04292020 BUSINESS

business@tribunemedia.net

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 29, 2020

$3.28 Auto insurance: ‘Stop talking and let’s get it done’

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net A LEADING Bahamian insurer says the industry and government must “stop talking and do it” over plans for vehicle insurance polices to be electronically uploaded into Road Traffic’s system.

Anton Saunders, RoyalStar Assurance’s managing director, told Tribune Business that both sides needed to finally bring discussions on a much talked-about matter to a “conclusion” that all were happy with.

Responding after Renward Wells, minister of transport, told the House of Assembly on Monday that the Bahamas Insurance Association (BIA) had again agreed to meet with officials to discuss information sharing, Mr Saunders warned against “putting the cart before the horse”.

He pointed out that reforms to the Road Traffic Act were required to give legal effect to the electronic transmission of motor insurance policies from the broker/agent to the Road Traffic Department’s TMS system in a bid to help the authorities more easily identify drivers who lack the necessary coverage.

And, acknowledging that the COVID-19 crisis has forced the Government to look at ways of doing business more efficiently, Mr Saunders questioned whether it had truly embraced the digital age in recalling how RoyalStar’s efforts to place insurance certificates on a debit/ credit sized card had been rejected two years ago.

“I know there was an initial meeting a year ago, but there was no follow-up on either side,” the RoyalStar chief said of the proposed information sharing with Road Traffic. “I’d be happy to start meeting again, but if we start it, conclude it.

“The BIA and Road Traffic can get together, agree the parameters and move forward with specific details and say: ‘This is the outcome we want’. Because we have this [COVID-19] situation, everyone understands there are things we can do a little differently, and we’d be happy to continue discussions with the government to the benefit of all concerned.

“But there has to be a commitment by both sides.

It cannot be a speech from Parliament,” Mr Saunders added. “I’m happy they’re [the government and Road Traffic] on this road, but there are certain things in the Act that they have to change. Don’t put the cart before the horse.

“Let’s sit down, change the things we need to change, and RoyalStar and the BIA will be a willing partner to make sure we do things more efficiently and more effectively in this country.”

Mr Wells, in his House of Assembly address, said the Road Traffic Department’s system will be able to receive vehicle insurance certificates and other information from Bahamian motor coverage underwriters by May 1.

He added that the digital sharing of insurance policies would enable the industry to advise the Road Traffic Department and police as to motorists “whose insurance has lapsed automatically”, thereby enabling the authorities to crack down on drivers who are either not insured or improperly insured.

Mr Saunders, though, said he and RoyalStar had

SEE PAGE 5

$3.28

$3.28

Fear virus may derail cruise port investors

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

A

CABINET minister is voicing fears that the COVID-19 pandemic may have derailed ambitions to give 20,000plus Bahamians an ownership stake in the new $250m Nassau Cruise Port.

Dionisio D’Aguilar, minister of tourism and aviation, told Tribune Business he was concerned that the small retail investors targeted by the cruise port’s ownership structure are all now “in economic survival mode” and may lack the necessary disposable income/savings when the time comes to invest.

And he also agreed with Mehmet Kutman, chairman of Global Ports Holding, the cruise port developer’s parent company, that passenger volumes may not

DIONISIO D’AGUILAR return to 2019 levels for two to three years.

Describing the COVID19 fall-out as “a big rut in the road, rather than a bump in the road” for Bahamian tourism in all its forms, Mr D’Aguilar nevertheless said Nassau Cruise

SUPER Value’s president yesterday said its March VAT return was the “highest ever” after COVID-19 shoppers drove a 36 percent increase in store sales and even greater warehouse output.

Rupert Roberts told Tribune Business that the 13-store supermarket chain had “$1m less in the warehouse than we did a year ago” at month’s end after consumer demand caused a 70 percent jump in that facility’s output.

To cope with this outflow Super Value has to “increase the intensity of its buying”, he explained, but this requires the speedy processing of entries by Bahamas Customs and the co-operation of the Price Control Department.

Mr Roberts revealed he had asked the Prime

SEE PAGE 6

SEE PAGE 5

SEE PAGE 4

• Retailer sees 70% warehouse output jump • Seeks price control relaxation on ‘new brands’ • Optimistic govt ‘woken up’ to producer value

RUPERT ROBERTS Minister’s Office to remove price controls on a range of “new brands” Super Value is sourcing as it expands its supply chain reach throughout the world. While no formal government response has been received, he said the removal of such controls was necessary if

these products are to sell given that they are unfamiliar to Bahamian consumers.

And the Super Value chief also voiced optimism that the government’s longstanding “wishy washy” approach to Bahamian manufacturers may now be a thing of the past, with the economic fall-out from the COVID-19 pandemic bringing home the value of a domestic production base.

Expressing hope that “somebody wakes up now”, Mr Roberts suggested that this nation could take the ten percent sales benchmark for local produce during ‘Buy Bahamian’ month and “up that by 25-30 percent overnight if we get serious”.

Besides COVID-19 stocking up, he added that Super

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

Value’s sales were also likely benefiting from hotel and restaurant closures as these were forcing Bahamians and residents to cook at home rather than eating out or consuming take-aways.

“Our sales last month were up 36 percent, but our warehouse output was 70 percent more than last year,” Mr Roberts told Tribune Business. “Movement of product through the warehouse went up because we were really importing.

Now we realise we have to get serious. We didn’t realise we were selling as fast as we were buying. We have to buy, buy, buy.

“If we had a 36 percent increase in sales, that will be

Mr D’Aguilar told this newspaper.

“I don’t know if that is going to pan out now because everyone is in economic survival mode, and it is uncertain whether they will have enough dollars to invest. The way we structured it, Bahamians have an opportunity to invest in it. That was preCOVID -19, and this is now post-COVID-19.”

The minister, though, pointed out that “all infrastructure projects in The Bahamas have turned out to be good investments”, pointing to the Nassau Airport Development Company (NAD) and Nassau

Super Value: March VAT ‘highest ever’

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

Insurer issues profits warning over COVID-19 COLINA Holdings (Bahamas) has become the first BISX-listed company to issue a 2020 profits warning due to the COVID-19 pandemic’s impact.

The parent of Colina Insurance Company, the life and health underwriter, told shareholders in footnotes to its 2019 annual financial statements that it faced “a significant decrease in its original projected net income” due to the health and economic fall-out from the virus.

While no figures were disclosed, Colina Holdings (Bahamas) said the main impacts would be felt from reduced premium income as growing numbers of policyholders were likely to be unable to meet payment. It did not mention the government order that prevents terminated workers suffering policy lapses for the duration of the lockdown plus a 60-day period afterwards.

The insurance parent also warned that the value of some investment assets may be impaired and result in losses, but added that it had a sufficiently strong capital base and liquidity to meet all its obligations “even under significant stress”.

“Management has prepared an assessment of the potential impact on the group,” Colina Holdings (Bahamas) said, “and, after adjusting their projections from a very conservative viewpoint, determined that the group could experience a significant decrease in its original projected net income for 2020 as a direct result of the pandemic primarily due to possible decreases in premium income and potential impairment losses on certain assets.

“However, the directors and management believe that the group has a very strong capital base, sufficient liquidity and the ability to meet its obligations even under significant stress..... Management continues to monitor developments relating to the coronavirus pandemic and is co-ordinating its

• Minister: Bahamians in ‘economic survival mode’ • ‘Agrees’ visitor volumes may not revive till 2023 • Renward puts brake in Paradise Cruise’s plans Port Ltd’s decision to press ahead with Prince George Wharf’s transformation will generate jobs and foreign currency inflows at a time when they are desperately needed.

He added that it would also “secure the viability” of Nassau’s cruise port for when passenger volumes rebound, and provide a new and refreshed destination to attract the industry and its vessels during their recovery phase.

“In the absence of tourism dollars coming in, we’re going to need as many construction projects bringing in foreign direct investment, and this project brings in some of that while allowing Bahamians to invest,”

$3.28

Retailer hits out on lockdown ‘inequity’

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

A BAHAMIAN shoe retailer yesterday warned the government’s lockdown is creating “unfairness and inequity” in the sector by enabling “essential” firms to sell the same products closed rivals cannot.

Egan Kemp, president of Eunison Company, the Shoe Depot parent, told Tribune Business that multi-product retailers deemed to be “essential services” will have a “huge competitive advantage” over specialist distributors such as himself when the economy re-opens because they have continued operating while he has been “bleeding cash” through being closed.

Arguing that the government’s COVID-19 shutdown was creating an “unlevel playing field” between those retailers that were still open and those that are not, Mr Kemp said the likes of Super Value and Solomon’s Super Centre were besides food also able to sell footwear, clothing, electronic appliances and a range of goods

• ‘Essential’ rivals selling same product he cannot • Fears they will have ‘huge advantage’ on re-open • ‘We’re bleeding cash while they’re swimming in it’ offered by other merchants who have been forced to shutter for over a month.

Disclosing that the situation was sparking outrage among other retailers in a similar predicament to Shoe Depot, he told this newspaper: “This is a huge issue for businesses out there that cannot operate. Huge.

Super Value sells slippers and shoes, but I can’t.”

Asked whether this will give “essential” retailers a competitive advantage once the Bahamian economy is re-opened in the pandemic’s wake, Mr Kemp replied: “The problem is how many small businesses will fail in this process. There’s a lot of those out there that are not going to be able to weather the financial storm associated with this.

“They’re going to have a huge advantage going into an economy opening situation because the rest of us have been bleeding cash

while they’re swimming in cash. It’s certainly unfair.

I know the government is reacting to something they’ve not seen before, but now the dust has settled a bit they will know what are essential items and nonessential items.

“I’m fuming mad. I think the government has to be a bit more responsible about how they’re letting this happen. It’s about all of us - Mom and Pop stores, family-owned. How can these stores sell the same products we do while we cannot operate?”

Mr Kemp said the impact would be “absolutely catastrophic”, and added: “Every day that goes by it becomes compounded. We have already experienced significant negative effects in several areas. Obviously, zero sales means zero money incoming. Yet, there are the weekly expenses that continue to build in

the background. We have to contend with those expenses, and that quickly depletes our available cash.”

Disclosing that he had raised his concerns with the government yesterday, the Shoe Depot chief continued: “I am pounding the sand in multiple areas to bring more awareness to this issue, because I am not sure how much longer our society will hold it’s cool under such unfair conditions.

“Each day that passes people will have more and more time to ponder on these things, and they will begin to see the unfairness every time they go out to shop and see items they may sell in their own business and ask: ‘Why?’” Mr Kemp said the longterm impact on his business, which has been operating in The Bahamas for 36 years, was presently unknown, but added: “I do know that to allow one person/business

to profit while at the same time closing others that sell the same type of merchandise is not equitable and in the spirit of a free society.

“In every country this is a major unlevel playing field, and even worse in countries where multinational corporations have a presence as they are getting all the benefits in multiple ways. More buying power, in-house legal teams, public stock funding, more lucrative lease deals, tax breaks from local and state governments, first in line at the government bailout packages (to big to fail) and most recently, the biggest and most immediate beneficiary of all the ‘free’ government stimulus monies going directly to citizens in the US being spent in the only stores open - big multinational corporations.

“If Wal-Mart can operate with customers why can’t the ‘mom and pop’ store?

Nothing wrong with competition but it must be fair and equitable to all. In the future I will make sure we sell bread, milk and eggs so we are essential also.”

PAGE 2, Wednesday, April 29, 2020

THE TRIBUNE

ISLAND INSIGHTS

Bridging digital divide in world’s new reality

BY RODERICK A SIMMS II ADVOCATE FOR SUSTAINABLE FAMILY ISLAND GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT RASII@ME.COM

I

N an address to the nation on COVID19, the Prime Minister said: “Innovation and trying new things are an essential part of what we must do at this time.” This statement was followed by Dr Hubert Minnis encouraging Bahamians to continue creating more online food delivery and pick-up options in an effort to keep the domestic economy functioning.

His remarks may have been a small plea to embrace the use/creation of digital platforms, but it should highlight the greater need to develop these skills in a changing labour market.

The World Economic Forum pointed out in 2016 that we stand on the “brink of a technological revolution that will fundamentally alter the way we live, work and relate to one another”.

This means it is important

for The Bahamas to close the digital skills gap for both employers and employees, and determine how technology can be implemented through the National Development Plan (NDP).

DIGITALLY COMPETENCY: ARE WE THERE YET? Digital competency is rooted in skills that use and engage technologies for learning, working and participating in society in a responsible, confident and critical manner, according to the European Commission (EC). Unfortunately, young people are not receiving the digital skills they need before leaving high school, putting them at a disadvantage when entering today’s labour market. Almost 90 percent of all jobs require some form of digital skills,

To advertise in The Tribune, contact 502-2394

including farming and small shop owners, the EUN Academy notes. As a result, youth unemployment is increasingly high, particularly in small island developing states (SIDS) such as The Bahamas. Many argue there are not a lot of jobs in the technology field, or that the infrastructure is unreliable and access costly.

While these points have some validity, it is not entirely true. For instance, having digital skills allows for the launch of new start-ups or innovative solutions that can improve current business operations.

In addition, about 90 percent of persons living in The Bahamas have access to the internet, which means that infrastructure is working and we are digital. Therefore, the focus needs to shift from just infrastructure and access to developing digital skills. The job market today requires critical thinkers, innovators and solution-oriented individuals. This means that in order for The Bahamas to remain competitive in regional and international markets, it has to do more to improve digital skills among its current and incoming workforce. The European Union (EU’s) digital competency framework has five groups of digital skills: Information and data literacy; communication and collaboration; digital content creation; safety; and problem solving.

This is a framework that can be adopted when considering the future of education within the National Development Plan (NDP).

CAN A MACHINE TAKE MY JOB? In case you had not heard by now, there is a lot of speculation on “robots” taking over jobs. These “robots” are either a new and improved machine learning technology, artificial intelligence or app development. Taking a rationale view, the International Telecommunication Union’s (ITU) Digital Skills (2019) report states human and computing capacity can be deployed in partnership for driving social impact.

