03102023 NEWS, SPORT AND BUSINESS

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The Tribune

Volume: 120 No.48, March 10, 2023

Sweet & Savory Mornings

DONNA VASYLI IS ACQUITTED

Jury clears Australian accused of murdering husband in Old Fort Bay

DONNA Vasyli was said to be “overwhelmed with joy” after she was acquitted of murder last night in the retrial for the 2015 stabbing death of her millionaire podiatrist husband Philip Vasyli.

A Supreme Court jury found Mrs Vasyli not guilty after hearing arguments for about six months. A gag order was put in place preventing reporting of the retrial.

One of her attorneys, Damian Gomez, KC,

said after the verdict that Mrs Vasyli has been “vindicated”.

Asked how his client was feeling after being found not guilty after years of legal wrangling, he said she is, “Overwhelmed with joy.”

According to Mr Gomez, no new evidence was introduced that led to yesterday’s outcome.

“No new evidence, just the weakness in the

SEE PAGE THREE

ZERO CARBON RESORT DEAL SIGNED FOR EXUMA

By EARYEL BOWLEG Tribune Staff Reporter ebowleg@tribunemedia.net

OFFICIALS signed a heads of agreement yesterday for the newest state-of-the-art resort development in the Exuma Cays.

Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis said Kiama Bahamas, powered by

Silent Resorts, will be The Bahamas’ first fully sustainable, zero carbon, solar-powered residential and yacht resort community.

He added that this $56m development is a very significant step forward in the country’s sustainable luxury product.

SEE PAGE FIVE

SANDS SAYS FNM LAWYERS GIVING LEGAL ADVICE

By EARYEL BOWLEG Tribune Staff Reporter ebowleg@tribunemedia.net

THE Free National Movement is currently taking legal advice after a Supreme Court injunction was granted against party leader Michael Pintard and chairman Dr Duane Sands, barring them from prohibiting and interfering with Richard Johnson as he carries out his duties as FNM vice chairman.

In a March 9 letter sent

ATLANTIS CHIEF SAYS APPROVAL OF RCI PLAN ‘PREMATURE’

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

ATLANTIS’ top executive last night warned that approval of Royal Caribbean’s $110m Paradise Island project is “premature” and urged Bahamians to call on the Government to “put the brakes on”.

Audrey Oswell, the Paradise Island mega resort’s president and managing director, argued in a column published in full today (see Page 18) that there are “too many red flags” and unanswered questions relating to the cruise line’s planned Royal Beach Club destination.

DAVIS’ CHANGE OF VIEW ON RCI ‘DUE TO REVISED PLANS’

By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net

PRESS secretary Clint Watson said Prime Minister Phillip “Brave” Davis’ earlier position on Royal Caribbean International’s proposed Royal Beach Club project when he was in opposition was “based on what the circumstances were at the time”, claiming Mr Davis changed his mind after the cruise line revised its initial development plans.

Mr Watson said the revised proposal was smaller in scale compared to the original plan and also did not include “a significant amount” of Crown land.

to the FNM’s Central Council, Dr Sands said attorneys for the party were served with an ex parte order on

Wednesday by Justice Deborah Fraser, claiming the “hearing took place without notice” and in the absence of the FNM’s attorneys.

Dr Sands said the FNM is presently taking advice from attorneys regarding the order and will address the issue at a hearing before the judge in due course.

However, Moss & Associates, which represents Mr Johnson, called the claim that the FNM’s legal team

DONNA Vasyli pictured outside court in 2015.

FREE National Movement Chaiman Dr Duane Sands.

Officials pay tribute to iconic hotelier and entrepreneur George Myers

By LETRE SWEETING Tribune Staff Reporter lsweeting@tribunemedia.net

TRIBUTES were made to former hotelier and “iconic” businessman George Myers at his state recognised memorial yesterday, with Prime Minister Philip Davis and other officials praising his tremendous contributions to the tourism industry.

Mr Myers, who died at his home at the age of 83 on February 16, was memorialised at 11am at Christ Church Cathedral on George Street.

After moving to The Bahamas in 1963 from Jamaica and becoming a citizen in 1975, Mr Myers made great contributions to both the tourism and service industry throughout the Caribbean.

His contributions to the tourism industry include his service at the Nassau Beach Hotel, the Lucayan Beach Resort and the Lucayan Harbour Inn and Marina on Grand Bahama, then later Resorts International Bahamas. He paved the way and cemented Paradise Island as one of the premier tourist destinations globally.

Mr Myers founded

The Myers Group Ltd that went on to manage many resorts and hotels throughout The Bahamas. He also later expanded his resort management company to include various prominent fast food franchises, such as KFC, Dunkin Donuts, Burger King, Pizza Hut and others.

At his funeral yesterday, Mr Davis reflected on his relationship with Mr Myers and his various accomplishments.

“It was during his time at the Nassau Beach

Hotel that I met George Myers. This was the 60s, early 70s, when I was still a struggling law student, he helped me through my struggles,” Mr Davis said.

“My government marks the passing of George Myers, an iconic businessman. So significant and consequential was his contributions to national development that the state saw fit to officially recognise his passing and to memorialise his legacy,” he said.

“George Myers was not a prime minister or even a politician, but he had the ear of successive prime ministers as you would have heard, who sought his counsel on any number of issues and utilised his enormous skills, knowledge, talents for any number of projects,” Mr Davis said.

“His sage advice informed public policy on tourism in no small way and given our pride of place on the global tourism landscape, I can say with surety that his advisements were indeed sage,” he said.

“The significant and consequential qualities of George Myers were all intangible, incorruptible and intergenerational in nature. They were all keys to success in business and life, both as an employee and as an employer. Best of all, they were offered free of charge,” Mr Davis said.

“George Myers no doubt influenced a generation of business leaders, employees and in the process helped to shape our number one industry, tourism. His indelible footprints and fingerprints will be seen and felt in many affairs of national life for generations yet to come,” he

said. Former Prime Minister Hubert Ingraham, who was at the funeral, also gave remarks on Mr Myers’ life and legacy.

“(He) was the go to man in Bahamas tourism. I am so pleased that George’s many accomplishments were recognised and applauded through his lifetime here at home and also throughout the Caribbean,” he said.

“George contributed mightily over his lifetime to the advancement of Bahamian tourism, and also the development and expansion of local entrepreneurship,” Mr Ingraham said.

“He loved socialising and he loved food and he owned lots of food eateries. Sharing a meal with George was always an occasion. Recollection of these brings fond memories to myself, to the Governor General, to Frank Watson and to many others,” he said.

Meanwhile, former mentee and colleague of Mr Myers, Vincent Vanderpool-Wallace spoke frankly saying that despite the use of some “five-pound words” and colourful language, Mr Myers had a professional work ethic and attitude that left “no time for hard feelings”.

The former tourism minister said Mr Myers was “most creative and demanded full application (of a person’s) God-given gifts”.

Mr Myers is survived by his wife Linda Myers, his stepdaughter Sarah Davis as well as other relatives, friends, and colleagues.

A farewell reception was held yesterday from 1pm to 3pm at Atlantis on Paradise Island.

TOP: Police perform flag ceremony. Mid left:

Former PM Hubert Ingraham speaks at the funeral. Mid right: Prime Minister Philip Davis speaks at the funeral. Bottom: George Myers family sitting outside Christ Church Cathedral on George Street where a state funeral was held in his honour.

Photos: Moise Amisial

Donna Vasyli is acquitted

Crown’s case was deployed in a different way, there was no case against her,” Mr Gomez said.

The Court of Appeal quashed Mrs Vasyli’s conviction in 2017, though two appellate judges had ordered a retrial in the case. She was serving a 20-year sentence at the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services before her conviction was overturned.

She appealed the matter before the country’s highest

court, however in March 2020, the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council in London ruled that she had a case to answer. However The Bahamas’ Court of Appeal was allowed to decide if a retrial would take place.

The Vasylis were married for 34 years and lived in the exclusive gated community of Old Fort Bay. According to previous evidence, on March 23, 2015, Mr Vasyli fell down the stairs while drunk, cutting his back on glass from

picture frames as he fell. Later that afternoon, the couple entertained three people: Myles Pritchard, Jody Pritchard and Mitchell Matthew. The Vasylis were left alone for about 45 minutes when the guests left. However, Mrs Vasyli left her home and went to her daughter’s house.

Early the next morning a gardener found Mr Vasyli on the floor of the kitchen at the Vasylis’ residence, dead with a stab wound to his neck. The kitchen gave way to a covered patio

behind some patio doors. The gardener arrived by way of the patio where he found blood and a bloody kitchen knife. He opened the locked patio doors with his emergency key to get to the kitchen where he found Mr Vasyli.

It has been previously reported that the first officer on the scene found Mrs Vasyli in bed, shaking and crying.

Mrs Vasyli’s legal team included K D Knight, KC, Mr Gomez and Owen Wells.

SANDS SAYS FNM LAWYERS GIVING LEGAL ADVICE

had not been made aware of the hearing “untrue”.

The court granted an injunction against the two men after legal action was filed last year by Mr Johnson who was suspended from attending FNM council meetings. Justice Fraser’s March 8 ruling states Mr Pintard and Dr Sands are “hereby restrained” from prohibiting and interfering with Mr Johnson as he carries out his duties as FNM vice chairman.

The ruling further notes this includes, but is not limited to, his attendance and participation in all Executive Committee and Central Council meetings organised by the FNM.

“As the Central Council is aware, Mr Johnson is the subject of disciplinary proceedings in accordance

with the constitution of the Free National Movement and has instituted an action in the Supreme Court with respect to the disciplinary proceedings. Giving due deference to both processes we write only to address concerns that may arise due to the wide publication of the procedural step taken on Mr Johnson’s behalf,” Dr Sands wrote.

“The court has not, by the said order or otherwise, expressed a substantive view on the allegations raised by Mr Johnson - the said order being granted by the court without the benefit of submissions on behalf of the party. The order serves only to restore and preserve the previously existing state of affairs pending further or final order and will be complied with as we take the necessary steps to secure

a further hearing in this matter.”

In a press release issued yesterday in response to Dr Sands’ memo, Moss & Associates said it forwarded several notices of the hearing to attorney Khalil Parker, KC, who represents the FNM.

Moss & Associates said notices were sent on March 7 at 6.23pm and again on March 8 at 2.09am and 12.32pm.

“The defendants therefore had full notice of the date and time of the hearing and of the substance of the application,” Moss & Associates said, adding that the hearing did not begin until 2.45pm on Wednesday. Attorneys for the FNM did not appear at the hearing.

Last year, Mr Johnson made accusations towards the FNM chairman which

prompted an emergency FNM council meeting.

“At this time, the Free National Movement, in my view, the chairman in my view, is acting contrary to the constitution of the FNM and so they’re going to, it’s time to take this matter to Bank Lane,” Mr Johnson had previously told reporters.

Mr Johnson then in November took legal action against Mr Pintard and Dr Sands after he was banned from attending council meetings, which he claimed violated the party’s constitution.

He is also seeking some $500,000 in compensation for general or exemplary damages concerning the suspension which stems from allegations that he “acted contrary to the interests of the party, its platform, and policies.”

DIRE WARNING FOR THE BAHAMAS IF TEMPS RISE BY 1.5 DEGREES CELSIUS

By JADE RUSSELL Tribune Staff Reporter jrussell@tribunemedia.net

THE country faces the threat of intensified tropical cyclones, sea level rise and declining freshwater resources if global temperatures exceed 1.5 degrees Celsius, a new report has warned.

The report, “Adapting to climate change challenging for The Bahamas if 1.5 (degrees) C limit crossed,” released by the European Union’s Horizon 2020 funded Provide project, has dire predictions for The Bahamas in the face of climate change.

A key threat to The Bahamas if the global threshold of 1.5 degrees Celsius is crossed is intensified tropical cyclones; the report noted wind speed and rainfall are projected to increase.

“Projections of increased intensity of tropical cyclones due to climate change are a major hazard for the country. Climate modelling of projected changes in tropical storms suggest that rainfall associated with tropical cyclones could increase by 20-30 percent and that maximum wind speeds could increase by 2-11 percent,” the report said.

Sea level rise was another hazard mentioned in the report, due to more than 80 percent of The Bahamas’ land surface area being less than one metre above sea level.

The sea level rise was described as an “existential threat” for coastal communities.

“Sea level rise projections for the Caribbean by 2100 relative to the 19801999 mean span a large range, from an increase of 0.13 metres to 1.45 metres.”

In terms of changes in precipitation, it is projected for The Bahamas to have longer dry seasons and shorter wet seasons. However, the report explained the change in rainfall could have a serious impact on the water sector.

The impact can be felt due to the country being dependent on the replenishment of groundwater aquifers through precipitation, since there is a lack of sources for surface water.

Additionally, ocean acidification and warming are also potential worries, which the report noted are a threat for coastal ecosystems.

The Bahamas especially is at risk with five percent of the world’s coral being found in the country and having the world’s third longest barrier reef.

“Projections indicate that if global temperatures exceed 1.5 C of warming, approximately 99 percent of coral reefs will be at risk of destruction,” the report said.

The report said these potential outcomes can have an effect on water security and tourism as well.

“As a result of several hazards, including changes to precipitation patterns and sea level rise, The Bahamas is expected to face significant risks to water security. Freshwater resources are already

finite and inadequate, requiring seawater reverse osmosis which currently supplies more than 50 percent of The Bahamas’ potable water supply (The Government of The Bahamas 2018).

“Declining freshwater availability and drought are significant risks with particularly high risks for the southernmost islands where reverse osmosis technologies are less feasible due to small economies of scale,” the report noted.

The report also showed sea level rise is projected to increase the risk of the contamination of freshwater because of its effect on the island’s groundwater lenses.

Intense weather events have a risk of damaging wastewater treatment and collection systems and flood septic tanks and increase the likelihood of contaminating groundwater.

Additionally, the report outlined the projected impact of different category hurricanes on tourism infrastructure such as Category 1 having 34 percent impact, Category 3 having a 69 percent impact, and a Category 5 storm having an 83 percent impact.

“Tourism, the main economic sector for The Bahamas, is also projected to be at high risk. Most tourism properties currently lie in a storm surge zone and the extent of properties within the zone increases as sea levels rise.”

The report continued:

“With 1m of sea level rise, a Category 1 hurricane is projected to impact 34 percent of the tourism

infrastructure on New Providence. A Category 3 hurricane will affect 69 percent of infrastructure and a Category 5 storm will affect 83 percent of tourism infrastructure.

“Additionally, properties are also at risk of coastal erosion with over 60 percent of infrastructure being located within 100 metres of the coastline. Given the economic importance of tourism for The Bahamas, and for New Providence in particular, the risks of climate change have farreaching implications for economic development.”

By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net

INSISTING that the government intends to move “methodically” when addressing the issue of shanty towns, Press Secretary Clint Watson confirmed yesterday that the process to identify documented residents living in the unregulated communities has already started.

Mr Watson was asked for a timeline on the demolition of shanty towns; however, he could not provide one, telling reporters that the government was taking a methodical approach to dealing with the illegal communities.

“I think the Prime Minister wants it to be explicit and clear. He wants all of you to know that we are moving methodically, that’s important, methodically to ensure that we are not creating another crisis,” he told reporters.

“Efforts, however, had been engaged to identify documented residents in shanty towns — documented residents. Now once you’ve identified those documented residents in shanty towns, we will be able to identify their employers who obviously they have more permits for you.”

Mr Watson said employers will be required to find living accommodations for their workers and said in cases where they refuse to do so, their employees’ work permits will be revoked, and they will subsequently be repatriated.

He added: “For those who are undocumented, they will be processed for repatriation and then to the third category, which are Bahamians who are living in these communities, the government will assist in finding relocation places for those Bahamians that are living there.

“Those are the three categories that you will find the shanty towns and so there is a methodical plan that’s in place that’s now dealing with this to identify that before a demolition process can take place.

