adjusted downwards, particularly for those which are considered high volume services.

“While the current framework reflects structural factors impacting the domestic financial sector, the sector would benefit from initiatives on several important fronts.

“This includes strengthening practices and codes on financial literacy and consumer financial protection, which the Central Bank will pursue under its strategic focus on the sector.

It is, however, believed that a direct response through price controls would introduce adverse distortions in the sector.”

WHERE HIT MUSIC LIVES W W W .

1 0 0 J A M Z

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@100JAMZ242

Edison Sumner

Hope Strachan

Export boost eyed from trade initiative

By NATARIO McKENZIE

kets and becoming exporters, as well as foreign ennmckenzie@tribunemedia.net trepreneurs and members of the international busiBahamian entre- ness community eying this preneurs seeking to target nation as a potential trade foreign markets were yes- partner and supplier of terday urged to register quality goods and services. with the Bahamas Trade Edison Sumner, the ChamPortal, which was hailed ber’s chief executive, said as a “groundbreaking re- the portal will consolidate source” to increase exports information into a central and trade. location to increase and imThe Bahamas Chamber prove trade facilitation. of Comemrce and Employ“Companies will have the ers Confederation (BC- ability to receive significant CEC) and the Ministry of profile so that they can be Financial Services yester- easily found by internaday signed a Memorandum tional companies seeking of Understanding (MOU) to create and develop local for the Trade Information partnerships and linkages Servcies and Electronic in trade and commerce,” Portal. said Mr Sumner.

The Trade Information “The trade informaService Desk and Electron- tion services desk and ic Portal aims to consolidate electronic portal are a siginformation into a central nificant achievement tolocation, and increase and wards providing access to improve trade by effectively trade information such as creating a “one-stop shop”. import and export stats, The portal is being devel- trade regulations, certifioped by The International cation requirements, rules Trade Centre (ITC), a sub- and certificates of origin.” sidiary organisation of the Mike Maura, Arawak United Nations (UN) and Port Development’s (APD) the World Trade Organisa- chief executive, and a BCtion (WTO).

CEC director, said: “I think Hope Strachan, minister that the portal will serve as of financial servcies, said an educational tool for both yesterday: “We’re looking young and old by sharing to launch by late March, current trade-related statisearly April. We’re well on tics. our way and we anticipate “As an example, the Nasthat we would meet our ex- sau Container Port intends pected timeline.” to be able to provide its The development of trade information in terms the portal is being funded of its container volumes by the European Union coming in as well as leav(EU) at a cost of just un- ing New Providence, which der $200,000. Mrs Strachan I think will serve the busisaid a key feature of the ness community from the portal will be an exporter standpoint of being able directory for businesses to see on a real time basis seeking to attract potential whether our markets are international buyers. expanding or contracting.”

Martin Lopez, project Mr Maura added: “It manager of the Bahamas will also speak to the wide Trade Portal with the ITC, separation between import said: “This will be a ground- and export volumes, and breaking resource for the we have such a wonderful Bahamas, something that opportunity to develop our will make the Bahamas export market and reverse one of the forerunners in that trade imbalance, which terms of business develop- will positively impact cargo ment and business support rates. to companies interested in “Right now, the cargo export.” imports are actually having He added that the to pay for all the exports, portal would benefit and if we develop an export Bahamian entrepreneurs market it would bring our interested in foreign mar- import costs down.”

Tribune Business Reporter

PAGE 4, Tuesday, February 21, 2017

Mobile number transfer in further month’s delay From pg B1 number portability launch date was being moved to March.

Yesterday’s announcement means that Bahamian consumers will now experience a two-month delay in having the ability to switch to Aliv as their provider, while keeping their existing number.

URCA, in its statement of results, expressed disappointment that neither BTC nor Aliv “confirmed or assured their readiness” to meet the initially proposed February 14 launch date, despite the importance placed on it by the regulator.

It first learned there were problems on February 8, when its number portability advisers, Laurasia Associates, said assessments showed neither operator was ready to meet the following week’s target.

URCA’s consultants conducted further “readiness assessments” of BTC and Aliv last week, which confirmed that “both BTC and Aliv had significant work remaining before mobile number portability could be launched with an accept-

able degree of confidence in its success”.

“On the basis of Laurasia’s advice, URCA considered that both operators had failed to adequately and effectively plan and prepare for mobile number portability implementation, and to ensure that the persons assigned by both BTC and Aliv as representatives on the mobile number portability working group were in a position to properly and accurately report progress,” URCA said.

“URCA expressed its concern and disappointment in this regard to the operators, and required both BTC and Aliv to assess their own readiness.”

The two rival mobile operators were then required to submit dates when they believed they would be ready to implement number portability, with both providing these to URCA on February 15, 2017.

The communications sector regulator added: “Based on the responses received from BTC and Aliv, URCA now considers it infeasible for mobile number portability to be launched in the Bahamas before April 14,

Baha Mar ‘fumes’: Govt eyes local landfill solution From pg B1 “The Prime Minister knows Baha Mar is going to open soon, and that they need to do something quickly,” one source familiar with the situation told Tribune Business. “The situation at the landfill at the weekend was horrible.”

Another, also speaking on condition of anonymity, added of the Government’s thinking: “They need something done, and want to give the Bahamians first go at it.

They want them to come up with a management and business plan.”

A WRDG spokesman declined to comment when contacted by Tribune Business last night, and expressed surprise and annoyance that this newspaper knew of the meetings with the Prime Minister.

One contact suggested that while keen to move forward, WRDG and its members were understandably wary and “gun shy”, given that the numerous landfill remediation and management proposals they had previously submitted to both the Christie administration and its predecessor never appeared to go any-

where.

WRDG is said to be concerned that it might be “jumped upon” and sidelined by other offers that came to the Government’s attention, but Tribune Business was told its members were determined to find the necessary financing to fund engineering and other landfill studies essential to developing a business plan.

With Baha Mar’s ‘opening’ just two months away, the Government is becoming desperate to find the ‘right solution’ at the 100acre Tonique Williams Highway facility, and finally stop the frequent fires - and associated fumes - from undermining the tourism product plus the health of surrounding communities.

And the pressure on the Christie administration was dramatically increased yesterday. For WRDG’s meeting with Mr Christie came on the same day that Graeme Davis, the top Bahamas-based executive for Baha Mar’s new owner, Chow Tai Fook Enterprises (CTFE), went public with his concerns over the landfill.

“It’s a huge concern for us, as it is for many busi-

The Companies (Winding Up Amendment) Act, 2011

GALMIR ADVISORY SERVICES LTD. (In Voluntary Liquidation) Reg. No. 24647

NOTICE TO CREDITORS TO PROVE DEBTS NOTICE is hereby given to any and all creditors having debts or claims against the above named Company in voluntary liquidation that they are required to submit to Mr. Edmund L. Rahming, the Voluntary Liquidator, Proof(s) of their respective debt or claim against the above named Company by sending to the Voluntary Liquidator on or before March 31, 2017. In default thereof such creditors will be excluded from the benefit of any distribution made by the Voluntary Liquidator.

Such Proof(s) may be in the form prescribed at Form 24 of the Companies Liquidation Rules, 2012 stating the creditor’s name, address, particulars of debt(s) or claims(s), documentation to prove debt(s) or support claims(s), and any entitlement to priority. Any creditor wishing to be provided by the Voluntary Liquidator with a form may contact the Voluntary Liquidator at No. 15 Caves Professional Centre, Caves Village, West Bay Street and Blake Road, P.O. Box SP-64064, Nassau, The Bahamas, telephone (242) 327 4001/3, email: info@intelisysltd.com, requesting the same.

Dated this 21st day of February 2017.

Edmund L Rahming Voluntary Liquidator

THE TRIBUNE

2017.

“And, out of an abundance of caution, and having regard to the Easter holiday, URCA has determined that it would be appropriate to set the launch date for mobile number portability to April 25, 2017, in order to allow for the remaining critical activities to be carried out by both operators, and for an appropriate buffer to address any further failures by either operator.”

The biggest losers from the two-month number portability delay are the Bahamas’ 315,000-plus mobile subscribers, as it impedes their ability to have full freedom of choice over their provider.

Mobile number portability will allow customers of BTC and Aliv to keep their existing numbers when switching between providers.

This, in turn, is vital to facilitating competition and consumer choice for Bahamian consumers, especially businessmen wanting to retain their existing number for commercial purposes and ease of contact. Number portability’s absence is thus a deterrent to Bahamians switching provider.

Stephen Bereaux, URCA’s acting chief executive, told Tribune Business yesterday that he was “a

bit surprised” to discover that the agreed February 14 launch date would not be met.

“I was a bit surprised to discover that what we thought was agreed wasn’t, in fact, the case,” he said of the missed target. “We were disappointed, as we had been working to a set timeframe, one we thought was agreed upon.”

Mr Bereaux said the successive movements in the revised launch date, first to March and now to April 25, within the space of a week was caused by the nature of URCA’s review.

He explained that the regulator and its consultants had been “in the middle” of their readiness assessments when it became obvious that February 14 would not be hit, leading URCA to announce the March timeline.

Once it and Laurasia Associates finished their assessment, Mr Bereaux said the completed findings showed a further push back to March was needed.

“Based on the initial assessment, it was expected to be done in March,” he explained, “and when we looked at it more closely - and the information the operators provided - it became April.”

Mr Bereaux said the ini-

tial information from BTC and Aliv “suggested they would be ready sooner than they were; they led us to believe they would be ready quicker than the assessment showed”.

The URCA chief stressed that mobile number portability was an initiative that has to be “operator led”, and there was no point in launching unless both players were ready.

Mr Bearaux said number portability was a six to nine-month process that required “a lot of work” from both BTC and Aliv, in terms of readying and upgrading their networks and training staff.

“We would have hoped they would be at this stage in late December to early January,” he told Tribune Business. “They’re two months away.”

Damian Blackburn, Aliv’s top executive, told Tribune Business that the “clarity” provided by URCA in terms of the April 25, 2017, launch date was important than the extra month’s delay.

He revealed that Aliv, which as BTC’s first rival is responsible for ending its long-standing mobile monopoly, is set to launch a promotional campaign within the next week to encourage Bahamians to

“register their interest” in keeping their current number when switching to the new provider.

“All will be good in the end,” Mr Blackburn told Tribune Business. “What matters now is that there’s clarity, and after a long wait for the people of the Bahamas, they will be able to move their number between operators, which is what people have asked for, want and deserve with the liberalisation of the industry.

