03142023 NEWS, SPORT AND BUSINESS

‘PM MUST EXPLAIN U-TURN OVER RCI’

GOVT SPOKE WITH FUEL RETAILERS ON MARGINS

Pintard

wants PM to be “complete and frank” on the sudden change

By LYNAIRE MUNNINGS Tribune Staff Reporter lmunnings@tribunemedia.net

FREE National Movement Leader Michael Pintard has called on Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis to give a full explanation for his about turn regarding the recent approval of Royal Caribbean International’s $110m beach club project on Paradise Island.

While in opposition, the Davis-Cooper administration was vocal and critical about the proposed project.

By EARYEL BOWLEG Tribune Staff Reporter ebowleg@tribunemedia.net

MONEY owed by delinquent businesses will not save the National Insurance Board fund, Minister of State with responsibility for NIB Myles Laroda said yesterday, adding that many companies that are behind on contributions are small businesses.

He told reporters there is a “misconception” that many businesses that owe NIB money are mega

However, it was recently announced that the revised proposal was approved and developers are expected to break ground “almost immediately”.

Last week, press secretary Clint Watson defended Mr Davis’ change of heart, saying that all previous objections were resolved and that the proposal presented in 2020 was less favourable.

However, Mr Pintard believes Mr Davis and Deputy Prime Minister and

companies.

“The reality is the board has been placing individuals before the courts for many years and those affected most are those who are mostly delinquent, small businesses or individuals who have people in their employ. It isn’t the megastructures,” he stated.

He said NIB has seen revenue increase recently, but added that its payouts to pensioners and other people collecting benefits

JOURNALISM GIANT ED BETHEL DEAD AT 82

VETERAN journalist Eldred “Ed” Bethel died yesterday at the age of 82.

Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis remembered Mr Bethel as “a giant in the field of journalism” and a distinguished diplomat.

“Mr Bethel was an exceptional journalist, a skilled broadcaster, and a respected diplomat who made significant contributions to our nation throughout his career,” Mr Davis said in a statement

yesterday. “Mr Bethel’s contribution to journalism in The Bahamas cannot be overstated. He began his

career at The Tribune under the tutelage of Sir Etienne Dupuch and Sir Arthur Foulkes, and went on to cover many of the major events in The Bahamas.”

Mr Bethel worked as coordinator of ZNS coverage of the 1973 Bahamas independence celebrations, along with Charles Carter and Carl Bethel.

He added that Mr Bethel represented the country on the international stage

THE government has agreed to “explore other avenues” with fuel retailers to help bring them some relief while not increasing the cost of gasoline at the pumps for consumers, the Office of the Prime Minister said yesterday.

In a statement, OPM said Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis and senior government officials met with representatives of the Bahamas Petroleum Retailers Association yesterday “to discuss the industry’s ongoing issues and challenges and the need to find a balance that sustains their businesses while not negatively impacting them and

SAMPSON CAY TO GET NEW $25M RESORT

By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net

DAYS after signing a heads of agreement for a resort development in the Exuma cays, the Davis administration yesterday sealed another deal for the island that will allow for the construction of a high-end, low-impact resort that is slated to be built on Big Sampson Cay.

Prime Minister Phillip “Brave” Davis, who was present at the project’s heads of agreement signing yesterday, hailed it as a “promising development” for Exuma and said it will serve as a major “economic stimulus” for the island. He said it will raise the nation’s

‘ONE RATE INCREASE IN 50 YEARS IS NOT SUSTAINABLE’

Sampson Cay to get new $25m resort

tourism product to even greater heights.

“Sampson Cay, located just north of Staniel Cay, will be transformed into a $25m environmentally friendly boutique resort and marina, generating numerous jobs for Bahamians during the construction phase and further employment opportunities once operational,” he said at the Office of the Prime Minister yesterday.

“The project is selffinanced by permanent resident and philanthropist, Mr Robert Coughlin. We’ll see the revitalisation of existing structures on the island, the upgrade of the airstrip and the creation of a state-of-the-art marina.

“These enhancements will be executed exclusively by Bahamian contractors, and architects demonstrating Mr Coughlin’s commitment to investing in the people of this nation.

“As a result of this significant new development, local companies will thus be patronised, tax revenue would be generated and increased competition in the luxury market will raise

our tourism product to greater heights.”

Sampson Cay Retreat will feature a main house that serves as a central dining and gathering spot and beach cottages with a total of 22 rooms plus staff housing for up to 15 people, utilising less than 10 percent of the 121 acres purchased by the company. The remaining acreage will have walking and cycling trails and related fitness and wellness assets, including kayaking, yoga, snorkelling and diving.

A marina will not be built in the first phase, according to Bob Coughlin, the company’s president.

However, he did note that the resort will host local artists in keeping with their goal to present a true authentic Bahamian experience for their guests.

He also committed the project to being environmentally sustainable.

“I think a lot of the sustainable features will be in the power, in the water generation, in how we use the land and in what we grow... I don’t think we’re going to bring a whole lot of external landscaping to the island,” he also said.

“We’ll grow as much as

we can (that) we can eat on the island. In terms of the waters out in front of us, there is some sea grass and we’ll have rules like what can and can’t be done in terms of walking in the sea grass even.” He also said: “In terms of the materials and how we build, we’re not going to come in with big bulldozers. We’re going to pinpoint

where we have to build things and where we have to build concrete and how we have to do things.

“We’re hand-building paths throughout the island right now.” For the cottages, he said they will install meters “that show how much water and how much power people are using each day”.

The project will be constructed over an estimated three-year period, he added.

When asked how many jobs will be available after the development’s completion, Mr Coughlin replied:

“I think a round number of 15 to 20 jobs is likely. I think actually our agreement is probably a little less than that in terms of

permanent jobs, but I also think that things like artists and things like that, we’ll pay people to come to the island to be a part of the experience.”

Deputy Prime Minister and Exuma and Ragged Island MP Chester Cooper welcomed the development with open arms, telling reporters he was looking forward to the project’s completion.

“This is going to be a great boost to the Exuma cays,” Mr Cooper said. “Sampson Cay is one of the most magnificent marine habitat areas in the Exumas, beautiful sandbanks, eco sensitive marine environment and, therefore, I know that this is going to work harmoniously with what now exists in the cays.”

This latest signing comes less than a week after the government signed a heads of agreement for a $56m resort development in the Exuma cays.

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, officials said.

KING CHARLES III MESSAGE SHARED ON COMMONWEALTH DAY AS SCHOOLS MARK THE EVENT

THE Commonwealth has a “near-boundless potential as a force for good”, King Charles III has said in a message today for Commonwealth Day, while the Governor General of The Bahamas has also released a message to mark the occasion.

In his message, King Charles said: “Commonwealth Day was an occasion of particular pride for my beloved Mother, The late Queen – a treasured opportunity to celebrate our Commonwealth family, to whose service she dedicated her long and remarkable life.

“In succeeding Her Majesty as Head of the Commonwealth, I draw great strength from her example, together with all that I have learnt from the extraordinary people I have met, throughout the Commonwealth, over so many years.”

He added: “The Commonwealth has been a constant in my own life, and yet its diversity continues to amaze and inspire me.

Its near-boundless potential as a force for good in the world demands our highest ambition; its sheer scale challenges us to unite and be bold.

“This week marks the tenth anniversary of the Charter of the Commonwealth, which gives expression to our defining values – peace and justice; tolerance, respect and solidarity; care for our environment, and for the most vulnerable among us.

“These are not simply ideals. In each lies an imperative to act, and to make a practical difference in the lives of the 2.6 billion people who call the Commonwealth home.”

Drawing attention to issues across the Commonwealth, he added: “Whether on climate change and biodiversity loss, youth opportunity and education, global health, or economic co-operation, the Commonwealth can play an indispensable role in the most pressing issues of our time. Ours is an association not just of shared values, but of common purpose and joint action.

“In this we are blessed with the ingenuity and imagination of a third of the world’s population, including one and a half billion people under the age of thirty. Our shared humanity contains such precious diversity of thought, culture, tradition and experience. By listening to each other,

we will find so many of the solutions that we seek.

“This extraordinary potential, which we hold in common, is more than equal to the challenges we face. It offers us unparalleled strength not merely to face the future, but to build it. Here, the Commonwealth has an incredible opportunity, and responsibility, to create a genuinely durable future – one that offers the kind of prosperity that is in harmony with Nature and that will also secure our unique and only planet for generations to come.”

King Charles concluded: “The myriad connections between our nations have sustained and enriched us for more than seven decades. Our commitment to peace, progress and

opportunity will sustain us for many more. “Let ours be a Commonwealth that not only stands together, but strives together, in restless and practical pursuit of the global common good.”

In his own statement, Governor General Sir CA Smith said: “Today, in common with the 56 Member-States of the Commonwealth of Nations, we celebrate Commonwealth Day. This year’s observance is under the Theme ‘Forging a sustainable and peaceful common future’ which combines the commitment of member states to support the promotion of peace, prosperity, and sustainability. This objective is particularly geared towards the pursuit of a better future

for our young people and to generally improve the lives of all Commonwealth citizens.

“It is notable that, as we in The Bahamas celebrate our 50th year as an Independent Nation, it is also the 50th anniversary of the Commonwealth Youth Program (CYP). Through that organisation, many of our people have already benefitted, and more opportunities will become available in the future.

“Against this background, I take this opportunity to remind our young people to be even more aware that your future, and that of our Nation, lies within your hands. You must therefore be fully prepared to seize the opportunities which become available. With proper

preparation and qualifications, you will be ready to face the future as qualified and effective citizens, and you will earn the regard and gratitude of your parents, your teachers and all the members of your community. As is commonly said, ‘the ball is in your hands’.

“Happy Commonwealth Day! And may God continue to bless our Commonwealth of The Bahamas.”

During an event at CH Reeves Junior High School, Minister of State for Social Services and Urban Renewal Lisa Rahming also saluted Commonwealth Day, saying: “The history of the Commonwealth is full of examples of what happens when we work together for the common good.”

FNM LEADER EXCITED FOR CARIFTA TOURNAMENT

By BRENT STUBBS

Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

FREE National Move -

ment leader Michael Pintard and Deputy leader Shanendon Cartwright made sure that the opposition party was fully on board supporting the youth of the nation for the Oaktree Medical Center’s 50th CARIFTA Games.

The two leaders showed up on Monday at the Cultural Village of to purchase $2,500 worth of ticket for the games, scheduled for April 8-10.

“We are so excited as Bahamians to be able to come here and to support Team 242. We know we are going to do very well,” said Cartwright, the Member of Parliament for the neighboring St Barnabas constituency. “We are here to encourage our athletes, who have

been working so hard throughout the year to make this team to represent our country. We want to watch them run faster, jump higher, throw further

as be turn out to be the gracious hosts that we are known to be.”

Pintard, the MP for Marco City in Grand Bahama, said they

anticipate that Team Bahamas will have representation from throughout the archipelago and so they want to stand by Team Bahamas.

“We want families to come out as a group in order to support our athletes to help deepen the ties that we have with our Caribbean brothers and sisters and of course to cheer our team on to victory,” Pintard said.

“This is the ninth time we are hosting the event and the 50th anniversary of the games coincide with the 50th anniversary of our independence as a nation and so it is important for us in our jubilee year to support our athletes as they go up against some fierce competition from the region.”

Athletics, according to Pintard, assist us as a nation and people in so many areas and facets of life that they could not

pass up the opportunity to make their presence felt in the Thomas A. Robinson National Stadium when the games take place from April 7-11.

And as a retired athlete, Cartwright said the cheers of the fans is so vital to the success of athletes when they compete.

“Yes, there’s that need to perform our best from that pride within, but we’re here in the Bahamas in our 50th year of celebrations and so we want to enjoy this together with the Bahamian people,” Cartwright said.

“So, we want the Bahamian people to come out and let’s fill up the stands so our athletes can be further motivated to be able to compete against the best coming in from the region. We want to encourage Team Bahamas to compete at their best at home with the fans in the stands cheering them on.”

The leaders of the FNM didn’t give any indication where exactly they purchased their tickets for, but revealed that they have gotten seats that will be very visible for the athletes to see them and for them to cheer on the athletes.

Tickets for the event are now available for purchase online atwww.carifta50. com and at the Box Office, located at the Eastern Grand Entrance of the Thomas. A. Robinson, National Stadium, on the same side as Road Traffic. For more information you can subscribe to the carifta50.com website or follow them on their social media pages on @ carifa2023 or Facebook: @50thCariftaGames2023.

Persons can also call 808-Gold or email partnership@carifta50.com to still take advantage of the opportunity to partner for these upcoming CARIFTA Games.

PRIME Minister Philip “Brave” Davis hailed it as a “promising development” as the government sighed a heads of agreement with philanthropist Robert Coughlin who is looking to build an environmentally friendly resort and marina at Sampson Cay in Exuma.

Photo: Moise Amisial

FNM leader Michael Pintard and Deputy leader Shanendon Cartwright are flanked by LOC CEO Lynden Maycock, Marketing manager Fern Hanna and Dame of Carifta Pauline Davis as they purchase tickets for the Carifta Games.

MINISTER of State for Social Services and Urban Renewal Lisa Rahming speaking at a Commonwealth

Day event at CH Reeves yesterday.

Photo: Austin Fernander

‘PM must explain u-turn over RCI’

Tourism Minister Chester Cooper owe the public a “candid” explanation, saying that the press secretary does not hold the power to speak on a “fundamental” matter.

In an interview with this newspaper yesterday, the FNM leader sought answers from the Prime Minister, saying that a “complete and frank” explanation on the sudden change of heart is needed.

“When we were in government another development was also being looked at with respect to RCI, and attempts were being made to get the Bahamian developer and RCI to arrive at an agreement that was mutually beneficial,” he said yesterday.

“And that would allow that limited space to be used both for the benefit of a Bahamian developer, as well as for the benefit of the cruise line. Now, the opposition (Progressive Liberal Party) at that time was extremely critical of the proposal and gave an extensive rationale for why they disagreed with the (then) government entering into an arrangement with the international cruise developer.”

He continued: “And at

that time, the now prime minister was extremely vocal about the need for us to empower our Bahamian developer or group of Bahamian developers, and he saw no pathway for an international developer to the exclusion of a Bahamian.

“So, it is, most unfortunate, he has made a complete about turn on this position. One would have expected that at a minimum, the Prime Minister would have been seeking to ensure that no Bahamian developer is disadvantaged.”

Both the cruise line and the government had been embroiled in a longrunning 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.

Many are questioning the environmental impact the development may

‘ONE RATE INCREASE IN 50 YEARS IS NOT SUSTAINABLE’

still cannot be sustained without a contribution increase.

“Over the past year plus, we’ve seen revenue increases. The board is budgeted to collect some $300m in revenue. The problem ain’t, and I keep on stressing this, the problem is we have 43,000 people collecting National Insurance benefits. The contribution rate now just cannot adequately address that.

“We have millions and millions and millions of dollars off per month. The National Insurance Board is not subsidised by The Bahamas government, it will be able to sustain itself on contributions, investments, or rentals.”

He also said: “We’ve had one rate increase going on 50 years. It’s just not sustainable and some of the things are not attributed to anybody being wrong. Are we going to say that we don’t want our pensioners to live longer? No.

“Now, some of these things just are not controlled or within the control of the government. So to those who say, well if we collect this amount of money here all leakage that is plugged... but we are just at this point and I invite the public, don’t just listen to me go and read the report.

“It’s there for the public to see and you will see what has been said over the past decades as it relates to the fund and the income that’s been taken in and monies that have been paid out.”

NIB’s board has recommended several increases to bolster the social security safety net.

“Well, the recommendation that was made by the board and the recommendation that was made for in the report is for multiple increases every two years,” he expressed.

“Because like I said, one increase is not going to save the fund and I don’t want to appear to be cold, but that is just the reality of the hands that we have been dealt.

“And so if the fund is

going to be there for the next 50 years then measures are going to have to be put in place. I don’t think there’ll be any appetite in this country now to cut the benefits that are paid to our pensioners.

“A lot of them that is the only source of income that they may have. And so we’re gonna have to find, you know, other ways to keep the fund going. And the one mechanism that the board has. . .that would be to increase the rates over the next few years.”

The Tribune exclusively reported in April 2022 an actuarial review of the National Insurance Board predicted that the fund could be depleted by 2028 should officials neglect to take urgent action.

Last month, The Nassau Guardian reported that Cabinet had greenlit a rate increase which is believed to take effect July 1, however government officials have not confirmed this.

Mr Laroda has previously said details will be forthcoming at a later date.

have.

In a recent statement, Save the Bays chairman Joseph Darville, questioned the environmental effects of the project, and said it looks like Paradise Island is becoming “Hog Island” once again, with profits being placed over the interests of the people.

Mr Pintard, however, said he is not surprised in the $110m project’s approval, noting a common trend of the Davis administration to proceed with ground breaking developments prior to the completion of an environmental impact assessment.

He urged governments to aim to complete preliminary work ahead of the commencement of projects, suggesting that

the government ensure that there is Bahamian involvement in all phases of the $110m project.

“Again, The Bahamas is open for business,” he told The Tribune yesterday.

“We should be strident in attempting to ensure investments, and investment by Bahamians and others, but we should also be minded completing the technical, make sure all of the technical matters are completed in advance of us indicating that this is a done deal.

“And it appears that, once again, the government has not taken care of a number of the preliminary requirements in order to complete the project,” he added.

Last week, Atlantis’ top executive warned that

approval of the project is “premature” and urged Bahamians to call on the government to “put the brakes on”.

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

JOURNALISM GIANT ED BETHEL DEAD AT 82

as consul general to New York, Bahamas high commissioner to the United Kingdom and ambassador to the European Union.

“Specifically, Mr Bethel’s service as consul general to New York was marked by his dedication to the wellbeing of Bahamians living in the United States, while his service as Bahamas high commissioner to the United Kingdom and ambassador to the European Union was marked by his commitment to advancing the interests of our nation in Europe,” Mr Davis said.

He said Mr Bethel was a devoted family man and a community pillar. The Bahamas Press Club also expressed sadness over Mr Bethel’s death.

“His death certainly leaves a void in journalism — broadcast and print — in The Commonwealth of The

Bahamas,” said club president Anthony Capron.