“And that’s what’s going on right now as we speak.”

Asked about the timeline, Mr Watson could not say.

“It’s just a matter of what we find when we go in,” he added. “They’re working the process and once that’s completed, they can then move to the next stage.”

The Davis administration this year reconvened a shanty town task force following the lifting of a Supreme Court injunction that had previously banned government from demolishing shanty town homes.

However, Prime Minister Phillip “Brave” Davis suggested last month at a CARICOM press conference that the government will not immediately move to demolish shanty towns, saying it makes no sense “responding to a crisis to create another crisis”.

Days later, Mr Davis gave a national address where he pledged to take decisive action against shanty towns and insisted that demolition in these unregulated communities will begin once “preliminary” steps are completed.

For his part, Immigration Minister Keith Bell recently said he thinks the government will move to demolish shanty towns sometime this year, though he also could not say when.

“So, the idea is that when we do go and move to demolish, we identify those Bahamians, and we ensure that they have some place to go, or we provide Social Services to them,” Mr Bell told The Tribune last week.

“And that is what I think we are seeking to achieve, that when we do go, we have all our ducks lined up and there is no pushback.”

VACANCY FOR SALES AGENT

Applications are invited from suitably qualified and experienced individuals for the position of Sales Agent in a travel agency.

The core duties include:

• Assist individuals and groups make travel arrangements, which will include cruises, booking flights, hotels and sightseeing tours

• Assist customers in choosing their destinations, transportation, and inform the travelers of passport and visa requirements, rate of currency exchange and import duties

• Maximize sales and customer holiday experience by suggesting upgrades

• Have the ability to assess each customer’s unique needs, preferences, and budget to ensure their trip goes as smoothly as possible; and

• Should have a book of clients to enhance income generation

Skills, Knowledge, and Competencies:

• Passionate interest in geography, with strong domestic and international travel knowledge

• Excellent command of both written and spoken English

• Ability to build strong relationships with clients, both over the phone and face to face.

• Proficient in the Amadeus system, Quickbooks, Microsoft office, internet research skills for customer information.

• Ability to work in a target-based environment and achieve sales goals and objectives

Qualifications and Experience

• A minimum of three (3) BGCSEs (A college degree would be a plus but not essential).

• 3-5 years’ experience with established clientele

Interested persons should submit their resumes with a cover letter to: rdmsf72@yahoo.com

PRESS Secretary Clint Watson addresses questions on the governments planned action on shanty towns.

Govt ‘sympathetic’ to gas retailers plight but not minded to grant margin increase

By LYNAIRE MUNNINGS

Tribune Staff Reporter lmunnings@tribunemedia.net

ECONOMIC Affairs

Minister Michael Halkitis yesterday said the government is “not minded” to do anything that will increase the cost of fuel at the pump, but added that the Davis administration is “sympathetic” to the concerns raised by members of the Bahamas Petroleum Retailers Association.

This comes after members of BPRA said on Wednesday that they intend to soon take action to get the government’s attention for their cries for a long-awaited margin increase, arguing that they can no longer afford to operate under the current regime due to increasing costs.

Yesterday, while wrapping up the mid-year budget debate in the Senate, Mr Halkitis acknowledged the concerns of fuel retailers, however, he insisted that the government does not

want to do anything that will lead to an immediate increase in the price of fuel.

“I would just like to say we have been in some discussions for some time for many months and the concerns of the retailers have

been their margin, has not had a margin increase in the (last) number of years,” he said yesterday.

“Some additional concerns, those who rent their premises, the level of the rent, the level of the

franchise fees that they have to pay the oil companies, the level of the amount off the top from the sales in their stores that they have to pay the oil companies that really squeezes the margin the government has a fixed rate of tax on gasoline, combination tax on diesel.” He continued: “In all of our discussions with petroleum dealers we have been sympathetic to their plight, but in all of our discussions, we have made it quite clear, and I have done so in the meetings, that the government of The Bahamas is not minded to take any action that will lead to an immediate increase in the price of gas at the pump.”

On Wednesday, Raymond Jones, BPRA’s president, told reporters during a press conference that the group plans to reduce operating costs to stay afloat, which could mean cutting back on business hours and laying off staff among other things. He urged the public “to

stay tuned”. He spoke after the association convened an emergency meeting on Wednesday to discuss what their next course of action will be following months of silence from the Davis administration over their renewed requests for a margin increase.

Yesterday, however, Mr Halkitis noted there has been some discussion about moving from a fixed tax to ad valorem tax—levied based on a percentage of fuel — however, he urged fuel retailers to “continue dialogue” with the government.

“Our position remains that the government of The Bahamas will not implement anything that will lead to an immediate increase in the price at the pump. Consumers and business people, the government of The Bahamas are not prepared to entertain it.

“We are prepared to look at the proposal back and forth, but we will not do something that will lead

to an immediate increase in the price of gas at the pump. I don’t know if I can say it any simpler, I’ve said it over and over, Mr Vice President, and I stand by that.”

In suggesting further dialogue, Mr Halkitis warned that the actions of BPRA are “counterproductive”, saying that there is always a way to develop an “amicable solution”, rather than taking a “hard way” that comes across as a threat to the government.

The last time petroleum dealers enjoyed a margin increase was in 2011 when the Hubert Ingraham-led Free National Movement (FNM) government granted a 10-cent increase per gallon of gasoline to take it from 44 cents to 54 cents. A 15-cent increase per gallon of diesel was also allowed. The government itself currently collects over $1.60 for every gallon of gasoline sold in The Bahamas.

ECONOMIC OPTIMISM ‘SHOULD BE TEMPERED WITH DISCIPLINE’ SAYS HALKITIS

By LYNAIRE MUNNINGS Tribune Staff Reporter lmunnings@tribunemedia.net

WHILE acknowledging the increase in government revenue, Economic Affairs Minister Michael Halkitis said optimism in the country’s economic growth should be tempered with discipline. During his contribution to the mid-term budget yesterday in the Senate, Mr Halkitis promoted the upward trends of the country’s revenues, highlighting the improvement in loan delinquencies

and continued “healthy” number of foreign reserves. However, while noting the growth in the economy, he urged caution to be demonstrated with optimism due to the nature of the country’s economy.

Yesterday, Mr Halkitis said during the first half of the fiscal year 2022-2023, the government’s revenue performance benefitted from rebounding economic conditions, therefore the total revenue surpassed the prior year by $124.6m.

“Mr President, during the first half of this fiscal year 2022 to 2023, the

Death Notice For Lillian Elizabeth Darvill, 94

of # 4 Lightbourne Avenue Chippingham and formerly of Roses Long Island, died at her residence on Thursday, 2nd March, 2023.

She is survived

by her daughters: Julie Santiago, (Leroy) Sharon Gibson (Elton), Arementha Curry and Lucia Broughton (Richard); 1 sister: Shirley Turnquest; numerous grand and great grandchildren, nieces and nephews and a host of other relatives and friends. Funeral arrangements will be announced at a later date.

May Her Soul Rest In Peace

government’s revenue performance benefited from rebounding economic conditions, and strengthened collection measures,” he said yesterday.

“The total revenue has surpassed the prior year by $124.6m and a total $1.3bn for the first six months of the fiscal year. And this accounts for 44.9 percent of the budget forecasts.”

He highlighted the government’s revenue enhancement, as the Davis administration has exceeded pre-pandemic and Dorian revenues by 38 percent, in addition to the first six months of the fiscal year of 2017-2018, which accounted for 40 percent.

“And so what’s important about this, Mr President, is the fact that we collected 44.9 percent of the forecasted revenue in the first half of the year,” Mr Halkitis said yesterday during his contribution.

“That’s in comparison, if we look back at the fiscal year 2018-2019, which can

be considered the last socalled normal fiscal year, for pre-Dorian, the total revenue collected during the same period accounted for 38.2 percent of the budget forecast.”

He continued: “So back in 2018, we collected about 38 percent. This year we collected 44 percent of what we forecasted, so it shows that our collection efforts, in terms of the collection, are improving and reaping bearing fruit.

“If we look back a year further, 2017- 2018, total revenue accounted for 40.9 percent of the budget forecast during the first six months of that fiscal year.

So, this noticeable improvement in the collection rate is evidence we believe of the prudent revenue enhancement and administration strategies implemented by this administration to restore the country’s fiscal health, so we were collecting more in the first half.”

Mr Halkitis repeatedly emphasised that the

government felt optimistic about its projections based on historical trends.

He said the bulk of the country’s revenue usually comes during the second half of the fiscal year.

The tax revenue collected thus far totaled $1.1bn, which is a $130m increase in comparison to the previous year according to Mr Halkitis. Additionally, he said that value added tax (VAT) grew by $54.2m compared to the previous year.

Meanwhile, opposition Senator Darren Henfield urged the government to “make haste” and decide on the fate of the National Insurance Board following much public discourse regarding the state of the fund.

He suggested the government make a final decision on whether NIB contribution rates will increase or not.

This ain’t take no rocket science, you have to increase the rate,” he said yesterday during his

contribution in the Senate.

“It’s unpopular to do because when you govern from a position of populism, it’s difficult for you to make a hard decision, but there are some things you just got to do.”

He continued: “But there are some things you just got to do and if you see what happened to this country in the last 20 years you might as well make the decision because these people, they ain’t playing. Fire us, fire them, fire the next crew, so make the necessary decisions.

“Do the job that you were elected to do, you can’t just sit down and let NIB run out of money, you can’t do that, you have to make the tough decision. Have to make the tough decision!”

He pointed out the irony of the fund being “run aground” during the country’s jubilee year, asking that this be used as motivation.

SEXUAL ASSAULT AND FOUR ARMED ROBBERIES ON WEDNESDAY

A WOMAN reported that she was sexually assaulted while walking near bushes on Prince Charles Drive on Wednesday morning, police said.

The incident took place around 5am when the victim went for a walk along Prince Charles Drive heading east towards the beach.

“While walking near a bushy area, she was grabbed from behind by an unknown male wearing a hooded jacket who informed her he had a gun,” police said.

The woman was sexually assaulted and the suspect fled the area on foot.

Police also said they are investigating four armed robbery incidents that occurred on Wednesday.

In the first incident, sometime around 2.50pm, the victim was in the area of Navy Lyon Road when he was robbed of personal effects by three men, one of whom produced a knife. The victim managed to escape the suspects, but was injured in the process.

Then shortly after 5pm, a man went with a friend to Havens Road off Soldier Road to meet a man he had met on Facebook to purchase a cell phone. The suspect arrived at the location, produced a firearm and robbed both the victim and his friend of their cellphones before fleeing on foot.

Police have asked the public to use their services when conducting business

transactions with strangers.

The third incident took place shortly before 9pm. A tall, slim built man dressed in a dark hooded jacket brandished a firearm and robbed a business on West Bay Street of an undetermined amount of cash before fleeing on foot in a western direction.

In the final incident, sometime after 9pm a man was robbed of his vehicle, a silver coloured Nissan Note L/P # 8563, by another man while in the area of West Bay Street.

Police said the victim was walking to his car when he was accosted by a tall slim built gunman dressed in a dark hooded jacket, who demanded the keys to his

vehicle.

The suspect sped off in the vehicle in an unknown direction. Responding officers spotted the stolen vehicle travelling south on Gladstone Road. A chase that ended in the Flamingo Gardens community when the suspect crashed into two other parked vehicles followed. The suspect was apprehended. An imitation weapon along with other stolen items were found in his possession. The suspect is known to the police and is being electronically monitored. He is also being questioned in connection with the third armed robbery incident that occurred on West Bay Street.

ECONOMIC Affairs Minister Michael Halkitis spoke in senate on the mid-term budget yesterday and addressed gas retailers concerns.

Davis’ change of view on RCI ‘due to revised plans’

Mr Davis told reporters on Wednesday his administration approved the project partly because tourists need more attractions.

“There is about four acres of Crown land that is connected to the revised project, and that four acres was granted in May of 2021 prior to this administration taking office,” Mr Watson said during the weekly press briefing at the Office of the Prime Minister yesterday.

“It is also important to note that RCI has committed to creating some entrepreneurial opportunities for Bahamians, including the ferry service fully operated by Bahamians and owned by Bahamians.

“These were additional (requests) that were specifically included, but the government wanted to ensure the human Bahamian stakeholder and ownership in this and also Bahamians to be

able to invest up to 49 percent in this project.”

On Tuesday night, Tourism Minister Chester Cooper announced in a statement that the Davis administration had approved the Paradise Island based project and that it believes it has resolved all “previous objections” to RCI’s plans by ensuring more Bahamian involvement “at all phases” of its construction and operation.

The move was a reversal from what Mr Davis reportedly declared in 2020 while in opposition, when he said that a PLP government would cancel any lease granted to RCI for Crown land to develop a beach club on the western tip of Paradise Island.

The pledge drew criticism from the Minnis administration, which was in power at the time.

However, after the Progressive Liberal Party won the 2021 general election, officials said Mr Davis was seeking a compromise in

the Crown land row.

When asked about the reason behind the government changing its earlier position, Mr Watson claimed that the proposal presented back then was different, which he suggested was less favourable.

“So, when you look at what the Prime Minister Davis in opposition would have said, it was based on what the circumstances at the time were presented,” the press secretary added.

“That has changed. This is not the same proposal. This is a different proposal which does not include the disputed land. It is a completely different proposal, a scaled back proposal on land that they would’ve purchased and, of course, the three to four acres of Crown land that had been granted by the prior administration so it was based on that and the decision was made to move forward.”

This comes as RCI is expected to break ground on its $110m beach club project “almost immediately,”

according to Prime Minister Davis on Wednesday.

Both the cruise line and the government had been embroiled in a long-running battle, including in the Supreme Court, with Bahamian entrepreneur Toby Smith who has asserted he has a binding lease for at least two Crown land acres that Royal Caribbean is seeking to use in its project.

However, on February 16, Chief Justice Sir Ian Winder rejected the entrepreneur’s claim that his lease agreement is valid.

In his statement on Tuesday, Mr Cooper said, “It is important to note that the land currently proposed under the project has not been subject to any dispute or litigation.”

He also said the government also plans to convert this asset into an ownership stake in the development that would be held by the country’s sovereign wealth fund, now known as the National Investment Fund.

ZERO CARBON RESORT DEAL SIGNED FOR EXUMA

“The 36-acre development on Elizabeth Island will be completely sustainable featuring a two-acre protected marina, six private beaches, 28 solar powered residences, and resort amenities like a beach club, restaurants, and pools. Even the yachts will be solar-powered and they’ll be operated by Bahamians,” he said at a signing event at the Office of the Prime Minister.

He added: “For the beautiful Exuma Cays, Kiama is poised to become one of the most sought-after sustainable resorts in the region. Kiama will also be a welcome addition to the growth of the Bahamian economy, creating long-term sustainable employment for many Bahamians.

“The construction phase of the project is projected to employ between 40 to 50 Bahamians and (the) resort will employ 75 permanent staff once it opens.”

John Long, one of the managing partners and the president of the development, said work on the island is expected to start in the next month or two and they will have an early opening before the end of the year.

“The entire development is sustainable in that very light touch. We’re not putting in big foundations or pouring lots of concrete on the island. Everything is

pure and green above the bluffs. We’re protecting the bluff. We’re protecting the environment.

“We’re preserving the natural fauna on the island.

Very limited with respect to the roads that we’re putting through. There’ll be natural materials, you know crushed stone. And even the swimming pools that we put on the development — they’re recycled shipping containers. So we’re not digging holes and pouring concrete, which is really destructive to the natural environment.”

Mr Long continued: “So we’re using shipping container pools. We’re using hardwood timber construction, and that’s why the residences can be zero carbon, sequestering carbon

inside the residences. Then at the end of the day, it’s also 100 percent solar, 100 percent off the grid. So everything is solar power from the villas, to the water treatment, the entire infrastructure.