“All good things come to those who wait, as someone more famous than me once said. We’ll just keep plugging forward with what we have to do.”

Following the certainty provided by URCA’s April 25 determination, Mr Blackburn added: “We will be starting a campaign soon for people to register their interest in moving their number to us. It’ll start in the next week or so.”

Mr Blackburn said that while he believed number portability could be launched in the Bahamas earlier, he agreed with URCA’s caution given Easter’s timing.

“I’m not going to troll over the ‘in’s’ and ‘out’s’,” he added of the February 14 miss. “There’s no value in it.”

nesses and persons,” Mr Davis said of the landfill on ‘The Revolution’ radio show. “The last thing we want is a toxic plume of smoke coming over the golf course on the day we open.

“We’ve already encouraged and spoken to the existing government that they need to address it, and they’ve made a commitment to address it. We’re all concerned, and want to make sure it is addressed and goes away.”

Mr Davis implied that CTFE had failed to spot the potential health and smell hazards from the New Providence landfill, and their ability to negatively impact Baha Mar and its guests, when doing its ‘due diligence’ on the property’s acquisition.

He said: “I just noticed it recently, and it’s a concern; it should be a concern for all of us to make sure that those responsible for finding a solution do that very quickly because I think that impacts all of us.

“It’s not just Baha Mar but it impacts other resorts that are in the area. There are other developments that are in the area, and as that wind blows it has a negative impact on all of us and it needs to be addressed.

“I think it is in all of our interests to make sure that we find a permanent solution to the issues of the dump when it comes to the toxic fumes that are coming out of it. There is a committee being put in place

and we all expect action; as good business owners and residents we demand it.”

Mr Dorsett did not respond to Tribune Business’s requests for comment via cell phone message or email yesterday, continuing the silence he has maintained since previous landfill manager, Renew Bahamas, walked away from its contract in Hurricane Matthew’s aftermath.

The Christie administration placed great faith in Renew Bahamas to resolve the landfill’s woes after taking office in May 2012, awarding it a contract to manage the site and generate the necessary revenues to sustain its business model via materials recycling.

However, the landfill management contract was never put out to public tender via a specially designed request for proposal (RFP), unlike the energy sector reform and mobile communications liberalisation processes.

Renew Bahamas, unable to generate the necessary income to sustain itself amid a decline in world commodities prices, and following a fire that rendered its materials recycling facility inoperable for several months, ultimately relinquished its contract and investment late last year.

A further sign that Renew Bahamas is not coming back arrived this week after its former communications director, Andrew Knowles, returned to presenting the

television news, this time with NB 12.

The landfill has subsequently been placed back into the care of the Department of Environmental Health Services (DEHS), with Tribune Business hearing frequent complaints that the order and rules established by Renew Bahamas have broken down.

The WRDG group told Tribune Business in December 2016 that it was eagerly hoping to obtain a Letter of Intent (LOI) from the Government so it could proceed with plans to take over the New Providence landfill’s management.

It pledged that if successful its ownership would be structured similar to that of Arawak Port Development Company (APD).

BISX-listed APD is owned 40 per cent by the shipping/port services industry and 40 per cent by the Government, with the remaining 20 per cent in the hands of public investors following the 2012 initial public offering (IPO).

“The shareholding of the company will be made up of the Bahamian waste companies, the Government and the general public, very like the Arawak Port setup,” WRDG said, meaning that Bahamians will have an opportunity to obtain equity ownership.

The WRDG consortium said then that it had presented an integrated waste management plan to the Government, calling for the

recycling of plastics, paper, metals and green waste, and for dealing with construction and demolition debris.

UK engineering firm, Mott McDonald, was also said to be on stand-by to perform further work once WRDG received a ‘goahead’ signal from the Government.

WRDG said: “We want to reassure the residents who live in close proximity to the landfill (Gladstone Road), as well as those living further away in the Carmichael Road and the Cable Beach areas, which are most affected by smoke and fumes emanating from the landfill fires, that our first steps after assuming control of the New Providence landfill will be to work on the many festering subterranean fires and to install a comprehensive fire fighting system.

“We are all Bahamians, we live here and, like everybody, we suffer the suffocating and poisonous fumes that billow from the ‘dump’ when it is on fire.....We worry about the diminishing capacity of the landfill, a landfill which can last much longer with proper management and a closely followed Master Plan.

“We worry about the effect the poisonous gases are having on our fellow Bahamians, and our foreign investors and guests who have come to enjoy our pristine environment.”

in the Bahamas suffered extensive damage as a result of Hurricane Matthew. Although many of our customers experienced significant outages as a result of Hurricane Matthew, service to the majority of our fixedline and mobile subscribers has now been restored.

“We estimate that Hurricane Matthew resulted in reductions to our revenue and adjusted [operating income] in the Bahamas during the fourth quarter of 2016 of $2 million and $4 million, respectively.

“In addition, we estimate that property and equipment additions required to repair our fixed-line and mobile networks in the Bahamas will aggregate up to $40 million, of which $22 million was incurred during the fourth quarter of 2016,” Liberty added.

“Although we expect the adverse impacts on our revenue and adjusted [operating income] from Hurricane Matthew to continue during 2017, we expect these impacts to progressively decline over the course of the year.

“Although we have property and business interruption insurance that we expect will cover a significant portion of our Hurricane Matthew losses, no assurance can be given as to the amount and timing of the insurance proceeds that we will ultimately recover.”

Liberty also warned that BTC’s yields and margins were set to come under “significant” pressure as a result of the end to its mo-

bile monopoly, and the arrival of Aliv, the new operator that is controlled by its major competitor, BISXlisted Cable Bahamas.

“Significant competition, together with macroeconomic factors, has adversely impacted our revenue, RGUs (revenue generating units) and/or average monthly subscription revenue per average cable RGU or mobile subscriber, particularly in the Netherlands, Barbados, the Bahamas and Trinidad and Tobago,” Liberty said.

“In the Bahamas, where CWC had previously been the only provider of mobile services, competition has increased significantly due to the commercial launch of mobile services by a competitor during the fourth quarter of 2016.”

CWC, which is now part of Liberty, confirmed that it was discounting and using promotions to bolster its subscriber base to over 315,000 in the three months to end-December 2016 “In the Bahamas, we grew subscribers across mobile, video and internet products year-to-date,” CWC said.

“Momentum is steadily building in our video RGU base through penetration of our newly constructed Fiber-to-the-Home (FttH) network. Despite the entrance into the market of our first mobile competitor in November 2016, we were able to grow our subscriber base by 6,000 quarter-to-date through increased data-led promotional activity.”

BTC deal approval wait now 9 months From pg B1 not waiting on anything from URCA,” Mr Bereaux told Tribune Business of Liberty’s 10K filing.

URCA’s only role in handling such mergers and acquisitions is to determine whether the ‘change in control’ of the purchased entity, in this case BTC, will have a negative impact on communications industry competition.

Mr Bereaux’s comments, combined with Liberty’s 10K filing, imply that it is the National Economic Council (Cabinet) and Investments Board approvals that are awaited. It is unclear why there has been the nine-month delay indicated by Liberty, as Khaalis Rolle, minister of state for investments, could not be reached for comment yesterday.

However, Liberty indicated its unease at having governments as equity partners in the communications companies it owns/oper-

ates.

“In several of CWC’s key markets, including Panama and the Bahamas, governments are CWC’s partners and co-owners,” its 10K filing said.

“Consequently, we may not be able to fully utilise CWC’s contractual or legal rights or all options available, where to do so might conflict with broader regulatory or governmental considerations.”

Meanwhile, Liberty said Hurricane Matthew’s impact on BTC’s network and the Bahamas in general would likely cut the latter’s 2016 fourth quarter operating income by $4 million.

It pegged the damage inflicted on BTC’s network and infrastructure at $40 million, with some $22 million in repair work conducted during the three months to end-December 2016.

Warning that Matthew’s financial impact on BTC would linger well into 2016, Liberty said: “Our fixedline and mobile networks

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Tuesday, February 21, 2017, PAGE 5

Tribes hope Trump's 'America first' helps first Americans

BOSTON (AP) — Native Americans hope President Donald Trump doesn’t forget America’s first inhabitants as he promises to put “America first.”

Tribes have been reaching out to the Republican administration since it took office last month, saying they’re ready to help it meet its campaign promises of improving the economy and creating more jobs for Americans.

Five large tribes in Oklahoma — the Cherokee, Chickasaw , Choctaw, Muscogee Creek and Seminoles — have requested a meeting with the New York billionaire during his first 100 days in office so they can talk about ways to advance their common interests.

In Massachusetts, leaders of the Mashpee Wampanoag tribe, descendants of the Native Americans who first encountered the Pilgrims nearly four centuries ago, have been echoing similar sentiments to Trump officials as they seek approval of reservation lands to build a $1 billion resort casino south of Boston.

“Tribes are pouring billions and billions of dollars into the U.S. to help make America great again,” said Cedric Cromwell, chairman of the 2,600-member, federally recognized tribe, playing off Trump’s campaign slogan. “All of these economies we’re creating, from resort casinos to malls to businesses. We’re job creators.

That’s a story that’s never really told.”

But tribes elsewhere have already steeled for battle just weeks into the new administration.

Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe Chairman Cedric Cromwell sits behind his desk at the community/government Center in Mashpee, Mass. “Tribes are pouring billions and billions of dollars into the U.S. to help make America great again,” said Cromwell, chairman of the 2,600-member, federally recognized tribe, playing off President Donald Trump’s campaign slogan. “All of these economies we’re creating, from resort casinos to malls to businesses. We’re job creators. That’s a story that’s never really told.” (AP Photo) The Standing Rock Sioux tribe in North Dakota has asked the courts to overturn recent federal approvals for the Dakota Access pipeline. The tribe and its supporters are also planning a large demonstration in Washington on March 10.

“The Trump Administration is circumventing the law: wholly disregarding the treaty rights of the Standing Rock Sioux,” Jan Hasselman, an attorney representing the tribe, said in a statement.

“It isn’t the 1800s anymore — the U.S. government must keep its promises.”