“Technological advancement will not occur at the expense of human capacity, but will help augment human capacity,” it said.

As more industries continue to digitise, different skills are needed. This includes the financial services sector, insurance sector, aviation and maritime, agriculture, law enforcement and tourism in The Bahamas. Competition is stiff in many of these industries but there is still a “tech talent gap”, a post from Silicon Caribe points out. It is true that many processes and operations are now digital and do not require human input. This highlights the need to shift the education system to a more technical and vocational range of subjects. A technology-driven labour force requires more skills in programming and web development, mobile application development, digital marketing, cybersecurity, big data, cloud computing, artificial intelligence (AI) and blockchain. Therefore, the issue of being replaced

by a machine should not take precedence over the fact that different skills are now needed to work in this digital era.

A NEW REALITY The new reality is that if you keep doing the same thing, you will get left behind. In the Caribbean, more countries are taking on the task of preparing their youth and workforce to keep up with the IT (information technology) and digital skills needed.

Saint Lucia rolled out a series of training workshops intended to strengthen its information and communications technology (ICT) sector. Jamaica has announced plans to increase the use of information and communication technologies (ICTs) in its education sector in an effort to “bridge the digital divide and enhance knowledge”. More countries are also adopting different curriculums that focus on programming, applied mathematics and basic data analytics. However, it should be noted that while governments in the Caribbean are taking measures to be more technology-drive, they are also faced with a “brain drain” problem. There are talented students that study STEM (Science, technology, engineering and mathematics) and related fields abroad and do not return back to their home country. As a result, governments might be deterred from investing in their youth because of the fear that they might leave and yield no returns from their investment, according

to the ITU Digital Skills Report (2019). “In addition, the costs of financing these innovative methodologies are high. Consequently, the government might have to reduce budgetary allocations for key sectors to allow for the expense of the new initiatives, and this may be unpopular for the masses,” the report added.

“Finally, there is also a time lag between the acquisition of these skills and their visible implementation - and impact - in the economy.”

This problem will require strengthened collaboration between private and public sector industries to build confidence and provide incentives for persons interested in technology fields.

This framework should then be implemented into the National Development Plan.

CONCLUSION In closing, the government must invest in reformed education programmes, innovation hubs and make access to digital tools either free or less costly for those disadvantaged. A continued brain drain will have negative spillover effects for the economy, and more expatriates will be required to fill positions that require digital skills. There is still time to reform the ICT sector in The Bahamas, but it will require a motivated and informed workforce to do so. Therefore, the Government will need to step in to prepare Bahamians for the fourth revolution.

Read NDP @ www.vision2040bahamas.org

THE TRIBUNE

B

AHAMIAN manufacturers yesterday urged the Government to “strike a middle ground” between supporting domestic production and not disadvantaging consumers.

Karla Wells-Lisgaris, the Bahamas Light Industries Development Council’s (BLIDC) vice-president, said the body and its members “welcome” further discussions with the Government following the Prime Minister’s pledge to better support Bahamian manufacturers in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

She added that suggestions domestic manufacturing needed to be rescued were “a bit strong; I don’t think that it’s dying”.

Ms Wells-Lisgaris encouraged the Government to look for other means to

Wednesday, April 29, 2020, PAGE 3

Manufacturers urge ‘middle ground’ over govt support

BY YOURI KEMP | TRIBUNE BUSINESS REPORTER YKEMP@TRIBUNEMEDIA.NET support producers rather than simply imposing tariffs on rival imports as this only increased costs for consumers.

“At the end of the day we are not recommending food costs go up for

Bahamians, but it is about striking a middle ground where you are encouraging local production but also not disadvantaging the wider public,” Ms Wells-Lisgaris said.

“This is going to require

much legislative changes.

That’s inevitable, so it is going to take a lot of consultation with industry and with the public, because they have to weigh in as well obviously.”

She spoke after the Prime Minister’s Monday pledge to support Bahamian manufacturers after COVID-19 exposed the weaknesses caused by a lack of domestic production. He said the local face mask industry, which evolved in response to the pandemic, “may be valued between $6m to $9m a year” after the importation of rival products was banned.

Ms Wells-Lisgaris said there were other options available to the Government other than raising tariffs, including legislative and incentive reforms as well as encouraging Bahamians to

“buy local”.

She added: “There are other trade measures outside of tariffs. There is something called a tariff rate quota. Lots of countries have them. They are not necessarily viewed in the most positive light on trade discussions, but the US has them, Canada has them, and Australia and a lot of countries have them.

“The way they work is that recognising that some industries needing protection aren’t able to fill the entire market demand, a portion of the good in question is allowed in at a reduced rate and the balance is subject to a higher tariff. That could be seasonal.

“So let’s say the Government says they really want to incentivise Bahamians to get into onion farming, which is seasonal depending

on where in the word these onion are coming from.

When we are in harvest the tariffs may be high to encourage wholesalers, retailers and restaurants and the like to buy local, and whenever we are not in harvest the tariffs can come down.”

Ms Wells-Lisgaris said the Council hoped COVID-19 had shown the importance and value of local producers. “We have seen Blanco Bleach started to produce the disinfectant spray, several of our members started producing face masks, and we have the Sign Man who is going to be producing the face shields,” she added.

“So we are hoping that this demonstrates the importance of having local industry, and we hope more and people support and buy local.”

Food industry awaits action over security

By YOURI KEMP Tribune Business Reporter ykemp@tribunemedia.net FARMERS and food retailers yesterday said they were keenly watching how the government’s Food Security Task Force will execute its mandate.

Lance Pinder, Abaco Big Bird Poultry Farm’s operations manager, said “there has been a lot of talk over the years” about improving The Bahamas’ food security and it remains to be seen whether the COVID-19 fall-out translates this into action.

“This is a different government with different people, so I don’t know,” he said. “Here we are. We were one of the only meat producers in the country and we have been shut down now since September, and nothing has really

happened to get us back up and running.

“I even wrote a letter over the weekend to Mr (Michael) Pintard, minister for agriculture and marine resources, and Mr (Darren) Henfield, minister for foreign affairs and MP for North Abaco, because we applied for some financing and grants through the Small Business Development Centre (SBDC). We have had our application in since January and there is supposed to be some grant money available, and we haven’t heard anything from that.”

Expressing frustration over his application’s lack of movement, Mr Pinder said: “So that’s what I mean.

We are a farm that was into food production, we have been shut down for six or seven months, and they are talking about food security

BUSINESSES COME TO TERMS WITH LOCKDOWN EXTENSION

By YOURI KEMP Tribune Business Reporter ykemp@tribunemedia.net BUSINESS owners yesterday called for the further gradual easing of COVID-19 restrictions to help them meet payroll and other costs as they came to terms with the lockdown’s extension to end-May. Dwayne Higgs, WHIM Automotive’s general manager, told Tribune Business: “I would like a few more days, as one day a week might not even cover my

staff payroll. I see that in Phase 1B [of the prime minister’s re-opening plan] we will be able to do curbside delivery for online orders. Once we move into that phase we should be able to generate some more revenue.

“We are also looking at doing delivery. Possibly by May or June, we should have that in place. If we could get one more day.... hardware stores have two days, plant nurseries have two days. If we could have two days as well that would

PROTECTIVE BARRIERS KEEP PLASTICS PRODUCER BUSY

By YOURI KEMP Tribune Business Reporter ykemp@tribunemedia.net A BAHAMIAN manufacturer says it has been kept “pretty busy” by the demand from essential businesses for COVID-19 protective barriers to safeguard cashiers and other staff.

Matthew Lawrence, Nassau Plastics’ production manager, told Tribune Business that it has been producing the acrylic protective barriers since the pandemic and associated lockdown/shutdown hit.

“Mostly all we have been doing is making protective shields for everyone that has been open, like the banks, the pharmacies and a few food stores,” he said.

“Business has been pretty good. The banks have kept us pretty busy because each teller has got to have one, and the pharmacies as well.

“It keeps us busy because what we’re offering is two options. We have some generic pre-made ones that have pre-set that sizes, as well as we can come to your location and custom fit. Obviously the custom fit ones are time consuming. So that has kept us busy over the last couple of weeks really.”

Mr Lawrence added: “We have an exemption to be open. We got one early on when they first did the curfew and this shut down.

We are not encouraging any walk-in traffic. We are getting a lot of e-mails and

calls to keep the foot traffic down.

“The banks were keeping us busy at first, but right now we are mostly with the pharmacies and a few other businesses that are anticipating opening in the near future. Even individuals like nail technicians and people that do the manicures and the custom nails, the premade ones are popular with them because they are quick and easy and affordable.”

Mr Lawrence explained that pre-made barriers are free standing, sitting on a countertop or desktop, and do not require any fastenings. They come in widths of 24, 30 and 36 inches.

All protective barriers are made in The Bahamas from raw materials shipped

by Nassau Plastics’ Florida distributor. Mr Lawrence said: “Most of what they supply gets manufactured in Mexico, but as of late they have been getting them out of China.

“We don’t have the machines to convert them into what we need. We haven’t looked into it to be honest, but we have been looking into recycling for a long time. Like most things here when plastic is melted down and recycled, the uses become limited and the market here is so slim.

There isn’t the volume to justify the expense.”

Nassau Plastics has been in business in The Bahamas since the early 1960s, having started as a shop making souvenirs.

and we have been fighting tooth and nail to get back open.

“We have talked to Mr Pintard a few times. He was very good at getting our money that was owed to us

by BAMSI (Bahamas Agriculture and Marine Science Institute) and the produce exchange. He got right on that with some funds that was owed to us for over two years. I have to give him credit for that. But I just can’t get any money out of the SBDC, and if we’re not eligible for it considering the situation that’s going on, then who is?”

Mr Pinder continued: “They often say famers don’t have accounts, they don’t keep books and they don’t have records. We have 25 years’ worth of records and accounts, and anything you want to know, we sent all of that in and have done

what we could do.

“That’s why I explained to them in the letter over the weekend, it’s the temporary things I can do to get back up and running faster, but there are long-term things I need to do to be successful but I don’t have the finances to do both right now.”

“You do have some insurance money but, as a farmer, you still have a lot of uninsured losses and you can only stretch those funds so for. Hopefully something will be forthcoming.”

Mr Pinder said he is also waiting on his Crown Land grant application, which could help secure the restoration funding the farm needs. He added: “We have been contacted by the Prime Minister’s Office regarding that back in January about having a meeting, but I was in the US at the

time at an international poultry show.

“They gave me one day’s notice and I was unable to attend. We had to reschedule, and I guess with COVID-19 everything is on the backburner. But, if you want to talk about food security, then it needs to be on the front burner.”

Mr Pinder added that meat processing plants in the US are having to shut down due to workers being infected with COVID19. He said: “You can see corn prices are crashing, which means there is less animal feed being produced because a lot of the processors have to venture in to slaughter animals.

“They basically just dump them because they don’t have the processing facilities running to slaughter and package them, and they can’t afford to

keep feeding them. I have reports that similar things are happening in Brazil, so we are trying our best to get something up and running.”

“The food security initiative needs to happen right away. If you are worried about food problems in two or three months you have to get on that now, you can’t wait until later.”

Bradley Rolle, general manager of Centreville Food Market, voiced optimism that the Food Security Task Force “has been placed in the hands of those who actually can make it happen”.

The prime minister announced on Monday that Susan HoloweskoLarson has agreed to serve as its co-ordinator. “It has been placed in the right hands so let us see what will happen,” Mr Rolle added.

help. But we are thankful for the one day.

“I would have to look at the numbers, but if we are only working one day, I’m not sure that is going to cover payroll. With the curbside deliver and the Phase 1B, I think people need to be more familiar with our website so they can order and they can pick up five days a week once we reach the Phase 1B.” Roberta Garzaroli, Graycliff Company’s general manager, added: “It’s not much we can do about it except accept it and keep going. We started yesterday with the delivery service, so hopefully that will increase business somewhat. It’s only the second day, but

so far so good.

“Right now are doing delivery on our own. We spoke to all of the food delivery companies, and we are in discussions with them and figuring out if we are going to work with one of them or none. But it is a $20 flat rate delivery fee.

“Some people have asked for delivery, and we have extended that service.

I think we may sign on to one of the food delivery services, but we have not decided for sure if we will do it or not. We will make that decision this week.”

The prime minister announced in Parliament on Monday that the economy will be reopened via a phased six-stage plan,

but gave no timetable for when each would be implemented.

Phases 1a and 1b cover essential services and hurricane preparedness, delivery and curbside service, and construction.

Phase two covers opening up Family Islands where there are no COVID-9 cases, and scaling up operations of existing services.

Phase three allows for the introduction of nonessential operations, while Phase four covers the re-opening of restaurants, movie theatres, cultural events and other entertainment locations. The final stage, phase five, involves re-starting tourism and opening the borders.

For now, The Bahamas is now currently in Phase 1a.

PAGE 4, Wednesday, April 29, 2020

THE TRIBUNE

Poultry producer: Keep egg-laying chicks away

By YOURI KEMP Tribune Business Reporter ykemp@tribunemedia.net THE Bahamas’ largest poultry producer has no interest in the 7,000 layer birds being purchased by the Ministry of Agriculture because they cannot be placed together with meat producing chickens.

Lance Pinder, Abaco Big Bird Poultry Farm’s operations manager, told Tribune Business he had no interest in acquiring any of these birds. He explained: “You can’t have layer chickens around boiler chickens and meat-producing chickens grown for meat production.

“Because meat chickens are very young, they are not fully developed, and egg-laying chickens live for two or three years - just like an adult person. You have all of the diseases that you are immune to, so you can infect the young boiler chickens which are getting brought in all the time.

“They are only six weeks old when they go to production. So that would be

a source of infection if they are too close together. I think the recommendation is about ten miles apart.”