“Even to the catamaran, we have solar-powered catamarans and electric boats on the island. So it’s really one of its kind. It’s the first in the world of this full sustainable development and environmentally friendly infrastructure.”

Exuma and Ragged Island MP Chester Cooper said the community has been briefed in relation to the resort in a town meeting and they welcome this development for Elizabeth Harbour as well as for the Exumas.

“This is going to be

magnificent for the product for sustainability tourism and, of course, it ties in nicely with the Prime Minister’s mission for climate protection,” Mr Cooper, who is also Minister of Tourism, Investments and Aviation, said. He added: “You know already that Elizabeth Harbour is the sailing capital of The Bahamas and certainly the addition of this ecofriendly, ultra-sustainable resort as a part of the product in Exuma and a part of the product of Elizabeth Harbour works wonders for the Exumas, works wonders for tourism and we are delighted to be able to welcome you.”

By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net

TOURISM numbers are looking very promising ahead of spring break, according to Ministry of Tourism deputy director general Dr Kenneth Romer, who cited room capacity as a major challenge because of high hotel occupancy levels.

During the weekly press briefing at the Office of the Prime Minister yesterday, Dr Romer hailed the increasing tourist arrivals as a good sign for The Bahamas and said on this current trend, officials have every reason to believe they will hit its target of a 20 percent growth in the sector.

“We saw over 30 percent in January,” he said. “Those numbers are holding for February and March. We had a situation just the other day where an airline couldn’t find seven rooms for stranded passengers.

“Just Saturday past, we had an air transit admitted … into Nassau (with) 310 passengers and we had hoped to overnight them in Nassau, but we could not find rooms at any of our properties to overnight passengers.

“So, our challenge now is really capacity, but the numbers are going to be holding strong. We do believe that we’re going to hit the 20 percent at the end of this year. We did 30 plus percent in January and February and March numbers, we believe, are going to look the same.”

Last week, Tourism Minister Chester Cooper revealed in his contribution to the mid-year budget debate that nearly one million visitors arrived in The Bahamas in January, representing a 166 percent increase when compared to the same period last year.

“When we look at what is happening in 2023, we are shattering 2022 numbers and 2019 numbers. That’s good news. What is even better news is that we saw nearly one million visitors to The Bahamas in the first month of this year,” said Mr Cooper.

“I’ll repeat that; you may hear me repeat a few things today. In January, we saw nearly one million visitors to The Bahamas. For context, in January of 2023 we saw 846,000 visitors. That number was 300,000 in January 2022. That is a 166 percent increase from January 2022 to January 2023.”

Dr Romer said given the nation’s growing tourism industry, it was important for The Bahamas to redevelop airports throughout the country to attract more international traffic, which would fall in line with the government’s goals to operate airports as “profit centres”.

The government has already put out requests for proposals for the development of some 14 Family Island airports.

These include the New Bight International Airport in Cat Island, Exuma International Airport, Leonard M Thompson International Airport in Abaco, North Eleuthera International Airport, Long Island International Airport, Congo Town airport in South Andros and San Salvador International Airport.

According to Dr Romer, some of these airports will undergo major repairs and will feature brand new control towers and crash and rescue facilities, among other things.

“We do believe that this year, we are going to see shovels in the ground. As a matter of fact, we do forecast going into New Bight Cat Island on the 25th of this morning and putting shovels in the ground,” Dr Romer added.

PRIME Minister Philip ‘Brave’ Davis said Kiama Bahamas, powered by Silent Resorts, will be The Bahamas’ first fully sustainable, zero carbon, solar-powered residential and yacht resort community.

from

DR KENNETH ROMER, Deputy Director General of Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation.

The Tribune Limited

More Americans skipping college

WHEN he looked to the future, Grayson Hart always saw a college degree. He was a good student at a good high school. He wanted to be an actor, or maybe a teacher. Growing up, he believed college was the only route to a good job, stability and a happy life.

The pandemic changed his mind.

A year after high school, Hart is directing a youth theater program in Jackson, Tennessee. He got into every college he applied to but turned them all down. Cost was a big factor, but a year of remote learning also gave him the time and confidence to forge his own path.

“There were a lot of us with the pandemic, we kind of had a do-it-yourself kind of attitude of like, ‘Oh — I can figure this out,’” he said. “Why do I want to put in all the money to get a piece of paper that really isn’t going to help with what I’m doing right now?”

Hart is among hundreds of thousands of young people who came of age during the pandemic but didn’t go to college. Many have turned to hourly jobs or careers that don’t require a degree, while others have been deterred by high tuition and the prospect of student debt.

What first looked like a pandemic blip has turned into a crisis. Nationwide, undergraduate college enrollment dropped 8% from 2019 to 2022, with declines even after returning to in-person classes, according to data from the National Student Clearinghouse. The slide in the college-going rate since 2018 is the steepest on record, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Economists say the impact could be dire.

At worst, it could signal a new generation with little faith in the value of a college degree. At minimum, it appears those who passed on college during the pandemic are opting out for good. Predictions that they would enroll after a year or two haven’t borne out.

Fewer college graduates could worsen labor shortages in fields from health care to information technology. For those who forgo college, it usually means lower lifetime earnings — 75 percent less compared with those who get bachelor’s degrees, according to Georgetown University’s Center on Education and the Workforce. And when the economy sours, those without degrees are more likely to lose jobs.

“It’s quite a dangerous proposition for the strength of our national economy,” said Zack Mabel, a Georgetown researcher. Educators, researchers and students described a generation jaded by education institutions. Largely left on their own amid remote learning, many took part-time jobs. Some felt they weren’t learning anything, and the idea of four more years of school, or even two, held little appeal.

At the same time, the nation’s student debt has soared. The issue has loomed large in the minds of young Americans as President Joe Biden pushes to cancel huge swaths of debt, an effort the Supreme Court appears poised to block.

As a kid, Hart dreamed of going to Penn State to study musical theater. His family encouraged college, and he went to a private Christian high school where it’s an expectation.

But when classes went online, he spent more time pursuing creative outlets. He felt a new sense of independence, and the stress of school faded.

“I was like, ‘OK, what’s this thing that’s not on my back constantly?’” Hart said. “I can do things that I can enjoy. I can also do things that are important to me. And I kind of relaxed more in life and enjoyed life.”

He started working at a smoothie shop and realised he could earn a steady paycheck without a degree. By the time he graduated, he had left college plans behind.

It happened at public as well as private schools. Some counselors and principals were shocked to see graduates flocking to jobs at Amazon warehouses or scratching together income in the gig economy.

The shift has been stark in Jackson, where just four in ten of the county’s public high school graduates

immediately went to college in 2021, down from six in 10 in 2019. That drop is far steeper than the nation overall, which declined from 66 percent to 62 percent, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Jackson’s leaders say young people are taking restaurant and retail jobs that pay more than ever. Some are being recruited by manufacturing companies that have aggressively raised wages to fill shortages.

“Students can’t seem to resist signon bonuses and wages that far exceed any that they’ve seen before,” said Vicki Bunch, the head of workforce development for the area’s chamber of commerce.

Across Tennessee, there’s growing concern the slide will only accelerate with the opening of several new manufacturing plants. The biggest is a $5.6bn Ford plant near Jackson that will produce electric trucks and batteries. It promises to create 5,000 jobs, and its construction is already drawing young workers.

Daniel Moody, 19, was recruited to run plumbing for the plant after graduating from a Memphis high school in 2021. Now earning $24 an hour, he’s glad he passed on college.

“If I would have gone to college after school, I would be dead broke,” he said.

“The type of money we’re making out here, you’re not going to be making that while you’re trying to go to college.”

America’s college-going rate was generally on the upswing until the pandemic reversed decades of progress. Rates fell even as the nation’s population of high school graduates grew, and despite economic upheaval, which typically drives more people into higher education.

In Tennessee, education officials issued a “call to action” after finding just 53 percent of public high school graduates were enrolling in college in 2021, far below the national average. It was a shock for a state that in 2014 made community college free, leading to a surge in the college-going rate. Now it’s at its lowest point since at least 2009.

Searching for answers, education officials crossed the state last year and heard that easy access to jobs, coupled with student debt worries, made college less attractive.

“This generation is different,” said Jamia Stokes, a senior director at SCORE, an education nonprofit. “They’re more pragmatic about the way they work, about the way they spend their time and their money.”

Most states are still collecting data on recent college rates, but early figures are troubling. In Arkansas, the number of new high school graduates going to college fell from 49 percent to 42 percent during the pandemic. Kentucky slid by a similar amount, to 54 percent. The latest data in Indiana showed a 12-point drop from 2015 to 2020, leading the higher education chief to warn the “future of our state is at risk”.

Even more alarming are the figures for black, Hispanic and low-income students, who saw the largest slides in many states. In Tennessee’s class of 2021, just 35 percent of Hispanic graduates and 44 percent of black graduates enrolled in college, compared with 58 percent of their white peers.

There’s some hope the worst has passed. The number of freshmen enrolling at US colleges increased slightly from 2021 to 2022. But that figure, along with total college enrollment, remains far below pre-pandemic levels.

Amid the chaos of the pandemic, many students fell through the cracks, said Scott Campbell, executive director of Persist Nashville, a non-profit that offers college coaching.

Some students fell behind academically and didn’t feel prepared for college. Others lost access to counselors and teachers who help navigate college applications and the complicated process of applying for federal student aid.

“Students feel like schools have let them down,” Campbell said.

Back in Jackson, Hart says he’s doing what he loves and contributing to the city’s growing arts community. Still, he wonders what’s next. His job pays enough for stability but not a whole lot more.

By COLLIN BINKLEY AP Education Writer

Chinese Embassy response

EDITOR, The Tribune.

CHINESE Embassy spokesman Counselor Cui Wei’s comments in response to the groundless accusations from US military personnel: It cannot be further from the truth to suggest that China has built its largest embassy in the world in The Bahamas. We’re not even the largest Chinese Embassy in the Caribbean. Anyone who’s familiar with Nassau knows which Embassy is the biggest one on island.

Nor do we agree with the characterisation of the Embassy’s work. The mission of the Chinese Embassy in The Bahamas is to promote friendly exchanges and mutual understanding between the two peoples and explore opportunities for mutually beneficial cooperation.

We’re proud of the fact that we work hard every day to increase the wellbeing of the Chinese and Bahamian peoples. The unfounded accusations have only exposed the deep-seated misperception,

strategic anxiety and zerosum mentality with which a small number of people view China and its growing role in different parts of the world.

China is committed to developing friendly relations and open, win-win, innovative and peoplecentered cooperation with Latin America and Caribbean countries. Whether such cooperation is beneficial or not should be judged, first and foremost, by the people of this region. Latin America and the Caribbean should not be anyone’s “backyard”, or an arena for major country competition. We urge those people to abandon their anachronistic ColdWar mentality, approach China-Latin America and China-Caribbean cooperation in an open and inclusive way, and stop overreacting to, politicising, and undermining such cooperation.

As President Xi Jinping

pointed out, the future of the world hinges on whether China and the United States can handle their relationship well. China will continue to follow the principles of mutual respect, peaceful coexistence and win-win cooperation put forth by President Xi Jinping in pursuing a sound and stable relationship with the United States. We hope that the United States will work with China to explore the right way to get along with each other to the benefit of both countries and the entire world.

China-Bahamas relations should not and will not be held hostage by the misjudgment of the few, as this relationship enjoys the support of the people of both countries. We look forward to working with Bahamian colleagues and friends for the continued healthy and stable development of China-Bahamas relations to the greater benefit of both peoples.

CUI WEI Chinese Embassy spokesman March 9, 2023

Mutiny in Garden Hills constituency

EDITOR, The Tribune.

FREE National Movement Leader Michael Pintard finds himself in an awkward situation, which I had anticipated when former Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis did not step down from active politics after the September 16, 2021 general election.

After the FNM suffered a humiliating defeat by the Progressive Liberal Party in 2012 - winning only nine seats - then FNM Leader Hubert Ingraham retired from frontline politics.

Ingraham took the conventional approach, as he knew that his continued presence in the House of Assembly as North Abaco MP would’ve cast a massive shadow over his successor in the Killarney MP.

With the way the situation unfolded with the Loretta Butler-Turner group that removed Minnis as Opposition leader in the House of Assembly in 2016, Ingraham could’ve easily taken over the reins of power from Minnis had he still been in active politics.

Pintard is in a no-win dilemma. He, like the rest of objective Bahamians, can see the blatant

manoeuvring by the Minnisites to unseat him just 18 months removed from the 2021 election.

This was especially evident with FNM officials in the Garden Hills Constituency Association holding a meeting that the Pintard regime attempted to block.

Even blind Stevie Wonder could see that what transpired in Garden Hills was nothing more than political mutiny against Pintard.

Again, I will stress that I have nothing personal against Minnis. During the Butler-Turner failed coup, I publicly supported him in the dailies. I thought that the FNM rebels, who were all threatened with expulsion for their open rebellion, were being irrational towards the FNM leader.

I stood shoulder-to-shoulder with presumably the very same Minnisites who are currently undermining Pintard, while accusing him of being a dictator for refusing to allow Minnis to address constituency association meetings - meetings which are nothing more than political campaigns.

What these people are doing is weakening Pintard

in the FNM branches, while publicly embarrassing him with their insubordination.

Neither Ingraham nor Minnis would’ve tolerated this blatant rebellion.

But Pintard is expected to put up with this defiance.

Moreover, Pintard continues to be assailed in the press by Minnisites hiding behind pseudonyms, while other anti-Pintard operatives have him tied up in an already constipated judicial system, depriving him of the opportunity to give his undivided attention to carrying out his duties as official Opposition leader.

Ironically, these are the very same individuals who are complaining about Pintard not being effective as FNM leader. The lines are obviously drawn.

Pintard might have to take a page out of Sir Lynden Pindling’s book by giving these FNM rebels an ultimatum. Either they clean fish or cut bait or get out of the FNM boat.

What transpired in Garden Hills was mutiny. Plain and simple.

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

THE SEA DRAGON, a retired swinging ship ride at Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier, is carried by a helicopter as a commercial jet flies in the distance in Santa Monica, California, yesterday. The ride is transported to its retirement home in Ventura County, California, after carrying more than 12 million guests for nearly 30 years, according to the amusement park.

Photo: Jae C Hong/AP

Three held without bail on multiple armed roberries

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Court Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net

THREE men were remanded yesterday in connection with a series of armed robberies in the nation’s capital.

Keyon Willams, 25, Martin Smith, 26, and Jamaal Taylor, 25, represented by Alphonso Lewis faced Magistrate Algernon Allen, Jr.

Williams faced three counts of armed robbery, three counts of attempted armed robbery and three counts of possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life. Smith faced a count of armed robbery, two counts of attempted armed robbery and two counts of possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life.

Taylor faced a single count of attempted armed robbery while all three accused faced additional charges of possession of an unlicensed firearm and possession of ammunition.

It is alleged that on February 18, Williams and

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Court Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net

THE captain of the migrant vessel that sank and killed 18 people last July was charged with violating his bail yesterday.

Donald Watson, 39, was previously charged with 18 counts of manslaughter. Yesterday, he appeared before Magistrate Kendra Kelly on three counts of violation of bail conditions.

It is alleged that on July 24, 2022, Watson being

Smith, while armed with a black handgun, robbed Chrystal Moultrie of $2,125.40 in cash belonging to the Super Wash on Charles Saunders Highway. The accused are charged with threatening the life of Ashley Minns during the robbery. Then on February 21, Williams, being concerned with another, is accused of the armed holdup of another Super Wash where he stole an undetermined amount of cash from employee Tanya Moller. Williams is accused of the armed robbery of a Rubis Service Station on February 24 with a silver coloured handgun when $263 cash was stolen from Tracy Lewis. On February 27, it is alleged that Williams and Smith attempted to rob Canton House Chinese restaurant on Prince Charles Drive as well as China Garden Bar on Joe Farrington Road. It is further said that these accused endangered the lives of Shanny Murphy and Li Xinjuanin in these attempted robberies.

concerned with three other men — McKenzie Jerome, 58, Eulan McKinney, 49, and Wilbens Joseph, 37 — caused the deaths of 17 Haitian migrants (16 women and one man) as well as an unborn foetus.