The tribes along the nation’s border with Mexico have also voiced concerns about the impact Trump’s proposed wall will have on their sovereign lands. And other tribal advocates are closely watching what comes of Republicans’ promises to repeal and replace former President Barack Obama’s Affordable Care Act. The law included federal funds for tribal health care programs, and stripping them could have “disastrous consequences,” dozens of tribal groups wrote in a December letter to congressional leaders.

Despite the uncertainties,

many tribal leaders say they’re still hopeful they can build on the strong relationships enjoyed under prior administrations.

They’ve found reason to cheer in Trump’s pick to lead the Department of Interior, Ryan Zinke, a Republican congressman from Montana who’s pledged to “restore trust” between the agency, the states and Indian tribes.

“Yes, we are looking for ways to partner. Now, do we have assumptions because he’s been in battles with other tribes? Sure, and we’re looking to clarify those assumptions,” says Gary Batton, chief of the roughly 200,000-member Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma. “Is he open to considering that each tribal government is its own separate entity and unique? That’s the way we’re approaching this.”

On the campaign trail, Trump gave little indication how he might approach tribes, but many see promise in the administration’s broader goals.

“Infrastructure, energy development, education and job creation,” said Jacqueline Pata, a member of the Tlingit-Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska’s Central Council and executive director for the National Congress of American Indians.

“Those are things that have been critical in Indian Country for a long, long time.”

Russell Begaye, president of the Navajo Nation, says his members will be looking for greater control over water, land, criminal justice and taxation on their sovereign lands, which straddle parts of New Mexico, Arizona and Utah.

“If Trump is about self-suffi-

ciency and self-determination, let’s see if he really means that,” he said. “Give us full authority over our lands. If this land is ours, why are we asking the federal government for permission?”

Tribes with casino dreams, meanwhile, are optimistic that Trump’s experience in the industry, as well as his promises to ease businesses regulations, will work in their favor, said Jason Giles, a member of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation in Oklahoma and executive director of the National Indian Gaming Association.

Trump once owned three Atlantic City, New Jersey, casinos, though two have since shuttered and one operates under different owners.

Tribes are even willing, for now, to overlook the president’s past off-color statements about Native Americans. Testifying before Congress in 1993, the then-casino mogul questioned the legitimacy of some of his tribal rivals.

“Go up to Connecticut,” Trump said, referring to the Mashantucket Pequot tribe, owners of Foxwoods Resort Casino. “They don’t look like Indians to me.”

Giles called Trump’s past remarks “troublesome” but says he and other tribal representatives have been assured by Trump’s advisers that those statements aren’t reflective of the current administration, which didn’t respond to requests for comment for this story.

“We’re taking them at their word,” he said. “We’re going into this with open arms.”

GOP health plan: Lower costs, better care, or road to ruin?

WASHINGTON (AP) — Top House Republicans say their outline for replacing President Barack Obama’s health care law is a pathway to greater flexibility and lower costs for consumers. Democrats see a road to ruin for millions who’d face lost coverage and higher medical expenses, particularly the poor.

The plan “ensures more choices, lower costs and greater control over your health care,” according to talking points GOP leaders handed lawmakers heading home to face constituents during this week’s recess.

Democrats say the proposal would threaten the coverage of 20 million Americans gained under Obama’s 2010 overhaul.

“It’s like rationing” health care, said Rep. Frank Pallone of New Jersey, the House Energy and Commerce Committee’s top Democrat.

The GOP package lacks details, which are a work in progress, and has no estimates of cost or the number of people it would serve. It’s also uncertain if enough Republicans would support it — a hurdle that’s flummoxed leaders over seven years of trying to dismantle Obama’s law.

The plan’s highlights and each side’s views: MEDICAID: Serves 77 million people, mostly the poor and those with nursing home costs. Benefits go to anyone who qualifies.

GOP lawmakers want states to receive fixed federal sums per beneficiary.

These would probably be less generous than today’s payments, which generally

cover costs automatically.

They’d give more power to states to decide who and which services are covered, and phase out Obama’s expansion for additional lower-earning people that 31 states accepted.

Republicans: The program is unsustainable. Its costs are projected to grow from $390 billion this year to nearly $500 billion in 2022. It’s swamping states, devouring an average onefifth of their budgets. States should have more freedom to shape programs.

Democrats: The GOP will cut Medicaid’s budget and cash-strapped states can’t make up the difference. That means fewer recipients with higher outof-pocket costs, dwindling menus of services covered and lower payments to providers.

INDIVIDUAL MANDATE: If people don’t get policies at work or from government programs like Medicare or veterans’ coverage, Obama’s law requires them to buy it privately or pay tax penalties. Millions purchase insurance on online exchanges the statute established, and nearly 9 in 10 get federal subsidies.

The GOP would erase the penalty and phase out subsidies, replacing them with a tax credit for everyone not insured on the job or by government programs. The amount is undecided, but it would be larger for older people and not vary by people’s income. It would cover dependent children up to age 26 and be paid monthly.

If one’s tax liability is smaller than the credit, the IRS would refund the difference

with a check.

Republicans: Unlike Obama’s subsidies for use on exchanges, the GOP tax credit lets people spend it for any state-approved policies. Adjusting the credit for income like Obama’s subsidies, which are higher for the poor, creates disincentives for work. Consumers would curb medical expenses because they could deposit leftover funds into health savings accounts.

Democrats: A boon to better-off people at the expense of poorer consumers, who today get bigger subsidies than those in higher income brackets. Unlike Obama’s subsidies, the GOP credit is not adjusted for local health care costs.

HEALTH SAVINGS ACCOUNTS: People can already contribute money to these tax-favored funds if they also have health insurance with high annual deductibles. Once the deductible is met, money in the funds can be tapped to pay medical bills. This year’s contributions are capped at $6,750 for families.

Republicans would increase contribution limits, perhaps letting them nearly double. Money could be spent for over-the-counter products.

Republicans: Creates incentives for people to shop for medical care and curb spending, which helps control costs.

Democrats: A gift to the rich. Useless for low- and middle-income families already having trouble saving money. Their savings would pale compared with potential bills for serious health problems.

House Speaker Paul Ryan of Wis. arrives with Health and Human Services Secretary-designate, Rep. Tom Price, R-Ga. on Capitol Hill in Washington, for a closed-door GOP strategy session. Top House Republicans say their outline for replacing President Barack Obama’s health care law is a pathway to greater flexibility and lower costs for consumers. Democrats see it as a road to ruin that will mean lost coverage and bigger medical expenses for millions, particularly poorer people.

(AP Photo)

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Please fax your resume to: H.R : Fax: 326 2151 Or e-mail to HR@leadingservices.net

PAGE 6, Tuesday, February 21, 2017

Bailout negotiators get goahead to return to Greece

BRUSSELS (AP) — Greece and its European creditors agreed Monday to resume talks on what economic reforms the country must make next in order to get the money it needs to avoid bankruptcy and a potential exit from the euro this summer.

The creditors also hinted that they would temper their demands for budget cuts — a welcome thought for austerity-weary Greeks who have seen poverty and unemployment spike as their economy shrank by a quarter over the recent crisis-ridden years.

“There will be a change in the policy mix, if you will, moving perhaps away from austerity and putting more emphasis on deep reforms,” said Jeroen Dijsselbloem, the eurozone’s top official.

At face value, that means fewer tax rises and spending cuts and deep reforms to the country’s tax system, pensions and labor laws.

Such reforms could help the economy and generate income that the Greek government can use to push for further growth — such as through tax cuts or even spending increases.

“There could be fiscal space for growth-enhancing measures,” Dijsselbloem said.

Greek Finance Minister Euclid Tsakalotos, left, is talking with the EU Economic and Financial Affairs, Taxation and Customs Commissioner Pierre Moscovici prior to a round table meeting of Eurogroup finance ministers at the EU Council building in Brussels yesterday. The eurozone’s 19 finance ministers will be looking to defuse the risk of another Greek crisis as they try to agree Monday on what reforms Greece must still take to qualify for more loans. (AP Photo) Easing up on austerity has been a key demand of Greek Finance Minister Euclid Tsakalotos. Greece’s left-wing government has lost a lot of support as it legislated for more austerity in return for the bailout cash — it’s about 15 percentage points behind the main opposition conservatives according to opinion polls.

Energy Minister George Stathakis said Monday’s agreement will mean that there will be no net increase in austerity, as any tax increases from 2019 will be offset by reductions in other forms of taxation.

“We have not agreed specific measures,” he told Skai TV. “But we agreed that whatever changes are

made at one level, for example tax increases for some categories of Greeks, there will be equivalent measures to reduce taxation. ... Every measure that carries a tax burden of one euro will have a counter-measure that eases one euro in tax.”

This has also been one of the demands of the International Monetary Fund and could help persuade it to contribute to the latest Greek bailout program, which was agreed on in July 2015. The IMF’s involvement was envisioned in that bailout deal, Greece’s third, and Dijsselbloem said Monday’s agreement could help to get it on board financially.

Still, there are other potential hurdles to be cleared before the IMF does get involved. One key issue relates to Greece’s debt profile over the coming decades. The IMF forecasts Greece’s debt will, as things stand, swell to a staggering 275 percent by 2060 from around 180 percent now.

As a result, it’s urging the Europeans to come up with a substantive package of debt relief measures. The eurozone countries, notably Germany, have ruled out an outright debt reduction but are open to other kinds of debt relief, such as extend-

ing Greece’s repayment periods or capping the interest rates at relatively low levels.

Debt relief discussions will recommence once agreement on the next batch of Greek reforms is concluded.

IMF spokesperson Gerry Rice said on Twitter that the Fund welcomed the progress made Monday but that more “will be needed to bridge differences on other important issues.”

Despite that caution, German Finance Minister Wolfgang Schaeuble has seemingly no doubt that the IMF will get involved.

“I think it’s very much a theoretical discussion,” he said. “The IMF will take part.”

Disagreement between the eurozone and the IMF over the sustainability of Greece’s debts and the scale of austerity demanded of Athens was one of the main reasons why concerns over another bout of Greek jitters flared in markets in the past few weeks.

Greece has a payment hump in July with around 7 billion euros ($7.4 billion) due, and without the bailout cash it would face a potential exit from the euro — so-called Grexit, a scenario it has faced repeatedly over the past seven years.

AP, other media ask judge to order release of iPhone records WASHINGTON (AP) — The Associated Press and two other news organizations asked a judge Monday to force the federal government to reveal how much it paid for a tool to unlock an iPhone used by one of the San Bernardino, California, shooters.