Mr Pinder was responding to Michael Pintard, minister for agriculture and marine resources, who said in Parliament on Monday: “Two thousand layer birds have been purchased from a local producer to be distributed throughout the Family Islands this week.

“The goal is to upgrade egg production. We know that we have the capacity in less than three years to be self-sufficient in egg production, and we wish to empower those already in the business.

“We also commenced the purchase of 5,000 additional birds, and we wish when they arrive in the next three weeks that we will distribute those to those farmers here in New Providence.

Shortly thereafter we intend to ramp up production by another 5,000 to 7,000 layers, and we have already commenced the paperwork to have those birds brought in.”

Mr Pinder, meanwhile, said: “I had wanted to do a small egg operation with a friend of mine right before Hurricane Dorian as a side venture, because obviously I can’t do it here at Big Bird property.

“That is way down on the totem pole right now because that person was displaced by the storm, so they were gone for the last few months and arrived back here last month. They are planning to leave again, so that’s really been put on the backburner. I don’t want to go into egg-laying production, not here at Abaco Big Bird. We can’t have it here.

Mr Pinder added: “We’re trying our best. This whole COVID-19 thing has slowed things down because the factory that was making our equipment had to close. So that has put a real wrench in everything, but I am trying to get some separate stuff to get things going from a different source right now. In the long run I will end up with double materials because I know we need to get something going.”

Fear virus may derail cruise port investors FROM PAGE ONE Container Port (Arawak Port Development Company) as examples.

“I know there may be a tendency for people to stay in their comfort zone, but this is a good project to invest in. It’s our core industry, and one of the gateways to the country,” Mr D’Aguilar said.

Nassau’s cruise port, once completed, will have a balanced ownership structure where Global Ports Holding and the Bahamas Investment Fund each hold a 49 percent equity stake. The two percent balance will be owned by a foundation, mirroring the ownership structure at the Bahamas Telecommunications Company (BTC).

The Bahamas Investment Fund, administered and created by CFAL, will be the vehicle through which Bahamians invest in - and own - a piece of the cruise port. They will buy shares in that Fund, which in turn will hold the 49 percent ownership interest in the port’s operating company.

Anthony Ferguson, CFAL’s principal, previously told Tribune Business that investment from Bahamian investors would likely only be sought towards the end of 2021 when construction on the port is nearing completion.

This may give Bahamian savings and disposable income sufficient time to recover from COVID-19, with Mr Ferguson explaining that The Bahamas Investment Fund would likely seek between $30$35m in total local equity investment when it is placed.

Global Ports Holding previously said it is aiming to attract “20,000-plus” Bahamian retail investors to invest in the Fund, and has even offered to lend Bahamians the money so they can acquire shares in it.

Placing the focus squarely on the “small man” as opposed to major institutional investors, the equity offering’s “bottom up approach” will ensure every Bahamian receives the first $1,000 they subscribe for. Mr Ferguson also told this newspaper that “no one is going to own five to ten percent of it. It’s just not going to happen”.

Mr D’Aguilar, meanwhile, said the decision by Global Ports Holding and its Bahamian subsidiary to proceed represented “a ray of good news in a sea of bad” amid the ongoing

lockdown and fears that this nation - as well as the world - could endure the sharpest and deepest economic depression since the 1930s.

“I wouldn’t say this a bump in the road,” he told Tribune Business, “I would say this is a big rut in the road, but once we get to the other side the viability of Nassau Cruise Port will be assured. God knows we need a project like this to create employment and bring in some funds. The level of investment is quite substantial.

“That is a snippet of goods news in what is otherwise a sea of doom and gloom. But it’s inevitable that cruise passengers will return in large numbers because The Bahamas is so close, and I think in the next two to three years it will return to pre-COVID-19 levels.”

Mr D’Aguilar conceded that Global Ports’ Mr Kutman was “probably right” when he said cruise industry passenger numbers will not return to 2019 levels until 2023, adding that he, too, was “a fairly conservative person so I agree with him”.

The minister, however, added: “I don’t think there’s any doubt that the cruise industry is going to return.

It may come back in a different iteration, but it’s going to come back. There are 200 cruise ships looking for a port to come to.

“Certainly the current pandemic has stalled or retarded their growth in the short-term, but in the longterm as memory of this fades and as cruise companies take steps to ensure passengers have a safe, COVID-19 free experience, the demand for cruising will return.

“The cruise companies are very agile and capable of morphing into what they need to be to attract the travelling public. It’s a fairly inexpensive way to see the world, and people will flood back to it over time once they see it’s safe again,” Mr D’Aguilar said.

“That bodes well for Nassau Cruise Port. We’re the busiest port in the Caribbean, and as a new port everyone is going to want to come.” Global Ports Holding is projecting that the $250m redevelopment will be completed in April 2022, and The Bahamas’ proximity to Florida - especially for the three to four-night cruises - means this nation is likely the best-placed destination once the industry rebounds.

Mr D’Aguilar said he

anticipated that Prince George Wharf’s redevelopment will take into account the relevant COVID-19 health and safety checks, such as temperature readings and other tests.

Emre Sayin, Global Ports Holding’s chief executive, said the company was already working with governments and the cruise lines to develop the necessary health and safety measures and implement them. These could include quarantine rooms, checking the temperature of every single passenger, and the wearing of face masks.

“This might result in us providing extra services with extra fees because these procedures will be quite involved,” Mr Sayin said.

Meanwhile, Renward Wells, minister for transport and local government, put the brakes on Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line’s planned resumption of voyages to The Bahamas in mid-June by saying only the Competent Authority - meaning the Prime Minister’s Office - could decide when this will take place because the country’s borders remain closed.

Mr Wells said: “As you know, the Competent Authority under the emergency orders is the entity that is making those decisions. There have been requests from a number of cruise lines as to whether or not they can resume services. The government of the country is looking as to what time that can happen, but it is not going to happen before we actually open up the economy.”

Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line announced on Monday that the Grand Celebration will resume cruises to The Bahamas on June 13, and the Grand Classica on July 10. However, the tourism industry’s re-opening - together with The Bahamas’ borders - is only scheduled to occur in the sixth and final phase of the economy’s re-opening.

The Bahamas is currently in the first phase, meaning that the resumption of cruise tourism appears a long way off.

Mr Wells added: “They may like to resume in June.

Obviously, as the prime minister constantly says, we’re going be guided by the medical professionals as to whether or not we’re going, and when we’re going, to open the economy.” Tribune Business tried to reach Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line for comment but was not successful.

To advertise in The Tribune, contact 502-2394

THE TRIBUNE

Wednesday, April 29, 2020, PAGE 5

Auto insurance: ‘Stop talking and let’s get it done’ FROM PAGE ONE

yet to see the government’s commitment to the digital

economy. “We came out a couple of years ago with a credit card-sized insurance certificate. We placed the information on the plastic card so you could put your certificate in your wallet and show the police if asked. That was rejected because it was digital.

“Don’t talk; let’s do it. I’m happy they are thinking of ways to do business in this country more efficiently, but it cannot be talk. Let’s get the mandate, get this thing done and with goodwill from all of us make life easier for the Bahamian people out there.”

Insurer issues profits warning over COVID-19 FROM PAGE ONE operational response based on existing business continuity plans, and on guidance from global and local health organisations, relevant governments and general pandemic response best practices.”

The profits warning comes after profits earned by Colina Holdings (Bahamas) equity shareholders rose 43 percent last year. The insurer said an improved claims experience saw its bottom line jump to $17.6m compared

to $12.3m in 2018. Total assets on its balance sheet grew by 4.4 percent to $793.3m at December 31, 2019, compared to $759.9m in 2018, due to an increase in the value of its various investments.

Invested assets totalled $622.4m at 2019 year-end, comprising 78.5 percent of the total on Colina Holdings (Bahamas) balance sheet. The insurer added that its focus on high-quality assets has resulted in an improvement in net investment income, with returns totalling $38.9m compared to $26.6m in the prior year.

Colina Holdings (Bahamas) said it has extended its service offerings to digital and online capabilities, thereby improving access to its products and services.

General and administrative expenses totaled $35.8m, equivalent to 19.6 percent of total revenues, as opposed to $33.4m and 19.8 percent, respectively, in 2018.

Total shareholders’ equity rose to $184.4m, an increase of $9.1m over the prior year. Ordinary shareholder equity grew to $141.9m, compared to $132.8m in 2018.

To advertise in The Tribune, contact 502-2394

YOUR

CHOICE FOR THE FAMILY WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/JOYFM1019

PAGE 6, Wednesday, April 29, 2020

Super Value: March VAT ‘highest ever’ FROM PAGE ONE

our biggest VAT return ever in history. With a 36 percent increase in sales and 70 percent increase in warehouse output, that left us with $1m less in the warehouse than a year ago.

“As fast as we can import, consumers are buying. We just have to increase the intensity of our buying. The problem is we can’t have it coming faster than they put it through Customs and put in the entries.”

Mr Roberts said Super Value had taken on ten extra warehouse staff to meet the COVID-18 demand as it expands its product sourcing beyond traditional chains to provide extra food security protection.

“We’re hunting in the US, were hunting in Canada and we’re hunting worldwide,” he added. “We tried to get Price Control to approve these new items in order for us to buy them and bring them in. We’ve had some stuff that’s gone out of date before it was approved. Price Control said we couldn’t get

the government’s attention to change it.

“We’re buying anything and everything we can, but if they’re going to hold price controls on those items that may be where the supply chain breaks. We can get the items, but I’m not prepared to have those sitting in a warehouse until they put them on price control six months later. We need those alternative brands to not be under price control to bring them in.”

Mr Roberts said these brands, which he did not name, needed to be priced below the international brands Bahamian consumers are familiar with to ensure they sell. The only way to achieve that, he added, was to relax price control restrictions.

“We made a request to the Prime Minister’s Office to suspend price control on the new items until this crisis is over,” he disclosed, adding that officials had told him to wait for a Cabinet decision on the matter. “ “I said this is like the stock market,” he added. “Those

ten containers of rice will be gone and not be available any more... It’s going to be difficult, if not impossible, unless they relax the Price Control Act and let the new items come in. They’re not going to sell. The public will not accept them over the international brands. When we price them they have to be below the recognised brands or they will not sell.”

Mr Roberts said manufacturing ventures he is involved with have suffered in the past from government decisions to lower tariffs on imports, most notably his bathroom tissue producer. “I just let the plant relax and it’s producing 600 to 700 cases per week,” he added. “When they took off our preferred duty, the only reason didn’t close it was the 20 employees.”

The Super Value chief contrasted the government’s policies and attitude towards local manufacturing with those of Jamaica, whose government was “really behind” its producers. “I’ve never know a government to support local manufacturing,” he said, which expressing

THE TRIBUNE

CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN THE LIVES OF THE CHILDREN AT RANFURLY

hope that COVID-19 has

caused a new day to dawn.

Praising the prime minister for having “the right idea” in protecting local non-medical he Ranfurly Homes for Children has mask producers, Mr Roberts been a safe haven for thousands of Bahamian MEMBERSHIP told Tribune Business: “Do children since 1956. The Home provides a safe, PACKAGES I think the government is structured environment changing their wishy washy for children who have been Individuals, Families orphaned, abused, neglected attitude to local producers Corporate Sponsors or abandoned.

As part of an audit in accordance with ISAs, we exercise professional&judgment and maintain professional Children Helping Children - $5 and getting serious? Yes. I YOU can make a difference (Individual children from ages 6 - 18) scepticism throughout the audit. We in also: the lives of the children at Individuals Helping Children - $50 think they’ll stop playing polRanfurly. With your support (Individual adults 18 years and over) children can have nutritious Families Helping Childreninformation, - $100 itics with it.

• Identify and assess the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial food, warm beds and a safe theyaudit procedures responsive to those risks, and “I think we can due gettoback whether fraud or error,environment design andwhere perform CIRCLE of FRIENDS can discover the joy of being $1,500 - $2,499 into pork, producing chicken, obtain audit evidence that is sufficient appropriate to provideSilver: a basis for our opinion. The risk of children.and For years the Gold: $2,500 - $4,999 children living and learning producing eggs.

We’ll do misstatement Platinum: $5,000 plus not detecting a material resulting from fraud is higher than for one resulting from error, at Ranfurly have made great and academic strides. farming. I was tocollusion,social as fraudtalking may involve forgery, intentional omissions, misrepresentations, or the override of OPPORTUNITIES Lucayan Tropical.

Just one • Invitations to Ranfurly events internal control.

Their further development • Assist with fundraising events requires additional support item, tomatoes, we probably • Involvement with special activities in the form of a Transitional Adults are to eligible to join theprocedures Board Obtaincases an understanding control relevant to the audit• in order design audit purchases • 3,000 from of internal Home, planned for construcafter three months • Stayof in expressing touch with Ranfurly throughon the tion on the Ranfurly property. that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose an opinion them. I’ve been urging them website and newsletters This residence will cater to effectiveness of the Group’s internal control. teenagers and young adults to expand. They produce a BENEFITS who are beyond school age, • Personal fulfillment in knowing you but need accommodation really good and can • product Evaluate the appropriateness of accounting policies used and are theimpacting reasonableness of accounting lives while they find work and gain • Ranfurly children’s appreciation and ramp up in six months, and independence from the Home. estimates and related disclosures made by management. positive response • Continued support provides stability you’d be surprised at what We look forward to your and constant care continued support in this on the appropriateness of management’s use of the going concern basis of accounting and, they can •do Conclude to support the worthwhile endeavour. based on the audit evidence obtained, whether a material uncertainty exists related to events or country. conditions may cast significant doubt on the Group’s abilityFor to more continue as a going information visit: concern. If we “When we havethat ‘Buy www.ranfurlyhome.org conclude that material uncertainty exists, we are required to draw our auditors’ report Pleaseattention “Like” us onin Facebook Bahamian’ week or a‘Buy Ranfurly Home Mackey Street to the related disclosures in the consolidated financial information or, for if Children, such disclosures are Bahamian’ month, at least P.O. Box 1413 Nassau, Bahamas 242-393-3115 inadequate, to modify the audit evidence obtained up to ten percent of our sales that our opinion. Our conclusions are based on date of our auditors’ month are the Bahamian pro- report. However, future events or conditions may cause the Group to cease to continue a goingup concern. duce. We could takeas that to 25-30 percent overnight if • Obtain sufficient appropriate audit evidence regarding the financial information of the entities or we get serious.