Official reports indicate that around 1am on July 24, a twin-engine speed boat capsized in rough seas while enroute to Miami. Officers from the RBPF and RBDF managed to rescue more than 25 of the approximately 60 persons on board the

All three are accused of attempting to rob Ivy Weise on March 3 of cash belonging to the Super Wash on Carmichael Road west.

It is further alleged that later that same day, after fleeing the scene, the suspects were apprehended on Faith Avenue by authorities. They had a black Taurus G2C 9mm pistol with the serial number erased. The confiscated weapon is said to have had five unfired rounds of 9mm ammunition.

Due to the severity of the charges, the accused were not required to enter a plea at that time. They were informed that this matter will proceed to the Supreme Court. The accused were also told that while the magistrate lacked the jurisdiction to grant them bail they had the right to apply for it through the higher court.

The men are expected to appear in the Supreme Court on May 2 to be presented with a voluntary bill of indictment.

vessel seven miles off New Providence. While on bail for these matters, it is alleged that between March 5–8 in Exuma, Watson failed to charge his court-imposed electronic monitoring device on three occasions.

In court, the accused pleaded not guilty to the recent charges. He was again granted bail in the sum of $3,000 on condition he sign in at George Town Police Station every Thursday by 7pm. Watson’s trial for these charges is set for April 25.

THE CHINESE Embassy in The Bahamas has countered claims over the size of its embassy in the nation –and about its mission in The Bahamas.

Amid growing tensions between the US and China over influence in the region, two senior US generals warned the House Armed Services Committee on Wednesday about what they called an “aggressive” expansion of Chinese influence.

General Glen VenHerck, commander of US Northern Command, warned of “economic coercion” in The Bahamas, saying China has built its largest embassy in the world here and had appointed an ambassador who “uses the information space to undermine us each and every day”. He did, however, point out that the US has not had a permanent ambassador to The Bahamas since 2011 and said appointing one would “vastly help”.

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Court Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net

A MAN was granted $2,000 bail in court yesterday after being accused of injuring a woman last week.

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Court Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net

A WOMAN was fined $9,000 in court yesterday after she admitted to having over $10,000 worth of drugs and weed cookies in her home earlier this week.

Lindalee Alcenor, 26, and a second defendant stood before Magistrate Kara Turnquest-Deveaux on two counts of possession of dangerous drugs

However, Chinese Embassy spokesman counselor Cui Wei rejected the general’s claim yesterday, saying: “It cannot be further from the truth to suggest that China has built its largest embassy in the world in The Bahamas. We’re not even the largest Chinese Embassy in the Caribbean. Anyone who’s familiar with Nassau knows which Embassy is the biggest one on island.

“Nor do we agree with the characterization of the Embassy’s work. The mission of the Chinese Embassy in The Bahamas is to promote friendly exchanges and mutual understanding between the two peoples and explore opportunities for mutually beneficial cooperation. We’re proud of the fact that we work hard every day to increase the wellbeing of the Chinese and Bahamian peoples.”

General Laura Richardson, commander of US Southern Command, also

Alfred Hunt, 38, appeared before Magistrate Kara Turnquest-Deveaux on a charge of causing harm.

It is alleged that on March 2 at Buttonwood Avenue in Pinewood Gardens, Hunt intentionally

with intent to supply.

According to police reports, on February 7 around 6.30pm, officers acting on a search warrant entered the defendants’ residence on Maxwell Lane in the Rock Crusher Road area. Once inside the premises, authorities seized 4.8lb of Indian hemp as well as 115 marijuana infused cookies. These confiscated drugs have an estimated collective street value of $10,175. In court, Alcenor

told the committee that China “has expanded its ability to extract resources, establish port, manipulate governments through predatory investment practices, and build potential dual-use space facilities”.

Gen. Richardson said: “We’ve got to pay more attention to this region. The proximity matters. They are on the 20-yard line of our homeland. We are in a neighbourhood, these are our neighbours, and we have got to pay attention to them.”

The US is also presently constructing its new embassy building on the corner of Shirley and East Streets, with completion due for October this year. In response to reports about the embassy in The Bahamas being the largest in the world, Ambassador Dai Qingli posted online: “What a compliment!”

* See full Embassy response on today’s Letters page.

injured a woman. In court, the accused pleaded not guilty. Bail was granted with no objections at $2,000 with one or two sureties. His trial is set for April 20.

pleaded guilty to the charge while her coaccused pleaded not guilty. Ms Alcenor was fined $9,000 for the offence. If she does not pay, she faces an 18-month prison sentence at the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services. Regarding the remaining defendant, the 36-year-old man was granted $7,000 bail with two sureties and informed that his case would go to trial on June 26.

The story of the aircraft lost in The Bahamas

By Eric Wiberg

TRIBUNE readers may recall fifteen articles about Mailboats of the Bahamas in 2016. This new series about World War Two aircraft discoveries in our archipelago is similar, except the history is less static and more tactile.

Having seen my first historic aircraft on a reef near Balmoral Island in 1985, I made no progress until 2021, when I finally relocated it during a return home.

Then, suddenly, the Royal Air Force and United States military aircraft started leaping off the pages of the history books I wrote.

Thanks to the immense generosity of family, friends, and fellow enthusiasts, I was given access to seven boats with which teams of volunteers and I discovered ten historic aircraft spread between Moore’s Island, Abaco, and Ragged Island.

Over a decade of research utilising source materials and field study confirms that during World War II and soon after (1939-1945), at least 150 allied aircraft had accidents on airfields, in the oceans and on the islands of The Bahamas.

Of these, roughly 100 were salvaged and 80 were not found or recovered.

The aircraft were primarily attached to the Royal Air Force (RAF) bases on New Providence: Windsor for RAF Transport Command and Oakes Field for the Operational Training Unit, a significant portion were USAAF (United States Army Air Force a precursor to the US Air Force), which had civilian personnel, and others were US Navy aviators on amphibious craft and fighters from Florida or attached to the Naval Operating Base (NOB) and Naval Air Station (NAS) in Great Exuma.

The general lack of study or knowledge of this trove of historical material is attributable to the passage of time, censorship, destruction of reports, and the death of witnesses. Online satellite imagery, drones, and diving equipment makes verifying sites more possible than ever, though Scuba and drones were not used in these cases. The potential to reconnect the Bahamian public with wartime artifacts and families of the nearly 500 servicemen who were in accidents or killed in action from Argentina, Australia, New Zealand, the UK, Canada, the US, the Czech Republic, Norway and beyond, is significant.

This is the story of the pilots, the living and those who perished, the persons who banded together to find them, and both the rapture of success finding lost men for their families as well

as wrenching setbacks by weather, time and access. Behind every item found and returned using just snorkels and hiking boots lay innumerable hours of research in archives in the US, Bahamas, Canada, and UK. Then painful days alone under the sun, waist or chest deep in mangroves, and finally narrowing down hundreds of leads to call a single living relative to tell them we had found the uncle they barely knew but whose loss often left immense holes in families.

These articles cover an overview of bases and air forces involved to coverage of New Providence, which saw some 80 acci dents, then all three B-26 bombers, in Cable Beach, Acklins, and Lyford Cay, a bomber destined for the USSR at Castle Island, a fighter in the village of Hard Bargain, Moore’s Island, Abaco, to an extraordinary find in Exuma of a 1930 Wright Brothers’ engine. Then we cover two B-25 bombers at Tarpum Bay and Bannerman

Town, Eleuthera, followed by a Catalina flying boat just a few feet off Ragged Island, and finally the story of other US Navy amphibians, and a wrap up of wrecks at Bimini, Berry Islands, Andros, Maya-

guana, Inagua, Exumas, San Saland Grand

This all began when I published the original ORBs or Operational Record Books from two primary RAF bases in Nassau, as well as from US Navy bases in Exuma and beyond. I verified 150 air accidents confirmed from 1942 to 1946 with one outlier civilian craft from 1930. Sadly 482 men died in aircraft, a Bahamian family of three were killed in Delaport by an abandoned aircraft, and 239 survived, and New Providence saw 31 non-combat deaths, by propellers, suicides, sailing, auto accidents. With thanks to The Tribune, we will discover not just what happened and how the battle grounds were found again, but who participated, was wounded, died, rescued, mourned and buried the dead. This isn’t just steel on steel or steel on coral; it is the story of human flesh, fear, dread, motives, ambition, success, survival, and often horrific lonely deaths.

In the winter of 2021, I manically swam every day at Cable Beach Manor and found the first World War II plane, a B-26 Marauder, inspired by the fallen pilot’s niece, Joanne Green in Canada. This success inspired me to find more, so I set out to find all B-26 Marauders lost in The Bahamas; I accomplished that in less than a year and set out for a month on an old shipmate and war veteran’s 59-foot sailing yacht with a diver, mechanic, and technology expert. In three weeks, we found three aircraft and solved the locations of three others, all while sailing from West End to Ragged Island and Cay Sal Bank.

‘The military left the bones of many aircraft in The Bahamas burnt out or buried beneath the waves or under mangroves. They also left airfields to better enable the post-war tourism boom as well as rediscovery of their comrades.’

Dozens of World War sites, docks, facilities, buildings, hospitals, hotels, including graves are visible today. By 1946 the air bases and all the ancillary supports, from nurses to censors, lawyers, technicians, a rugby team newspaper, choir, hospital, engineers, undertakers, accountants, lorry drivers, base perimeter security, road builders, rescue boat operators, and

much more were being wound down and repatriated. The military left the bones of many aircraft in The Bahamas burnt out or buried beneath the waves or under mangroves. They also left airfields to better enable the post-war tourism boom as well as re-discovery of their comrades. While almost all evidence of the 113 German and Italian submarine patrols and attacks in 130 merchant ships in the greater Bahamas zone occurred in prohibitively deep water, the salient and extraordinary aspect of the research covered in these articles is how relatively easy it proved to be for well-informed and small teams of volunteers to work with those on the ground to rediscover the wreckage of so many planes so quickly. These articles describe how volunteers rediscovered important aviation history right beneath our eyes and our feet.

• Eric Wiberg’s column will run every two weeks in The Tribune.

THE ROUTE taken by five volunteers, above, who together with local support identified six aircraft sites, and, left, Eric Wiberg diving in Delaport Bay in 2021.

FROM top, a Consolidated PBY-5 Catalina flying boat, a B-25 Mitchell, a B-26 Marauder, and a Havoc A-20 Douglas.

‘This isn’t just steel on steel or steel on coral; it is the story of human flesh, fear, dread, motives, ambition, success, survival, and often horrific lonely deaths.’

AN RAF funeral at the Nassau War Cemetery Commonwealth War Graves, in Farrington Road and Maxwell Lane, maintainted by the Imperial Order of the Daughters of

The mystery of the missing medical test

THERE must be a million medical tests out there. You can check your blood type, heart rate, hearing loss, even your vestibular, whatever that is.

Apparently, if it is important to you, there is a way to check your arterial blood bas, though not sure what comfort or lack thereof that would bring. You can be tested for allergies and whether or not your ovaries or hormones are sufficient to produce and bring a new human into the world and you could probably even find a test to see if you are responsible enough to raise them with ethics and educate them, though chances are if you are submitting to that kind of testing rigor you already know the answer.

There’s even a test making its way on TikTok now that helps you choose the right partner for life based on the scientific or otherwise evidence of the days of the moon’s cycle when each of you was born.

For all those already married couples or otherwise committed folks, especially those who have been together for decades, not sure what to suggest if the test says you’re not a match. It’s hard to undo children.

But what must be one of the most common needs for testing has been totally overlooked or ignored by all the geniuses who put together these extremely scientific and important ways to examine what is going on under the skin or, if itches, what’s going on there.

That’s the test for whether or not you are still contagious.

Every time we catch a cold or come down with the flu, we know when we are sick. We feel it almost instantly in one of those uh-oh moments, I thought-I-had-escaped-itbut-guess-not moments.

The sniffles, stuffiness, aches and pains in the

By Diane Phillips

joints, a slight fever. You may take your temperature but you don’t need a test to say you caught something. What you need is a box of soft tissue for the coming days and maybe a little homemade chicken soup or souse.

But how do you know

when you are better you can no longer put anyone at risk? How do you know when it is safe for you to hug your grandchild or return to work without infecting anyone?

With all those hundreds or thousands of tests out there, there isn’t one simple

one that says ‘Good to go. Contagious, negative or positive.’

Where is the test that says safe to travel without compromising someone else’s health, safe to engage in team sports or activities, safe to meet in person instead of on zoom?

We did it with Covid-19 so why can’t we do it with other viruses that cause cold or flu-like symptoms?

To find out, I called my favourite doctor, Arlington Lightbourne (Bahamas Wellness Health System) who explained why, but also provided a sensible solution.

Viruses vary so much they are hard to pin down to a point where you could determine this one is contagious and that is not, unless you are testing for a single specimen, as we did with COVID.

But in general, viruses follow a pattern and it’s that pattern that allows you to track your level of contagion. In short, here’s the general protocol. You are most contagious within the first two days of a cold, flu or other virus episode. You could be contagious up to five days after you first present with symptoms, but it is highly unlikely that you could transmit germs to another after that period of time unless you are continuing to experience physical symptoms like fever, chills, coughing.

If you are only experiencing stuffiness, you may be uncomfortable, but you are very unlikely to be contagious. No physical symptoms, two to five days after first symptom appeared and you should be good to go.

Thanks, Doc. You are a life saver, once again. I cannot wait to wrap my arms around my grandson, toss him in the air and laugh when he laughs, giggle when he giggles and pray you were right and he doesn’t sneeze if I happen to.

REMEMBERING GEORGE MYERS AND TEDDY SANDS PARKER

THERE was something very special about George Myers, special way beyond what he knew about hospitality and the legacy he left, the promotion boards he founded, the associations he served, the market opportunities he created.

In a rough, tough industry powered by way too high levels of testosterone in the days of Resorts International and on into the early days of Kerzner, George Myers showed a kind of human-ness.

That is not to say he was soft, but he brought a relatable touch in the days when brilliant and brutal went hand in hand, days that gave rise to a person like J Barrie Farrington who could walk with top management and fight for workers’ rights in the same breath.

Men like Myers and Kerzner shaped the course of the mass market tourist model that exists today – a model created by the late Sir Stafford Sands whose impact lasted well over three quarters of a century.

Sands’ name may not

have come up this week in the accolades for Mr. Myers had it not been for the fact that coincidentally there was another death that did not command headlines like Mr. Myers, but for those who knew her, her absence will be just as large. Her name was Meredes

Elizabeth ‘Teddy’ Sands Parker. She passed away at age 80 on March 3 during surgery at a local hospital. Teddy, as friends knew her, was the only daughter of the late Sir Stafford Sands.

With her deep, husky voice, she was never more than a few words away from a joke, a thought that would bring laughter, a satirical comment that came out of nowhere and blew you away with its honesty.

Her life was not public like her father’s, but her friends were just as many or more and they stood by her forever as did her only son, Andrew, who is left to carry on the raspy, beloved legacy this daughter of a tourism giant left, to find in the everyday life a reason to laugh or cringe, to wonder about and to raise a toast to.

Mr Myers and Teddy Sands Parker shared more in common than they realised. In each was vested a reservoir of wisdom, seasoned with instinct, infused with a deep understanding of how the world turned, both born and bred by the engine that continues

to drive the nation, each coming to a fork in the road and choosing the path that best suited them.

And both added immeasurably to the fabric of The Bahamas. We shall miss you, George and Teddy. May you rest in peace.

and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, Bahamas.

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.

ICONIC entrepreneur and hotelier George Myers

MERCEDES Elizaneth ‘Teddy’ Parker-Sands, daughter of Sir Stafford Sands.

