03032023 NEWS, SPORT AND BUSINESS

And Best!

PM DISCLOSING - BUT 1 IN TEN MPS DON’T

Unclear whether Davis missed the March 1 deadline

By EARYEL BOWLEG Tribune Staff Reporter ebowleg@tribunemedia.net

PRIME Minister Philip “Brave” Davis said his public disclosures would be filed yesterday if the documents had not been turned over on the deadline, which was Wednesday.

According to the chairman of the Public Disclosure Commission yesterday, about 10 percent of members of Parliament

did not meet the March 1 deadline.

The prime minister was asked about his filing by reporters yesterday.

“I should be filing today. If it didn’t go in yesterday, it will go in today,” he told reporters.

He did not elaborate any further.

Yesterday, Bishop Victor Cooper, Public Disclosure Commission chairman, indicated that most members of

By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net

AMID rising tensions over the country’s illegal immigration issues, Foreign Affairs Minister Fred Mitchell said he has asked religious leaders why the church has not been more “forthright” in seeking to ease emotions over the matter.

While delivering his contribution to the mid-year budget debate yesterday,

$5M DISPUTE ON CRUISING FEES OWED TO GOVERNMENT

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

THE ONLINE clearance portal for foreign boaters and yacht charters has been shut down amid disputed allegations that “$5m” in fees paid by the industry have not been passed to the Bahamian Government.

Tribune Business can reveal that SeaZ Pass, which had operated as “a one-stop shop” to allow incoming vessels and their owners/ captains to register online,

clear Customs and pay for cruising permits and charter fees, was closed last October after the Government charged it was not receiving all that was due to it from the funds being collected.

Simon Wilson, the Ministry of Finance’s financial secretary, told Tribune Business in a recent interview that the Government believed it was “down over $5m” compared to what it should have received from the 4 percent charter fee as well as the cruising permits.

SEE PAGE THREE FULL STORY - SEE BUSINESS

MUNROE WANTS GUIDANCE ON RASTAFARIANS

By LETRE SWEETING Tribune Staff Reporter lsweeting@tribunemedia.net

NATIONAL Security Minister Wayne Munroe said he has sought advice from the Attorney General on the way police should deal with Rastafarians using marijuana.

The group has long complained about being arrested and brought up on criminal charges over the use of marijuana, despite it being used as a sacrament in their community.

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Court Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net

A POLICE officer was remanded yesterday after being accused of raping his young daughter over the course of almost three years. The 33-year-old accused, whose name is being withheld to protect the identity of the victim, stood before Senior Magistrate Carolyn Vogt-Evans on ten counts of incest.

At a press conference at the Office of the Prime Minister yesterday, Mr Munroe said discussions and consultations are continuing with the Rastafarian community on their sacramental use of marijuana, with the latest communication being yesterday morning. He said officers may be able to use their discretion in arresting those from the community.

“I have met with representatives of the

See PAGE SEVEN See

Photo: Austin Fernander

WHY IS CHURCH NOT HELPING EASE TENSIONS ON MIGRANTS?

Mr Mitchell expressed concern about the rhetoric being spread about immigration, noting that it could lead to violence and discord in society.

His comments came as a group has escalated calls for more to be done to address what they term to be an “immigration crisis” and also the growing shanty town problem.

At the weekend, a group, led by Lincoln Bain, went to a shanty town attempting to tear down the structures that they claimed were built on land reportedly being leased to a retired civil servant.

Police Commissioner Clayton Fernander during a press conference Wednesday urged shanty town landowners to wait for the government to act before taking matters into their own hands.

Yesterday, Mr Mitchell said: “The Roman Catholic Archbishop again, I saw him at a function, and I had asked him the other day why the church has not been more forthright in seeking to tamp down the issues that are being whipped up which may lead to violence and discord in our society over these immigration matters.

“Even though, you heard the minister speak yesterday, there is a careful balance that has to be struck in this country about what we are saying and how evocative we are being so that it does not lead to discord in the society and we cannot get the reputation of the country that is engaged in this kind of talk which leads to intolerance and discrimination.

“The fact is there are 400,000 Bahamians. There are seven million people who come here every year. We do not have the labour that’s as plain as day. We do not have the labour to be able to service the seven

million people and so one of the issues we have to face is how is our immigration policy going to be managed.”

Mr Mitchell said the fact of the matter is many Haitian vessels spotted in Bahamian waters are trying to get to the US and asserted in Parliament that “we can talk ourselves into a crisis or we can have faith in our institutions,” which he said are functioning well.

The minister also defended his colleagues’ recent travel to Haiti, saying while CARICOM knows that it can’t solve the nation’s problems, it understands that it needs to have insight on what is happening down there.

In fact, following the delegation’s visit to Haiti, Mr Mitchell said two things were realised.

“One is the view that the Haitian National Police will get the support which it requires from the international community. This includes armoured carriers. This includes additional weapons. This includes training … and we are not talking about boots on the ground,” he said.

“And secondly, we ought to know that notwithstanding Haiti’s position as the poorest country in the region, these are very proud people, and no one wants you to come in their country and tell them what to do.

“The Haitian prime minister when he was here spoke to his colleagues and apologised to his colleagues for two things, for the problems which are ensuing in this hemisphere as a result of the poverty and deprivation in Haiti and secondly, for the refugee issue.”

Mr Mitchell said it was in the country’s best interest to help bring a resolution to the issues in Haiti, adding “that’s why we’re engaged”.

By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Staff

THE Davis administration has made the cost-of-living crisis in the country much worse, former Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis claimed in the House of Assembly yesterday as he accused the government of living lavishly off the backs of Bahamian taxpayers.

While delivering his contribution to the mid-year budget debate in Parliament, Dr Minnis said since this government assumed office, it has increased one tax after another.

“Mr Deputy, they have introduced the Brave Davis inflation on top of the world’s inflation. Breadbasket items, ten percent increase. Prescription drugs, ten percent increase. Light bill, cost increase. Cost of running (a) business, increase. Real property tax, threefold increase,” the Killarney MP said.

“Increasing claims on insurance, ten percent. Increasing claims on deductible, ten percent. Increase in driver’s licence for some heavy-duty equipment and they attempted to increase

FORMER

PM:

By JADE RUSSELL Tribune Staff Reporter jrussell@tribunemedia.net

costs on custom brokers which would’ve caused the cost of living to increase even further.

“My, my, Mr Deputy, the Brave Davis inflation is really killing us.” He also lashed out at the government for “reckless” spending, pointing to officials’ frequent travels and alleged high-end purchases, while noting that “many Bahamians are going hungry”.

“Bahamians are working, Mr Deputy, to pay the PLP for their expensive ways, their luxury travels, special consultants, their expensive conferences,” the former

prime minister said. “The travel budget of the Office Prime Minister has increased by a whopping $1,534,213 and I have said repeatedly that the Prime Minister needs to spend more time at his desk and read...

“Bahamians are losing track of how many times the new day government has jacked up the travel budget since coming to office. This is the money that helps them to see the world in luxury at the taxpayers’ expense.

“Mr Deputy, all this money that is coming in is because of the taxes our people are paying.”

Dr Minnis also said that more needs to be done to transform the country’s capital, highlighting the need to repair potholes in New Providence, particularly in his constituency, and remove derelict buildings.

“I was pleased to hear the Minister of Tourism say the government has issued nine demolition orders for derelict structures in downtown. My administration started the work of demolishing derelict structures in this area, including the old Post Office and the Churchill Building,” he said.

“Through lawful means and with notice, the government should identify derelict structures in the City of Nassau and ensure that they are demolished. The continued presence of these buildings prevents major development in the city.”

He said it is also time for Parliament to pass and enact legislation more clearly “defining the municipal district of the city of Nassau” and to empower a statutory body and city manager to run the city.

“The city needs day-today leadership, a funding mechanism and certain independence to ensure things get done in a timely and organised manner,” Dr Minnis added.

He said the city also needs a more aggressive and consistent policing plan, while repeating his criticism of government’s response to crime.

“Bahamians need a better day and not more of this new day disaster,” he said.

After Dr Minnis ended his contribution, several government MPs took exception to his remarks, defending the work of the Davis administration.

‘WE ARE ON THE FRONTLINES’ OF HAITI CRISIS

FORMER Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis said yesterday there must be “vigorous” and “resolute” efforts in safeguarding The Bahamas, adding illegal immigration is still a major issue that needs to be tackled.

Dr Minnis gave his remarks during a Rotary Club of West Nassau meeting where he discussed the theme “Securing Our Nationhood for a New Generation.” In order to do this, Dr Minnis said it is crucial to

Funeral Service for

Shezarah Serzrah Carey, 79

of Bahama Road, Nassau East and formerly of Trinidad will be held on Sunday, March 5 th, 2023, 10:00 am at Hillview Seventh-day Adventist Church Tonique Williams Darling Highway. Officiating will be Pastor Valentino Campbell, .Dr. Peter Joseph and Dr. Paul Scavella assisted by other ministers of the gospel. Cremation will follow

She was pre-deceased by her father: Gaffar Baksh; mother: Saffiesha Baksh; brother: Azad Baksh.

Fond memories will forever be in the hearts of her husband: Dr. John Carey; children: Dr. John Gerald Carey, John Garfield Carey; daughters-in-law: Ebony Carey, Tenera Carey; grandchildren: Khalil, Azaria, Hassan, Amaar, Janaan; sisters: Afroza Baksh, Zaieda Gregoire; brother: Jim Ajaz Baksh; sisters-in-law: Annette Baksh, Keva Weems, Freda Gan, Jean Carey; brothers-in-law: Michael Gregoire, Richard Carey and Dr. Phillip Carey; nieces and nephews including: Myra Albury, Linda Gage, Carol Carey, Renene Carey, Tricia Baksh, Denise Foster, Karen Weems, Kath-Ann Baksh, Michael Carey, Mark Baksh, Cedric Rahming, Jeffrey Rahming, Fredrick Rahming, Kirk Baksh, Eric Weems, Phillip Carey Jr., Peter Carey, Adam Gregoire and Wade Baksh and Edda Rahming and Family; numerous other relatives and friends including: Mr. Lionel and Dr. Cynthia Johnson and family, Mrs. Edith Roach and family, Mr. Eden and Mrs. Sabrina Zonicle, Mrs. Carmel Armbrister, Mrs. Etta-Mae McKenzie and family, Mrs. Nathalie Markland and family, Dr. Bertram Melbourne and family, Dr. L.V. McMillan and family, Mrs. Khichala Robinson, Mr. Philip Armbrister, Ms. Joyce Oumraw, Ms. Marie McCalla, The Shepherdess, Mrs. Ruth McKinney and Family, Mrs. Janet Jackson and Family, Dr. Ruby Major and Family, Dr. Joseph and Mrs. Ethel Evans and Family, Mrs. Ena Cooper and Family, Dr. Dionne Dames, Dr. Monique Mitchell, Mrs. Maryland and Family, Mr. Paul and Mrs. Cheryl Bevans, Mr. Rochielle and Mrs. Sian Bevans, Mrs. Vernita Walkine and family, Mr. Ethrin and Mrs. Mikea Zonicle, Senate President Hon Senator Lashelle Adderley and family, Mr. Mark & Mrs. Jayme Gomez and family, BA Class of 1988 and 1990. The Philadelphia Seventh-day Adventist Church family and the remainder of the Adventist Community in the North and South Bahamas Conferences of Seventh-day Adventists.

Viewing will be held at the Celestial Suite at Restview Memorial Mortuary and Crematorium Limited, Robinson and Soldier Roads on Saturday from 10:00 a.m. at 5:00 p.m.

ensure the viability and resilience of the country’s culture and way of life.

“The challenge of illegal migration particularly from the Republic of Haiti is complex and long standing today. Haiti is in the grip of extreme economic, political and social turmoil and crisis. There is rampant gang violence, all resulting in a mass exodus from the Republic.

“By some reports, nearly 3,000 people died last year. Because of these gangs, our southern neighbour is in a state of collapse. We are on the front line of this collapse,” he said.

Dr Minnis added that although The Bahamas should be a nation of “compassion” there still must be the priority to secure the country’s borders.

Dr Minnis suggested it is time for The Bahamas to also strengthen its intelligence

cooperation with The Bahamas and Haiti, noting there needs to be collaboration with other countries as well.

“We need to help gather and to act on timely intelligence to deter human trafficking to protect our borders, and the lives of those put at risk by traffickers. The Bahamas should significantly increase our investments in surveillance and intelligence assets, both technological and human within The Bahamas and elsewhere.

“We need to collaborate with the United States, CARICOM, Canada, France and others in the collection of intelligence, which may gather information on traffickers and help deter more migrants.”

He added: “The international community, particularly the United States, France, Canada, and other powers should with

greater earnestness and intensity, discuss strategies to potentially sanction various elements of the Haitian elite in order to help stabilise Haiti.”

Dr Minnis stressed the long history of injustice Haiti has suffered, as he said Haiti deserves reparations.

He mentioned the longstanding problem of corrupt practices in The Bahamas such as issuing visas and documents. He said the reform of the Immigration Department has been a major challenge for successive governments.

Dr Minnis added: “We must also regularise those who should legitimately be granted permanent residency or citizenship.”

He also spoke about shanty town demolitions, saying the illegal communities need to be cleared as quickly as possible.

COMMODORE KING SAYS ROYAL CANADIAN NAVY WILL BE A DETERRENT TO MIGRANT VESSELS

By EARYEL BOWLEG Tribune Staff Reporter ebowleg@tribunemedia.net

ROYAL Bahamas Defence Force Commodore Raymond King said just the presence of Royal Canadian Navy vessels off the coast of Haiti will hopefully act as a deterrent to stem the migration flow.

Justin Trudeau, Canada’s Prime Minister, announced last month that the country will deploy navy vessels to conduct surveillance, gather intelligence and maintain a maritime presence off the Haitian coast.

However, the deployment will not be used to intercept migrants trying to flee the country.

Asked about his thoughts on Canada’s vessels and if

they would be helpful for the region, Mr King said: “I try to shy away from those sort of qualitative political assessments other than to say I welcome our international partner.

“We partner with the Canadian government, the Canadian Department of Fisheries and Oceans, they provide us satellite imagery of our banks in terms of maritime … So we have a very good relationship with Canada, but we welcome because in the end, it acts as a deterrent and just the presence of their vessels will act as a deterrent to hopefully stem the migration flows.”

When it was mentioned that the navy ships will not be intercepting migrants, the RBDF chief said: “It’s

a matter of deterrent and then they will be in a position to provide information and intelligence to all of us in the region.”

Labour and Immigration Minister Keith Bell revealed on Wednesday that more than 500 irregular migrants have been apprehended in the last month.

Mr King said a number of Haitian migrants have been trying to get to the US from Abaco or Grand Bahama.

“So, the migration flows are still there but we are doing our part to ensure that no migrants land in the Commonwealth of The Bahamas to add the legacy issues that we would have experienced for the past six, seven decades.”

THE BAHAMAS - Prime Minister and Minister of Finance the Philip ‘Brave’ Davis paid his respects at Lying-in-Repose ceremonies for the late Commodore Leon Livingston Smith (Retired) CD, OBE, former Commander, Royal Bahamas Defence Force today at Bethel Brothers Morticians and Crematorium. Commodore Smith will have Full Military Honours at Christ Church Cathedral, Friday, March 3, beginning at 11am.

Photo: Patrick Hanna/BIS

LEDER of the opposition Dr Hubert Minnis

MUNROE WANTS GUIDANCE ON RASTAFARIANS

Rastafarian movement, in fact, this morning, they sent me a letter and I sent (it) to the AG (attorney general) for advice,” Mr Munroe said.

“It is a matter that the police can take policing decisions. So if you want to look at how the police, that the prosecutor in Baltimore, and the US decided to approach it, you can determine how you approach them,” he said.

“If they have a potential legitimate claim for the right to practise their religion, you may or may not want to confront them over it, if it causes liability to the state. So, I expect to get sanguine advice from the Office of the Attorney General as to the proper way to approach it,” Mr Munroe said.

He also spoke about several initiatives planned to tackle crime including a new school programme and demolition of dilapidated buildings.

He said he is concerned that children from a very young age are practising criminal behaviour and therefore his ministry is preparing to launch the Hype primary school programme.

“Criminals do not appear overnight. They’re created through a process of socialisation. It’s a process that can be interrupted. So we expect to launch the Hype programme, which is

a specific intervention programme for primary school students,” he said. “The Hype programme is a multi-agency programme. There’s a discipline component that is provided by the Royal Bahamas Police Force, the Royal Bahamas Defence Force and the Department of Corrections.”

Mr Munroe said the various government ministries and agencies involved in the programme would include the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Health and the Department of Social Services.

Mr Munroe added that his ministry is in the process of seeking consultation for the establishment of a public boarding school, “for children whose parents cannot manage them at home, are not properly parenting them and need to be taken into state care”.

Asked about the rise of sexual crimes mentioned during a police press conference on Wednesday, Mr Munroe said he is concerned about the experience that victims of sexual offences and domestic violence go through when trying to make complaints with police. He said the consolidated sexual offences and domestic violence unit should be open in a few weeks.

“Very shortly, you will have open our consolidated sexual offences domestic violence unit that will not

PM disclosing - but

only house the members of the Central Detective Unit and CID (Criminal investigations Unit), but we’ll also have offices for NGOs that take care of the needs of victims of sexual offences and domestic abuse,” he said.

Mr Munroe also mentioned that he supports the demolishing of derelict structures and vehicles to deter crime as well as beautify neighbourhoods.

“So dilapidated structures not only pose a vector control problem, with rats and other vermin, but it is somewhere where the other vermin, the human vermin can hide, where they can hide their guns, where they can hide their drugs. So removing them, not only beautifies the neighbourhood, but it removes the hiding place,” he continued.

“There’s a formal demolition process. And so that is the process that we’re engaged and a lot of the owners of these properties consent to them being taken down. And that makes it quicker and easier,” Mr Munroe said.

Mr Munroe added that police are working on getting a police control board to be able to see in the control room where all police vehicles are located at any possible time and better direct units to occurring criminal activities.

MOW CRITICAL FOCUS ON FLOOD PRONE ZONES

1 in ten MPs don’t

from page one

Parliament have filed.

“Like I was indicating we have about 90 (percent) of them have filed and so that’s a good indication,” he told The Tribune yesterday. “It’s an important disclosure and so we trust that everybody will kind of comply with that but as I thought I said earlier we also need the senior civil servants to ensure that they make their disclosures with the proper documents to verify what it is they’re saying and so that we can put this behind us those who fail to disclose we’re just going to be sending their names to the prime minister and the leader of the opposition as a matter of fact.”

When he was told that Mr Davis had indicated he was unsure if he had filed on time, Bishop Cooper said: “Well some persons didn’t get there on time, but like I said we have a number of them, a very high percentage of them that filed,” Bishop Cooper said.

Asked directly if Mr Davis had filed his documents on time, Bishop Cooper said: “The PM has generally done his on time, I don’t want to get into the specifics of it but they do a good job in ensuring that all of the documents that should accompany their disclosures are put in as well...”

Bishop Cooper said most of the MPs who missed the deadline are first-time representatives. “Most of them are the younger MPs that didn’t get theirs in but generally those senior persons have been getting their documents in,” he said.

Before the House of Assembly on Wednesday morning, The Tribune asked several members of Parliament if they had disclosed ahead of the

PRIME Minister Philip ‘Brave’ Davis said yesterday that “if it didn’t go in yesterday, it will go in today,” referring to his filing for Public Disclosure. Public Disclosure Committee chairman Bishop Victor Cooper said that about 10 percent of MPs did not meet the deadline for disclosures. He also added that senior civil servant need to file disclosures. Those who miss the deadline are reported to the leader of the opposition and the Prime Minister.

deadline.

Parliamentarians such as Marco City MP Michael Pintard, Public Service State Minister Pia GloverRolle, and St Anne’s MP Adrian White indicated they had done so before the deadline.

Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister Chester Cooper assured his filing would be done before the end of that day.

Some MPs have called for the process to be modernised.

Parliamentarians and senators, along with senior public officers, are required to submit their disclosures to the PDC by March each year.

The Public Disclosure Act empowers only two people to act on delinquent filings: the prime minister and the leader of the opposition. Either of them can

publish the information through a communication in the House of Assembly or cause for it to be laid in the Senate. Either can authorise that the information be presented to the attorney general or commissioner of police so those who failed to disclose could face a penalty.

The penalty for not disclosing is a $10,000 fine and/or up to two years in prison.