The news organizations said in a court filing there was “no adequate justification” for the FBI to continue to withhold information on the cost of the tool or the identity of the vendor that sold it. They said their requests were narrowly tailored and, contrary to the arguments of the FBI and Justice Department, did not seek information that would jeopardize national security or be exploited by America’s enemies.

“While it is undisputed that the vendor developed the iPhone access tool, the government has identified no rational reason why knowing the vendor’s iden-

an iPhone is seen in Washington.

The Associated Press and other news organizations are asking a judge to force the federal government to reveal how much it paid for a tool to unlock an iPhone used by one of the San Bernardino shooters. (AP Photo)

tity is linked in any way to the substance of the tool, much less how such knowledge would reveal any information about the tool’s application,” lawyers for the news organizations wrote in the filing to the U.S. District Court in Washington.

The AP, Vice Media LLC

and Gannett, the parent company of USA Today, sued the FBI in September.

The news organizations sought to learn more about the mysterious transaction that cut short a legal dispute in which the government won a court order to force Apple Inc. to unlock the

work phone of Syed Rizwan Farook, who along with his wife killed 14 people in the December 2015 San Bernardino attack.

The FBI had maintained for weeks that only Apple could access the information on its phone, which was protected by encryption,

Legal Notice

NOTICE INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS COMPANIES ACT (No. 45 of 2000)

SOLA INTERNATIONAL LIMITED In Voluntary liquidation

Notice is hereby given that in accordance with Section 138 (8) of the International Business Companies Act (No. 45 of 2000), SOLA INTERNATIONAL LIMITED, has been dissolved and struck off the Register according to the Certificate of Dissolution issued by the Registrar General on the 25th day of January, 2017.

Russell Homer Rue Muzy 10 1207 Geneva Switzerland Liquidator NOTICE RED WOOD (PTC) LIMITED

NOTICE FLOWER HILL (PTC) LIMITED

but announced in March that it had ultimately broken or bypassed the company’s digital locks with the help of an unidentified third party. The government has refused to say how it acquired the tool or how much it paid, though FBI Director James Comey dropped a hint in April when he said the cost was more than he would make for the duration of his job— roughly seven years.

The Justice Department last month provided some heavily redacted records from the transaction, but withheld critical details that the AP was seeking. The government argued that the information it withheld, if released, could be seized upon by “hostile entities” that could develop their own “countermeasures” and interfere with the FBI’s intelligence gathering. It also said that disclosure “would result in severe damage to the FBI’s efforts to detect and apprehend violators of the United States’ national security and criminal laws through these very activities and methods.”

But in their latest court filing, the news organizations said they never sought the sensitive information the FBI has said it wants to protect, such as how the tool worked. They said the government was improperly invoking national security exemptions to the Freedom of Information Act, which they say mandates the release of the information.

“Release of this information goes to the very heart of FOIA’s purpose, allowing the public to assess government activity — here, the decision to pay public funds to an outside entity in possession of a tool that can compromise the digital security of millions of Americans,” the lawyers wrote.

THE TRIBUNE

World stocks mostly rise as US remains shut for holiday HONG KONG (AP) — Global stocks mostly rose Monday, though Wall Street remained shut for a holiday, as investors awaited key reports this week, including economic data, corporate earnings and minutes from the Federal Reserve’s last meeting.

KEEPING SCORE: In Europe, Germany’s DAX gained 0.6 percent to 11,827.62 and Britain’s FTSE 100 was flat at 7,299.86. France’s CAC 40 shed 0.1 percent to 4,864.99. Greek bonds rose after eurozone finance ministers moved a step closer to freeing up more rescue loans for the country.

U.S. markets set record highs on Friday but remained closed for trading on Monday for Presidents’ Day. WEEK AHEAD: Markets await the Federal Reserve’s release Wednesday of minutes from its January policy meeting, which might provide new insight in the U.S. central bank’s views on interest rates.

Last week, Fed chief Janet Yellen indicated the Fed is likely to speed up the pace of its interest rate rises if the job market remains healthy and inflation stays on track. Also due this week: a German business confidence index on Tuesday, U.S. new home sales on Friday and earnings from big companies such as British bank HSBC. ANALYST VIEW: “The Fed minutes on Wednesday are likely to be the data highlight this week,” said Kathleen Brooks, research director at City Index. However, Fed officials are “unlikely to commit to a March rate hike, especially because the Fed has worked its way into a corner where it is now dependent on the Trump administration’s fiscal plans before it can change policy.”

WhatsApp adds ‘status’ feature in not do past and future NEW YORK (AP) — In a nod to its past as well as its future, WhatsApp is adding a “status” feature that lets users tell their contacts what they are up to.

It’s not a new idea — WhatsApp started out as a way for people to let their friends know what they are up to — at work or available, for example. Messaging, now the app’s main function, was added later.

But it’s also a sign that the Facebook-owned app is expanding the amount of features it has, just as Instagram, another Facebook subsidiary, has been doing over the years.

Users will be able to post photos or videos as status updates.

WhatsApp says the status posts will be end-to-end encrypted , just as its messages are. That means only the parties who are communicating can see the messages, not an outside party or even WhatsApp.

NOTICE EAGLE WOOD (PTC) LIMITED

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN as follows:

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN as follows:

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN as follows:

(a) RED WOOD (PTC) LIMITED is in dissolution under the provisions of the International Business Companies Act 2000.

(a) FLOWER HILL (PTC) LIMITED is in dissolution under the provisions of the International Business Companies Act 2000.

(a) EAGLE WOOD (PTC) LIMITED is in dissolution under the provisions of the International Business Companies Act 2000.

(b) The dissolution of the said Company commenced on the 17th day of February, 2017 when its Articles of Dissolution were submitted to and registered by the Registrar General.

(b) The dissolution of the said Company commenced on the 17th day of February, 2017 when its Articles of Dissolution were submitted to and registered by the Registrar General.

(b) The dissolution of the said Company commenced on the 17th day of February, 2017 when its Articles of Dissolution were submitted to and registered by the Registrar General.

(c) The Liquidator of the said Company is Mr. Delano Aranha of Ocean Centre, Montagu Foreshore, East Bay Street, P.O. Box N-3247, Nassau, Bahamas

(c) The Liquidator of the said Company is Mr. Delano Aranha of Ocean Centre, Montagu Foreshore, East Bay Street, P.O. Box N-3247, Nassau, Bahamas

(c) The Liquidator of the said Company is Mr. Delano Aranha of Ocean Centre, Montagu Foreshore, East Bay Street, P.O. Box N-3247, Nassau, Bahamas

Dated the 17th day of February A.D., 2017.

Dated the 17th day of February A.D., 2017.

Dated the 17th day of February A.D., 2017.

H & J CORPORATE SERVICES LTD. Registered Agent for the above-named Company

H & J CORPORATE SERVICES LTD. Registered Agent for the above-named Company

H & J CORPORATE SERVICES LTD. Registered Agent for the above-named Company

PAGE 8, Tuesday, February 21, 2017

THE TRIBUNE

UK’s May says Lords must respect people’s will on Brexit

LONDON (AP) — Britain’s House of Lords launched a bid Monday to gain a greater say for Parliament over the terms of the U.K.’s European Union exit, as Prime Minister Theresa May warned lawmakers not to hold up “what the British people want” by trying to delay the process.

The Lords, Parliament’s unelected upper chamber, began two days of debate on a bill authorizing the government to trigger the EU divorce process.

The Lords can’t overrule the elected House of Commons, which has already passed the bill. But opposition members of the Lords are seeking amendments to guarantee Parliament a bigger say in the negotiations.

Any amendments they pass would go back to the Commons for approval.

That parliamentary “ping pong” could delay the bill’s passage, endangering the government’s self-imposed March 31 deadline for trig-

Baroness Williams of Trafford speaks in the House of Lords as they debate the Brexit Bill, in London, yesterday. The House of Lords began their debate Monday on a bill authorizing the government to trigger article 50, starting the formal process for Britain to leave the EU. (AP Photo) gering two years of Brexit negotiations.

Angela Smith, the opposition Labour Party’s leader in the Lords, promised that “we will not block, wreck or sabotage the legislation be-

fore us.”

But, she added, “neither should we provide the government with a blank check.”

Peers packed the red leather benches of the

Lords chamber, which does not have enough seats for all 800 members of the house. In an unusual move for a prime minister, May sat inside the chamber to watch the opening of the

debate — a move some saw as a warning to peers not to impede the will of the people.

Speaking earlier on a visit to the central England city of Stoke-on-Trent, May noted that the House of Commons approved the bill earlier this month without amendments.

“I hope that the House of Lords will pay attention to that,” she said.

Natalie Evans, the Conservative leader of the Lords, said Parliament must respect voters’ decision in a June referendum to leave the 28-nation bloc. She warned colleagues not to try to “restrict the government’s hand before it enters into complex negotiations or attempt to re-run the referendum.”

But Smith said the Lords would fulfill its role as the chamber of sober second thought and hold “a serious and a responsible debate.”

Almost 200 peers are due to speak during the debate on

Monday and Tuesday.

“If we ask the House of Commons to look again at an issue, it is not a constitutional outrage, but a constitutional responsibility,” Smith said.

Opposition amendments will seek to guarantee a vote for Parliament — or even a second referendum — on the deal agreed between Britain and the bloc.

Another change will seek to guarantee the rights of 3 million EU citizens living in the U.K. after Britain leaves the bloc. So far Britain and the EU have failed to ensure that the EU nationals — and 1 million Britons living in other parts of the bloc — can stay, despite repeated assertions by both sides that people shouldn’t be used as leverage.

Scores of EU citizens and their supporters rallied outside Parliament Monday to lobby lawmakers, carrying EU flags and stickers declaring: “I am not a bargaining chip.”

Deadline looms for Dakota Access pipeline protest camp

CANNON BALL, N.D. (AP) — As dawn breaks over an encampment that was once home to thousands of people protesting the Dakota Access oil pipeline, a few hundred holdouts rise for another day of resistance.

They aren’t deterred by the threat of flooding, nor by declarations from state and federal authorities that they must leave by Wednesday or face possible arrest.

They’re determined to remain and fight a pipeline they maintain threatens the very sanctity of the land.

“If we don’t stand now, when will we?” said Tiffanie Pieper, of San Diego, who has been in the camp most of the winter.

