05102022 NEWS, SPORT AND BUSINESS

WOMAN & HEALTH TUESDAY Premium Roast Coffee

HIGH 80ºF LOW 70ºF

i’m lovin’ it!

Monday,

February

CARS! CARS!

8, 2021

The Tribune Established

Being Bound To

Swear To The Dogmas

1903

Of No Master

The Tribune L A T E S T

Volume: 120 No.116, May 10, 2022

N E W S

tise Call

To Adver

-2351

601-0007 or 502

Starting at

$33.60

CLASSIFIEDS TRADER

ed

VAT includ

Established 1903

O N

T R I B U N E 2 4 2 . C O M

Biggest And Best!

THE PEOPLE’S PAPER: PRICE–$1

VICTIMS NAMED AS POLICE PROBE EXUMA DEATHS

By KHRISNA RUSSELL Tribune Chief Reporter krussell@tribunemedia.net POLICE Commissioner Paul Rolle said investigators looking into the deaths of three Americans at Sandals Emerald Bay in Exuma are probing what the victims may have eaten as well as whether any “contaminants” were present in the separate rooms where they were found.

While much remains unknown, officials do know that the two men and one woman died sometime between 11pm on May 5 when they, along with the lone survivor, visited the clinic seeking

medical attention for nausea and vomiting, and around 8.30am to 9am the next morning, when they were found dead in two separate villas.

The deaths, which have attracted international attention, mean police along with health and environment officials are looking at many different avenues to sum up what happened, as they await the results from autopsies and toxicology reports.

The post-mortem examinations were slated to take place yesterday.

The commissioner provided an update into the probe yesterday while SEE PAGE THREE

‘I DISCLOSED’ BUT BOWLEG BLAMES ISSUE ON COMMUNICATION

By EARYEL BOWLEG Tribune Staff Reporter ebowleg@tribunemedia.net

A CABINET Minister yesterday blamed “mixed communication” for the failure of some members of Parliament to file financial disclosures by the March 1 deadline.

Youth, Sports and Culture Minister Mario Bowleg suggested there was confusion among some elected officials about how general election disclosures would be handled.

Last week, The Tribune asked most MPs if they had met the disclosure deadline.

Only some replied. However, Pia Glover-Rolle, Dr Hubert Minnis, Dr Michael Darville, Glenys Hanna Martin, Leon Lundy, Wayne Munroe, John Pinder, Shanendon Cartwright, Adrian White, Clay Sweeting and Keith Bell all said they had met the deadline.

Following a press conference at the ministry regarding Youth in Parliament, Mr Bowleg confirmed yesterday that he too had declared his assets as required.

SEE PAGE FIVE

WARNING AS CONTAINER COSTS COULD DOUBLE

By YOURI KEMP Tribune Business Reporter ykemp@tribunemedia.net

ROBBIE and Michael Phillips, aged 65 and 68, were found dead in their villa at Sandals in Exuma. The third tourist who died was Vincent Chiarella, age 64, whose wife, Donnis, remains in serious condition in hospital.

BUSINESSES should brace for a 100 percent increase in container costs for the summer due to the Russia and Ukraine war.

Michael Hall, managing director of Bahamas Maritime Logistics Service, said that supply chain issues outside of The Bahamas are not any better than earlier this year and he sees no letting up for the remainder of the year.

He said: “The wave is probably going to hit us around summertime and around hurricane season then we will probably feel it.”

FULL STORY - SEE BUSINESS

HEALTH ISSUE AT WHEEL LEADS TO CRASH

By KHRISNA RUSSELL Tribune Chief Reporter krussell@tribunemedia.net

AN elderly man died yesterday after experiencing a health complication while driving, causing him to lose control of his vehicle and crash into a single-storey building at Chesapeake Road.

According to Superintendent Audley Peters yesterday, the victim - in his 70s - was driving a 1997 silver coloured Honda

THE SCENE of a traffic accident on Chesapeake Road, where a man died after crashing into a building.

Photo: Racardo Thomas/ Tribune Staff CRV. Both the vehicle and building were extensively

damaged.

The incident happened shortly after 8am.

“Police received a report of a traffic collision that occurred at Chesapeake Road,” Supt Peters told reporters at the scene yesterday.

“Shortly after, the investigation team was dispatched to the scene and on the arrival of the officers they found a 1997 silver Honda CRV launched into a singlestorey structure.

SEE PAGE TWO

Nassau & Bahama Islands’ Leading Newspaper

FACE TO FACE: ‘NAME OUR WATERS THE LUCAYAN SEA’

- SEE PAGE EIGHT

PAGE 2, Tuesday, May 10, 2022

THE TRIBUNE

HEALTH ISSUE AT WHEEL LEADS TO CRASH

THE SCENE of an accident on Chesapeake Road and Mackey Street. from page one “On inspection of the vehicle the officers found an adult male in the driver’s seat suffering from injuries sustained as a result of the collision.

Emergency Medical Services were summoned and following their investigation of the body it was determined there were no signs of life.”

Mr Peters said initial investigations were that the driver was travelling south along Mackey Street when he experienced “some physical complication” and was alerted by other drivers with the use of their horns.

“He then turned east onto Chesapeake Road, losing control. He then collided into the single-storey structure. We will await an identification by the next of kin to confirm the victim’s

A BODY is taken from the scene after the crash on Chesapeake Road.

Photos: Racardo Thomas/Tribune Staff identity, as well as an autopsy report to confirm the exact cause of death.”

As it stands the incident is considered an unclassified death, Mr Peters said.

He also confirmed that a man was also in the building when the vehicle crashed. However, he did not sustain any injuries.

Police said investigations will continue.

POLICE Superintendent Audley Peters speaking to reporters.

THE TRIBUNE

Tuesday, May 10, 2022, PAGE 3

Victims named as police probe Exuma deaths

from page one publicly identifying the victims. They are husband and wife Michael and Robbie Phillips. They were 68 and 65 years old respectively.

The couple was found dead in their villa at Sandals.

According to Knoxville News Sentinel, the couple were from Maryville, where they owned and operated the Sand Lady, a “travel design” business specialising in Caribbean honeymoons, destination weddings and romantic getaways. The Sand Lady is a preferred Sandals resorts agency, according to its website, and Robbie Phillips had posted photos on Facebook from the resort shortly before her death, the Knoxville New Sentinel said.

“Our hearts are grieving and broken but full of hope,” their daughter, Kali Hanson, said in a text to Knox News Monday afternoon. “We know our mom and dad are experiencing fullness of joy in our heavenly father’s presence. We already miss them terribly.

Our parents left a legacy of faith in Jesus and generously loved their family and friends.

The third victim was Vincent Paul Chiarella, 64, of Florida. Chiarella’s wife, Donnis, was airlifted to a hospital in Florida and remains in serious condition, Mr Rolle said.

Yesterday, the commissioner said he did not want to speculate about the circumstances of the deaths.

“A pathologist has extracted samples from all of the persons and our forensic scientists have collected those samples for examination,” he said yesterday at a press conference to update local and international press on the incident.

“We are actively engaging a lab in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States to assist us with expediting the toxicological examinations of all of these samples.

Once those examinations are done, our pathologists would be able to provide us with an official report as to the exact cause of death and help us to determine what has happened.

“Our forensic scientists have also collected samples from both of the rooms and the properties of Sandals

Hotel in Exuma to determine whether or not any contaminants are present.”

He said the US lab has assured the results will be complete within seven days.

Asked to reveal more about the hours before the visitors’ deaths, Mr Rolle said: “They were all treated at different times and they ate at different places. So, that’s why we know but we are checking all of that, which we will hopefully be able to determine if it was some food or something else that caused it but, (it is) safe to say that they all reported at different times feeling ill,” adding both couples went to the island’s clinic.

As it stands, he said, officials from the Department of Environmental Health as well as police remained at the resort continuing investigations.

Speculation in the aftermath of the tragedy has continued to swirl, including the possibility of poisoning from an air-conditioning leak.

Police said they were alerted to the incident shortly after 9am on Friday.

Staff of the resort reported that the body of a male was found in one of the villas unresponsive.

Officers were dispatched and while en route to the scene they were informed that an additional male and female were found unresponsive in another villa.

“On their arrival at the scene, they were directed to the first villa. On entering a bedroom, they found a Caucasian male lying on the ground unresponsive. An examination of the body was conducted, there were no signs of trauma found.

The local doctor later pronounced the victim dead,” police said in a press statement issued on Friday.

“The officers were then directed to the second villa,” the police said further, “where they found a Caucasian male slumped against a wall in a bathroom unresponsive. A Caucasian female was also found in a bedroom on a bed. She too was unresponsive. Both individuals showed signs of convulsion.

“The officers examined the bodies and found no signs of trauma. The local doctor later pronounced both persons dead.”

To advertise in The Tribune, contact 502-2394

COMMISIONER of Police Paul Rolle.

PAGE 4, Tuesday, May 10, 2022

THE TRIBUNE

Ukraine expert gives briefing at US Embassy LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net A UKRAINIAN international relations expert has provided insight into the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, detailing the latest Russian attacks against the country and the toll the war has taken on ordinary Ukrainian civilians.

Dr Volodymyr Dubovyk, an associate professor at the Department of International Relations, spoke on the war’s latest developments during a virtual press briefing hosted by the US Embassy in Guatemala yesterday.

Russia launched a “fullscale invasion” of Ukraine on February 24, drawing widespread condemnation from around the world.

Thousands have been reported dead after weapon strikes in Ukraine while millions are said to have fled to neighbouring countries.

“For the last several days, there have been a number of air raid alerts,” Dr Dubovyk said of the war yesterday. “Just yesterday (Sunday), we had eleven air raid alerts. We’ve had several missile attacks. Some missiles were intercepted by anti-aircraft weapons

and also by the Ukraine air force capable of intercepting some of those missiles, but some have reached their targets.”

“The most important front is the Donbas in far eastern Ukraine. That’s where the most heavy fighting has taken place.

Russians are now contemplating trying to attack.

They’re on the offensive but their offensive is extremely slow, it’s something like crouching,” he added.

“They move just a couple kilometers a day, sometimes they don’t. Sometimes, they take some towns and villages and sometimes they

LCF HELPING STUDENTS TO MAKE THE LEAP AS part of its strategy to address learning loss due to the COVID-19 pandemic and school disruptions, Lyford Cay Foundations (LCF) has launched a new education enrichment initiative for selected public school students from grades one to four.

Learning Enrichment to Accelerate Progress, LEAP, is an educational pilot programme that offers access to learning support in numeracy, literacy and social emotional skills.

Dr Nicola Virgill-Rolle, executive director of LCF explained: “LEAP provides small group learning support for young learners by assessing their learning needs, providing catch up tutoring in fundamental skills and encouraging the development of skills such as passion, perseverance and a positive mindset.”