Bahamas Red Cross Society

THE Bahamas Red Cross Society Annual Fair is back. After three years of not being able to hold this popular Bahamian tradition, the 79th Annual Red Cross Fair will celebrate in unison with the country as the country celebrates its 50th anniversary of Independence.

The fair was traditionally held at Government House and moved location to Clifford Park in 2019. Due to the preparations for the independence celebrations, the park is under renovations so the fair will move across the street to the Arawak Cay Fish Fry Heritage Site on West Bay Street. The fair is scheduled to be held on Saturday, April 29, from 11am to midnight, and Sunday, April 30, from noon to 6pm.

The fair is a national fair and a staple on the calendar for Bahamians at large.

A family-orientated event, this fair will feature a Kid’s Zone with its own entertainment stage focused on the young and young at heart. There will be a Bahamian showcase zone for artisans and everything Bahamian. Vendor booths offering local and international delicacies will also be present.

Musical entertainment will be heard on both days with well-known Bahamian musicians. This event is a fundraising event for the Red Cross to help it provide humanitarian relief in vulnerable communities across the country. We are grateful to all of our spon sors

and donors to make this event a memorable one.

Like many NGOs and charitable organisations, The Bahamas Red Cross Society faced incredible challenges due to Hurricane Dorian and the pandemic. We can only rebound with the assistance of the public and donors. For more information contact dheastie@gmail. com or edormeus@bahamasredcross. org.

Nassau Hash House Harriers

The Nassau Hash House Harriers social running club meets every week and has done so in Nassau for the last 40 years. We collect a few subs

week to cover social events and general running of the club, and we are sponsored by Sands beer.

We do sometimes have a bit left over and this year we decided to donate $1,000 to Lend A Hand Bahamas.

We visited them today to meet some of the kids and learn about the amazing work that Lend a Hand does in the community.

We met Savitri Major, education coordinator, and Kavon McInnis, culinary arts instructor, who are invaluable to the community and the

programmes that they run from the centre.

Phlebotomy Mastery Institute

The Phlebotomy Mastery Institute (PMI) joined the American Medical Technologists Association (AMT) to celebrate Phlebotomists Recognition Week, February 13-17. However, they jump started their week by giving back to the community in a mini health fair.

On Saturday, February 11, they, in collaboration with The People’s Pharmacy, hosted “General Hospital” Health Fair at The Prince Charles Shopping Centre, offering free glucose and blood pressure monitoring as well as blood typing to many members of the public.

It was a beautiful sight to watch over 20 PMI supervised students, dressed in their eye-catching green T-shirts, test, with skill and care, over 40 men and women of our community. Their T-shirts read: “Phlebotomists are the front-line of the laboratory”.

They echoed that sentiment on Tuesday, February 14, on a live talk show, “Unfiltered with Mo” at 103.5FM and on Facebook live.

Sade Smith, registered phlebotomist (AMT), Uricka Jones-Burrows, student at present, and Dillette Miller, CEO, spoke of the week of celebrations. They also spoke about the certification process with the American Medical Technology Association that equips

Clubs & Societies page returns

OUR Clubs and Societies page is back - with a chance for you to share your group’s activities with our readers.

We hope it can serve as a community noticeboard to let people know about your organisation and what you have been doing, or about events that are coming up.

To feature on our Clubs and Societies page, submit your report to clubs@tribunemedia.net, with “Clubs Page” written in the subject line. For more information about the page, contact Stephen Hunt on 826-2242.

their students to be certified phlebotomy professionals.

Miller, CEO, said that “without the adept skills of the phlebotomist as the gatekeepers of the laboratory, the diagnosis given by physicians would be suspect”.

On Wednesday, February 15, two busloads of PMI students had the pleasure of visiting Bonaventure Medical Laboratory, East Avenue, Centreville. They were given a tour of the different departments of the laboratory by Courtney Smith, laboratory administrator.

This informative walking tour showcased the diversity of testing facilities and instrumentation housed by this well-known lab which has been in existence for over 27 years, serving our community. It was certainly an invaluable educational experience that assisted PMI students in the assimilation of the phlebotomy principles as taught at PMI.

On Thursday, February 16, they ended this week of celebrations with a dinner that honored those students who have passed the prestigious AMT Certification Exam. Angelaine Pickstock, was the first of 11 students (to date) to pass the AMT with flying colors from PMI. Adrianna Sturrup-Knowles, D’Ann Walker, from Abaco, Janae Brown, Jarawdo Brown, Kyndace Mckenzie, Sade Smith, Rowelinda Alcius, Maya Peterson, Tennay Poitier, and Anell Walkes are all now registered phlebotomists.

As a result of this week of acknowledgement of the important role of the phlebotomist, many have inquired as to how they too could join this cadre of

healthcare professionals in the next class that starts on March 24.

The Bahamas needs more caring, compassionate and empathetic individuals to learn these medical skills so that they too can impact our community as they serve each patient as valuable human beings.

Kudos to all those in the medical field who have dared to care and who have dared to serve, sometimes at the risk of their own lives. We are sure that the healthcare arena would only improve as more qualified, caring and empathetic medical professionals equip themselves for selfless service.

For more information about the institute, contact Dillette Brown-Miller at dillette.miller@gmail.com or 242-422-3421.

Toastmasters

VICE-president of membership TM Camron K Reckley, was able to bring in 15 new members for the first and second quarters of this Toastmaster Year. These men will be “Forged in the Flames of Leadership”.

In Toastmasters, we provide a supportive and positive learning experience in which members are empowered to develop communication and leadership skills, resulting in greater self-confidence and personal growth. We are excited for these new members and the journey they are about to embark on.

• To feature on this page, submit your report to clubs@tribunemedia.net, with “Clubs Page” written in the subject line or call 826-2242 for more details.

THE RED Cross Fair pictured in 2018, prior to its move to Clifford Park. The fair returns after the COVID pandemic break and will be held at the Arawak Cay Fish Fry.

NEW Toastmasters members have been inducted in the first two quarters. Pictured at the inducation are, from left, Sanjay Kelly, Robert Gayle, Travanti Godet, Hercude Estime, VPM Camron Reckley, division director Ancin Munnings, president Ray-Don Poitier, area director Shervin Lloyd, Corie Hamilton, Christopher Albury, Rashad Saunders and Kevin Sweeing. Pictured right is Camron Reckley.

STUDENTS at the Phlebotomy Mastery Institute host a mini health fair at The Prince Charles Shopping Plaza and, right, students on a field trip at Bonnaventure Medical Lab being given a tour by Courtney Smith, lab administrator.

THE NASSAU Hash House Harriers have donated $1,000 to Lend A Hand Bahamas and visited to see how the organisation helps the community.

SPORTS

FRIDAY, MARCH 10, 2023

Kai Jones, Page 12

Cougars get red carpet

By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

THE Charles W Saunders School rolled out the red carpet on their school grounds yesterday as they celebrated the historic Bahamas Association of Independent Secondary Schools’ basketball championship feat by their Cougars senior boys’ basketball team.

The team, coached by Dario Saunders, clinched the title last month over their Baptist rivals Jordan Prince Williams Falcons before they went to the prestigious Hugh Campbell Basketball Classic, only to fall short in the pool championships to Grand Bahama’s St George’s Jaguars.

CH Reeves Raptors win

By TENAJH SWEETING tsweeting@tribunemedia.net

The C.H. Reeves

Raptors destroyed the competition in convincing fashion to win the 2023 Government Secondary Schools Sports Association (GSSSA) junior championships.

The Raptors, who are no strangers to the first place position, remained atop team rankings for two consecutive days with a final score of 533. The S.C. McPherson Sharks tried to keep up with the defending champions but came in 186 points behind the winners for a score of 347. The H.O. Nash Lions finished the GSSSA junior division championships in third place with a team score of 229.33, barely holding off the Tigers of A.F. Adderley. The Tigers finished in fourth with 228.50.

As day two of the GSSSA championships wrapped up, there was lots of action for the juniors on both the track and field.

The Raptors set the standard for the junior division as they were able to defeat their competitors in the under 15 boys’ 200m dash.

Denim Stuart, who emerged victorious in numerous races at yesterday’s meet, came out on top with a time of 24.47. Second place finish belonged to D.W. Davis’ Delvon Barton who clocked 24.92.

In third was the H.O. Nash Lions’ Johnathon Higgs who ran a time of 25.03.

De’Ante Joseph, winner of the under 13 boys’ 800m finals, bested the competition with a time of 2:43.29.

Joseph was followed by Kaiden Newbold of the L.W. Young Eagles who notched 2:43.58. Joseph of the Raptors was joined by fellow teammate Jermaine Moxey for third who ran 2:49.48.

Joseph was one of the GSSSA’s highest male

individual scorers for the under 13 division. He ended the track and field championships with an individual score of 38 points which was a big help to the reigning champions.

Varel Davis, GSSSA president and head coach of the Raptors, talked about how impressed she was with the way the young Raptors competed at this year’s meet.

“I am very impressed when you look at C.H. Reeves children, at the end of every race we are the

only team probably standing up tall. I taught them that you gotta finish and you gotta finish strong and go hard,” Davis said.

The athletes seemingly followed their coach’s advice as they dominated in both the under 13 girls and boys 4x400m relays.

For the under 13 girls the relay team of Neveah Stuart, Rayniece Gibson, Whitney Guerrier, and Fredricka Auguste blitzed the competition with a time of 5:00.86. The Raptors were followed behind

Powerade Potcakeman Triathlon livens up Jaws Beach on calm day

THIS year’s Powerade Potcakeman Triathlon took place at Jaws Beach on a beautiful, calm day on March 5. Around 90 athletes entered the race with participants ranging from seven to 76 years of age.

“We were delighted that a competitor, from Finland, saw the triathlon advertised in the USA and came to The Bahamas just to take

part. Even the volunteers and spectators had a great time. Potcakeman is one of the main events enabling Baark! to raise funds for their important spay and neuter work.

“Laura Kimble, president of Baark! thanks to all the organisers, volunteers, participants and sponsors for helping make the event so successful.”

SEE PAGE 12

by the Lions relay team who clocked 5:31.68. The T.A. Thompson Scorpions finished the relay in third place.

Fredericka Auguste, the fourth leg runner of the under 13 girls’ relay team, talked about how it felt to come out on top.

“I feel so excited, thank you for all my coaches for supporting me and all my teammates,” Auguste said.

For the boys’ relay team Travon Moncur, Kevin

SEE PAGE 12

By TENAJH SWEETING tsweeting@tribunemedia.net

THE Colon Cancer Coalition will host the annual Get Your Rear in Gear (GYRIG) 5k fun run walk race 6:30am on March 11 at Goodman’s Bay Park.

The GYRIG’s inaugural event started last year in memory of the late Andrea Darville who was an originator and local director of the event as well as a big advocate for colon cancer awareness before her passing early last year.

The former UB Mingo and member of the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority touched the lives of many that watched her ongoing battle with stage 3 colon cancer.

With March being colon cancer awareness month and colon cancer being the second most common cancer in The Bahamas, event organisers Jackie Evans and sister of the deceased Emily Darville seek to not only carry out Andrea’s vision and final wish but also spread awareness about the cancer.

In a cause that is very personal to Darville, she talked about how great support for

SEE PAGE 12

Griner’s

return to WNBA tips off

ESPN coverage

By DOUG FEINBERG AP Basketball Writer

NEW YORK (AP) —

Brittney Griner’s return to the WNBA will tip off ESPN’s coverage of the league’s 27th season when the Phoenix Mercury visit the Los Angeles Sparks on May 19 — opening night.

The Mercury’s home opener two days after the opener will also be broadcast nationally as one of 25 regular-season games to be shown on ABC, ESPN or ESPN2.

The league will also have it’s All-Star Game in prime time for the first time on Saturday, July 15. The skills challenge and 3-point contest will be the day before. ‘

The New York Liberty, who added former MVPs Jonquel Jones and Breanna Stewart, as well as Courtney Vandersloot, this offseason will be on national television nine times.

Defending champion Las Vegas, which added Candace Parker, will appear seven times. Every team will be on at least once.

ESPN will also air a pregame show before at least 10 games during the regular season. The network will air the entire postseason, as well.

The WNBA season will have a record 40 games per team and will again include the Commissioner’s Cup.

The ceremony, presided by Rev Stephen Duncombe, the senior master of the high school, saw entertainment by the primary school,

the cheerleaders and the band and there were speeches from the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture and the Bahamas

Baptist Missionary and Educational Convention.

Photo: Tenajh Sweeting

COACH Dario Saunders and his Charles W Saunders Cougars senior boys’ basketball team. SWIM, CYCLE, RUN: Participants compete in the Powerade Potcakeman Triathlon at Jaws Beach on Sunday, March 5.

Photos: Ronnie Archer Photography

HIELD SCORES 17 IN 134-125 VICTORY OVER ROCKETS IN OT

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) —

POSTER BOY:

Kai Jones stuffs stats sheet in win, dazzles with a highlight dunk

Hield broke a 117-all tie with his fifth 3-pointer and Haliburton scored 12 points after that as the Pacers outscored the Rockets 19-10 in overtime. Hield ended up with 17 points, six rebounds, two blocks and two steals in 33 minutes.

The Pacers have won seven consecutive games against the Rockets, who have the NBA’s second-worst record at 15-51.

The Rockets trailed for all of three quarters before rallying with a 15-2 run to take a 110108 lead with 4:10 remaining. Houston rookie forward Jabari Smith Jr. made a 3-pointer with four seconds left to force overtime.

DETROIT (AP) — Kai Jones stuffed the stats sheet - four points, three rebounds, a block and a steal - in seven and-a-half minutes of the Charlotte Hornets’ 113-103 win over the Detroit Pistons last night.

Kelly Oubre Jr scored 27 points and Terry Rozier had 21 points and nine assists as the Hornets beat Detroit and extended the Pistons’ losing streak to 10 games.

P.J. Washington added 20 points and Nick Richards had 13 points and nine rebounds for the Hornets, who won their second straight game and for the seventh time in 10 games.

“Our guys are working hard and they are finally getting some results,” Hornets coach Steve Clifford said. “We were really active tonight and we had great rim protection.”

HORNETS forward Kai Jones (23) dunks on Pistons forward Marvin Bagley III (35) during the second half last night in Detroit. (AP Photo/ Carlos Osorio)

RAPTORS SOAK UP GSSSA JR TRACK & FIELD VICTORY

FROM PAGE 11

emerged on top after running a time of 28.11.

Bain was joined by the Lions’ Dylan Delahey and Johnathon Linton who placed second and third respectively.

The Sharks once again brought home a win in the under 13 girls 800m finals as Trenae Scavella clocked 2:52.50 in the race.

Sharks’ head coach Neketa Sears-Knowles talked about how it felt to place second at the GSSSA meet.

The Raptors not only took care of business on the track but they emerged as winners in field events also. In the under 13 boys’ high jump, Kevin Sinsurin came first after jumping 1.27m. Also, in the under 15 girls javelin throw, Rania Douglas notched a throwing distance of 16.57m in the event’s finals. The junior school will now go into celebration mode after this GSSSA victory.

Despite a strong showing from the reigning champions the Sharks took a bite out of the competition to secure second place overall.

Alliyah Coleby, winner of the under 13 girls 200m dash, secured the victory for the Sharks. She ran a time of 29.34 to edge out the rest of the competitors. Cashanique Rolle of the Royals placed second and the Sharks’ Devonique Pratt placed third.

Coleby was thankful for the 200m win. She said it felt good to win and for the hard work she put into her race to finally pay off.

In the under 13 boys 200m finals, Gilberto Bain

COUGARS

FROM PAGE 11

But the most profound speech came from principal Anadell Thompson, who noted that Charles W Saunders has won numerous titles in softball, but they are now spreading their wings and expanding their territories. She noted that four weeks away in the battle of the Baptist schools, the Cougars finally did it as champions. But for her, it was four years of watching the team emerge from cellar dwellers to the top of the mountain.