Protesters have been at the campsite since August to fight the $3.8 bil-

lion pipeline that will carry oil from North Dakota through South Dakota and Iowa to a shipping point in Illinois. Dallas-based Energy Transfer Partners began work on the last big section of the pipeline this month after the Army gave it permission to lay pipe under a reservoir on the Missouri River. The protest camp is on Army Corp of Engineers land nearby.

The protests have been led by Native American tribes, particularly the Standing Rock Sioux and Cheyenne River Sioux, whose reservation is downstream. They say the pipeline threatens drinking water and cultural sites. ETP disputes that.

Faced with the prospect of spring flooding, some protesters are considering

moving to higher ground, though not necessarily off the federal land. Some may move to the Standing Rock Reservation, where the Cheyenne River Sioux is leasing land to provide camping space even though Standing Rock Sioux Chairman Dave Archambault has urged protesters to leave.

“We have the same goals,” Cheyenne River Chairman Harold Frazier said of himself and Archambault. “We don’t agree on whether or not the water protectors should be on the ground.”

On Monday, North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum talked with Archambault on the telephone about efforts to clean up and vacate the protest camp, Burgum’s office said. Bur-

gum and Archambault both stressed the importance of keeping lines of communication open, including a one-page flyer that the U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs will distribute in the camp, reminding protesters that the main camp will be evacuated at 2 p.m. Wednesday and re-entry will not be allowed, Burgum’s office said.

More than 230 truckloads of debris have been hauled out as of Monday, according to the governor’s office.

Those urging the protesters to leave say they’re concerned about possible flooding in the area as snow melts.

“The purpose of this is to close the land to ensure no one gets harmed,” said Corps Capt. Ryan Hig-

night.

One concern is that floodwaters could wash tons of trash and debris at the encampment into the nearby rivers.

“One of the biggest environmental threats to the Missouri is the camp itself,” Burgum said.

Many in camp think authorities are exaggerating the flood threat and trying to turn public sentiment against them.

“They’re talking like it will be a flood that will wipe out all of existence,” said Luke Black Elk, a Cheyenne River Sioux from South Dakota. Some flooding is likely, he said, but “most of it won’t be that bad.”

The camp has been the site of numerous and sometimes violent clashes be-

tween police and protesters who call themselves “water protectors,” with more than 700 arrests.

The camp’s population has dwindled as the pipeline battle has largely moved into the courts.

Protesters who remain say they’re prepared to be arrested, but will remain peaceful.

“We’ll make it difficult for them to handcuff us, but there will be no forceful opposition,” said Bryce Peppard, from Oregon.

The Corps and the governor say they would rather there were no arrests.

“The ideal situation is zero arrests are made because everybody figures out that it’s not a place where you want to be when the flood starts to happen,” Burgum said.

MARKET REPORT MONDAY, 20 FEBRUARY 2017

t. 242.323.2330 | f. 242.323.2320 | www.bisxbahamas.com

BISX ALL SHARE INDEX: CLOSE 1,916.22 | CHG 0.00 | %CHG 0.00 | YTD -21.99 | YTD% -1.13 BISX LISTED & TRADED SECURITIES 52WK HI 4.38 17.43 9.09 3.56 4.70 0.12 7.20 8.50 6.10 10.60 15.48 2.72 1.60 5.83 9.75 11.00 9.25 6.90 12.01 11.00

52WK LOW 2.70 17.43 8.19 3.50 1.77 0.12 3.80 8.15 5.50 7.72 11.00 2.18 1.31 5.80 6.78 8.56 6.12 6.35 11.92 10.00

1000.00 1000.00 1000.00 1000.00

900.00 1000.00 1000.00 1000.00

PREFERENCE SHARES

1.00 106.00 100.00 106.00 105.00 105.00 100.00 10.00 1.01

1.00 105.50 100.00 100.00 105.00 100.00 100.00 10.00 1.01

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

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

52WK LOW 100.00 100.00 100.00

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

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

SYMBOL FBB17 FBB18 FBB22

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

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

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

113.70 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00

MUTUAL FUNDS 52WK HI 2.03 3.92 1.94 169.70 141.76 1.47 1.67 1.57 1.10 6.96 8.50 6.30 9.94 11.21 10.46

52WK LOW 1.67 3.04 1.68 164.74 116.70 1.41 1.61 1.52 1.03 6.41 7.62 5.66 8.65 10.54 9.57

LAST CLOSE 4.38 15.85 9.09 3.53 1.77 0.12 4.50 8.50 5.83 10.48 11.93 2.14 1.55 5.83 9.75 10.95 9.25 6.90 12.01 10.00 1000.00 1000.00 1000.00 1000.00 1.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 10.00 1.01 LAST SALE 100.00 100.00 100.00 105.20 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00

CLOSE 4.38 15.85 9.09 3.53 1.77 0.12 4.50 8.50 5.83 10.48 11.93 2.14 1.55 5.83 9.75 10.95 9.25 6.90 12.01 10.00

CHANGE 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

1000.00 1000.00 1000.00 1000.00 1.00 100.00 100.00 100.11 100.00 100.00 100.00 10.00 1.01

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

CLOSE 100.00 100.00 100.00

CHANGE 0.00 0.00 0.00

104.80 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00

-0.40 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

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

VOLUME

VOLUME

NAV 2.03 3.92 1.94 168.44 141.76 1.47 1.64 1.56 1.04 6.96 8.50 6.30 9.80 11.13 9.63

EPS$ 0.029 1.002 -0.144 0.170 -0.130 0.000 -0.030 0.607 0.430 0.450 0.110 0.102 0.080 0.300 0.520 0.960 0.820 0.294 0.610 0.000

DIV$ 0.080 1.000 0.000 0.210 0.000 0.000 0.090 0.300 0.220 0.360 0.490 0.060 0.060 0.240 0.400 0.000 0.330 0.140 0.640 0.000

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

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

P/E 151.0 15.8 N/M 20.8 N/M N/M -150.0 14.0 13.6 23.3 108.5 21.0 19.4 19.4 18.8 11.4 11.3 23.5 19.7 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

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

INTEREST 7.00% 6.00% Prime + 1.75%

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

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

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

YTD% 12 MTH% 4.30% 4.30% 3.82% 3.82% 2.73% 2.73% 3.95% 3.95% 6.77% 6.77% 0.40% 4.04% -1.76% 1.06% -0.34% 2.70% -0.95% 1.55% 4.35% 4.69% 4.13% 4.28% 4.22% 4.64% 6.19% 3.43% 2.77% 2.98% -3.66% -3.90%

NAV Date 31-Dec-2016 31-Dec-2016 31-Dec-2016 31-Dec-2016 31-Dec-2016 31-Jan-2017 31-Jan-2017 31-Jan-2017 31-Jan-2017 30-Nov-2016 30-Nov-2016 30-Nov-2016 30-Nov-2016 30-Nov-2016 30-Nov-2016

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

YIELD 1.83% 6.31% 0.00% 5.95% 0.00% 0.00% 2.00% 3.53% 3.77% 3.44% 4.11% 2.80% 3.87% 4.12% 4.10% 0.00% 3.57% 2.03% 5.33% 0.00%

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

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

an abandoned teepee is surrounded by melted snow at the Dakota Access oil pipeline protest camp in southern North Dakota near Cannon Ball. The camp is on federal land, and authorities have told occupants to leave by yesterday in advance of spring flooding. (AP Photo)

NOTICE

NOTICE is hereby given that KETTLYNE MICHEL of Carmichael Road, Nassau, Bahamas is applying to the Minister responsible for Nationality and Citizenship, for registration/naturalization as a citizen of The Bahamas, and that any person who knows any reason why registration/naturalization should not be granted, should send a written and signed statement of the facts within twenty-eight days from the 21st day of February, 2017 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, Bahamas.

NOTICE

NOTICE is hereby given that JUNIOR PIERRE of Marsh Harbour, Abaco, 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 twentyeight days from the 21st day of February, 2017 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, Bahamas.

THE TRIBUNE

Tuesday, February 21, 2017, PAGE 9

b o dy an d m in d

Members of the Healthy Bahamas Coalition

Healthy Bahamas Coalition aims to reduce NCD deaths

By ALESHA CADET Tribune Features Reporter acadet@tribunemedia.net

Reducing unnecessary deaths and disability caused by chronic non-communicable diseases in the country is the goal of the Healthy Bahamas Coalition.

The HBC said it is ready to serve as the National Non-Communicable Disease (NCD) Commission for the Bahamas and set to provide a “ mechanism for effective multi-sectoral action in prevention and control of NCDs at the national level” through reorienting and strengthening the national response, especially with regard to risk factors.

The organisation consists of 12 subcommittees which concentrate on the following areas: alcohol and consumption reduction; tobacco control and cessation; nutrition; child and adolescent health; physical activity for all

ages; cancer awareness; hypertension and diabetes awareness and prevention; promotion of the HBC; the national NCD strategic plan; mental health; older persons health; violence, and injury prevention.

Melissa Major, lead for the cancer awareness committee, said the uniqueness of this coalition lies in its ability to provide an opportunity for civil society, the government, and academia to work with the everyday man and woman, who can also participate in building the organisation.

She envisions the HBC being around for a very long time, but believes there is still some work to be done.

To further push the group’s objective, members are looking forward to being a part of events that assist in promoting awareness.

Last year, the HBC took part in the Caribbean Health and

Wellness Week Explosion, and in an Royal Bahamas Defence Force mega fitness event called “Promoting Fitness by Engaging our Youth” at Fort Charlotte.

The HBC’s official launch took place in January of this year.

This month, the cancer awareness committee – comprised of members from the Cancer Society of the Bahamas, SMB Care Foundation, Ministry of Health, nutritionists and health educators, Sister Sister Support Group and US TOO – made a courtesy call on Governor General Dame Marguerite Pindling to celebrate World Cancer Day on February 4. Also, monthly HBC town hall meetings are held every third Thursday at the Ministry of Health.

“The Healthy Bahamas Coalition is important and beneficial to Bahamians because there will be a strategic development and implementation of plans for the

prevention and management of chronic diseases among persons residing in the Bahamas,” said Ms Major.

As World Cancer Day aims to save millions of lives each year by raising awareness and promoting education about the disease, governments and individuals across the world to take action.

Ms Major said ideally the HBC’s approach is to also use this opportunity to spread the word and raise the profile of cancer.