“He was a consummate professional, a gentleman and was instrumental in preserving the integrity and standard of the profession, characters which his peers and upcoming journalists strived to emulate,” Mr Capron said.

Mr Bethel received The Etienne Dupuch Lifetime Achievement Award — the highest honour presented by the Bahamas Press Club — at a media awards gala held on February 29, 2020.

After beginning his career at The Tribune in 1959, Mr Bethel joined ZNS in 1963 as a sports reporter where he spent many years. He also worked at JCN and other news agencies and previously served as executive director of Bahamas Information Services.

As coordinator of ZNS’ coverage of the 1973 Bahamas independence, Mr Bethel along with the late

Sir Charles Carter and Carl Bethel were the broadcasters at Clifford Park on the historic night of July 9, 1973, who told the world that a new nation named The Commonwealth of The Bahamas was born.

Among his other career achievements, in 1975, Mr Bethel provided blow-byblow coverage of the Elisha Obed vs Miguel de Oliveira championship bout from Paris, France.

Mr Bethel along with Charles Carter and the late Calsey Johnson inaugurated local television, ZNS, Channel 13 in July 1977. Mr Bethel is also a founding member and president of the Bahamas Press Club during the late 1990s. He remained active in the media until his retirement in 2012. He leaves behind a wife, Dawne Adderley, four children and 10 grandchildren.

ED Bethel received The Etienne Dupuch Lifetime Achievement Award at The Bahamas Press Club Fifth Annual Media Awards ceremony on Saturday, February 29, 2020, at the British Colonial Hilton. Pictured from left to right: Kevin Harris, Director-General, Bahamas Information Services; Damian Blackburn, Chief Aliv Officer and Title Sponsor of the awards; Eileen Carron, editor and publisher, The Tribune; Ed Bethel; Anthony Capron, president, Bahamas Press Club; Lindsay Thompson, Secretary, Bahamas Press Club and Anthony Newbold, Immediate Past President, Bahamas Press Club.

FREE National Movement leader Michael Pintard said yesterday that the Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism need to give a ‘complete and frank’ explanation of why the changed their mind on RCI’s Paradise Island beach club.

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orphan.

PRIME Minister Phillip “Brave” Davis with several members of his Cabinet last night attended the 97th Biennial National General Convention of The Church of God of Prophecy.

In congratulating the church on holding the convention, Mr Davis reminded those gathered that the Church of God of Prophecy was first established in The Bahamas in 1909 by Bahamians Edmund and Rebecca Bar.

He also acknowledged that the country held a special place within the international assembly as it was the first country outside the US where the Church of God of Prophecy established tabernacles and evangelical missions.

“A clear message and a clarion call must go out from the highest office, especially as we enter our 50th year of sovereign nationhood, that we must develop a national culture of telling our story and memorialising exceptional and visionary Bahamians who have quietly made significant contributions to national development,” he said.

“Many Bahamians are of the impression that foreign

missionaries established these churches in The Bahamas, but history shows that our forefathers and foremothers established many of our churches and have mightily shaped our Christian heritage, moral values and built a powerful and influential church community.”

Mr Davis said despite the evilness in the world, as a Christian nation, we must fight for the protection of our families, communities and for the soul of this nation, “knowing that we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities and powers and spiritual wickedness in high places.”

“It is therefore critically important that saints of God and the church remain obedient to the great commission to go ye into all the world and preach the gospel,” he added. “The record shows that the Church of God of Prophecy has never wavered in its divine commitment to bringing the good news to the lost and reaching out to the sick, the shut in, the poor, the dispossessed, comforting the broken hearted, the assisting the widow and the

PANDEMIC SAW INCREASE IN GAMBLING DISORDERS, ESPECIALLY AMONG WOMEN

By JADE RUSSELL Tribune Staff Reporter jrussell@tribunemedia.net

THERE was an increase in gambling disorders during the COVID-19 pandemic with women being the most affected, according to a physician from the Sandilands Rehabilitation Centre.

Dr Sean Knowles, committee member of the problem gambling addiction team, spoke yesterday at an Island Luck press conference held to mark Problem Gambling Awareness Month.

Dr Knowles revealed that many people developed a gambling addiction due to economic stress and other challenges that resulted from the COVID-19 pandemic.

“You are in your 114th year of community outreach, Sunday school, missions and evangelism in The Bahamas and you remain as focused and resolutely committed to kingdom building as ever – reconciling the world to Christ one soul at a time.”

He also commended the church for its zeal and passion for God, while paying homage to the strong leadership of Bishop Franklin Ferguson.

“I encourage Bishop Ferguson to continue to always keep his lamp trimmed much like the wise virgins, with much fasting, prayer and supplication because the effectual fervent prayer of the righteous avails much,” he said in closing.

“I know that the convention is praying for you.”

Also in attendance at the ceremony was Deputy Prime Minister Chester Cooper, Immigration Minister Keith Bell, National Security Minister Wayne Munroe and President of The Bahamas Christian Council Bishop Delton Fernander among other officials.

“This pandemic has had far reaching consequences on us and even though it started in 2020 we’re still dealing with people who have been affected. Because of loss of a job or even loss of a loved one. To add to the extent of the situation, we just came out of a hurricane, Hurricane Dorian people are still dealing with that,” Dr Knowles said.

Based on his experience in the public sector, Dr Knowles explained women were referred more for gambling disorders, adding worldwide women tend to be more

affected by the disorder.

Dr Knowles said there are some theories why women are most affected such as them tending to seek comfort in gambling when going through hardships. He said 50 percent of people dealing with a gambling disorder will also have another condition.

“In terms of gambling disorder, up to 50 percent of persons will also have a comorbid condition that can range anywhere from other mental illnesses such as depression, anxiety, substance use, or even health issues such as insomnia, high blood pressure.”

He continued: “As a team, we not only provide the prevention aspect of it in terms of educating people about the importance of responsible gaming but we also try our best to educate persons who are in the communities who may have a direct involvement in providing assistance, particularly clergyman, social service officers, and even persons within the gaming industry.”

Island Luck contributed $30,000 to Sandilands Rehabilitation Centre at the event.

Kenny Mackey, senior marketing manager of Island Luck, said the company is taking an active approach to create

supporting safety nets for all customers.

Mr Mackey said: “It is incredibly important, especially during this month, that serves as Problem Gambling Awareness Month, to highlight the mechanisms in place to aid customers in safely partaking in this form of entertainment.

“We are proud again, to partner with and contribute to Sandilands for a total of $30,000 this year in aid to further train and support the Sandilands Rehabilitation Centre. Additionally, we will be holding training sessions for our customer facing staff geared toward effectively identifying potential harmful behaviour and the accurate and appropriate response.”

He also noted there are certain guardrails in place at the company where people can have selfimposed limits to control how much they are able to gamble per day.

Paulette Dean, chairperson of the gambling addiction awareness programme, said there are currently two additional problem gambling specialists and four case managers at Sandilands.

As a recovered gambling addict, Ms Dean stressed the importance of education and awareness on gambling.

FEW STRAW VENDORS FULLY SUPPORT THE RE-OPENING OF BAY STREET STRAW MARKET

By LYNAIRE MUNNINGS Tribune Staff Reporter lmunnings@tribunemedia.net

THE Bay Street Straw Market opened on a fulltime basis yesterday, however some vendors are strongly opposed to the move, likening it to “Friday the 13th”.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there were protocols put in place for the vendors’ work schedule. As a result, the majority of the vendors voted for the rotation of work days, which allowed them to work three days some weeks and four days other weeks.

The vendors were divided in two groups — group A and group B — which allowed them to come separately, leading to the market being less crowded and competitive.

The Straw Market opened yesterday on a “full-time” basis, according to a press statement from the Ministry of Works and Utilities.

“After the country was shut down during March of 2020, due to the COVID19 pandemic, a rotational system was put in place at the Bay Street Straw Market when it was reopened for business in November of 2021,” the ministry said on Sunday.

“This rotational system was a temporary measure designed to ensure the safety of Straw Market vendors, tourists, and the public at large. It was

never the intention that any Straw Markets would be operated on a rotational basis continuously.

“The ministry and the board of directors of the Straw Market Authority are now satisfied that the time has come to allow all vendors to go into the Bay Street Straw Market on a full-time basis, if this is what they desire, as had been the situation prior to March of 2020.”

However, Rebecca Small, president of the Straw Business Persons Society, said vendors are “fearful”, as the revenue is anticipated to be extremely low.

In a recent interview with this newspaper, Ms Small noted the concerns of many vendors, adding that there are a select few who are in favour of the full reopening.

“Vendors are opposed to the full opening because of fear of not making sufficient funds to be able to take care of their family,” she told this newspaper.

“I only wish the vendors who are in favour of the full opening can display their work on the average 3x6 stalls where the vendors are hurting most only for one month and see if they will agree for the full opening.”

She continued: “One vendor said that Monday, March the 13th feels like Friday 13th, that’s how fearful the vendors are especially for those who

will mostly be affected negatively.”

The president said the prior work schedule was financially beneficial for all, as those who are in favour of the full reopening have their “bellies full”.

“The rotation or shift was beneficial to mainly vendors who felt the pain prior to the pandemic who barely made a dollar on average,” she said.

“If you survey that market and go to each vendor only those who are located around the perimeters of the market near the woodcarvers, the back of the market on the east side and the middle isles, these are vendors who want the seven days a week because it really does not matter — their bread will be buttered more than the rest. These vendors don’t make up the majority of the views.”

The Ministry of Works and Utilities acknowledged the overcrowded conditions that pose a threat to vendors, noting that in “short order” a plan will be announced in regard to the expansion of the Bay Street Straw Market.

Additionally, a permanent Straw Market is currently under construction for the vendors at Fort Charlotte and plans are being advanced to relocate and expand the Straw Market at Fort Fincastle according to the ministry.

PRIME Minister Philip ‘Brave’ Davis addressed the church-goers at the 97th Biennial National General Convention of The Church of God of Prophecy.

Photo: Austin Fernander

FNM Senator ‘deeply disturbed’ by recent rape and incest cases

By LETRE SWEETING Tribune Staff Reporter lsweeting@tribunemedia.net

FREE National Movement Senator Maxine Seymour said she is “deeply disturbed” by the recent arrest of a Royal Bahamas Defence Force officer for alleged sexual abuse of a minor, adding that all offenders must be punished “even if they wear uniforms”.

According to police, the Criminal Investigation Department in New Providence recently arrested a 27-year-old male resident of Seabreeze Lane for alleged unlawful sexual intercourse.

Police said: “The suspect, a RBDF officer, allegedly engaged in sexual intercourse with a 13-year-old female between 2020 and 2023.

The file is presently being reviewed and the suspect is expected to be charged with multiple counts of unlawful sexual intercourse.”

Ms Seymour told The Tribune yesterday: “The Royal Bahamas Police Force (RBPF) and Royal Bahamas Defence Force (RBDF) uphold human rights, maintain order and protect our individual and

territorial integrity.

“Thus, I am deeply disturbed to hear that a 27-year-old RBDF officer was arrested for, allegedly, engaging in sexual intercourse with a 13-year-old girl (between 2020 and 2023). Likewise, I find it appalling that a 33-year-old RBPF corporal was recently charged with ten counts of incest,” she said.

Ms Seymour added that while she is disappointed to see those mandated to protect allegedly committing the most grave crimes, she will stand with police to make sure that “all persons committing a crime are punished”.

“I commend the RBPF for their action in arresting the accused and I urge them to continue to thoroughly investigate these and other matters. We must send a clear message that sexual violence against minors, and adults, will not be tolerated in any shape or form and must punish offenders to the maximum extent of the law, even if they wear uniforms,” she said.

“Sexual offences are a grave violation of human dignity and it is essential that we hold individuals accountable

for their actions, especially uniformed officers who wield power over our citizenry — power that should never be used corruptly or arbitrarily,”

Ms Seymour added.

“While I do not condone sexual abuse of any kind, I most certainly hold our uniformed officers to a higher standard and code of conduct as they are the ones we report such heinous acts to, expecting them to provide protection against all forms of illegality, as required by their profession,” she said.

Ms Seymour added: “Further, I strongly condemn predatory acts executed on minors. As noted, on multiple previous occasions, no matter how complicated the world gets, children should have safe neighbourhoods where they can grow up unharmed, secure and healthy, and develop to the maximum extent of their potential.

“As a community, we must prioritise the safety and well-being of all individuals, especially the most vulnerable among us. I stand with the brave survivors of these monstrous crimes, and their loved ones, as they pick up the pieces that will forever

GOVT SPOKE WITH FUEL RETAILERS ON MARGINS

from page one

be fragmented,” Ms Seymour said.

Police have reported a number of sex crimes recently.

Last Wednesday, a woman reported that she was sexually assaulted while walking near bushes on Prince Charles Drive around 5am. The victim went for a walk along Prince Charles Drive heading east towards the beach when the attack occurred.

“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.

And last week, a 37-yearold man was sent to prison accused of having sex six times with a 14-year-old girl last year.

Earlier this month, a 33-year-old police officer was sent to prison after being accused of raping his young daughter over the course of almost three years.

US donates generators and reverse osmosis systems to NEMA for shelters

By EARYEL BOWLEG Tribune Staff Reporter ebowleg@tribunemedia.net

THE United States government donated 28 generators that will be deployed to shelters in seven Family Islands and six reverse osmosis systems. The official handover ceremony of disaster response equipment to support a national shelter programme was held yesterday where Myles Laroda, state minister for disaster preparedness, outlined the capabilities of the equipment.

“Today, we are gathered, once again, to accept and give thanks for the United States government’s very generous donation of 28 generators which will be installed with automatic transfer switches, carbon monoxide sensors and fire extinguishers,” he said.

“This support package costs approximately $600,000. The generators will be deployed to shelters in seven of our Family Islands. The islands receiving these generators for their shelters are Abaco, Acklins, Andros, Cat Island, Exuma, Mayaguana, and Crooked Island. The determination of which islands will be supplied with generators was made following inspections in

2022 of the 143 facilities that served as hurricane and emergency shelters throughout The Bahamas.

“US Northern Command has also partnered with the Disaster Reconstruction Authority (DRA) to secure a generator for the hurricane shelter/community centre that is currently under construction in Abaco. In addition to the generators that are being donated today, the US Northern Command is also donating six easy transportable

reverse osmosis systems. These systems will allow for the rapid production of potable water for general use in remote areas,” Mr Laroda said.

Jon Smart, international engagement and acquisition division chief for the US Northern Command, boasted about the relationship the two nations have.

“This equipment supports the planning, mitigation, response and recovery before, during, and after an emergency or disaster. The

equipment highlights the culture of preparedness that exists throughout The Bahamas. It also enhances and strengthens the movement towards climate resiliency here in The Bahamas,” he said.

“The turnover of the equipment is especially timely as the hurricane season approaches and it’s just around the corner.

Northern Command is proud of the relationship we have with this great nation. It is a relationship that has grown over the last few years, which is due in no small part to the superb leadership within the administration and the hard work of the Bahamian people.”

Lance Posey, acting deputy chief of mission for the US Embassy, expressed the critical equipment and ongoing training engagements are vital to emergency management.

“As close friends and partners to The Bahamas, US government, US NORTHCOM and the US people don’t believe in simply showing up after disaster strikes. We know that the work done now is just as important as the work that you have yet to come. We’re here now and we’ll always be here ready to help side by side with our Bahamian neighbours.”

the Bahamian consumer”.

“While the government is sensitive to the plight of petroleum retailers, who have primarily asked for an increase on the currently fixed margin of 54 cents per gallon, it is also a priority of the Davis administration to act in a manner that does not impose a further financial burden on consumers,” OPM’s statement noted.

“In light of this, the government has agreed to explore other avenues to bring some relief to the retailers.”

The statement said the government and retailers have agreed to further discussions with other stakeholders to ensure the best possible outcome to resume talks and arrive at a conclusion in a week and a half.

This comes after the vice president of the Bahamas Petroleum Dealers Association pleaded with the government to reconsider its position on not granting retailers a margin increase, calling on Economic Affairs Minister Michael Halkitis to have a “change of heart”.

With repeated calls for the government to grant a margin increase, fuel retailers have threatened to take action soon to get the government’s attention, saying that they can no longer afford to operate on the current margin regime due to increasing costs.

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.

On Friday, Vasco Bastian pleaded with Mr Halkitis to reconsider, calling him a “reasonable gentleman” despite his recent comments that the government is “not minded” to do anything that will increase the cost of fuel at the pump.

Mr Bastian also said retailers were open to any reasonable agreement that the two sides can come up with.

By EARYEL BOWLEG Tribune Staff Reporter ebowleg@tribunemedia.net

DISASTER Reconstruction Authority executive chairman Alex Storr said a number of internal investigations at the agency will soon be turned over to police for further action.

He reported last October that between $250,000 to $1m-worth of post Hurricane Dorian supplies belonging to the agency are still missing.

“We have not located any more of the assets but those along with some other matters that we’re looking at the DRA, we’re meeting, discussing these and moving on to passing it on to the next level of investigation, which will involve more police action,” he told reporters yesterday.

He also said: “We have put together our internal investigations on a number of matters and we’ll be handing all that to the police.”

“I don’t even want to take that chance right now. It could be in the millions of dollars, so I just leave it at that, “ he said in roughly calculating on what is outstanding.

Yesterday, he also estimated some $20m to $30m will be needed by his agency to handle the hurricane season.

“Well, as you would have heard the minister spoke to a while ago, there has been legislation passed that will merge the DRA and NEMA and so we’re

preparing for that,” he answered.

“We have put forward a budget to the Ministry of Finance that will make sure that the agency is prepared for whatever happens (during) hurricane season.” Myles Laroda, state minister for disaster preparedness, has previously said the National Emergency and Management Agency (NEMA) and the DRA will be merging into one authority “to reduce the duplication of positions and also responsibilities”.

Mr Storr was asked for an approximate figure on what is needed by the DRA to handle the hurricane season.

He answered: “I’d say it’s in the $20 (million)-$30m (range).”

Asked to confirm if it was up to $30m, Mr Storr added: “Yes and you know it all depends on whether we have a storm or not and as the cleanup and repair has continued for Dorian.”