Last year, Bishop Cooper told a local daily that some first-time MPs missed the deadline because they were not aware that there was a legal requirement for them to file financial disclosures under the Public Disclosures Act.

Press secretary Clint Watson later dismissed it as a “simple oversight”.

By LYNAIRE MUNNINGS Tribune Staff Reporter lmunnings@tribunemedia.net

WORKS and Utilities Minister Alfred Sears revealed yesterday that his ministry intends to fix the drainage systems in floodprone zones in the capital, calling it a “critical focus”.

Despite promises from earlier administrations, during his contribution to the mid-year budget debate yesterday, Mr Sears said that his ministry will not do the “same old”, as they intend to incorporate an ACO drainage system for Pinewood Gardens in particular.

In August last year, Pinewood MP Myles Laroda confirmed that construction works would begin shortly after the completion of a 600ft well for the area.

Pinewood has been prone to heavy flooding for years.

“Drainage is another area of critical focus by the ministry and we are not doing the same old same old we are incorporating an ACO system for Pinewood,” Mr Sears said yesterday. “We’ve also put in 600ft well for the first time in one of the critical areas where there’s been a consistent challenge with drainage.”

Yesterday, Mr Sears also revealed plans for new drainage infrastructure in the Bay Street area, estimated at a cost of $1.5m. Additionally, he noted the areas within

New Providence that are subject to critical drainage challenges: York Street; Dowdeswell Street; Coral Harbour; Sea Breeze Estate and Chippingham.

Meanwhile, he said Bahamas Power and Light (BPL) has been working “aggressively” to ensure that the company provides the best coverage possible during peak periods, which is normally in the summer months.

He said BPL has established a 25MW battery storage system at the Clifton Pier station.

Following the ending of Wartsila’s contract in 2022 - the company which supplied around 50 percent of New Providence’s base load electricity generation - Mr Sears expressed confidence in BPL’S staff’s ability to manage the infrastructure.

“BPL, Mr Deputy, has been working very aggressively to meet the peak demand this year,” Mr Sears said yesterday.

“And they have established a 25MW battery storage system at Clifton Pier.”

He continued: “The Wartsilla management contract has been terminated and that savings to BPL, BPL’S staff will basically manage Station A. They have the expertise, we have the complete confidence in their capacity to manage this infrastructure.”

The long-awaited Village Road project is completed, and the sidewalks are currently being built, said Mr Sears yesterday. He added that the businesses that have suffered financial loss will get “some consideration”.

“The Village Road project in New Providence, the paving is completed and now we’re building the sidewalks.

“We are tying in all of the parking lots and the side roads, which may have been chipped and so on so that they will be fully restored.

“The businesses are meeting with the Ministry of Finance to ensure that those who can establish loss will get some consideration,” Mr Sears added.

Mr Sears also reiterated that there are plans for the upcoming $30m Gladstone Road Improvement Project, along with new school designs for the islands of Inagua, San Salvador and East Grand Bahama.

He noted that the Andre Rogers Stadium is subject to open in April of this year. In addition, he noted a “major athletic all purpose” stadium that was built in South Andros is near 90 percent completion, and is expected to serve as a hurricane shelter.

He also revealed there are plans for a new parliamentary complex, with Jamal Strachan set to serve as chair on the committee.

Photo: Austin Fernander

WORKS and Utilities Minister Alfred Sears said that hi ministry will focus on incorporating ACO drainage systems in several areas across New Providence, including a $1.5m investment on the Bay Street area. He also spoke of ‘aggressive’ measures taken by BPL to ensure they provide the best coverage dring peak periods over the summer months.

Dr Darville announces new hospital for Grand Bahama

By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net

CONSTRUCTION on the new hospital for Grand Bahama is on target for groundbreaking, Health and Wellness Minister Dr Michael Darville announced yesterday.

He told parliamentarians that his ministry’s architects, health planners and engineers have completed the first phase of the hospital’s design, adding a request for proposals to award contracts for the building phase will be out this month.

“During the 2021-2022 budget debate, I spoke specifically to the two IDB loan facilities available to my ministry, one for the fight against COVID-19 and the other for infrastructural, medical IT and emergency medical services upgrades at our clinics,” Dr Darville told the House of Assembly.

“Coupled with these loans, my ministry is negotiating additional bank funding to support the construction of two stateof-the-art hospitals as outlined in our Blueprint for Change. Today, I am pleased to report that by way of funding from the

World Bank the construction of the new state of the art hospital for Grand Bahama is on target for groundbreaking.”

A new hospital is desperately needed in Grand Bahama, as the Rand Memorial Hospital sustained significant damage during Hurricane Dorian in September 2019.

Yesterday, Dr Darville told parliamentarians that the government is dealing with structural issues at the Rand and revealed that renovations at major clinics on Grand Bahama and Grand Cay are being carried out.

He confirmed the completion of foundation work for the installation of modular units to support the Rand’s Accident and Emergency Department to allow for additional bed space, thus solving the “vexing problem” of patients being triaged on the hospital’s porches.

He also noted that the modular units are hurricane resistant and added that they should be erected very shortly.

With respect to the morgue at the Rand, Dr Darville said renovations there will continue.

“We also have renovations ongoing at our

radiology department to put in the mammogram machines that were not in place for pretty much the entire pandemic. The scope of the work is completed, and the construction is on the way and we should have that in place in a few months.”

Plans also remain underway for the construction of nine new clinics in the islands, a mini hospital in Eleuthera and the renovations for 17 additional clinics, Dr Darville said yesterday, adding that those plans are progressing well.

“Mr Deputy, with the exception of the Flamingo Garden clinic and the Fleming Street clinic, all clinics in New Providence are under active renovation and in a few months, the second phase of the renovation at the South Beach Clinic will be awarded in two or three weeks,” he said.

“We are going to bring that facility into a full urgent care facility. We will operate that facility from morning to midnight and we will take some of the stress that is currently experiencing at the Accident and Emergency at the Princess Margaret Hospital and we will ensure that the South Beach Clinic takes some of that load.”

MINISTER OF HEALTH: COUNTRY SEEING A RISE IN CHRONIC DISEASES

By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net

HEALTH and Well -

ness Minister Dr Michael Darville told the House of Assembly yesterday the country is facing a post COVID-19 health crisis: an increase in chronic non-communicable diseases. Dr Darville, in his midyear budget contribution in Parliament, said the increase in NDC cases has led to an increase in those going to the hospital for care, thus putting a strain on the ministry’s resources.

He has previously lamented the increase in NDCs as a common occurrence in many countries, noting that the pandemic pushed these comorbidities to the back burner as it relates to usual care.

“Like other countries around the world, The Bahamas is currently facing a post COVID-19 health crisis and that is in the increased incidence

of chronic non-communicable diseases, mainly middle aged and elderly Bahamians showing up at our Accident and Emergency Department needing hospital care,” he told parliamentarians.

“This increased demand for in-hospital care is creating strains on our current budget and it is proving to be difficult for us to deliver secondary and tertiary health care because of the increased demand.

“Many of these unstable patients require recurrent hospitalisation because of noncompliance with medication, diet and sometimes lack primary healthcare follow up, in many cases resulting in readmission just weeks after being discharged.”

The minister added: “This was becoming a vicious cycle because these chronic patients continue to occupy the bulk of precious hospital beds making it extremely difficult to admit surgical, medical, obstetric and

gynaecological patients who in most cases have been on waiting lists for years to have lifesaving, non-urgent surgical procedures completed.”

Work remains underway to resolve the problem at the primary healthcare level, starting with aggressive patient education, structured community nursing, and strong wellness programmes to meet patients’ needs in the communities, he also said.

Dr Darville said his ministry also intends to use digital monitoring devices able to detect patients with uncontrolled diabetes, unstable congestive cardiac failure among other illnesses, adding, “this will allow us to move swiftly to stabilise these patients, preventing unnecessary hospitalisation.’

With respect to manpower challenges, he said his ministry is making much headway to correct these deficiencies which he described as a “global phenomenon.”

“I am pleased to announce many of the 450 new healthcare professionals and support staff have now been trained and are currently being deployed throughout the public healthcare system filling many of the gaps that existed when I came to office,” said Dr Darville.

“I am proud to report that additional approval of staff that training is almost completed and should be manifested completely in the budget cycle at the end of this cycle. With this increase in human resources, I am excited about where our ministry is headed and our ability to deliver primary, secondary and tertiary healthcare services across the country.”

He said there is recruitment of nurses from Ghana, Cuba and the Philippines to address shortages in specialty nurses and some allied healthcare workers. He also confirmed the hiring of three specialist physicians from Cuba, two ophthalmologists

and one radiologist who will soon join the Public Hospitals Authority’s team.

And over the next several months, he said the ministry intends to engage another eight biomedical engineers, two respiratory therapists, 12 lab technologists and ten radiographers from Cuba.

He said the group’s hiring will help fill the gaps at the National Reference Lab, and expand services at polyclinics in New Providence and Grand Bahama.

“I am also happy to report that in the last six months we have brought on an additional 67 University of The Bahamas’ nursing graduates and 15 doctors for deployment at our primary healthcare facilities across the country,” the minister continued.

“With the enactment of the Mental Health Bill some 47 nurses are currently enrolled in the Psychiatric Post Graduate Diploma Programme as part of the

requirements for the enactment and bringing into force the first part of the Mental Health Act 2023.”

“I am pleased to report in the second half of this year the diploma in midwifery, emergency medicine, neonatology and dialysis is scheduled to begin in order to address the specialty gaps with Bahamian nurses that currently exist at all public hospitals.”

He also revealed that PHA is finalising a training clinical nurse curriculum and the accreditation process for the specific TCN programmes.

“As soon as that is completed, we will begin enrollment of 100 trained clinical students each year for the next three years to complete the 18-month programme scheduled to start in the second half of this budget cycle at the newly established PHA academy right here in the capital,” he also noted.

MINISTER of Health and Wellness Dr Michael Darville announced yesterday plans to breakground on a new Hospital in Grand Bahama.

Senior officer: Too many firearms on the streets

By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

A SENIOR police official on Grand Bahama revealed that while the police have experienced high success in solving crime, there are still too many firearms on the streets.

Chief Superintendent of Police Jeremy Henfield, officer in charge of the Eight Mile Rock district, is appealing to those with firearms to turn them into the police.

“We do have some concerns in EMR and that is we still have a lot of firearms on our streets; that is one of the major concerns on the streets,” he said during a police walkabout.

He stressed they must prevent gun smuggling.

“In terms of these weapons, we need to find a way to stop it from coming in,” he said. “Not that we don’t know, we have an idea. But it is just doing a little bit more work and tying it all together.”

The senior officer sent a clear message to individuals with firearms in the community.

“Turn those weapons in; bring those weapons to the police or you can reach us at 919 or 911. The police will

be relentless to do all we can to ensure we take them off the streets, and ensure that residents and citizens are safe,” he warned. In the Eight Mile Rock district, he said they will continue to carry out road checks, searches, and walkabouts. He said heightened police awareness will continue at hot spots and in residential

areas, especially in the Sea Grape community.

“We have been successful with our road checks and in our stop and search. We don’t want criminals to feel they can ride from Freeport through EMR and into West End without being checked so we will continue with that,” he explained.

Asked whether he was satisfied with the results

SWEETING ‘TO ADVANCE AGRICULTURE INDUSTRY’

By LYNAIRE MUNNINGS Tribune Staff Reporter lmunnings@tribunemedia.net

AGRICULTURE, Marine Resources and Family Affairs Minister Clay Sweeting said yesterday that the Davis administration is committed to advancing the agricultural industry.

The South and Central Eleuthera MP revealed that in an effort to ensure that the industry is sustainable, a select committee of farmers and industry partners will be engaged in developing a strategic plan that will create a roadmap in achieving food security.

“In business, the first and most important economic driver is the bottom line,” Mr Sweeting said in Parliament yesterday.

“All around the world, governments heavily subsidise the farming industry. In this area, we must invest in the technology and improve this critical function if we expect any farmer to provide poultry and meat to the capacity to sustain us.”

Additionally, Mr Sweeting said the Department of Agriculture has imported 260 small ruminants to augment flocks of sheep and

200 REPATRIATED

TWO hundred migrants were repatriated this week.

The Department of Immigration said that yesterday, two groups of migrants were repatriated. Around 6.24am, a Bahamasair chartered flight left Nassau for Port-au-Prince, Haiti, with 65 Haitians onboard. Just after noon, a Copa Airlines flight left for Panama City, Panama with seven migrants onboard: three Peruvians, two Colombians and two Chinese nationals.

On Wednesday, around 11.12am, a Bahamasair chartered flight left for Havana, Cuba, with 128 Cuban nationals onboard.

CORRECTION

IN YESTERDAY’S Tribune, a headline incorrectly attributed a call for public disclosure filing to be modernised to Bishop Victor Cooper, the Public Disclosure Commission chairman. The comment was actually made by Deputy Prime Minister Chester Cooper. We apologise for any confusion.

goats to breed and in return increase the population of livestock throughout the country.

“These animals will also be the beneficiaries of the investment in the new feed mill as a variety of feed can and will be produced for all animals reared. Additionally, we have invested in the repair and addition of the swine breeding centre and the abattoir.”

The South and Central Eleuthera MP insisted that his ministry continues to provide land preparation service, which is offered to the farming community for a “nominal fee”. According to Mr Sweeting, the government intends to extend the assistance of land preparation to farmers to three additional Family Islands, at an estimated cost of $1m.

“This will increase the use of machinery and technology in farming with the objective of increasing productivity while reducing the cost of production for farmers,” Mr Sweeting said.

This initiative includes the purchase of the necessary equipment, he said. He continued: “We are happy to announce that these pieces of equipment

have arrived and are being prepared for delivery to the designated Family Islands. We expect the use of the machinery and innovations will be transformative in both crop and livestock production in the Family Islands. “

Mr Sweeting said the country is challenged with providing processed food “of our own”, saying that the state of the food technology laboratory is unequipped to meet modern standards.

“Madam Speaker, one of the challenges we face in this country is providing processed foods of our own,” he said.

“We have the capacity to grow a variety of fruit, vegetables, roots and tubers that can be processed into foods such as jams, jellies, chips, flour and juices.

“However, the state of the food technology laboratory does not foster a proper environment to meet modern standards. There is a shortage of space for processing, staff and training.”

He, however, noted that his ministry, along with the Ministry of Works, are in communication for the expansion of labs.

To advertise in The Tribune, contact 502-2394

so far, CSP Henfield said: “Yes, I am satisfied with the results, not only in EMR, but the entire GB district.”

“We have done very well (in EMR.) As you can see in 2021 we recorded four murders, and in 2022 we recorded two. So, our success in solvability, I think, for last year during one month the rate went to 54 percent. And for the duration of the

TRUST TO HOST ECONOMIC OUTLOOK EVENT

RF BANK & Trust (RF) has announced it will host regional and international experts during a one-day conference to help Bahamians forecast and future-proof their business. The annual RF Economic Outlook (RFEO), under the theme “Evolving Risks: The Way Forward” will be held on Tuesday, March 14, at Baha Mar.

Headlining the 2023 event are leading economist and Caribbean advisor Marla Dukharan and the first US Chief Intelligence Officer and economic futurist, Andy Busch. Joining them are CNBC senior analyst and commentator Ron Insana, entrepreneur Kevin Hobbs, and expedition leader Jeff Evans. Marla will also appear on a

whole year it was 60 percent and above. Not just in EMR, but the entire island did very well,” he said.

Chief Superintendent Walter Henderson, officer in charge of the northeastern division, and Supt William Rahming, officer in charge of the West End division, also shared their plans for 2023. They said they will

continue to increase police visibility, including road checks, walkabouts and patrols in their districts. “Police visibility is very high on our list,” said CSP Henderson. “At the end of day it is about keeping the peace and our emphasis on prevention.”

Supt Rahming said they saw success in the reduction of crime in West End.

“We moved about the community and touched every house in the West End Division. We realised that through partnership with the community we are able to solve most of our matters,” he added.

When asked about a young woman who was found beaten in the area in the middle of the road and whether there were any concerns, Supt Rahming said: “The incident is not a regular occurrence, and the perpetrator has been taken into custody and charged and the matter is presently before the court.”

He said they will be focusing their efforts also on vulnerable persons in the community such as senior citizens and children. On Friday, he said they plan to launch a breakfast event at the primary school in West End.

FROM left, front: Charnette Thompson, vice president B2B Sales, REV; Michael Anderson, president & CEO, RF Group; Patrice Nichols, sales representative, The Tribune; (back row): Prince Rahming, territory leader, Bahamas, PwC; Gowon Bowe, CEO, Fidelity Bank; Andrew O’Brien, partner, GSO Legal.

panel discussion on “Global minimum tax and what it means for The Bahamas’ financial services industry”, alongside Michael Halkitis, Minister of Economic Affairs and Kevin Moree, partner at Mckinney, Bancroft and Hughes.

Registration is now open. Special rates are available for members of accredited

associations looking for Continuing Professional Development (CPD) credits.

RFEO 2023 is sponsored by RF Bank & Trust, Aliv, Doctors Hospital, Fidelity Bank, GSO Legal, JS Johnson Insurance Agents & Brokers, PwC and The Tribune. For full details, visit www.rfbeo.com.

SENIOR officers during a tour of Grand Bahama yesterday.

Photo: Vandyke Hepburn

The Tribune Limited

Toxic ‘forever chemicals’ to get US limits

THE Environmental Protection Agency is expected to propose restrictions on harmful “forever chemicals” in drinking water after finding they are dangerous in amounts so small as to be undetectable. But experts say removing them will cost billions, a burden that will fall hardest on small communities with few resources.

Concerned about the chemicals’ ability to weaken children’s immune systems, the EPA said last year that PFAS could cause harm at levels “much lower than previously understood”.

“We as a community of scientists and policymakers and regulators really missed the boat early on,” said Susan Pinney, director of the Center for Environmental Genetics at the University of Cincinnati.

There is also evidence the compounds are linked to low birthweight, kidney cancer and a slew of other health issues. It’s unclear what the EPA will now propose and how well it will protect people from these recentlyunderstood harms.

The compounds PFOA and PFOS are part of a larger family of chemicals called PFAS, for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, that are widespread, don’t degrade in the environment and have been around for decades.

They’ve been used in nonstick pans, food packaging and firefighting foam.

Their use is now mostly phased out in the US, but some still remain.

Water providers are preparing for tough standards and testing that will undoubtedly reveal PFOA and PFOS in communities that don’t yet know the chemicals are in their water. The deadline for the proposal is Friday, but first it must be reviewed by the White House Office of Management and Budget. As of Thursday, that review wasn’t finished.

“This rule would help ensure that communities are not being poisoned,” said Jonathan Kalmuss-Katz, senior attorney, toxic exposure and health at Earthjustice.

Over the last decade, an increasing number of cities and towns, often abutting manufacturing plants or Air Force bases, suddenly realized they had a problem. In 2016, for example, Sarah McKinney was on maternity leave when she got word there was too much PFOA and PFOS in the tap water in her Colorado Springs suburb. She picked up her weeks-old daughter and hustled out to buy enough bottled water for her family of five.

“If I’m just spitting it out, can I brush my teeth?” she remembers wondering.

In response to concerns from people who had been drinking the water for years, McKinney’s water utility switched to a different source, provided water bottle filling stations and installed a $2.5m treatment system that was the first of its kind in the country, according to Lucas Hale, the water district manager. The chemicals had gottem into the water from nearby Peterson Air Force base, which then built a treatment facility.

For communities with the pollutants, it’s not a cheap problem to solve.

Nationally, it could cost roughly $38bn to remove enough of the chemicals to meet a strict EPA rule limiting them to where they can’t be detected, according to an estimate prepared by engineering consultant Black & Veatch for the American Water Works Association, an industry group. There also will be ongoing costs for filter material and testing.

The consultant looked at federal and state test results and estimated that four to 12 percent of water providers nationally will need to treat for PFAS due to the EPA rule. Smaller, poorer communities will have a harder time affording the new systems and training staff on how to use them, experts said. And in general, smaller water providers with fewer resources already violate water quality rules more often than utilities that serve large cities.

“Small systems often need technologies that are more simple to operate,” said Jonathan Pressman, engineer and EPA water researcher. The agency offers technical assistance to states and communities and it recently made $2bn available to states for contaminants like PFAS. Inside the EPA’s research facility in Cincinnati, a row of vertical, forearm-sized glass tubes were partially filled with a resin material that can remove PFAS. The work ensures the agency knows how long it will last and how much PFAS it removes. That’s important for designing treatment systems.