“Nobody wants to talk about the ‘Big C’. It is associated with suffering and death; individuals are very fearful. And because of this it paralyses persons from taking charge to get treatment.

Not to mention the high cost of cancer treatment which a lot of persons without insurance cannot afford. It has become a burden to our country,” she said.

“We have made some good advancements in the past years.

There is a lot of work being done by the Cancer Society of the Bahamas by bridging the gap for many to get help. We are doing what we can to educate persons and promote the screening guidelines so persons can lower their cancer risks.”

Ms Major said Bahamians should implement healthy lifestyle habits to boost the immune system to prevent cancer.

On a daily basis, Ms Major said everyone’s goals should be eating the recommended fruits, vegetables and balanced meals, as well as exercising, sleeping, reducing stress levels and being more aware of environmental surroundings; to not smoke and make sure to undergo medical examinations each year, including pap smears, prostate tests for men, breast examinations for women and so forth.

Community worker is honoured for her ‘Golden Heart’ LAUREN Higgs’ years of self sacrifice and community service were officially recognised at the 53rd Annual Heart Ball as she was named the 49th recipient of the Lady Sassoon Golden Heart Award.

Chairman of the Sir Victor Sassoon (Bahamas) Heart Foundation R E Barnes presented the award to Mrs Higgs, noting that it is always handed out to someone who has given of themselves to help their fellow men and women.

The foundation started the Golden Heart Award as a way to recognise members of the community who go above and beyond to help others.

The nominations for the award are made by members of the public to recognise the role and contributions that the winner has made in serving the community.

Mr Barnes noted that a great many people nominated Mrs Higgs. “She clearly has touched a large number of people,” he said.

Mrs Higgs thanked Mr Barnes and the Heart Foundation for the recognition.

She also gave special thanks to the Spanish Wells Methodist Church and the Ladies Committee who assist with the running of the church’s soup kitchen.

Mrs Higgs was born in Nassau, and while she has lived on several of the Family Islands, Nassau is once again her home. She is the wife of Rev William R Higgs, of Trinity Method-

ist Church. They have two children, Rory Higgs and Kara Higgs-Smith, and one grandchild.

Mrs Higgs and her three sisters all learned from childhood that it was important to help others. For a while she taught pre-school and worked in the public sector in business. She and her husband served the church in Jamaica for a couple of years before returning to the Bahamas and living in Spanish Wells and Harbour Island, Eleuthera.

Mrs Higgs and her husband lived in Spanish Wells for eight years and there they worked to build a new sanctuary and minister to those on the island. She spoke of caring for those in need, the sick and the elderly, and she practiced what she preached.

Eighteen years ago the couple returned to Nassau.

This was to mark a significant change in Mrs Higgs’ life as she looked around Nassau and saw so many people in need. The church started a fledgling outreach ministry and she began to organise a soup kitchen to help the hungry she saw on the streets every day.

Every nominating letter spoke of Mrs Higgs’ organising skills and her determination that inspired those around her to contribute to helping those whose lives were not progressing as they might have hoped.

One of her supporters noted, “To fully understand Mrs Higgs’ inner drive is to understand her capacity and

ability in dealing with all matters of preparing food, serving food, feeding people, raising funds and gathering sponsors. All of this she does with style, determination and great zeal.”

From that commitment to help the poor has risen an effort that feeds thousands of people every year. Not only do Mrs Higgs and her supporters help to feed the poor, but they also help children heading back to school every August. They make sure the children of those in need have what they need for the start of the new school year.

The Cancer Society has also felt the touch of Mrs Higgs and her group. In December, they provided a warm meal for those from the Family Islands in town for radiation and chemotherapy treatments.

Under Mrs Higgs’ leadership, Trinity Methodist also hosts a Christmas party for those in need. Children and adults receive gifts as well as grocery and toiletry bags. The outreach ministry under the guidance of Mrs Higgs gets the entire church involved with helping those less fortunate.

“Sometimes it just takes that one special person to help muster people to act.

Mrs Lauren Higgs is one of those special people who inspires people to do their best for others,” Mr Barnes noted in presenting the Golden Heart Award.

Chairman of the Sir Victor Sassoon (Bahamas) Heart Foundation R E Barnes with Golden Heart Award recipient Lauren Higgs. Photo/Franklyn G Ferguson

PAGE 10, Tuesday, February 21, 2017

Rethinking violence and gender As violence continues to engulf the community, we seem loathe to begin to think outside the box. We remain stuck in the vision that policing is the answer to everything. As a society, we understand that sending more police into communities will solve the problem, when in fact it will not. The problem is much larger and more complicated than anything policing alone can answer.

We should also have seen by now that stiffer sentences in the courts do not work either.

History and separation In order to build empires and to effectively colonise them, colonial rulers penned laws that would spawn massive disaffection, as Afro-Caribbean psychiatrist and philosopher Frantz Fanon shows.

They wanted their subjects to be easily manipulated, built strong, but not mentally fortified, and psychologically malleable so that these leaders could achieve their desired outcomes.

History is an excellent teacher to show how laws and policies can be used to cast dispersion and create inequalities in the local societies that are needed as tools of production, but should not understand their own worth.

If they did understand their worth, they would be that much closer to being aware of the damaging influence of the colonial system. All black males are violent, but easily controlled, suggests that the ruling class has the power over the mind and body of the subject in question.

All black women are loose and lascivious, materialistic

Dr Ian Bethell-Bennett beasts of burden who lust after men out of their reach. Such is the language of stereotyping.

Sadly, this language creates an image of sin that Hollywood and books have promoted. We all remember the western films where the Red Indians were all evil and ready to scalp and rape.

The cowboys were all pure and good and defended civilisation by killing all the savages, or if they could be tamed, civilising them. In colonial societies these image changed but kept the same psychological impact.

Again, when we consider the history of violence and the lack of work done in the community to address the legacy and damage it has caused, perhaps we should be less surprised that these levels of violence are where they are.

We have created a group of very angry, disaffected and disassociated young people. Policies have actually changed little since the colonial days when all black males were seen as a threat to the status quo. Policing was used as a way to subvert their social influence and to undermine their agency, or their self-esteem.

By undermining people’s selfesteem, authorities had a better way to control them. They could create barriers between communities and distrust among individuals. The Willie Lynch letter, ‘The Making of a Slave’, is perhaps the best and most obvious example of the project to undermine black agency. Create distrust and spawn differences within communities and we have successfully determined that they will not unite. In many ways, gangs do this in today’s society.

However, they do not do it alone.

Retreading old ground Popular culture is another extremely instrumental player in creating disaffection among young people and sparking a cultural shift.

If we examine the influences of music, videos and films many of these have one or two accessible images of black men and women.

Black men can be violent thugs or athletes, who also tend be aggressive but here aggression is justified and promoted. When we look at popular images of black men, we see very few, if any, other choices. Research has repeatedly pointed out the damage these stereotypes do to entire communities and how this can span generations. It holds people hostage in a virtual world where blacks cannot transcend the negative social attitudes, because we know that all blacks are close to animals. Current films play on this animalistic image and make it appear appealing.

As for black women, they can be mammies or they can be hoes that are featured in pop

music videos and so attract more ‘positive’ attention. However, the reality is far from positive. These images create paradigms of black girls seeing themselves as only two things, mothers and hoes.

Here again we have to understand that these thoughts are not always obvious and in fact are more often hidden in the subtext.

We learn to consume these ideas without ever being aware of their existence. What has changed though, is that we have begun to understand and accept that women should be educated.

Sadly, society has opted to educate girls over boys rather than creating equity in education. In fact, boys are encouraged to shun education because it makes them soft. These are the same boys who are told that they will result in nothing. The social images are that they are violent thugs who shoot, rape and kill, much like the Indians in old Hollywood films. When we look at popular ‘black’ films of today, what are the images of black youth that hold currency? They certainly are not positive ones. Music presents the same images, only with a much more dangerous and wider reach because it can be so subliminal. We consume it while not being aware that we are listening to it.

When we talk about ghettos and all people from ghettos being violent or untrustworthy, we continue the same stereotypes built over centuries in extremely imperialistic and colonial projects that sought to control a space. When we say, as was done in Apartheid South Africa, that no one can leave their community without permission and that this community defines who we are, we

National Children’s Dental Health Month

February is National Children’s Dental Health Month. This month-long initiative brings together dental professionals, health care providers and many others in the effort to promote the benefits of good oral health in children.

The habits children establish at an early age are critical in maintaining good oral health throughout life. This is the 63rd year of National Children’s Dental Health Month (NCDHM) and the continual goal each year is for dental teams, parents and teachers to educate children on the importance of taking care of their teeth. They are equipped with the knowledge to maintain beautiful and healthy smiles now and into adulthood.

There are three steps to a healthy smile that should be stressed throughout the month: 1. Eat healthy 2. Brush twice daily and floss 3. Visit the dentist One of the most important steps in preventing tooth decay in children is monitoring their diet.

Most children love eating candy, drinking soda, and consuming

Dr Tamika Ferguson other sugary treats. While the above listed items may taste good, they have a harmful effect on our teeth. Everyone knows a balanced, nutritious diet is essential to healthy living.

If your nutrition is poor, the first signs often show up in your oral health. As parents/guardians, it’s time to protect your child’s mouth. By decreasing their sugar intake you are preventing caries and the premature loss of baby teeth.

One of the most important steps in preventing tooth decay in children is monitoring their diet.

During the month of February, we want children to be motivated to start a daily oral care routine.

If a brushing and flossing routine is established from early it will become a way of life. Children (and adults) should brush their teeth twice daily, in the morning and before bed.

At a young age, some parents may have to brush their child’s teeth for them until they are able to do so properly. Flossing is also very important. Once the teeth are in contact, flossing should be done once daily.

NCDHM is an opportunity for dentists worldwide to change the

THE TRIBUNE

go further in creating the same images in people that we have decried from the past.

In communities like South Africa during Apartheid, and even now, there are books that say exactly what black boys and girls are and can do. Why are we repeating these damaging messages?

In the last few years, the entire message deployed by government has been destructive of the youth.

There has been nothing positive and all the positive programmes that are being created now, have been built on negative images.

Yes, there will be more violence in certain impoverished areas because they feel hopeless and abandoned, and no, they will not come to the leaders and seek assistance, because they cannot do that; they do not have the skills or the tools to allow them to do that.