As for domes in the agency’s possession which were used as temporary living structures by the last administration post-Hurricane Dorian, Mr Storr said some other organisations may be able to use them.

“I’m wary of using them for any type of long-term housing, because they have proven to be issues with them. But right now on my desk, I have a number of proposals from a number of organisations that have uses for the dorms.”

DRA INTERNAL INVESTIGATIONS TO BE HANDED OVER TO POLICE

HANDING over of emergency equiptment to NEMA by US Northern Command. Pictured are Myles Laroda & US Embassy Acting deputy chief of missions Lance Posey.

MINISTER of State with responsibility for Disaster risk Reduction Myles Laroda speak at the ceremony for the Handing over of emergency equiptment to NEMA by US Northern Command. Photos: Kristaan Ingraham/BIS

The Tribune Limited

NULLIUS ADDICTUS JURARE IN VERBA MAGISTRI

“Being Bound to Swear to The Dogmas of No Master” LEON E. H. DUPUCH,

Cautious reaction to RCI proposal

THE issues surrounding the approval of the Royal Caribbean beach club deal for Paradise Island are not as simple as a yes or a no.

In truth, the situation is like a series of dominoes falling into one another, each knocking the next down.

First, there is the plan filed by Toby Smith for the restoration of the Paradise Island lighthouse. For some years, Mr Smith found himself entangled with his new neighbour, Royal Caribbean, in a dispute over who was to receive Crown land that had been pledged.

That ended in court – although an appeal is always possible – with a ruling that Mr Smith’s claim was not valid because former Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis’ signature was missing on a crucial document.

That may have played out separately in court but there is a perception among many that a Bahamian investor is not getting as fair a hearing by successive governments as overseas investors.

The truth of that is open to dispute, but the perception is unhelpful to say the least, and harmful at its worst.

As for Dr Minnis, he points to more dominoes – the deal he negotiated with Royal Caribbean, he says, would have been tied to the company’s involvement in Grand Bahama. Granting the revised deal gives Royal Caribbean what they want on Paradise Island but they are no longer bound by the obligation to carry out plans in Grand Bahama that would revive the island there, says Dr Minnis.

Then there is the neighbour on the other side for RCI, Atlantis, whose president has lodged concerns about the environmental impact of the development.

The RCI deal has been approved pending environmental assessments –but Atlantis president Audrey Oswell noted that some 50 questions had been raised regarding the environmental impact without a single answer received. Another domino, as RCI potentially impacts Atlantis.

All this is before we get to the change of heart from Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis, who opposed the RCI deal while in opposition.

Mr Davis’ press secretary, Clint Watson, says it is not a change of heart, it is a change of the plan itself, but that has not convinced many, with current opposition leader Michael Pintard saying it should not be down to the press secretary to address the matter, rather Mr Davis should speak to it himself.

Elsewhere, there are mixed views on the project’s impact. In Downtown, some are wary of the prospect of losing visitors to a ferry that would whisk them away before they spent money in stores and restaurants. Others are more positive, such as the top executive at the Nassau Cruise Port, Michael Maura, saying he is “absolutely not worried” about the project sucking passengers away – and that there are enough visitors to support everyone.

Finally, environmental campaigners have spoken up, raising concerns about the project’s impact.

So despite the approval – the yes from government, pending environmental approvals – it is not a simple, straightforward matter.

Mr Davis said ground would be broken “very soon”, despite the outstanding environment permissions – which raises questions over how seriously such a process will be taken if the work is already under way before the consent has been given.

The fact that Atlantis, of all companies, can seemingly not have enough sway to get a response to its environment concerns makes one wonder how seriously other voices will be listened to.

In this, you will note that there are a lot of voices talking about Royal Caribbean, but the company’s voice is quiet for now.

Royal Caribbean presumably just wants to go about its business – and finds itself at the centre of a debate that has grown hotter by the day.

The proper thing to do is make sure the environmental approval process is clear, transparent, and the views of all parties is considered.

Mr Pintard is right to ask for Mr Davis to give a full explanation of his change of heart – if the deal is the right one, a little daylight will show it to be so.

Such transparency will benefit Bahamian citizens, to see that all is being governed fairly, and to ease frustrations about favoritism towards foreign investors rather than local.

It will also benefit Royal Caribbean – to ensure that they are clearly seen to have gone about things the right way, and dispel the doubts that circle around on social media and over games of dominoes at bars.

The right thing is always to be more clear about why decisions are taken. Will we see such openness? We have our doubts, but we would be delighted to be wrong.

New jobs needed for a new world

EDITOR, The Tribune.

THE country’s social and economic progress has mainly been propelled thanks to the tourism and hospitality sector. Globalisation’s influence on the travel sector has made conducting business in it complicated and highly competitive. Given the Bahamas’ capacity to thrive in a competitive industry, it is clear that catering to tourists’ wants and needs is critical to maintaining our destination’s popularity. That is a genuine concern for the Bahamas, as consumers now have more options worldwide, many of which are comparable to the Bahamas in terms of amenities and other features.

That creates a puzzle in which, depending on the needs of incoming and outgoing travellers, The Bahamas may need to be swapped out for another location. There is a natural progression to the lifespan of a tourist attraction. Butler’s (the Butler Model is a method for analysing the evolution of tourism destinations in response to shifts in consumer preferences) destination area cycle model is one of the more prevalent alternatives.

Using the Butler model, we can see how tourism has impacted the Bahamas’ economy and society since the government first decided to use it as a tool for growth. Consequently, the market share of the Bahamas’ tourism offering is shrinking, by applying the Butler model, we can argue that The Bahamas is evolving

into a different vacation spot over time. The tourism industry in the Bahamas will inevitably go through the following stages: discovery, participation, development, consolidation, stagnation, and decline (post-stagnation).

The Bahamas has entered the revitalisation phase of the product life cycle, which follows the stagnation period. During this phase, the former administration worked to improve the destination’s image and reputation, attract more visitors, and win back lost market share by promoting the area’s attractions and encouraging travellers to visit. Although the tourism sector is crucial to the country’s economic success, strategically reducing the country’s dependence and reliance on it is paramount in our efforts to diversify the economy.

For any nation whose economy depends on a single sector, the failure of that sector can have farreaching societal effects. The Bahamas’reliance on this sector indicates the country’s economic stagnation and underdevelopment. The vulnerability of this sector calls for the creation of long-term strategies to improve people’s standard of living.

Some might estimate, without diversification, The Bahamas’ disadvantage concerning the economic transformation and institutional reform in Cuba to underline the necessity of increasing economic growth through diversification. Despite the glacial pace of change, Cuba has made

headway toward its goals by redefining the state through private sector dynamics, entrepreneurialism, and strengthening its relationship with the United States. The economic and government consequences are unclear, although prevailing wisdom agrees that this might lead to more significant economic growth and wealth for more people. The advancement of a knowledge-based economy should serve as the basis for the new growth theory adopted by the Bahamas as part of its economic transformation. Knowledge is power and can boost The Bahamas’ economic output and competitiveness in the global market. Over in Singapore, their commitment to knowledge-based economy (KBE) development in the past decade has enabled it to make a rapid and successful transition to a newly industrialised economy. Having invested heavily in ICT, the Singapore government is now keen to use content and creativity to enter the next wave of development. In The Bahamas, we can build a world-class economy in the Bahamas by prioritising education, supporting technological advancement, and cashing in on evolutionary innovation, which is crucial in today’s interconnected globe. Human capital growth is essential to the progress of the Bahamas during the next decade and beyond.

Off limits to Bahamians

EDITOR, The Tribune.

I WOULD like to add my voice to those of Joseph Darville, Claude B Hanna and Audry Oswell over the appalling decision by our Prime Minister to permit RCI to develop the western end of Paradise Island.

Over the last few decades, bit by bit, one at a time, our beautiful beaches have become off limits to Bahamians. Once upon a time one could go to Cabbage Beach or any other beach on Paradise Island and enjoy a swim and a picnic lunch. Once upon a time one could go over to Rose Island and find a deserted beach and enjoy a swim and a picnic lunch. Once upon a time one could go to Green Cay, Atholl Island, Spruce Cay and many others and

enjoy a swim and a picnic lunch. NOT ANY MOREthey have become off limits to us due to tourism development. It is a disgrace that our own land is being taken away from us, one beach at a time. Not to mention the environmental damage that is being inflicted on and in the surrounding ocean.

At one time, shark attacks were virtually unknown – not any more! Did it ever occur to anyone that the proliferation of tourists on an around these cays, and the inevitable food scraps entering the water as a result, is the cause of some of the ghastly shark attacks we have seen

in the last few years? With global warming and the rise in sea level we should be doing our utmost to save our beaches and surrounding marine environment, not trashing it!

Please don’t try and make us believe that this will not deter cruise passengers from patronising Bay Street merchants. Those “stay on board” passengers are usually the elderly who enjoy having the ship to themselves for a few hours and certainly will not relish a ferry ride and a day at the beach. Let’s keep The Bahamas for Bahamians with visitors welcome. My two cents worth.

JAMAL MOSS Nassau, March 13, 2023.

BRITAIN’s King Charles III is greeted by a member of a Maori group as he arrives to attend the annual Commonwealth Day service at Westminster Abbey in London, yesterday.

Photo: Frank Augstein/AP

BUT president says Abaco school ‘needs special attention’

By JADE RUSSELL Tribune Staff Reporter jrussell@tribunemedia.net

BAHAMAS Union of Teachers president Belinda Wilson said a “band-aid” approach will not settle the “myriad” of problems at Patrick J Bethel High School, saying the union is very concerned about the ongoing school violence. Mrs Wilson made these comments after a boy was attacked at a high school in Abaco last week. According to police, on Thursday shortly after 9am four girl students attacked a boy, leaving him with bodily injuries. The victim was taken to the Marsh Harbour Clinic, where he was treated for his injuries and was discharged.

The BUT president said a comprehensive plan is needed to address the issues of violence, lack of discipline, and teacher shortage at Patrick J Bethel.

“Patrick J Bethel High School (in) Abaco needs special attention and a band-aid approach will not resolve the myriad of problems at the school. I have requested a meeting with the acting director, the police, the school administrators, the district superintendent, teachers and other stakeholders to examine and devise a comprehensive plan for Patrick J Bethel High School Abaco,” she said.

The Ministry of Education in the past has

POLICE INVESTIGATE FIGHT THAT LED TO STABBING

A MAN is in hospital after being stabbed on Sunday night. Police said the incident took place after 11pm.

According to initial reports, while at a residence in the area of Ninth Terrace, Centreville, two men got into a heated argument.

As a result, one man produced a knife, and stabbed

the other man in the left side of his chest. The suspect fled the scene on foot heading south on Collins Avenue.

Emergency services were contacted and the 49-yearold victim was taken to hospital where he is listed in stable condition.

An investigation is ongoing.

FOX HILL DOUBLE-HOMICIDE SUSPECT NOT GRANTED BAIL

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Court Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net

A MAN was remanded after being accused of the double homicide in Fox Hill last week.

Kyle Jones, 29, faced Senior Magistrate Derence A Rolle Davis on two counts of murder.

According to police reports, around 9pm on March 6, someone shot and killed Patrickedo Rose and Alfred McKenzie at the park in Fox Hill.

It is said that while one of the victims was standing on Brice Street, he was accosted by two armed men who emerged from behind a building on the southern side of the street and opened fire. While this man attempted to flee the scene, he was gunned down in the street after his assailants gave chase after him.

The second victim, who was sitting nearby, was

also shot multiple times about the body. Both Rose and McKenzie were pronounced dead at the scene.

At the time of his death, McKenzie was out on bail for several pending murder charges.

Due to the severity of the offence the accused was not required to enter a plea in court yesterday. The magistrate informed him that his matter would proceed to the Supreme Court by way of a voluntary bill of indictment (VBI).

The accused was further informed that while the magistrate lacked the jurisdiction to grant bail he had the right to apply for it through the higher court.

Until bail is granted, Jones will be remanded to the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services.

Service of Jones’ VBI in this matter is set for May 31.

MAN DENIED BAIL IN SEX ABUSE CASE INVOLVING 12-YEAR-OLD

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Court Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net

A 27-YEAR-OLD man was remanded yesterday accused of sexually abusing a 12-year-old girl two years ago. Vann Miller stood before Senior Magistrate Derence A Rolle Davis on two counts of unlawful sexual intercourse.

It is alleged that between September 1 and November 30, 2021, Miller had sex with a child on two occasions.

As these charges are indictable offences, the

acknowledged the troubled state of the high school, however Mrs Wilson said the ministry has been given more than enough time to tackle the continuing problems.

“We have given the Ministry of Education more than enough time to address these issues. Although, I have been informed that there is a plan I await the details.

The BUT is very concerned about the welfare of the

teachers and by extension

the students. The school is so unsettled it is difficult for learning to take place. The Bahamas Union of Teachers is keeping a close eye on Patrick J Bethel High School Abaco.”

Mrs Wilson noted that in addition to the incident on Thursday, she has also received reports about other fights on the school’s campus. In November, The Tribune understands that

14 separate fights allegedly occurred on the campus, which resulted in a lockdown and police involvement that week.

Dominique Russell, acting director of education, told this newspaper that from preliminary reports it is understood that the fights were a result of issues that spilled over from the community into the school. The students who were involved in the arguments

were suspended, according to Ms Russell. Also, she said, there were plans for school officials, along with local police, to host a parent’s conference in the coming weeks. The acting director of education said the Ministry of Education is aiming to seek a “multi-dimensional approach” moving forward. Last year, there was outrage about the teacher shortage at Patrick J Bethel.

accused was not required to enter a plea at that time.

Miller was informed that his case would proceed to the Supreme Court by way of a voluntary bill of indictment (VBI). The accused was also told that as the magistrate lacked the jurisdiction to grant him bail he had the right to apply for it through the higher court.

Until bail is granted, the accused will be remanded to the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services.

Service of Miller’s VBI is set for June 15.

$4,000 FINE FOR FAILURE TO CHARGE ELECTRONIC MONITOR

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Court Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net

A MAN was fined $4,000 in court yesterday after he admitted to failing to charge his electronic monitoring device (EMD) while on bail for murder.

David Burrows, 32, faced Magistrate Kendra Kelly on four counts of violation of bail conditions.

This bail was granted to him by the Supreme Court for a pending murder

charge.

While on release for this charge, between January 1 and 24, Burrows failed to charge his court-imposed EMD on four occasions.

In court the accused pleaded guilty to all four counts of bail violation. The magistrate then sentenced Burrows to pay a collective fine of $4,000 for the offence or risk six months in prison. Burrows is to return to court on April 28.

Reuben ‘Ruppa Pumpum’ Deleveaux, a legendary Bahamian drummer

HAVE you ever heard a Bahamian conch shell blown like a true horn, filled with melodic notes?

Reuben Deleveaux delights his listeners when he picks up the seashell that is the biggest symbol of what it means to be Bahamian.

The queen conch is beautiful with its sandy hues of pink and coral. Put your ear to its lip and you will hear the ocean breeze calling you to the sea. The shell is the home of the conch - the mussel that is the most popular Bahamian delicacy. In Reuben’s hands, it becomes a true instrument. But he is best known for being a master drummer and king of the Goombay drum.

The first time I saw Reuben “Ruppa Pumpum” Deleveaux perform, I got that same kind of feeling that I had the first time I watched John “Chippie” Chipman perform, and the legendary John Berkley “Peanuts” Taylor. Reuben is gifted, and he has learned to share that passion with the world. His energy radiates from his heart... to his hands... to the drum... to your soul.

The fun, easygoing, humble island man transforms into a drumming warrior when he puts on his Junkanoo headpiece and touches the drum. He is an electrifying performer who brings the Bahamian culture alive, and people all over the world are taking notice.

Most recently, he made his debut in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA, as one of the highlights of the Reverence Black History Month Art Exhibition. He’s been seen on American news and television shows, and he has performed all over the world.

What started as a oneman show has developed into a band – ten strong – rocking the local and international scene with sweet Bahamian music.

“It still is amazing to me,” Reuben told me, “To be able to take that one Goombay drum and start an entire band.”

Established on July 6, 2012, the Rhythm Band

Face to Face

By FELICITY DARVILLE

is a party band known for its high energy in the Bahamian genre, Rake n’ Scrape and Junkanoo. But the band is diverse and can play all genres of music. They perform regularly locally, and have also graced stages in places such as New York City, Miami, Trinidad and Tobago, Haiti and Cuba.

It was around that same time that Reuben’s place was cemented in Bahamian drumming history. During a special event at Government House, the greats of Bahamian drumming and percussion were honoured: John Berkley “Peanuts” Taylor; King Errisson; John “Chippie” Chipman; and Reuben “Ruppa Pumpum” Deleveaux.

“I feel very proud of that photo,” Reuben said, speaking of the photo which was captured with these four greats at Government House.

“It was a wonderful experience to be dubbed in the company of those master drummers as one of them. Sometimes as artists, we go unrecognised in our own country. But that was a moment of great honour for me. I was in the circle with legends!”

Reuben has shared a

stage with the likes of Lenny Kravitz, whom he worked with during the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism “Fly Away” campaign. He was honoured to have had an opportunity to perform at the Atlantis resort with Sheila Escovedo, a world-renowned American percussionist and singer, likely best known for her time as drummer and musical director for the artist Prince.

Kelly Ripa and Ryan Seacrest boogied with Reuben and the Rhythm Band on Live! TV. Reuben even had a video with Bruno Mars that went viral on video. Reuben started the drum talk.

Bruno answered with an impressive play on the congo drum. But Reuben took that goatskin drum and made it talk while he danced and did stunts on the stage. Even Bruno Mars did a gesture to hail the Bahamian king of the Goombay drum. Reuben’s love for drumming is a lifetime affair.

Born to Origin and Lillian Deleveaux in Nassau, Bahamas, Reuben, his three sisters and his brother were all exposed to music. His father is a Gospel musician and

founder of the Instrumental Revival Band.

Origin’s vision became a ministry. His vision was to assist churches that didn’t have music – a much needed service that allowed him to express his gift in a way that helps others.