For the pilot, 41 children were chosen from the Uriah McPhee Primary School – ten students each from grades one, two and four, and 11 students from grade three.

The students will meet for ten Saturdays, from April 30, 2022, to July 2, 2022.

Sessions are led by teachers from Uriah McPhee Primary School and Lyford Cay International School (LCIS), at the LCIS Lower School campus.

LEAP uses high impact tutoring in numeracy and literacy to enhance academic success, Dr Virgill-Rolle said further.

In literacy, the goal is to increase grade-level appropriate reading, writing and spelling efficiency, improve

the level of reading fluency, and enhance listening comprehension and oral and written language skills.

For numeracy, the aim is to encourage self-confidence and proficiency in mathematics, improve computational skills and improve problem-solving skills using a variety of mathematical strategies.

All LEAP students are provided with transportation between Uriah McPhee Primary School and Lyford Cay International School, and a healthy breakfast and lunch.

“We know that there has been tremendous learning loss over the past two years because of school disruptions caused

by COVID-19. We also know that many students have not had access to support mechanisms,” said Dr Virgill-Rolle. “A programme like LEAP will provide the necessary support to ensure learning recovery.”

Lyford Cay Foundations is the country’s largest nongovernmental benefactor of educational initiatives, with more than 3,000 students earning a college or postgraduate degree thanks to the assistance of people who believe that education is the foundation for a successful nation.

The foundations also fund FOCUS, an eight-year education enrichment programme that helps 5th – 8th grade public school students attain post-secondary education readiness.

To learn more about LCF, please visit www.lyfordcayfoundations.org.

lose some so basically, it’s already not so much kinetic warfare with a lot of movement and troops back and forth, but it’s becoming more of a trench warfare.”

Dr Dubovyk said civilian casualties remain the highest. Meanwhile, many Ukrainians, he added, also continue to flee to other countries to escape the war.

“Most of the people we’ve lost in the last three and half months were civilians and not military necessarily. And, of course, people are still leaving dangerous areas and going west. Some people are going abroad.

There have been 45 million

who are refugees outside of Ukraine and Europe mostly and some people are becoming displaced within their own country.”

He also said the war has dealt a tremendous blow to the Ukrainian economy, which he said is projected to contract by 50 percent by year’s end.

The Bahamas is among several countries that have condemned and sanctioned Russia for its unprovoked invasion of Ukraine.

In March, Attorney General Ryan Pinder announced that the government decided it will suspend the automatic exchange of

financial information with Russia on its citizens.

It follows a directive on March 9 by the Office of the Attorney General and financial services regulators that all licensed entities were to report whether they held individual or company sanctioned accounts.

He said on March 20 and 21, a report from regulators said there were very few sanctioned relationships in the country. Mr Pinder said there were less than five relationships and a small number of liquid assets meaning deposits, managed assets or securities valued at about $7.5m.

THE TRIBUNE

Tuesday, May 10, 2022, PAGE 5

YOUTH IN PARLIAMENT ACTIVITIES TO RETURN AFTER COVID HIATUS

FROM left, Sandena Neely, Mario Bowleg, Lauren-Ashley Heastie, Carla Brown-Roker and Eltavious Johnson at the Youth in Parliament press conference.

By EARYEL BOWLEG Tribune Staff Reporter ebowleg@tribunemedia.net THE Division of Youth announced yesterday that Youth in Parliament will return this year.

After a hiatus twice due to the COVID-19 pandemic, an in-person sitting is planned.

A week of activity will precede the sitting on

Friday, May 13, when the youth participants will descend on the halls of Parliament. Young speakers from all 39 constituencies have made application, been interviewed and were confirmed.

“Family Islanders began to arrive on Saturday, Sunday, and today. They have participated in a long virtual training to ready themselves for

presentations on mental health and gender based violence,” said Carla Brown-Roker, a youth co-ordinator in Grand Bahama.

She noted each youth in Parliament class is given the opportunity to bond, network, and create lifelong friendships. They also have the opportunity to meet and speak with leaders of the country.

“This week is no exception as we will have courtesy calls with the governor general His Excellency CA Smith, our Acting Prime Minister the Hon Chester Cooper and our very own Minister of Youth Mario Bowleg in addition to visiting the Office of the Spouse and conversing with Mrs Anne-Marie Davis.”

Youth, Sports and Culture Minister Mario

Photos: Donavan McIntosh/Tribune Staff

Bowleg explained the importance of the youth Parliament to give young people a voice.

“The youth of our nation must be given a platform where they can openly share their views and concerns regarding key issues of national importance. The Ministry of Youth, Sports, and Culture in association with the House of Assembly provides them with such

opportunity through the youth mock Parliament,” he said.

“Now in its 22nd sitting, the annual Youth in Parliament have been the birthplace of a number of current political personalities and has provided the impetus for the inclusion of youthful views and ideas, dreams and aspirations on matters of national development.”

Cultural events go ahead despite COVID case rise

By EARYEL BOWLEG Tribune Staff Reporter ebowleg@tribunemedia.net YOUTH, Sports and Culture Minister Mario Bowleg said as long as COVID-19 cases remain low in the country he is of the opinion that planned cultural events will go on as scheduled.

In recent weeks, there has been a slight increase in virus cases.

This has manifested itself in the last epidemiological week, with Dr Nikkiah Forbes, National HIV/ AIDS and Infectious Disease Programme director telling The Tribune on Sunday that 65 percent of the cases were locally transmitted.

While on May 8, the Ministry of Health and Wellness said there were 16 new confirmed cases, May 7 saw 37 new cases.

Asked if there was concern that the increase of COVID-19 cases could hinder his ministry’s plans, Mr Bowleg answered: “No, I don’t think so. The most recent report that came out we had about 17 cases I think last week. I haven’t seen any reports since then, but I’m not too much concerned.

“I think the Bahamian people within itself have done a great job of safeguarding themselves and their families and have been adhering to the protocols and if we continue to do that and, of course, we continue to encourage those who need to be vaccinated to go ahead and get vaccinated. I think if we keep that down below 20-25 that is a little bit high one from what we’ve been seeing in the past few months, but I believe that it will continue to be reduced and I think the cultural events will continue to go on.

“I believe Bahamians, they don’t want to see us go back to the days of being locked down. We’re paying attention to what’s happening as a Bahamian people, as a people. So, I could see us moving forward with all cultural events we had planned.”

This comes as officials last week confirmed that Survival Weekend will return on May 20-22, with a road parade set to take place on May 21. Rafel Dean of the Band Owners

Association has said all safety protocols will be followed and enforced by the Band Owners Association as well as individual bands that will be participating to ensure the “maximum safety of all in attendance”.

The minister was asked if he had concerns about this event resulting in an outbreak or spike of COVID-19.

However, he pointed to the protocols in place.

He explained: “I wouldn’t say there’s no concern, but I think that there was protocols that I’ve been made to understand that were put in place by the medical professions and also two that supposed to be almost like parade drive-by. There shouldn’t be anyone on the streets. There should be people on the trucks, I was made to understand, and in vehicles.”

“So, it shouldn’t be the norm that we’re used to seeing. So, again if they adhere to the protocols, if they’re going to be on the parade or on the truck, then they should have a mask on or I think they need to be vaccinated or have an antigen negative test prior to going on the trucks. I can’t tell you the facts of the protocols, but I know there are some in place. So, to say that that will be cancelled, it’s too early to see. We got another 14 days, I think, before that event. So let’s watch the cases as they come by. But I assure you the medical professions will make a decision that will be more beneficial to the Bahamian people.”

Meanwhile, Junkanoo is definitely planned for Independence Day, the minister said.

“That’s not off the table unless advised by the medical professionals - Junkanoo is a go. If we see there’s a spike, we will make a decision that is beneficial to the Bahamian people and if it means cancellation then we will do that at that point in time, but again we are just in the month of May. “We gotta another 60-days prior to or a little less for independence and so I believe everything within its time. We don’t want to make quick decisions, but we want to continue to monitor the situation and make the right decisions.”

MINISTER of Youth, Sports and Culture Mario Bowleg.

‘I DISCLOSED’ - BUT BOWLEG BLAMES ISSUE ON COMMUNICATION from page one

“I think what happened was there was a mixed communication for some as it relates to the 2020 assets being recorded because, remember now, we should have put our 2020 for the 2021 election and then the 2021 should be recorded for this year as we move into 2022 because it’s the 30th of each year,” Mr Bowleg said.

“So, I think that it was declared during (the) election period, but I guess it wasn’t realised that what was declared to the election process was not handed over to the other unit and so for that reason I think that’s what happened to some of the individuals, but I know I cleared both.”

Press secretary Clint Watson said last week that he suspects “simple oversight” was to blame for some parliamentarians missing the deadline.

“Now, they all are aware that you have to disclose. It was a part of training for parliamentarians.

What may have happened I suspect in this matter is the deadline passed and people being so consumed with whatever they were doing, didn’t meet the deadline or forgot the deadline was there.”

Meanwhile, State Public Service Minister Pia Glover-Rolle said the challenges public officials face meeting financial disclosure requirements highlighted the need for investment in additional staff to help officials meet their obligations.

When asked if he thought the process needed to be clearer or just a case of miscommunication, Mr Bowleg noted the possibility of forgetting.

“No, I don’t think so. You are looking at an administration who we haven’t taken a break since we came right off of the campaign trail

and so while we were looking at things that were utmost important as it relates to getting the country up and running there has been times that you would slip your mind, even though you would have been reminded still, you have to report, but at the end of the day nobody’s hiding anything from whether it’s the government or the opposition.”

“So, all paperwork will be turned in at the right time and if there needs to be fines for those who need fines.

(If) they want to fine them, then they just have to pay the fine, but I’m sure that everyone will report their finances.”

As to whether those who missed the deadline should be fined, the minister replied: “No, the law is in place, but at the same time find out what was the circumstances and situation prior to just the decision.”

PAGE 6, Tuesday, May 10, 2022

The Tribune Limited

THE TRIBUNE

PICTURE OF THE DAY

NULLIUS ADDICTUS JURARE IN VERBA MAGISTRI “Being Bound to Swear to The Dogmas of No Master”

Publisher/Editor 1903-1914

LEON E. H. DUPUCH,

Kt., O.B.E., K.M., K.C.S.G., (Hon.) LL.D., D.Litt .

SIR ETIENNE DUPUCH,

Publisher/Editor 1919-1972 Contributing Editor 1972-1991

EILEEN DUPUCH CARRON,

C.M.G., M.S., B.A., LL.B. Publisher/Editor 1972-

Published daily Monday to Friday

Shirley & Deveaux Streets, Nassau, Bahamas N3207 TELEPHONES News & General Information Advertising Manager Circulation Department Nassau fax Freeport, Grand Bahama Freeport fax

(242) 322-1986 (242) 502-2394 (242) 502-2386 (242) 328-2398 (242)-352-6608 (242) 352-9348

WEBSITE, TWITTER & FACEBOOK www.tribune242.com

@tribune242

tribune news network

Excuses over disclosures are dangerous nonsense THERE appears to be a dangerous nonsense developing in the discussion over parliamentary disclosures.