Gangs, in many ways, provide tools and skills to help young people survive the degradation and inhumanity of poverty and social exclusion. We need to become aware of the damage being done by our language, expectations, policies and programmes that seek to render all ‘ghetto dwellers’ as gang members and violent thugs or hoes and bad girls.

Government cannot and will not do this. Rotary seems to be making efforts to this end, but where are the locally resident positive role models? Let’s start positive social programming on all levels. Gender, gendered behaviours and ‘outcomes’ are ultimately determined by the social value and expectations we create.

• bethellbennett@gmail.com image many children have about the dental environment. By visiting schools and interacting with students, we want children to learn the dentist is a friend. From the visits so far to various schools in New Providence, students appeared excited and eager to learn about dental health. Further, parents/guardians should take their child to a dentist at an early age.

By dentists being more visible and children growing up in the environment, the child will build a trusting relationship with their dentist and not dread twice a year visits.

From a young age children need to understand the importance of taking care of their teeth and their body in general. An unhealthy mouth can lead to difficulty eating, sleeping and paying attention in school. It is up to us to teach the right practices to equip them for the future. There are some fun activities that can assist in your child learning about a healthy lifestyle.

For National Children’s Dental Health Month there are colouring and activity sheets that can be found online to aid parents, simply search “activities NCDHM”.

February may be National Children’s Dental Health Month, but it is vital parents, teachers and health care providers encourage children to take care of their teeth all year long.

Eight ways to make your bedroom a sleep haven Donald Trump makes headlines by tweeting at times most of us are still sleeping. He has also sparked debate over work/life balance for reportedly conducting White House business in his bathrobe.

Bringing work to bed disturbs our ability to work and sleep well.

With this in mind, here are eight ways to improve your bedroom for a better night’s sleep:

1. What’s the view from your bed?

According to Gina Lazenby, founder of The Healthy Home, positioning the bed so that there is a clear view of the door is calming.

“This helps you to drop your guard, and to feel as though you’re in a protected space, so you relax more. To lessen anxiety, the last thing you see before sleep should be gratifying or inspiring. And definitely not a television set.”

She also recommends mounting a picture of a rustic scene or favourite place on the wall facing the bed.

2. Mirror, mirror off the wall

Mirrors make rooms feel less intimate, despite the hints of sleaze that may run across one’s mind.

According to Ms Lazenby, they “activate energy”, and at bedtime “you want a room to feel cool, dark and small.”

Mirrors give the sense of greater space so hang them on the inside of wardrobes. Or if they are a must, cover them before bedtime.

You’ll feel the difference.

3. Get the blues

“Blue is the colour of the mind, and soft blue has a low satura-

Bettyjoe Cooper tion which is mentally soothing,” according to colour psychologist Karen Haller. She recommends using soft blues in the bedroom and avoiding darker blues. Especially avoid trendy dark blues like cobalt, as they “stimulate thinking and concentration”.

Use pinks or apricots for a more sensual and amorous aura.

“But definitely don’t paint all four walls in these colours,” said Ms Haller. “Too much of any colour can make you feel adverse effects, and your body will feel over stimulated.” Paint a feature wall, or accent soft blues on accessories such as curtains or lamps.

4. It’s all about the lighting, baby

The absence of light is important to trigger the body’s natural production of the melatonin hormone. Most people are aware that this hormone, also available as a supplement, encourages sleep.

Experts recommend using thick, dark curtains or blackout blinds.

Architect and design expert

Factors like the size and positioning of the bed in the room, the quality of the mattress, and even the colour of the walls can impact your sleep.

Thomas Klassnik said: “At night, you want light to be a warm orange, but during the day it should be bluer and brighter, similar to natural daylight.” Use colourchanging LEDs such as Phillips Hue that allow you to control accent lighting to suit sleep patterns.

Your smartphone can control these systems, or use timers.

6. Dull background noise

5. Avoid shelving over beds

7. Certain plants can aid sleep

“If you lie underneath a bookshelf, or have a wooden beam running across the bed, the room’s energy will exert pressure on you”, according to Ms Lazenby. They are not conducive to relaxation, clear head space in every sense.

Furnishings and accessories can absorb echo and vibrations.

A thick carpet with a decent underlay will also help to deaden sounds. “At the extreme end, you could use foam padding on the walls, like that used in a recording studio, to absorb noise,” said Mr Klassnik.

English ivy and aloe vera are air-purifying plants that release oxygen at night. They are also decorative. A US study reported that English ivy removed 78 per cent of airborne mould in 12 hours. Lavender, often used in aromathera-

py, has a calming, sleep-inducing aroma.

8. Bigger and better is best

As you get older, you need every advantage to help you sleep.

Upgrade to a king or California king sized bed. Or buy a state-ofthe-art gel or memory foam mattress such as the Wellsville. Buy as much mattress as your pocket can afford. After all, you’ll spend about 30,000 hours in it before you replace it.

• Bettyjoe Cooper is a self-published author and the founder of Brand New Mattress Company, a retailer of bedding products located in Nassau.

THE TRIBUNE

Tuesday, February 21, 2017, PAGE 11

Women urged to be leaders

By FELICITY INGRAHAM

B

ahamian women were encouraged to be leaders in every facet of their lives during a recent seminar hosted by University of the Bahamas.

Women from a cross section of society came together for two days to participate in the ‘Women in Leadership and Decision Making Course’ at UB. This was the first official course hosted at the university since transitioning from a college.

About 20 women participated in the course, ranging from professionals from the banking, medical, trade union and other fields, to UB students and homemakers.

“This course, designed to promote women, will look at how do we actually transform ourselves first, and then others that we have been called to lead,” Gaynel Curry told those gathered for the opening ceremony on Friday, February 4.

Ms Curry, Director of the Department of Gender and Family Affairs of the Ministry of Social Services and Community Development, said she was elated to announce that the Ministry has successfully partnered with the Caribbean Institute of Women in Leadership (CIWIL) to present this course.

Anande Trotman-Joseph, who represented CIWIL, began interacting with Bahamians from her flight to New Providence.

She has discovered, she said,

(l-r) Gaynel Curry, Director of Gender and Family Affairs; Anande TrotmanJoseph, Caribbean Institute of Women in Leadership; Consul General Paulette Zonicle; Glenys Hanna-Martin, Minister of Transport and Aviation, and Rev Gloria Ferguson that women throughout the region face similar concerns in terms of the protection of their rights.

Noting the cross section of attendees, Mrs Trotman-Joseph likened it to the variety of women across the Caribbean, and called for women to “find common ground even though we may be in different seasons in our lives”.

“We are women. We are sisters.

We are Caribbean, and in this part of the world, we are holding up more than half of the sky,” she said.

She said it is important “not to acknowledge the ego in leadership, but to become transformational leaders knowing your purpose, what you faced, and

what you were able to overcome.”

Creative wealth educator and author Keshelle Kerr hosted the opening ceremonies for the course, which was held at the Harry C Moore Library theatre at UB. Ms Kerr, who plans to release another book this year, reminded women in leadership positions that saving and investing in ventures together is also empowering.

Paulette Zonicle, the first female Consul General to be appointed to Washington, DC, by the Bahamas government, delivered the keynote address, calling on Bahamian women to consider themselves as leaders no matter what position they are in.

Having grown up in the Grove, Mrs Zonicle noted that she watched her mother and other mothers in the area serve as leaders in their households and communities.

She encouraged women to consider themselves as leaders in whatever capacity they serve in, whether they are the boss or not.

By making the conscious decision to lead, she said, you carve a path of excellence that others will want to follow.

Mrs Zonicle has had a long career in radio and television and served a term as senator. She recalled when first given the assignment of Consul General, Prime Minister Perry Christie encouraged her with words she would never forget: “You are representing a country and a people.”

She said every Bahamian woman must remember that they are not only representing themselves or those in their circle, but an entire nation.

She shared stories of visiting Bahamian inmates in American prisons, including an 88-year-old.

So many, she noted, had not seen a fellow Bahamian in several years prior to her visit.

She spoke of her efforts to assist Bahamian students, and her tenacity in continuing to promote the Bahamas to everyone she meets from around the world.

She said she often encourages Bahamian students to return home after the completion of their studies abroad, noting that “there are so many facets of our development that have not yet

been touched”.

She is currently finalising a scholarship programme that will require recipients to return home and help to develop their country.

“True leadership is a product of inspiration; genuine leadership is an internal disposition which emulates self-worth,” she said.

Minister of Transport and Aviation Glenys Hanna-Martin brought remarks on behalf of Minister Melanie Griffin, who was travelling.

She said she was impressed with the cross section of Bahamian women who signed up for the course, some having been financed by a scholarship.

She noted that the Bahamas has made some gains in the development process, particularly with equal access for women and girls in education, health and employment. In education, for example, girls continue to outperform boys at the secondary and tertiary levels. UB indicates that 77 per cent of its 2015/ 2016 graduates were women. “Learning about leadership and its affiliated pros and cons within the relatively secure space of a classroom setting is a great start,” said Mrs Hanna-Martin. “But assuming progressively visible leadership roles requires courage to challenge norms, and sacrifice one’s time, finances and at times, even relationships”.

They are challenges, she added, that can be overcome but must be considered when speaking of leadership.

Four women rise in the ranks at BTC Women continue to take top positions at the Bahamas Telecommunications Company (BTC).

Just recently, four women secured some of the company’s most senior titles during in a wave of new appointments to the executive leadership team.

Alphanique Duncombe is now vice president for Mobile, in an upward move from senior manager. She has served in the mobile space for more than a decade, and also has an extensive background in research and development. She has played an integral role in the roll-out of the BTC App Wall and the migration to 4G LTE mobile services.

Ms Duncombe has also led several market study initiatives including the Voice of the Customer.

Meanwhile certified public accountant Anastacia Ferguson-Pratt has taken the position of vice president for Finance. She has held several senior leadership positions within the finance division over the last 13 years, including sen-

ior manager of Accounts Payable, Treasury Management, Revenue Assurance and Payroll.

Veteran attorney Judith Smith is the company’s newest senior vice president for Legal and Regulatory Affairs. Ms Smith is a decorated attorney, a member of the Bahamas Bar Association and the Bar of England and Wales. She has also served as legal counsel for the Public Utilities Commission.

Finally, Eldri FergusonMackey, formerly the vice president of Marketing, has now moved into an expanded portfolio as the first woman vice president for the Northern Bahamas.