Last year the agency lowered its conservative, voluntary health thresholds to levels that tests can’t even detect – a fraction of a part per trillion. In 2016, it was 70 ppt. Before that, it was even higher. As the EPA recognizes the increased danger of these compounds, it will mean people who were once told their water was safe to drink will find out it actually requires treatment.

When people feel misled about the safety of their tap water, they are less likely to drink it. Instead, they tend to reach for expensive bottled water and consume sugary drinks more often, choices associated with health problems like diabetes.

“We do have challenges in this community with trust,” said Abel Moreno, the district manager of the South Adams County Water & Sewer District that serves Commerce City, an industrial stretch of Denver. Contaminants leaked from a nearby chemical manufacturing plant decades ago. Although the district built a facility to treat the contamination, it sparked long-simmering distrust in the predominantly Latino neighborhood, and questions about how long people had been exposed.

Last year, Betty Rivas was startled by a letter telling her that the drinking fountains her 8-year-old used at school weren’t safe. PFAS stories had been in the local news and the school district told families to use bottled water. It reinforced Rivas’s fears.

“With this recent PFAS issue, it’s one more reason to be certain that you shouldn’t drink the water in Commerce City,” she said.

Moreno responded that the district tested for PFAS long before the news reports, in 2018. It discovered extremely high levels in certain wells, but once the water went through the treatment plant, it didn’t surpass the EPA health advisory threshold in place at the time.

Moreno’s agency closed the wells. He said the letter Rivas received was frustrating because PFAS hadn’t spiked — it had just made the news. Now, the district purchases and mixes in water from Denver to keep PFAS at undetectable levels and plans to build a treatment plant for a permanent fix.

Across the US, so far only local utilities and state regulators have imposed changes, not the federal government.

Michigan set a drinking water limit and paid for testing. Those tests helped quickly find and fix some places with contamination and Michigan officials have said since then its limits haven’t proved too expensive.

New standards, however, will force tradeoffs, according to Chad Seidel, president of a water consultant company.

“Resources going towards addressing this are in some ways coming at a cost” of other needs, like removing dangerous lead pipes and replacing aged water mains, he said.

Kalmuss-Katz of Earthjustice said too many people are drinking contaminated water. Cost can’t be a barrier.

“The solution is to do whatever you have to do to ensure that people are not getting sick,” he said.

By MICHAEL PHILLIS and

BRIT-

Mini taxis zipping by on streets

EDITOR, The Tribune.

THE motoring behaviour of the numerous new mini-taxis is something to behold.... zipping through traffic swerving from one lane to the next... running the red light, basically questions should they have been given a Taxi Licence?

Editor, these vehicles are mostly the Datsun Minibus vehicles. Today you see many rather than few. A swarm of them — how many did Transport licence? Was there any testing? Was there any

instruction course for the drivers and how a taxi is to operate?

Nassau roads are very quickly reaching saturation point... over the past few years we saw the flood of the $3-4,000 licenced on the road ex-Japan vehicle flood the roads, no issue everyone has the right but... the drivers simply have no road sense. Weekends, where do all those self-drive come

from?

Another sore point is the drivers’ disrespect for pedestrian crossings... if the oncoming driver sees a person standing on a pedestrian crossing Road Act says You Are To Stop, hell no increase speed and flash past... Saw a near miss many times on West Bay and near Doctors on Shirley, you put your life in your hands. Drivers show respect, please.

D ROLLE Nassau February 27, 2023.

Lack of speed signs in kmh

EDITOR, The Tribune.

If you drive around the island of New Providence, you will note that there is a very high percentage of right-hand Japanese vehicles on our roads. However, most of us know that the speedometer is in kmh (kilometer per hour) and not mph (miles per hour). How many of us know that 1kmh is equal to 0.62mph.

It’s obvious that our Road Traffic Department and our Traffic Police are not aware of this either, or else we would have dual

speed signs with mph at the bottom and kmh at the top, like is done in Jamaica. So, 25mph converts to 40kmh, and 45mph converts to 72kmh. If we were serious about road safety and keeping the driving motorist safe, we need to start erecting these signs ASAP!

It’s unfortunate that we continue to have no standards in our Bahama land when it comes to common sense solutions to keep our motorists and citizenry safe. After more than 30 years of importing these

right hand drive Japanese vehicles, we have no standards in terms of km/h traffic signage. And secondly, the requirement for the motoring public to install mph speedometer overlay decals for conversion from kmh to mph. I am sure this last suggestion would be harder to implement, so new km/h road signage is a much easier fix for this problem. Nassau, BA SWEETING

Nassau, February 22, 2023

SEBASTIAN Bastian and Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis at the dedication of the Edwin Smiley Bastian Corporate Centre yesterday.

Photo: Austin Fernander

MINNIS CHARGES DAVIS TO RUN AGAINST HIM IN KILLARNEY

By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter

KILLARNEY MP Dr Hubert Minnis said Prime Minister Phillip “Brave” Davis should be the last person on earth to accuse him of failing his constituents, saying the record would show that Cat Island is the most neglected constituency in The Bahamas.

He also challenged Mr Davis to run against him in Killarney, saying the Prime Minister would lose that contest.

Dr Minnis was responding to comments made by Mr Davis to supporters at a PLP branch meeting held in the Killarney constituency Tuesday night.

At the meeting, Prime Minister Davis reportedly told supporters that Dr Minnis was failing to represent them because he was busy fighting within his own party which he said did not want Dr Minnis to attend their council meetings.

Responding to the comments yesterday, Dr Minnis said the Prime Minister ought to be ashamed of himself for making such nonsense remarks.

“The Prime Minister is the last person on earth to talk about a constituency that is being neglected or failing,” he told reporters. “The records would show that his constituency is the most neglected constituency or island in The Bahamas. That is (on the) record.

“So, he should be ashamed to make such a statement. They had no airports. The roads were in (a) bad state and we had to introduce water into many areas within his constituency. He had no problems with his constituents having

no running water, no bathroom facility. No water facility.

“He had no problems with that. We corrected that for him. He had no problems with his constituency not having a proper airport. Anytime there’s rain, they had nowhere to go. They had to run in their cars if any were available. If other people’s cars were available, they had to run into their cars to shame themselves,” he said.

Dr Minnis said his track record spoke for itself, adding that he continues to receive calls from people in his constituency who are happy with his leadership.

“Individuals from not only The Bahamas but outside The Bahamas – the UK, the US who are constituents of Killarney have called to reassure me that they are very happy with the management and the way we monitor and took care of Killarney,” he continued.

“And they and I would say if the Prime Minister is the man he thinks he is, then he should run against

BRAVE SAYS IF MINNIS IS ‘MAN ENOUGH’ RUN IN CAT ISLAND

AFTER a challenge from Killarney MP Dr Hubert Minnis, Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis said if he is “man enough” he should run against him in Cat Island, Rum Cay, and San Salvador.

The prime minister was responding to former Prime Minister Dr Minnis who had said that Mr Davis should be the last person on earth to accuse him of failing his constituents, saying the record would show that Cat Island is the most neglected constituency in The Bahamas.

me in Killarney and then the Bahamians will see that one of us has to go and be assured that he will be beaten.”

This comes amid reports of tension brewing within the FNM party since its election defeat in 2021.

Dr Minnis resigned as party leader shortly after the party’s devastating loss, but party insiders claim that there is a rift between those who support current FNM leader Michael Pintard and those who support Dr Minnis.

Dr Minnis declined to comment on the reports when questioned about the matter yesterday, telling reporters: “I do not discuss FNM business outside of our FNM society itself.”

He also said he was not concerned that the party’s image was being negatively affected by reports circulating and also insisted that he has no doubt that the party will emerge victorious in the next election.

TEEN HELD WITHOUT BAIL ON CHARGES OF ARMED ROBBERY AND GREVIOUS HARM

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Court Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net

A TEENAGER was remanded yesterday after being accused of multiple crimes, including armed robbery and an attempted armed robbery that left a woman seriously injured last month.

Ta’Quain Pinder, 19, represented by Alphonso Lewis, appeared before Senior Magistrate Carolyn Vogt-Evans on charges of possession of an unlicensed firearm, possession of ammunition, armed robbery, attempted armed robbery and grievous harm.

On February 19 in New

Providence, it is alleged that Pinder along with a male accomplice robbed Pamela Taylor of $300 cash belonging to Jet Wash laundromat.

Pinder’s 17-year-old coaccused was previously arraigned on the same matter earlier this week.

Pinder is also accused of attempting to rob Daevindra Jagroo with a black .40 Austria Glock pistol on February 20. During this incident it is alleged that Jagroo suffered serious injury because of Pinder.

Finally on February 25 the accused was arrested after he was allegedly found with the same black Glock pistol with the serial number erased. It is also

alleged that Pinder had seven unfired rounds of .40 ammunition.

He was not required to enter a plea due to the nature of the charges and was informed that his matter would be transferred to the Supreme Court by a voluntary bill of indictment (VBI). The accused was also told that as the magistrate lacked the jurisdiction to grant bail he had the right to apply for it through the higher court. In the interim he was sent to the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services.

Pinder’s VBI is expected to be served on June 8.

The back-and-forth between the two parliamentarians stems from comments Mr Davis reportedly made to supporters at a PLP branch meeting held in the Killarney constituency Tuesday night which was reported by The Nassau Guardian.

This prompted Dr Minnis to challenge Mr Davis to run against him in Killarney, saying the Prime Minister would lose that contest.

Yesterday, the Cat Island, Rum Cay and San Salvador MP had a comeback.

“Well if he’s man enough he can come run against me in Cat Island, Rum Cay, and San Salvador. It is what it is. I don’t have to run against him. I have someone who was going to run against him and beat him,” Mr Davis said.

He was then asked about Dr Minnis’ comments claiming that if he ran

PRIME Minister Philip ‘Brave’ Davis’ responded to Dr Huber Minnis’ challenge saying ‘... he’s man enough come run against me in Cat Island, Rum Cay and San Salvador.” He added that he has someone who will beat him in Killarney.

against Mr Davis, he would retire him.

Mr Davis retorted: “Well he’s enroute now to retirement - isn’t he... And I don’t put stock in what he has to say...”

At the meeting on Tuesday, Mr Davis also took aim at Free National Movement leader Michael Pintard, calling him “a wonderful actor” who “brings with him lots of drama”.

Responding to the remarks directly about him, Mr Pintard stated: “What I said before the PLP absolutely hate creative Bahamians - they despise them. They believe that they’re the serious ones and writers, Junkanooers, poets, all of them, they hold a disdain.

“They see those persons in our community that’s

putting us on the international map as entertainers rather than persons with a serious worldview that can contribute to our development.

“So when he seeks to attack me, he’s attacking an entire community he wishes to convince that they have concerns for. The orange economy is important to our development and the prime minister believes him, as an attorney, his worldview is more important than the creative and it’s not.”

However, Mr Davis said his feelings about Mr Pintard have nothing to do with him being a part of the creative community. He said: “That’s his opinion. That’s what he said? That I don’t respect him because he’s from the

NO BAIL FOR OFFICER ON INCEST CHARGES

from page one

It is alleged that between November 1, 2020, and February 24, 2023, the accused had unlawful sex on ten occasions with his daughter while she was between the ages of 10 to 12 years old. Due to the gravity of the offence, the accused was not

required to enter a plea at this time. He was informed that the matter would proceed to the Supreme Court by a voluntary bill of indictment (VBI).

The accused was further told that as the magistrate lacked the jurisdiction to grant bail he had the right to apply for it through the

higher court. He was remanded to the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services in the interim.

He was represented by attorney Miranda Adderley yesterday.

The officer is to return to court for potential service of his VBI on June 8.

MAN CHARGED IN GAMBIER HEIGHTS MURDER BEING HELD WITHOUT BAIL

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Court Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net

A MAN was charged yesterday with murder in connection with the shooting of a man in Gambier Heights early last month.

It is alleged that Jadre “Mice” Evans, 27, shot and killed Desmond “Strap” Smith outside a Gambier Heights business around 11pm on February 5.

According to police reports the 39-year-old victim was found lying on the ground suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Smith was pronounced dead at the scene by Emergency Medical Services.

A video reportedly of this incident had circulated on social media last month.

As this is an indictable offence, Evans was not required to enter a plea before Assistant Chief Magistrate Subusola Swain yesterday. He was informed

that his matter would proceed to the Supreme Court by a voluntary bill of indictment (VBI). The accused was also told that as it was not in the magistrate’s jurisdiction to grant bail, he had the right to apply for it through the higher court. Until bail is granted Evans will be sent to the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services. Evans’s VBI is expected to be served on May 2.

KILLARNEY MP Dr Hubert Minnis responded to Prime Minister Philip ‘Brave’ Davis’ accusation that he failed his constituency saying he should be the last to say such, calling Cat Island the most neglected constituency in The Bahamas.

Opportunities for Caribbean women in agri-food businesses

LAST week, I had the opportunity to attend the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) – COLEAD’s Caribbean Agri-food Online Business Series.

It was a timely presentation as we prepare to observe International Women’s Day on March 8 by celebrating equality and embracing equity.

Themed “Successes from Caribbean Women-led Businesses/SMEs in the Agri-food Sector,” the series featured a selection of leading women from the region, sharing their stories of struggle and triumph in overcoming barriers to successfully pioneer and scale their unique agri-food businesses and value-added food product lines.

As expressed by this group of under-40 women entrepreneurs, reaching beyond local borders to leverage new and lucrative international markets is pivotal to growth but requires an ever-changing arsenal of new tools, skillsets and technology.

It was inspiring to see the resilience, passion and tenacity demonstrated by this group and the intentional integration of locally sourced, natural ingredients used to create each of their authentically Caribbean, and mostly health-focussed product lines. The array of creative, palatable products infused with delicious Caribbean staples was impressive and included a wide range of exotic sauces, seasonings and food products like Flauriel’s Mango-Ketchup and Vegan Salad Dressings in Ginger, Avocado, Guava, Mango and Sorrel varieties.

The mother-daughter team behind the brand hails from St Kitts and Nevis and is headed by the younger, Anastasha Elliot. They have

By Yolanda Pawar

For many of them, the global COVID-19 pandemic was the catalyst to either diversify their business model or think more creatively, collaboratively and expansively about new opportunities in the agri-food business in order to continue supporting themselves, their families, and communities.

been able build their export channels throughout The Caribbean, USA, Europe, the UK and Taiwan.

Handmade by Jeanette is an agri-processing company based in Trinidad and Tobago led by Chef Jeanette Marcelle. She produces clean granola, and unique spices, sauces and spice rubs in small batches using 75 percent locally sourced ingredients. Products include a savoury Chocolate Steak Sauce infused with Tamarind, Matcha Masala Chai Tea, Cinnamon Chai Granola, Coconut-Pineapple Peri Peri Sauce, various dry rub seasonings and an innovative shelf stable Cocoa Powder with dried mushrooms for an extra antioxidant punch, just to name a few. Notably, each woman’s story had the common theme of turning life struggles into life change through entrepreneurship and using the resources most readily at hand to do so.

By doing the work to grow their small businesses into big brands, they are helping to carve out a niche and demand for authentic Caribbean-inspired flavours and agriculture-based products in the region and around the world.

This series was of particular interest to me, as part of One Eleuthera Foundation’s strategic development plan includes the establishment of a Food Hub and food processing plant at the Rock Sound campus to expand the agriculture industry and assist local entrepreneurs in developing their own value-added products.

You only have to scroll through social media to see the proliferation of emerging and established women entrepreneurs in The Bahamas who are also innovating around agri-food and addedvalue food products using our own indigenous ingredients and creating amazing, quality products with unlimited potential.

Imagine the possibilities if these individuals could more easily access revenue for scaling their businesses, staffing

and produc tion, and the tools, training and education needed to shorten the learning curve. Add in, the right technol ogy and digital marketing to reach our existing seven lion annual tourists as well as tap into new and lucrative international markets.

Imagine how their success could open pathways and remove barriers for exponential growth and invite more women to venture into entrepreneurship and potentially achieve financial independence.

Speaking at the series on Economic Empowerment for Gender Equality for the Caribbean, Tonni Ann Brodber, Representative of the UN Women Multi-Country Office (Caribbean) highlighted that in the region, the female self-employed segment comprises a very

self-employed.

This disparity is also reflected in The Bahamas. According to the 2019 Dept. of Statistics Employed Labour Force data 10 percent of women were self-employed whereas 20 percent of men were self-employed.

Brodber further revealed that Caribbean “womenowned businesses tend to have no employees, use less technology and be concentrated in the textile, food, retail, hotel and restaurants, and transport industries.” The bottom line here is that there is very limited growth potential for these self-employed women to scale up their businesses and embrace opportunities for significant expansion, wealth creation and succession planning.

The implications of this model suggest there is more instability, a greater propensity for personal burnout and the risk of the business failing should the sole proprietor be removed or suffer adversity.

The data points to the fact that there is work to be done not only to lessen the gender gap, but to increase capacity, and access to knowledge and resources and proactively support women in their entrepreneurial pursuits to bring greater balance and social, economic and personal empowerment.

Why is this an area of importance you might ask?

For starters, the IICA business series noted, “poverty is prevalent among femaleheaded households that make up nearly 40 percent of all households in some Caribbean countries.” 2013 stats indicate that 62% of births in The Bahamas were attributed to single mothers under the age of 30. Many households in The Bahamas are led by women who are the primary breadwinners, single parents to more than one child and facing substantial financial challenges.

Rising unemployment, inflation, and the escalating cost of living drive home the need to foster entrepreneurial development for women to improve their quality of life and that of their children.

The IICA series reiterated that “when women earn and control additional income, they tend to spend more of it on health, clothing and education for their children, resulting in positive implications for immediate well-being as well as long-run human capital formation and economic growth.” The development and acceleration of women in the agri-food and products sector can be a gateway to create self-sufficiency, greater household earnings, and economic growth while also working towards reducing The Bahamas’ staggering $1 billion food import bill.

The good news is that there is a growing demand for Caribbean spices, jams, condiments and valueadded products in the global market. According to a report on the Caribbean Export

Development Agency site titled Unlocking the Profit Potential of the Caribbean, “there is a growing consumer demand for Caribbean foods, with huge potential across Europe, especially in the UK.”

UK Food industry expert, Jane Milton adds, “There is a strong interest in authentic Caribbean food in the UK, not just from the ex-pat community, but now also from those who have holidayed in the Caribbean and tasted the cuisine and now want to enjoy those flavours at home.

Things that work well are often ingredients that can be added to food we are already familiar with, for example a sauce or rub you add to chicken, or a seasoning to add to rice.”

The report identifies the UK, Spain, Germany and the Netherlands “as key markets with tremendous opportunities” for Caribbean sauces and condiments. “In the UK alone the total sauces and condiments segment including pickles is valued at 1.09bn ($130.2bn).”

Last, but not least, as listed on the US International Trade Administration website, “The Bahamas is a member of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), a beneficiary under the Unites States’ Caribbean Basin Initiative (CBI) and the Caribbean Basin Economic Recovery Act (CBERA), and Canada’s CARIBCAN Programme.

The country is also party to the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) between the European Union and the countries of the Caribbean Forum CARIFORUM and the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) between the United Kingdom and the countries of CARIFORUM.

These agreements provide preferential access for goods purchased in The Bahamas to most major markets, which benefits American investment in the export economy.”

I believe that there is definitely room for more women entrepreneurs in The Bahamas and The Caribbean to take a seat at the table and begin innovating, formulating, learning and selling authentic agri-food and value-added products both locally and abroad.

This International Women’s Day and beyond, make it a point to find and support a woman-owned business in any sector. Your purchasing power helps to close the gender gap, strengthen the local economy and promote equality and equity.

• Yolanda Pawar is the chief communications officer at the One Eleuthera Foundation. Established in 2012, the One Eleuthera Foundation (OEF) is a nonprofit organisation located in Rock Sound, Eleuthera. For more information, visit www.oneeleuthera.org or email info@oneeleuthera. org. The Centre for Training and Innovation (CTI) is the first and only postsecondary, non-profit education and training institution and social enterprise on Eleuthera. CTI operates a student training campus in Rock Sound, Eleuthera, with a 16-room training hotel, restaurant and farm. For more information about CTI’s programmes, email: info@oneeleuthera.org.

of One Eleuthera Foundation

When things go wrong, Consumer Protection Commission indeed helps

IN EARLIER days, I dreamed of solving problems. Not the big ones like ending world famine or creating world peace.