First, the chairman of the Public Disclosure Commission, Bishop Victor Cooper, suggested that some firsttime MPs were unaware of the legal requirement for them to file financial disclosures under the Public Disclosures Act. Quite how that could be was never explained given the MPs presumed interest in public life, and the regular occurrence of discussions about disclosures in the media.

As it happens, that argument was shot down by press secretary Clint Watson, who said that MPs had indeed been briefed about it during training for parliamentarians. So even those who might somehow not have known were told about it anyway.

However, Mr Watson went on to say that perhaps the parliamentarians were “so consumed with whatever they were doing” that they didn’t meet the deadline or forgot the deadline was there. He suggested it was a “simple oversight”.

Now, the Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture, Mario Bowleg, has weighed in, blaming “mixed communication” for the failure of some to declare by the March 1 deadline.

He said: “I think what happened was there was a mixed communication for some as it relates to the 2020 assets being recorded because, remember now, we should have put our 2020 for the 2021 election and then the 2021 should be recorded for this year as we move into 2022 because it’s the 30th of each year.

“So I think that it was declared during (the) election period, but I guess it wasn’t realised that what was declared to the election process was not handed over to the other unit and so for that reason I think that’s what happened to some of the individuals.”

Let us be clear about that string of excuses. Not one of those excuses matters. It is the law. You either abided by

the law or you broke it. It doesn’t matter if you forgot, or if you were busy, or if it was an oversight, or if there was mixed communication. A failure to disclose on time broke the law. All of these excuses sound like a child telling the teacher that their dog ate their homework.

Mr Bowleg has added himself to the list of those who say they met the disclosure deadline – but it is high time we learned who did not. This should not be up for discussion – the public should know.

Instead, all we have is a number of people saying that others did not meet the deadline, but not one person raising their hand and admitting having done so.

If the chairman of the commission isn’t willing to do so, then it’s time for the party chairmen to step up. FNMs, did you all declare on time? PLPs, how about you? Chairmen, bring your lists.

You certainly have nothing to fear if all of your party members declared on time. In fact, you can happily use that as political points against your rivals.

Unless of course neither party has a full scorecard.

It is ridiculous to play down the reasons for missing the deadline, and no matter what the excuse, it isn’t good enough.

Parliamentarians have to declare.

That’s it.

For too many years, this part of the process has not been respected properly – is this current raft of parliamentarians going to continue to disrespect the law?

As for the other MPs who haven’t come forward themselves yet to say whether or not they declared on time, if you’ve done so, why not say? Don’t let your silence make people wonder which side of the law you fall on.

There’s a lot of talk in politics about transparency. This is one of the easiest, most straightforward ways to demonstrate it.

Who met the deadline? Tell the public.

MARINE biologist Colin Foord, rear, and musician JD McKay work at their Coral Morphologic lab, in Miami. They have been on a 15-year mission to raise awareness about dying coral reefs with a company that presents the issue through science and art.

Photo: Lynne Sladky/AP

Family tree chopped down by the rules EDITOR, The Tribune.

THIS will come as a shock to all members of Ancestry DNA, who are involved in building family trees.

This latest hobby of building family trees is fun and addictive, it would have you doing research all hours of day or night. A very important component of tree building is getting a DNA kit from Ancestry Family Search.

The process is very simple, and has immediate results, you will be advised about eighth cousins or any one who has a drop of your DNA. (I was advised of some 99 persons) All of whom were family.

Acquiring the kit is like Jello - quite simple and smooth.

Just order a DNA Kit from Ancestry, which includes a vial with a special solution in which you deposit a quarter teaspoon of saliva, and, return the

LETTERS letters@tribunemedia.net kit to Ancestry in Utah by postal delivery. They will process your Saliva and in a short period of time they, give you your results, exactly where your Ancestors are from, and relatives.

There is just one catch now.

After finishing the sample, you put it back in the mailing box and drop it off in the mail for forwarding to Ancestry DNA in Utah.

The problem is that our postal department, including Parcel Post, has advised that they are prohibited from accepting DNA packets because the United States has a ban on all DNA packets.

I immediately contacted Ancestry and advised them of the ban, which they claimed that they were unaware of. But asked

me to contact UPS, with whom they have a working agreement.

Apparently all couriers, including UPS, knows of this ban and will not accept the package.

So now I am stuck with a completed DNA kit which so far has cost me $251 (including VAT).

Meanwhile, I still do not know why there is a ban, and how long it will last. However, by copy of this letter I am advising Ancestry DNA of this drawback to the Family Tree Programme, and Tribune readers will be wary of purchasing the (very useful) kits.

While tinkering with the courier pigeon aspect with much respect.

(Back in the 60s I was just a GS Good Scout).

JEFFREY AUGUST WILLIAMS, OBE, JP. Nassau, May 4, 2022.

Watson on disclosures is ludicrous EDITOR, The Tribune.

THE comment from none other than PM press secretary on the non-compliance of many MPs is totally ludicrous... we take that approach then not paying $1bn of taxes we can use the same excuse? Sorry, Mr Watson, out of order.

You admit the candidates before being elected went through training... oh after training they forget?

Too busy to uphold the Law of the land which, Mr Watson, they are part of making... now that’s a great political example...

you legislate and then don’t carry out the standing laws or even those you make!

MP financial disclosures by law should be public, it should not be at the discretion of the Disclosure Chairman to disclose or not... compulsory and gazette to boot... what have they to hide?

Yes, what are they hiding?

What percent of the MPs’ disclosures are actually ever audited to check if they give an accurate picture?

Again putting your foot in the proverbial... remember,

unlike the White House President’s press officer, you are only permitted to state the facts, not editorial or personal opinion you are a sign-up civil servant you lost all those open opinioning rights when you left your private job.

General orders also requires all civil servants not to have an additional source of business income.

Time some folks around here understand Law is Law - don’t flaunt it.

D ROLLE Nassau, May 6, 2022.

THE TRIBUNE

Tuesday, May 10, 2022, PAGE 7

FOUR BACK IN COURT ACCUSED OF BID TO KILL TWO POLICEMEN

By PAVEL BAILEY

FOUR men who were charged last week on other criminal matters, were denied bail in a Magistrate’s Court yesterday after being further charged with the attempted murder of two police officers.

Roger Wallace, 28, Shaquille Monroe, 29, Raequon Alexis, 18 and Aljaron Stubbs, 19, stood before Chief Magistrate Joyann Ferguson-Pratt on two counts of attempted murder of the officers.

The accused also faced further charges of possession of firearms, use of a firearm to resist arrest, two counts of using a

DAUGHTER OF PASTOR IN COURT ON DRUG CHARGES

By PAVEL BAILEY

THE daughter of a wellknown pastor was put on a year’s probation for drug related charges yesterday.

Kay’breann Miller, daughter of Apostle Kelson Miller, appeared before Senior Magistrate Samuel McKinney on a charge of possession of dangerous drugs.

On May 4 in New Providence Ms Miller was arrested after a police search of her residence uncovered 45 grams of suspected marijuana in her bedroom.

These drugs came in the form of 18 cookies, two silver baggies of brownies, and five Rice Krispy treats all infused with marijuana as well one clear bag full of the drug.

In a subsequent interview following her arrest the accused admitted to ownership of the drugs claiming that they were for her personal use.

In court, Miller pleaded guilty to the charge against her.

As part of her defence, the court was told that Miller has a history of recreational drug use stemming

from the trauma of losing her mother at a young age.

The defence also highlighted that Miller was an entrepreneur and proprietor of KBM Enterprise Errand Runners and added that she was an active member in her father’s church. She also acts as the vocal coach for her church’s praise singers.

While her father wanted her to take responsibility for her actions, the defense still asked that the court be lenient in their sentencing.

In view of the fact that this was Miller’s first offence, Magistrate McKinney commended her for her work in the church and placed her on a year’s probation for the charge.

Should she breach her probation she would face a $1,000 fine or three months in prison.

The magistrate further informed the accused that the $1,700 seized during her arrest would remain in police custody and that she is ordered to attend drug counseling courses.

Upon completion of these courses Miller is expected to report to court on November 8 for evaluation.

BAIL GRANTED IN FIREARM CASE

By PAVEL BAILEY

A MAN was granted bail in a Magistrate’s Court yesterday following an arraignment related to allegations of possessing a weapon and ammunition.

Jordan Miller, 30, appeared before Chief Magistrate Joyann Ferguson-Pratt to face one count each of possession of an unlicensed firearm and possession of ammunition.

On May 5 while in New Providence, Miller was arrested after he was allegedly found in possession

of a black .45 pistol - S/N: NM562884 and two unfired rounds of .45 ammo.

In court, Miller, represented by Ian Cargill, pleaded not guilty to both charges against him.

As there were no objections to bail, it was granted to the accused in the amount of $7,500 with one or two sureties. As a condition of his bail Miller has to report into Carmichael Police Station twice weekly.

Miller is also expected to be fitted with an ankle monitor upon his release.

His trial was set for November 18.

MAN ACCUSED OF DOUBLE MURDER A MAN was remanded to the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services yesterday on two counts of murder and one count of attempted murder.

Derico “Sparky” Bowe, 28, stood before Magistrate Kendra Kelly on the charges of murder and attempted murder.

On May 4 in New Providence Bowe is accused of murdering Andrew Mackey and attempting to murder Dentry Williams.

Also, in New Providence on April 30 the accused is alleged to have killed

Arison Pratt.

Due to the nature of the offences, Bowe was not required to enter a plea in court and was informed that his case would proceed by way of Voluntary Bill of Indictment.

While the accused was denied bail, the magistrate told him of his right to apply for bail through the Supreme Court. Until it is granted to him, Bowe will be sent back to the BDCS. Bowe’s next court appearance will be on September 2.

To advertise in The Tribune, contact 502-2394

firearm to endanger life and causing damage.

On April 30 in New Providence the accused were alleged to have attempted to kill Sergeant Seymour and Police Constable McKenzie with a black Glock 17 and an AK-47. On that same day they are also alleged to have caused $988.66 worth of damage

to a police vehicle.

Due to the serious nature of these offences none of the suspects was required to enter a plea in court.

The accused were further informed that these latest charges would also proceed by way of Voluntary Bill of Indictment.

In view of the accused’s latest

charges after being previously arraigned for having a prohibited weapon and ammunition last week, their attorney Ian Cargill formally withdrew his clients’ bail applications.

As such, they will be remanded to the Bahamas Department of Corrections until their next trial appearance on October 19.