I hope somebusiness activities within the Group to express an opinion on the consolidated financial information. body wakes up now.”

T

We are responsible for the direction, supervision and performance of the group audit. We remain solely responsible for our audit opinion.

We communicate with those charged with governance regarding, among other matters, the planned scope and timing of the audit and significant audit findings, including any significant deficiencies in internal control that we identify during our audit.

Other Matters

The Group has prepared a separate set of consolidated financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2019 in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards, on which we issued a separate auditors’ report to the shareholders dated 23 April 2020.

This report, including the opinion, has been prepared for and only for the shareholders, collectively as a group, in accordance with the terms of our engagement letter and for no other purpose. We do not, in giving this opinion, accept or assume responsibility for any other purpose or to any other person to whom this report is shown or into whose hands it may come save where expressly agreed by our prior consent in writing.

Independent auditors’ report To the shareholders of Gonet Bank & Trust Limited

Report on the audit of the financial information Our opinion

In our opinion, the consolidated financial information of Gonet Bank & Trust Limited (the Bank) and its subsidiary (together ‘the Group’) as of 31 December 2019, is prepared, in all material respects, in accordance with the basis of preparation as set out in Note 1 to the financial information.

Chartered Accountants Nassau, Bahamas

23 April 2020

What we have audited The Group’s consolidated financial information comprises: •

the consolidated statement of financial position of the Group as at 31 December 2019.

Basis for opinion We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (ISAs). Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditors’ responsibilities for the audit of the consolidated financial information section of our report.

We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.

Independence We are independent of the Group in accordance with the International Ethics Standards Board for Accountants’ Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants (IESBA Code). We have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with the IESBA Code.

Emphasis of Matter - Basis of preparation and restriction on use

We draw attention to Note 1 to the financial information, which describes the basis of preparation. The consolidated financial information is prepared to comply with the requirements of the Central Bank of The Bahamas (the Regulator). As a result, the consolidated financial information may not be suitable for another purpose.

Our report is intended solely for the Group and the Regulator and should not be used by parties other than the Group. Our opinion is not modified in respect of this matter.

The consolidated financial information does not comprise a full set of consolidated financial statements prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards.

Responsibilities of management and those charged with governance for the consolidated financial information Management is responsible for the preparation of the consolidated financial information in accordance with the basis of preparation as set out in Note 1 to the consolidated financial information and for such internal control as management determines is necessary to enable the preparation of consolidated financial information that is free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.

In preparing the consolidated financial information, management is responsible for assessing the Group’s ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless management either intends to liquidate the Group or to cease operations, or has no realistic alternative but to do so.

Those charged with governance are responsible for overseeing the Group’s financial reporting process.

Auditors’ responsibilities for the audit of the consolidated financial information Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial information as a whole is free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditors’ report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAs will always detect a material misstatement when it exists.

Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of this consolidated financial information.

Gonet Bank & Trust Limited

(Incorporated under the laws of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas) Consolidated Statement of Financial Position As of 31 December 2019 (Expressed in United States dollars) 2019 $

2018 $

ASSETS Due from banks (Note 3b) Loans and advances to customers (Note 3b) financial instruments (Note 5) Derivative Property and equipment (Note 6 & 11) Prepayments and other assets

123,185,036 40,558,814 452,317 2,215,800 1,059,021

157,680,690 31,595,743 720,801 367,980 451,748

Total assets

167,470,988

190,816,962

LIABILITIES Due to banks (Note 3d) Deposits from customers – demand Derivative financial instruments (Note 5) Lease liabilities (Note 11) Accrued expenses and other liabilities

2,804,009 134,108,001 421,971 1,845,732 5,937,374

2,610,406 157,828,377 699,880 4,885,672

Total liabilities

145,117,087

166,024,335

EQUITY Share capital Authorised, issued and fully paid: 1,000,000 shares of $1.00 each Reserve for credit losses Retained earnings

1,000,000 21,353,901

1,000,000 23,792,627

Total equity

22,353,901

24,792,627

167,470,988

190,816,962

Total liabilities and equity

As part of an audit in accordance with ISAs, we exercise professional judgment and maintain professional

scepticism throughout the audit. We also: Park, West Bay Street & Blake Road, P.O. Box N-3910, Nassau, PricewaterhouseCoopers, 2 Bayside Executive Bahamas T: + 1 242 302-5300, F: + 1 242 302-5350, www.pwc.com/bs. Email: pwcbs@bs.pwc.com •

Identify and assess the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial information, whether due to fraud or error, design and perform audit procedures responsive to those risks, and obtain audit evidence that is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion. The risk of not detecting a material misstatement resulting from fraud is higher than for one resulting from error, as fraud may involve collusion, forgery, intentional omissions, misrepresentations, or the override of internal control.

• Obtain an understanding of internal control relevant to the audit in order to design audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Group’s internal control.

• Evaluate the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of accounting estimates and related disclosures made by management.

• Conclude on the appropriateness of management’s use of the going concern basis of accounting and, based on the audit evidence obtained, whether a material uncertainty exists related to events or conditions that may cast significant doubt on the Group’s ability to continue as a going concern. If we conclude that a material uncertainty exists, we are required to draw attention in our auditors’ report to the related disclosures in the consolidated financial information or, if such disclosures are inadequate, to modify our opinion. Our conclusions are based on the audit evidence obtained up to the date of our auditors’ report. However, future events or conditions may cause the Group to cease to continue as a going concern.

• Obtain sufficient appropriate audit evidence regarding the financial information of the entities or business activities within the Group to express an opinion on the consolidated financial information.

We are responsible for the direction, supervision and performance of the group audit. We remain solely responsible for our audit opinion.

We communicate with those charged with governance regarding, among other matters, the planned scope and timing of the audit and significant audit findings, including any significant deficiencies in internal

22 April 2020 Date 1.

Basis of preparation The accompanying consolidated financial information is an extract from the full set of consolidated financial statements of Gonet Bank & Trust Limited as at 31 December 2019 and for the year then ended, which have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board. The financial information has been prepared to comply with the requirements of the Central Bank of The Bahamas.

The auditors’ report included herewith should be read in conjunction with the full set of consolidated financial statements prepared in accordance with IFRS, on which a separate auditors’ report was issued to the shareholders dated 23 April 2020. The full set of consolidated financial statements, can be obtained at the registered office of Gonet Bank & Trust Limited located at Offices of Old Fort Bay, Building #8, West Bay Street, New Providence, The Bahamas.

THE TRIBUNE

Wednesday, April 29, 2020, PAGE 7

BTVI UNVEILS ONLINE EDUCATION INITIATIVE

The Tribune Always uncovering more

Volume:114 No.215,

ICH FUL FIL LED

TRIBUNE242.COM 24/7 BREAKING NEWS ON

VOLUME:114 No.103, APRIL 20TH,

Biggest And Best!

2017

THEmusic PEOPLE film

food culture

Weeken ’S PAPER: $1 d books

SEE LEAKED EMAILS INSIDE

THURSDAY i’m lovin’ it!

The Tribune

HIGH 88ÂşF LOW 73ÂşF VOLUME:114

No.118, MAY

TRIBUNE NEWS ON REAKING

242.COM

st!

Biggest And Be

24/7 B

11TH, 2017

OBITS OFFICIAL SOURCE

INSIDE

$1

medical treatment.

EMAILS leaked from a ther’s The emails were obtained data breach of China ConThe Tribune following a struction America’s (CCA) by in December highservers show that from story the breach of CCA as early as 2013, Jerome lighting by a San Francisco Fitzgerald was seeking to servers China Construction secure millions of dollars hacker. paid 24 bitcoins in brokerage, trucking, and eventually equivalent of $24,000) limousine contracts at Baha (the access to their servhave to Cabinet in sat he while Mar restored; however, it apas the Minister of Educa- ers that emails forwarded tion, Science and Tech- pears relating to personnel or nology, The Tribune has to, at CCA were compromised, learned. top officials at Baha The emails contradict the despite saying they were not Minister, who this week de- Mar by the hack at nied ever using his office to concerned time. direct contracts to himself the In an email dated May 18, or his family from the mul2013, sent to Mr Izmirlian ti-billion dollar resort.

Mr Fitzgerald, with Mr Fitzgerald - the Pro- by Porter, Shelly Curgressive Liberal Party MP QuentinAlarice Fill copied, and for Marathon - appears also tis Fitzgerald indicates his to be requesting $20,000 Mr start brokerage to a month from Baha Mar’s McRib readiness is trucking services for original developer Sarkis and ex- the Baha Mar project and Izmirlian, citing the Back! the brokers of repenses that were necessary remain i’mthelovin’ property. for it! to cover the cost of his fa- cord

THURSDAY

TORCHED!

CL ASSIFIED TR

ADER: CARS,

CARS, CARS

& TECH

HIGH LOW

82ÂşF 69ÂşF

MOSTLY SUNNY

& TECH

A MA N’S DRE

AM S

Interview,

No.202, VOLUME:114

Mr Fitzgerald writes, “I am aware that interior materials have began to arrive for the hotel. I would really appreciate it if we could be appointed your official broker for June 1st 2013.�

He then makes a request of Mr Izmirlian for limousine services at Baha Mar, as he touted the level of

NEWS ON OPENS AT LAST HEALTH T R I B U CENTRE NE242.CO MARSH THARBOUR M

The People’s Paper Biggest And Best!

- SEE BUSINESS

Classifieds

Cars Real For Sale Help Estate Wanted Rental and Ads much much, more...

B A H A M A S

B A R G A I N

F I N D E R

Čą

ÂŠÂœÂ‘Čą Â?Â&#x;Š—ŒŽ

˜•Â? Â’Â?‘ȹ žŠ—Â?Â’Â?¢ ÂŠÂœÂœÂŠÂžČąÇ›Ĺ—Čą ž¢Ž›

˜ŒŠÂ?ÂŽÂ?ǹȹ ÂŽÂĄÂ?Čą Â˜Â˜Â›ČąÂ?Â˜Čą Œ˜Â?’Šȹ Š—” ž•ěȹ Â?ȹǭȹ ŠœÂ?Čą Â?

Ç›ČąĹœĹ?ĹœČŹĹšĹ–Ĺ™Ĺ˜

PHOTO ADS SELL! Call today 328-0002 / 502-2351

STARTING AT

CARS! CARS!

$25

CLASSIFIEDS TRADE

MEAL

659

SANDWICH

Staff

in landslide w FNM roars to HUMILIATIONSEATFORAFTECHRIR 4OSTIEYEARAS HES PLP fired as LOSES HIS

seats: Encaptured four Island and ; Cat were spent under to ers’ dollars administration. glerston r; South An1,900 votes San Salvadoas Exuma and Christie the win with is evidence 2017 the as well DORSETT Mr Christie’s 1,875.

By SANCHESKA He said if there the new dros VIRGIL ELECTION Islands.

DORSETT

By SANCHESKAReporter to the unofality�, Tribune Staff Reporter

By KHRISNA Reporter the same route as According the the Ragged e Staff of “crimin Parnal seat, Fox planned� even E SPEAK 4 government will allow An additio being re- Tribun t@tribunemedia.net ficial results from the sdorsett@tribunemedia Deputy Chief edia.net without the governmen ganiser THE PEOPL .net PAGE t’s permis- that Ranard Henfield revealed nounced Registration its course. his Hill, was still press time. sdorset kvirgil@ tribunem sion. “after several weeks liamentary Mr Chipman law to take up to after ng and of back planned last month that the PLP ment, DESPITE being In an interview and forth� the Cabinet his par- DNA ‘TO GO ON’ Moments the worst dea march to mark the na- counted IN a surprisi at the Depart 12 pollwith The Tribdenied the PAGE 5 Office on anniversar e AFTER leading the use of Rawson speech as Min- This marked ng party in defeat seven out of former landslid g maiden and Parliament une, Mr Bostwick II said “there Wednesday rejected the group’s y of Majority Rule.50th humbling g Prime Min- won S LOSE s in the Squares for for a governi leader, Dr ty to a stunnin will be no compromis application to protest This Mr a protest dealing a para- PLP BIG NAME PAGE 7 tion’s next d that under feat history. polls, outgoinChristie lost ing division old, while e� and the and in Rawson another latest development is yet Rule Day in January,on Majority group will “not victory and to the Progresstrongh promise Parliaments Squares will recent FNM’s victory came PLP Perry nis be MPS ians ille ister blow five.

CTED Baham because sation set back for the organiThe won Bahamas organiser We March attempt toward deterred by this the “event conflicts lysing years the Centrev that planned to Party last night,r YOUR PROJE PAGE 9 his watch, fascist coercion his seat in last night by Christie John Bosta rocky five to fear from with another Mr Christie protest on wick sive Liberal event� already challengIn 2012, ency have nothingent, pointing to despite con-II said yesterday the demon- and the abuse of our rights Prime Ministed illestration booked for that Monday, January 9 - the original FAR included twoleadership, constitu after representing Centrev and SO incoming that constitutio the date.