Everyday problems like my friend had when the installation of a stormrated door went wrong on a house he looks after and he couldn’t get the company that installed it to come back, re-do it and get it right, though heaven knows he tried for months. Basically, their tone was ‘You bought the door, we installed it, we’re done, out.’

But it wasn’t installed right, my friend said, so how can you say you are done, meaning hurricane come, house could go.

My friend is an especially kind, thoughtful and polite person, but he is also resourceful. So he picked up the phone and dialed a familiar number. Mine.

“Surely there is a consumer protection agency or something like that in The Bahamas, don’t you think?” he asked, hoping that if I did not know for sure, I would stop what I was doing, if not then, soon, find out and get back to him.

“I think I heard of something,” I said. Thus launched the search for the equivalent of a ‘Help Me Howard’ or ‘NBC Responds,’ some compassionate and

By Diane Phillips

well-organised individual or agency dedicated to resolving consumer injustices and complaints.

Today, one year later, that same friend Whatsapped me. “Guess what, you won’t believe this. I just got the full payment for the installation that went wrong.”

It took a year, but it worked. And how it worked is worth sharing because it not only sheds light on a government programme that is hands-on and produces direct results that make a difference, it restores faith in the fact that as a consumer, you do have rights.

In fact, you have more rights than you know. You have so many rights that your rights trump the store’s policy. But let’s not get ahead of ourselves, a bit of background is in order.

Long ago, in 2006, the Consumer Protection Commission (CPC) was mandated by an Act of Parliament. It apparently languished under the radar,

averaging two complaints a month until last year when everything changed. A tiny staff got a boost. A few more bodies were added. A former police detective took over investigations and now heads that department.

The CPC team conducted a media blitz, hitting popular radio and TV shows.

They’ve done pop-ups at the Mall at Marathon, Southwest Plaza and Harbour Bay. They host a monthly radio show, established a Facebook page and a 24-hour hotline. Now, they are receiving far more complaints – and averaging a 75 to 85 percent success rate.

With Consumer Rights Day coming up this month, merchants might want to take a quick refresher course. Says someone off the record, “Merchants think their policies are gold. Uh-uh, their policies do not trump the law.” That includes warranty rights as stated on the product itself,

not established by the store, especially important in the case of electronics.

A product warranty trickles down to the end user, the consumer who purchases it wherever that consumer is.

It also means that if a product is defective or faulty in any way and you choose to return it, you also have the right to choose how to receive your refund – and that includes cash. You do not have to accept the offer of an exchange or store credit. You have the right to cash.

“Our goal is not to put merchants out of business or make it hard on them,” says

a spokesman. “Our aim is to bring resolution.”

Good to know and to know that the CPC falls under the Ministry of Finance which I chided last week for the nearly all-male economic outlook roundtable.

Response to that was overwhelming. Thank you to all who reached out to me personally to say thank you, including men, and to those who shared the column. I’m only sorry I left out a few really important names like the amazing Alexandra Maillis-Lynch, who transformed Ranfurly Homes

for Children while running her catering business, NAD President and CEO Vernice Walkine, Sysco president Karen Casey, founder of Historic Charles Towne Betsy Dingman and dozens more. As for that Consumer Protection Commission hotline, it’s 357-9798. You’ll probably get Datus Farrington on the phone. And if you do, please tell him I hope we meet one day. I’m glad he was there to help my friend and stuck with the investigation all that time. It’s comforting to know that when so much goes wrong, there’s someone there to make it right.

THE TRAGEDY IT TAKES TO TAKE TRAFFIC SAFETY SERIOUSLY

IN FEBRUARY, a visitor was killed in an allterrain vehicle accident.

The woman who was driving the ATV when it rolled over was charged with the death of her passenger.

I am not trying to disparage the company that imported these ATVs or any of the large and small operators. They are only doing what the law allows them to do which many safety experts would say is a stretch when it comes to road safety. In most places, including the US, these four-wheel machines are absolutely forbidden on paved roads. That’s why they are called off-road vehicles.

Yet here we hand them out readily, inviting strangers to drive on the streets in between heavy equipment, truck cabs and cargo containers, pickup trucks, jitney buses and thousands of cars. Not only are they weaving in and out of traffic – or stopping it altogether if there is a group on a tour – they are driving on what most of the drivers would call the wrong side of the road. We drive on the left, Americans who comprise most of the visitors who are renting

the four-wheelers, drive on the right. If something unexpected threatens, a car makes a sudden turn in front or passes too close or a dog or elderly person darts across a busy street, the driver unfamiliar with left hand reactions is likely to react instinctively and look or jerk the vehicle the wrong way to dodge hitting something. Add to that the possibility that whoever is at the wheel has stopped for a drink or two and thinks a wheelie may be in order and you’ve got the makings of a tragedy that would be a headline in some stranger’s home town.

In several countries in the Caribbean, you must how a motorcycle license to rent even the smallest motorbike. In Mexico, for instance, you have to be at least 21, have a valid motorcycle driver’s licence and a year’s driving experience. Here we say, ‘You wanna do this? Hop on.’ We talk about road safety, as we should. And then we turn our back to ensure the visitor has a rockin’ good time, except for that poor man who didn’t live to remember his good time in The Bahamas.

Full Military Honours for

Commander Defence Force (Retired) COMMODORE LEON LIVINGSTONE SMITH, C.D., O.B.E., MSSc., B.A., psc, 86

of Isabella Blvd., Marathon Estates, will be held at 11:00 a.m. (TODAY) Friday 3rd March 2023 at Christ Church Cathedral, George Street. Celebrant, The Very Rev’d. Harry J. L. Bain, Dean of Nassau, Rector of Christ Church Cathedral. Interment will follow in Woodlawn Gardens, Soldier Road.

Commodore Smith was preceded in death by his Wife: Helen Viola (née Carey); Parents: Phillip Theophilis Smith and Julia Elizabeth Smith; Grandparents: Ceva and Eleazor Smith and Brother: Andrew Anthony Smith.

Left to cherish his memories are his Children: Leon L. Smith II (Lathiera Pratt), Italia A.E. Seymour (Attorney Keith Seymour, Sr.) and Ingrid A.H. Peter (Ita Peter, Esq.); Grandchildren: Kriston Smith, Tanisha Seymour (Nicolas), Amaris Peter and Nicholas Seymour; Sister: Rosanna Dickenson; Sister-in-law: Emily Gweneth Munnings; Brother-inlaw: Harold Lorenza Carey; Nieces and nephews: Gregory and Norman Smith, Robin and Theodore Shepherd, Timothy and Wellington Dickenson, Quedon Stuart, Michelle Dickenson and Sandy Stuart-Ome, Patricia (Douglas) Collins, Barbara Burrows (Rev. Fr. Rodney Burrows); Paulette (Leon) Jacobs; Dr. Earla Carey-Baines, Sheila “Shelly” Carey, Thomas “Tommy” Carey; Dale (Perry) McHardy, Shawn (OAT “Tommy”) Turnquest, Kim Gibson (Attorney Dwayne Gibson); Dr. Harold (Moneria) Munnings, Timothy (Ruth) Munnings, Leslie (Sheree) Munnings, Carol Munnings Misiewicz Deputy Registrar of the Supreme Court (Ret.); Lorenza Carey and James Carey; Other relatives and friends: His Excellency Sir Cornelius A. Smith, Governor General of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas and Lady Smith and Family, The Rt. Hon. Philip E. Davis K.C., M.P. Prime Minister of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas and Mrs. Davis and Family, Hon. Chester Cooper Deputy Prime Minister and Mrs. Cooper and Family, The Rt. Hon. Perry G. Christie and Mrs. Christie and Family, Rt. Hon. Hubert Ingraham and Mrs. Ingraham and Family, Most Hon. Dr. Hubert Minnis and Mrs. Minnis and Family, Hon. Michael Pintard M.P. Leader of the Opposition, RBDF Commodore Dr. Raymond King and Family, Commodore Davey Rolle (Ret.) and Family, Commodore Clifford Scavella (Ret.) and Family, Commodore Roderick Bowe (Ret.) and Family, Commodore Tellis Bethel (Ret.) and Family, Deputy Commander

RBDF Captain Shonedel Pinder and Family, Captain Stephen Russell and Family, Captain Michael Simmons and Family, Captain Henry Daxon and Family, Captain Chippel Whyms and Family, Captain Attorney Floyd Moxey and Family, Captain Carlin Bethel and Family, Captain Michael Hanna and Family, Captain Gregory Brown and Family, His Lordship Mr. Justice Loren Klein and Family, Sen. Hon. Darren Henfield and Family, Commander Warren Bain (Ret.) and Family, Commissioner of Police Clayton Fernander, Hon. Wayne R. Munroe

K.C. M.P., Hon. A. Loftus Roker, Rev. Dr. Kenris Carey and Family, Priscilla Clarke and Family, Obong (Chief) Sunday Peter Udo and Family in Nigeria, Nsikak (Anietic) Otu and Family in Dallas, Texas, Calab Goodman Jr. and Family, Vivian Moss and Family, Attorney Raynard Henfield and Family, Cheryl Bowe-Moss and Family, Attorney Devard Francis and Family, Attorney Alexander Ferguson and Family, Chequita Johnson and Family, Rev. Dr. John Ferguson and Family, Themla (Byron) Bain and Family, Linda Evans and Family, Gregg Scott and Family, Quentin Burrows and Family, Ricardo Smith and Family, Prissa Carey and Family, Kevin Smith and Family, Kim Curtis and Family, Nadia, Keith Jr. and Dr. Kahamaron Seymour, Attorney Tanya McCartney and Family, Delis Rolle and Family, Sonia Brown and Family, Jave Thompson and Family, Rosina Higgs, Tanya Higgs-Morley and Family, Bridget Rollins and Family, Margaret Albury and Family, The Clarke Family, Dr. Neressa Bandelier and Family, Velma Seymour and the Moss Family, The Long Island Family, Val Cooper and Family, Rt. Rev. Bishop Laish Z. Boyd and Family, Very Rev. Harry Bain Dean of Christ Church Cathedral and Mrs. Ann Bain and Family, Very Rev. Patrick Adderley (Ret.) and Mrs. Asterid Adderley and Family, Rev. Fr. Eric Miller Assistant Curate Christ Church Cathedral and Stipendiary and Circuit Magistrate Hon. Ian-Marie Darville-Miller and Family, Rev. Canon Stephen Davies and Italia Davies and Fa,ily, Rev. Fr. Colin Humes and Family, Rev. Desiree Johnson and Family, Rev. Angela Palacious and Family, Ven. Archdeacon Kingsley Knowles and Family, Rev. Dr. Alonza (Jess) Hinzey, Pauline King and Family, Laura Rolle and Family, Susan Dean and Family, Rev. Wayde (Clarissa) Seymour and Family, Junetta Wallace and Family and Family, Jerome Miller and Family, Superintendent Grand Bahama District MCCA Rev. E. Brian (Helen) Seymour, Godfrey Seymour and Family, Troy Oliver and Family, Marina People-Trotman and Family; Alice Martinborough and Family, Richard and Susan Uriasz and Family, Rally in the Alley, Anglican Church Women Christ Church Cathedral, The Anglican Church Men Christ Church Cathedral, The Altar Guild, Cell Group, Coffee Hour Hostesses and Chalice Bearers Christ Church Cathedral, The Royal Bahamas Defence Force, The Royal Bahamas Police Force, Nassau Christian Academy Class of 86 and 87, GHS Class of 1979, Source River Holdings, Graphite Engineering, Civil Aviation Authority Bahamas, The Teachers and Salaried Workers Cooperative Credit Union Limited, The Bahamas Cooperative League Limited, Lorenzo De Zabala School in Grand Prairie, Texas, Aksum Law Chambers, Doctors Hospital, Dr. Beverton Moxey and Family, Jan (Charles) McCartney and Family, H.E. Lowell Mortimer, Anna (Marvin) Deveaux and Family, Lewellyn (Susan) Burrows and Family, Margaret Lowe and Family, Her Ladyship Dame Anita Allen and Family, Her Ladyship Madam Justice Deborah Fraser and Family, Her Ladyship Madam Justice Jenine Weech-Gomez and Family, His Lordship Mr. Justice Hartman Longley (Ret.) and Family, His Lordship Mr. Justice Keith Thompson (Ret.) and Family, Ron Clarke, Tracey (Michael) Knowles and Family, Virginia Thompson and Family, Rita Cartwright and Family, Henderson Burrows and Family, Swithun Burrows and Family, Tanya Hunt-Major Administrator of Christ Church Cathedral and Family, Vandal Bowe, Marilyn Panza, Anthony O’Brien, Tandra Longley and Family, Brittany Minnis, Tracee Johnson, Byron (Sharmaine) Miller and Family, Edwin Culmer and Family, Barbara Hanna-Cox Family, Attorney Milton Cox and Family, Public Treasury Staff, Margaret Duncombe and Family, Myrtle Smith and Family, Velta Gibson & Family, Barry Malcolm and Family, Christine Cartwright and Family, Attorney Sharmie Farrington-Austin and Omar Austin and Family, Prince Livingstone, Dr. Nikkiah Forbes and Mr. and Mrs. Forbes and Family, Dr. Antonio H. Guerrero and Family, Doctors Hospital, Dr. David Allen and Family, Angela CulmerHinsey, Danny Strachan and Family, Richard Horton and Family, Shane Bain and family, the Lightbourn Family, The Musgrove Family, The Heastie Family, The Wallace Family, The Nixon Family, The Armaly Family, The Kerr Family, The Major Family, The Marathon Community, The Sweeting Family, Arthur Butler, Micheline Demeritte, Desiree Gibbs and Family, Daniel Smith and Family, David Capron and Family, Gevon Moss and Family, Weston (Andrea) Saunders and Family, Nathaniel (Val) Dean and Family, Mr. Adrian Archer and Family, Keith (Troy) Oliver and Family, Christopher Pickstock and Family, John Burrows and Family, Danny Tynes and Family, Carlos Mackey and Family, Maude Weech and Family, Trevor McKay and Family, Rosita Smith-Duvalier and Family, Pandora Sawyer and Family, Sandra Collie and Family, Mr. Delvin Moss and Family, and a host of other relatives and friends too numerous to mention.

May His Soul Rest In Peace!

There will be no viewing at the church.

CARBON DIOXIDE EMISSIONS REACHED A RECORD HIGH IN 2022

NEW YORK Associated Press COMMUNITIES around the world emitted more carbon dioxide in 2022 than in any other year on records dating to 1900, a result of air travel rebounding from the pandemic and more cities turning to coal as a low-cost source of power.

Emissions of the climatewarming gas that were caused by energy production grew 0.9% to reach 36.8 gigatons in 2022, the International Energy Agency reported Thursday. (The mass of one gigaton is equivalent to about 10,000 fully loaded aircraft carriers, according to NASA.)

Carbon dioxide is released when fossil fuels such as oil, coal or natural gas are burned to powers cars, planes, homes and factories. When the gas enters the atmosphere, it traps heat and contributes to the warming of the climate.

Extreme weather events intensified last year’s carbon dioxide emissions: Droughts reduced the amount of water available for hydropower, which increased the need to burn fossil fuels. And heat waves drove up demand for electricity.

Thursday’s report was described as disconcerting by climate scientists, who warn that energy users around the world must cut emissions dramatically to slow the dire consequences of global warming.

“Any emissions growth — even 1% — is a failure,” said Rob Jackson, a professor of earth system science at Stanford University and chairman of the Global Carbon Project, an international group. “We can’t afford growth. We can’t afford stasis. It’s cuts or chaos for the planet. Any year with higher coal emissions is a bad year for our health and for the Earth.”

Carbon dioxide emissions from coal grew 1.6% last year. Many communities, primarily in Asia, switched from natural gas to coal to avoid high natural gas prices that were worsened by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the IEA said.

And as global airline traffic increased, carbon dioxide emissions from burning oil grew 2.5%, with about half the surge resulting from the aviation sector. Global emissions have grown in most years since 1900 and have accelerated over time, according to data from IEA. One exception was the pandemic year of 2020, when travel all but came to a standstill.

Last year’s level of emissions, though a record high, was nevertheless lower than experts had expected. Increased deployment of renewable energy, electric vehicles and heat pumps together helped prevent an additional 550 megatons of carbon dioxide emissions, the IEA said.

Strict pandemic measures and weak economic growth in China also curtailed production, helping to limit overall global emissions. And in Europe, the IEA said, electricity generation from wind and solar power exceeded that of gas or nuclear for the first time.

“Without clean energy, the growth in CO2 emissions would have been nearly three times as high,” Fatih Birol, the IEA’s executive director, said in a statement.

“However, we still see emissions growing from fossil fuels, hindering efforts to meet the world’s climate targets. International and national fossil fuel companies are making record revenues and need to take their share of responsibility, in line with their public pledges to meet climate goals.”

NEW EASTER ISLAND STATUE FOUND IN VOLCANIC CRATER’S DRY LAKE

CHILE Associated Press

RESEARCHERS have found a new moai statue in a dry lake on the Chilean island of Rapa Nui, joining the approximately 1,000 other iconic monolithic sculptures on what is internationally known as Easter Island.

The statue is relatively small at 5.2 feet, as compared with some of the other broadly featured heads and torsos that reach as tall as 72 feet. It was found by researchers from the University of Chile and O’Higgins University.

More statues might be found in the dry lake, which is at the centre of the Rano Raraku volcanic crater, said Salvador Atan Hito, vice president of the Ma u Henua indigenous community that manages Rapa Nui’s archeological treasures.

The statue “is in good condition, it has wear from time, erosion, water, but its shapes and features are still

very noticeable,” Atan told The Associated Press in an interview Wednesday.

“This discovery is something historic for this new generation,” he added.

About 400 of the island’s 1,000 moai are inside the volcanic crater or on its outer slopes, and the rest are scattered around the rest of the island’s Island’s 60 square miles.

Some of the moai are known to be buried under the surface though they have been left in place. However, this latest one had not previously been catalogued, Atan said.

The figures represent the ancestors of the Rapa Nui community, and their role is to protect community members, is why they were placed looking inward from the sea, Atan said. Rapa Nui, located 2,300 miles from the continent, was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995. In 201 9, it was renamed “Rapa Nui-Easter Island” from its previous name of Easter Island.

STEAM from a coal-fired power plant in Germany, as 2022 saw record carbon emissions.

Photo: Michael Probst/AP

MOAI statues seen near the Rano Raraku volcano, on Rapa Nui, or Easter Island, Chile

Photo: Esteban Felix/AP

FRIDAY, MARCH 3, 2023

SPORTS PAGE 11

Boxers get ready for ‘rumble in the jungle’

By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

Acontingent of boxers from throughout the Bahamas has been assembled to compete against their counterparts from around the region in the Boxing Federation of the Bahamas’ second annual Wellington ‘Sonny Boy’ Rahming and Leonard ‘Boston Blackie’ Miller Memorial Boxing Championships this weekend.

The team, led by elite amateur boxers Carl Hield and Rashield Williams, exiting Tyrone Oliver and power hitting Israel Johnson, will be held tonight and Saturday, starting at 6pm, at the Kendal Isaacs Gymnasium. Boxers from Bermuda arrived in town yesterday and others from the Cayman Islands, Haiti, Jamaica and St Martin, are all due in town in time for the first bout.

At a press conference to introduce Team Bahamas and Bermuda, federation president Vincent Strachan said they are looking forward to hosting a fantastic show for the general public to come out and enjoy on both nights of competition.

“This is the establishment of the western Caribbean alliance,” Strachan said. “This was in the making for a long time and it’s finally coming together and we hope to continue to build on this foundation

so that the boxers in our region will get the chance to compete and hopefully we can see some world champions emerging from the group.”

Nathan Dill, the president of the Bermuda

Boxing Association, said they are honoured to receive the invitation from the Bahamas and in the friendship of competition, he said they have brought four boxers to compete in the tournament.

Buddy, Page 15

MEN’S NATIONAL SOFTBALL TEAM INVITED TO CAC GAMES

By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

WHILE the Bahamas women’s national team will miss out on the opportunity to qualify for the Central American and Caribbean Games, the men’s team has been invited to participate by virtue of being the champions of the English Speaking Amateur Softball Confederation (ECASC) Tournament in 2015.

During the ECASC Tournament for Women currently being played in the US Virgin Islands, Burkett Dorsett said it was agreed that since there won’t be a similar tournament played for the men, it was agreed by World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) that the Bahamas would be given the nod to represent ECAST at the CAC Games, scheduled for San Salvador, El Salvador June 23 to July 8.