Family islanders fear fuel will hit $7

By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net SOME residents on the Family Islands want immediate government intervention in response to rising gas prices, with one lamenting the cost of fuel in their community as being more than $7.

In New Providence, the cost of gas at Shell stations is $6.35, while both Esso and Rubis Stations are $6.33 per gallon. At AutoServe Shell Marathon, gas is $6.30.

However, on some islands, the cost of gas has already surpassed $7, with fears the number could rise as high as $10 or more per gallon by summer’s end.

“Gas prices are $7.50 on the island here,” said Bishop Nixon Simms of Moore’s Island, Abaco. “You know it’s a bit hard and difficult, but people are managing with it along with what they can get out to sea because you know our sea product is still good...”

In mainland Abaco, however, the prices are a bit lower, with the cost at Rubis said to be at around $6.80 a gallon.

“I know its $6.80 at Rubis over here,” Roscoe Thompson of Marsh Harbour said yesterday. “I haven’t seen the price at Shell or Abaco Petroleum, but I know in the cays it has got to be close to $7.”

Mr Thompson told The Tribune the situation is particularly challenging for Abaco residents, many of whom are still using generators to power their storm ravaged homes some two years after Hurricane Dorian’s passage.

“People have been complaining for a little while, but you’re starting to hear a little more and more about it, but, yeah, people are complaining about the price of fuel because that’s the mode of transportation unless you live in Marsh Harbour where everybody needs to go to work.

“People are still using generators, so it puts an affect on

them. It’s all around affecting the economy.”

The Abaco resident said ultimately, more needs to be done by the government to assist hurting Bahamians.

“Why doesn’t the government put a cap on VAT on gas?” he questioned.

“Because if a gallon of gas is costing $7, ten percent of $7 is what? 70 cents, right? So, if government is getting 70 cents in VAT just off of a gallon of gas, why not put it at 40 cents and pass that 30 cents onto savings so even though the gas might be $7, people are only paying $6.70 because they’re saving those 30 cents you know from the Vat. So, if gas goes up to $8, that means government is making 80 cents off of gas and that’s high so at least add a cap.”

Similar concerns were echoed by residents in Ragged Island when contacted yesterday.

“The whole island has to get gas and diesel from Nassau so we pay the same price,” Rochelle Maycock told The Tribune.

“And I know some people are still complaining saying how high the gas prices are high, but ain’t nothing they could do. The government needs to do something to try find some place who sells cheaper oil.

The situation has caused many Bahamians to cut back on expenses, including energy usage.

“Diesel outside of my door here is $6.95 a gallon and gasoline is $6.80 cents a gallon,” said Spanish Wells chief councillor Robert Roberts.

“With the rise in prices and fossil fuels, our power company also has to increase their prices. The power company is only allowed to make so much in profits. So, if they’re going to maintain their profits and their prices keep going up then they have to increase their price. We’re paying a premium for power right now. However, we do have power and it’s stable so we’re just having to cut back where we can, including myself.”

It has also affected local fisherman

who have had to raise their seafood prices to make ends meet as a result of rising fuel costs.

“Now that the lobster season’s closed, people are selling (lobster) for $17 to $20 a pound. The conch price is up to $6 a pound. Fillet fish is up to $10 to $12 a pound so that helps compensate for some of the losses on that gas,” Bishop Simms told this newspaper.

“They need to find ways to give the Bahamian people relief from prices,” Mr Roberts added.

“Speaking from a fishing village, the government also needs to find a way to give the fishermen of the country some incentives and some discounts on fuel. How could you afford it when these boats get ready because you know the crawfish season is over and I heard just a short few weeks ago that fish in the market down Potter’s Cay was selling for $300 a bag.”

“Most of that is driven and based on the cost of living and the cost of fuel and everything else, so they really need any boat that’s licensed.

They need to get fuel at a discounted rate, at least duty free. Because everybody is talking about feeding themselves but we learnt that through COVID well if our fishermen can’t fish, there goes one avenue. We won’t be able to feed ourselves again. We’ll be importing grouper. Well, it’s labeled grouper, but it really ain’t (grouper).”

Economic Affairs Minister Michael Halkitis, along with other government officials, has met with gas retailers twice in recent weeks to discuss their concerns.

Following those meetings, Vasco Bastian, the Bahamas Petroleum Dealers Association’s (BPDA) vice-president, told Tribune Business he expects either tax reductions or margin increases will occur before the Davis administration kicks off the budget debate in the House of Assembly later this month.

PAGE 8, Tuesday, May 10, 2022

THE TRIBUNE

Commodore Bethel: Name our waters the ‘Lucayan Sea’ T

he beautiful waters of the Bahamas are a treasure trove of natural resources that could become a symbol for world peace, paying homage to a rich past and guiding the way toward a bright future.

According to former Commander of the Defence Force Commodore Tellis Bethel (retired), the waters of The Bahamas should be named “the Lucayan Sea”, and should be promoted as a symbol of world peace. His vision for the Bahamas would create not only a better country, but a better world.

The Bahamas (an independent country) and Turks and Caicos Islands (a British Overseas Territory) belong to the same chain of islands.

The 700-mile long island chain covers an expanse of a sea that touches within 90 miles of Miami, Florida to the north and within the same distance of Haiti and the Dominican Republic to the south.

“The names of The Bahamas and Turks and Caicos Islands are rooted in prehistoric events brought to the Old World of Europe’s attention after Christopher Columbus’ first landfall on an island in The Bahamas as his introduction to the Americas in 1492,” Commodore Bethel explained.

“He was met warmly by the non-violent local Lucayans. Sadly, like in the rest of the New World, genocide was quick to follow as Europeans spread their might into the hemisphere.”

“A key part of these islands’ storied history is the interactions of the indigenous Lucayan people, Spanish treasure ships, rival European powers, the language of Spanish colonists, and infamous pirates that converged, often in a forceful clash, culminating in the names of the two countries today.”

The Bahamas has been a recreational playground for boaters, tourists, celebrities and others for centuries… but it has so much more to offer.

According to Commodore Bethel, this country stands to become a global influencer as the “Peace Capital of the Americas”. Despite current social challenges, he believes that the people and the land possess the authentic personality, skill sets, and natural beauty to attract world bodies and international agencies to converge on this pristine archipelago and come together to resolve critical issues that will foster world peace.

“Ever since resettling these islands, Bahamians have made relatively peaceful transitions from colonialism, slavery, and racism to internal self-governance and independence.

Furthermore, these islands are blessed with peaceful

COMMODORE BETHEL - sailor of the seas and documenter of history.

settings of sun, sand, and sea,” Commodore Bethel said.

“Our people are traditionally friendly and have risen to become regional leaders in hospitality who specialise in giving our visitors the VIP treatment. Need we say more?”

A real son of the sea, Commodore Bethel has spent most of his life traversing, protecting and admiring these waters. All the while, he has been busy documenting and has published several books that offer invaluable insights into unchartered aspects of Bahamian history. Just days ago, Commodore Bethel released his latest work: “How The Bahamas and Turks and Caicos Islands Got Their Names” (Inspire Publishing, 2022).

It is a companion volume to his trilogy - The Lucayan

COMMODORE Bethel with former Governor General Lady Marguerite Pindling.

Sea: A Case For Naming The Historic Waters of The Bahamas & The Turks and Caicos Islands. Two books in this three-book series have been published: The Lucayan Islands and The Lucayan Sea—Birthplace of The Americas.

How The Bahamas and Turks and Caicos Islands Got Their Names reveals how Spanish explorers and mapmakers gave this archipelago its first name after its indigenous inhabitants, the Lucayans (now extinct). European naval forces, treasure ships, and pirates also used these tiny islands’ waterways as main transit routes between Europe, Africa, and the Americas, making these isles the epicentre of the Americas’ founding. “The name Lucayan Sea is an authentic name that embodies the profound history, geography, and culture

of The Bahamas, Turks and Caicos Islands and the Americas, and it is a reminder for us to do our part to make the world a more peaceful place,” Commodore Bethel told me.

In his latest work, Commodore Bethel sets the record straight on a somewhat controversial subject - important not just to The Bahamas and its visitors, but also a nearforgotten part of American history.

“The Lucayans were the first indigenous people in the Americas to suffer genocide at the hands of European colonisers in the Americas,” he shared.

“The name Lucayan comes from an indigenous word that means ‘Island People’. The Lucayan demise (as Island People) represents the vulnerability of humanity in the absence of freedom, justice and peace.

“This series is not all about the Lucayan people; it’s about humanity’s aspirations for longevity, prosperity, and security, and the vital role Bahamians can play as Island People in fulfilling these aspirations.”

“If we are to experience meaningful change as a people, we must learn from the mistakes of the past, improve on the positive successes of those who have preceded us, as we move forward to create success stories of our own.”

This noble charge is one that has taken shape in his own life. Commodore Tellis A Bethel was born on the Fort Hill (Bennet’s Hill) nicknamed after Fort Fincastle, an old British Fort overlooking Nassau Harbour built in 1793.

His mother (Lourey Bethel— née Dean) is a descendant from Roses, Long Island. The island was once called Yuma by the Indigenous Lucayans and renamed Fernandina

by Christopher Columbus during his first voyage to the New World. His father (Tellis Bethel Sr) was born in West End, Grand Bahama, an island approximately 65 miles east of Palm Beach, Florida, and originally named Bahama by the Lucayans. The island is adjacent to a primary international shipping channel once named the New Bahama Channel (now called the Straits of Florida) extensively used by the Spanish treasure fleets. His grandfather (Leonard George Bethel) father had migrated from Governor’s Harbour, Eleuthera, to West End to marry Joanna Wilchcombe. Eleuthera, Com-

modore Bethel says, is the birthplace of the modern Bahamas.

Commodore Bethel resides in Nassau with his wife Teri (née Knowles), and the couple has two adult sons. An avid outdoorsman, the young Tellis spent his childhood summers in Long Island in the central Bahamas. There, he learned how to spearfish, make bird traps, spinning tops, sling shots, and plait straw from the Silver Top Palm tree.

In his youth and young adult years, he experienced swimming with dolphins at Paradise Island and qualified himself to become a certified Open Water SCUBA diver, a private aircraft pilot, and a certified ultralight pilot. He had also completed a course in skydiving.

He was always fascinated by the beauty of the waters of The Bahamas, having sailed the length and breadth of the country and scenes of awe-inspiring beauty remain etched on his mind today.

He vividly recalls the cobalt blue waters off Bird Rock, Crooked Island; the turquoise waters of the Great Bahama Bank near Exuma; and the deep blue waters off Bimini.

Also, he remembers the frequent calls to Action Stations that interrupted his sight-psyche during the early days of his sea deployments. Equally interesting for Bethel are the historical maritime events that occurred in and around The Bahamas that shaped the history of an entire Hemisphere and the destiny of the world. He highlights the fact that “our waters are the geographical womb that gave birth to the Americas’ modern nations. To have had the opportunity to sail and protect them was an honour.”