“Four years ago, I came to Charles W Saunders as the principal, our school was among the top in softball, but we were almost at the bottom in basketball at the BAISS level,” she recalled. “When I saw the boys’ basketball team, I was convinced that I should become a member of that team. “This was perhaps the worst team that I’ve ever seen. I remember during our first game against Prince Williams in 2019, our team was beaten by almost 100 points. Despite that, the boys continued to play. I realised then that they were courageous.”

What was even more settling was the fact that

“C.H. Reeves is hard to beat no doubt [but] I am extremely proud of the performances that the kids have done over the past two days in fact they even surprised me so I am very pleased with the performances so we’ll take that,” Knowles said.

Knowles had a lot to be proud of as the Sharks’ young athletes came in first and second in the under 15 girls 75m hurdles. Kelisha Tanelus and Jamya Satchel placed first and second respectively.

In more action from the Sharks, Emmit Smith emerged victorious in the under 15 boys 800m finals.

With CH Reeves comfortably defending their reigning GSSSA title for the junior division, the C.R. Walker Knights will look to do the same on the final day of the meet.

The Knights remain atop team rankings with a team score of 300 followed by the C.V. Bethel Stingrays with 235. The R.M. Bailey Pacers are right behind the fold with 187.50 and will look to edge out the C.I. Gibson Rattlers who trail closely behind for 4th place.

The final day of the GSSSA track and field championships will start at 9:30am this morning as the senior schools will look to crown a champion.

Thompson said coach Saunders asked her to allow the team to play in the Hugh Campbell Tournament that year. She felt the coaches were on a path to cause her to lose her job.

But to her surprise, Thompson said the boys played with heart and the rest was history. Over the past two years, she said she watched as the team grew tremendously, overcoming many obstacles, pain, hardships and distress to get to where they are now called champions. “This group started out as a team, but today, I can say they are now a family,” Thompson stated. “They not only won the BAISS championship, but went back in the Hugh Campbell Tournament and it to the final eight teams out of 26 teams,” she said.

“I am a proud principal and I congratulate them.”

Also present was Rev Dr Perry Cunningham, the president of the Bahamas Association of Independent Secondary Schools, who said he was delighted to celebrate with the champions.

“I have been privileged to be a part of this association for a number of years,” he said, noting that he started in 1987. “So I’ve seen quite a bit happen during the

CH Reeves head coach Varel Davis with GSSSA championship trophy.

SHOWN, left to right, Neveah Stuart, Fredricka Auguste, Whitney Guerrier and Rayniece Gibson.

time. The premier sporting event that we have in our association is not just the junior boys or senior girls or softball. “In this country, it’s always been basketball. And a school of this size with 15 private schools in our association and 11 of them dear to participate this year, for CW Saunders, among schools that are 100 years old, to be on top this year is a mark of distinction and achievement.”

Cunningham, who went to eight schools before he graduated and served as an administrator in six schools, said he hopes to take away what he’s seen at Charles W Saunders and he hopes that he could implement some of that winning tradition when he goes back to the Nassau Christian Academy.

Rev. Dr. Diana Francis, the chairman of the Baptist Board of Education, said she commends the Cougars, based on their history, to come from being slaughtered to be in a place to be the people who slaughtered is something to salute.

“Quitters never win, but you showed us that you have the ability to never quit. Even though you lost many games, you showed them that inside of you is a Cougar mentality and

that you were hungry for the victory and you didn’t back down,” said Francis, the pastor of First Baptist Church.

“You didn’t sit back, but you showed us centres, you showed us forwards, you showed us guards that hard work, sacrifice, team work, excellence, athletic prowess, determination, discipline and endurance when you hold on and give it 100 percent, you will come out with the trophy. You will arise and emerge as a victor.”

Bishop Carrington Pinder, the vice president at large of the Baptist Convention, speaking on behalf of national president Lloyd Smith in his absence, said he’s pleased to recognise the superstars who roared out of the Cougars’ den and left their mark not only in the Baptist community, but in the Commonwealth of the Bahamas and beyond.

“We are proud of you. We are proud of your achievements,” he said.

“As I listened to principal Thompson’s report of how God has raised you from being the underdogs, the Bible says he that overcometh should inherit, not just some, but all things.

Assistant director of sports Kerry Baker, a

former basketball player, represented Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Mario Bowleg. He attended the event along with sports officer Mario Ford. In his speech, he noted the importance of the student-athletes balancing their time with athletics and academics.

“While you achieve your accomplishments in sports, academics must be paramount. There must be a balance,” said Baker, who noted that too many athletes are denied the opportunity to go on and further their education in college because they lack the medium between the two.

Saunders, who was assisted by Edward Dean, said they appreciate all that was bestowed upon them for their accomplishments as they were presented with their trophies and they also received some special gifts from the National Baptist Convention before they were feted to lunch.

“It’s humbling. As a small school, we’re not big in numbers, but there’s strength in our numbers,” he said. “We came together and with God along with us throughout the journey, who got the job done. This is only a team of grade 10

FROM 5K

FUN RUN/WALK ALL SET FOR SATURDAY

PAGE

the 5k fun run walk event has been. “I have received an overwhelming [amount] of support from the public, local and international sponsors alike, last year we borrowed a giant inflatable colon as an educational piece on site for the race,” Darville said.

However, Darville added that for this year’s awareness event the organisers were sponsored one that is now a keepsake at the Cancer Society for educational purposes.

This year’s GYRIG event was sponsored by the Cancer Treatment Centers of America, Genesis Community Loan Fund, Gastrocare Bahamas, Pfizer, Bahamas Orthodontic Center, and Taiho Oncology, CFAL, and Heineken.

Those who wish to participate in support of the late Andrea Darville or to simply help in raising awareness for colon cancer can register online at https://donate.coloncancercoalition.org/ bahamas/?rbref=local.

For persons that wish to register in person they can go to the Cancer Society located on East Terrace Centerville and sign up between 12pm and 6pm today. Also, if potential participants miss today’s inperson registration they will have another chance on the morning of the 5k fun run walk event on Goodman’s Bay Park.

The registration fees for GYRIG are $25 for adults and $12 for kids. Registrants will receive a registration package which will include a GYRIG t-shirt and backpack, colon cancer information pamphlets, water and a Gatorade, as well as fruits and energy bars. Persons that complete the race will receive a medal upon completion.

The route for Saturday’s early morning event will begin with participants leaving Goodman’s Bay to travel west towards Baha Mar onto Cable Beach then participants will make a left before the Swiss Pastry bakery to travel back to the start of the route.

Darville had final words of encouragement for those who are still considering registering for the event.

“I’d like to encourage you all to come out and participate in this good cause as we raise funds and awareness assisting those who are fighting to beat this horrible disease,” Darville said.

and 11 students, so the sky is still the limit for us.

“We are not the hunted, so our focus has to be greater, but with God with us, we will persevere.”

Nakero Brown, the most valuable player for the Cougars, said they were hoping to make it a double delight in winning the Hugh Campbell title as well, but despite falling short, he was still pleased with their overall effort. “We’re a family and we do everything together,” said the 6-foot, 6-inch, 18-year-old 11th grader.

“We will be back. Hopefully we can do it all over again and win the two titles next year.”

The other team members were Nathaniel Darling, Leroy Gray, John Joseph, Marcian Pickstock, Seth Rolle, Kyandre Sands, Emmanuel Smith, Dequan Strachan, Romiel Strachan, Treymon Wright, Raymone Woods and Omarlon Woodside.

Former basketball player Mario Pickstock, the father of Marcian Pickstock, said he was so proud of the performance of the team.

“They did well,” he insisted. “They did a good job this year, but they know they have to put in the work to do it again next year.”

Tyrese Haliburton had 28 points and a career-high 19 assists, Chavano “Buddy” Hield hit the go-ahead 3-pointer in overtime and the Indiana Pacers beat the Houston Rockets 134-125 last night.

Photos: Tenajh Sweeting

CH Reeves Raptors juniors celebrate their GSSSA title win.

DENIM Stuart won the under 15 boys’ 200 metres finals.

Bahamas Flag Football League preseason kicks off at stadium

By IMRAN RAHIEM BFFL Media

THE sun shone in a blue Bahamian sky and a light breeze gently moved the leaves of the trees. A divine blend of sunshine and wind gave a taste of paradise to both the flag football players and fans on the multipurpose fields of the Thomas A Robinson National Stadium.

The day was March 5, 2023 and the Bahamas Flag Football League (BFFL) began its preseason with six flag football games.

The games were played with a backdrop of many jubilant and joyous players and fans who flooded the fields in excitement for the start of the BFFL preseason.

The faces of the food vendors, medical staff, BFFL players and many fans were ripe with excitement. Their feelings of expectation rewarded by the start of the league year, relief that the wait for football was over and anticipation of another exciting league year permeated the air, creating an electric feeling that was both infectious and invigorating.

“It was nice to get back on the field and knock some rust off, I was impressed by the turnout for just preseason. It felt good, the work has just begun and this season looks like it’ll be exciting,” said McCallton Demeritte, wide receiver for the Caro Contractors Avengers.

Some teams used the preseason to work off the rust and as a warmup for the regular season. A sentiment echoed by Jayde Knowles, the defensive captain and linebacker for the Paradise Games Wildcats.

“The preseason is never a real taste on how the actual season will be. Teams normally test out their new players during this time to focus on what they need to work on for the upcoming season. Overall, I felt the day was well organised and ran smoothly. The teams seemed to be excited to be back. We are excited to be back to continue our quest, so it’s definitely looking like a good competitive season up ahead.”

The first preseason game featured the returning champions Caro Contractors Avengers versus a team playing its first BFFL season, the Dolphin Express Hornets.

As mentioned by Ms. Knowles, many of the starters for both teams did not play and this gave several first-time players an opportunity to showcase their talents and light it up on the field.

While Avengers used the preseason game as an opportunity to rest most of their starters and give new players an opportunity for playing time, the Dolphin Express Hornets played half of their starters in the preseason in an effort to create synergy among its starters in preparation for the upcoming BFFL regular season.

“We only played half of our starters because we are resting for the regular season. The starters who played are all rookies,” said Eldrith Smith, quarterback and captain of the Dolphin Express Hornets.

Oasis Team Red Dot vs the EDLC Lions gave BFFL players and fans the first 2023 glimpse of Brandon Honkofsky.

He is the starting quarterback of Oasis Team Red Dot who is returning from an injury. He finished the game looking sharp in both short throws, intermediate throws and scrambled

GENO SMITH GETS THE

SPOTLIGHT AFTER NEW DEAL WITH SEAHAWKS

By TIM BOOTH AP Sports Writer

GENO Smith finally got the payday and recognition that had eluded him for most of his career.

His response? Getting back to work even while he was being feted by the Seattle Seahawks in a way Smith had never experienced in his time as a pro.

“The contract is fulfilling, but I just love playing football,” Smith said yesterday after signing his new three-year deal with the Seahawks.

The AP NFL comeback player of the year last season, Smith parlayed the best year of his pro career into a payday that he believes compensates him fairly while leaving Seattle with the flexibility to fill some needs in free agency.

Smith’s deal is worth up to $105 million including all the incentives. But its base value gives general manager John Schneider some wiggle room.

“It’s just a way for both parties to make it work,” Smith said. “It allows the team room and space to do what they need to do, but it also gives me an opportunity to be one of the top 10 paid quarterbacks, which is something that I believe I am.”

Smith was one of the feel-good stories in the league after getting an opportunity to start after nearly a decade as a backup and it changed the trajectory of his career. Smith led the Seahawks to a 9-8 record and a playoff berth as the last wild card in the NFC as he stepped into a starter’s role following the trade of Russell Wilson to Denver.

Smith threw for 4,282 yards, a career high and a franchise record. He threw 30 touchdown passes and just 11 interceptions, completed 399 passes and led the NFL in completion percentage at 69.8%.

effortlessly. His mobility on display on Sunday showed his injury hasn’t taken away any of his natural athleticism.

“Brandon Honkofsky has the potential to be one of the best football players the country has ever seen and I think this year he is poised and ready to prove it,” said Edward Campbell, head coach of Oasis Team Red Dot.

The Caro Contractors Avengers women’s team played well against the Spectrum Assassins, triumphing in a close game dominated by defence and short passes. The Paradise Games Wildcats looked like a track team as they sped up the football field in their emphatic win over the Sands Passion Fruit Hawks.

The Paradise Games Wildcats, wearing their red jerseys, looked in midseason form as both their quarterbacks pioneered long drives. Despite playing two preseason games the same day, the Dolphin Express Hornets rose to the occasion and led the Predators to end the events of the day.

FLAG football enthusiasts take part in the Bahamas Flag Football League’s (BFFL) preseason with six flag football games on the multipurpose fields of the Thomas A Robinson National Stadium on Sunday, March 5.

‘LET’S WISH THE BEST’ AND CHEER FOR OUR ATHLETES

By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter

IN lending their support to the Oak Tree 50th CARIFTA Games, a number of small businesses encouraged others to join in the biggest junior regional track and field competition and cheer on the athletes representing the Bahamas.

The companies were on hand on Wednesday in the Cultural Village in the eastern parking lot of the Thomas A Robinson National Stadium where they came on board as partners with the Local Organising Committee for the games, scheduled for April 7-11.

Brenton ‘Boo’ Rolle, owner of FIE Fix It Enterprises Limited, said as no stranger to track and field or corporate sponsorship, they have been involved in junkanoo and have assisted in providing scholarships to a number of young people.

“We are assisting the international companies who are preparing the tracks, who are using our equipment,” he said.

“We are also providing some financial assistance. FIE is here and we’re here to stay. This is where we are born, bred and will dead.”

As one of the biggest fans of athletics, Rolle said he will continue to make his contribution.

Having opened their business in 1972, a year before the Bahamas celebrated its

first Independence in 1973, owner Bernard ‘Porky’ Dorsett said Rubis Service Station and Paving Company is delighted to be a part of the celebrations for the games.

“It’s all about people. What we do is for the people,” Dorsett said. “I have some children who are not mine that I send to college. I keeping telling people it ain’t about you. If you are only interested in yourself, we are in serious trouble.”

Having attended the games last year in Jamaica, Dorsett informed the public that the Jamaicans will be coming here, so they can’t

allow the Bahamians to be out-numbered in their own stadium here at home.

“We need to be here. The athletes need to hear our screams. That’s where the extra effort will come from them,” insisted Dorsett, who is a sponsor of Swift Athletics. “We need to be screaming harder than them other people when they come here.

“All I want to do is ask the Bahamian people to come out and support our athletes. Get your tickets and come to the stadium and let’s raise some Bahamian hell. Kanoo said they are going to have junkanoo, then let us all be junkanoo.

Let’s wish the best to our athletes.” Mobile Assist and Integrated Business Solutions owner Donovan Moxey said they appreciate the honour to assist because he and his family have been an integral part of track and field all of their lives.

“When you couple that with youth development, that is important to us as well,” he stated. “As a company, anytime we have the opportunity to support the youth of our nation or athletic development, we will take advantage of that opportunity. “So we are happy to be a part of the sponsorship of CARIFTA

and we will be doing our part. This is the 50th celebrations of CARIFTA and we haven’t won CARIFTA in a long time. So we want people to come out and support the young people who have been working very hard to be a part of this team.”

And Emile ‘Rev DJ’ Sweeting, of Bahamian or Nothing 92.5FM, said it’s a joy to be a part of the games. “We believe in Bahamians and in the Bahamas and so we are using all of our platforms, our talents and gifts to get the word out,” he stated.

“We support our athletes, we support what’s going on

and we are here in full support raking and scraping straight to the gold.” Fern Hanna, the marketing manager for the LOC, said they will be providing an experience that will be second to none during the games and they are encouraging the Bahamian public to be a part of the 50th celebrations of the games. For those seeking more information regarding the games, Calpunia Campbell, one of the young people working behind the scenes, said they can come “Gold” with us on their social platforms at carifta2023 and go online to purchase their tickets.