By the time he was two, he was beating on all his mother’s pots and pans religiously. He would beat on just about anything. Eventually, his father bought him a drum so that he could join the Church of God of Prophecy band. Even as a young boy, he remained diligent in attending band practice at the COGOP auditorium on Joe Farrington Road.

“The amount of passion I had for the drum, they had no choice but to buy me one,” he recalls amusingly.

By the time he was 13, Reuben joined the Nassau Brass Band. After school, Reuben would practice with the band in the open yard or in one of the classrooms at RM Bailey. The young drummer had to manage school with the responsibilities of the band, including performing for church functions,

ABOVE: Reuben ‘Ruppa Pumpum’ Deleveux seen entertaining visitors;

TOP inset: Drumming legends honoured at Government House; left to right- King Errison; John “Chippie” Chipman; John Berkley “Peanuts” Taylor; and Reuben “Ruppa Pumpum” Deleveaux.

MIDDLE inset: Reuben, center, in full performance costume, giving a thumbs up to two of his icons, Peanuts Taylor, left, and Chippie Chipman, right.

BOTTOM inset: Reuben on stage with Lenny Kravitz.

LEFT photo: Reuben, front, right, with the Rhythm band

funerals and other events.

Just a couple years later, Reuben would receive an opportunity that would change his life. Prominent culturalist and performer

Mitzie Chipman gave him an opportunity to be her drummer during her amazing performances at the King and Knights Club.

The club, owned by the late “King” Eric Gibson, was the place to see Bahamian music and culture on display. Tourists and locals flocked to the club to see top class performances. Reuben played so well that he was invited to other cultural performances, even as a teenager, at hotels including the Radisson, Breezes, Sandals and Atlantis Resort.

From the year 1991 when Reuben was first invited to represent the Bahamas abroad, he hasn’t stopped touring, and he hasn’t stopped drumming. A true percussionist, Reuben found a way to blow that conch shell in a way that leaves his audience wanting more.

“What I have learned over the years in entertainment is that you have to find ways to be interactive with the audience,” he told me.

“You have to take them to a place where they can understand the importance of the rhythm and the sound … and what the conch shell and the drum stand for.”

Around 1998, Reuben decided to out his hat in the ring for what was known as “the Junkanoo Olympics”. That year, he won the title of the king of the drum. The next year, he entered and won the title again.

Reuben claimed the title for five years straight before it was decided that he is now in the professional ranks and should make way for others to make a claim. He’s still reigning as the drum king of The Bahamas, however, on every stage he takes to.

Reuben is heavy on respect for the ancestors, and the history of Bahamian culture. His art allows him to tell a story that connects the past to the present, and brings an appreciation for what the culture is all about.

Although he was a performer, like many musicians, he had a job that allowed him to pay the bills. Fortunately for Reuben, he was doing something that he really loved. He was working with animals at the Humane Society of The Bahamas. But the more he grew in acclaim as a drummer, Reuben knew that he had to step out in faith.

In 2005, he followed his

heart and went full time into being a professional Bahamian musician. At the same time, he released a 9 track CD and made his debut at the Ministry of Tourism’s Junkanoo Summer Festival.

“I have been getting booked ever since,” he shared, “Traveling and performing.”

“I have been blessed and I only could give God thanks for His many blessings. I continue to work hard and carry on the legacy of the greats that was given to us by the ancestors.”

From under the wings of his father, Reuben took flight as a young musician to rise to the heights he has reached today.

At RM Bailey School band, he worked under the direction of Lou Adams. At the Nassau Brass Band, he was under the direction of the late Nathan Symonette. He learned the fundamentals and rudiments of the snare drum working with the late Bruce Pratt. He also got great experience playing with the legendary Ira Storr and the Spank band for a few years.

Reuben’s path has been solid because he combined self-determination with an appreciation for all he learnt from the greats who paved the way. In addition to Mitzie Chipman, Reuben is thankful for the encouragement and inspiration from Bahamian greats such as Ronald Simms; Freddie Munnings, Jr; the late Jackson Burnside; Stan Burnside, and Arlene Nash-Ferguson.

“They were all instrumental in who I am today as a proud Bahamian and a great entertainer,” he said.

Reuben is also proud of being a father of three, and one who believes in imparting Bahamian culture to the next generation.

He has even found a way to use his drum as a tool for social responsibility. As a devoted member of One Family Junkanoo group, Reuben was able to serve as producer and executive director for the “Black Lives Matter” tribute done by the Junkanoo group – another video that went viral.

“I just want to continue to follow my heart, my dream and my passion, which is drumming,” he said.

“I want the Rhythm band to continue to soar to new heights, keeping a high standard and operating the way a band should be. We are just a group of fun, talented musicians, putting our heart into what we love to do as ambassadors of Bahamian music.

Sunak’s EU handling has granted him some authority as ‘a problem-solver’

AS THE international news cycle moves on relentlessly, its spotlight is also always changing. In Britain during the last two weeks, the UK government’s new proposals agreed with the European Union for settling Northern Ireland’s postBrexit trading arrangements dominated the front pages.

Then, almost overnight, the subject of immigration took over the top spot as Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced proposals to tackle it as one of his government’s priorities. But, before writing today about this endlessly controversial issue, I mention first the wider implications of the proposed new Northern Ireland agreement which I referred to in last week’s column. It seems to me that these are twofold: a change in UK/EU relations and the effect on Mr Sunak’s premiership.

Sadly but inevitably, since no member state had previously withdrawn voluntarily from the EU, Britain’s decision to leave the bloc following its Brexit referendum in 2016 resulted in lengthy wrangling and ill-tempered negotiations with Brussels.

It is now widely recognised that the latter displayed a mix of intransigence and non-cooperation in making

The Peter Young column

it as tough as possible on the UK in order to punish it for having the temerity to quit, and to deter others from possible similar action. The merits and demerits of this are not for debate today but more than three years of negotiations left much bitterness behind on both sides.

Now, under a new British Prime Minister - the third one in less than two months when he took office in October - an era of warm feelings and harmony between London and Brussels seems to have miraculously

emerged; and the catalyst has been Mr Sunak himself. Most importantly, his success in negotiating the deal last month on the future of Northern Ireland’s trade with the EU and the rest of the UK – known as the Windsor Framework - has been hailed as a decisive breakthrough, and it has clearly marked a new chapter in UK/EU relations.

Some say the Ukraine war has also made a significant difference to UK and EU attitudes since the Russian invasion has created a common adversary for them

and has provided an incentive to work together on a range of other issues in a more positive atmosphere. It has made both sides realise the importance of resolving their differences over as many major issues as possible, including the existing Northern Ireland Protocol, while also working together to face up to Russia in reaction to its unacceptable aggression in Ukraine.

The body language at meetings between Sunak and the European Commission president, Ursula von der Leyen, about the new arrangements for Northern Ireland speaks for itself. But it was also notable that the latter was on record as saying publicly and positively that, with both the war in Ukraine and the growing international threat of issues like climate change uppermost in people’s minds, it was time to restore trust and “stand shoulder to shoulder” as much as possible.

According to the UK press, it appears that most people agree that Sunak’s success in pushing through the Windsor Framework agreement with clever diplomacy and single-mindedness was a huge personal triumph for him. It is a step in the right direction in completing

the Brexit process and he has managed what his immediate predecessors could not; namely, winning concessions from Brussels while also earning praise from both the European Commission and leading Brexiteers in the UK.

It remains to be seen, of course, whether the agreement will secure the support it requires -- amongst the unionists in Northern Ireland itself and others – so that it will come into effect as proposed. But there seems now to be wide agreement that it is on the right course even if, for example, further negotiations with the Democratic Unionist Party in the province may be needed.

Be all that as it may, people are saying that Rishi Sunak’s premiership has been transformed and that he has gained new authority as a problem-solver. Not only has he steadied the ship following last autumn’s domestic upheaval but he has also gained political capital since it has become clear that he is much more than his reputation as an economics technocrat when he was Chancellor of the Exchequer under Boris Johnson.

The Prime Minister has shown himself to be a more measured and effective

operator than many have given him credit for - a master of his brief and articulate, both as a good communicator at Prime Minister’s Questions in the House of Commons - where he is judged regularly to get the better of the Leader of the Opposition - and in handling the press. Overall, he represents the ruling Conservatives’ best hope of a revival in time for the next general election that is due in 2024 – and apparently it is now being said openly that, as Sunak progressively prospers in his job of less than six months so far, the chances of Boris Johnson making a political comeback are fast diminishing.

At the beginning of January, the Prime Minister announced five key priorities for his government in 2023. These included a pledge to pass new laws to stop people coming en masse to Britain on small boats across the English Channel with the aim of entering Britain illegally – and, if they did so, they would be detained and swiftly removed. Such tough action would replace the current arrangements which give asylum seekers the right to stay in Britain as they wait for their claims to be heard.

BRITAIN’S NEW TOUGH LINE ON IMMIGRATION

IT SHOULD therefore have come as no surprise that the issue of immigration was much in the news in Britain last week when the PM unveiled a new Illegal Migration Bill providing for anyone who enters the UK illegally to be removed within 28 days and blocked from returning or claiming British citizenship in the future. Speaking about the issue, Sunak has said bluntly “If you come illegally, you will not be allowed to stay”. Explaining further, he said that it was important to focus on the seriousness of the issue, with some 45,000 people crossing the English Channel in 2022, mainly from France and aiming to enter the UK illegally, many of whom had been exploited or trafficked by criminal gangs putting their lives in danger. Our policy, he said, is “to break this cycle of misery. It is fair and moral and the right and compassionate thing to do”.

In addition, the PM made a one-day trip across the channel on Friday to see French president Emmanuel Macron. This was mainly to

discuss co-operation in stopping the illegal crossings in small boats but doubtless covered a range of other topics of mutual interest.

Reportedly, this was a notably warm and productive meeting between the two leaders after Franco-British relations had been at a low ebb for some years because of Brexit. One outcome was British agreement to pay for a new migrants’ detention centre on French soil and a French commitment to work more closely with the UK in stopping migrants from leaving France in the first place. There has already been criticism of the government’s new immigration Bill by human rights groups and charities in the UK and by the UN’s refugee agency, all of whom habitually oppose restrictions on immigration. It will also be opposed by some in Parliament and face separate legal challenges. But the problem is becoming worse with the numbers already unacceptably high and said to be likely to soar to an estimated 80,000 this year despite a new FrancoBritish commitment to crack

down on this dangerous and illegal traffic, particularly when most of those involved are not desperate refugees fleeing for their lives but economic migrants seeking a better life in the UK.

In Britain, control of the nation’s borders has become an issue of prime importance in recent years, not least because the pressure to take responsibility for this was one reason for withdrawing from the EU in 2020. Polls suggest that most rational people do not object to controlled immigration in accordance with established legal procedures. Indeed, one of the strengths of Britain, as a rich and stable democracy committed to the rule of law and respect for human rights worldwide, has been its willingness to provide a safe haven over the years for

those genuinely facing persecution in their own countries – from the Huguenots as Protestants fleeing France during the 17th century onwards to Jews in Nazi Germany during the 1930s and beyond. This has included, more recently, refugees from Afghanistan and from Hong Kong after Beijing’s security crackdown there, and those displaced by the war in Ukraine. But Britain as a relatively small island is already overcrowded with a population of some 67 million. So, for the nation to survive and maintain its existing standard of living it has to control such immigration.

So public opinion is strongly supportive of offering harbourage to those facing tyranny and persecution in their own countries as long as this is done in an

orderly way. But uncontrolled immigration rankles and the public has no truck with those who falsely claim to be in fear of their lives.

There are, of course, people in Western countries who advocate totally open borders in a Utopian world order and regard the very concept of borders with suspicion if not hostility. But there must be limits to how many people Western countries can absorb. Those who advocate an open-door immigration policy like to portray their approach as compassionate and tolerant. But, to my eye, it is far from that. The stark truth is that open borders with no controls at all are a recipe for social breakdown in the receiving country. They take no account of the impact and pressures on local

infrastructure like housing, hospitals and other medical facilities, transport, schools and the rest of the institutional public services that a properly functioning nationstate depends on. The evidence shows that many in Britain support the Sunak government’s attempt through new legislation to bring some order to what has become an intolerable situation in which refugees crossing the English Channel are risking -- and too often losing -- their lives while the criminal gangs profiteer from the misery of others. The Prime Minister’s plan is bold and will encounter hurdles. But Mr Sunak has said he is up to the task of pushing it through as he repeats his pledge that it is “the right and compassionate thing to do”.

WITH so much interest in Ukraine, an important recent development in another country in the region, Georgia, seems largely to have escaped the attention of the international media. But the strategic importance of this small former Soviet republic on the Black Sea, which after the break-up of the Soviet Union in 1991 became an independent democratic republic, is clear because of its geographical position between Turkey and Russia immediately to its north, putting it at the crossroads of Asia and Europe.

Last week, Georgia’s ruling party withdrew a controversial “foreign influence” Bill after two days of mass street protests outside parliament in the nation’s capital Tbilisi. The crowds were angry at a new Russian-style law which would classify non-governmental media as “foreign agents” – tantamount, it is said, to “spies” in Russia - if they received more than 20 per cent of their funds from abroad. It is contended that a similar law in Russia has been used to limit press freedom and suppress civil society there.

There is no space to examine this in any detail today. But it is interesting that Georgia, which Russia invaded in 2008 and its forces still occupy

two breakaway regions amounting to about one fifth of Georgian territory, is pro-Western. Many Russians have fled there to escape mobilisation for the Ukraine war. But, reportedly, Georgia fears its northern neighbour and has maintained its neutrality – perhaps wisely out of self-preservation – and has refused to back Ukraine openly. Being orientated towards the West, Georgia has applied for EU candidate status and some are now concerned that the new draft law in relation to the media could affect this status. Already, the EU has warned that the draft is “incompatible with EU values and standards”.

Despite many in Georgia seeing their future in Europe, others apparently want Russian influence over the country to be reestablished. Who knows how all this will work out?

But these latest developments produce growing uncertainty in the region. Some commentators are suggesting they are creating new concern in Moscow as Russian forces remain bogged down in their cruel, senseless and disastrous war in Ukraine – with a limited prospect of military success or a negotiated settlement to bring it to an end without further death and destruction.

BRITAIN’s Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, during a media interview in San Diego, yesterday. Photo: Leon Neal/AP THE NATION OF GEORGIA LOOKS TOWARDS THE WEST

Iran-Saudi Arabia deal casts China in unfamiliar global role

BEIJING

Associated Press

AN AGREEMENT

between Iran and Saudi Arabia to reestablish diplomatic relations has cast China in a leading role in Middle Eastern politics — a part previously reserved for longtime global heavyweights like the US and Russia. It’s another sign that China’s diplomatic clout is growing to match its economic footprint.

Under strongman leader Xi Jinping, Chinese diplomacy has become known for angry outbursts against the West, threats against Taiwan, aggressive moves in the South China Sea and a refusal to condemn Russia over Ukraine.

The deal reached in Beijing Friday, under which the sides agreed to reopen their embassies and exchange ambassadors after seven years of tensions, shows a different side of Chinese diplomacy. Xi appears to have played a direct part in the talks by hosting Iran’s president in Beijing last month. He also visited the Saudi capital Riyadh in December for meetings with oil-rich Gulf Arab nations crucial to China’s energy supplies.

The agreement was seen as a major diplomatic triumph for China, coming as Gulf Arab states perceive the United States as winding down its involvement in the Middle East.

“I think it is a sign that China is increasingly confident in taking a more assertive role in the Middle East,” said Muhammad Zulfikar Rakhmat, an Indonesian academic affiliated with the Washington-based Middle East Institute.

China’s economic interests increasingly draw it into conflicts far from its shores. It’s by far the biggest customer for Middle Eastern energy exports, while the US has reduced its need for imports as the country shifts toward energy independence.

Chinese officials have long argued that Beijing should play a more active role in the region, said June

Teufel Dreyer, a political scientist at the University of Miami specialising in Chinese politics.

Meanwhile, US-Saudi frictions have created “a vacuum that Beijing was happy to step into,” Dreyer said.

China has invested heavily in regional energy infrastructure. It also occasionally contributed naval ships to join anti-piracy operations off the coast of Somalia, though the US Navy has served as the main security guarantor for Mideast waters since the 1980s.

In a statement Saturday, China’s Foreign Ministry quoted an unidentified spokesperson as saying Beijing “pursues no selfish interest whatsoever.”

“China has no intention to and will not seek to fill so-called vacuum or put up exclusive blocs,” it said, in an apparent reference to the US At the close of the ceremonial legislature’s annual session Monday, leader Xi Jinping said China should “actively participate in the reform and construction of the global governance system” and promote “global security initiatives,”

The diplomatic victory comes as Washington has heavily criticized China for failing to condemn Russia’s invasion and for accusing the US and NATO of provoking the conflict.

However, many Middle Eastern governments view China as a neutral party, with strong ties to both Saudi Arabia, China’s largest oil supplier, and Iran, which relies on China for 30% of its foreign trade and in which China has pledged to invest $400 billion over 25 years. Iran, which has few export markets owing to sanctions over its nuclear program, sells oil to China at a steep discount.

The deal “boosts Beijing’s ability to project an image of itself as a constructive actor for peace, which will be helpful for fending off accusations from the West that it is supporting Russia’s invasion in Ukraine,” said Amanda Hsiao,

Taipei-based analyst for the International Crisis Group.

“It demonstrates that China is trying to conduct competition in foreign diplomacy with the US, and not only in its immediate neighbourhood,” said Wang Lian, an international relations professor at Beijing’s prestigious Peking University. The successful negotiations show the two countries “placed their trust in China,” Wang said.

China created the position of special envoy for the Middle East in 2002, focusing on Israel and the Palestinian Authority. While China sells drones and other weaponry to countries in the region, it does so nowhere on the scale of the United States and without political conditions.

Earlier, China moved aggressively to build ties in the South Pacific, signing a security agreement with the Solomon Islands that could see Chinese naval ships and security forces taking up a presence in the country. The US, Australia and others moved swiftly to shore up ties in the Pacific, and China’s efforts to ink similar agreements with other island nations ultimately

foundered.