Although he has taken the mail boat to several Family Islands in growing up, the real sea excitement for him began during the summer of 1978, when he was employed as a teenage bellman aboard the

COMMODORE Tellis A Bethel and his wife, author and publisher Teri Bethel. popular cruise ship of its day, the S/S Emerald Seas. The Emerald Seas was a World War II troop carrier that was converted into a cruise ship.

It offered three and fournight cruises from Miami, Florida, to Freeport, Grand Bahama, to a private cruise island named Little Stirrup Cay (now Royal Caribbean International’s Perfect Day at Coco Cay), then to Nassau before returning to Miami.

The cruise ship’s captain, Captain Daniel Zenicazelaya, from Basque, Spain, made it possible for him to get the job. Five years later, the two would encounter each other on the high seas as captains of their respective vessels. Captains Zenicazelaya and Bethel are still friends today. Coincidentally, the Chief Executive Officer of Royal Caribbean International, who Bethel met in Nassau, discovered that they both had worked on the same ship. Following his stint aboard the Emerald Seas, Commodore Bethel worked in the operations department of one of the world’s largest shipping companies - Navios Shipping Company. Navios was headquartered in New Providence and operated bulk carriers worldwide. Bethel applied to join the Royal Bahamas Defence Force six months after the fatal sinking of HMBS Flamingo on May 10, 1980 by Cuban MiG jet fighters. About six months later, he was granted a scholarship by The Bahamas government to undergo his initial naval training at the Britannia Royal Naval College in Dartmouth, Devon, England. His naval sea training included naval patrols around the United Kingdom, Sweden, Denmark and Norway.

During his five-year hiatus from the Royal Bahamas Defence Force (1991 -1996), Bethel developed an awareness that there was something special about the islands of The Bahamas. After rejoining the Force in 1996, he was determined to explore the meaning of the Force’s motto: Guard Our Heritage, and the impact The Bahamas was meant to have on humanity’s betterment. Thus began his research into the significance of The Bahamas’ history, geography and culture. Unique insights gleaned from his research resulted in him becoming a lead advocate for naming of The Bahamas’ and Turks and Caicos Islands’ waters “the Lucayan Sea”.

He told me that because The Bahamas has full jurisdiction over its archipelagic waters, all that is required to name the waters “the Lucayan Sea” would be approval by Cabinet and the passage of a Bill in the House of Parliament. His impassioned sentiments are echoed by Bahamians from all walks of life, including influencers and nation builders.

Bethel has served as the Commodore Commander of the Bahamas’ military Institution, the Royal Bahamas Defence Force. Today, he serves as head of The Bahamas Security Forces Inspectorate. With national service as his watchword, he continues to provide invaluable service - not only in

maritime protection, but in the preservation of history and the inspiration to move the country forward.

His numerous contributions include: - In 2004, he was a founding member of the committee that launched The Bahamas Maritime Cadet Corps programme to introduce High School students to the maritime industry.

- In 2014, he organised and coordinated the breaking of “the Guinness World Record for the most people blowing Conch Shells simultaneously” during The Bahamas’ 41st Grand Independence Anniversary Celebrations under the theme “Celebrating Culture: A Commitment to Peace.”

- In 2015, he wrote his first book proposing that the waters of The Bahamas and Turks and Caicos Islands be named the Lucayan Sea as a tribute to the Lucayans. That same year, the idea received its first public endorsement from businessman and philanthropist Sir Durward Knowles, The Bahamas’ first gold Olympic gold medal winner at the 1964 Tokyo Games in the star class of the sailing events. In 2014, 2015 and 2016, he served as the Commodore of the 5th, 6th, and 7th Annual Sir Durward Knowles Festival of Lights Christmas Boat Parades in Nassau, Bahamas.

Under Commodore Bethel’s command, the Force hosted the Annual Commander Defence Force Regatta at the Fort Montagu foreshore in 2017. The event drew one of the island’s largest crowd-gatherings for a regatta event at the Fort Montagu site.

- In 2019, Commodore Bethel was the Executive Director for the production of the Force’s video tribute to Sir Sidney Poitier on his 92nd birthday. Bethel, a man who has spent a large extent of his life traversing Bahamian waters, had the opportunity to meet world explorer JacquesYves Cousteau in the 1990s.

Cousteau (now deceased) shared some of his underwater exploits with Bethel and how he taught his father how to scuba dive.

Throughout his illustrious career, Bethel has seen many people from all walks of life being drawn to these shores, in some cases, to find their own inner peace. With the release of his latest book, Commodore Bethel hopes to be one step closer to seeing his vision of the Bahamas as a beacon of peace, perched in the beautiful waters of the Lucayan Sea become a reality.

“In the midst of our waters is the Tongue of the Atlantic Ocean,” he explained.

“The purpose of a tongue is to communicate a message to the world. In naming our waters the Lucayan Sea, Bahamians will be communicating a message of peace.”

Commodore Bethel’s books are available in Nassau at Logos Bookstore, Doongalik Studios, and Eleuthera at Office General, and The North Eleuthera Craft & Snack Place. This latest book is also available on Amazon in paperback and Kindle formats, with his other work.

THE TRIBUNE

Tuesday, May 10, 2022, PAGE 9

Local elections send message to political leaders

BRITISH Prime Minister Boris Johnson waves at the media as he arrives with his dog Dilyn to vote at a polling station in London, for local council elections on Thursday.

HAVING read an interesting letter recently in The Tribune by Maurice Tynes entitled “Modernising our nation” in which he advocated introduction of community or local government in New Providence, I thought it might be interesting in today’s column to write about last week’s regional and local government elections in Britain and the effect on the wider political situation in the country.

These elections are held at varying times. They should be about issues like planning and the environment, municipal taxes, road maintenance, keeping the streets clean and garbage collection, with voters deciding which of the representatives of the main political parties are most likely to deal effectively with such issues at the local level. But they also present an opportunity for voters to express their feelings indirectly about the performance of the national government.

Thus, despite the traditional low turn-out of around 35 percent compared to a much higher level at general elections, many people in the UK view them as a key test for Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s Conservative Party and his own leadership. This is amid months of allegations about lockdown-breaking parties as well as the mounting cost-of-living crisis that is causing so much concern.

As such, the choices of voters at regional and local elections are said to be an indicator of what might happen in a general election. However, even if people sometimes register so-called protest votes to signal dissent to the Prime Minister and his colleagues about their policies and conduct, they do so in the safe knowledge their votes locally will not change the reality of power at the national level. So, while it is often the case of warning national political leaders of the need to improve or change tack on a range of issues, voters will not

The Peter Young column necessarily wish to punish them at a separate general election by supporting the opposition and precipitating a change of government.

Local councilors standing for re-election – in particular Conservatives who, according to the polls, were in for a drubbing by dissatisfied voters – pleaded to be judged on their own performance working with local authorities and not be held accountable for the mistakes and transgressions of national politicians at Westminster; and it seems that before the elections more and more candidates were distancing themselves from the party leadership.

But, despite all this, with more than 4,000 council seats up for grabs and the polls indicating the Tories might lose as many as 800, in the event the figure was substantially less at around 500 seats. The Tories came third in Scotland behind Labour and the Scottish National Party and were wiped out in Wales. They also did badly in some London boroughs but somewhat better in the socalled “red wall” areas in the North of England and the Midlands where large numbers of voters had come over to them at the 2019 general election after traditionally supporting the Labour Party.

Overall, the agreed verdict appears to be that, even though the results

were mixed for the government, they were not as bad as expected – with some saying a cataclysm had been averted.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson described it as a bruising and tough night for Conservatives, with the voters sending a clear message to him and his colleagues – and he has quickly pledged to tackle inflation and the cost-ofliving hike while seeking to create high-wage, highskilled jobs. The political pundits say that, if the results were replicated at a general election, this would result in a hung parliament – and, in the recent trying circumstances for the Conservatives, such a verdict can almost be seen as a victory for them.

The experts judge that, since Labour did not do as well as planned, the Party is now in some turmoil after failing to achieve an electoral breakthrough. So it still does not look to be in a position to win a majority at the next election. What is more, the Labour leader, Keir Starmer, is now struggling to fend off questions about his alleged lockdown breaches which have suddenly taken centre stage and which the press are calling “Beergate”. Because of that, and his failure to make any real impact as opposition leader, some in the Labour party are starting to turn on him – and, if the police issue him with a fine over breaches of the lockdown, there are now suggestions he may even have to resign.

It is the case, therefore, that despite all the sleaze and setbacks and the typical midterm blues, the Conservatives remain very much in contention. Boris Johnson is said to have “dodged the bullet” and is like a Houdini who lives to fight another day. Members of his Cabinet are now expected to rally round him as a leader whom they may now see once more as an electoral asset – and that is yet another political turnaround for him. As I wrote recently, a week is a long time in politics.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, DOCTOR IT IS a pleasure in today’s column to offer birthday greetings to my good friend Dr Michael Gerassimos who recently reached the wonderful age of 91.

Having practised as a doctor for more than 60 years in many different parts of the country – in various Family Islands, notably Rock Sound, Eleuthera, as well as here in New Providence – this wellknown Bahamian is much loved by the many people he has treated over the years and by his wide circle of friends.

Often, when my wife and I have been out with him in public – for example, in restaurants – individuals have come up to greet him like a famous rock star! We quickly realised what an extraordinary impact he must have had on so many people over many years.

One recent instance that a friend recounted to me was when Gerry – as we all call him – was in Matthew Town, Inagua, about a year ago. He and some friends were attending the Sunday morning service at St Philip’s Anglican church there. Midway through his sermon, the vicar spotted Gerry in the congregation

and came down from the pulpit to greet him effusively. Apparently, the good doctor was still well known on the island after having served there for a number of years as long ago as the 1970s.

He is also remembered, in particular, for travelling around his territories and ministering to his patients in the comfort of their own homes. So it comes as no surprise that he is both liked and appreciated by those large numbers of people whose lives he has touched and to whom he must have given such good service.

Some of his family members from England visited him recently after he had a fall outside his home and they and his circle of good friends locally are all so glad that he has recovered well and is almost back to his old self.

We have, of course, already celebrated his birthday with him. But I am sure I can speak for all concerned in wishing him well once again and saying to him: Keep going, Gerry. You are widely loved and respected and we wish you continuing good health – with many more birthdays to come.

Photo: Matt Dunham/AP

CHURCHILL’S LASTING INFLUENCE BRITAIN’S legendary wartime leader, Winston Churchill, has remained such a towering figure over the years that as recently as 2022 he was voted by the public in a BBC poll as the greatest Briton in history. This was more than 35 years after his death in 1965 at the age of 90 when he was widely regarded as the most famous person in the world. He also, of course, later graced British banknotes.