TS declare governm observance date “will nal freedoms�. go on as planned, RESUL Minnis PAGE 14 the sation, which he said es to Dr Minnis’ of a frac- 25 votes for more than 40 won y for the eighth on Dr Hubert In a post on Facebook, Progressive Liberal Majority Rule Day.announced for stituenc have abused “imvictimi with area lead or- Chairman stitutional� ely the according to unof- consecutive time Party that those who trust “have MORE COVER AGE continued reports “uncon d ultimat However, is and Bradley �. of 2-18 defeate earlier years, party Roberts an- was He this month it “wrong PAGES positions the post announced in Parliament 2,950 votes. moral� and to unofficial tured to fear�. ficial results. candidate Ella removal from has held something to thousands of that According able his Official OpMr Christie 1977 and the FNM’s1,349 votes at the FNM was leader of the House of Speaking by House today. ers at the Q results, the defeat of the Lewis Christie won all the seat since pledged that to pull off a stunning mas- position in the jubilant support last night, ment Mr leader of Dr Minnis has been Liberal Party time. polling division in ly. will give securing a E Sports Centre l Movesive but one administrationl Terrance of the PLP, constituencies. Assemb was a long fought Nationa 39 “This the Free also announced his is not Progres r Genera it sive 34 of released a entary Reg- battle, but the victoryyours,� since 1997.

Prime 2012. ment leader be sworn in as Audito the resources AVA is Although he Bythe The Parliam TURNQUEST did loss, The former seat to the islands of Bimini that he will fourth prime Bastianto probe how taxpay- istration Department re- mine - the victory Tribune thousands r lost his Chief Reporter statement about as’ and not speak didaturnquest@ full election last Dr Minnis told on the car- Ministe - needs l Movement The Baham not release tribunemedia.net Eleuthera, bringing the to5pm at Govern Free Nationa te and po- Mr Christie packed with the tal to 25 confirmed PAGE SIX minister at SEE candida sults last night, in from the of FNMs s. cases By SANCHESKA DORSETT nationwide. nival ground people’s time (FNM) newcomer Reece HEALTH officials numbers coming Tribune Staff Reporter agency around “This is the servant and I litical n, who secured “This is like terday urged residentsyesgovernment r from the Chipma to period,� Dr a lull, quiet sdorsett@tribunemedia.net I am your remain vigilant McMillan 11pm. Howeve s, it ap- and against SEE PAGE THREE vironmental factors en- “We continue to get said. unofficial number samFORT that ples as they the PLP only conbreed mosquitoe send them in for Dr Andre Charlotte MP peared that e of the s despite Rollins “The outcom the inspire “lull� intrust local transmis- testing but we have no fur- night that “there said last according to vention did not ther cases, which sioninofthe will be no theBahaZika virus.

Mark Humes is good. disciplinary said last coming afor confidenceDirector al results, of Public Health We’re still monitoring and against the action� taken te but that’s sweeping defeat te residents unofficithat it is “obvious� mian electora seven doing our surveillanc Dr Pearl think D ROLLE tional Movement Free Nanow and IMcMillan e. have stood behind us day yesterthey night ter Fort Charlot him would ful “I

By RASHA Reporter MPs who think we have told party wonder that there has aconfirmed been ousted party winning the the party have repeatedly lead- the progressing well and Tribune Staff edia.net stand the any a better chance been no as it relates Hubert Minnis Leader Dr to rebuild victorinew con- to could not had he been as leader rrolle@tribunem opportunity getting the message country firmed cases said. he the hip election of since leaders the de- there out the Official Opposition of pereer itself,� and persons heeding for for- ership despite their , beous in the PLP’s, adding that reengin partment’s pressSIX cause there is no release on him.

AS HE called r Perry longer, December legal basis THE REBEL SEVEN of, SEE PAGE RASPBERRY �

5, which raised it. This Zika thing came for such a move. affection for was pro- race in January Ministe mistake a sonal Prime made down in July, which mer ard Lightbourn, Lorettafrom left, Hubert Chipman, Edison Key, the number of cases who ICED TEA . “the party resign as leader is RichMr Sears, He added that Butler-Turner, Neko Mr Christie Free NaChristie to Andre Rollins.

Providence from in New we usually get our firstwhen a Grant, Theo Neilly, sive Liberal jected to lose to the (FNM) in choosing 22 to and case objection has been formal Photo: Shawn Hanna/Tribu Alof the Progres There is one case 23.

Movement’s last night, ne Staff SEE PAGE SIX against “the bogus lodged solidify widespread support each on the tional Party (PLP) FNM’s Executive said he saw levelled against himcharges� around a new leader.� fred Sears tee would not haveCommitHis remarks came six other members and the a case ment who took of Parlia- e-mail in response to in an because the group’s actions part action of removing in the tions from The Tribune.ques- “were consistent with the Dr Minconstitutionally Dr Rollins echoed nis from the post. protected Dr Rollins sentiments the said a growing of Long Island right of parliamentarians to number of MP recall a parliament FNMs are admitting Loretta Butler-Tur ary leadner er when they “that and St Anne’s the best course of no longer have MP Hubert confidence the party to take action for Chipman, who last under the said week to lead.� in his/her ability present circumstan the ces is to to be if the matter were taken to court, SEE PAGE THREE the

LEADER RESIGN AS PARTY ES CHRISTIE TO ALFRED SEARS URG

The Terkibenudne

No.152, JUNE

We

30th, 2017

MEAL

ROLLINS: NO LEGAL BAS DISCIPLINING THE REBE IS FOR L SEVEN

IOR S IN WEE KEN D: SEN

the holiday would on the actual date be observed of the historic event, Tuesday, January The change in the 10. public holiday calendar has been perceived by many as an attempt by the government to strike success of a seconda blow to the March Bahamas. event by We SEE PAGE SIX

HUSBAND KILLED AFTER GUNMEN FORCED COUPLE TO STOP CAR

By SANCHESKA DORSETT Tribune Staff Reporter sdorsett@tribunemedia .net

CHIEF Superinten Clayton Fernander, dent in-charge of the officerDetective Unit, Central drivers yesterday warned to tra cautious� after be “exmen forced a couple armed to stop their vehicle in the of the road before middle shooting and killing the driver.

Chief Supt Fernander said police believe armed robbery may be the for the killing. He motive incident could havesaid the pened to anyone�. “hapThe murder took place shorty after 9pm day in the area on Tuesof nium Gardens, off MillenWilliams Darling Tonique and brought the Highway, murder count to country’s 109 year, according to for the The Tribune’s records.

By RASHAD ROLLE Chief Supt Fernander tee next month, Tribune Staff Reporter said the victim, committee mians, identiChairman James rrolle@tribunemedia.ne Smith said former most of the foreign fied by police as Kendrick t yesterday. employees Simms, was driving ceive all that is duewon’t reSince the money FOREIGN former his wife, when anotherwith to was givem- en on Mr Smith said theythem. pulled car ployees of Baha will, ahead Mar will the an ex-gratia basis by however, be paid by the governmen China Export-Im receive a “high ing them to of them forcport figure�. stop. t Bank appointed Claims “The man was Commit- tended(EXIM) and was indrivprimarily for BahaSEE PAGE FIVE ing through Millennium SEE PAGE FIVE

6

PARTIAL PAYMENT FOR

59

SANDWICH

Incl. VAT

G.BS

WWW.BURGERKIN

g Newsp a Islands’ Leadin

SAU

/BURGERKINGNAS

aper

Nassau & Baham

FOREIGN BAHA MAR STAFF

www.bisxbahamas.com

TUESDAY, 28 APRIL 2020

’S PAPER: $1

THE PEOPLE

BEA UTY TAK E

ON THE UNI VER

SE - SEE WOM

AN

THE

Nassau & Bahama

Islands’ Leading Newspap

LESLIE MILLER $42,219

DR PERRY GOMEZ $24,498

RENWARD WELLS

DION SMITH $9,275

$12,980

By AVA TURNQ Tribune Chief UEST aturnquest@tribu Reporter nemedia.net WATER and Corporation Sewerage Adrian Gibson Chairman yesterday confirmed the of a “do not existence list populat disconnect� ed of elites at by scores the government owned utility provider as he pledged initiate a crackdo to wn on delinquent accounts.

Mr Gibson told The Tribune the list� held “confidential 221accounts, with a combin $175,000 for ed total of ending June the period 2017.

He said that he plans to direct the tion to notify corporaowing excessivall persons e arrears to resolve debts disconnection. or face “There is dential list,� a list confiIsland MP said.the Long “In fact, I would think that all the over the last corporations and more year or two, particularly May of this in has been year, there tion paid toclose attenthe manage that list by a view to ment with changing the way those lists usually operate. “As it stands, this confidential list has a number of persons on it, and really and truly used to notify it’s being courtesy call persons by I can say too or letters. chairman of that as the the corpora tion I am going that all personsto direct excessive arrears owing who are SEE PAGE EIGHT

SOUTH ISLANDS ON MARIA ALERTPUT POLICE LAUNCH FOX HILL OFFENS IVE

Covering The Bahamas for be abandoned.

ted it must as Hurri40 years is so devasta d on the island home has .

Ragged Island “Every those who remaine Nobody Minnis warns The last week.

Does ed. discussion with it Better! their homes has been destroy NEW PROVIDENCE Minister Dr Hubert tricken RagGRAND BAHAMA Irma battered facilityABACO residence has been 242.394.55 ns on storm-s Prime Min- cane s’ ed. The55 health 242.350.35 rate, is no water.

242.367.42 ELEUTHERA been destroy ed. The00teacher and safety conditio 242.332.3211 EXUMA HEALTH only continue to deterioas he urged the 18 school has been destroy There is no light.04There the can smell242.336.2304 will destroyed. yesterday about, you in the afterged Island s. The Minnis said to evacuate “As we walkcarcasses, dead animal deister Dr Hubert ts on the island reduced uals will of dead has RT stench(BAHAMAS of the individ we get them remaining residen ) ns ne Irma, whichof rubble and SPECIAL REPO INSURANC l that health conditioLIMITED. E BROKERS essentia math of Hurrica to piles it’s Khrisna Russell, www.In & AGENTS there and e Words: res surance said. teriorat Manage : Terrel W Carey most structu island unlivable.

Dr Minnis mentBahamas.c the only leaveom Dr Minnis Pictures off this island,� reluctant to for rendered the stay here,� saw for the understandablyhome, expressing concern ion “They cannot as A1MAIN Many were and a delegat and days ever known ces, said after he damage left by Irma ne ripped through place they’ve ngs. their residen l belongi ed about the safety of . We will have first time the ry Five monster hurrica persona left behind the Defence by the smell after the Catego n island. “They are concern they may have and n, exacerbatedtion of all esthe small souther same er materials dispatch a vessel here physical conditio and at the the destruc still whatev The island’s carcasses andto strongly urge those can the Defence Forcecommence the cleanup said.

Dr Minnis try to of rotting animal community Force will that there is security,�Established s, led Dr Minnis SEE PAGE 1903THREE until the small sential service leave ensure to Island been time on Ragged Island has and ts; Ragged be restored. to the residenfollowing a walk through said i’m lovin’ it! “I’ve spoken Dr Minnis devastated,�

WIPEOUT: Prime

INSURANCE MANA GEMENT

TUESDAY

The Tribune The Tribune A1MAIN

Nassau & Baham

HIGH 90ÂşF LOW 82ÂşF

’S PAPER: $1

W1WEEKEND

THE PEOPLE

Friday, June 30, 2017

entertainment puzzles film fashion gardening art books theatre

Weekend

VOLUME:114 No.58, FEBRUARY

BAHAMIAN PROJECT Pages 20&21

24/7 BREAKING N EWS ON TRIBUNE 242.COM

i’m lovin’ it!

Biggest And Best!

14th, 2017

g Newsp a Islands’ Leadin

HIGH 81ÂşF LOW 69ÂşF VOLUME:114

aper

$1

No.72, MARCH

Established 1903

a Islands’ Leadin g Newspaper

MONDAY

UNE ON TRIB G NEWS

242.COM

st!

Biggest And Be

AKIN 24/7 BRE

6TH, 2017

Nassau & Baham

RT

AND SE

prom Fashion, pages 14&15

Y, H O M

Christie Top cop and PMFleeing the fir denies divided on crime claims ong spendin SEA SON ARR

IVE S

FIGHTIN G DEPRES SION: AUTHOR

FORMER PM TELLS OF LAST TALK WITH NOT TAGE

UNVEILS SELF-HE LP BOOK -

- BUT SOME DEADLINE TODAY STANDING DISCLOSURES OUT

ANY LARGE PIZZA SPECIALTY

(INCL. VAT)

S.

R TASTE BUD

ONE DEAD, THREE HURT IN LATEST

RIES OVER BPL BANNISTER WOR THE LIGHTS ON ABILITY TO KEEP

e energy. solar, to produc of agreeof Works The heads the governMINISTER s ter said challenges, ment require nd Bannis “address pressed certain ed delayed Desmo “serious concerns� ment and BPL to consistent and he has he suggest today marks of docu- with Bahamas Power the reliable and ity on the WHILE for both sit- which submission e nce, ability to “keep supply of electric the deadlin former parlia- the chal- Light’son this summer,� tell- island of New Provideabiliting and to file financial ments. these are the lights lack of include Among the ians will finanng Tribune mentar the which requirements with obtaini Public Disclo, ing The disclosures, ssion Chair- lengesrecords from spouses reliability may prevent g ty to meet the.� fulfillin sure Commi Laroda told cial larly in situations government from require- of the project s the instalThis involve supporting man Myles yesterday that particuthey may have oper- all the necessary Mar all lation “of The Tribunestill some that wherebank accounts prior ments in the Baha necessary to ated there were He said there heads of agreement.he is al- infrastructure nding�. ngto marriage. that SEE PAGE FIVE are “outsta some unwilli He added g at new, alw yesterday, nsion In an intervie in his dis- was also “lookin apprehe g ready and said e ways,� includin Mr Laroda some persons ness SEE PAGE THREE ternativ cussions with d to make exwho are require res, they the disclosu

INS IGH T: CHR

IST IE FID DLE

S WH ILE NAS

ATTORNEY General Allyson Maynard-Gibs yesterday defended the on Interception of Communications Bill as an important anti-crime tool that would enhance the privacy of lawabiding citizens rather than encroach upon it, as detractors claim.

The bill will allow commissioner of police, the or person acting on his behalf,a to obtain a warrant from a Supreme Court judge to tercept and examine a inperson’s communications from telecommunications operators, internet providers and postal services.