She has managed the marketing, brand management and communication strategies for the company since 2014. She has held several leadership positions in the company, including product development and business analysis. Additionally, she has played a vital role in the introduction of online bill payment, the migration from legacy mobile to next

generation 4G LTE services and the beta test of prepaid electricity.

BTC said it has long practiced gender equality in the information and communications technology field.

Its staff comprises of 57 per cent women, well above the global average of 30 per cent for companies in the ICT sector.

Helene Ferguson, senior vice president of Human Resources and Training, said these promotions are a result of deliberate efforts by the company, born of CEO Leon Williams’ mission to migrate the company away from the matrix management structure to a system that empowered local management and staff.

“One of Mr Williams’ first actions when reappointed to office in 2014 was to begin to shape a management team of qualified internal leaders who were able to respond to the challenges at hand. He was committed, to ensuring that we had a knowledgeable and motivated team who could get the job done and

Anastacia FergusonPratt, Finance VP

Alphanique Duncombe, Mobile VP

Judith Smith, Legal SVP

Eldri Mackey, Northern Bahamas VP

Photos/Farreno Ferguson/BTC Public Relations Department better reflect the diversity inherent in our cross-country, multi-island organisation.” said Ms Ferguson.

“BTC is an equal op-

portunity employer with women helping to run the company at every level. We believe in promoting talent, and there has been a con-

certed drive to better incorporate gender diversity, at all levels. As part of our commitment to the development of our employees, we offer flexible technical training and e-learning suites to all. Through these efforts, we have achieved high numbers of well-qualified women and we are seeing previously maledominated positions, such as senior management, occupied by more and more women.”

Janet Brown, chief marketing officer and senior vice president of Sales, echoed these sentiments, saying that in the end it is the customer that benefits from these progressive policies.

“BTC has long practiced gender equality and diversification in its hiring policies. We have Bahamian men and women in decision-making positions. It’s a mix that brings both talent and diversity of opinions and experience to the table.

Embracing diversity affords us greater adaptability, broader skill sets, multiple viewpoints and more creativity, qualities reflected in our transformative upgrades over the past two years. We strive to learn from each other every day to ultimately create a better experience for our customers,” she said.

Are you really growing or just spinning wheels?

We are growth-seeking beings.

This means we are born to grow.

However, this quality of growth goes beyond the boundaries of just having university education.

It speaks to growing in areas of our potential, self-awareness, esteem, confidence, self-management, and even creating one’s personal philosophy.

While attending university is not a bad idea, scores of individuals spend their entire adult life in the pursuit of academics, only to find that after all is said and done there is more said than done as it relates to their personal growth.

Indeed, after hundreds of thousands of dollars and endless time, traditional education churns out masses of people armed only with intellectual capital to get a job; often leaving them without much needed interpersonal capital to adequately manage their lives.

Here’s a telling reality, the ones who find themselves glued to the dimly lit bar of life, drowning unresolved sorrows, are both the socalled educated and uneducated.

While they may have started out differently, both find themselves living under the influence.

Michelle Miller Motivationals

Michelle M Miller This speaks to both men and women. We may not find a trailer load of women seated at some dimly lit bar of life, but rest assured that they too – both educated and uneducated – are drowning their sorrow through closet drinking or some other disempowering mechanism.

For reasons such as this, the model of education framed by academics alone has long been

outmoded.

In this shifting paradigm, education must expand to a medium that facilitates evolutionary growth. It must envelop self-management, confidence, emotional intelligence and critical thinking components. This happening sooner rather than later may be idealistic, since so much of today’s education offering is more about glowing test scores and GPA averages.

You must take responsibility for your own personal growth. Your personal growth is personal. It is up to you to determine how you will grow.

This means taking a personal interest in your own holistic development; attending seminars, workshops and other programmes that empower you to know who you are and what you are born to deliver.

Because what’s the point of owning some prestigious diplomas if you don’t even like the person in the mirror?

Instead of investing your precious resources in the material trappings of this world, invest in yourself, in your personal growth.

Taking responsibility for your life is about responding with ability towards your developmental needs.

You can start right now to do the work on building a better you.

Commit a portion of your time and resources to your personal development. This is my number one strategy for success. You can only grow according to what you know. I know that I am only able to grow in all areas of my life because I am committed to investing in myself. Instead of throwing my hard earned dollars behind loads of clothes and shoes, I choose to invest in books and programmes which feed and improve my mind.

What I know for sure is that an expensive pair of shoes cannot enable me to grow. Sure, they may be the latest fashion and look real pretty, but that’s as far as it goes.

Give or take a few years and they will still be the same old pair of shoes.

This habit of consumption amounts to spinning wheels. However, the book I bought or workshop I attended that expanded my mind and prepared me for some new opportunity is what I call real

growth and a better return on my investment.

Leader to leader, remember that personal growth is about mastering yourself; building mental and emotional capacity to meet life challenges with confidence. Make sure that you are growing and not just spinning wheels.

Indeed we are growth-seeking beings, but we each must choose to grow. To adapt the words of Morgan Freeman, “You must get busy growing (living) or get busy dying.” The choice is always yours.

Living an empowered life is only possible if you are committed to your personal growth. Yes, you definitely do it.

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

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

SECTION B

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2017

Budding designer introduces

By ALESHA CADET Tribune Features Reporter acadet@tribunemedia.net

B

Nykarlio Ferguson hopes to bring a touch of New York Fashion Week to the Bahamas with his upcoming June K Woods Fall 2017 collection.

AHAMIAN fashion lovers are invited to join in the excitement when the June K Woods team presents its Fall 2017 collection this Saturday under the theme “Don’t Fake the Funk”.

The runway action will take place at 1er Cru, Gladstone Road. Doors open at 7 pm for a 8pm show time.

Nykarlio Ferguson, June K Woods founder, said he is excited to be showing 23 brand new pieces for fashionistas to enjoy.

“I’ve worked so hard and this is my best collection yet in my own opinion, so there are no favourites, I love them all. Fire is what you can expect,” he told Tribune Woman.

Nykarlio said as he is looking forward to bringing a bit of New York Fashion Week to Nassau. The young designer said he has gone above and beyond with his funky and tasteful Fall collection.

“I played around with so many textures and rustic colours, and I also incorporated the Paisley print which added a luxury feel to the collection. I won’t give any more details because I want my work to speak for itself.

So please come out Saturday and I promise you it’ll be worth it,” he said.

“I believe that confidence in apparel is the first step in transforming lives. I want people to know that we have talented Bahamians that can produce the same as or even better clothing than the big name international designers. It’s also my wish to have the support of my peers, not just for my own benefit, but for my country, because when any person makes it big they’re a reflection of

their country,” said Nykarlio.

He gives credit to his mother for inspiring his love of fashion, remembering how she would dress him in the latest trends as a child.

In the last five years, Nykarlio has launched two successful collections. In 2010, he got the opportunity to work backstage at the Islands of the World Fashion Week, which exposed him to what he describes as the ins and outs of a runway show.

“After that I was inspired to create my own brand. I showcased my first collection in 2012 at the FashArt Fashion Show where I was first able to display my creative side. Fashion is my life and as an artist I want my designs to reflect and express who I am. Fashion and art runs in my genes, so I was fortunate to develop my skills through my grandmother who also stitched the men’s wear from this Fall collection. I have always been creative with my hands and that also led me to having a passion for art which transformed into creating fashion designs,” said Nykarlio.

Reviewing a finished product is an amazing feeling for the designer.

His June K Woods line features ready-to-wear, trendy and athletic pieces mixed with a dose of glamour for the fashion forward man and woman.

While the pieces are made to order at the moment, Nykarlio’s ultimate goal is to have the collection produced in bulk in hopes of starting an online-based store.

“I’m still a small brand but I promise you that you can expect amazing things from me on an international level real soon. I have gotten amazing reviews from my past collections and special pieces that I create for my clients,” he said.

Women join hands in the ‘Goddess Circle’

By JEFFARAH GIBSON Tribune Features Writer jgibson@tribunemedia.net

WOMEN exchanging ideas and conversing with one another is at the heart of the Goddess Circle, a monthly gathering of like-minded individuals who by listening, understanding and sharing experiences aim to be a source of upliftment for others.

The Goddess Circle was started by life coach Alexis Bethel, who is also the owner and founder of Studio Ohana. She started the gathering to create a community of women who have conversations that heighten their awareness to various issues.

A large part of the Goddess Circle focuses on personal development, Ms Bethel told Tribune Woman.

“As women a lot of us have day-to-day conversations that don’t really feed our souls or allow us to fully express ourselves or what we have going on in our lives. The Goddess Circles really

Women step out of the ‘everyday’ during monthly Goddess Circle meetings at Studio Ohanastep out of the ‘everyday’ during monthly Goddess Circle meetings at Studio Ohana invites women to step out of their ‘everyday’ and have conversations that bring a deeper awareness, not only of ourselves but a greater compassion for what so many

women experience,” she said.

While the group focuses on personal development, it also aims to bring new ideas to women who

may be interested in learning.

“For instance, we’ve had circles on Reiki, essential oils, veganism, Ayurveda, etcetera. Some of these things women may have heard of but never really had access to. We really want to offer exposure of different ways of healing and living that women can choose to go deeper toward if they’re interested,” said Ms Bethel.

Meetings are usually led by Ms Bethel, however, guest speakers are invited from time to time to share information on a variety of topics.

Tomorrow evening’s circle will be led by vegan chef Marlene Leduc, who will help to demystify veganism (or the plant-based diet). It will be held at Studio Ohana beginning at 7.45pm.

During the meeting, the women will be instructed on how they can integrate more delicious, creative and accessible plant-based meals into their diets that also fulfill all nutritional needs. During the gatherings there will also be demonstrations of quick and easy vegan options.

The life coaching/personal development oriented circles are usually more interactive and have space for questions, breaking into small groups and coming back together for group discussions.

“Other circles that focus more on introducing a new concept may be more of a talk with a Q&A session. The circle really does change in nature every month,” Ms Bethel said.

The Goddess Circle model was first launched by Ms Bethel’s life coach in Washington, DC. Then, in July 2015, Ms Bethel introduced the Bahamian version of the Goddess Circle.

Here in Nassau, the Circle travelled from house to house of those women who volunteered their space. Since the opening of Studio Ohana in January 2016, the Goddess Circle now has a permanent home. All women are welcome to participate in the circle on a monthly basis.

• For more information visit http://www.studioohanabahamas.com.