It has been said that 100 years ago – when his political fortunes were faltering – Churchill remarked sarcastically that “far too much has been and is being written about me”. How little could he have known then how much more would be written about him in the future – even though some of it was produced by the man himself!

Now, yet another book about him has emerged entitled “Churchill’s Shadow” by British journalist and historian Geoffrey Wheatcroft, and published in 2021. This analyses and assesses his life and achievements and their continuing effect in modern times to the extent that his influence is still deeply felt today. But it is different from many others of the genre in so far as it adopts an unrestrained iconoclastic approach that amounts to a “warts and all” critical portrait of a man who has for long been regarded as a legend. For those interested in Churchill’s extraordinary, though far from perfect life, this is a must-read. It covers

in detail the first part of the 20th century and the years leading up to the Second World War, which were considered by many to be a failure for him as politically he was at a low ebb. The author contends that at that time his contemporaries did not consider him to be a great politician; and it was not until he achieved his apotheosis – his vital role in rallying Britain and saving the nation from conquest

by Nazi Germany which ultimately led to complete triumph – that he became so famous and took on his almost legendary status.

Wheatcroft’s stated purpose in his book is to examine Churchill’s legacy and what it means to posterity while also making sense of his monumental contribution to public life during such a long and varied life. Remarking that he not only made history but also wrote extensively about it, the author takes a hard look both at the great man’s reputation and the long shadow that he still casts as he looms large so long after his passing.

Of the various biographies of Churchill, the one

by Andrew Roberts published in 2018 was regarded as undisguised hero-worship while extenuating his darker side. Roberts summed up why he became more popular after the Second World War in the US than in his own country, saying that in America he was increasingly admired and even revered and adopted as a national hero and made an honorary US

citizen.

After a US tour promoting his book, the author stated that “enthusiasm for all things Churchillian in the USA is stronger now than at any time since his death” and that “Americans love Churchill for his foresight, humour, eloquence and physical and moral courage”.

By contrast, Wheatcroft claims that new recent studies have opened fresh perspectives on Churchill’s achievements and conduct. Whether or not that is really the case, he writes frankly about what may be considered Churchill’s imperial and racial attitudes and his controversial views on a range of issues like Zionism, Ireland and India.

But, to my eye, while tending to overemphasise the negative aspects of his life, the author makes rather too much of his shortcomings, obsessions, follies, faults and failures. Many will also disagree with some of Wheatcroft’s more general findings, judgments and interpretations, though there is no space today to elaborate on that.

Despite any such shortcomings, this is a significant and most readable book about Churchill. Parts of it may irritate admirers of such a famous figure. But the author writes at the end of his work about Churchill being trusted most when things were worst, and the proof of that came “at the one irredeemably sublime moment in his life when he saved his country and saved freedom”.

PAGE 10, Tuesday, May 10, 2022

THE TRIBUNE

DICTATOR’S SON AHEAD IN PHILIPPINE ELECTION

THE son and namesake of ousted Philippine dictator Ferdinand Marcos took a commanding lead in an unofficial vote count in Monday’s presidential election in the deeply divided Asian democracy.

With 80 percent of the votes tabulated, Marcos Jr had 25.9 million, far ahead of his closest challenger, current Vice President Leni Robredo, a champion of human rights, who had 12.3 million. The election winner will take office on June 30 for a single, six-year term as leader of a Southeast Asian nation hit hard by two years of COVID-19 outbreaks and lockdowns.

Still more challenging problems include deeper poverty and unemployment and decades-long Muslim and communist insurgencies. The next president is also likely to hear demands to prosecute outgoing President Rodrigo Duterte for thousands of killings during his anti-drug crackdown — deaths under investigation by the International Criminal Court.

Duterte’s daughter, southern Davao city Mayor Sara Duterte, is Marcos Jr.’s vice presidential running mate in an alliance of the scions of two authoritarian leaders. Their partnership has combined the voting power of their northern and southern political strongholds, boosting their chances but compounding worries of human rights activists.

QUEEN WILL NOT ATTEND OPENING OF PARLIAMENT BUCKINGHAM Palace says Queen Elizabeth II will not attend the opening of Parliament on Tuesday amid ongoing mobility issues.

The palace said in a statement Monday that the decision was made in consultation with her doctors and that the 96-year-old monarch had “reluctantly’’ decided not to attend.

Prince Charles will read her speech, which sets out the government’s agenda for the coming parliamentary session. Prince William will also attend.

Elizabeth has attended only a handful of public events in recent months, though she continues to hold virtual audiences regularly.

A MAN and a boy walk across the almost dried up bed of river Yamuna following hot weather in New Delhi, India, last week.

Photo: Manish Swarup/AP

Earth given 50/50 chance of hitting warming mark by 2026

By SETH BORENSTEIN AP Science Writer THE world is creeping closer to the warming threshold international agreements are trying to prevent, with nearly a 50-50 chance that Earth will temporarily hit that temperature mark within the next five years, teams of meteorologists across the globe predicted.

With human-made climate change continuing, there’s a 48 percent chance that the globe will reach a yearly average of 1.5 degrees Celsius (2.7 degrees Fahrenheit) above pre-industrial levels of the late 1800s at least once between now and 2026, a bright red signal in climate change negotiations and science, a team of 11 different forecast centers predicted for the World Meteorological Organization late Monday.

The odds are inching up along with the thermometer. Last year, the same forecasters put the odds at closer to 40 percent and a decade ago it was only 10 percent.

The team, coordinated by the United Kingdom’s Meteorological Office, in their five-year general outlook said there is a 93 percent chance that the world will set a record for hottest year by the end of 2026. They also said there’s a 93 percent chance that the five years from 2022 to 2026 will be the hottest on record. Forecasters also

predict the devastating fire-prone megadrought in the US Southwest will keep going.

“We’re going to see continued warming in line with what is expected with climate change,” said UK Met Office senior scientist Leon Hermanson, who coordinated the report.

These forecasts are big picture global and regional climate predictions on a yearly and seasonal time scale based on long term averages and state of the art computer simulations. They are different than increasingly accurate weather forecasts that predict how hot or wet a certain day will be in specific places.

But even if the world hits that mark of 1.5 degrees above preindustrial times — the globe has already warmed about 1.1 degrees (2 degrees Fahrenheit) since the late 1800s — that’s not quite the same as the global threshold first set by international negotiators in the 2015 Paris agreement. In 2018, a major United Nations science report predicted dramatic and dangerous effects on people and the world if warming exceeds 1.5 degrees.

The global 1.5 degree threshold is about the world being that warm not for one year, but over a 20- or 30- year time period, several scientists said. This is not what the report predicts. Meteorologists can only tell if Earth hits that average

mark years, maybe a decade or two, after it is actually reached there because it is a long term average, Hermanson said.

“This is a warning of what will be just average in a few years,” said Cornell University climate scientist Natalie Mahowald, who wasn’t part of the forecast teams.

The prediction makes sense given how warm the world already is and an additional tenth of a degree Celsius (nearly two-tenths of a degree Fahrenheit) is expected because of human-caused climate change in the next five years, said climate scientist Zeke Hausfather of the tech company Stripe and Berkeley Earth, who wasn’t part of the forecast teams. Add to that the likelihood of a strong El Nino — the natural periodic warming of parts of the Pacific that alter world weather — which could toss another couple tenths of a degree on top temporarily and the world gets to 1.5 degrees.

The world is in the second straight year of a La Nina, the opposite of El Nino, which has a slight global cooling effect but isn’t enough to counter the overall warming of heat-trapping gases spewed by the burning of coal, oil and natural gas, scientists said. The five-year forecast says that La Nina is likely to end late this year or in 2023.

The greenhouse effect from fossil

fuels is like putting global temperatures on a rising escalator. El Nino, La Nina and a handful of other natural weather variations are like taking steps up or down on that escalator, scientists said.

On a regional scale, the Arctic will still be warming during the winter at rate three times more than the globe on average. While the American Southwest and southwestern Europe are likely to be drier than normal the next five years, wetter than normal conditions are expected for Africa’s often arid Sahel region, northern Europe, northeast Brazil and Australia, the report predicted.

The global team has been making these predictions informally for a decade and formally for about five years, with greater than 90% accuracy, Hermanson said.

NASA top climate scientist Gavin Schmidt said the figures in this report are “a little warmer” than what the US NASA and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration use. He also had doubts about skill level on longterm regional predictions.

“Regardless of what is predicted here, we are very likely to exceed 1.5 degrees C in the next decade or so, but it doesn’t necessarily mean that we are committed to this in the long term — or that working to reduce further change is not worthwhile,” Schmidt said in an email.

VICTORY DAY FOR PUTIN AT HOME BUT LITTLE GAINS IN UKRAINE ZAPORIZHZHIA, Ukraine Associated Press

RUSSIAN President Vladimir Putin marked his country’s biggest patriotic holiday yesterday without a major new battlefield success in Ukraine to boast of, as the war ground on through its 11th week with the Kremlin’s forces making little or no progress in their offensive.

The Russian leader oversaw a Victory Day parade on Moscow’s Red Square, watching as troops marched in formation and military hardware rolled past in a celebration of the Soviet Union’s role in the 1945 defeat of Nazi Germany.

While Western analysts in recent weeks had widely expected Putin to use the holiday to trumpet some kind of victory in Ukraine or announce an escalation, he did neither. Instead, he sought to justify the war again as a necessary response to what he portrayed as a hostile Ukraine.

“The danger was rising by the day,” Putin said.

“Russia has given a preemptive response to aggression. It was forced, timely and the only correct decision.”

He steered clear of battlefield specifics, failing to mention the potentially pivotal battle for the vital southern port of Mariupol and not even uttering the word “Ukraine”.

RUSSIAN servicemen march during the Victory Day military parade in Ulan-Ude, the regional capital of Buryatia, a region near the Russia-Mongolia border, Russia, yesterday.

On the ground, mean- Putin falsely portrayed the has been a back-and-forth, while, intense fighting raged fighting as a battle against village-by-village slog, and in Ukraine’s east, the vital Nazism, thereby linking many analysts had sugBlack Sea port of Odesa the war to what many Rus- gested Putin might use his in the south came under sians consider their finest holiday speech to present repeated missile attack, hour: the triumph over the Russian people with and Russian forces sought Hitler. The Soviet Union a victory amid discontent to finish off the Ukrain- lost 27 million people in over the country’s heavy ian defenders making their what Russia refers to as the casualties and the punlast stand at a steel plant in Great Patriotic War. ishing effects of Western Mariupol.

After unexpectedly fierce sanctions.