Having secured a normbreaking third five-year term in office, Xi appears more confrontational than ever toward the West, with his foreign minister warning just days earlier of future “conflict and confrontation” with the US

However, that strain of tough-talking “wolf warrior” diplomacy is mainly reserved for developed nations seen as rivals, while China has been “admirably diplomatic” with others, said Miami’s Dreyer. Having largely written off the democratic West, China has been willing to build close ties with authoritarian regimes from North Korea to Nicaragua.

Though China is active in UN peacekeeping operations, Beijing’s previous efforts at third-party mediation have sagged under the weight of its political baggage. A recent Chinese proposal calling for a cease-fire and peace negotiations between Russia and Ukraine went nowhere.

China’s decision to mediate between Iran and Saudi Arabia was highly deliberate, both because the two are key to regional stability and for the opportunity to

“poke a finger” in Washington’s eye, said Yitzhak Shichor, professor of political science and Asian studies at Israel’s University of Haifa and a leading expert on Beijing’s ties with the region.

It’s too soon to say whether the agreement will bring lasting improvements between the two longtime adversaries, much less greater Mideast stability. None of their fundamental conflicts appear to have been discussed.

But for Saudi Arabia, the agreement may facilitate its quest for an off-ramp from its proxy war against Iran-backed Houthis rebels in Yemen. And for Iran, it could contribute to greater regional stability at a time of mounting domestic problems.

Not everyone happy about the agreement.

Under political pressure at home, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has threatened military action against Iran’s nuclear program as it enriches closer than ever to weapons-grade levels. Riyadh seeking an accommodation with Tehran takes one potential ally for a strike off the table. It was unclear what

this development meant for Washington, whose Middle East presence has waned since the end of its withdrawal from Iraq and amid its growing energy independence.

However, the White House bristled at the notion that a Saudi-Iran agreement in Beijing suggests that Chinese influence could replace the US in the Mideast. “I would stridently push back on this idea that we’re stepping back in the Middle East — far from it,” National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said.

The fact that Saudi Arabia struck the agreement without Washington shows they are “seeking to diversify their bets on security and not rely wholly on the United States,” Jon Alterman of the Center for Strategic & International Studies, wrote in a note on the deal.

“The US government is of two minds on that; it wants the Saudis to take increasing responsibility for their own security, but it does not want Saudi Arabia freelancing and undermining US security strategies,” Alterman wrote.

IN this photo released by Xinhua News Agency, visiting Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, left, shakes hands with Chinese President Xi Jinping before their meeting at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, Feb. 14, 2023.

Photo:Yan Yan/Xinhua/AP

SPORTS

Junior golfers are crowned champions

By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

After picking up a second-place finish, Alex Dupuch said he just wanted to make sure he finally won his first Bahamas Golf Federation junior national golf championship title before he made his exit.

Dupuch, winner of the boys’ under-18 flight, was joined by a host of other champions, including Tyesha Tynes, who had to go to a playoff before she repeated as the girls’ under-18 national junior champion on Sunday at the Ocean Club Golf Course on Paradise Island.

At the end of the twoday event, Dupuch had to dig down deep before he emerged with a one-stroke victory with his scores of 80-78 for a 158 total over Aidan Gorospe, who trailed with 83-76 for 159. Adrian Stan-Busuioc was third with 87-77-164.

“I didn’t really strike the ball very well. I knew coming into the tournament, I wasn’t striking that well, so I had to rely on my putting,” Dupuch said.

“I didn’t score the way I wanted, but mentally this

was the best I felt, just staying in the battle.

“I never gave up, so I’m really proud of myself because Aidan never gave up. There was one point that I was down, and I had to battle back, and I ended

up winning by one stroke in the very last hole. He really made it really tough on me.”

The 18-year-old senior at Windsor High School said it’s good to go out of the junior ranks in style,

hoisting his first national title in the process.

Tynes, with had identical scores of 97, and Milijojka Gojkovic, with her rounds of 90 and 104, finished tied at 194 at the end of the two days. After going

WORLD BASEBALL CLASSIC: GREAT BRITAIN IN THE WIN COLUMN

By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

AFTER losing their first two games of the World Baseball Softball Confederation’s 2023 World Baseball Classic, Great Britain, with its Bahamian connection, has finally gotten in the win column.

Great Britain, coming off a 6-2 loss to the defending champions United States of America on Saturday and a 18-8 rout by Canada on Sunday, prevailed with a 7-5 decision over Colombia yesterday at Chase Field in Phoenix, Arizona.

“It was rough. We anticipated coning in here and winning some games, but after the two losses, it was tough,” said Antoan Richardson, one of two Bahamian coaches on the team.

SEE

through a playoff on the 12th hole, Tynes emerged the winner by two strokes over Gojkovic. Mia Underwood was third with 104-99-203.

SEE PAGE 18

SPECIAL OLYMPICS IN CARIFTA MIX

By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

THE Oaktree Medical Center’s 50th CARIFTA Games over the Easter holiday weekend at the Thomas A. Robinson National Stadium will have a special element to its line up with the inclusion of Special Olympics Bahamas.

Not only has North American, Central American and Caribbean president Mike Sands granted Special Olympics the opportunity to be a part of a pilot programme for the 100 and 200 metres during the games from April 8-10, but their entire executive board and coaches were given 20 tickets from title sponsor Oaktree Medical Center to view the competition.

At a special press conference yesterday in the Cultural Village of the eastern parking lot of the Thomas A. Robinson National Stadium, Special Olympics Bahamas director Gilbert Williams was thanking Sands for their inclusion at the games.

Right after Williams made his speech, Oaktree Medical Center’s Chief Medical Officer Dr Don Deveaux made the announcement that they will purchase 20 tickets for Special Olympics.

Although they have already made a donation of $300,000 as the title sponsors of the games, Deveaux said he was moved by the inclusion of Special Olympics and wanted to reward the people behind the scenes who work directly with the athletes.

Napoli returns to Champions League set for historic season

By GRAHAM DUNBAR AP Sports Writer

NAPOLI returns to Champions League action this week well on track to have the standout season in European soccer and in the club’s entire history.

The quarterfinals of Europe’s marquee club competition finally beckon for Napoli, which has a 2-0 lead from the first leg before hosting Eintracht Frankfurt in the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on Wednesday.

Only three of the 12 teams left in the competition top their domestic leagues — Napoli, Bayern Munich and Benfica — and the 18-point lead in Serie A is by far the most dominant.

Real Madrid hosting Liverpool with a 5-2 lead is the glamour game of the

FINAL CARIFTA TRIALS, JUNIOR NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL TRACK & FIELD MARCH 25-27

“We never want you to tire in doing good deeds,” Deveaux said. “This is just to encourage you, corporate Bahamas, and Bahamians in general that we are all in this together. With that mindset, we can see how far the country can go in general.”

Sands said when he got the call from Williams about inclusion into the games, he conferred with his collegiates, and they agreed to accept the invitation.

“We are all about inclusion and we are having decisions with the NACAC executives and the membership to be more inclusive of all persons to participate,” Sands said. As a pilot programme for the games, Sands said Special Olympics will be

SEE PAGE 16

four second legs remaining in the round of 16, though only Madrid of that storied pair has so much as a chance of a domestic league title.

Napoli is a lock to be Italian champion for just the third time in its history, the first since 1990, and the first time without having Maradona in the team.

Still, even with the Argentina icon, Napoli twice failed to get past the second round of the old European Cup after those 1987 and 1990 titles in Serie A.

Napoli also never advanced past the round of 16 stage in the Champions League era that began in 1992. That looks set to change Wednesday. It is also a big step for Napoli’s

By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

IN an unprecedented move, the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture and Ministry of Education, Science and Technology will hold a Junior National High School Track and Field Championships and Final CARIFTA Trials. At a press conference yesterday in the foyer of the two ministries in the Ivy Dumont Building, Mario Bowleg, Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture revealed that the two events will be combined for the weekend of March 25-27 at the Thomas A Robinson National Stadium. Under the theme “Unity Through Sports, a Golden Jubilee,” the event, SEE PAGE 16

Scheffler on another big run, this one getting attention

By DOUG FERGUSON AP Golf Writer

PONTE VEDRA

BEACH, Florida (AP)

— Scottie Scheffler finally won, and then he kept winning, and the question a year ago was when this incredible hot streak would finally cool.

Now comes another question:

Did it ever?

Even with a green jacket that ended last year’s remarkable run — four victories in six starts, capped by a Masters so dominant he four-putted the last hole and still won by three shots — he reached the top so quickly that it was tougher to appreciate it than a slow, steady rise like Dustin

Johnson or Rory McIlroy or Jon Rahm.

The Players Championship brings a different view of the No. 1 player in the world.

Scheffler is on another big run, this one getting far more attention.

He won the WM Phoenix Open for the second straight year on a Sunday that featured Rahm, Justin Thomas and Nick Taylor. He was one foot away from a close birdie chance on the 18th to tie for the lead at Bay Hill.

And then against the strongest field so far this year at the TPC Sawgrass, Scheffler seized control with a 65 on Saturday and really showed his

NAPOLI’s Victor Osimhen kicks the ball, during the Serie A soccer match against Atalanta at Diego Armando Maradona stadium in Naples, Italy, on Saturday. (Alessandro Garofalo/LaPresse via AP)

JUNIOR boys’ champion Alex Dupuch receives his award from Gina Rolle and Anthony Hinsey. At left is third place finisher Adrian Stan-Busuioc and second place winner Aidan Gorospe.

Photo: Austin Fernander/Tribune Staff

GET YOUR REAR IN GEAR HOSTS ANOTHER SUCCESSFUL FUN RUN WALK IN YEAR TWO

By TENAJH SWEETING tsweeting@tribunemedia.net

THE Colon Cancer Coalition hosted yet another successful Get Your Rear in Gear (GYRIG) event in memory of the late Andrea Darville and to raise awareness for colon cancer in The Bahamas.

With colon cancer being the second most common cancer in The Bahamas, event organisers hoped to gather lots of support from the general public for a worthy cause. In only year two of the GYRIG 5k fun run/walk event, organisers were able to double the amount of participants in the colon cancer awareness event, making it a success.

The event kicked off at 6:30am sharp on Saturday at Goodman’s Bay Park with approximately 200 people joining this year’s 5k fun run/walk. Participants could be seen running or walking along the Baha Mar strip in their orange colon cancer t-shirts. Many of the participants in this year’s event decided to partake for personal reasons.

Duval Munnings, a participant in the 2023 GYRIG run, talked about why he decided to run in Saturday’s race. “I registered in honour of my father Kevin Munnings. I lost him a year ago and I just wanted to run in his honour and his memory and also to support the cancer society,” Munnings said.

Munnings said it felt good to give back and donate to

SPECIAL OLYMPICS

FROM PAGE 15

making their appearances with their special events taking place just before the finals of both the 100 and 200m during the games.

At this late stage in the games, Sands said it will only include the participation of Special Olympic athletes from the Bahamas, but they have formed a committee to ascertain how they can include Special Olympics in all of their future events.

TRIALS

FROM PAGE 15

the Cancer Society and, despite it being a difficult run, he enjoyed the fellowship among other runners.

Similar to Munnings, Odinga Sawyer, another participant in the race, shared what made him join this year’s GYRIG 5k run.

“It feels great. I like to support stuff like this, my brother passed from cancer and I also run so I figured if I could take part it might as well be for a good cause,” Sawyer said.

Event organisers Emily Darville and Jackie Evans were impressed with the amount of people that came out to support the event.

Emily Darville said a week before her sister passed away she had told her about the event idea and connected her with the director of the Colon Cancer Coalition, giving her the keys needed to make sure the event went on even in her passing.

“I would like to think

Andrea is pleased with the work I’m doing. She entrusted me with her final project GYRIG Bahamas 5k fun run/walk. I’m sure she’s smiling down on us each year, cheering us on with her vibrant smile and personality,” Darville added.

Darville and other event organisers will seek to carry on Andrea’s legacy for years to come as they will look to host a 2024 GYRIG event. For persons that wish to keep up with the event, they can find the page on Facebook at Get Your Rear in Gear Bahamas.

Williams, speaking on behalf of his members, said from the phone call to Sands, they got the ball rolling and now it’s a reality. “At a time when everybody is talking about inclusion, whether it be government agents or corporate Bahamas, civil organisations, if you know anything about Special Olympics, inclusion is the watch word for Special Olympics,” he said. “With over 190 countries and over 200 programmes and over five million athletes from around the world, inclusion is the watch word. “For the organisers of CARIFTA

50, we are happy that you have included us in the games.” Williams revealed that they have six males and one female, including Abaco resident Katelyn Romer, versatile Michael Miller, Grand Bahamian Justin Miller and 400m specialist Deron ‘the King’ Forbes. They are all waiting to put on a show for the public when they come out to watch them compete on the biggest stage in the Bahamas. He noted that the athletes will be using the games to showcase some of the athletes who will be representing the Bahamas

to be the best athletes they could be on and off the field.

veteran coach Luciano Spalletti, who has not taken a team to the Champions League quarterfinals since 2008 with Roma. This is Spalletti’s seventh try since then, though his first with Napoli after falling short with Roma, Zenit St. Petersburg and Inter Milan. Inter, which has not been to the quarterfinals since going out at that stage as the defending champion in 2011, takes a 1-0 lead to Porto in a finely balanced game today.

Manchester City host Leipzig today with the teams tied at 1-1.

NAPOLI RESTED

A uniquely congested European season split in two by a break for the World Cup promised surprises and Napoli perhaps has benefited from having star players rested. Prolific strikers Victor Osimhen and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia were not involved in Qatar because their national teams Nigeria and Georgia, respectively, did not qualify.

Eintracht’s star striker Randal Kolo Muani did go to the World Cup, almost winning the final for France with a last-minute chance, but will not play this week. Kolo Muani is suspended because of his red-card tackle in the first leg. Also missing in Naples could be the German club’s fans who local authorities want to ban from the city following clashes in Frankfurt three weeks ago. Eintracht won a court injunction Saturday against the ban though further legal action is expected before Wednesday.

MADRID FAVOURED

The defending champion surely will not waste a three-goal lead against Liverpool in its own stadium. It is unlikely, though Madrid was eliminated as the title holder four years ago when taking a three-goal beating in the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium in the round of 16. That was against a rampaging Ajax, which won 4-1 to overturn a 2-1 first-leg loss.

Liverpool won that 2019 title but no team ever overcame a three-goal deficit in the second leg away from home in the Champions League.

Liverpool perhaps could do it if the team that crushed Manchester United with six second-half goals in the Premier League a week ago shows up in Madrid. Probably not with the version that lost 1-0 at Bournemouth on Saturday.

HOME COMFORTS

according to Bowleg, will serve as the test run by the North American, Central American and Caribbean (NACAC) and Bahamas Association of Athletic Associations (BAAA) for the Oaktree Medical Center’s 50th CARIFTA Games, scheduled for April 8-10 at the same venue.

“The High School National Championships and the CARIFTA trials will provide student athletes from throughout the Bahamas the opportunity to showcase their athletic prowess with the hopes of qualifying for the CARIFTA Games,” Bowleg. Bowleg said this will be a memorable venture and he encourages all student athletes competing in the event to remain optimistic and

He encouraged the Bahamian public to come out with their junkanoo music and cheer on the student athletes as they vie for their spots on the team to represent the Bahamas at the games.

Zane Lightbourne, the Minister of State in the Ministry of Education, said he’s always delighted to be a part of any event that highlights the prowess of the Bahamian young athletes as a part of the country’s 50th Jubilee Independence celebrations.

Lightbourne said their ministry joins in the enthusiasm of the student athletes as they anticipate the shattering of old records and the emergence of new superstars as they go for gold, not just in the event, but at the CARIFTA Games.

at the Special Olympic World Games in Berlin, Germany, June 17-25.

While they have a board of directors, a director and a host of coaches, Williams said they are always looking for volunteers to be able to assist the programme. Interested persons can contact him at gilbert@ specialolympicsbahamas. org or call 356-2433 or 359-3558.

As the games is fast approaching, Deveaux said he’s been pleased with the progress that the LOC is making, and he wants to encourage them to keep up the good work.

Sands, the president of NACAC, said he remembers in the 1980s when the split took place and that led to the formation of the National High School Track and Field Championships, which created an avenue to bring all schools under one umbrella again. He noted since the formation of the Nationals under the presidency of the late Dr Bernard Nottage, successive presidents in the BAAA have staged the Nationals almost every year, but now it’s being done in collaboration with both ministries as they seek to bring the sport back to the level that it once enjoyed.

“Nelson Mandela once said sports can change the world. It has the power to inspire and to unite and it speaks a language that all people can understand,”

Janeen McCartney, the project manager for the LOC, said that while they endorse all that has been said in the inclusion of Special Olympics Bahamas in the games, they have taken the first step and she hopes that the baton will be passed on to the other regional countries to carry on the mantle in the future.

And Pauline Davis, the Dame of the games, congratulated Williams for what he and his team are doing with Special Olympics Bahamas.

And she said she is just really excited to see the athletes compete in the games.

Sands said. “NACAC is proud to be a part of this event and to support all of the athletes as they compete.”

Archer, the president of the BAAA, said it’s a special day in track and field with the High School National Championships and the CARIFTA trials taking place at the same time, bringing together the private and public schools in keen competition like they did before the split between the private and the public schools.

“This is the start of a brand-new day for track and field,” Archer said. “I would go on a limb to say that is an opportunity for us to showcase athletes, not only from New Providence, but every island in the Commonwealth of the Bahamas.”

He congratulated both ministries for having the foresight to

Manchester City is unbeaten at home in the Champions League for more than four years. That run includes a 6-3 win over Leipzig in the group stage two seasons ago. City also has also won all six home games in domestic competitions in 2023. Extending the streak to seven will send the club to the quarterfinals for the sixth straight year under coach Pep Guardiola in its quest to be European champion for the first time. Guardiola last lifted the trophy 12 years ago with Barcelona.

DRAWS ON FRIDAY

The quarterfinals draw is made Friday at UEFA headquarters in Nyon, Switzerland. It is the first stage that teams from the same country can face each other. Pairings will also be drawn for the semifinals, plotting a path to the final on June 10 in Istanbul.

stage the dual event, which will provide an opportunity for the BAAA to get a glimpse of what is to come at this year’s CARIFTA Games.