Bermuda’s boxing team consists of Adrian Roach, Bruce Perinchief, Annan Zuill and Gabriel Curuel. “We are excited for this opportunity. Most of these

SEE PAGE 13

“The WBSC decided that the current men’s champions, the Bahamas, would be invited to represent ECASC in the men’s division of the CAC Games in

SEE PAGE 13

3 MORE COMPANIES JOIN CARIFTA

By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

THE Local Organising Committee got another $60,000 in their kitty for the 50th Jubilee CARIFTA Games with Pricewaterhouse Coopers, Ernst and Young and Arawak Port Development Limited coming on board as the latest silver medal partners. All three companies presented cheques of $20,000 each to the LOC on Wednesday during a press conference that was held in the constructed Cultural Village for the games in the eastern parking lot of the Thomas A Robinson National Stadium.

Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Mario Bowleg was on hand along with LOC chief executive officer

Lynden Maycock, CARIFTA chairman Harrison Thompson, North American, Central American and Caribbean (NACAC) president Mike Sands and Dame of CARIFTA Pauline Davis, to welcome the new partners.

Before heading to the House of Assembly, Bowleg said he’s been pleased with the preparation for the games, scheduled for April 7-11 and he’s looking

Jalen Carter, top NFL prospect, posts bond in fatal car crash

By CHARLES ODUM AP Sports Writer

GEORGIA defensive tackle Jalen Carter turned himself in to Athens police Wednesday night and was released 16 minutes later after posting a combined bond of $4,000 on charges of reckless driving and racing in relation to a fatal crash that killed a teammate and team staffer.

According to AthensClarke County jail records, Carter turned himself in at 11:33 pm and was released at 11:49pm. Carter posted bond of $2,500 on the racing charge and $1,500 on the reckless driving charge.

Carter, projected as one of the top players in next month’s NFL draft, left the NFL scouting combine in Indianapolis on Wednesday after being informed of

the arrest warrant issued in conjunction with the Jan. 15 crash that killed teammate Devin Willock and a recruiting staff member.

The arrest warrant alleges Carter was racing his 2021 Jeep Trackhawk against the 2021 Ford Expedition driven by the recruiting staffer, 24-year-old Chandler LeCroy, which led to the wreck. LeCroy also was killed in the crash.

Carter issued a statement on his Twitter account on Wednesday saying he expects to be “fully exonerated.”

Carter said he intends “to make certain that the complete and accurate truth is presented. There is no question in my mind that when all of the facts are known that I will be fully exonerated of any criminal wrongdoing.”

The crash occurred just hours after the Bulldogs celebrated their second straight national championship with a parade and ceremony.

According to the allegations in the arrest warrant, LeCroy and Carter were operating their vehicles “in a manner consistent with

racing” after leaving downtown Athens at about 2:30 a.m. The warrant says evidence shows the vehicles switched lanes, drove in the center turn lane, drove in opposite lanes, overtook other motorists and drove at high rates of speed “in an apparent attempt to outdistance each other.”

forward to the involvement of the companies who are lending their financial support for the success of the event.

“I am proud today to join hands with these new partners who support our goal of making the upcoming CARIFTA Games amazing and a better venue for our young athletes,” Bowleg said. “As the latest silver partners for 50th CARIFTA Games, we welcome

you to the CARIFTA family. I thank them for partnering with us.” Maycock, in joining in the chorus, said he’s delighted to be among friends from the fraternity of the Bahamas Institute of Chartered Accountants, including PWC, a firm where he got started. “Our community is built on the backs of those who understand

SEE PAGE 15

Eflin makes good 1st impression with

Rays

after big deal

By STEPHEN HAWKINS AP Baseball Writer

THE most expensive free agent in Tampa Bay history made a good first impression with the Rays.

Zach Eflin struck out three of four Minnesota Twins batters yesterday in his first spring training start, a game played at Tropicana Field.

The right-hander signed a $40 million, three-year contract during the offseason, the most money the Rays have given to a free agent. “Felt like I was in control. I felt like my offspeed was pretty good today, which is kind of a good foundation to start with.”

Eflin began last season in Philadelphia’s rotation

but his last start was June 25 before being sidelined by right knee soreness. He returned Sept. 14 and made seven appearances out of the bullpen with a 1.17 ERA, then pitched in relief in 10 postseason games for the National League champions. He threw 4 1/3 scoreless innings over four World Series games. His 2021 season was cut short by a torn patellar tendon in his right knee that required surgery. He had surgery on both knees in 2016, the same year he made his big league debut with the Phillies. Eflin joins a Rays rotation that includes All-Star lefty Shane McClanahan and right-hander Drew Rasmussen.

RUMBLE: Team Bahamas and Team Bermuda boxers pose with their coaches and trainers.

GEORGIA defensive lineman Jalen Carter is projected as one of the top players in next month’s NFL draft (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)

BIANCA ARANHA, Michelle Thompson, Minister Mario Bowleg, Myra Lundy-Mortimer and Mike Sands give applauses during the CARIFTA press conference on Wednesday.

UB Mingoes men in 1-1 draw with Bears FC in fierce match

THE University of The Bahamas men’s soccer team put its three-match winning streak on the line against Bears FC in Bahamas Football Association play at the Roscow A.L. Davies Field.

It didn’t quite get snapped but it didn’t quite survive.

The Mingoes played to a 1-1 draw against Bears FC after a heated match on Sunday.

The Bears scored early in the match around the 29th minute and held that lead heading into halftime.

In the second half, Ronaldo Green was awarded a penalty kick but missed what would have been the equaliser for The Mingoes.

It was Joshua Johnson in the 80th minute who scored the equalising goal for The Mingoes to tie the game at 1-1. Green had the long pass into the box and Johnson was able to head the ball into the net for the goal. “We started a bit slow today,” assistant head coach Alex Thompson said. “We had a player who was put on a red card and the league rescinded 24 hours before the game so that forced an adjustment to the lineup before the game started. That’s no excuse because we had at least 10 chances inside the opponent’s box.”

Thompson said the team showed a lot of heart to get back in the match and come out with the draw.

He added that a goal of the team is to finish in the top two in the standings and the draw makes that even harder. “But it’s still on the table mathematically,” he said. “We just have to handle the rest of the season and we need a little bit of luck as well.

The Mingoes next play

Future Stars 3pm Sunday at The Roscow A.L. Davies Field.

BFA REGULAR SEASON ACTION HEATS UP

MANCHESTER UNITED FACES BIGGEST TITLE TEST AGAINST LIVERPOOL

By JAMES ROBSON AP Soccer Writer

MANCHESTER, England (AP) — One of English soccer’s biggest rivalries resumes at Anfield on Sunday with the tables turned.

Last season, it was Liverpool in pursuit of a quadruple of trophies. This year, it is a Manchester United team rejuvenated by manager Erik ten Hag that has a chance to win four titles.

If United can navigate its way around arguably its most difficult remaining test in the Premier League, a serious title challenge could be possible.

Having already played leading pair Arsenal and Manchester City home and away this season, a trip to Anfield represents the last major test of United’s credentials, even after Liverpool’s recent struggles for consistency.

A Liverpool team that has already beaten City and Italian league leader Napoli at home this season could threaten to Ten Hag’s ambitions.

The Merseyside club would relish the opportunity to derail United’s momentum as well as boost their own push for a Champions League qualifying spot.

As impressive as United’s transformation has been under its Dutch manager, the team has yet to secure a win against one of its major rivals away from Old Trafford.

That makes the visit to Anfield potentially even more instructive regarding the 20-time league champions’ progress.

The 2-2 draw at Barcelona in the Europa League playoffs last month was evidence of the growing confidence and courage of a team that has been unable to keep pace with City and Liverpool in recent years. And while United went on to win the second leg 2-1 and advance to the round of 16, it is still waiting for that significant victory at the home of a leading club this season.

Ten Hag was humbled in his first Manchester derby in October when losing to City 6-3. At Arsenal in January, United missed the chance to put real pressure on the leaders with a 3-2 loss, curtesy of Eddie Nketiah’s winner in stoppage time. It took an injury-time goal from Casemiro to salvage a 1-1 draw at Chelsea earlier in the season.

United’s all-around improvement, however, has been undeniable, with Wednesday’s come-frombehind 3-1 win over West Ham in the FA Cup the latest example of the team’s resilience.

THE Bahamas Football Association continued its regular season action this week in the Roscoe Davies Developmental Center at the Baillou Hills Sporting Complex. The following are results of games played:

Wednesday Dynamos FC (3)

VS Future Stars (2)

In a fast paced match, Brandon Adderley scored a hat trick to give the Dynamos FC the victory. Mikendy Paul tried his best to battle back but fell short as he scored a brace for his squad. The referees had their hands full with this match as seen by the number of cards issued. Dynamos currently sits in the 4th spot in the standings with 7 wins while the Stars reside in the 8th spot in the table.

Renegades FC (7)

VS Cavalier FC (0)

Jacob Charles has found his scoring boots just in time

to lead Renegades climb up the table of the Bahamas men’s soccer league. Charles scored a hattrick (3 goals) to pummel the Cavalier Squad 7-0. Cavalier FC currently sits at the bottom of the table looking up at the other teams. Renegades moved up to the 6th position with the win.

Saturday Women’s Division United Football Club

Women’s (4) VS Cavalier WFC (0)

Hadassah Knowles, Asia Williams, Jade Thelamour and Samina Moss all chipped in to secure a dominating victory over a competitive Cavalier WFC Squad. In the end, experience and youth took over. United WFC currently sit atop the table of the women’s soccer league.

Baha Jr WFC (0) VS Dynamos WFC (0)

In the feature match of the day, this match turned

out to be a fire cracker of a match with both teams pushing for the win. In the end, despite the number of opportunities created in the game, neither team could score and the teams shared the points in the end.

The Dynamos WFC currently sit in the second position followed by Baha Jr WFC in third.

SUNDAY AFTERNOON

M1: Cavalier FC (0) VS FC Seventeen (7)

Cavalier FC is a shell of their glory years as this edition of the storied is currently giving up on average, a whopping 7 goals per game.

The squad has needs across their roster and it showed in the first match as Marken Das scored 4 goals to lead the FC Seventeen squad to a 7-0 victory. Das continues to push towards the Golden Boot title with 5 games remaining on the

season and he sits in third with 15 goals.

M2: Insurance Management Bears (1) VS University of the Bahamas Mingoes (1)

The high flying Mingoes were grounded by a determined veteran Bears squad. The Bears took the lead on a goal by Djodson Francois in the 25th minute of the match and this created immediate pressure for the Mingoes who could not afford another setback in their push to win the title. The Mingoes added a number of pieces in the winter transfer with hopes that their roster will be strengthened. The Bears on the other hand relied on a smothering defence led by Bahamian international veteran Leslie St. Fleur to hold league-leading goal scorer Ronaldo Green scoreless. The Bears could not close out the game as young

Joshua Johnson scored the tying goal in the 84th minute to share the points in the end. The Bears are sitting firmly in the 7th position while the Mingoes are tied on points for second with the United Football Club. Both squads racked up the yellow cards as the referees had to work hard to keep the match in check.

M3: Baha Jr FC (0) VS Renegades FC (9)

Don’t look now but the Renegades FC is making a push to get into the top four position on the table and leading the way is Jacob Charles who has been on a tear lately. With a smothering defence behind him, Charles was able to drop five goals on a hapless Baha Jr squad.

Baha Jr is currently giving up an average of 5.6 goals per game and sit in the 9th spot, one away from the bottom of the table. With eight goals in the past

two games, look out for the name Jacob Charles!

BFA

UPCOMING MATCHES

Friday 4.00pm Bah COE men VS Turks and Caicos ( Int’l Friendly) at RALD

Saturday 4.00 pm Baha COE men (m2) VS Turks and Caicos at RALD

7.00 pm Dynamos WFC VS Baha Jr WFC at RALD

Sunday

Afternoon: 3.00 pm UB Mingoes VS Future Stars ( Ronaldo Green looks to explode in this matchup, tough defense vs hot scoring forward)

5.00pm Seventeen FC VS Dynamos FC ( Seventeen looking to keep their winning streak alive face Dynamos who are trying to close the gap and get into third place)

7.00 pm Renegades FC VS IM Bears (With pride on the line, look for Bears to put the clamps on Charles and his squad.)

THE Bahamas Football Association continued its regular season action this week in the Roscoe Davies Developmental Center at the Baillou Hills Sporting Complex.

UB midfielder Ronaldo Green (11) and Bears FC players fight for the ball.

UB winger Jeremy Holland (15) controls the ball.

UB midfielder Ronaldo Green (11) moves the ball against a Bears FC player. The Mingoes and Bears fought to a 1-1 draw.

Photos: UB ATHLETICS

UB midfielder Nathan Wells (19) moves the ball up the field as a Bears FC player advances at The Roscow A.L. Davies Field.

Panthers capture volleyball title

MCKINNEY RETURNS TO ALMA MATER

By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

NORTH American, Central American and Caribbean (NACAC)

president Mike Sands said it was more beneficial for the student-athletes at CR Walker to hear from one of their alumni than they do from him.

Sands was invited to address the athletes of Butler House at CR Walker as they were feted to a reception for their achievements in track and field. But instead, Sands said McKinney was one of the many outstanding athletes who sat were they did. He drew reference to at least three of them, Derrick Atkins, who went on to become the World Championships silver medalist in the men’s 100m in Osaka, Japan in 2007; Savatheda Fynes, who was the lead runner for the women’s 4 x 100m relay team, nicknamed the Golden Girls, after their triumph at both the World Championships in 1999 in Seville, Spain and the Olympic Games in 2000 in Sydney, Australia and Ramon Miller, who anchored the Golden Knights men’s 4 x 400m relay team to victory in the Olympics.

But before he did, he advised the athletes to “use what they have to get what they want” in reference to securing an athletic scholarship to attend colleges and universities in the United States or Canada like the athletes mentioned above.

“Athletic scholarships, academic scholarships are full of opportunities in the United States, which is our closest destination,” said Sands. “A little peasy hair boy like me from Two Shop Corner got involved in sports at Bahamas Academy, but I went to high school in New York and was fortunate enough to a get a scholarship to Penn State.”

In presenting McKinney to the audience, Sands said CR Walker had great representation on the world staged and he hope that there will be others who will follow in their footsteps as they shine starting with the Carifta Games here during the Easter holiday weekend at the Thomas A. Robinson National Stadium.

BOXING

FROM PAGE 11

guys, this is their first opportunity fighting overseas and so it’s going to be a learning experience for them to see how other countries do it and the other style of boxing they display.”

Dill said he’s appreciative of the relationship he has developed with Strachan and while he’s not been able to travel with the team from Bermuda, he made

CAC

FROM PAGE 11

El Salvador,” said Dorsett, who is in El Salvador where the decision was made two days go. “The Bahamas was sent the invitation by the WBSC and they accepted it.”

Dorsett, the WBSC’s technical commissioner and the immediate past president of ECASC, said although the Bahamas has not played any international softball recently

it a point to come to the Bahamas because he wants to make sure that the event is a tremendous success and a lasting impression on all of the boxers.

Joining Hield, Oliver and Johnson on Team Bahamas are Anal Powell, brothers Jalen and Jaiden Young from Florida, Davonne Musgrove, Christian Thompson, Tyrone Humes, Milton Newbold, Cayden Higgs, Willow Johnson, Isaiah Francois, Jiraiya Francois, Javon Bain, Colon Smith, Jason Bethel,

because of the COVID-19 pandemic, they should be able to field a very strong team for the CAC Games.

“I know some of the men’s national team players were working out in anticipation of the Bahamas being invited to the CAC Games,” Dorsett said.

“Now that it’s official, they will be able to continue to work out and increase their level of preparation for El Salvador.”

The Bahamas men’s team will be one of seven

Josiah Smith, Elijah Smith, Rico Arnett, Vincent Deleveaux, Latino Smith, Timothy Smith, Renaldo Cunningham, Israel Cox and Keano Cox.

Hield, speaking on behalf of Team Bahamas, said it’s exciting to see that the Bahamas will finally get to host an international boxing tournament.

“We need to get more active because although boxing did a lot of stuff, we have not gotten the kind of recognition that we deserve,” Hield said.

countries that will participate in the CAC Games.

Among the others are host country El Salvador, Cuba, Mexico, who would have qualified in other areas in Central America and the Caribbean region.

The women’s national team, on the other hand, would have had to participate in the ECASC Tournament currently underway in the US Virgin Islands, wrapping up on Sunday.

But unfortunately, The Bahamas Softball

“We don’t really get the appreciation for the stuff we have done for the country.

“So with the young guys coming up, seeing what I did, what Valentino Knowles did, what Tureano Johnson did, we make room for them to come behind and try to do what we didn’t get to do. So it’s good to see the ‘Rumble in the Jungle’ in the Bahamas.

“So we want to encourage the Bahamian people to come out and see the boxers go to work.

Federation opted not to send a team because of the lack of funding and the short notice to prepare the team.

“I believe the Bahamas would have been able to fit right in, but a lot of the teams here have improved,” according to Dorsett, who travelled to the tournament with umpire Thomas Sears and immediate past BSF president, Ted Miller. “There are a lot of teams who have brought in some of their collegiate players to

McKinney, who graduated from CR Walker in 2000 as one of the top track and field athletes, went on to become a

“We have a lot of boxers who are hungry and looking for some competition.

So we hope the people will come out and support us. This is a step forward for boxing in the community so they can see where we need to go with the sport.”

Strachan said the Bahamian boxers will be matched against their competitors coming from the

try and qualify their team for the CAC Games. The pitching here is awesome.

“I think it will come down to a fight between the British Virgin Islands and Curacao because they both have excellent pitching. It’s a well played tournament so far.”

Dorsett commended the US Virgin Islands on their organisation of the tournament.

He also noted that Sears has been given high marks for his officiating during the tournament.

member of the men’s 4 x 400m relay teams at both the World Championships and the Olympics.

But the St Augustine’s College, Raleigh, North Carolina graduate who is now a Senior Sports Officer at the Ministry of Tourism said he was a little emotional, but he was glad to share in the success of Butler House, whom he also competed for.

“I’m glad to see that legacy continue to go forth,” he said.

But McKinney said of all the accomplishments he’s received and the accolades bestowed up him, he preferred not to mention them, but rather he always try to emphasis the point that if he as a barefoot boy from Woods Alley off Market Street, riding horse and carriage, could do it, they can do it as well.

“I got no self gratification from the Olympics of the World Championships,” he said. “But to make it from where I came from, is amazing. I now run an organization called ‘Dream Chasers,’ which help kids at risk. “I don’t think many of the kids I deal with know that I ran at the Olympics or the World Championships.

“I never share these stories. It’s not because I was hiding my talent, but when you tell people your present place, it kind of cripple their past. If I walk into this room and I said I was an Olympian, I would be exalted. But what I do I is I do the same with my kids. If they playing basketball in the rain, my Gucci shoes is going to get wet because I’m going to play with them.”

McKinney said track and field turned out to be an outlet for him to get an education, his fame in track and field, but his gratification is being able to help the next Bahamian young athlete to reach their full potential.

Before he left, McKinney showed an inspiring video presentation of his journey through track and field.

different countries. Where there are no boxers coming in for them to fight, Strachan said they will match them against their local counterparts in a prelude to the seventh Bahamas Games coming in July. Gates open at 4pm each day and the show is expected to start at 6pm. Tickets will be sold at the door.

He noted that as the top ranked umpire in the country, Sears has performed remarkably well. But he noted that there are expected to be some changes made at the end of the tournament.

Instead of having BSF certified umpires, Dorsett said they will be listed as ECASC/WBSC certified umpires, which means that the umpires will have to go through a certification course in order to be able to officiate in any ECASC/ WBSC events.

WINNING WAYS: The Panthers women’s volleyball team, coached by Jason Saunders, captured the New Providence Volleyball Association’s 2023 title at the Anatol Rodgers Gymnasium on Tuesday night. The Panthers defeated the Johnson Spikers 3-1 in their best-of-five championship series, wrapping up the title with a 3-1 decision with set scores of 25-27, 35-20, 25-9 and 25-12 in the clincher.

SOME members of the Bahamas boxing team.

MEMBERS of the Bermuda boxing team.

NATE McKinney and Mike Sands receive a gift basket from Carlos Brown Jr and Zainub Ahmed.

NACAC President Mike Sands makes a point as Nate McKinney looks on.