Putin has long bristled resistance forced the KremOthers suggested he at NATO’s creep eastward lin to abandon its effort to might declare the fighting a into former Soviet repub- storm Kyiv over a month war, not just a “special mililics. Ukraine and its ago, Moscow’s forces have tary operation,” and order Western allies have denied concentrated on capturing a nationwide mobilisation, the country posed any the Donbas, Ukraine’s east- with a call-up of reserves, threat. ern industrial region. to replenish the depleted As he has done all along, But the fighting there ranks for an extended

conflict.

In the end, he gave no signal as to where the war is headed or how he might intend to salvage it. Specifically, he left unanswered the question of whether or how Russia will marshal more forces for a continuing war.

“Without concrete steps to build a new force, Russia can’t fight a long war, and the clock starts ticking on the failure of their army in Ukraine,” tweeted Phillips P O’Brien, professor of strategic studies at the University of St Andrews in Scotland.

Nigel Gould Davies, former British ambassador to Belarus, said: “Russia has not won this war. It’s starting to lose it.”

He said that unless Russia has a major breakthrough, “the balance of advantages will shift steadily in favor of Ukraine, especially as Ukraine gets access to growing volumes of increasingly sophisticated Western military equipment”.

Despite Russia’s crackdown on dissent, antiwar sentiment has seeped through. Dozens of protesters were detained around the country on Victory Day, and editors at a pro-Kremlin media outlet revolted by briefly publishing a few dozen stories criticising Putin and the invasion.

In Warsaw, antiwar protesters splattered Russia’s ambassador to Poland with

what appeared to be red paint as he arrived at a cemetery to pay respects to Red Army soldiers who died during World War II. As Putin laid a wreath in Moscow, air raid sirens echoed again in the Ukrainian capital. But Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy declared in his own Victory Day address that his country would eventually defeat the Russians.

“Very soon there will be two Victory Days in Ukraine,” he said in a video. He added: “We are fighting for freedom, for our children, and therefore we will win.”

Russia has about 97 battalion tactical groups in Ukraine, largely in the east and the south, a slight increase over last week, according to a senior US official, speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss the Pentagon’s assessment.

Each unit has roughly 1,000 troops, according to the Pentagon.

The official said that overall, the Russian effort in the Donbas hasn’t achieved any significant progress in recent days and continues to face stiff resistance from Ukrainian forces.

The Ukrainian military warned of a high probability of missile strikes around the holiday, and some cities imposed curfews or warned people not to gather in public places.

SPORTS PAGE 15

AP SOURCE: ‘JOKER’ EARNS 2ND STRAIGHT NBA MVP AWARD

By PAT GRAHAM AP Sports Writer

DENVER (AP) — Nikola Jokic put up numbers never seen before in NBA history. Not from Wilt. Not from Kareem. Not from “Air Jordan.” Not from LeBron.

With an historic season, the Denver Nuggets big man earned his second straight Most Valuable Player award, a person with knowledge of the decision told The Associated Press yesterday.

The NBA was preparing to make the announcement in the coming days, likely this week, according to the person who spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because the voting results have not been announced.

ESPN, citing sources, first reported that Jokic would be named MVP again. The 7-foot centre became the first player in league history to eclipse 2,000 points, 1,000

SEE PAGE 16

TUESDAY, MAY 10, 2022

Sands Jr commits to X-Men in AUS

By RENALDO DORSETT Tribune Sports Reporter rdorsett@tribunemedia.net

S

tephen Sands Jr is the latest collegiate football prospect to follow the pipeline from The Bahamas to playing the game at the highest level in Canada.

Sands committed to the Saint Francis Xavier X-Men of the Atlantic University Sport for the upcoming season following his standout tenure with the Holland College Hurricanes.

Sears was named the Hurricanes’ 2021 Offensive Lineman of the Year when the team announced its annual athletic awards in the postseason.

The business administration major was also named an Atlantic Football League All-Star offensive lineman after his second season with the programme.

Holland, four-time Atlantic Football League champions (2011, 2013, 2014, 2015), finished last season at 3-3 and AFL runners-up. The X-Men are the reigning 2021 AUS

College football prospect to play game at highest level in Canada

STEPHEN Sands Jr has committed to the Saint Francis Xavier X-Men of the Atlantic University Sport. football champions following a 25-17 victory over the Bishop’s Gaiters in the Subway Loney Bowl championship game. They were

eliminated in the national semifinal after a 61-6 loss to the OUA champion Western Mustangs in the U SPORTS Mitchell Bowl.

The game marked the fourth appearance for STFX in a U SPORTS national semifinal bowl game in the past six seasons. The X-Men, led by head coach Gary Waterman, will return a young team with a highly anticipated recruiting class.

Demetrius Ferguson was also a standout defensive back for both the Hurricanes (2010-11) and X-Men (2012-15).

At Holland, he led the Hurricanes to an AFL championship and won the Hilton Trophy as the team’s MVP after finishing with 10 touchdowns, including seven on kick returns, two on interceptions and one rushing.

In his debut with the X-Men, Ferguson intercepted a pass midway through the third quarter, which he returned for a 78-yard touchdown. He went on to win several Defensive and Special Team honours.

Sprinter Strachan 2nd in 100m

By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net SPRINTER Anthonique Strachan had to settle for a second-place finish in the women’s 100 metres at the JAAA/SDF Jubilee Series 2.1 inside the National Stadium in Kingston, Jamaica.

Strachan, now training in Jamaica with the Maximising Velocity & Power Track Club, had to settle for second place in the straightaway race in 11.40 seconds on Saturday.

Her MVP training partner Shericka Jackson took the tape in 11.00, while Remona Burchell was third in 11.43.

It was the second straight race that Strachan went head-to-head with Jackson, the last coming on April 2 at the Velocity Fest 10, World Athletics Continent

Tour Challenger Series Meet. The duo competed in the 400m at that meet with Jackson stopping the clock in 51.29. Strachan got third in 52.84, just shy of her PB of 52.42 in 2016.

Candice McLeod was second in 51.78.

The 28-year-old Strachan, however, has already run a personal best of 10.99 in the 100m, becoming just the seventh Bahamian female to dip under the 11-second barrier. She joins the list that includes national record holder Chandra Sturrup (10.84), Savetheda Fynes and Debbie Ferguson-McKenzie (both 10.91), Eldece Clarke (10.96), Pauline Davis (10.97) and Shaunae Miller-Uibo (10.98).

With her 10.99 clocking, Strachan now sits in the number 14 spot in the world so far this year. The

ANTHONIQUE Strachan in action in this file photo. list is headed by her former MVP training partner Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, who posted the fastest

time this year at 10.67 at the Moi International Sports Centre in Kasarani, Nairobi.

If there’s any consolation, on April 23, Strachan surged ahead of FraserPryce for the win in the final 30m in a season’s best of 22.55 in the 200 at the Velocity Fest II, a World Athletics Continental Tour Challenger Series Meet in Kingston.

Fraser-Pryce, the multiple World and Olympic champion, faded to second in the winding 10m in 22.79 as she made her season debut. Natasha Morrison was third in 23.06.

Strachan is coming off a semifinal finish in the women’s 60m in her World Indoor Championship debut in Belgrade, Serbia in March and she’s now gearing up for a shot at a final and possibly her first global outdoor medal as a senior athlete at the World Championships in Eugene, Oregon, in July.

NCAA CLARIFIES COMPENSATION RULES BUT IS CRACKDOWN LIKELY?

By RALPH D RUSSO AP College Football Writer ELEVEN months after the NCAA lifted most of its restrictions against athletes cashing in on their fame, college sports leaders are trying to send a warning to schools and boosters it believes have crossed a line: There are still rules here and they will be enforced.

But following last year’s Supreme Court ruling against the NCAA in an antitrust case, is a crackdown on so-called collectives brokering name, image and likeness deals still likely — or even possible?

“I didn’t think (the NCAA) would not try at some point,” said Maddie Salamone, a sports attorney and former Duke lacrosse player. “That’s why many attorneys have been kind of giving cautious advice in terms of what is and is not allowed. Especially when it comes to collectives and different NIL deals.”

The NCAA’s Division I Board of Directors yesterday approved guidance developed by a group of college sports administrators,

clarifying the types of NIL payments and booster involvement that should be considered recruiting violations.

“Specifically, the guidance defines as a booster any third-party entity that promotes an athletics programme, assists with recruiting or assists with providing benefits to recruits, enrolled student-athletes or their family members,” the NCAA release said.

“The definition could include ‘collectives’ set up to funnel name, image and likeness deals to prospective student-athletes or enrolled student-athletes who might be considering transferring.”

The NCAA added a reminder: Recruiting rules bar boosters from recruiting or providing benefits to prospects.

The guidance is effective immediately. NCAA enforcement staff was directed to look for possible violations that might have occurred before May 9, 2022, but “pursue only those actions that clearly are contrary to the published interim policy, including the most severe violations of recruiting rules or payment for athletics performance.”

The NCAA neither changed its rules nor created new ones.

“I don’t think they’re even necessarily clarifying the rules,” said attorney Darren Heitner, who helped craft Florida’s NIL law.

“My understanding is this is just certain individuals who have made up a working committee deciding that after almost 11 months we want to enforce our rules.”

The rise of booster-funded collectives prompted the board in February to ask the DI Council to review the NCAA’s interim NIL policy. The concern among many in college sports has been that payments from collectives are being made to high school recruits and to college athletes in hopes of getting them to transfer to a particular school.

“Some things look very much like pay-for-play,” Salamone said.

“There are rules on the books within the NCAA around boosters. The fact that the NCAA has been hesitant to enforce anything I think has emboldened a lot of people around this issue to be a little bit more obvious.”

Last year, the NCAA removed its longstanding ban against

athletes earning money from sponsorship and endorsements deals.

What remained in place, however, were three pillars of the NCAA’s amateur athlete model: — Athletes could not be paid solely for playing their sport; — Compensation could not be used to lure an athlete to a particular school; — Financial arrangements must have some type quid pro quo agreement in which the athlete was being paid for services provided, like a social media post or appearance.

The NCAA did not ban boosters from being involved in NIL activity. However, without detailed NCAA rules and with state-level NIL laws differing across the country, it left both schools and the association struggling to determine what activities were impermissible.

Some state laws also prohibit boosters from engaging with recruits, but there has been little appetite for enforcement of those laws. Should the NCAA start targeting some collectives it could trigger a new round of lawsuits

SEE PAGE 16

NBA Playoffs,

PAGE 17

BELL AND VERO BEACH ADVANCE TO STATE TOURNEY

By RENALDO DORSETT Tribune Sports Reporter rdorsett@tribunemedia.net LAHEIM Bell and his Vero Beach Baseball programme are poised for a run in the state tournament following a disappointing loss in the district championship.

Vero Beach, ranked No. 7 in the field, will face No. 2 Palm Beach Gardens today in the Region 3-7A FlorBELL ida High School Athletic Association state tournament.