When asked how the event will be operated, Archer said each school will only have two athletes who will be allowed to score points for their team, but they will not be limited to any number of athletes who will be allowed to participate in any event.

He noted that athletes who are not registered by their school can register individually and those who are out of school or are in college, but are still eligible for CARIFTA, will be allowed to participate as well.

The competition will be taking place in the under-14, under-17 and under-20 divisions for both girls and boys.

DUVAL Munnings poses with his medal after completing the 5k run.

EVENT organiser Jackie Evans takes pictures with a race participant.

RACE participants Odinga Sawyer and Viorese Duncombe pose together after the race.

A PARTICIPANT runs through an inflatable colon to complete the race.

SPECIAL Olympics director Gilbert Williams receives a gift from LOC intern Sherinique Sears. Looking on are Pauline Davis, Janeen McCartney and Mike Sands.

WORLD BASEBALL CLASSIC: GREAT BRITAIN AND THE BAHAMIAN CONNECTION IN WIN COLUMN

FROM PAGE 15

“After the two losses, we had to go back to the drawing board and rethink our strategy and to see how we can execute that strategy.”

Cartwright, who serves as a bench coach while Albert Cartwright is the first base coach, said the Bahamian players are a key ingredient to the success of Great Britain.

“I don’t think we could perform at this tournament without the Bahamian players, so they play a big part in the success of this team,” said Richardson, who is a first base coach for the San Francisco Giants after he finished playing in the Major League.

“Chavez Fernander pitched a couple innings for us and so the Bahamian players are playing a big role on this team. It’s been challenging trying to win some games, but it’s also been a lot of fun playing at such a high level against these quality teams. We just have to prepare as much to be as successful as possible.”

Great Britain will close out their competition in Pool C today against Mexico.

A win and they have a chance to stay in contention for the next round, depending on the outcome of some of the other games. If they lose, they are automatically eliminated.

In staying alive, right fielder Chavez Young, one of seven players of Bahamian descent on Great Britain’s team, got his fourth stolen base to pull within just one of the alltime mark for steals in a single Classic.

Young tied the game at 3-3 with a two-run single

in the bottom of the fourth as he advanced on an error before breaking out the club’s signature move upon reaching second.

The 25-year-old member of the Pittsburgh Pirates organisation made Britain’s second impressive defensive play of the top of the fifth when he sprawled

down the right-field line for a grab, then immediately sprang to his feet to highfive a young fan.

Young finished with a 1-for-3 night with a RBI and a walk and third baseman BJ Murray was 1-for-3 with a RBI.

Harry Ford, the catcher, led the attack with a 2-for-4

plate appearance with two runs scored and first baseman Nick Ward was 1-for-2 with three runs scored. Fernander, a native of Grand Bahama, pitched an inning, giving up a pair of hits and as many walks.

He’s expected to be one of the pitchers the Bahamas Baseball Association

will be relying on when the national team travel later this month.

So the experience he is gaining is critical.

Even though they suffered two straight losses, Cartwright said it was a great team effort that secured their first win.

“We made good moves to

give ourselves a chance to win the game,” Cartwright stated. Great Britain scored three runs in the fourth and two each in the fifth and seventh, compared to Colombia, who had one in the second, two in the fourth and two more in the ninth.

Morant-less Grizzlies past banged-up Mavericks, 104-88

Bane leads

DALLAS (AP) — Desmond Bane scored 23 points and the Memphis Grizzlies won a second consecutive game against Dallas with all three of the teams’ All-Stars out, beating the Mavericks 104-88 last night.

Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving sat for Dallas with injuries, and Ja Morant remained away from the Grizzlies because of his issues off the court.

Rookie David Roddy scored 19 points on 8-of-11 shooting for Memphis.

Rookie Jaden Hardy scored 28 points for the Mavericks, who dropped under .500 for the first time since December. Josh Green was the only other Dallas player in double figures with 23.

TIMBERWOLVES 136,

HAWKS 115

ATLANTA (AP) — Anthony Edwards scored 32 points in his hometown, Kyle Anderson had his third career triple-double

and Minnesota beat Atlanta.

Trae Young finished with 41 points for the Hawks, who dropped to 3-5 under new coach Quin Snyder and have lost four of six.

Atlanta went 4 for 22 beyond the arc and handed out 17 assists compared to 39 for Minnesota.

Anderson scored 12 of his 14 points in the third quarter and had 12 assists and 10 rebounds for Minnesota, which snapped a two-game skid.

Mike Conley had 21 points for the Timberwolves and Jaden McDaniels scored 19.

ROCKETS 111, CELTICS 109

HOUSTON (AP) —

Jalen Green scored 28 points and rookie Jabari Smith Jr. added 24 as Houston held off Boston.

The Rockets, who are tied with Detroit for the NBA’s fewest wins with 16, snapped a three-game skid despite allowing the Celtics’

Jaylen Brown to score a season-high 43 points.

Jayson Tatum scored 22 points but missed a potential tying layup at the buzzer for the Celtics. Kenyon Martin Jr. had 20

points and eight rebounds for Houston.

HEAT 119, JAZZ 115

MIAMI (AP) — Jimmy Butler scored 24 points, Tyler Herro and Gabe

Vincent each scored 18 and Miami held off Utah.

Lauri Markkanen scored 38 points for Utah, which got 23 from Simone Fontecchio and 14 from Ochai Agbaji.

Talen Horton-Tucker put Utah on top with a short jumper with 1:16 left, and Herro gave Miami the lead right back on a 3-pointer with 55.3 seconds remaining.

Bam Adebayo added 16 points for Miami.

PISTONS 117,

PACERS 97

DETROIT (AP) —

James Wiseman had 18 points and 14 rebounds as Detroit ended an 11-game skid by beating Indiana.

The Pistons, who hadn’t won since beating San Antonio 138-131 in double overtime on February 10, led by 31 points in the first half and held off an Indiana surge late in the second quarter and early in the third. Cory Joseph led Detroit with 22 points, Jalen Duren put up 12 points and 11 rebounds, and Killian Hayes had 10 points and 11 assists. Jordan Nwora scored 20 points off the bench for Indiana.

GRIZZLIES guard Desmond Bane (22) celebrates with teammate David Roddy (27) in front of Mavericks forward Maxi Kleber (42) during the second half in Dallas yesterday. (AP Photo/LM Otero)

GREAT Britain third baseman BJ Murray Jr is unable to get to a ball hit by Colombia’s Reynaldo Rodríguez, who singled during the eighth inning of a World Baseball Classic game in Phoenix on Monday, March 13, 2023. (AP Photos/Godofredo A Vásquez)

GREAT Britain third baseman BJ Murray Jr. fields a ball hit by Colombia’s Harold Ramírez, who reached first on a throwing error by Murray Jr., during the ninth inning.

GREAT Britain’s Chavez Young reacts as he runs off the field after his team’s victory over Colombia in a World Baseball Classic game in Phoenix yesterday.

GREAT Britain’s Chavez Young celebrates after hitting a two-run single against Colombia during the fourth inning of a World Baseball Classic game in Phoenix, Monday, March 13, 2023.

MARIO FORD BASEBALL CAMP RETURNS TO THE FIELD

THE Mario Ford Baseball camp made its return to Windsor Park this past weekend. It was the group’s first session back on the field as the young men looked to learn basic baseball fundamentals and skills.

The baseball camp usually hosts sessions three times out of the calendar year. Sessions take place in the beginning of the year, during the summer, and at the very end of the year, according to Ford.

The camp targets children between the ages of four to 15 so that they can learn the game at an earlier age and develop the necessary essentials to compete at a higher level.

Mario Ford, head coach of the baseball camp, talked about what children can expect to learn after joining his camp.

“We work with the kids teaching them the basics of learning how to catch, how to throw, and teaching them how to hit,” Ford said.

Ford added that the sport is mostly repetition but it does take time, practice and consistency.

Persons that are interested in starting at the camp or parents interested in placing their children in a camp can do so by simply showing up at Windsor Park on Saturday mornings

JR GOLF

FROM PAGE 15

“I knew that going into the final day I was behind by seven strokes, so I had to really focus and fix the mistakes that I made the day before,” she said. “There were a few holes that I didn’t play that well on, but even though I shot the same score, I was really pleased with it.

“But when they told me that we were tied, I knew I had to go out there and so I knew I had to go out there and break the tie. The hole had some water on it and so when I went out there, I had to take a drop because my ball went into the water.”

The 17-year-old St John’s 12th grader said she was delighted to repeat as champion because she had to focus on herself, but the competition and the conditions forced her to be a little more concerned about her opponents.

Versatile Jackson Mactaggart, just back from a recent trip to represent the Bahamas in tennis, said he didn’t have sufficient time to readjust to golf, but was delighted to still win the boys under-15 flight. He did it with rounds of 80-79 for

SCHEFFLER

FROM PAGE 15

mettle by turning The Players Championship into a runaway with a five-shot victory. Of the final four groups, his 69 was the only score under par.

“I think the team around him and the way he’s wired ... he’s extremely grounded,” Jordan Spieth said. “He’s got really good parents, great family structure. Randy Smith has been around for a long time — his coach — and he’s been with him forever. So I don’t see it changing. He’s in a good position to be able to continue to do this for awhile.”

SOUTH KOREA SETS RECORD WITH 22-2 ROUT OF CHINA AT WBC

TOKYO (AP)

— Kunwoo Park and HaSeong Kim hit grand slams in consecutive innings, and South Korea set a World Baseball Classic scoring record with a 22-2 rout over China last night in a game between already eliminated teams.

South Korea broke the runs record that had stood since Japan beat China 18-2 in the first round of the initial WBC in 2006.

In the earlier Group B game, Australia defeated the Czech Republic 8-3 and reached a quarterfinal against Cuba on Wednesday. Japan plays Italy the following day in the second quarterfinal.

In Group D, the Dominican Republic beat Nicaragua 6-1.

at 9am. Persons would be allowed to sign up and register to be a part of the programme. Wamonceur Victor, a 14-year-old newcomer at the Mario Ford baseball camp, talked about his experience in the camp so far.

“It has been hard but coach Mario [has] been

helping me through it,” Victor said.

Victor said he learned about the camp via a friend at his school and decided to join. He added that coach Ford is very helpful with helping you work throughout the programme and on your skills.

Raheem Fertilien, a 16-year-old member of the

camp, talked about why he enjoys the Mario Ford baseball camp. “Even if you don’t know the game, Mr Mario will help you learn it and I would recommend it to a couple other people who [are] trying to learn the sport,” Fertilien said.

The Mario Ford baseball camp operates as a training

ground for young athletes that want to pursue baseball at a higher level.

The next session for the baseball camp will be held at 9am next week Saturday at the Windsor Park off East Street. Persons that are interested can show up and get started on their young baseball journey.

South Korea (2-2) finished third in Group B and failed to advance past the first round for the third straight WBC. The South Koreans finished third in the initial tournament in 2006 and were runner-up in 2009.

China (0-4) has never advanced past the first round. The last-place finish in the group means it will have to go through qualifying to reach the 2026 tournament.

The South Koreans took a 4-2 lead with a two-run second, then broke open the game with eight runs in the third, six in the fourth and four in the fifth. The game was stopped after five innings under the tournament’s mercy rule, which calls for games to end if a team leads by 15 runs after five innings or by 10 runs after seven.

Park had five RBIs, San Diego Padres infielder HaSeong Kim had four, and Hyseong Kim and Jung Hoo Lee three each for South Korea, which outhit China 20-4. Park hit his slam in the fourth off Hailong Sun and Ha-Seong Kim hit his in the fifth against Changlong Su.

11-year-old fifth grader at St Andrew’s School. “The competition was good, but I was glad I won it after I got third last year.” The winners in the other flights were as follows:

Boys 13-and-underDenahj Mortimer with 99-93-192; Rashawn Hanna with 89-104-193 and William West 98-100-198.

Girls 13-and-under - Lilly Bisterzo with 87-78-165; Haley Hall with 87-81168; Maddisson Carroll 82-87-169.

Girls 15-and-underSeannae Nrville Smith with 103-105-208; Taylor Santos with 106-116-222; Jolene Stan-Busuioc 124-106-230.

159 over Kerrington Rolle, who shot 79-86 for 165.

Camdyn Forbes was third with 88-87-175.

“It was a tricky transition because the two sports don’t compare at all,” said Mactaggart, a 15-year-old student who is enrolled in an online school.

“So it was a lot of hard work. I had to practice a lot this week working on my putting, so it’s good to get back into the groove for golf.

Scheffler was easy to forget last year even while staying atop the world ranking from March to October because the Masters was his last win of the year.

Easily overlooked was that he lost in a playoff at Colonial to a 45-foot putt by Sam Burns and was one putt away from a potential playoff at the U.S. Open.

More memorable was losing a six-shot lead in the final round of the Tour Championship at East Lake to McIlroy, which cost Scheffler the FedEx Cup.

“I had put myself in a position all year to where I had a chance to win the FedEx Cup, and I wasn’t able to get it done,” Scheffler said. “And by the time

“It feels good to win it because my opponents all played well.”

Aryanna Smith had an impressive showing in the girls’ under-10 flight, shooting rounds of 53-57 for her total of 110, well ahead of second place finisher Londyn Strachan with 73-71-144. Taylor Davis was third with 81-76-157.

I got home, I was worn out. I was mentally, physically drained, emotionally drained.

“But the hard times make the good times that much sweeter.”

Now he has six wins in his last 27 starts, and 16 finishes in the top 10 during that span.

“His top 10s are off the charts,” Spieth said.

This stretch of golf could be traced to the Ryder Cup in the fall of 2021 at Whistling Straits. Steve Stricker was torn between Scheffler and good friend Sam Burns for his last picks, which doesn’t seem like much of a debate now.

While it was an American rout, one of the more

“I felt good because this was only my second time playing this golf course,” said the 11-year-old Smith, who is in grade six at Eva Hilton Primary School. “I didn’t have any challenges because I saw a lot of improvement since playing on it the first time.”

William Mahelis was the winner of the boys’

pivotal moments was Saturday afternoon when Scheffler made two big putts on the closing holes of a fourballs win that felt like the end for Europe (and it was).

Then, he handed Rahm his first loss of the week in singles. That prompted Brooks Koepka to refer to him as a “big-game hunter.” He has a big game off the tee. He delivers with his long irons — nothing was prettier than Scheffler’s 3-iron to 15 feet for birdie on the par-3 eighth on Saturday — and his short game is exquisite. As a boy, Scheffler would watch tour pros at Royal Oaks in Dallas and challenge them to money games

under-13 flight. He shot 47-50 for a total of 97. Nicholas Turnquest was the runner-up with 55-59 for 114, the same final score as Dylan Mellor, who had identical rounds of 57.

“I think I played very good, but I got a few bad shots on nine, so I think I could have played better on nine,” said Mahelis, an

(coins, no doubt, at that age).

He also is bold. One remarkable aspect to Scheffler’s game Sunday was taking on every shot, regardless of his lead. He hit driver on No. 6 (with a three-shot lead) and No. 15 (with a five-shot lead).

He also went for the green on the par-4 12th with water down the left side.

His 3-wood was right where he was aiming, right of the green, setting up a fifth straight birdie.

Next up for Scheffler is the Dell Match Play next week in Austin, Texas, where he played for the Texas Longhorns and graduated from business school in four years.

Boys under-8 - Maximilien Demole 38-39-77; Antonio Hernandez 57-51-108; Reef Harvey 64-55-110.

Girls 8-and-under - Sarah Scheidecker 51-52-103; Zara Greaves 52-52-104; Zonalle Smith 64-55-119.

Boys under-10 - Hugo Johnston 50-44-94; Kai Bastian 56-50-106; William Smith 61-46-107.

Boys/Girls 18-andunder - Darrius Thompson 81-77-158.

Girls under-13 - Aiyanna Hernandez 54-54-108; Olivia Ott 60-59-119; Celina Mellor 61-65-125.

He won the Match Play a year ago. He nearly won it the year before, losing in the championship match to Billy Horschel. His record is 10-2-2 in both appearances. And then it’s on to Augusta. Would anyone be surprised to see another green jacket? The short is probably yes, because only three players have won the Masters back to back, most recently Tiger Woods in 2002.

Scheffler is on another run. For now, the difference is fans have a better understanding why.

“He’s obviously just really good at pretty much every aspect of golf,” Max Homa said.

COACH Mario Ford with members of his baseball camp at Windsor Park.

BGF executives Gina Rolle and Anthony Hinsey pose above with the participants of the Junior Golf National Championships.

JACKSON MACTAGGART, the under-15 boys’ champion, stands with third place finisher Camdyn Frobes and runner up Kerrington Rolle with Gina Rolle and Anthony Hinsey.

Photos: Austin Fernander/Tribune Staff

TYESHA Tynes receives her girls under-18 title from BGF’s first vice president Anthony HInsey. At left is Gina Rolle, director of the junior division.

BISX-listed fund targets storage drive to $100m

properties we can acquire or develop.”

Mr Anderson declined to provide details on the location of the first warehouse/ storage site, how much the Fund was likely to invest in land acquisition and construction, and the number of jobs that the latter phase and full-time operations will create given that Board authorisation was still awaited. However, he said a recent management hire by the Fund had experience with these types of properties.

“We’ve been through some difficult times in this country and with real estate generally. It’s good to see things coming back,” Mr Anderson told Tribune Business. “It’s time to start moving more aggressively in other areas. Not just office space, but we’re

looking to get into retail and warehouse space.

“There’s a huge demand for warehouse space as more development takes place around Nassau. A huge demand. And I don’t believe there’s much warehouse storage space around. We hired a manager last year for the Property Fund to help us in this space, and she’s starting to make some progress. We’re fairly happy with the way things have developed so far. At the moment, we still think this is an area for development.”

The Bahamas Property Fund closed 2022 with $41.386m in total assets, of which $36.7m represented its three core office holdings of the Bahamas Financial Centre in downtown Nassau; One Marina Drive on Paradise Island; and Providence House on East Hill Street.