In a statement yesterday, Mrs Maynard-Gibson plained that this move exwas unprecedented in Bahami-

- PAG E SEV EN

By NICO SCAVELLA do much more to “fully Tribune Staff Reporter derstand this senseless unnscavella@tribunemedia.net of killings,� and have set law PRIME Minister Perry enforcement respond “as Christie yesterday likened quickly as possible� and in a “very meaningful way� the Bahamas’ crime in situation to the “Wild West,� their crime fighting efforts.

These efforts, as he said the recent wave tie suggested, Mr Chrisof murders in the capital would likely include dedicating must solicit a “major� and stantial� number a “sub“continuous� effort by Manof offichis ers to patrol the l Emergency) actiadministration to “flood streets The Nationa New Providence and of after they agement Agency (NEMA ment the streets� with officers sithe police manage in multaneously giving cations with from entering the vated its emergency evacuation a bid to do “all that is necesthem TT ay and an the Kenwere blocked sary to bring this madness “the capacity to interdict SANCHESKA DORSE at plan yesterd er the movements of peopleBy area. were also shelter was established sium at the to a halt�. e Staff Report Several persons l with respira- dal G L Isaacs Gymna Centre Mr Christie, speaking on the streets,� incorporat- Tribun t@tribunemedia.net hospita rushed to theints.

Elizabeth Sports with reporters yesterday, ing more reserve police of- sdorset GarQueen a shelter during said the “madness� occur- ficers, and “if necessary� RESIDENTS in Jubileee their tory compla Tribune arrived on which was used as - for displaced ts were When The hurricane ring is due to gang activity incorporating Royal Bahaforced to evacuat massive several residen as the the last mas Defence Force marines dens were d ay after a the scene, roofs, ts. and retaliation. homes yesterd Providence landfill pouring water on theirtheir homes. residenfire at the dump is believe He said the past bloody in policing efforts. a smaller The fire at the Newcommunity in thick, blaze grew closer to ent for Tall started by Mr Christie also said weekend is a “shocking the have been Trail Road. r of Parliam would be speaking he blanketed assist- to development� that will with black hazardous smoke. Bahamas MembeLeslie Miller was also their bush fire off Fire the Royal Pines quire the government reTWO AND THREE hosing down rtain PAGES SEE PAGE THREE entrance ts Members of to SEE the ing residen blocked ng transpo Police Force sion as visibility homes and providi needed help. residents to the subdivi for those who zero. Angry alter- tion dropped to d in verbal became involve of human trafficking.

Fire off fire Suppression Act, Chapter James Coakley, 53, a smaller bush to the city of 106. spread have ed by Cargill Creek, Andros l Movement fre- Trail Road that blanketed Jubilee The former boxer was was brought before fire the smoke in the Free Nationa Chief to prevent dump. The ding areas TT flees from the tha Magistrate Joyann Fergu- also charged with three done enough the New Providence Gardens and surroun threatened A YOUNGSTER ESKA DORSE ce landfill counts of rape filed under at and

By SANCH Reporter son-Pratt to answer to the New Providen evacu quent fires have caused some of thick, black smoke two Section 6(a) of ing officials fire at residents were asked to Tribune Staff nemedia.net counts of trafficking in the Sexual Landfill that respiratory issues. several homes, prompt Many persdorset t@tribu to develop a massons contrary to Section Offences Act, Chapter 99. It SEE PAGE THREE Jubi- them comments came as , 3(1)(a) of the Trafficking is alleged that he engaged in owners in Their the landfill ANGRY home ay expressed sive fire was raging at was startin Persons Prevention s yesterd SEE PAGE SIX and lee Garden concern that neither which officials believe Party nor disgust and sive Liberal the Progres

e rced to leav Residents fo xic fumes to pe ca es to

TO ANGER AT FAILURE

LL BLAZES PREVENT LANDFI

‘BAHAMAS D ‘INTIMIDATE’ GOV T EFFORTS TOMED IN REPORT BAHA MAR O ACTIVISTS SLAM

ATTORNEY GENERAL: INTERCEPTION BOY, WILL ENHANCE PRIVACY, NOT HARM BILL DEAD3,INFOUND CAR IT

By AVA TURNQUEST Tribune Chief Reporter aturnquest@tribunemedia.net

SAU BUR NS

Christie: It’s like the Wild West

ATTACKS EX-BOXER ON RAPE, TRAFFIC KING CHARGES

(242) 323-2330

er

SEE WOMAN

an law as it placed authority solely in the hands of the independent judiciary, adding that the ICB met international standards and also addressed recent criticisms of the Listening Devices Act by the Privy Council.

She said any suggestion that the legislation was “spying bill� was false. a SEE PAGE FIVE

SO GOOD FOR YOU...

GRILLED CHICKEN TOASTED TWISTER

WEL

By RICARDO cases of im- Tribune Staff Repo enced alleged tribunemedia officials solicitmigration from migrants rwells@ l d ing bribes beatings of THE origina Ma and alleged prisoners in of the Baha the migrants and States has yesterday said .

THE United Bahamas custody ay, the Ministry continued comple the Yesterd the open highlighted “intimida- of Foreign Affairs saidrate� lays, missed ent’s suppo governm vernmental had “inaccu - and “now tion of non-goand efforts report some cases “incom gered opening� o in into y organisations� ent and au- and information. tire propert th plete� an incident by the governm shows inhibit “freel Referring to ion Min- year n’s offer thorities to crimina Educat Izmirlia Fitzgerald or� to the curren s for in which speech through as problem ister Jerome libel laws�

However, desp SEE PAGE 12 as in its latest the Baham report. human rights also referThe report

D ROLLE

By RASHA Reporter Tribune Staff edia.net rrolle@tribunem

By SANCHESKA DORSETT Tribune Staff Reporter sdorsett@tribunemedia.net

POLICE are investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of three-year-old boy who a was found unresponsive in a in front of his daycare car yesterday afternoon.

The body of the toddler was discovered shortly ter 2pm on Monday afby a SEE PAGE SIX

(242) 323-2320

GRILLED CHICKEN CAESAR SALAD

ALL SHARE INDEX: CLOSE: 2,138.11 | CHG: -1.29 | %CHG: -0.06 | YTD: -93.49 | YTD%: -4.19 ÂŽ

S SHOPPING & PRINCE CHARLE assau.com SAUNDERS BEACH | www.pizzahutn TEL: 603-3333

BISX LISTED & TRADED SECURITIES 52WK HI 4.45 22.65 7.00 6.75 2.60 2.00 5.47 12.77 6.17 4.50 10.60 3.64 5.10 10.88 8.15 16.99 9.40 4.25 15.21

52WK LOW 3.35 20.91 5.50 5.39 1.89 0.67 2.00 10.21 5.60 3.75 6.01 2.53 1.80 8.00 6.63 13.04 6.98 3.14 13.90

SECURITY AML Foods Limited APD Limited Bahamas Property Fund Bahamas Waste Bank of Bahamas Benchmark Cable Bahamas CIBC FirstCaribbean Bank Colina Holdings Commonwealth Bank Commonwealth Brewery Consolidated Water BDRs Doctor's Hospital Emera Incorporated Famguard Fidelity Bank Finco Focol J. S. Johnson

SYMBOL AML APD BPF BWL BOB BBL CAB CIB CHL CBL CBB CWCB DHS EMAB FAM FBB FIN FCL JSJ

1000.00 1000.00 1000.00 1000.00

1000.00 1000.00 1000.00 1000.00

Cable Bahamas Series 6 Cable Bahamas Series 8 Cable Bahamas Series 9 Cable Bahamas Series 10 Colina Holdings Class A Fidelity Bank Class A Focol Class B

CAB6 CAB8 CAB9 CAB10 CHLA FBBA FCLB

1.00 10.00 1.00

1.00 10.00 1.00

CORPORATE DEBT - (percentage pricing) 52WK HI 100.00

52WK LOW 100.00

115.92 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00

104.79 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00

SECURITY Fidelity Bank Note 22 (Series B) +

SYMBOL FBB22

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

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

BAHAMAS GOVERNMENT STOCK - (percentage pricing)

CENTRE

g Newspaper a Islands’ Leadin

Nassau & Bahama Islands’

Nassau & Baham

LAST CLOSE 3.55 17.43 6.00 6.68 2.10 1.62 2.99 11.26 6.00 4.01 6.01 3.07 4.90 9.79 8.15 14.15 8.97 4.10 15.20

CLOSE 3.55 17.43 6.00 6.68 1.89 1.62 2.99 11.26 6.00 4.01 6.01 3.09 4.90 9.99 8.15 14.15 8.97 4.10 15.20

CHANGE 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 -0.21 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.02 0.00 0.20 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

1000.00 1000.00 1000.00 1000.00 1.00 10.00 1.00

1000.00 1000.00 1000.00 1000.00 1.00 10.00 1.00

0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

CLOSE 100.00

CHANGE 0.00

107.31 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00

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

LAST SALE 100.00 107.31 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00

g Newspaper a Islands’ Leadin

Nassau & Baham

Leading Newspaper

VOLUME

2,430

VOLUME

EPS$ 0.239 0.932 1.760 0.369 0.070 0.000 -0.438 0.722 0.449 0.184 0.140 0.102 0.467 0.646 0.728 0.816 0.939 0.203 0.631

DIV$ 0.170 1.260 0.000 0.260 0.000 0.020 0.000 0.720 0.220 0.120 0.000 0.434 0.060 0.328 0.240 0.540 0.200 0.120 0.610

P/E 14.9 18.7 N/M 18.1 N/M N/M -6.8 15.6 13.4 21.8 42.9 30.3 10.5 15.5 11.2 17.3 9.6 20.2 24.1

0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000

0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000

0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

YIELD 4.79% 7.23% 0.00% 3.89% 0.00% 1.23% 0.00% 6.39% 3.67% 2.99% 0.00% 14.05% 1.22% 3.28% 2.94% 3.82% 2.23% 2.93% 4.01% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 6.25% 7.00% 6.50%

INTEREST Prime + 1.75%

MATURITY 19-Oct-2022

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

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

YTD% 12 MTH% 0.37% 3.81% 0.24% 4.38% 0.23% 2.75% 5.76% 5.76% 12.81% 12.81% 0.94% 3.72% -3.46% 2.09% -0.11% 3.43% -3.33% 1.53% -0.32% 10.20% -1.58% 15.37% 0.88% 5.22% -4.91% 10.77% 1.89% 6.75% -1.95% 0.38% N/A N/A 10.80% 2.60% 10.40% -4.00%

NAV Date 31-Jan-2020 31-Jan-2020 31-Jan-2020 31-Dec-2019 31-Dec-2019 31-Mar-2020 31-Mar-2020 31-Mar-2020 31-Mar-2020 29-Feb-2020 29-Feb-2020 29-Feb-2020 29-Feb-2020 29-Feb-2020 29-Feb-2020

MUTUAL FUNDS 52WK HI 2.30 4.38 2.09 195.13 166.73 1.67 1.85 1.76 1.24 8.34 10.26 7.00 12.15 12.58 10.81 10.00 8.98 11.79

52WK LOW 1.67 3.30 1.68 164.74 116.70 1.61 1.75 1.70 1.14 6.41 7.62 5.66 8.65 10.54 9.57 9.88 8.45 11.20

FUND CFAL Bond Fund CFAL Balanced Fund CFAL Money Market Fund CFAL Global Bond Fund CFAL Global Equity Fund Leno Preferred Income Fund Leno Growth Fund Leno Diversified Fund Leno Global USD Bond Fund Royal Fidelity Bahamas Opportunities Fund - Secured Balanced Fund Royal Fidelity Bahamas Opportunities Fund - Targeted Equity Fund Royal Fidelity Bahamas Opportunities Fund - Prime Income Fund Royal Fidelity Int'l Fund - Equities Sub Fund Royal Fidelity Int'l Fund - High Yield Fund Royal Fidelity Int'l Fund - Alternative Strategies Fund Colonial Bahamas Fund Class D Colonial Bahamas Fund Class E Colonial Bahamas Fund Class F

NAV 2.30 4.38 2.09 195.13 166.73 1.67 1.79 1.75 1.16 8.31 10.07 7.00 11.42 12.58 10.52 N/A 8.98 11.40

MARKET TERMS

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

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

SOME HELPFUL TIPS BEFORE YOU DONATE:

4 You need at least 30 minutes between your last meal and donating blood.

4 You will need at least 10 minutes rest after donating blood.

4 You can donate blood every 8 weeks.

4 The Blood Bank will do FREE Pre-screening tests to make sure you are healthy enough to donate blood.

BECOME A REGULAR DONOR

OH, AND THERE’S AN ELITE WATER LIST TOO

By RASHA D Tribune Staff ROLLE prepared. rrolle@tribunemReporter

By SANCHESKA During a edia.net DORSETT address fromlive national Tribune Staff Report homicides WITH as his office sdorset t@tribu er the guarding the well as safefore- last night, Dr cast for Hurrica nemedia.net residents of Fox Hill. projecting the ne Maria said: “Hurricane Minnis ACTING Maria is Commissioner storm to pass another During a near the Southe of Police Anthon potenti ast Baha- astating hurrica ally dev- son y Fergu- Fox Hill on walkabout in mas Friday announ Tuesday, Acting ne that we morning, Prime must carefull Minister Dr the establis ced yesterday Commissioner y hment of Hubert Minnis Ferguson He added: monitor.� is urging residen separat two said the ts of those of the Baham Though most Police e Royal Bahamas Firearms Anti-Gang and islands to Tracing and as was spared Force anti-cri be vigilant units aimed and me tigation Unit will Invesoperate SEE PAGE TWO gang activity at eliminating out of the Central try, reducin in the coun- tive Unit (CDU) Detecg the number while the of SEE PAGE 11

4 You must have eaten at least once for the day.

PLEASE ENCOURAGE YOUR COLLEAGUES TO SUPPORT THE BLOOD DRIVES

TIS CEO

RUNS BPL

red?