Boys lose at Jr Davis Cup

THE Bahamas boys team lost to the Dominican Republic in their quarterfinal match yesterday in the Junior Davis Cup tournament in Guatemala.

Team Bahamas lost 2-1. Jackson Mactaggart lost his singles match 6-1, 6-2, but Jerald Carroll won his singles 6-1, 6-0. In doubles, the team of Carroll and Mactaggart lost 6-2, 6-4.

“It was a super results for the team playing their fist under-16 team event,” said coach Bradley Bain. “They will be better the next time around with more training and match experience.”

The team finished in fifth place with this being the first time experience for Carroll, while Mactaggart and McCartney participated for the second time.

The junior Billie Jean King Fed Cup team, coached by Marion Bain, won 3-0 over Jamaica to advance to the consolation round. Saphirre Ferguson won her singles match 7-5, 6-7, 10-2, BreAnn Ferguson won her singles 6-2, 6-3 and Saphirre Ferguson and Jalisa Clarke teamed up to win their doubles match 6-1, 6-0.

The Bahamas will now play for ninth spot today.

JR BILLIE JEAN KING FED CUP TEAM EARN 3-0 WIN OVER JAMAICA, ADVANCE TO CONSOLATION ROUND

DJOKOVIC MOTORS INTO DUBAI SEMIFINALS, RUBLEV TO FACE ZVEREV

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Topranked Novak Djokovic stayed unbeaten this season by defeating Hubert Hurkacz 6-3, 7-5 to advance to the semifinals at the Dubai Championships yesterday.

The five-time Dubai champion’s 20th straight victory sets up a possible last-four match against former No. 1 Daniil Medvedev, who was playing Borna Coric later at the hard-court tournament.

Djokovic is playing in his first event since winning the Australian Open for his record-equalling 22nd Grand Slam singles title. The 35-year-old Serb had a partially torn hamstring when he captured his 10th title at Melbourne Park. Djokovic improved to 15-0 this season and hasn’t lost since dropping the Paris Masters final to Holger Rune last November. He followed that up by winning the ATP Finals title in Turin.

Defending Dubai champion Andrey Rublev will face Alexander Zverev in the other semifinal match.

Rublev advanced by defeating Botic van de Zandschulp 6-3, 7-6 (3). Zverev topped Lorenzo Sonego 7-5, 6-4.

It will be Zverev’s first semifinal since the French Open last June, when he injured his right ankle while playing against Rafael Nadal. He underwent surgery days later to repair torn ligaments.

“It’s been a very difficult time for me the last, I would say, nine months,” the 25-year-old German, who was the runner-up at the 2020 U.S. Open, said in his on-court interview. “The hard work is paying off and I’m extremely happy with what the progress is and how I’m playing right now.”

Rublev, a 25-year-old Russian who is ranked No. 6, reached the semifinals for the third straight year.

CELEBRITY SIGHTING: CELEBRITY ATHLETES TEE OFF AT BAHA MAR CASINO CELEBRITY GOLF INVITATIONAL

THE Bahamas recently played host to a two-day Celebrity Golf Invitational at the Baha Mar’s Royal Blue Golf Club.

Included in the list of participants were NFL Buffalo Bills Hall of Famer Bruce Smith, former NFL New York Giant Victor Cruz, MLB All Star Tony Womack, former NFL Tennessee Titan Brian Orakpo, NFL Jacksonville Jaguar Jamaal Charles, former MLB Miami Marlin Charles Johnson, NFL Buffalo

Bill Sam Martin, former NFL Cincinnati Bengal Takeo Spikes, former NFL Tennessee Titan and Philadelphia Eagle Jevon Kearse, and others.

Located on the pristine white sands of Cable Beach, Baha Mar is The Bahamas’ newest luxury resort destination.

The Baha Mar Casino, the Caribbean’s largest and most luxurious casino with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking sparkling turquoise Bahamian water, hosted

an amateur Celebrity Golf Invitational that featured 18 celebrity athletes, over 70 casino guests, a competitive one-day of golf at Baha Mar’s Jack Nicklaus Signature Royal Blue Golf Course, a giant golf ball photo opp on Hole 1, and more.

Celebrity athletes took to the fairway at Baha Mar’s Jack Nicklaus Signature Royal Blue Golf Course which features both dramatic views of undulating fairways and rolling white

sand dunes, as well as limestone “moonscapes” and elevation changes, making the course a thrilling challenge to play.

The tournament featured foursomes plus one celebrity competing in a One Best Ball Shamble format, with prize packages including $25,000 in promo chips, $5,000 per golfer, and for the golfer to hit closest to the pin a set of L.A.B. Golf Putters.

The grand prize went to MLB

All Star Tony Womack, who took

home both $5,000 in promo chips and a set of L.A.B. Golf Putters.

Victor Cruz; Tony Womack; Bruce & Alston Smith followed.

Before leaving the Bahamas, the celebrity athletes also spent some time at ECCHO (Expressive Collaborations & Creative House of Opportunities), Baha Mar’s brand new 13,000 sq. ft. multifunctional creative platform for local and international artists, and explored the resort’s exclusive amenities.

Rahm has big finish for 65 and the lead at Bay Hill

By DOUG FERGUSON AP Golf Writer

ORLANDO, Florida

(AP) — Jon Rahm started his round strong and ended it even better yesterday, closing eagle-birdie-birdie for a 7-under 65 and a twoshot lead in the Arnold Palmer Invitational.

Not even the brute test of Bay Hill was a match for golf’s hottest player.

“Amazing round of golf,” he said. “I wish all of them were as enjoyable as this one.”

That doesn’t mean it was perfection by any means. Rahm, playing in the afternoon when the greens became a bit more crusty, opened with three straight birdies.

He held steady the rest of the way until his big burst at the end allowed him to zoom past Honda Classic winner Chris Kirk and Cameron Young.

He hit only eight fairways. He twice was blocked by trees, one time escaping

with par with a 30-foot putt on the 15th hole.

But oh, that finish.

Rahm hit 5-iron to 25 feet on the fringe at the par-5 16th and holed it for eagle.

On the par-3 17th, he hammered a 7-iron that cleared the bunker and landed in just the right spot to roll out to 2 feet. And on the closing hole, he hit a soft 9-iron to a front pin that settled about 6 feet away.

Rahm had said earlier in the week he doesn’t think he can be beat when he is firing on all cylinders, a belief by most top players. He also said he couldn’t think of a tournament where he played his absolute best.

“Go through the round and you’ll see plenty of mistakes,” Rahm said. “I just took advantage of minimizing mistakes and converted a couple of situations into really good scores. But it can always be better.

“But it’s the first day,” he added. “Ask me that on Sunday if I keep playing

like this, and I’ll probably change my answer.”

Bay Hill is bracing for the worst over the next few days, with the wind expected to be strong on a course that already is fast and firm.

Kirk is coming off an emotional win nearly eight years in the making. He carried that momentum to seven birdies for a 67 during the morning round. Young also had a 67 in morning conditions that might be

as easy as Bay Hill gets all week.

They were joined by Kurt Kitayama, who had a chance to challenge Rahm until dropping his lone shot on his final hole at No. 9.

The group at 68 included defending champion Scottie Scheffler, Jordan Spieth, Xander Schauffele and Patrick Cantlay, all among the top 20 in the world.

But it starts at the top, and Rahm looks as tough as ever. He already has three PGA Tour wins this year, and he has won five of his last nine tournaments worldwide.

Rory McIlroy, who has a mathematical chance to return to No. 1 in the world with a win, was over par from his opening hole and scratched out a 73, including a double bogey on the par-5 sixth hole when he drove into the water.

Kirk won the Honda Classic in a playoff just four days ago, a monumental win for the 37-year-old from Georgia who stepped

away from the PGA Tour to seek help for alcoholism and depression.

It has been nonstop ever since — the Seminole ProMember on Monday, the drive north to Orlando and golf at Isleworth with longtime friend Charlie Culberson of the Tampa Bay Rays, the pro-am Wednesday and then one of the toughest tests on the Florida swing.

He was up to the task with a round that started and ended with a bogey and featured seven birdies in between.

“I’ve definitely been busy, and so 5:30 came early this morning and felt strange a little bit, like, ‘OK, we’re really doing this all over again.’ So felt a little bit out of in the very beginning, but then settled in and played some solid golf,” Kirk said.

It helped to hole a pair of 30-foot birdie putts, but otherwise he looked as though he didn’t want to wait another eight years for his next win.

BAHAMAS doubles team of Jerald Carroll and Jackson Mactaggart with their opponents.

JON RAHM, of Spain, acknowledges the gallery after making a birdie putt on the 18th green during the first round of the Arnold Palmer Invitational golf tournament yesterday. (AP Photo/Phelan M Ebenhack)

SAPHIRRE Ferguson and Jalisa Clarke take a photo with their doubles opponents.

SAC maintains lead on day 2

By TENAJH SWEETING

St. Augustine’s College built on their day one momentum as they lead team rankings for the second consecutive day. The secondary school is ahead of the competition with a day two total of 691.50 followed by the Queen’s College Comets with 607.50.

In day two action, Temple Christian School skipped ahead of St. John’s College for third place with a score of 221.50. The track events consisted of majority prelims as athletes looked to qualify for the finals today.

The Comets and Big Red Machine shined in Thursday’s track finals.

In the under 13 girls’ 100m dash, the Comets’ Rocelis Moxey edged out the competition with a time of 12.98. She was joined by second place finisher Khyla Smith of SAC and fellow schoolmate Azalia Henderson with third place.

Sarsha Wright, winner of under 15 girls’ 100m dash finals, clocked a time of 13.05 seconds. SJC’s Caitilyn Smith came in second with 13.26 and Vanessa Mackey of St. Anne’s placed third (13.32).

QC’s Jamiah Nabbie stole the show in the under 17 girls 100m dash as she placed first with a time of 12.30. SAC’s Shayann Demeritte and Madison Moss trailed behind with times of 12.39 and 12.93.

Nabbie talked about how she felt about winning the short race despite not starting the way she wanted to.

“It was pretty good I could have had a better start, better top end but it was good,” Nabbie said.

Although Nabbie notched a time of 12.30 she said she can go faster. The Comets athlete will look to speed through the under 17 girls 200m finals on day three of the track and field championships.

Big Red Machine’s Amari

Pratt shined in the girls under 20 100m dash with a time of 12.33, leaving the rest of the field behind.

Comets’ Nia Richards and Lanaisha Lubin finished in second and third place. Pratt talked about her mindset leading up to the finals race. “Going into the race I was pretty nervous but I just trust the process, got out hard, and came home strong,” Pratt said.

The Comets athlete will look forward to competing in the under 20 girls 200m race today.

the importance of investing in young people,”

Maycock said. “For our young people, our future leaders, teachers, coaches, entrepreneurs and so much more.

“The CARIFTA Games are a stage that allows these young athletes to develop the future pillars they become. It is important events such as sports, athletics, cultural activities and other positive activities that we secure a better future for ourselves, communities, region and our nation.”

Maycock said it’s his pleasure to welcome the three companies to the greatest junior regional track and field competition.

All three companies have indicated that they will be on hand for the duration of the games and will be assisting the LOC in whatever way they can.

Myra Lundy-Mortimer, a partner at Pricewaterhouse Coopers, said they have been pleased with the games, which has helped to produce a number of Bahamian athletes who have gone on to excel on the global stage and that is one of the reasons why they decided to become a partner of the LOC.

“We know that an investment in our youth is an investment in the future of our continued success story of the Bahamas for the next 50 years,” Lundy-Mortimer said. “It is with this investment that we proudly stand

‘BUDDY’ HIELD SCORES 27 POINTS IN LOSS TO SPURS

SAN ANTONIO (AP) — Jeremy Sochan had 22 points and 13 rebounds for his first career double-double and San Antonio defeated the Indiana Pacers 110-99 last night with Spurs coach Gregg Popovich out because of an illness. Devin Vassell scored 18 points for the Spurs in his return after missing 25 games following arthroscopic surgery on his left knee. He shot 8 for 15 in his first game since January 2.

Popovich and lead assistant Brett Brown were out with nonCOVID-19 illnesses. Popovich is expected to return for Saturday’s

In day two’s long distance finals, St. Andrew’s Grace Farrington prevailed in the under 20 girls 3,000m run. Farrington notched a time of 12:32.16. She was followed by QC’s Chrislynn Smith (12:45.91) and Kingway’s Tellica Seymour (12:57.98).

Joel Cumberbatch, winner of the under 13 boys 100m dash, clocked 13.30 to wrap up the finals. Cumberbatch was accompanied by teammate Nevari Knowles who ran a time of 13.93. Third place was held by Jordan Prince William’s Sean Spencer.

Eagan Neely, yesterday’s under 15 boys 400m record breaker, was victorious once again on day two of the 2023 BAISS track and field championships. Neely took home first place with a time of 11.46 followed by SAC’s Terrin Beckles with 11.95. The Big Red Machine athletes were joined by Comets’ Rohman Rolle who came third.

In the under 17 boys 100m dash, Ishmael Rolle brought home the first place win for SJC with 11.09, merely beating SAC’s Andrew Brown with 11.11.

with the LOC for the CARIFTA Games.

“As a proud sponsor, our team is committed to supporting the legacy that CARIFTA has achieved in youth development, sports and culture, and we are thrilled to make a contribution to the continued investment in the future workforce and athletics in the Bahamas.”

For Ernst & Young, Michelle Thompson, Bahamas country managing partner, stated that they are willing to also help with the development of the next generation of Bahamian young people and the best way to do it is through sports.

Thompson said they believe that the inherent confidence, the leadership skills, working in highperforming teams and the discipline that athletes develop over years of dedicated training add tremendous value to their future paths.

“We admire our athletes who are exhibiting resilience, and promoting good values, which are part of our history and our culture,” Thompson said. “Athletes give us all a good example as they navigate through their challenges while setting their eyes on gold.”

Thompson wished the athletes every success as they represent the Bahamas to the best of their abilities.

Administrative assistant Bianca Aranha, speaking on behalf of her manager Dion Bethell, said Arawak Port Development is just

For the under 17 boys 3,000m run, SJC was once again victorious as William Minors clocked 10:26.54. Minors was joined by SAC’s Dylan Simon with 10:48.63. Windsor School’s Malcolm Menzies placed third.

The Big Red Machine’s Johnathon Fowler emerged on top in the boys under 20 100m finals. Fowler bested the competition with a time of 10.91. Jeremiah Adderley of Nassau Christian Schools followed behind (11.06) for second place and Comet’s Alexander Dean placed third.

Despite a record-breaking day one for track and field events, day two only had two BAISS record breakers and one CARIFTA qualifier. SAC’s Bayli Major dominated the competition in the under 17 girls’ triple jump. Major jumped at a height of 11.89m not only beating her competitors but shattering Charisma Taylor’s 2015 BAISS record.

The previous record was 11.72m. Major will compete at the April CARIFTA games after besting the qualifying mark of 11.42m.

Rocelis Moxey, winner of the under 13 girls 100m dash, also broke the previous BAISS record of 7.65m in the under 13 girls shot put. Moxey will now hold the new record after day two’s throw of 7.84m.

Although the Comets have trailed the Big Red Machine for day one and two of the 2023 BAISS track and field championships, Comets coach Everette Fraser remains encouraged.

“We [are] just trying to execute the final day we are gonna have a lot of relays and we still have the 800s and the 200s tomorrow so I think we are really gonna do good in the 200s and 800s,” Fraser said.

Fraser is confident that the relay finals will be a big help tomorrow.

“If we execute all the relays we could get back into it,” Fraser added.

Fraser will look for the help of the Comets school body to fuel athletes in the finals.

The final day of the Fidelity-sponsored 2023 BAISS Track and Field championships will begin at 9am.

home game against Houston. Spurs assistant Mitch Johnson collected his first victory in Popovich’s absence. San Antonio has won two straight after dropping a franchise-record 16 in a row. Devonte’ Graham and Zach Collins also had 18 points each for the Spurs. Buddy Hield had 27 points to lead the Pacers and Chris Duarte had 18. The Spurs are a much different team than the one that last played at the AT&T Center on February 3 before embarking on their annual Rodeo Road Trip.

Doncic, Irving combine to lead Mavericks past 76ers 133-126

DALLAS (AP) — Luka Doncic scored 42 points, Kyrie Irving added 40 and the new All-Star pairing sparkled throughout the Dallas Mavericks’ 133-126 victory over Philadelphia 76ers last night.

Doncic won a matchup of the NBA’s top two scorers as Joel Embiid finished with 35 points for the 76ers, who were playing a night after a win in Miami without their All-Star center.

Irving and Doncic (12 assists) became the first Dallas teammates to score at least 40 in the same game. They each had a 20-point first half while combining for 45, then combined to score 10 points in the first 102 seconds of the third quarter to start a 20-4 run for a 91-71 Dallas lead.

Tyrese Maxey scored 29 points for Philadelphia, and James Harden, who made his first 11 shots, finished with 19 points and 10 assists.

WIZARDS 119,

RAPTORS 108

WASHINGTON (AP) — Kyle Kuzma scored the game’s first 10 points and finished with 30, Kristaps Porzingis added 25 points, and Washington beat Toronto in the opener of a two-game set between Eastern Conference playoff contenders.

Daniel Gafford scored 18 points and Delon Wright had a season-high 11 assists for the Wizards (30-32), who moved within percentage points of the ninth-place Raptors (31-33) in the East standings.

O.G. Anunoby scored 26 points and Jakob Poeltl had 23 points and 13 rebounds for the Raptors, who had won five of their previous six games. Pascal Siakam had 13 points and 11 rebounds for Toronto. Scottie Barnes and Fred VanVleet had 14 points apiece.

as thrilled as the other partners in making a contribution to the games, but she made an appeal to the general public.

“We are very excited to be a part of this. We want to encourage all Bahamians to come out in their colours and support the young athletes,” Aranha stressed.

“We believe in the future of our nation and we know that the CARIFTA Games is the training ground for them to come to the senior level, so we’re looking forward to partnering with the LOC.”

Sands, on behalf of the members of NACAC who will be involved in the games, thanked the three companies for coming on board as partners and stepping up as good corporate citizens.

“NACAC, as we are all familiar with, is the umbrella of the CARIFTA Games, managing the 31 member federations in our athletic family,” Sands said.

CARIFTA, according to Sands, will have a worldwide appearance of important persons from World Athletics, the governing body for athletics and track and field, as they come to watch some of the future stars and so their investment will not go unnoticed in this bar amazing event.

Persons interested in assisting the LOC can contact them online at www. carifta50.com where they can also purchase tickets or they can visit the Cultural Village’s box office on a daily basis.

PACERS guard Buddy Hield (24) drives to the basket past Spurs forward Zach Collins, left, last night. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)

HIGH school girls compete on day 2 of the BAISS Track & Field Championships yesterday. Photos: Austin Fernander/Tribune Staff

EAGAN Neely - under 15 boys 100 metres dash winner.

JAMIAH Nabbie - under 17 girls 100 metre dash winner.

AMARI Pratt - under 20 girls 100 metre dash winner.

CARIFTA LOC members pose with their principals of their three new silver medal partners.

MYRA LUNDY-MORTIMER, a partner at Pricewaterhouse Coopers, makes the cheque presentation to the LOC for the 50th CARIFTA Games.

MICHELLE THOMPSON, Bahamas country managing partner at Ernst & Young, presents their cheque to the CARIFTA LOC.

‘Kick back’ likely over Out Island airport fees

a series of phased-in rises over a four-year period to pay for upcoming infrastructure upgrades at the major airports.

Mr Hamilton said a “combination of things” will occur when the user fees are first introduced, with Nassau Airport Development Company (NAD) likely to increase those for Lynden Pindling International Airport as a result. “This fee situation is becoming a challenge,” Mr Hamilton said. “Inter-island travel will begin to dry up because we’re going to have to pass the costs on.

“So this will be a progressive advancement of the fees? I need to acquaint myself with some of the things that were projected with them coming on stream with the airports. But we have a challenge in maintaining all of the airports that we have up to international standard because they are an excessive burden on the public purse, and so this is an effort to try to address that with the public participating.”

Mr Hamilton said the Bahamian aviation industry needs to “come together” on these issues, citing a missed opportunity to do so during the COVID-19 pandemic over the health travel visa fees as operators had to ensure those additional costs were covered in their ticket prices. “These little

costs, they add up particularly for the Family Island folks who have to come back and forth doing their business. This is obviously going to be a pinch,” he added of the planned fees.