A NUMBER of businesses were on hand on Wednesday in the Cultural Village in the eastern parking lot of the Thomas A Robinson National Stadium where they came on board as partners with the Local Organising Committee for the CARIFTA Games, scheduled for April 7-11.

the “inevitability” of real property tax being levied on Bahamian-owned property in the Family Islands and an end to the decades-old waiver that had exempted such assets from the levy.

She based her concerns on the Government’s requirement that all Family Island land parcels and properties register for real property tax purposes and obtain an assessment number. Failing to do so has already prevented real estate sales from closing because they cannot be stamped for VAT purposes, and recorded in the Registry of Records, without completing this process.

In the absence of clarity from the Government, and an explanation as to why it was mandating this, Mrs Degregory-Miaoulis said it was only logical to believe it would not go to such lengths unless there were plans to extend real property tax to all Family Island

Out Island property tax for locals ‘will not happen’

real estate, not just that owned by foreigners.

Mr Halkitis, though, emphatically dismissed such concerns. He said the Department of Inland Revenue was undertaking the assessment number and registration drive “to improve the data” it possesses, including being better able to identify foreign-owned property that is not on the tax roll and/or failing to pay.

“Every property will have an assessment number,” the minister said. “Because they have an assessment number it does not mean we intend to tax. It’s an effort to improve the data we have at our disposal......

Bahamians in the Family Islands, do not mistake the efforts of the Government to collect information as a desire to impose taxes on Bahamians in the Family Islands. It has not come up, has not been discussed, and I can say authoritatively it will not happen.”

Just in case anyone failed to get the message, Mr Halkitis repeated it in closing the Senate’s mid-year Budget debate. “It’s not happening,” he reiterated of imposing real property tax on Bahamian-owned property in the Family Islands. “It’s not the intent of the Government. We’re not discussing it. It’s not on the table. It will not happen.”

Uttering a sigh of relief, responded to the minister’s remarks by telling Tribune Business: “I’m very happy to hear that and be reassured about that as I’m sure are all Bahamians in the Family Islands.” However, she called on the Government to provide more time for residents and businesses to obtain real property tax assessment numbers so that the closing of real estaterelated transactions is not delayed by waiting for them.

“I feel that the timeframe for obtaining an assessment number as a requirement

for sales and transactions to be processed is really proving a challenge,” said Mrs Degregory-Miaoulis. “Perhaps the timeline on that could be more lenient. I’m also happy to hear that there are no property taxes in the foreseeable future for the Family Islands because we like to think not being taxed acts as an incentive for Bahamians to return to the Family Islands and show confidence by investing.

“Some of our wonderful Bahamian-owned businesses in New Providence might take this opportunity to invest in a smaller branch in the Family Islands and show that vote of confidence and encourage more investment.” Mrs Degregory-Miaoulis said imposing real property tax on Bahamian-owned properties in the Family Islands “would have removed that incentive for Bahamians to return home and created an even higher-cost destination.

“We have an overcrowded New Providence, and I know the Government has been putting a lot of emphasis on expanding tourism to the Family Islands,” she added. “It stands to reason that no

taxation for Bahamians provides an incentive for Bahamians to further invest in the Family Islands when new opportunities present themselves”

Pointing out that the assessment number and registration requirement

“most certainly gave that impression” that real property tax was coming for Bahamian-owned property in the Family Islands, Mrs Degregory-Miaoulis said of Mr Halkitis’ statements:

“It takes that fear away that people would otherwise have. I think it’s very important that we have a clear and definitive picture as to what to expect or not expect for the future. It’s removed that fear, so I’m happy with that.”

Others, though, were not so sure. One source, speaking on condition of anonymity, said: “Why are they pushing so hard to get properties registered?

Why are they pushing so hard to do their homework and estimate what the tax could be? It means their records are sub-standard; they just don’t have the information.”

There also appears to be a disconnect between the numbers. The Prime

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MARKET REPORT

Minister during last May’s Budget debate said the Government’s total annual real property tax billings are worth a collective $280mrepresenting monies billed to taxpayers, but not necessarily collected. However, the latest Fiscal Strategy Report projects that the Government will collect $554.5m within four years by the 2026-2027 fiscal year. This means that collections would have to almost double, or rise by near 100 percent, compared to current billings. The only obvious ways to achieve such an increase would be to raise property tax rates or broaden the base by eliminating existing carveouts and waivers such as the exemption for Bahamian-owned property in the Family Islands. Yet given that the threshold below which no real property tax is paid was raised to $300,000 in last May’s Budget, many Family Islanders will likely still pay zero even if it is imposed. But its introduction could force Bahamian landowners, who have sat on their Family Island holdings for years because there are no carrying costs, to finally use them for productive economic development purposes.

Tribune Business reported earlier this year that Family Island property owners have been receiving real property tax bills and assessment numbers, albeit a zero balance was shown as owing because the levy has not come into effect. The Government is also presently extending the Tyler Technologies valuation and mapping exercise - previously conducted on New Providence - to other Bahamian islands. Another possible option for increasing real property tax revenues would be to eliminate the waivers that The Bahamas’ largest taxpayers - the hotel industry - currently enjoy as part of their incentives deals under the Hotels Encouragement Act.

Atlantis: ‘Put the brakes on’ Royal Caribbean’s PI deal

the Paradise Island coastline, Cable Beach, Saunders Beach and our economic livelihood stand to suffer.”

Calling on all Bahamians and residents with concerns to act, Ms Oswell added: “We all must make our voices heard and insist that the Government put on the brakes and follow through on a serious examination of the impact this proposed project will have on our environment and businesses.

“Share your thoughts and insist on answers from the Ministry of The Environment, the Department of Environmental Planning and Protection and Royal Caribbean. And we at Atlantis will be taking a more active role in encouraging dialogue and transparency. Coastal development must be done with precision to avoid long-term adverse impact. A few months of true due diligence is critical to avoid decades of irreversible harm.”

The intervention by Atlantis and Ms Oswell in the Royal Caribbean controversy is almost unprecedented given that it is extremely rare for one investor to be so forthright in publicly voicing concerns about another’s project. However, the Paradise Island mega resort will be one of the Royal Beach Club’s closest neighbours, and its reliance on a pristine marine environment to be enjoyed by its guests gives it a keen interest in what will occur to its west.

Their move also occurred on the same day that Clint Watson, the Prime Minister’s press secretary, sought to explain why Philip Davis KC had performed a 100 percent u-turn on the Royal Caribbean proposal compared to the stance he took almost three years ago when Opposition leader.

Mr Watson argued that the now-prime minister’s previous opposition was “based on the circumstances at the time” and, having taken office, his administration has been able to renegotiate a better deal with Royal Caribbean such that there are greater ownership and entrepreneurial opportunities available for Bahamians while the project’s Crown Land footprint has been reduced from seven acres to four. The Prime Minister’s spokesperson also asserted that the Royal Beach Club is specifically targeted at those Royal Caribbean passengers who remain on their vessel once it has docked in Nassau, and will therefore not draw business away from Bay Street, downtown

Nassau and the wider tourism industry, even though it is likely to be marketed to all the cruise lines guests and not just those ‘stay on boards’.

“There was concern about local vendors and how they would be impacted,” Mr Watson conceded. “That is expected to be minimal to none. The target visitors for this project will be the small percentage of visitors who don’t leave the ship when it is in port. It’s designed for them, and not designed for people who go and visit with local operators and vendors.”

He argued that Royal Caribbean’s revised proposal, and the purported greater benefits for Bahamians, justified Mr Davis and the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) changing their position on the project and giving it the go-ahead to proceed. Mr Watson also pointed to the 43 percent reduction in Crown Land, and the fact that none of the four acres were involved in the recent Supreme Court battle launched by Bahamian Toby Smith over his rival Paradise Island project.

“The key point is what was presented and approved in principle is a revised proposal which is smaller in scale and [uses] an exceedingly minimal amount of government land,” he added. “There’s about four acres of Crown Land that is connected to the project, and that four acres was granted in 2021 prior to this administration taking office.

“It’s also important to note that Royal Caribbean has committed to creating entrepreneurial opportunities for Bahamians, including a ferry service that is fully operated by Bahamians. These were additional asks that were specifically included. The Government wanted to ensure Bahamian and stakeholder ownership in this.

“Bahamians will also be able to invest up to 49 percent [in a collective equity

ownership stake] in the project. When you look at what Prime Minister Davis said in Opposition, it was based on the circumstances at the time that were presented. That has changed,” Mr Watson continued.

“This is not that same proposal; it is a different proposal. This does not include the disputed land. It is a completely different proposal; a scaled back proposal on land they would have purchased and the four acres of Crown Land that was granted by the prior administration. Based on that, the decision was made to move forward.”

Mr Watson argued that the Royal Beach Club will be “the first project to allow the Government to have an equity stake in the investment” through converting the four Crown Land acres into an ownership interest, although the percentage has not been specified and Royal Caribbean will still have the majority interest. Through this, he said the Government “can ensure there’s partnership, ownership and a return to the Bahamian people on this investment”.

However, the Government will not be able to ignore the views of Atlantis and Ms Oswell given the mega resort’s impact on the Bahamian economy. The Atlantis president said she had been “puzzled’” by the Government’s statements on the approval for Royal Caribbean, especially that the ground breaking will take place “almost immediately” despite the environmental permits remaining outstanding.

Having been reassured by the Prime Minister that the necessary regulatory processes will be followed, Ms Oswell wrote: “It is not surprising that with few opportunities throughout the review process for the voices of citizens and businesses to be heard, public awareness of these impacts has not kept up with the severity of these threats.

“In response to the first presentation by Royal Caribbean to DEPP, Atlantis

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raised over 50 questions mostly related to potential environmental threats. To date, we have received no response.” She raised concern about the potential impact to Paradise Island’s coastline and beaches, plus the impact of increased harbour ferry traffic on potential marina traffic, the return of seaplane service to Paradise Island and waterfront development possibilities.

Atlantis has previously generated significant revenue streams by attracting cruise passengers on day passes to visit its water park, but has de-emphasised this segment as it focuses on

the guest experience for its stopover visitors. The mega Paradise Island resort is also thought to be planning development of the former Club Med property that it owns, possibly using the site to develop upscale residential options.

Chester Cooper, deputy prime minister and minister of tourism, investments and aviation, in a statement last night responding to Atlantis’ concerns pledged that “broad public consultation” will take place over Royal Caribbean’s EIA and EMP.

“The Government of The Bahamas notes the concern of Atlantis regarding Royal Caribbean International’s

proposed beach club on Paradise Island,” he said.

“The Department of Environment and Physical Planning and Ministry of Works are aware of the questions raised by Atlantis and I am satisfied that these questions will be addressed as a part of the normal process.

“The Bahamas has one of the most stringent processes in the world for environmental protection regarding developments. That process will be followed for all developments in the Commonwealth of The Bahamas.”

‘NOT SO FAST’ ON ROYAL CARIBBEAN’S PI PLANS

By AUDREY OSWELL President and Managing Director Atlantis, Paradise Island

EARLIER this week, the Government of The Bahamas announced that Royal Caribbean International’s (RCI) proposed beach club project on Paradise Island will be permitted to move forward pending approval of an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and Environmental Management Plan (EMP). I believe the green light is premature, with so many unanswered questions regarding the project’s environmental and economic impact still to be addressed.

Like many in our Paradise Island community, I was puzzled by the Government’s statements, including the suggestion that the Royal Caribbean groundbreaking would take place “almost immediately” despite the outstanding environmental review. I appreciate my subsequent communications with Prime Minister Philip

Davis KC, who has assured me that all environmental due process will be followed. What is needed now, before it is too late, is a heightened level of scrutiny and discourse. Too much is at stake to stay silent. It has not been confirmed that the Royal Caribbean project does not pose serious threats to our beautiful beaches, marine life and their habitats. If this residential land is overdeveloped, or the beaches and coastline altered in anyway, the Paradise Island coastline, Cable Beach, Saunders Beach and our economic livelihood stand to suffer. It is not surprising that with few opportunities throughout the review process for the voices of citizens and businesses to be heard, public awareness of these impacts has not kept up with the severity of these threats. In response to the first presentation by Royal Caribbean to the Department of Environmental Planning and Protection (DEPP), Atlantis raised over 50 questions mostly related to potential

environmental threats. To date, we have received no response. What are the questions that still need to be answered?

For the past 25 years, Atlantis has worked to protect the waters of The Bahamas, including the Paradise Island coastline. Protection of the ocean, marine life and their fragile habitats is at the core of who we are. Consistent with this focus and commitment, we have watched as closely as possible as the proposed Royal Caribbean project progressed. During this period, we have developed significant environmental and life-safety concerns about this proposed largescale, high-volume beach club experience. Much of this land was previously used for private residences accessible only by boat.

Here are some of those concerns:

* There are potentially devastating impacts to the Paradise Island coastline and the pristine beaches with any expansion of beach

areas, overwater cabanas, seawalls, jetties or other structures. For example, we have identified and assessed the thriving coral reef at the north seabed and determined that potential impacts to the health of this reef must be carefully assessed and mitigated.

* The impact of additional boat traffic in Nassau harbour to ferry guests, supplies, Royal Caribbean employees and other support service workers has not been adequately assessed. The increased volume of activity in Nassau harbour to support the beach club operations will potentially restrict further expansion of marinas, the re-establishment of seaplane service for Paradise Island, development opportunities on Paradise Island and in the blighted waterfront areas of downtown Nassau, as well as other commercial vessel activity. Noise from music, large volumes of people, jet skis and other amenities offered at the project site pose potential threats to neighbouring residential

SIR FRANKLYN: GAS RETAILERS HAVE ‘MADE CASE FOR RELIEF’

Budget debate was resolute in asserting that the Government will not approve any measures that “immediately increase” the price of gasoline such as the margin increase that retailers have been screaming for over the past year.

He argued that the Government was not “unsympathetic” to their situation, and urged the retailers to keep talking and negotiating with it. However, given that a margin increase is at the centre of the industry’s demands, it would appear that the sector and Davis

administration are at an impasse or stalemate as gas station operators mull measures - such as operating hour and staff hour cuts, possibly even lay-offs - in a bid to slash costs and stay afloat.

Giving the retailers his backing, Sir Franklyn told this newspaper: “I don’t think anyone debates the reasonableness of their position, their conduct todate in terms of the sacrifice they would have to endure. They’ve been patient, they’ve been measured, they’ve been tempered; all those various things.

“Of course I understand the Government is

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concerned with what the implications are for the general public, but at some point in time - while we all support the concerns they’ve got - should one set of people be asked to make a disproportionate amount of sacrifice. That really becomes the question in my view.

“Yes, I know a margin increase will not be welcome news... I’m talking about the retailers now; it doesn’t relate to the wholesalers. My bottom line position is that it’s hard to dispute the reasonableness of their position. I think it’s tough to dispute that they’ve been very measured and reasonable in trying to get some relief. There’s no question about that in my mind.

“Obviously the Government knows the impact it will have on Joe Public, and I think any government will be concerned with doing anything that could create additional strain on the public. However, the question becomes: Is it reasonable to ask one set of people to carry a disproportionate share of the common burden? I think the answer to that is ‘no’.”

Mr Halkitis, though, proved unyielding in the Senate. “I would just like to say we have been in

discussions for some time; for many months,” he said. “The concerns of the retailers have been their margins; they have not had a margin increase for a number of years.

“Some additional concerns are those who rent their premises, the level of the rent, the level of the franchise fees that they have to pay the oil companies, the level of the amount off-the-top from the sales in their stores that they have to pay the oil companies that really squeezes the margin. The Government has a fixed rate of tax on gasoline, a combination tax on diesel.