IS • FORMER PM BY DAVIS TRIBUTE TO LEGACY OF ‘DISAPPOINTED’ E FNM ALLEGATIONS COLLEAGU DID T • SAYS GOV NG WRO NOTHING UT PAYO OVER $8M EW • CALLS FOR REVINTS OF DOCUME

20

LE AS ATL AN

Revealed: on the elit Names list and what they eow ed

CRUNCH DAY OVER WHO

Greenslade: Bahamas is not in crisis

INDULGE YOU

N LEAVES RO

By AVA TURNQ Tribune Chief UEST officials could aturnquest@trib Reporter not be unemedia.net reached up to press time.

According FOUR former to sources Progres close to the sive Liberal Party Cabine - Monday Mr matter, as of ministers owed t Wells has since $20,000 each more than paid $9,000 on his accoun at Bahamas with an outstan ts Power and ding Light, former ministe with one ance of some $8,600. balThe source for some $60,000r in arrears also said as ARNOLD as of July, of Monday Mr according to FORBES a list obtaine in talks with Forbes was

by The Tribune d the compan $62,023 to . settle y the balance The Credit tions Depart and Collec- a three-month period. over Mr MPs, senatorment listing of Forbes, former PLP Mount s and board Moriah MP, members was appoint for ending July the period to Cabinet in January ed that former 31, revealed and previously served 2015, State Ministe chairman as in the Ministr of the Bahamthe r Arnold Forbes y of Works Agricultural and Industr as owed BPL Corporation. ial $62,023.14.

Others on The list obtaine the “do not Tribune contain d by The disconnect� list are: quent accoun s delin- Minister of Healthformer former PLP ts of six Perry Gomez, former Dr Cabinet minis- Pines MP Tall ters, two former Leslie Miller, PLP MPs, former Ministe two private r of one sitting entities, and Dr Danny Johnson, Youth ister: BamboCabinet min- Nassau Village MPformer o Dion Smith, Town Renward Wells. former Tourism MP Minister Obie Mr Wells, Wilchco DR DANIEL $9,277.07 and who owed former South Beach mbe, MP JOHNSON two separat $3,703.96 at Cleola Hamilton $24,413 $12,981.03 e locations - former Minister of and in total – did State want to comme not for Legal Affairs Damian nt yester- Gomez. day, and the other former SEE PAGE EIGHT

WELLS

By RICARDO Reporter Tribune Staff edia.net rwells@ tribunem concern ADMITTING d NotBernar over what Dr battled in have tage may his last isolation during Prime Minisdays, former yesterday ter Perry Christie tion for admira expressed forth by the the effort put l security nationa p to former the build-u . minister in election the May general from his Breaking away since being public silence office in hisof a voted out last month, toric fashion d Mr Chrishis visibly trouble s portion of tie detailed ation with his last convers longfriend and childhood l colleague on time politica Thursday.

Centreville The former Nottage as Dr teMP saw “fought his someone who throughout naciously� he loved and life for thosetrait he said he a supported, up to their saw on display ation. last convers

By SANCHESKA DORSETT SEE PAGE SIX certain neighbourhoo Tribune Staff Reporter and the suggestion to ds� sdorsett@tribunemedia.net do is “emotional and makes so no DESPITE the country sense�.

His comments came recording 13 homicides 13 days, Commissioner in hours after the country reof corded its 27th homicide Police Ellison Greenslade the year. Seven people for said the Bahamas is not have in been killed since Friday.

D ROLLE a state of “crisis� and the

By RASHA Reportaverage er On Monday afternoon, Tribune Staff edia.nettinue Bahamian can con- police also reported to that “go a about their day man rrolle@tribunem as normal day� without the an was stabbed outside ’s establishment on Nassau d Nottage fear be of being attacked.

DR Bernar forever will Atiana press conference Street while two men were “footprints the Baham shot while at police pe� headquarters on Ross Corner.in the area of etched on landsca Monday for- after a weekend of were said These victims developmental work as a Commissioner condition to be in stable through his of the“carnage�, Bahant in hospital. mer preside tion of Greenslade Athletic said the only soCommissioner lution toasthe country’s crime mas Associa the Baham Greenslade said it is problem simtheis to “keep prolific ply not Associations, tion, enough offenders for people as a behind bars�. He to “point Medical Associa and the finger at the saiderthe af- Royal Bahamas MinDoctors’ Union consum FORMER Prime Police and Force (RBPF) is not police in times of crisis� the reminister for on, health yet refuse to “manage was to accept when I ister Perry Christiey. their fairs, educati considering Opposi- implementing , into a defeat, as I did pictured yesterda W. a, curfew was in arrears sponsibility for it in response to or � “locking down SEE PAGE THREE COMMISSIONER national security tenant who Photo: Terrel of Police Ellison Greenslade said Philip “Brave recent Staff speaking at a press ions airport described ent as resigned,� he criticism levelled tion Leader conference yesterday. sday.

Carey/Tribune the from accusat Photo: Terrel W. Carey/Tribune Mr Christie Davis said Wedne in recent questions on Staff administration spending, misfea- moves made by the governm , 71, died pandering at his administration Dr Nottage the Cleveby a party of irresponsible m.

WELLS at t a “misstep�

By RICARDO Reporter Wednesday He will receive weeks. any though sance and cronyis he was “disap- to its base. was never ined that Clinic. By RICARDO WELLS acceptmainta Tribune Staff edia.net “There also said land being was the arrange He I ons three most recent inciin that Tribune relating Mr Christie a double shooting on � by the allegati rwells@ tribunem ced, Reporter gova state funeral announStaff documents on my part any degree dents, which have left Ross By LAMECH berwells@tribune r Per- pointed by the new a review of controversies would ing responsibility for lity, irreone ments to the press sec- media.net man dead and three others Corner yesterday, lamented Tribune StaffJOHNSON Prime Ministe ned tossed around ing matters that two any crimina ER of of to these to FORM the according the notion whatsoever in hospital in serious condi- the “too bold� nature of ljohnson@tribu Reporter yesterday condem ernment concern his last term as absolve his administration Officetheof country that much sponsible spending andbare’ is just nemedia.net ry Christie Minnis administraduring crimes occurring in the and po- tion. retary for the AS and prove Anthony transpired r. caplicer, continue Ministe wrongdoing rhetoric is as noth- that ‘the cupboard is efforts by the his government in ital to recently, grapple ministe from Prime as he insisted Officer-in-charge prime A MAN appeared with the latest spate of at accusations of the FNM’s “political slogans.� political slogans.� tion to portray as he challenged in Newbold. vio- Central Detective of the that a “handful of prolific Magistrate’s Hitting back Minnis adminislight, PAGE SIXlaw enforcelentSEEcrimes, ing more than challenges I have Unit, offenders� remain the Court yesterSEE PAGE THREE a negative leader to carry out a hell-bent day accused of members of ing the controverment officials are seeking Chief Superintendent Clay- on terrorising “One of the led the governthe nation’s examination of the sexually aswho $8m to the public. ton Fernander, speaking tration concern saulting a woman during the public’s assistance of more thanclean up as the person led the government to “dispassionate in the media on the sial pay out ne and who SEE PAGE THREE the Christmas holidays. scene of record�. interview at one vendor for hurrica an ment She is alleged to be a victim of $1.2m to During a lengthy home on Thurs- and the write off his Cable Beach defended his day, Mr Christie

$

The privileged : KA RAWA

By NEIL HARTN Tribune Busine ELL utility nhartnell@tribu ss Editor ing operator is quite willto “walk nemedia.net maximum away� from it $25m, five-yea BAHAMAS BPL r Light’s (BPL) Power & if themanagement contrac t hold a “crunchboard will adminis board and Minnis tration meeting with PowerS The meeting wish it to go. ecure today,� , which will with the outcom be attende ical in decidin e likely crit- executiv d by PowerSecure latter remain g whether the from es and their attorney s the US, is viewed s as manage r.

Multiple Tribune CLEOLA as key to determining Busi- two ness sources whether the HAMILTON OBIE sides will “kiss yesterd confirmed $6,118 WILCHCOMBE that the ay up� or separate. and make DAMIAN US FULL $4,911 STORY - SEE GOMEZ BUSINESS NINE individu $3,413 July. The sumsals named on the BPL “do HURRICAN not disconnect� do not include E INSU RANC any payments list made or furtherand the amount they owed E: at debt incurred since that date.the end of Are you Cove

Seniors go big for

PRO M SPO TLIG HT AS

MARKET REPORT 799

242.COM

UNLIVEABLE STA NCE AND

Picture perfect

Newspaper

‘We will still march without permission’

‘STAY VIGILANT’ AS ZIKA CASE TOTAL RISES TO 25

UNE ON TRIB G NEWS

12TH, 2017

a Islands’ Leadin g Newspaper

i’m lovin’ it!

242.COM

’S PAPER: $1

PLP CASUAL HIR COST EXTRA $10ES M

/BURGERKINGNASSAU

Nassau & Bahama Islands’ Leading

W. Carey/Tribune

R

Volume:114

Incl. VAT

Photo: Terrel

SEPTEMBER

A1MAIN

HIGH 92ÂşF LOW 79ÂşF

Biggest And Be st!

2017

THE PEOPLE

BU SIN ESS

st!

Biggest And Be

AKIN 24/7 BRE

Nassau & Baham

FRIDAY

Monday, March 12, 2012

★ ★★ ★

Trader

99

WWW.BURGERKING.BS

pages 4&5

LATES

Marsh Harbour Healthcare Centre has a tortured history, one of missed deadlines and claims of shoddy all without GOVERNMENT of- workmanship, clear accountability. ficials commissioned the any The facility’s original Marsh Harbour Healthwent bankrupt. care Centre in Abaco yes- contractor of the Construction THURSDA longa Y, DECEMBE terday, touting it as began centreR 29, 2016 awaited boost to the island healthcare the former Ingraham TheTribune PRICE – $1 (Family and the Christie adminis- under Islands $1.50) tration’s National Health administration.

When the Christie adInsurance plans. to power, came Like the Child and Ado- ministration renovating the $" ) (0-% Ĺš health centre in $1m Minister Perry Christie tours the new lescent and Robert Smith it spent PAGE SIX PRIMEyesterday.

SEE was Photo: Terrel W. Carey/Tribune Staff that Complex (CARS) Abaco commissioned last year, the

By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter rrolle@tribunemedia.net

WATER CORP CHIEF’ S ANGER OVER DEAL

7

AG WARNS ECONO IN ‘GRAVE DANGERMY ’

MBER 20TH,

Established 1903

29, 2017

WOM EN OF SUB

FIREFIGHTERS yesterday battled a large blaze at the New Providence Landfill, nearly three weeks after tackling a massive fire at the city dump that burned for nearly a month.

Officer in Charge of Fire Services, Chief Superintendent Walter Evans said the current fire is “not connected� in any way to the previous blaze and at this time officials do not know PRIME Minister what caused the fire. HowDr Hubert Minnis meeting ever Environment Minister Kendera Woodsid the mother of e, Kenred Dorsett told reWoodside. murdered Eugene he RASHA porters at the siteBythat D TribuneinStaff ROLLE suspected “sabotage�

Three days Report rrolle@t He said Photo: Yontala ribunemedia.net er relation to the fire. after the murder that y Bowe team he “instructed� the struggle withpushed the country’s composure.

THE the hugs and have Dr Minnis said of firefighters towords the nationa violent crime into Each citizen he felt of Prime comforting l spotlight “before blaze extinguished yet again, ily’s pain. “What makes the fam- and whatev has a responsibility Minister Dr her pain remain Hubert even worse Minnis and er our today and me ed informa countri feel acute. nomination day�Patricia has we must is that most “He tion one es. we see Minnis couldn’his wife God,� ain’t even live a of those mother more Yes I feel for this Baha Mar’s bring certainly beforethe than I can say.� t answer Mrs Woodsi life, my my yearsin the yard, I, during These criminals livethat forward. questions Dr Minnis opening on Friday. that among us.� de cried. “He’s as a medica Mrs Minnis, said he will Kender a Woodside consumed breath a baby. I could shortly l doctor, ensure The blaze started give my to the family who emphasised medical attention is yesterday as she grieved right now andfor provided to after 3am Wednesday just for her baby ance before that her appear- Mrs Woodside, who is year-old said officpregnan Eugene, whoson, eight- my to be right here. They my “You can see Chief Supt Evans political move,them was not a heart out my take was killed four theago. the grieving t. fire body. ers expect to battledays to wear black called on women pain she’s going through and “This my “Whydaythese but ,� he for at least another people ain’t almost shoot only son. They in mourning one day this week said. “I assured her ing a “huge� tellthat for my daughte time today they he said the wind isme “As a mother murder victims. r too (Friday) we someright now?� bringing my son and they inside (the factor. house) with she cried betwee me. What they all mother , I’m calling upon medical personnel comewill have scream s do to my family? s as SIX n to look SEE PAGE Dr Minnis believe motherbecause I really after her because console the tried to What they do to us? would’ve delivere she’s pregnant. s family at their “Why they d most of them said Mrs Minnis, can stop this,� her I have to make bud Road sure who home where Rose- live 29 years, ain’ carry me? I so they are closer to and her unborn that was tearful at times. “We me knowin was shot by Eugene they are my He’s have our infant are both well g former Tonio Woodsi a baby.�

Monday as a stray bullet on Minnis, a gynaeco patients,� Dr we cradle from birth sons who arrange and we will also make he did his homew and as they father, console de, Eugene’s become men ments to make logist by fession, d ork. as sure the he struggle his wife even must said. “The messag pro- them. We havewe are still with necessary medical d to maintai e we them. personnel send to speak with look after her n is the policeto the entire Baham I as wear think all women should regular basis and see her on a can’t fight this alone. and black one day this of her and herto ensure the safety week mourn what’s unborn infant.� happening in SEE PAGE TWO PROGRESSIVE Liberal Party Chairman Bradley Roberts lashed out at his former party colleague Vincent Peet last night, accusBy NEIL HARTN ing the former North AnTribune Busine ELL so alarmed dros and Berry Islands MP by the nhartnell@tribu ss Editor bean Financial ActionCarib- By RASHA nemedia.net of being a “political enemy�

D ROLLE Force’s (CFAT Task THE Attorne who mounted an independreF) draft Tribune Staff Report In June, ONE of the leaked emails showing a y Gen- report on he told eral yesterd er rrolle@tribunem ent campaign because he SciThe liament edia.net quest from Minister of Education, the cost Pardeficiencies ay slammed that he instructed Bahamas was denied a nomination Bahamians to ence and Technology Jerome Fitzgerald.