“I think initially people are going to kick back, but because they need to travel and for the convenience, a lot of folks will end up eating it because what other choice do you have?”

Ned Mulford, owner of Cat Island’s Pigeon Cay Club, said the impact depends on “how much the increase is”. He added: “If it goes from $12 to $25, and $15 to $43, that may be too much of an increase. That’s going to be a lot of money. It has to be in the millions.”

“Most consumers won’t notice, but I don’t think they should increase the fees by more than double.

I don’t know why they keep it lower for domestic, but to make a near-triple increase for international sounds like too much.” He added that people will still come regardless of the new fees, which he described as “hefty”.

The Family Island airport bid documents said: “A passenger facility fee of $15 for departing international passengers, and $12 for departing domestic passengers, [will] be increased annually until 2025, ending at an amount of $43 for departing international

NOTICE

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Notice is hereby given that in accordance with Section 138 (4) of the; International Business Companies Act, 2000, NMHG INVESTMENTS LTD. is in Dissolution. The date of commencement of dissolution is the 1st day of March, 2023.

Aegis Corporate Services Limited Building Six, Caves Village West Bay Street, P.O. Box SP-63771 Nassau, Bahamas Liquidator

NOTICE is hereby given that ALEXIS WILLIAMS of #50 Lunar Boulevard, Freeport, Grand Bahama is applying to the Minister responsible for Nationality and Citizenship, for registration/ naturalization as a citizen of The Bahamas, and that any person who knows any reason why registration/naturalization should not be granted, should send a written and signed statement of the facts within twenty-eight days from the 3rd day of March, 2023 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, Bahamas.

NOTICE

NOTICE is hereby given that DIEUDONNE CEPOUDY DOLCE of Mango Street, New Providence, The Bahamas, is applying to the Minister responsible for Nationality and Citizenship, for registration/ naturalization as a citizen of The Bahamas, and that any person who knows any reason why registration/naturalization should not be granted, should send a written and signed statement of the facts within twenty-eight days from the 24th day of February, 2023 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, Bahamas.

passengers and $25 for departing domestic passengers.” Given that the initial airport user fees were due to be implemented in 2022, this schedule will likely be delayed by a year.

Besides repaying private investors for financing the Family Island airport upgrades, the passenger facility fees will also help to cover their operational and ongoing maintenance costs.

The fees for Bahamian/ resident travellers will thus double over the four-year period, increasing from $12 to $25, while near tripling for international travellers as these rise from $15 to $43 per trip.

The bid documents revealed that the increase will apply only to those airports defined as ‘Tier one’ and ‘Tier two’ in the tender process. These are Exuma

International Airport; Marsh Harbour; North Eleuthera; Rock Sound; Governor’s Harbour; Long Island International Airport San Salvador International Airport; and Cat Island’s New Bight International Airport.

“The Government plans to restructure passengers’ fees to ensure the financial viability of the airports’ development,” the bid documents confirmed.

“The Airport Authority is subsidised significantly by the Government of The Bahamas whereby most of the subsidy is used to pay people-related costs with a minimum left to invest into the infrastructural upgrades/maintenance of Family Island airports.

“The Airport Authority derives revenue from airport parking fees; aircraft

NOTICE

NOTICE is hereby given that ALBERT LAGUERRE of Balls Alley off Shirley Street, New Providence, The Bahamas, is applying to the Minister responsible for Nationality and Citizenship, for registration/ naturalization as a citizen of The Bahamas, and that any person who knows any reason why registration/naturalization should not be granted, should send a written and signed statement of the facts within twenty-eight days from the 3rd day of March, 2023 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, Bahamas.

NOTICE

NOTICE is hereby given that BRINTNY LOUIS of Podoleo Street, New Providence, The Bahamas, is applying to the Minister responsible for Nationality and Citizenship, for registration/naturalization as a citizen of The Bahamas, and that any person who knows any reason why registration/ naturalization should not be granted, should send a written and signed statement of the facts within twentyeight days from the 3rd day of March, 2023 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, Bahamas.

tie down; official sunset fees; midnight fees; and fuel royalty fees. These airport-related fees were not changed since the 1980s. In addition to the mentioned revenue structure, the Airport Authority does not charge passenger facility fees (with the exception of Grand Bahama) despite the legislative framework that allows such charges.”

Thus Family Island residents could be in for something of a culture shock, with airline ticket prices and the cost of travel increasing to reflect the new fees that will finance a return on investment for the private sector groups bidding to take over redevelopment, operation and management of these airports.

Other Family Island airports not included in the

top two “tiers” will initially impose a passenger facility fee of $7 for departing international passengers and $5 for departing domestic passengers “to be increased annually until 2025, ending at an amount of $15 for departing international passengers and $12 for departing domestic passengers”. The bid documents added that passenger security fees at all airports, including LPIA, will be levied at between $7 to $10 for departing domestic passengers and from $9 to $12 for departing international passengers. “Revisions to the schedule of other airport fees and charges to be implemented on a date to be determined,” bidders were informed.

NOTICE

NOTICE is hereby given that ALFRED JERINNG VILSON of Fox Hill, New Providence, The Bahamas is applying to the Minister responsible for Nationality and Citizenship, for registration/naturalization as a citizen of The Bahamas, and that any person who knows any reason why registration/ naturalization should not be granted, should send a written and signed statement of the facts within twenty-eight days from the 24th day of February, 2023 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, Bahamas.

NOTICE

NOTICE is hereby given that ISSOUFOU TINTO of #13 Orchard Terrance, Village Road New Providence, The Bahamas is applying to the Minister responsible for Nationality and Citizenship, for registration/ naturalization as a citizen of The Bahamas, and that any person who knows any reason why registration/naturalization should not be granted, should send a written and signed statement of the facts within twenty-eight days from the 24th day of February, 2023 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, Bahamas.

should send a written and signed statement of the facts within twenty-eight days from the 24th day of February, 2023 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, Bahamas.

Public Treasury and the Government was now “trying to negotiate” with the company to recover what is allegedly owed.

Omni representatives yesterday declined to comment other than to deny there are any outstanding monies due to the Government from itself relating to the Seaz Pass initiative. And Peter Maury, the former Association of Bahamas Marinas (ABM) president who played a key role in establishing the online portal, yesterday voiced surprise at the Government’s assertion it was owed as much as $5m.

He especially queried the figure given that only $4m in fee income was collected by Seaz Pass during the 16 months it was operational. Mr Maury, who revealed that all parties including the ABM, Ministry of Finance and Omni, received weekly statements showing how much was collected from the portal, said

dispute closes boating fees portal

he - like Tribune Business - had also been informed by the payments provider of its position that zero monies are owed to the Government.

Mr Wilson, though, confirmed that “the primary reason” the Government demanded Seaz Pass’s closure was its belief that paid fee income was not being handed over. “Omni never remitted the funds to the Treasury. We’re trying to negotiate with them. So far we are down, based on our calculations, over $5m,” the financial secretary told this newspaper.

“We have no objection to the concept. The issue we has was the payment provider was not holding up its part of the structure. People were paying but monies were not coming to us. We’re trying to negotiate with them [Omni]. They were the payment gateway provider. It was not just the timeliness of remittances; in some cases, they were not remitting the funds at all.”

Mr Wilson said the Ministry of Finance had “called in Peter Maury” and explained what was allegedly happening, and its rationale for closing Seaz Pass. He added: “This is nothing against the portal. We just have to fix this to make it work. We have no issue with what they’re [the ABM] proposing. We’re working on some solutions so we can fix it and that it works for us.”

Other sources, speaking on condition of anonymity because they were not authorised to talk publicly, yesterday affirmed Omni’s position that “zero” monies were owing to the Government from the online boating portal. Confirming that various talks and negotiations had taken place between the two parties to resolve the dispute, these contacts hinted that the payment provider may have been caught up in a political battle not of its making.

Mr Maury, though, said much uncertainty and confusion surrounded Seaz

Pass’s suspension. He added that the Ministry of Finance had provided no clarity on when it could restart, or if an alternative payment provider to Omni would be an acceptable solution. The loss of a convenient payment/registration avenue, meanwhile, had set back The Bahamas’ digital drive and efforts to improve the ease of doing business while also causing frustration for boaters and charter guests.

“They just told us we can’t use Omni,” the Bay Street Marina manager said, when asked what reason the Government had given for the portal’s closure. “I think they are all in a big battle over it. Nobody is telling me anything. It’s my guess that the Ministry of Finance is not going to show us anything.

“And all Omni said to us is that it’s a legal matter between them and the Ministry of Finance, and they can’t give me any information. All they said to me - and this is probably what they said to you - is their

lawyers told them not to talk about it, but they said they’ve paid over every cent.”

Mr Maury said both parties, the ABM and Port Department were provided with a regular statement on the fees that were collected online via Seaz Pass. Suggesting that such reports were provided as frequently as every week, the former ABM president voiced surprise at the Ministry of Finance’s suggestion that “over $5m” was outstanding

“It was never $5m,” he said. “We never collected that amount. It was cutoff when we had collected $4m; how could there be $5m? I’m surprised. I don’t understand how it’s $5m. We never saw those numbers. Maybe more money was submitted later on. I don’t know. We all got the same reports. Maybe they have a different abacus than me.

“The big thing was that when we put it in everybody was astounded by how much money was coming in. We knew a lot was getting paid. It’s more money than the Port has collected than ever before.... We kept a weekly track of what was getting paid. It was a considerable amount of money that we hoped they would reinvest in the industry, spending on fixing lights and things like that.

“Omni and the Ministry of Finance got into a big

fight over it. I’d be interested to see if they resolved it. I let it lie. The Ministry said they owe money, and when we got to Omni they said: ‘No, we submitted everything. We showed them we paid it.’ Then somebody told me it was very political this whole thing.”

Mr Maury queried whether the Government was reading the charter contracts, which had to be uploaded to Seaz Pass by boat captains, brokers and agents, correctly if it was coming up with the $5m figure. He added that he would “love” to see Seaz Pass restored to full functionality, given that it would make entering The Bahamas far easier for boaters, and likely result in increased taxes and fees for the Government via a more convenient payment method.

“It seemed like an easy solution. I said let’s find another payment provider,” Mr Maury said. “I even asked Simon Wilson: Is there a company you’d prefer? Tell us and we’ll use that one. I just don’t know where they are with it.” He added that the ABM’s Board selected Omni because it had offered to build Seaz Pass at its own expense and get the initiative moving more quickly, with the marina industry body then paying it back over time.

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BAHAMAS LOST $32.5M AVIATION FINANCING AS ‘BAR KEPT MOVING’

operation of the airports, and hence compliance with the policy conditions,” the report added.

“The identified need for infrastructure and equipment was estimated to cost around $10m and would have needed around two years to complete. Consequently, the second tranche policy conditions were not completed within the 36-month extended disbursement period (over the initial 60 months), and the corresponding financing - 68 percent of the policy-based loan amount - was cancelled upon expiry of the disbursement period.”

The Bahamas thus lost access to some $32.5m in financing that could have helped push aviation reform further, and faster, than the present position. However, sources familiar with this particular IDB financing facility, and speaking on condition of anonymity because they were not authorised to talk publicly, gave a different interpretation to that of the report. They argued that the IDB frequently imposed terms and conditions which result in The Bahamas and other small countries, with limited human, technical and other

resources, “never ever meeting the bar” to qualify for policy-based loan financing. With The Bahamas unable to meet the standards required, and the air transport loan dragging across the last Ingraham, Christie and Minnis administrations, the latter decided to let the IDB “keep the money”.

“What happened was we could never ever meet the bar to qualify for the loan,” the source said. “There were conditions for that loan, and the complement of staff we had was just inadequate, both technically and individually, at the time to meet the conditions to qualify for this loan.

“The IDB is pretty onerous. They give you a loan, but set the conditions, and when you’re in a small environment and the technical leadership is not there - you don’t have the technical people in-country to qualify for the loan - they say you can’t get it. We said you shouldn’t give it in the first place. You make it so onerous on small countries that don’t have the depth of people to put in the necessary infrastructure to meet the conditions of the loan.

“You can never technically get to the promised land. They just kept moving

NOTICE

LAHG INVESTMENTS LTD.

(In Voluntary Liquidation)

Notice is hereby given that in accordance with Section 138 (4) of the; International Business Companies Act, 2000, LAHG INVESTMENTS LTD. is in Dissolution.

The date of commencement of dissolution is the 1st day of March, 2023.

Aegis Corporate Services Limited Building Six, Caves Village West Bay Street, P.O. Box SP-63771 Nassau, Bahamas Liquidator

Environmental, Health and Safety Officer

Location: Ocean Cay, The Bahamas

Department: Environmental Operations & Compliance

Reports to: Vice President Environmnetal Operations & Compliance

Job Purpose

The Environmental, Health and Safety Officer oversees the implementation and continued appropriateness of the environmental, health, safety and social management system (EHSS MS) for Ocean Cay Marine Reserve (OCMR); ensuring the training of personnel on the island to enable required procedures and practices to be followed. The role requires regular monitoring and auditing of the entire facility, data collection and regular reporting to senior management on the island and to the head office. The EHS Officer must identify appropriate actions and measures to ensure continual improvement of environmental, health, safety, and social performance, aligned with the sustainability strategy and goals of MSC Cruises. Through regular communications with the relevant Senior Management, the EHS Officer is responsible for establishing goals and tracking progress in meeting these requirements. The EHS Officer is also responsible for the planning of regular meetings of the OCMR Sustainability Committee.

The EHS Officer operationally reports to the General Manager OCMR, and liaise with the MSC CM Environmental Operations & Compliance Department, MSC CM Fleet Sanitation Department, MSC CM Marine Operations Department, MSC CM Energy Efficiency Department, MSC Cruises (USA), MSC Cruises Sustainability Department (Geneva).

Key Responsibilities

Ensure the ongoing implementation of the EHSS MS and its continued effectiveness, which includes providing appropriate management support to the island operational team.

• Promote company sustainability, related policies & commitments to OCMR personnel.

Ensure all positions receive job-specific training relative to the requirements of the EHSS MS and the Responsibility Assignment (RACI) Matrix, with the consolidation and retention of all training records.

• Maintain all EHS and ISO 14001 documents, Environmental Permits, Consents and Approvals, and ensure their accuracy in accordance with legislative and Company’s requirements and their availability for Authorities and Company Representatives.

Oversee OCMR compliance with the governmental obligations including requirements of the current Environmental Impact Assessment, the environmental and social management plans; and in view of future modifications or expansions, advising management where necessary Verify, through periodical inspections/checks, full implementation and compliance with EHS company procedures and any other applicable local, national, or regulatory requirements.

• Ensure that procedures for management of waste, including collection, segregation, storage and lawful disposals are properly implemented, understood and correctly followed by all employees. Provide professional assistance and training to employees involved in public health matters

• Train all employees and contractors in all phases and aspects related to the safety and chemical safety protocols of the island.

• Investigate any safety and occupational health accident or near miss that occurs on the island in order to find new measures to prevent future accidents.

a) Qualifications/Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree in environmental management, health and safety or equivalent degree Advanced public health, safety and environmental training.

• Thorough knowledge of relevant public health and sanitation, safety, and environmental regulations and procedures

• At least 3 years’ experience in working and implementing environmental and/or health and safety management systems, such as those compliant with ISO 14001 and OHSAS 18001/ISO 45001 Working proficiency in English, both verbal and written. Knowledge of other core languages is an advantage

• Strong interpersonal skills to ensure harmonious workplace relations. Applicants can submit their resume to: hr@mscoceancay.com

the bar on the loan, so we ended up saying ‘screw it, keep the money’. It became very evident that we were not going to qualify for it. We told the IDB: ‘Just keep it; forget it’. It had been dragging on for years, trying to figure it out, and we were not going to qualify for it so just withdraw it. It’s not going to happen.”

The source pointed out that aviation was a large sector that requires an extensive variety of technical skills and capacity, and while The Bahamas has “very professional people” in these areas there were simply not enough to both meet the IDB’s requirements and fulfill their regular day-to-day duties.

“We had an operational budget of $3m and 30 airports. It’s a very complex aviation sector,” they added. “It made it impossible for us to complete the requirements and therefore qualify for the loan. Every time we did something it

would expose something else. They said we had to do this, the bar kept getting higher. It was not realistic given the complexity of an aviation sector with many moving parts, deficient capacity, and it was very difficult to get this done.”

Of the policy conditions that The Bahamas failed to meet, the IDB report said: “The safe operation of the country’s airports is critical for the tourism industry, which is the largest earner and employer in The Bahamas. The seven airports named in the programme for verification of their operations all have scheduled international flights and are also the busiest airports.

“The main findings of the independent verifications were that the airports were lacking adequate safety management systems in that the procedures to handle safety issues and emergencies were not well

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documented and staff were not sufficiently trained.

“In addition, equipment and infrastructure were not adequate for safe operation of the airports, which included fire-fighting gear and equipment, fire truck water capacity, equipped fire stations, removal of runway obstacles and provision of markings for visual operation.”

The Bahamas had also failed to address the shipping of hazardous air cargo. “The management, handling and storage of dangerous goods is vital for the safety of air travel and airport operation.

The July 2019 independent assessment identified the following actions to improve compliance....

“The Bahamas Civil Aviation Authority has to establish a stronger surveillance process in terms of air transport of dangerous goods; train airport staff, Customs, carriers and other stakeholders on dangerous goods management; prepare and post signage with appropriate terminology for dangerous goods; and designate areas in the airports for storage, inter-modal transfer, and temporary transit storage for dangerous goods.”

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FLATS FISHING REGULATIONS UNDERGOING ‘FINE TUNING’

By YOURI KEMP Tribune Business Reporter ykemp@tribunemedia.net

DRAFT regulations for the flats fishing industry have been completed and are now with the Attorney General’s Office for “fine tuning”, a Cabinet minister said yesterday.

Clay Sweeting, minister of agriculture, marine resources and Family Island affairs, in his mid-year Budget presentation said the regulations had undergone a long consultation process dating back to 2017.

The draft Flats Fishing Regulations call for the creation of a 12 member committee, comprised of government representatives and industry stakeholders, to oversee and advance the sector. “I’m happy to report that this 12-member committee has finally been established,” Mr Sweeting said.

“As we place a considerable focus on supporting the flats fishing industry, BAMSI (the Bahamas Agricultural and Marine Sciences Institute) is currently providing practical training for 12 students. There are four females in this programme and the students are all around a young age of 20.

“Fishers were able to apply online for a number of fishery services. I’m happy to advise that, as of February this year, eight additional services have been added to the portal. Again, we encourage commercial fishermen, bone fishers, entrepreneurs, etc,

to take advantage of the services, which will save time and money having to travel to New Providence for them.”

Mr Sweeting said food security remained a priority for the Davis administration, which is developing a “strategic plan” for The Bahamas to achieve this. “As I’ve said repeatedly, for this administration, food security is not a buzzword or a catchphrase. We are serious about food security. We are taking practical steps to achieve this goal,” he added.

“By now you have all heard about this eggciting news that we are reviving the poultry sector.

On February 27, the Prime Minister broke ground on the Golden Yolk egg project here in New Providence. This project will engage farmers, provide significant employment and empowerment through establishing six growhouses… in Nassau and, in phase two of this project, an additional 38 throughout 12 islands including Eleuthera, Andros, Abaco and Grand Bahama.

“The Golden Yolk project is anticipated to increase our egg production from 750,000 eggs per year to 28m eggs per year. This number is estimated to completely reduce the need to import eggs into our country, and this directly reduces our imports by 1 percent. This industry will not be controlled by the Government and the farmers will drive this sector. This project is 100 percent Bahamian from start to end.”

CLAY SWEETING

Gov’t urged: ‘Don’t be hog’ over vacation rental taxes

“A lot of them will be taking their places off the market. I know someone in Spanish Wells who will not advertise their place again.” The Government, since the Minnis administration’s term in office, has been eager to levy 10 percent VAT on the actual rental rate paid by the visitor rather than just tax the listing fee paid to the likes of Airbnb and VRBO as happens currently.

The Davis administration’s push for thousands of vacation rental owners to register their properties with the Department of Inland Revenue (DIR) marks the latest step in this effort. The tax authority, in a statement earlier this week, said the initiative was designed to ensure vacation rental properties pay their fair taxation share while also maintaining a high service standard for their guests. Owners are being required to register their properties with it by April 30, 2023, via a newlylaunched online portal.

To incentivise registration compliance, the Government is dangling a variety of financial benefits such as a total exemption from 2023 Business Licence fees.