Asked if the Fund retains ambitions to expand to $100m in total assets, Mr Anderson replied: “That’s still the target to get to as fast as possible, which I think is a reasonable scale for the Fund to generate decent profits for shareholders. We’re getting ready to pay our second dividend. We paid the first dividend in October last year, and anticipate paying a second dividend in April.

“We see potential in other islands, but at the moment there’s not sufficient momentum for us to get involved. We don’t see the Family Islands as an opportunity for the next year or two. We don’t have anything we’re busy working on at the moment. We’re open to looking at those opportunities.”

The Bahamas Property Fund’s unaudited financials for the 12 months to

end-December 2022 show net income down by more than $2.8m year-overyear, standing at $1.469m compared to $4.35m in 2021. However, the latter benefited from a $3.3m revaluation of the Fund’s property holdings. Strip that out, and net income was ahead by more than $300,000 or 29.5 percent.

This was driven largely by an increase in rental and parking income, which rose to $3.389m from $3.029m in 2021 due to increased occupancies, especially at the Bahamas Financial Centre. And the increased tenancies also reduced the Fund’s share of common area maintenance (CAM) costs as landlord, which fell to $1.276m from $1.317m year-over-year.

“We’ve been putting together short-term rental space in the Financial Centre, 2,600 square feet

or 2.6 percent will be in short-term renal space,”

Mr Anderson told Tribune Business. “We believe there’s a good demand downtown for short-term office space.

“We’re bullish on 2023 and have high expectations for getting the Fund moving forward. We’ve not been able to move forward for various different reasons for a while so we’re happy enough to be coming back on stream again. A fair amount of space was rented in the Financial Centre throughout 2022 at various times, so a lot of those rents billed to tenants will not be reflected in the financial statements yet.

“We see 85 percent occupancy levels having a much greater impact on the financial statements next year than they did this year. If we can get the tenancy up, that’s 15,000 square feet left

to rent, which will make a difference.” And CAM costs of $50 per square foot will also reduce as more space is let.

Mr Anderson said the Fund had just rented 2,000 square feet at its One Marina Drive location, which is “the first rental we’ve had there for some time”. He attributed this to tourism’s resurgence postCOVID, with operators in the space again needing to rent property on Paradise Island.

Still, One Marina Drive occupancies remain at 35 percent versus 85 percent at the Bahamas Financial Centre. When all three properties are combined, Mr Anderson said the Fund was running an average 80 percent occupancy across its portfolio.

Ex-PM: Royal Caribbean’s PI deal ‘watering down’ GB

controlling shareholder, over an expansion of the port and its cruise ship facilities.

Arguing that any Paradise Island approvals should be conditioned on Royal Caribbean proceeding with the Freeport harbour expansion, which would potentially bring thousands of extra visitors to Grand Bahama and help revive a moribund tourism product, the former prime minister also queried with the Davis administration will proceed with its predecessor’s plans to let the taxi union operate the ferries transporting passengers between Nassau Cruise Port and Paradise Island.

Wesley Ferguson, the Bahamas Taxi Cab Union’s president, declined to comment on the ferry deal’s status when contacted by Tribune Business yesterday. He indicated that he was attempting to speak with Chester Cooper, deputy prime minister and minister of tourism, investments and

aviation, to determine if the union will get this contract, which Dr Minnis said was designed to compensate its members for loss of earnings due to the Royal Beach Club.

“He has disadvantaged Grand Bahama because Grand Bahama was supposed to be part of the deal,” Dr Minnis said of his successor, Philip Davis KC.

“In fact, we had an agreement where we would sign the Paradise Island component at the same time we signed the Grand Bahama component.

“If they [the Government] truly love the Bahamian people then the Grand Bahama component must be continued, because that will energise and revitalise Port Lucaya. That was part of it. We sign together. We sign for Grand Bahama, and we sign for Paradise Island.

“The Grand Bahama component was that hotel and the cruise port. There would be a new and expanded cruise port,

which would represent an increase in visitors to Grand Bahama, more jobs for taxis and tours, and more visitors to Grand Bahama. He [Mr Davis] has taken that out, and watered it down. It hinged on Freeport. That was the agreement. We were going to sign Freeport and Paradise Island together.” Dr Minnis thus confirmed what has long been suspected - that the Government’s approval of Royal Caribbean’s $110m Paradise Island beach club under his administration’s watch hinged on, and was directly linked to, the cruise giant leading the revival of Freeport’s long-suffering tourism economy.

Such a link also helps to explain why Dr Minnis, as minister responsible for Crown Land, held off from signing the five-acre lease with Toby Smith and his Paradise Island Lighthouse Development Company after the Government realised that Royal Caribbean was competing for a portion

of that same land for a project that as being used as leverage to ensure it proceeded with its Freeport ambitions.

Mr Smith had received the lease on January 7, 2020, which he executed and returned to the Government two days later. However, just five weeks later, Richard Hardy, director of lands and surveys, replied to David Davis, permanent secretary in the Prime Minister’s Office, on February 14 to inform him that of the 16.66 acres of Crown Land on western Paradise Island in the Colonial Beach area, close to one-third was contained in the lease to Mr Smith.

Mr Hardy, confirming that he had sent the lease signed by Mr Smith to the Prime Minister’s Office on January 13, 2020, for the Government’s execution, added that a further 0.11 acres of Crown Land had been licensed to Nassau Water Ferries Services, an entity controlled by former

minister of state for investments, Khaalis Rolle.

A notation at the bottom of Mr Hardy’s letter indicates the first signs of alarm within the Government that it was effectively leasing the same Crown Land to two different parties. It refers to a conversation in which David Davis requested a survey plan of western Paradise Island showing the Crown Land allocations, a task that was described as “urgent”.

Eleven days later, on February 25, 2020, a memorandum marked “extremely urgent” by David Davis said the Minnis administration’s National Economic Council (NEC) required that the boundaries of the Crown Land allocated to Mr Smith and Mr Rolle be “adjusted” to make way for Royal Caribbean’s lease of ten acres.

One day later, Royal Caribbean was informed that the NEC had approved its tenacre Crown Land lease on February 25, 2020.

Mr Smith then met with Carl Bethel KC, former attorney general; Joshua Sears, Dr Minnis’ senior policy adviser; and exBahamas Investments Authority (BIA) director, Candia Ferguson, on February 27, 2020, to be told his lease was not valid nor binding and the Government would not be proceeding with it. The Government then signed the Grand Lucayan and Freeport Harbour deals with Royal Caribbean just over one week later.

It is unclear whether the Davis administration has linked the Royal Beach Club’s go-ahead to Royal Caribbean proceeding with the Freeport Harbour

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deal. Negotiations with the latter involve a private company, not the Government, so drawing a direct link between the two - and making one contingent on the other - is harder.

“Part of our programme that Royal Caribbean had agreed was the ferry and movement of passengers from the cruise ships to Paradise Island, the taxi union was going to own that,” Dr Minnis said. “You’d have less passengers move from the cruise port via the Western Esplanade and Arawak Cay, and therefore the taxis would have lost a small amount of revenue.

“We wanted to ensure the taxis were compensated for that, so the union would get the ferry vessels. Royal Caribbean said they would assist with the ferry vessels for the union, and we would ensured the union got money from the Small Business Development Centre so they could get grants and loans.

“We will be watching to see who owns or gets the contract for that ferry operation. We’re going to be watching that very closely. That should go to the taxi union to compensate for the revenue lost using that transport.” Mr Cooper last week said the ferry service would be owned and operated by Bahamian entrepreneurs, but made no mention of the taxi union or who it was likely to be.

Dr Minnis, meanwhile, said his administration’s plans for Royal Caribbean involved establishing a pier at the Western Esplanade where passengers returning from Paradise Island could disembark. A boardwalk would have taken them to Arawak Cay, which would have received “excess” guests, while an “overpass” was being designed so visitors could safely cross West Bay Street and access tours at Fort Charlotte.

NOTICE is hereby given that

NIXON LEON JOSEPH of Mason Addition, 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 14th day of March, 2023 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, Bahamas.

NOTICE is hereby given that

KETTLY STENOR of Cox Way, 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 14th day of March, 2023 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, Bahamas.

‘Last peaceful settlement’s’ fears over 163-unit project

and the area’s wider environment. The Department of Physical Planning papers reveal that the developer secured a site plan approval hearing before the Town Planning Committee on February 28, 2023, but the regulator “deferred” taking any decision in favour of obtaining residents’ views.

Crystal Hanna, an architect and associate principal with Bron Ltd, in a February 15, 2023, letter on the developer’s behalf to Charles Zonicle, acting director of physical planning, wrote: “Adelaide Development Holding Ltd is proposing to develop approximately 20.46 acres [consisting of] several tracts of land located in Adelaide Village in the southern district of New Providence.”

Noting that the site contained a 16.6 acre parcel, plus a further 3.86 acres that had also been acquired, she enclosed multiple documents in a bid to obtain approval in principle including proof of land ownership; surveys by a land surveyor; and copies of the proposed site plan.

“We are seeking to obtain an approval in principle for

FROM PAGE A24

increased costs due to burning extra fuel both on the ground as they waited to take-off and in the air as they queued to land.

“It was noticeable,” he added of the hold-ups.

“The physical presence of passengers in the terminal reflected that.... We need some work done at the airport in terms of aircraft parking and space, and being able to release aircraft. We need more space on the ground. The ramp situation is definitely going to need some injection.”

land use along with intentions of subsequently pursuing a demolition permit approval,” Ms Hanna wrote. Detailing the project’s components, she said it will feature four four-storey buildings each consisting of 57,000 square feet; three three-storey buildings covering 35,000 square feet each; and 11 villas featuring 1,500 square feet each. The four-storey buildings will contain a total of 104 units, and the threestorey properties 48 which, when added to the 11 villas, makes for a total of 163 proposed residential accommodations. The development will also feature tennis and padel ball courts; offices and washrooms; a 13,500 square foot beach club house; 2,500 square foot service building; wastewater treatment plant; vehicle parking; a boardwalk pier; and amenities such as a pool and cabanas.

The documents lodged with Town Planning provide no details on the developer apart from naming Trevor Hiker as the contact for Adelaide Development Holding Ltd. Tribune Business made

flight in Houston, resulting in them having to overnight there before they could make it home.

numerous inquiries and efforts to track Mr Hiker down and obtain comment from him, but despite ultimately obtaining a cell phone number with a voice mail that gave his name, this newspaper’s calls and messages were not returned before press time.

Online research by Tribune Business showed Mr Hiker was listed variously as director of construction for SMG, and also as chief executive of Summit Devco Bahamas and Apex Infrastructure. No contact numbers were provided for Summit Devco on its website, and a message sent to Mr Hiker via the company was not responded to.

The Department of Physical Planning documents gave no specifics on the level of investment proposed by Adelaide Development Holding, how many construction and full-time jobs will be created by the project, its likely economic impact or how it will seek to mitigate the environmental and development concerns that Adelaide residents may have.

However, the department, in a February 28, 2023, letter told Ms Hanna:

“We wish to inform you that the Town Planning Committee considered the site plan approval application relative to the above captioned proposal at the meeting held on February 28, 2023. The committee deferred a decision in order to have a public hearing in order to obtain the views of nearby residents.”

Adelaide Beach’s Mr Stuart yesterday voiced concern that the project, given its scale and location, would change the area’s rural, Family Island-type character for the worse if approved in its present form. “I know I’m against it, and everybody I’ve spoken to so far is against it,” he told Tribune Business

Mr Stuart said this stemmed from two primary factors, including the development’s potential impact on the water table given its location on or near the “last set of good fresh water” in the area. And Adelaide residents were already complaining about increased vehicle traffic in the area, which such a project with its proposed density will only increase.

“All that’s happening now is that they’re trying to destroy it,” he added

of Adelaide. “It’s the last peaceful settlement in New Providence. I don’t know why anybody would want to get rid of it. We don’t want that area changed. The way it is, we’re happy with it. At least I’m happy with it. I live out there. Everybody that I’ve spoken to is against it. We’re going to fight against it, I can tell you that. That’s all we can do.”

Mr Stuart, though, voiced concern that Town Planning had recently approved a separate project nearby, Adelaide Pines, despite opposition from area residents. “What is the use of having a Town Planning meeting if they go against the people?” he asked. “Being against it is one thing, but then Town Planning turn around and ultimately say ‘yes’. That’s the hard thing.”

Leslie Vanderpool, principal of the Bahamas International Film Festival, and another Adelaide Beach Drive resident, said yesterday of the project: “It’s ridiculous. Don’t they learn? They’ve already been working on it. When you walk down the beach you can see they’ve been working on it. I guess people can develop what

they want to develop, but it’s the size and what makes sense for the area.”

She added that she had difficulties with the concept of a gated community in such close proximity to Adelaide, questioning how it would serve the interests of residents and the general area. “We’re very much a community. We look out for each other,” Ms Vanderpool said. “It’s been like that for 50-plus years. These gated communities, they don’t look out for the surrounding area.

“I guess people can do what they want with their property, but don’t expect people to be happy when you’re trying to create a community that is larger than the existing community.”

The Adelaide Development Holdings project further highlights the increasing development and associated pressures occurring in western New Providence as businesses and families seek to escape what is viewed as an overcrowded eastern New Providence and Nassau. Some of the same issues they are seeking to leave behind could soon be moving with them.

went back onto London,” he said.

Tribune Business was informed that one Bahamas resident suffered a twohour delay and was unable to meet their connecting

The situation arose after Dr Kenneth Romer, the Ministry of Tourism’s deputy director-general and acting head of aviation, last week said here have been discussions with the Nassau Airport Development Company (NAD), Lynden Pindling International Airport’s (LPIA) 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.

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.

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.

Jeffrey Simmons, a passenger due to be on a British Airways flight to London on Saturday afternoon, told this newspaper on Monday that his flight was unexpectedly cancelled. He understood that due to system challenges there were significant airline traffic congestion and flight delays.

I was going, taking a different route and she was stuck in Miami,” he said yesterday. “Then I spoke to someone else I know who is supposed to be doing the same thing and he was stuck in New York. And so, what I found out because you know I have some relationship with air traffic and all of that, is that apparently, they had some issues in Miami.”

“What I understood was there was some issue with the air traffic in Miami because see what happens is that here in Nassau we don’t really … Our air traffic controllers are not responsible for flights, they don’t control flights above 10,000 feet.

“There have been issues relating to the acquisition

“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

“I spoke to a colleague of mine from Jamaica who’s also travelling to where

Chamber chief queries vacation rental ‘policing’

FROM PAGE A24

say they are coming in as guests or friends. That happens,” she continued. “Money is generated outside the country and stays offshore to avoid paying taxes. Bahamians doing the same thing, vacation rentals, can’t get money like that because they don’t normally have foreign accounts - at least not legally. It’s a bit harder for them to get money through that route.

“But I want to know what they’re putting in place to really police people coming in who are paying rent but

“For those properties in Airbnb it’s easy to police; the site will provide the

information. But not everyone goes through Airbnb. Someone who rented through Airbnb last year may now have direct contact with the owner and want to come back. There’s always going to be a way around; there’s always going to be a way to do it. We don’t have a good track record with law enforcement. Law enforcement is not one of our strong suits with any laws.”

Michael Halkitis, minister of economic affairs,

in wrapping up last week’s mid-year Budget debate in the Senate, reassured that the Government’s vacation rental registration drive was not designed to force those earning less than $100,000 per year to pay VAT or Business Licence fees because they fall below the threshold.

Instead, he explained that the move was intended to ensure that those offering vacation rental products met a standard that upheld The Bahamas’ reputation as a quality tourism destination and experience. And it would also assist the Government in putting together an investment incentives package for the industry similar to that of the Hotels Encouragement Act.

However, Kwasi Thompson, the Opposition’s finance spokesman, last night again challenged the Government’s rationale for vacation rental regulation and registration. He argued

Mr Simmons said the malfunctions prohibited Miami’s air traffic control to accommodate the large volume of traffic in the air space and, as a result, many flights locally were delayed on Saturday. “When British Airways arrived here yesterday (Saturday), they couldn’t land, so they had to actually go to Cayman Island, and from there they

that the VAT Act reforms passed by the former Minnis administration in June 2021, which required the likes of Airbnb to levy VAT on the rental rate paid by guests, as well as the listing fee/ commission paid by owners, and remit these funds to the Treasury provided all the enforcement tools needed.

“Minister Halkitis has not explained what legal basis there is for the Department of Inland Revenue to require mandatory registration of all vacation home rental properties,” Mr Thompson asserted. “In fact, he would find that [the VAT Act] states - as we informed the public at the time - that the Government would be able to obtain the taxes due from international aggregators like AirBnB and VRBO directly, with no mention or intention to require individual Bahamian hosts to register.

“The FNM administration did what we said and now VAT is collected from these websites. In

addition, the minister has still to explain why the public notices of the Department of Inland Revenue are foreshadowing Business License and registration fees for Bahamian-owned vacation rental units beginning in 2024. Again, we demand that the government level with the Bahamian people.

“So anything in The Bahamas above 10,000 feet Miami deals with, so our air traffic controllers don’t deal with that. If their (Miami) radar is not properly functioning, then that means they have to cut down on the volume of traffic they allow into the air space and I think that’s more their issue from yesterday (Saturday).” guests, especially if the property is not registered and not with a platform? Are they going to scrutinise and harass people coming in as guests? I’m a real estate agent, and don’t particularly like that foreigners can rent their properties and not use a real estate agent; that’s always been a challenge for local agents.

“Any consideration for any mandatory registration should come to Parliament and be ventilated in the full view of the people’s representatives. The Government must fully explain its policy with respect to registration and Business License, especially for those persons under the VAT threshold of $100,000,” Mr Thompson continued “The law as it stands today is sufficient to allow the Government to do what it needs to do with the international websites without any further burdensome regulatory requirements on the backs of entrepreneurial Bahamians trying to earn a living.”

‘Excessive traffic’ behind Saturday’s airline delays

POSITIVE BUT CAUTIOUS OVER COVID RECOVERY

Based on reports to-date, The Bahamas’ economic recovery, performance and fiscal consolidation is trending well. While largely driven by the post-COVID recovery, the current administration is to be commended for marshalling the improvement. It appears to be getting a number of things right, especially in the tourism and investment portfolio led by deputy prime minister, Chester Cooper. Recentlyannounced initiatives such as the $15m ‘golden yolk’ egg production initiative should create support from other sectors, especially agriculture. However, some may be time sensitive and are likely to face challenges once global supply chains fully readjust. The sense, though, is that there is a clear growth mindset that needs to be baked by strategic intent.