BRENSIL anti-money in the nation’s to begin work on his staff of from the governing party.

Rolle, min- increases laundering the flaws from addressing ister of public was $10,149 such PLP supThe to in regime Speaking Limolink for agent ,738. as “entire The revision services and clientele with which his Mr Bethel early June. ceptable�, warning ly unacYou are encour- porters at a rally in North blasted the said National Insurance, he include comes after limousine company was fa- Bahamas. d more between put The Baham they had former Christie to get a reference from Andros last night, Mr Robaged as miliar. “in great tration for failing adminis- 2016 and May December 1,700 workers that werethan if erts said “this is war� as danger�.

2017, the in his origina not regard the the president of Viacom “Also withA1MAIN known weakne to tackle public purse l count.

Carl Bethel wish. Please feel free he urged the crowd to vote ballooned sses with the $16,532 Amid the necessa told limousine business we you by Perry Dr ,738 Tribune ry personally incumbent Progressive me urgency. for Business he because of contact Christie the Liberal Party’s are ready to meet with to had been FULL adminis criticism have your agents contact Gomez, adding that a vote STORY - SEE your people anytime,� he or BUSINESS hiring of new publictration’s of the Minnis adminis Porter our Managing for Mr Peet is a vote for the Mr tion traservice because of workers during writes. its firings Free National Movement. directly.� that period. “As indicated we really Director SEE PAGE SIX SEE PAGE SIX only cater to highend cusSEE PAGES TWO & THREE tomers and are the official

MILLER BLASTS UNIONS RASPBERRY ICED TEA

Page 21

i’m lovin’ it!

HIGH 91ÂşF LOW 81ÂşF

FIREFIGHTERS TACKLE MAJOR NEW BLAZE AT LANDFILL

The Tribune

Volume: 113 No.27

September

Living the dre From Andros to the boardr am oom

SOURCE

ROBERTS: PEET A ‘POLITICAL ENEMY’ FOR ANDROS BID

N

A TRIBUNE SPECIAL INVESTIGATIO

Established 1903

Friday,

art theatre

VIDE O OF PM’S VISI T ONLI NE TRIB UNE242.CAT OM

Minister’s repeated requests for contracts and deals exposed

A1MAIN

gardening

TUESDAY

By SANCHESKA DORSETT Tribune Staff Reporter sdorsett@tribunemedia.net

from Baha Mar

The Tribune

No.208, SEPTE

G NEWS ON TRIB UNE

A1MAIN

fashion

$1

OFFICIAL

CLASSIFIED TRADER: CARS, CARS, CARS

VOLUME:114

Established 1903

24/7 BRE AKIN

E

GIVE BLOOD - GIVE LIFE

JOU RNE Y WH

The Tribune A1MAIN

PROP

1 PINT CAN SAVE 3 LIVES

Weekend

Watch the OBITS film - every INSIDE agonising, wrenchin Fitzgerald sought awful secogn, d.

Then give up millions Eugene’s killer i’m lovin’ it!

HIGH 84ÂşF LOW 70ÂşF

for rent

BECOME A REGULAR DONOR

WE EKE ND: A

tuition school

BLOOD

29TH, 2017

i’m lovin’ it!

HIGH 92ÂşF LOW 78ÂşF

RACE FOR THE CURE

Established 1903

help wanted

SAVE A LIFE GIVE THE GIFT OF

The Tribune

SEPTEMBER

A1MAIN

THURSDAY

PREFERENCE SHARES

SUPPORT THE BLOOD BANK

The Tribune

WEDNESDAY

A1MAIN

i’m lovin’ it!

HIGH 91ÂşF LOW 80ÂşF

cars for sale

quality industry-recognised certificates,� said Mr Ramtulla.

In addition, CODE will help course development, teacher training and improving quality in online education. To meet those goals, the centre will promote research and best practices.

More than 20 BTVI faculty are completing online courses delivered by the Commonwealth of Learning (COL). Headquartered in Canada, this is the world’s only inter-governmental organisation solely concerned with the promotion and development of distance education and open learning.

It recently launched the International Partnership of Distance and Online Learning for COVID-19 with 44 global partners, including the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) and the World Bank. BTVI has accepted an invitation to be a partner in this global exercise.

Professor Asha Kanwar, COL’s president and chief executive, said action on the ground is needed to help teachers and students continue the learning process without disruption. “COL is standing with all our stakeholders - governments, educational institutions, teachers, learners and parents - during these times of crisis. This is not a time for planning but for action. Let us pool our expertise and resources to ensure that the doors of education remain open for all,� said Professor Kanwar.

real estate

THE Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute (BTVI) is creating a Centre for Online and Distance Education (CODE) to ensure it can deliver training courses throughout the nation.

It will be providing short, industry-recognised online certificate courses, covering a wide range of technical subjects, from June 1. Courses will include, but not be limited to, basic computers; the Internet of Things (IoT); introduction to networking, introduction to information systems and security; Microsoft Word; powerpoint; and entrepreneurship. “We are facing difficult economic times in The Bahamas and globally. It is important that we build on skills training for the new post-COVID-19 economy.

The centre will make these courses available online to support skills training and workforce readiness throughout The Bahamas,� said Dr Robert W Robertson, BTVI’s president.

The centre will be headed by Anthony Ramtulla, dean of information technology and distance education.

Under Mr Ramtulla’s leadership, BTVI received the top award for the highest CompTIA certification scores out of 40 testing centres in 2017 and 2018. BTVI has more than 300 students taking CompTIA exams annually. “BTVI has been a CompTIA winner for technical training and it is recognised as a CISCO Academy.

These are important industry connections which will be used to form our high

FRIDAY

HOU

DR ROBERT ROBERTSON

TO TRADE CALL: CFAL 242-502-7010 | ROYALFIDELITY 242-356-7764 | COLONIAL 242-502-7525 | LENO 242-396-3225 | BENCHMARK 242-326-7333

30-Sep-2019 30-Sep-2019 30-Sep-2019

PAGE 10, Wednesday, April 29, 2020

THE TRIBUNE

THE WEATHER REPORT

5-Day Forecast

TODAY

ORLANDO

High: 86° F/30° C Low: 69° F/21° C

TAMPA

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

SUNDAY

Clouds and sun with a shower or two

Partly cloudy with a shower or two

Sun and clouds, a t‑storm in spots

A couple of showers and a t‑storm

Mostly sunny and pleasant

Comfortable with plenty of sunshine

High: 84°

Low: 75°

High: 86° Low: 74°

High: 86° Low: 73°

High: 85° Low: 72°

High: 85° Low: 72°

AccuWeather RealFeel

AccuWeather RealFeel

AccuWeather RealFeel

AccuWeather RealFeel

AccuWeather RealFeel

AccuWeather RealFeel

90° F

76° F

93°-77° F

95°-73° F

91°-73° F

91°-73° F

High: 85° F/29° C Low: 72° F/22° C

The exclusive AccuWeather RealFeel Temperature® is an index that combines the effects of temperature, wind, humidity, sunshine intensity, cloudiness, precipitation, pressure and elevation on the human body—everything that affects how warm or cold a person feels. Temperatures reflect the high and the low for the day.

N

almanac

E

W

ABACO

S

N

High: 79° F/26° C Low: 75° F/24° C

10‑20 knots

S

High: 84° F/29° C Low: 72° F/22° C

12‑25 knots

FT. LAUDERDALE

FREEPORT

High: 85° F/29° C Low: 74° F/23° C

E

W S

E

W

WEST PALM BEACH

N

uV inDex toDay

TONIGHT

High: 84° F/29° C Low: 74° F/23° C

MIAMI

High: 88° F/31° C Low: 76° F/24° C

7‑14 knots

KEY WEST

High: 86° F/30° C Low: 77° F/25° C

ELEUTHERA

NASSAU

High: 84° F/29° C Low: 75° F/23° C

Forecasts and graphics provided by AccuWeather, Inc. ©2020

High: 81° F/27° C Low: 77° F/25° C

N

tiDes For nassau Low

Ht.(ft.)

Today

12:39 a.m.

1:03 p.m.

High

Ht.(ft.)

2.7 2.0

7:14 a.m.

7:06 p.m.

0.4 0.3

Thursday

1:35 a.m.

2:05 p.m.

2.7 2.1

8:11 a.m.

8:10 p.m.

0.4 0.3

Friday

2:36 a.m.

3:11 p.m.

2.7 2.3

9:12 a.m.

9:19 p.m.

0.3 0.3

Saturday

3:39 a.m.

4:16 p.m.

2.8 2.5

10:11 a.m. 0.1 10:28 p.m. 0.1

Sunday

4:41 a.m.

5:17 p.m.

2.8 2.8

11:07 a.m. ‑0.1 11:32 p.m. ‑0.1

Monday

5:39 a.m.

6:13 p.m.

2.9 3.1

12:00 p.m. ‑0.4 ‑‑‑‑‑ ‑‑‑‑‑

Tuesday

6:34 a.m.

7:07 p.m.

2.9 3.3

12:32 a.m. ‑0.4 12:50 p.m. ‑0.7

sun anD moon Sunrise Sunset

6:35 a.m.

7:39 p.m.

Moonrise Moonset

11:41 a.m.

12:49 a.m.

First

Full

Last

New

Apr. 30

May 7

May 14

May 22

CAT ISLAND

E

W

High: 81° F/27° C Low: 76° F/24° C

N

S

E

W

8‑16 knots

S

10‑20 knots Shown is today’s weather. Temperatures are today’s highs and tonight’s lows.

Statistics are for Nassau through 2 p.m. yesterday Temperature High ................................................... 81° F/27° C Low .................................................... 75° F/24° C Normal high ....................................... 82° F/28° C Normal low ........................................ 70° F/21° C Last year’s high ................................. 88° F/31° C Last year’s low ................................... 71° F/22° C Precipitation As of 2 p.m. yesterday ................................. 0.00” Year to date ................................................. 5.98” Normal year to date ..................................... 6.20”

The higher the AccuWeather UV IndexTM number, the greater the need for eye and skin protection.

ANDROS

SAN SALVADOR

GREAT EXUMA

High: 82° F/28° C Low: 77° F/25° C

High: 82° F/28° C Low: 78° F/26° C

N

High: 83° F/28° C Low: 78° F/26° C

E

W S

LONG ISLAND

tracking map

High: 82° F/28° C Low: 78° F/26° C

10‑20 knots

MAYAGUANA High: 83° F/28° C Low: 77° F/25° C

Shown is today’s weather. Temperatures are today’s highs and tonight’s lows.

CROOKED ISLAND / ACKLINS RAGGED ISLAND High: 82° F/28° C Low: 78° F/26° C

High: 83° F/28° C Low: 78° F/26° C

GREAT INAGUA High: 86° F/30° C Low: 77° F/25° C

N

E

W

E

W

N

S

S

8‑16 knots

8‑16 knots

marine Forecast ABACO ANDROS CAT ISLAND CROOKED ISLAND ELEUTHERA FREEPORT GREAT EXUMA GREAT INAGUA LONG ISLAND MAYAGUANA NASSAU RAGGED ISLAND SAN SALVADOR

Today: Thursday: Today: Thursday: Today: Thursday: Today: Thursday: Today: Thursday: Today: Thursday: Today: Thursday: Today: Thursday: Today: Thursday: Today: Thursday: Today: Thursday: Today: Thursday: Today: Thursday:

WINDS E at 12‑25 Knots SSW at 8‑16 Knots SE at 8‑16 Knots SSW at 6‑12 Knots E at 10‑20 Knots SSE at 7‑14 Knots ESE at 8‑16 Knots ESE at 7‑14 Knots E at 10‑20 Knots S at 8‑16 Knots ESE at 10‑20 Knots SSW at 8‑16 Knots SE at 10‑20 Knots SSE at 7‑14 Knots SE at 8‑16 Knots ESE at 7‑14 Knots ESE at 8‑16 Knots SE at 7‑14 Knots ESE at 7‑14 Knots SE at 7‑14 Knots E at 10‑20 Knots S at 7‑14 Knots SE at 8‑16 Knots SE at 8‑16 Knots SE at 10‑20 Knots SSE at 7‑14 Knots

WAVES 5‑9 Feet 4‑7 Feet 1‑3 Feet 1‑2 Feet 4‑7 Feet 3‑5 Feet 2‑4 Feet 2‑4 Feet 4‑8 Feet 3‑6 Feet 3‑5 Feet 2‑4 Feet 1‑3 Feet 1‑2 Feet 2‑4 Feet 2‑4 Feet 2‑4 Feet 1‑3 Feet 3‑6 Feet 4‑7 Feet 2‑4 Feet 1‑2 Feet 2‑4 Feet 2‑4 Feet 3‑5 Feet 2‑4 Feet

To advertise ALL your LEGAL NOTICES, call The Tribune’s Sales Department

502-2394

VISIBILITY 10 Miles 6 Miles 6 Miles 10 Miles 6 Miles 6 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 7 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 7 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 6 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 6 Miles 10 Miles

WATER TEMPS. 78° F 78° F 81° F 81° F 82° F 82° F 81° F 81° F 80° F 80° F 78° F 78° F 81° F 81° F 81° F 81° F 81° F 81° F 80° F 79° F 80° F 80° F 82° F 81° F 80° F 80° F