“In all of our discussions with the petroleum retailers, we have been very sympathetic to their plight, but the Government of The Bahamas is not minded to take any action that will lead to an immediate increase in prices at the pump. Our position remains that the Government of The Bahamas will not implement anything that leads to an immediate increase of the price at the pump.”

Mr Halkitis said the Government was prepared to study alternative relief proposals from the gas station retailers, he reiterated: “We will not do something that will lead to an immediate

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property owners and Atlantis. * The desalination and wastewater treatment plants required to service the project could potentially threaten the water source for all of Paradise Island. Odors, noise and the handling of discharge from such plants are also of particular concern. If Royal Caribbean intends for wastewater to be transferred via a pressurised line under the channel, there is strong risk associated with transmission line failures in Nassau harbour. The handling and processing of large volumes of solid waste, where access to the project site is only by boat, present unique challenges and risks.

* Emergency services and evacuation plans that do not exist today would have to be developed, as large numbers of persons will be using the beach club facilities daily.

* The proposed beach club project would ensure that thousands of Royal Caribbean visitors to Paradise Island will bypass our downtown, negatively impacting merchants, restaurants and

increase in the price of gas at the pump. I don’t know if I can say it any simpler, I’ve said it over and over, Mr vice-president, and I stand by that.” He added that there was “no way to dance around” the fact that granting the margin increase sought by petroleum retailers will immediately increase gasoline and diesel prices, and the Government is determined to control prices for the benefit of motorists even if it plunges dealers into losses. Describing it as “a difficult environment for everyone”, Mr Halkitis said he “invites the retailers to continue with dialogue” even though there seems little point in the two sides talking.

The minister suggested that the Association’s mooted actions could be “counter-productive”, and urged it not to take the “hard way” of potential conflict and confrontation with the Government.

“Let’s continue the dialogue. There’s always a way to come to an amicable solution,” he urged.

The challenge is that the Government has ruled out addressing the industry’s core complaint: The pricecontrolled fixed margins on every gallon of gas and diesel sold. The last increase enjoyed by gas station operators occurred in 2011, some 12 years ago, under the last Ingraham administration, and operating costs and inflationary pressures will have increased substantially then.

That took gasoline margins from 44 cents per gallon to 54 cents, where it has remained ever since. Retailers had pushed for a 50 percent or 27 cents per gallon increase that would have taken this to 81 cents per gallon, but the Government has refused to budge despite the argument this is essential to keeping them in business.

There have also been suggestions that the industry’s price control structure be switched from a fixed margin to a percentage that would more easily adjust

other venues that rely on tourism.

* And, finally, moving forward with the project would privatise Paradise Island’s last public beach, currently frequented and enjoyed by our community.

So, what can concerned citizens do?

We all must make our voices heard and insist that the Government put on the brakes and follow through on a serious examination of the impact this proposed project will have on our environment and businesses. Share your thoughts and insist on answers from the Ministry of The Environment, the Department of Environmental Planning and Protection and Royal Caribbean. We at Atlantis will be taking a more active role in encouraging dialogue and transparency.

Coastal development must be done with precision to avoid long-term adverse impact. A few months of true due diligence is critical to avoid decades of irreversible harm.

to changes in global oil prices. The sector’s main problem is that the fixed 54 cent margin is no longer sufficient to absorb everincreasing costs, which include higher overdraft and card fees, plus rising utility and labour costs.

The minimum wage rise has hit gas stations hard, given that many persons were employed at this salary level. The resulting $50 per week, or 24 percent, increase has also required them to pay increased National Insurance Board (NIB) costs. And last year’s spike in gas and oil prices, while increasing their topline sales, means higher turnover-based Business Licence fees even though profits have not changed due to the fixed margins.

NIB contribution rate increases and the up to 163 percent increase in Bahamas Power & Light’s (BPL) fuel charge also await. Sir Franklyn yesterday said discussions on wide-ranging reforms to the industry’s pricing structure and business model need to wait while the needs of the retailers are addressed.

“Right now these people need relief. They are in a tough spot,” he said. “You cannot tie people’s hands and tell them to operate a prudent business.... Right now they need immediate relief. I think they’ve made their case. They’ve been measured in putting their case. What else can they do?”

Sir Franklyn added that FOCOL had itself been measured in its dealings with its gas station operators on issues such as rent, franchise and royalty fees. “I think the record will show, certainly in the case of FOCOL, that’s exactly what FOCOL has done,” he said. “We’ve been very reasonable in terms of pushing for rate increases and things of that type.

“As a matter of fact, I spoke recently to the chief executive and he confirmed we are doing all we can to hold the line.”

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Bahamas to be Caribbean ‘sustainable airport leader’

some indigenous attributes, things that speak to culture and a sense of place. We believe, with respect to sustainability, The Bahamas is uniquely positioned to become the regional leader when it comes to sustainability.”

The Ministry of Tourism, Aviation and Investments is estimating that a collective $263m investment will be required to turn the 14 selected airports into hubs of a size and standard appropriate for their location. Exuma and North Eleuthera are projected to require the greatest capital spend, at around $65m each, with Governor’s

Harbour, Rock Sound, New Bight and Deadman’s Cay (Long Island) all pegged at around $18m apiece.

San Salvador was projected to carry a $15m price tag, with the quartet of Marsh Harbour, Sandy Point, Treasure Cay and Congo Town in Andros all projected to need a $10m investment. The smaller aviation gateways in the Exuma cays - Staniel Cay, Fowl Cay and Black Point, were each pegged at $2m.

Dr Romer said the Government had little choice but to seek private sector partners to finance and manage these upgrades via 30-year lease concessions, with the Airport Authority still owning the airport real

estate, given the need to bring critical infrastructure up to international standard and meet ever-growing visitor and resident demand.

“The reality is that the airports must be developed to ensure they comply with ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organisation) standards, to ensure that they are lending themselves to good experiences for both international and domestic travellers,” he said.

“The facilities no longer meet the current and growing demands of airlift and, of course, traffic growth is constrained by capacity. We’re [the Ministry of Tourism] going out there speaking about attracting

additional airlift, but the airlines are constantly speaking about the ability of these airports to handle capacity.”

Stating that it was the Government’s goal for the 14 airports to be operated as “profit centres”, Dr Romer said the Government was open to “bundling” those that are profitable with some which are not to make them attractive to investors and ensure a return on investment can be generated.

Focusing on Exuma’s main airport, where construction work is already underway, he added: “Exuma has a significant amount of traffic and investment potential. This

Stopovers beat pre-COVID for first time in January ‘23

FROM PAGE A20

made a diversion from Cuba into Nassau, 210 passengers, and we had hoped to overnight them in Nassau but we couldn’t find rooms at any of our properties to overnight passengers coming in. Our challenge right now is capacity.”

Dr Romer said The Bahamas had “soared back” to 7.1m total visitors for the 2022 full-year, a figure just 100,000 shy of the record-breaking 7.2m arrivals welcomed in 2019 prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. He added that this nation had recovered to about 97 percent of 2019 visitor levels last year.

“Air arrivals are very important because they contribute to heads in beds,” the Ministry of Tourism official said, adding that such stopover visitors typically generate a per capita spending impact that is 28 times’ greater than their cruise counterparts.

Disclosing that 2022’s stopover visitors were around 100,000 below 2019 levels, standing at 1.5m compared to 1.6m, Dr Romer said: “We are about 90 percent recovered at the end of 2022.” This, combined with January’s performance, had given The Bahamas confidence that it can meet the 20 percent year-over-year growth in visitor arrivals for 2023 that is being targeted by Chester Cooper, deputy prime minister and minister of tourism, investments and aviation.

While total visitor numbers for January 2023 were up by 33 percent compared to the same month in 2019, Dr Romer said that month saw air arrivals exceed preCOVID figures for the first time at around 132,000. This compared to 129,000 for January 2019.

‘“It gives you an idea of what February and March look like,” he disclosed of January’s performance. “Those numbers are holding for February and March.....” He added that the latter two months appear to be on the same growth trajectory as January 2023, providing further confidence that The Bahamas will hit its 20 percent arrivals growth target for the year.

As for his aviation portfolio, Dr Romer said there have been discussions with the Nassau Airport Development Company (NAD), Lynden Pindling International Airport’s (LPIA)

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operator, about developing a new runway parallel to the existing 1432 in a bid to ease air traffic congestion caused by the increase in private and commercial plans flying in and out of New Providence.

“There have been issues relating to the acquisition of land,” Dr Romer said of the expansion plans. “As airline stakeholders will be aware, that is part of the wider national strategy. LPIA ranks very high on our radar, no pun intended. I can’t commit to a timeline, but I know it’s a priority they have been discussing with NAD, along with the air traffic controllers (BANSA), the Airport

Authority and the Office of the Prime Minister.

“There have been active discussions, and that has become a priority again to bring about these incredible improvements to LPIA.” Dr Romer also acknowledged there were land acquisition issues that impact plans to upgrade several Family Island airports that are part of the 14-location bidding process that has recently gone out to tender, particularly at North Eleuthera and Deadman’s Cay in Long Island, plus to “some smaller extent” in Cat Island.

Disclosing that he had been assured by the Prime Minister’s Office that these

issues are “being given appropriate attention”, he added that they were unlikely to impact plans to improve The Bahamas’ Family Island airport infrastructure and connectivity.

“We don’t see that as a major impediment to delivering on the timeline for those airports,” Dr Romer said, noting that the North Eleuthera commonage had indicated a willingness to work with the Government to resolve the challenges at that location. “The community wants this to happen and is prepared to partner with us to resolve some of the land acquisition matters.”

is going to be a wonder and a beauty. We are looking at scalability, we are looking at sustainability, we are looking at business potential to generate revenue and attracting new airlift.

“There are consistent talks with legacy international and new carriers about trying to add airlift to Exuma. But, again, the attraction is constrained by capacity. We just don’t have sufficient room at the airport to continue adding airlines into Exuma. When we brought in American [Airlines] jet service last year, 130 passengers, we had to go in and put additional chairs in the terminal. “We had to construct a tend on the outside just

for one flight. If we had Delta, if we had American, if we had Air Canada on the same day In Exuma, can you imagine what the exposure would be for our passengers.”

Dr Romer added that “we are under tremendous pressure in North Eleuthera” with passengers having to queue outside in the sun or rain to clear Customs. Describing it as “one of the busiest airports in The Bahamas”, he said its $65m overhaul will facilitate further route development while “a significant amount of investment is targeted” at the area.

$5.70 $5.76 $5.72 $5.92

Atlantis: ‘Put the brakes on’ Royal Caribbean’s PI deal

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

ATLANTIS’ top executive last night warned that approval of Royal Caribbean’s $110m Paradise Island project is “premature” and urged Bahamians to call on the Government to “put the brakes on”.

Audrey Oswell, the Paradise Island mega resort’s president and managing director, argued in a column published in full today (see Page 18) that there are “too many red flags” and unanswered questions relating to the cruise line’s planned Royal Beach Club destination.

She said these concerns focused largely on its potential environmental and economic impact, adding that Atlantis had raised some 50 questions relating to the former issue when the project was first unveiled for public consultation by the Department of Environmental

• Mega resort argues project’s approval ‘premature’

•

‘Too many red flags’ over environment, economy

• PM ended opposition on ‘changed circumstances’

Planning and Protection (DEPP) but had not received a single answer.

As for economic concerns, Ms Oswell said Royal Caribbean’s attraction will “privatise Paradise Island’s last public beach” while also sucking away the cruise line’s passengers and their muchneeded spending power from Bay Street merchants, restaurants, straw vendors, taxi drivers, tour and excursion providers and other sectors

that rely on the cruise industry for their livelihood.

Referring to the Government’s announcement that Royal Caribbean’s project has been approved, subject to obtaining all necessary environmental approvals, the Atlantis chief said: “I believe the green light is premature, with so many unanswered questions regarding the project’s environmental and economic impact still to be addressed.......

Minister: Out Island property tax for locals ‘will not happen’

• Chamber chief hails ‘removal of fear’

• Halkitis pledges move ‘not on table’

• Gov’t merely in data gathering mode

“What is needed now, before it’s too late, is a heightened level of scrutiny and discourse. Too much is at stake to stay silent. It has not been confirmed that the Royal Caribbean project does not pose serious threats to our beautiful beaches, marine life and their habitats. If this residential land is overdeveloped or the beaches and coastline altered in anyway, the

SEE PAGE A17

Sir Franklyn: Gas retailers have ‘made case for relief’

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

FOCOL’s chairman yesterday agreed that Bahamian petroleum retailers have “made their case for immediate relief” despite a Cabinet minister dismissing any prospect of an increase in gasoline and diesel margins.

Sir Franklyn Wilson, who heads the BISX-listed

petroleum wholesaler operating under the Shell brand, told Tribune Business no can doubt that the Bahamas Petroleum Retailers Association (BPRA) and its members have advanced a “reasonable” argument for a margin rise to ease their losses and financial strain.

He praised the gas station operators for a “measured and tempered” approach to negotiating with the Government and raising public awareness

of their plight, and added the retail petroleum industry was being asked to make “a disproportionate amount of sacrifice” while acknowledging the Davis administration’s reluctance to impose any cost increases on the Bahamian motoring public.

However, Michael Halkitis, minister of economic affairs, in closing the Senate’s mid-year

Bahamas to be Caribbean ‘sustainable airport leader’

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

THE BAHAMAS “is uniquely positioned to become a regional leader” in sustainable airport development through putting 14 such facilities out to publicprivate partnership (PPP) bids, a senior tourism official asserted yesterday.

Dr Kenneth Romer, the Ministry of Tourism’s director-general and acting aviation director, told a Prime Minister’s Office media briefing that efforts to transform airlift connectivity, infrastructure capacity and the visitor experience through attracting private sector

capital and management to 14 Family Island airports will have a heavy focus on resilience and sustainability post-Hurricane Dorian.

Disclosing that there will be “shovels in the ground” at Cat Island’s New Bight airport, with a ground breaking to be held “very shortly” on March 23 and a “proposed date” for completion on the $18m project in 2024, he produced renderings of the remodelled facility.

“It could become a model for sustainable airports,” Dr Romer said. “There are certain components in these airports that speak about sustainability. There are

SEE PAGE A19

Stopovers beat pre-COVID for first time in January ‘23

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

MONTHLY air arrivals exceeded pre-COVID figures for the first time in January 2023, a senior tourism official said yesterday, while revealing that stranded or in-transit passengers have been unable to find hotel rooms in Nassau.

Dr Kenneth Romer, the Ministry of Tourism’s deputy director-general and acting head of aviation, told the Prime Minister’s Office media briefing that elevated visitor demand meant The Bahamas now has a “capacity” challenge in terms of sufficient hotel room

inventory to accommodate all visitors.

“We had a situation the other day where an airline couldn’t find seven rooms for stranded passengers,” he said. “Just Saturday past we had an air transit that

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

A CABINET minister yesterday “removed the fear” of many Family Islanders that real property tax was about to be levied on Bahamian-owned properties by pledging “authoritatively it will not happen”.

Daphne Degregory-Miaoulis, Abaco’s Chamber of Commerce president, told Tribune Business that Out Island residents and businesses now have “a clear and definitive picture” of the Government’s intentions after Michael Halkitis, minister of economic affairs, asserted that the tax’s introduction is “not on the table” with respect to locally-owned real estate.

Responding to concerns voiced in yesterday’s Tribune Business, Mr Halkitis told the Senate during the mid-year Budget debate: “Bahamians do not pay property tax in the Family Islands. That is the way it will continue to be. There is no decision by the Government to impose property tax in the Family Islands. It has not been raised, it has not been discussed, it has not been debated. It will not happen. I hope I am clear enough.”

Mr Halkitis responded after he confirmed that this newspaper’s article had attracted significant readership, including online and across social media. Mrs Degregory-Miaoulis had revealed she and others were bracing

DR KENNETH ROMER

SIR FRANKLYN WILSON

AUDREY OSWELL

MICHAEL HALKITIS