Tourism remains the goose laying the valuable eggs. What is fundamental about its performance is the ability to positively impact market sentiment, drive connected economic clusters and, given that it is the mainstay of the economy, influence investors’ outlook. I continue to take the view that there are other important areas which need focus. However, the announced initiatives and the performance to-date augurs well for meeting or even surpassing targeted outcomes for this fiscal year, as long as the present trajectory holds true. We must adopt an approach of positive caution. So as not to become over confident, we must remain appreciative of the fact there is still much economic work to do.

The Half-Way mark

The mid-year Budget is now firmly behind us. The outcome has been generally positive. Those who follow such proceedings know there was some drama around the reported

Hubert edwards by

size of the fiscal deficit for the six months to endDecember 2022. The Prime Minister, demonstrating sober leadership in subsequently clearing up any misunderstanding, corrected the initial deficit figure when he led-off the House of Assembly debate. He admitted he had misspoken based on incorrect information included in his mid-year Budget speech. This shows the importance of the Government getting it right, being on the right track and producing the right results. The margins for error are very small. Even the slightest whiff of missed fiscal targets will attract attention and robust discussion.

The current administration is focused on transforming long-running fiscal deficits, incurred in virtually every years since Independence, into a surplus within three years. Based purely on the current reported performance, and the tourism industry’s rebound, such an outcomes appears achievable. Given The Bahamas’ experience over the past three years, and having within that time had cause to moderate the future outlook, it is reasonable that developments at this stage will take on some sense of celebration. It is also reasonable, in my view, that due regard should be given to those who have

been working in managing this recovery and continue to so do. The upside is generally positive. On balance, though, this upside does not represent the full story. Economically, The Bahamas is in an interesting place. The last five years has resulted in a fundamental shift in fiscal fortunes, especially an accumulation of national debt which at one point reached as high as 104 percent of gross domestic product (GDP). While not necessarily a popular sentiment, the Government is faced with a situation where the the country’s financial resilience is much less than desirable, and the most critical need and policy outcome is an absolute reduction in the $11.036bn central government debt. Outside of austerity, the only means of achieving this reduction is to grow the economy. This is one reason the fiscal targets set by the Government are so important. In my view, they represent an honest acceptance of the need for growth. They provide a window into understanding how little flexibility and room for manoevere the Government has, and the gravity of the implications should we fail to get them right. Support, especially from the private sector, for the fiscal targets is fundamental, and the terms of engagement must become very clear, very fast). The Government has little to no ability to grow the economy by itself.

Policy is not just numbers

In his recent mid-year Budget presentation, Prime Minister Philip Davis KC said: “On several occasions in this House, I have observed that national budgets reflect the Government’s priorities and choices. I do so because I want the Bahamian people to understand that the numbers in the Budget are not just an accounting exercise, not a simple case

of balancing the books.” This very important statement is the prism through which all reasoned assessment should take place. The fiscal targets detailed in the last Budget, and reiterated in the mid-year debate, represent the Government’s decided policy path. Accurate assessment should therefore should focus on the ‘why’, and every pronouncement should be viewed against this backdrop. The current fiscal space is razor thin. Tax revenue for the Government is fundamental, and the objectives come with restrictions on how policy can be executed. The Prime Minister said: “We must be fiscally prudent and responsible, but we can also be compassionate and morally responsible.” Fiscal prudence and responsibility at this time demands growth in revenue. Compassion and moral responsibility demands protecting consumers and taxpayers from increased costs as best as possible while creating opportunities. Against the backdrop of positive performance, and a recognition of the need to grow the economy, there is also the always looming issue that the room for adjustments is very limited. Paying special attention to the country’s unfolding economic developments is essential, and its management should not be treated abstractly.

The world is watching

An example is the recent report from Santander, published on March 10, 2023. It carried the caption: “Bahamas – strong tourism”. The next deck then reads: “Revenues are robust but spending needs to slow.” The report goes on to state in part: “The strong recovery in tourism remains the backbone for economic growth and fiscal consolidation…the departure tax through the first half of fiscal year 2022-2023

is running at 74 percent of the Budget…. However, the resurgence of high spending needs to decelerate in the second half of fiscal year 2022-2023 to comply with the annual Budget deficit and to remain on the trajectory to meet a fiscal surplus in fiscal year 20242025.” While The Bahamas is doing well on the revenue side, its overall financial state has not yet matured to a point where adjustments are easily made. There are cautionary notes to be taken, and this makes the argument for shunning abstract analyses and taking the Prime Minister’s statements seriously. The pronouncements are not simply a paper exercise or balancing a Budget. Having been set, they are now targets which create clear expectations in both the local and international markets. They are benchmarks against which performance will be judged and investment decisions taken. I would recommend policymakers on all sides take a careful study of the Santander report. In my view there are many positives to take away, but also an indication of how the outside world might be viewing The Bahamas.

This report carries general support for the Government’s policy positions - clear recognition of the performance and depth of fiscal recovery, an honest assessment of the path to fiscal surplus in 20242025; that The Bahamas is unlikely to relapse into a crisis and should be more resilient against a downturn in the US economy.

However, it warns that “the current pace of spending isn’t sustainable and there isn’t much flexibility against any shocks or budget seasonality”, together with shifting its recommendation on investing in The Bahamas debt, on a risk reward basis, to neutral.

This latter point demands careful study. The lower

WHY ANOTHER HIGH INFLATION REPORT MAY NOT CAUSE FED TO HIKE

By CHRISTOPHER RUGABER AP Economics Writer

THE government inflation report being released Tuesday is expected to show that price acceleration in the United States remained chronically high in February, putting the Federal

Reserve in an unusually tough position. The Fed had been considered sure to raise its benchmark interest rate by at least a quarter-point when it meets next week. Many analysts even expected an aggressive half-point hike if Tuesday's report for February pointed again to

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Interested

yields on its outstanding external foreign currency debt are great for The Bahamas and hold implications for borrowing costs. Again, credit must go to the administration for the steps taken to achieve this. However, we should not lose sight of Santander’s view of the country’s risk profile, and that The Bahamas’s debt is not as attractive to the investment market on a risk/reward basis. An appreciation of the implications will no doubt inform policy deliberations.

Linking the forgoing discussion to the Fiscal Strategy Report (FSR) is critically important. Having regard to the Prime Minister’s admonishment, the numbers are indicative of hardening policy positions. It is much easier to isolate performance in a Budget presentation. Therefore, taking into account the entirety of the Fiscal Strategy Report provides a basis for deeper understanding in assessing where we are and what it might take to maintain the current momentum, together with any implications of not achieving these planned goals. This will be discussed in my next article........

• NB: Hubert Edwards is the principal of Next Level Solutions (NLS), a management consultancy firm. He can be reached at info@nlsolustionsbahamas.com. He specialises in governance, risk and compliance (GRC), accounting and finance. NLS provides services in the areas of enterprise risk management, internal audit and policy and procedures development, regulatory consulting, anti-money laundering, accounting and strategic planning. Hubert also chairs the Organisation for Responsible Governance’s (ORG) Economic Development Committee. This and other articles are available at www.nlsolutionsbahamas.com.

elevated inflation. But that was before last weekend's two major bank failures and a series of emergency measures that the Fed unveiled to try to bolster confidence in the financial system.

With bank share prices cratering Monday and fears of further financial instability roiling markets, most economists now expect the Fed to pause its rate hikes next week to avoid causing any further instability at a delicate moment for the banking system.

At the same time, inflation continues to run far

above what the Fed wants. Economists have estimated that Tuesday's report will show that consumer prices rose 0.4% from January to February, according to a survey of economists by the data provider FactSet. That would be slightly less than the increase from December to January but still too fast to be consistent with the Fed's 2% annual inflation target.

Economists have predicted that compared with a year ago, overall inflation rose 6% in February, down from a 6.4% year-over-year

NOTICE

NOTICE is hereby given that STANLY BLANC of Cowpen Road, New Providence, The Bahamas is applying to the Minister responsible for Nationality and Citizenship, for registration/naturalization as a citizen of The Bahamas, and that any person who knows any reason why registration/ naturalization should not be granted, should send a written and signed statement of the facts within twenty-eight days from the 14th day of March, 2023 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, Bahamas.

Legal Notice NOTICE

OITOILI CONSULTING LIMITED

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN as follows:

(a) Oitoili Consulting Limited is in voluntary dissolution under the provisions of Section 138 (4) of the International Business Companies Act 2000.

(b) The dissolution of the said Company commenced on the 13th day of March 2023.

(c) The Liquidator of the said Company is Baird One Limited of Deltec House, Lyford Cay, P.O. Box N-3229, Nassau, Bahamas.

Dated

jump in January. They have also estimated that so-called core prices, which exclude volatile food and energy costs, rose 5.5% from a year earlier. That would be only slightly below January's annual pace of 5.6%.

Jan Hatzius, chief economist at Goldman Sachs, said Goldman now thinks the Fed's policymakers will pause their rate increases next week. Goldman had previously predicted a quarter-point hike. In a note to clients, Hatzius noted that the Fed, for now, appears even more focused on

calming the banking sector and the financial markets than on fighting inflation. "We would be surprised if, just one week after going to great lengths to support financial stability, policymakers risked undermining their efforts by raising interest rates again," Hatzius wrote in a separate note Monday. If the Fed does pause its rate hikes this month, Hatzius predicted, it will likely resume them when it next meets in May. Ultimately, he still expects the Fed to raise its key rate, which affects many consumer and business loans, to about 5.4% this year, up from the current 4.6%.

NOTICE

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

NOTICE

Pursuant to the provisions of Section 138 (8) of the International Business Companies Act (as amended), NOTICE is hereby given that Via De La Paz Limited has been dissolved and has been struck from the Register with effect from 21 December 2022.

RF CONFERENCE RETURNS IN-PERSON AFTER 4 YEARS

in the audience as well, they get to share ideas and also to network, which is important.”

A BAHAMIAN investment bank will today stage its first in-person Economic Outlook conference for four years following the interruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

David Slatter, RF Bank & Trust’s vice-president of investment management, told Tribune Business that this year’s RF Economic Outlook conference will continue the tradition of bringing global and regional presenters to share their ideas with a Bahamian audience.

He said: “The pandemic had a lot of negatives, but one of the positives that it did provide is it made us aware of the ability to use technology and to compete on the global market. That also goes the other way, and that means it’s easier for people to compete in our market using the same approach.

“So the RF Economic Outlook brings together global and regional experts, and also Bahamian experts, and when you include that with the audience, because we have a lot of expertise

Headlining the 2023 event are economist and Caribbean advisor, Marla Dukharan; and the first US chief intelligence officer and economic futurist, Andy Busch. Joining them are CNBC senior analyst and commentator, Ron Insana; entrepreneur and technology innovator, Kevin Hobbs; and adventurer and expedition leader, Jeff Evans.

Ms Dukharan will also appear in a panel discussion on the topic, ‘Global minimum tax and what it means for The Bahamas’ financial services industry’. She will be alongside Michael Halkitis, minister of economic affairs and leader of government business in the Senate; and Kevin Moree, partner at McKinney, Bancroft and Hughes.

“While disruption was the catalyst for accelerated innovation and technological advancement over the past two years, it has also spawned a wide range of rapidly evolving risks across the world that will likely have a significant impact on our businesses and our lives,” said RF group

PREPARATIONS being made for RF Business Outlook 2023. president and chief executive, Michael Anderson.

“Geopolitical issues between the US, China and Russia; the ongoing Ukraine war; energy disruptions plus the highest level of inflation in decades are all major issues

that will impact us in the Caribbean. Our team of world-recognised speakers is well-positioned to advise on the expected outcomes of these risks so as to minimise the negative impact of these global trends on our continued growth. We

invite all to join us in gaining valuable insights and strategies as we look forward together.” Mr Slatter added: “We normally get around 150 to 200 people to show up, and we are expecting a similar turnout this year.

THE WEATHER REPORT

We also want to make sure that those who attend, that when they leave, they are better prepared to compete globally from the expertise and the information they receive.”

lows.

BISX-listed fund targets storage drive to $100m

• Property Fund identifies first warehouse project • ‘Bullish’ on ‘23 with new dividend awaited April • Initiates ‘shortterm rentals’ at Financial Centre

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

A BISX-listed fund is entering New Providence’s warehouse and storage space market to help drive ambitions of more than doubling in scale to some $100m in assets.

Michael Anderson, RF Bank & Trust’s president and the Bahamas Property Fund’s administrator, told Tribune Business it was

‘Last peaceful settlement’s’ fears over 163-unit project

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

ADELAIDE residents

yesterday voiced fears that a proposed 163-unit multi-family residential project will “destroy the last peaceful settlement we have in New Providence” if approved by government regulators.

Rudy Stuart, an Adelaide Beach Drive resident, pledged to Tribune Business that “we’re going to fight against it” after the Department of Physical Planning unveiled plans for a March 30, 2023, consultation on a proposed 20.46-acre project by Adelaide Development Holding Ltd. Documents lodged with the Department confirm the development would lie “adjacent to”, and in

very close proximity, to the main Adelaide Village in south-western New Providence if it receives site plan approval from the Town Planning Committee plus the necessary environmental permits required from

the Department of Environmental Planning and Protection (DEPP) via a separate process.

The gated community is targeted at a site that used to be the Kiral M Thompson farm, with papers

awaiting Board approval on a project that aims to fill the gap created by insufficient storage space and meet “the huge demand” generated by investment and construction projects.

Disclosing that the Fund is “bullish” on its 2023 prospects, and preparing to pay a second dividend in April following the first capital return to shareholders for more than a decade last October, he added that it was seeking to “move more aggressively”

• Adelaide residents pledge: ‘We’ll fight it’

• Former farm to be multi-family community

• Town Planning ‘defers’ approval to consult

showing the property was initially a Crown Land grant to that former owner. It would stretch from Adelaide Road, marking its northern boundary, all the way to Adelaide Beach in the south, while its western boundary borders land owned by the prominent attorney and conservationist, Pericles Maillis.

Mr Maillis declined to comment when contacted yesterday by Tribune Business on the basis that he was still assessing the development’s implications for himself, Adelaide

SEE PAGE A21

‘Excessive traffic’ behind Saturday’s airline delays

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

A BAHAMIAN aviation operator yesterday said “excessive traffic volume” was to blame for weekend delays at Lynden Pindling International Airport (LPIA) that resulted in some travellers missing flights or their connections.

Anthony Hamilton, Southern Air’s

director of administration, and president of the Bahamas Association of Air Transport Operators, told Tribune Business that Saturday’s events had highlighted the need for further investment at The Bahamas’ main aviation gateway including a new runway that the industry has been “advocating for for some time”.

“That was an excessive volume of traffic between

Nassau and Miami,” he explained of the delays, which had stretched air traffic control at both locations. “It was heavily saturated, and it was a matter of managing through that on Saturday. What resulted on Saturday was an extreme situation, but is indicative of the volume of traffic coming to us. It was a combination of things, but the traffic

beyond office space and into other segments of the commercial real estate market.

“We’re in the process of doing some of our own developments and getting into the development of warehouse and storage space,” Mr Anderson told this newspaper. “We’ve been looking to grow the balance sheet of the fund. Part of that growth will take place through the purchase of land and development of warehouse and storage space.

“We’re in the process of getting Board approval for one of these projects. Once we have Board approval for that project, we can move forward. The Fund is getting back into this idea of growing. We refinanced last year, and there was getting a dividend out and giving shareholders a return on their money.

“The second part of that is getting ourselves into growing the Fund again. We’re starting to progress this year with the first [warehouse and storage] development site, and also looking at other development sites. We’re still looking to find other

Ex-PM: Royal Caribbean’s PI deal ‘watering down’ GB

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

DR HUBERT Minnis says he will be “watching very closely” to see who gains the contract to ferry Royal Caribbean’s passengers to a Paradise Island project he would have approved only when the cruise line closed in Freeport.

The former prime minister, in an interview with Tribune Business, confirmed his administration had planned to sign-off on Royal Caribbean’s Royal Beach Club, and its Freeport deals involving the Grand Lucayan acquisition and cruise port expansion, “together” at the same time.

volume was the main driving factor.”

LPIA’s operator, the Nassau Airport Development Company (NAD), did not respond to this newspaper’s request for comment before press time last night. Besides passenger delays and missed flights, Mr Hamilton said airlines and aviation operator s also incurred

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Chamber chief queries vacation rental ‘policing’

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

ABACO’S Chamber of Commerce president has questioned how the Government will “police” the vacation rental industry given that enforcement is “not one of our strong suits”.

Daphne DegregoryMiaoulis, in an interview with Tribune Business, queried how the Government will be able to ensure

it receives its fair share of taxation from properties and owners who are not listed with sites such as Airbnb and VRBO.

And she also argued that it will be extremely difficult to detect paying vacation renters who seek to pass themselves off as guests, family or friends visiting Bahamians and residents when they come through the airports and other ports of entry.

Speaking after the Government unveiled its

initiative for all vacation rental properties to register via the Department of Inland Revenue’s online portal by end-April 2023, Mrs Degregory-Miaoulis said: “How is it going to be policed? Let’s put it like this. You have a home in Eleuthera, paying guests coming in from Canada who are coming in as ‘friends’, but paying offshore.

“How do you prove they’re renting and not

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Confirming that the former Minnis administration’s approval of the cruise giant’s Paradise Island plans “hinged” on it also proceeding in Freeport, he accused his successor of “disadvantaging” Grand Bahama

and “watering it down” by seemingly not linking the two deals together. Much has changed since that strategy was put in place, with the Davis administration and Royal Caribbean mutually agreeing to terminate the latter’s negotiations to purchase the Grand Lucayan soon after the September 2021 general election. However, the cruise line has remained in talks with Freeport Harbour Company, and Hutchison Whampoa as

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DR HUBERT MINNIS

MICHAEL ANDERSON

DAPHNE DEGREGORY-MIAOULIS

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