Registration is being billed as free, and the initiative is also offering “free” promotion and the possibility to access financing via agencies such as the Small Business Development Centre (SBDC).

Kwasi Thompson, the Opposition’s finance spokesman, questioned why the Government wanted vacation rental owners to register their properties if they were earning less than $100,000 per year in revenue, which would put them below the threshold at which they must charge VAT and pay Business Licence fees.

“We want to understand the legal ability to force someone to register if they’re making less than

$100,000,” Mr Thompson asked. “If you’re going to charge for Business Licences, say you will charge for Business Licences. Don’t do it in this secretive, roundabout way.”

Online exchanges on the Government’s plans show a largely negative reaction by vacation rental owners.

One said: “Average Bahamians finally getting a piece of the tourism pie through ownership. Ya’ll know it wasn’t going to be long before this tax, tax, tax regime saw that. How else can they continue to increase the travel budget?”

Another added: “Wiping out the middle class one tax at a time. Can’t catch a break for these humans.”

One chat thread saw several calls for vacation rental owners to form an association. “We need to form an association and stand up to them. My God, let the middle class live or the struggling taxpayers,” one said. Another added: “The first thing my lawyer said was: ‘You all need an association’.” One proposed name was the Association of Vacation Rental Hosts.

“Ladies and gents when can we meet? United we stand, united we fall,” one association advocate said.

“We need to form the association first and meet with the Government, then take it from there,” another added. “If they going to tax us we need an agreement similar to hotels if not exactly like theirs,” a further proponent added. There was also talk of exiting Airbnb vacation rental property listings. One said: “Seems like it’ll be best to have a website made and do direct bookings.” Another added: “Cheaper I advertise on the free platforms and exit Airbnb.” Reaction also suggested there was reluctance to comply with the Government’s registration drive, with one post asserting: “I won’t register. I’m almost sure they’re using that to crunch numbers and see how much money they can possibly make by taxing us.”

Mr Raine said the Government, in seeking its share of vacation rental activity, was likely to impact rental rates via the imposition of VAT and potentially make The Bahamas less competitive with rival destinations. “I really did not like it under the FNM,” he revealed of the Government’s direction. “The PLP say they are the party of

the poor and downtrodden, but they’re not. They are making them downtrodden and poor.

“There are a lot of people who are unhappy and will probably not register their properties. The owners are saying we’ve got to organise, got to become a force to be reckoned with and to fight the Government. The Government wants to put their hands right into their cheque books when they struggle to make a dollar and want to keep it.

“I heard someone today say: ‘When is enough enough?’ You’ve got to do it in moderation. Don’t be a hog. Don’t be a pig. They need to rethink their strategy for balancing the Budget and the rest of it. It was the thin end of the wedge, VAT on the billing fee, and I could see where they were going to try and get what they want from it. I think other people will leave it alone. Nobody wants to work for the Government. They want to work for themselves.”

Bahamian vacation rental market indicators remain positive. ““In the short-term vacation rental market, data provided by AirDNA further cemented trends. Specifically, for the month of January, total room nights sold rose to 147,633 from 113,559 a year earlier,” the Central Bank said earlier this week.

“Underlying this outturn, the occupancy rates for both entire place and hotel comparable listings increased to 56.6 percent and 55.7 percent, respectively, compared to 50.8 percent and 47.9 percent in the prior year. Further, price indicators showed that, year-over-year, the average daily room rate (ADR) for entire place grew by 8.6 percent to $524.73 and hotel comparable listings by 4.9 percent to $186.54.”

Simon Wilson, the Ministry of Finance’s financial secretary, told Tribune Business in a recent interview that the online portal has the ability to “go back several years” to collect data on the revenue, room rates and bookings that Bahamian vacation rental properties have enjoyed.

“We have identified close to 7,000 properties which are engaged in vacation rentals. The vast majority are in New Providence, Abaco, Exuma and Eleuthera,” he said. “The portal itself is very impressive in terms of the amount

of information. We can go back several years to see what has been the take-up so that we can estimate revenue over the last two to five years.

“For some properties, we can go back to 2015. We can see what the room rates are over that time. We have a very nice tool which we think can help.” Mr Wilson said the revenue authorities were partnering with Avenu, a consultancy that works with state and local governments in the US and Canada to help them with tax administration, on the vacation rental initiative.

PUBLIC NOTICE

INTENT TO CHANGE NAME BY DEED POLL

The Public is hereby advised that I, CHANTÉ LEWIS of Graham Drive, Yellow Elder, New Providence, Bahamas intend to change my name to CHIANTÉ LEWIS. If there are any objections to this change of name by Deed Poll, you may write such objections to the Chief Passport Officer, P.O.Box N-742, Nassau, New Providence, Bahamas no later than thirty (30) days after the date of publication of this notice.

NOTICE

JFHG INVESTMENTS LTD. (In Voluntary Liquidation)

Notice is hereby given that in accordance with Section 138 (4) of the; International Business Companies Act, 2000, JFHG INVESTMENTS LTD. is in Dissolution. The date of commencement of dissolution is the 1st day of March, 2023.

Aegis Corporate Services Limited Building Six, Caves Village West Bay Street, P.O. Box SP-63771 Nassau, Bahamas

Liquidator

KWASI THOMPSON

coverage issued in October 2003. Shortly afterwards, Colina acquired Canada Life as part of a major consolidation that took place in the Bahamian life and health insurance sector at that time, when the former bought out a number of rival operators.

“The policy continued for ten years. Colina increased the charges each year,” the Privy Council’s majority verdict stated. “On August 18, 2014, Colina sent him a notice of pending cancellation. It stated that Colina had not received payments

required to ensure that the policy remained in force and, unless he remedied matters, the policy would lapse on September 7, 2014.

“Mr McPhee did not comply with that requirement. Instead, he tendered payment the following day. Colina maintains that he was too late - the policy had already lapsed. Mr McPhee contends that the increases were unlawful. There was no contractual underpinning to justify what Colina had done. In these proceedings, he seeks declaratory orders and damages. He submits that, rather than a shortfall, the policy had

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a cash surrender value in excess of $7,000 in September 2014. Accordingly, it did not lapse.”

Mr McPhee’s initial quarterly premium rate was $528. Colina made an initial $97 deduction from his policy’s investment account that covered the $75 guaranteed cost of insurance, a $13 waiver of premium on disability and a $9 administration charge. The waiver provided benefits for the attorney if he became disabled.

“Colina increased the monthly deductions on an annual basis from 2006 onwards; on the five occasions it says it reinstated the policy; and, in particular, by applying a one-off ‘plus 75 percent rating’ in 2006,” the Privy Council noted, while voicing surprise that Mr McPhee’s policy at onetime was shown as being reinstated on the same day it lapsed - an impossibility.

“From 2005 until 2014, Colina provided Mr McPhee with annual statements. They showed the opening fund balance, the premiums paid, the monthly deductions, any withdrawals, premium tax, interest earned, the closing

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fund balance, the surrender charges and the cash surrender value. They made the financial position clear - the account was not performing in line with expectations,” the Privy Council said.

“On February 18, 2014, Colina sent a notice of pending cancellation to Mr McPhee. It reminded him that although premiums had been paid up to November 2013, insufficient payments had since been made and the policy would lapse if he did not rectify matters by March 7.

“He cured the problem by making a payment on that date. Three days earlier, however, he had written to Colina to raise two matters. He stated that it was in breach of contract by charging him a ‘mortality tax’. He also asked it to confirm that his policy had a cash surrender value of at least $5,654.”

Colina responded by stating that Mr McPhee had lost interest income when he failed to make timely premium payments and, as a result, the insurer could not guarantee the $5,654 cash surrender value. Mr McPhee hired Desmond Edwards as his attorney to probe the cash surrender value, and Colina produced data showing his account had a $54 credit balance at April 30, 2014.

“On August 18, 2014, Colina sent another notice of pending cancellation after the account value was insufficient to meet the quarterly premium due on August 9. This was because, as at July 9, 2014, the account value was $140, while the monthly deductions totalled $201,” the Privy Council said.

“It warned Mr McPhee that the policy would lapse if he did not make payment of the premium by September 7, 2014. Mr McPhee did not make payment on that date. Instead, he tendered the premium the next day.” The majority verdict said the key issues to determine were whether Colina

was allowed under the policy terms to increase the monthly charges, if these rises were justified and whether they resulted in the lapse.

The Privy Council majority found that Colina “had the right to apply an annual uplift” and impose any additional requirements it desired to reinstate the policy if it lapsed. While the 2006 lapse and 75 percent surcharge “remain a mystery”, they added that there was a consistent trend of lapses to justify the life and health insurer’s actions, thus dismissing Mr McPhee’s appeal.

However, in their dissenting judgment, Lord Leggatt and Lord Stephens argued that the heart of the dispute lay in whether Colina was allowed under the policy terms to increase the monthly charges or insurance costs and also implement the one-off rise in 2006.

Finding that the burden of proof lay with Colina, not Mr McPhee, because the savings account that was part of his universal life policy functions as a bank account, the two dissenting judges said the insurer’s failure to produce its yearly renewable rates went beyond a technical issue.

“It raises real uncertainty about how Colina was in fact deciding what annual increase to make throughout the period when the policy was in force, including the final year when Mr McPhee was challenging the basis of the yearly increases. Thus, on 9 August 2014, just a few weeks before on Colina’s case the policy lapsed, the monthly charge made by Colina for the guaranteed cost of insurance was increased from $204.13 to $223.99,” they found.

“Unless Colina either had a copy of the table or knew what it contained, it could not apply the correct increase. The same applies to every yearly increase made. The failure of Colina

to show what the contractual yearly rates were indicates either incompetence in its conduct of this case or that Colina was not in fact applying the contractual rates but was using some other, perhaps current rather than historic, rating table.”

As for the 75 percent on-off increase in the insurance charges in July 2006, the two judges said Colina’s pleaded case failed to “give any coherent explanation for what actually happened”. They described the one-off increase as “unfounded” and “contrary to the terms of the policy”.

“Mr McPhee did himself no favours in the courts below by making allegations of fraud with no proper basis, sacking his legal representative at the start of each hearing and representing himself, and advancing a hopeless argument that the yearly renewable rate that he had agreed to pay for the cost of life insurance was a fixed level rate which did not increase from year to year,” the two dissenting Privy Council judges said.

“But unmeritorious litigants can sometimes have the law on their side.

Mr McPhee put squarely in issue the entitlement of Colina to make the increases in the monthly guaranteed cost of insurance charges that were made yearly and also, as a one-off, in July 2006.

“Colina - on whom the burden of proof layadduced no evidence at all to show that any of these increases was in an amount authorised by the terms of the policy, and the oneoff increase made in July 2006 has been exposed as inconsistent with the policy terms. It follows, in our opinion, that the appeal should be allowed and the account value recalculated on the basis of the initial monthly guaranteed cost of insurance of $74.62.”

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Converting customers into recurring clients

By IAN FERGUSON

Converting new customers into loyal and repeat clients should be the top priority of every business, whether large or small. Customer retention is key to the success of any enterprise.

This week’s column explores the critical reasons why the private sector must have strategies to develop a strong loyal customer base, but also ways to achieve this. Here is why these initiatives matter:

* It is much cheaper to keep an existing customer than to find a new one. Finding new clients can be expensive and consume valuable resources. Keeping a customer happy, and therefore guaranteeing future recurring business, is much cheaper.

* Repeat customers spend more. Once a customer has bought from you and has a good experience, a level of trust has been established. The next time a customer goes to make a purchase, they are more likely to spend their money with someone they trust rather than risk the unknown.

* Marketing costs are lower. It is easier to market products and promotions to existing customers. You already have their e-mail

address or some other form of contact information, and they know and trust you.

* Happy customers spread the word to their friends. Word of mouth has always been one of the best methods of advertising. Happy, loyal customers are your best marketers. People believe their friends when they endorse a product or service, so by keeping your customers delighted you are doing powerful organic marketing.

So, now that you are convinced, here as some simple ways to accomplish this objective:

Get to know your customer with useful data: Your most important decisions as a business owner should be based on facts, not guesswork. Looking closely at your business data can help you spot holes in customer service and opportunities to stand out from competitors.

Use your customer data to create a cohesive story about the buying experience. A customer journey map outlines different stages of a customer’s interaction with you. A detailed map captures the needs, motivations and thought processes of a key customer segment.

Create a Loyalty Programme: Loyalty programmes can be good for

business. Successful loyalty programmes.......

* Establish a method of ongoing communication with customers.

* Give participants an incentive to bring in new customers.

* Provide multiple tiers of engagement to reach different customer segments.

Offer Flexible Options: Consumers flock to businesses where they have a say in the customer experience. Remember the simple pleasure of mixing a one-ofa-kind beverage at soft drink dispensers? Flexible options are a shortcut to customer satisfaction.

Try to build flexibility into your services. Even though customers have similar needs and interests on the surface, small differences in personality influence what makes them happy. And, in many cases, it costs little or nothing extra to provide more options.

Provide Follow-Up Support: When your product has many uses or a learning curve, build follow-up support into the customer experience. Too often, customers abandon a product because they are not sure how to use it correctly. Educate your customers on how to use your product, so

they are confident about getting results. Instead of leaving your customers to scour the Internet in search of help, make it easy for them to get the exact answers they need. In some cases, you can include a thorough guide with the product or provide a URL for an online resource portal.

Go Above and Beyond

With Customer Service: Spoil your customers rotten. Price matters, but it is far less important than good customer service. Surprise your customers with so much kindness and attention that they have nothing negative to say about your business. Good service is a quality you have to integrate into your business from top to bottom. Be timely, be courteous, be transparent, and apologise when an unforeseen problem arises. Most people are understanding of simple mistakes, and the tension does not escalate until you become defensive or dismissive.

Do not assume your staff know the right way to respond to customers. Teach employees to be friendly, helpful and comfortable listening to customer complaints. Not everyone is good at managing stressful situations. You can reduce conflict by demonstrating the type of language and

behaviour you want staff to use when speaking with customers.

Handing out discounts and freebies is not the only way to market your business and get repeat customers.

Consumers always want or need something. People will continually patronise your business if you fulfill their wants and make their lives more satisfying.

• NB: Ian R Ferguson is a talent management and organisational development consultant, having completed graduate studies with regional and international universities. He has served organisations, both locally and globally, providing relevant solutions to their business growth and development issues. He may be contacted at tcconsultants@ coralwave.com.

NOTICE

JAHG INVESTMENTS LTD. (In Voluntary Liquidation)

Notice is hereby given that in accordance with Section 138 (4) of the; International Business Companies Act, 2000, JAHG INVESTMENTS LTD. is in Dissolution. The date of commencement of dissolution is the 1st day of March, 2023.

Aegis Corporate Services Limited Building Six, Caves Village West Bay Street, P.O. Box SP-63771 Nassau, Bahamas Liquidator

THE WEATHER REPORT

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

‘$5m’ dispute closes boating fees portal

• Gov’t alleges not all funds collected paid over • Omni denies; no Seaz Pass sums outstanding • Marinas stunned by figure; seek reopen clarity

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

THE ONLINE clearance portal for foreign boaters and yacht charters has been shut down amid disputed allegations that “$5m” in fees paid by the industry have not been passed to the Bahamian Government.

Tribune Business can reveal that SeaZ Pass, which had operated as “a one-stop shop” to allow incoming vessels and their owners/captains to register online, clear

Customs and pay for cruising permits and charter fees, was closed last October after the Government charged it was not receiving all that was due to it from the funds being collected.

Simon Wilson, the Ministry of Finance’s financial secretary, told Tribune Business in a recent interview that the Government believed it was “down over $5m” compared to what it should have received from the 4 percent charter fee as well as the cruising permits. In addition, 10 percent VAT

Bahamas lost $32.5m aviation financing as ‘bar kept moving’

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

THE BAHAMAS used just 32 percent of an Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) loan provided to overhaul its aviation industry because it failed to implement safety reforms essential to unlocking the $32.5m balance.

The multilateral lender’s report on the Air Transport Reform Programme, which was launched in 2011, revealed this nation accessed just $15m of the total $47.5m facility after it did not fully implement three policy conditions critical “to safe operation of infrastructure” and achieving the project’s goals within the necessary time period.

was levied on the same charter contracts from the time of the 2022-2023 Budget last May.

He asserted that Omni Financial Services, the digital payments provider responsible for collecting the fee payments, had failed to remit the full sums due to the

SEE PAGE A18

Gov’t urged: ‘Don’t be hog’ over vacation rental taxes

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

THE GOVERNMENT was last night told “don’t be a hog” over plans to increase tax earnings from the vacation rental sector, with property owners openly talking about forming an industry association to safeguard their interests.

Businessman Bruce Raine, who told Tribune Business he decided to quit the sector after it became clear the former Minnis administration was targeting it for extra revenue, said those owners he is in contact with feel they have to “fight back” after the Government launched a twomonth drive for all to register their properties with the tax authorities.

“I’m in contact with over 100 local Bahamians who are in the business, and they are not happy, I can tell you that,” Mr Raine said of the Davis administration’s renewed push. “They’re talking about forming an alliance or a union because otherwise the Government will mow each one down.

“They’ve got to fight back. These are people who don’t

have a lot of money. It’s ridiculous. They struggle doing a damn good job providing beds for people, and the Government wants a share of that. It’s just too much. Every nook and cranny, they’re going to continue to look for money. This will be their downfall. It will be how the Government gets out. It’ll put the vacation rentals out of business.

SEE PAGE A21

Attorney splits Privy Council over failed Colina challenge

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

AN ATTORNEY yesterday split the highest court in the Bahamian judicial system down the middle with his ultimately unsuccessful challenge to the country’s largest life and health insurer.

Dorsey McPhee managed to persuade two of the Privy Council’s five law lord judges to back his argument that Colina Insurance Company, the subsidiary of the BISX-listed parent, had “unlawfully” increased the charges for his $150,000 universal life policy every year and that coverage did not lapse. He did this

despite pushing “a hopeless argument” and advancing baseless fraud claimsactions that “did himself no favours”.

The only problem was that the three-strong majority found for Colina, rejecting his appeal and, in so doing, upholding the previous Supreme Court and Court of Appeal verdicts that both favoured the insurer. The Privy Council’s ruling has its roots in events that began almost two decades ago, when Mr McPhee took out life insurance coverage in August 2003 with the then-Canada Life. His policy was subsequently converted to universal life, with new

SEE PAGE A22

‘Kick back’ likely over Out Island airport fees

By YOURI KEMP Tribune Business Reporter ykemp@tribunemedia.net

THE INTRODUCTION of passenger user fees to finance Family Island airport redevelopment will cause travellers to “kick back” and initially soften travel demand, Bahamian aviation operators forecast yesterday.

Anthony Hamilton, Southern Air’s director of administration, and president of the Bahamas Association of Air Transport Operators, told Tribune Business that while the initial reaction was

likely to be negative passengers will eventually “eat it”.

Tribune Business revealed yesterday how Bahamian and international travellers will ultimately have to pay user fees of up to $43 per person to finance the collective $263m redevelopment of the 14 Family Island airports put out to bid on Wednesday.

The project information memorandum (PIM), released to interested private sector bidders, reveals that “recommendations” have already been made to levy passenger facility fees that will increase through

Besides the absence of “adequate safety management systems” at the seven targeted airports, the IDB report noted that The Bahamas also failed to address the handling and transportation of hazardous air cargo. The third downfall, the lack of an independent body to investigate accidents and near-misses in the Bahamian aviation sector, was ultimately resolved - albeit out of time - through legal reforms that created such a unit that now complies with global standards.

The report suggested that The Bahamas could have met the IDB’s terms and conditions “with a small amount of resources”, and a $10m investment, but the lack of capacity within the Government-owned Airports Authority and other agencies meant another extension would have been required to fulfill this.

“The completion of the actions required to improve the compliance of the seven airports with the established standards was the critical path activities for the fulfillment of the policy conditions and required concerted effort, planning and resources (time and finance) to complete,” the IDB assessment said.

“The institutional items such as plans, procedures systems and training were numerous, and while these could have been achieved with a small amount of resources, the absorptive capacity of the Airport Authority and other stakeholders would have resulted in another extension being required.

“Even though policy-based loans concentrate on policy and procedural aspects of aviation, it was difficult to separate the infrastructure and equipment requirements as they are fundamental for the safe and secure

PICTURED above is a yacht on show during the Bahamas Charter Yacht Show.

Photo:Moise Amisial

$5.76 $5.76 $5.46 $5.92