Other first round matchups will include No. 8 Palm Beach Central at No. 1 Jupiter, No. 5 Park Vista at No. 4 Osceola and No. 6 Lake Nona at No. 3 West Boca Raton.

Vero Beach finished the season 18-6 and lost to No.1 ranked Jupiter in last month’s District 10-7A championship.

In 24 games this season, Bell is hitting .388 with 31 hits, five home runs, four doubles, three triples, 28 RBI, 22 runs scored and six stolen bases while slugging .700 with a 1.167 OPS. He opened the season with an RBI triple and a run scored in an 11-2 win over Satellite and followed with a three run home-run and scored two runs in an 11-1 win over Heritage.

In a 19-2 win over Sebastian River, Bell went 2-3 with a home-run, a triple, four RBI and two runs scored and in a 10-0 win over Bayside, he went 2-5 with a double, a run and an RBI. In the teams second win over Sebastian River (9-1), he finished 2-4

SEE PAGE 17

BGDSA: SOFTBALL HEATS UP DESPITE the down pouring of the rain, the Bahamas Government Departmental Softball Association managed to play a couple of games in the Bankers Field at the Baillou Hills Sporting Complex on Saturday.

In the ladies’ encounter, the BDOCS Keepers knocked off the Electrotelecom Invaders 14-11.

On the men’s side, the RBPF Enforcers dialled up the BTC Ringers 21-9 and the BTC Lasers were leading the PMH Medics 14-2 when their game was halted because of the rain.

The BGDSA, headed by Dwayne Stevens, will be back in action this weekend with a series of games on tap on Saturday and Sunday. * Here’s the schedule: Saturday 10am - RBDF Cannons vs BTC Ringers 11:30am - RBDF Waves vs BTC Dials 2:30pm - Police Enforcers vs PHA Rookies 4pm - Electro Invaders vs PoliceInterceptors (L) 5:30pm - Reformers vs BTC Lasers Sunday 1:30pm - RBDF Floaters vs PHM Medics 3pm - RBDF Cannons vs PHA Rookies 4:30pm - Interceptors vs BTC Lasers

PAGE 16, Tuesday, May 10, 2022

THE TRIBUNE

After great start, Alcaraz heads to Paris among favourites

VERSTAPPEN CRUISES TO WIN IN INAUGURAL MIAMI GRAND PRIX

By TALES AZZONI AP Sports Writer

MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. (AP) — His first day racing around the new Formula One circuit in Miami was absolutely horrible.

Then he made a mistake in qualifying that cost him a spot on the front row.

By the time race day rolled around, Max Verstappen had knocked it all out of his system.

Verstappen was explosive at the start Sunday and used a pair of aggressive passes to get past Ferrari and current championship leader Charles Leclerc.

Once out front, the reigning world champion controlled the inaugural Miami Grand Prix for his third win in five races to start the season.

“We still have a few issues we have to solve,” Verstappen said. “I mean, we are quick, but my Friday was terrible, which is not great. But there’s a lot of potential.”

The 23rd win of the Dutchman’s career sliced eight points off Leclerc’s lead in the standings. Verstappen now trails him by 19 points headed into the Spanish Grand Prix in two weeks. He celebrated on the podium with Hall of Fame quarterback Dan Marino, who represented the host Miami Dolphins in presenting Verstappen with his winning trophy and an official helmet.

Later, Verstappen, Leclerc and Carlos Sainz Jr. posed for photographs all wearing helmets.

Verstappen started third after Ferrari locked up the front row with Leclerc and Carlos Sainz Jr in qualifying. But in the end, Red Bull got the best of its new rival for a second consecutive race.

Verstappen pounced at the start to get ahead of Sainz, then set his sights on Leclerc and used a strong outside pass on the ninth lap to claim the lead.

Leclerc said the tires on his Ferrari struggled on a hot South Florida day in which temperatures reached 90 degrees despite brief intermittent showers.

“We struggled a little bit after five, six laps with the front tires, and then we struggled and basically lost the race in that stage,” Leclerc said. “Losing the lead and then losing quite a bit of race time because of the degradation, we need to look at that and be on top of it for the next race.”

Verstappen went unchallenged until a late crash between Lando Norris and Pierre Gasly brought out the safety car and setup a 10-lap sprint to the finish on the 19-turn, 3.36-mile circuit (5.41 kilometres) built around Hard Rock Stadium.

MADRID (AP) — It’s been a quick rise for Carlos Alcaraz.

It wasn’t long ago that the 19-year-old Spaniard was playing in youth tennis tournaments and talking about his idols Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer, and about his dream of one day making it into the top 10 and winning the French Open and Wimbledon.

It was only a year ago that he broke into the top 120 for the first time and began making his way into the main tournaments.

Few at the time could predict what the future held for the young Spaniard. But come next week in Paris, Alcaraz will be among the favorites to win the French Open.

The Spaniard is tennis’ newest sensation and the hottest player on tour this year, considered by many the successor of Nadal.

Alcaraz won the Madrid

Open on Sunday for his tour-leading fourth title of the season, lifting the trophy after back-to-back victories over Nadal, topranked Novak Djokovic and third-ranked Alexander Zverev.

“I remember the first time when I was playing, when I was a kid in (the Spanish city of) Murcia, and of course I didn’t imagine at that moment that I was going to be able to reach this level, to be here right now, winning the Madrid Open,” he said.

Alcaraz is the second youngest player to reach the top 10 and second youngest to win two Masters 1000 tournaments.

Only Nadal did both at a younger age in 2005 when he was 18.

“I can see him becoming big in a very short time,” fifth-ranked Stefanos Tsitsipas said. “I’d really like to get to the level he is right now. I think he’s one of the best players in the world, to be honest. He has

By JENNA FRYER AP Auto Racing Writer

CARLOS Alcaraz celebrates after defeating Novak Djokovic during a men’s semifinal at the Mutua Madrid Open tennis tournament in Madrid, Spain, on Saturday.

(AP Photo/Manu Fernandez) proved it with consistent results, thriving in the biggest tournaments. There is nothing you can take away from that.”

Alcaraz leads the tour with 28 victories this year, one more than Tsitsipas.

His only three losses came against Sebastian Korda in Monte Carlo, Nadal in Indian Wells and Matteo Berrettini in the Australian Open. He is the youngest player in the history of the ATP Tour to defeat three of the top five players at the same event, and the first to eliminate Nadal and Djokovic at the same claycourt event.

Djokovic and Nadal had only praise for the youngster, with Djokovic saying it was “impressive for somebody of his age

to play so maturely and courageously.” Nadal said Spain should celebrate having “an amazing player for a lot of years to come.”

Alcaraz was on the front pages of most sports dailies in Spain yesterday, taking the main headlines even though Real Madrid and Atlético Madrid faced each other in the Spanish league derby on Sunday.

“Blessed,” the AS newspaper said of Alcaraz.

Looking more mature than his age, Alcaraz has impressed with a complete game that is highlighted by a devastating forehand and precise drop shots.

He didn’t concede a single break opportunity to Zverev in Sunday’s final in Madrid. Alcaraz will not play in Rome this week so

he can fully heal from a right ankle injury he sustained in the quarterfinals against Nadal in the Spanish capital.

The youngster will head to Roland Garros, where Nadal is a record 13-time champion, at a career-high No. 6. He reached the third round in Paris in his debut last year, losing to Jan-Lennard Struff in three sets.

“I think that people are going to think that I’m going to be one of the favourites to win Roland Garros,” Alcaraz said.

“I don’t see it as pressure, I see it as motivation.

I really look forward to going to Paris, to fighting for the Grand Slam, and I am really looking forward to showing my great level in a Grand Slam as well.”

Shapovalov overcomes code violation for win at Italian Open

By ANDREW DAMPF AP Sports Writer ROME (AP) — Denis Shapovalov overcame a point penalty and a hostile crowd to beat local hope Lorenzo Sonego 7-6 (5), 3-6, 6-3 in the first round of the Italian Open on Monday.

Late in the second set, Shapovalov was given a code violation for unsportsmanlike conduct after hopping over the net to show the chair umpire a mark on his opponent’s side of the red clay court — which is not permitted.

The umpire determined that Shapovalov’s serve was out, resulting in a double fault and a break point for Sonego. Then with the code violation, Shapovalov lost the game to trail 5-3.

“A lot of things happened in the heat of the moment. I need to be better with my behaviour,” Shapovalov said.

“It was my mistake. I’ll know the rule for next time.”

Even after stepping over the net, Shapovalov wasn’t done arguing. The

13th-seeded Canadian then called the chair umpire onto his side of the court and singled out a fan who was heckling him.

“I’m not going to kick him out because I didn’t see what he was doing,” the umpire said. “I saw you talking to him and you incited it a little bit. I understand you’re frustrated.”

After the match, Shapovalov apologised to the umpire.

Shapovalov reached the semifinals in Rome two years ago, while Sonego made the last four last year.

Sonego said he was penalised by a decision in the first set when the umpire came down to check a mark and made an overrule, awarding the point to Shapovalov when the Italian thought the point should have been replayed.

There was also a questionable overrule in the third set.

“Things like that shouldn’t happen,” Sonego said. “They should use video replay. That could be a big help for the umpire.”

JOKER

FROM PAGE 15 rebounds and 500 assists in a season. And that sort of dominance by the player nicknamed “Joker” helped convince voters that he should be the 13th player of the NBA’s exclusive MVP back-toback club.

The other finalists — who will finish second and third in some order — were Philadelphia 76ers centre Joel Embiid, who led the league in scoring average, and two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo of the reigning champion Milwaukee Bucks.

The 27-year-old Jokic averaged 27.1 points, 13.8 rebounds and 7.9 assists on a team that was missing two max players in Jamal Murray (ACL) and Michael Porter Jr (back). Required to carry the load night in and out, the big man from Sombor, Serbia, answered the call and guided the Nuggets to a 48-win season. They earned the No. 6 seed in the West before losing in five games to the Golden State Warriors in the opening round of the playoffs. “It’s just remarkable what he’s

DENIS Shapovalov reacts after winning a point to Lorenzo Sonego yesterday during their match at the Italian Open tennis tournament.

(AP Photo/Andrew Medichini) Video review was used for calling lines at last week’s Madrid Open.

But there is no such system put in place in Rome.

Despite the vociferous fans, Shapovalov said he generally enjoys playing in Rome.

“The fans love me here and I love the fans,” he said.

“Even after the match, there were a lot of people standing, waiting for pictures, stuff like that.

“I’m super excited to play another match — not against an Italian.”

Shapovalov will next face Nikoloz Basilashvili of Georgia, who beat Daniel Evans 7-6 (2), 6-2.

Also, three-time Grand Slam champion Stan Wawrinka enjoyed his first win

done,” Nuggets coach Michael Malone recently said of Jokic.

“I know that I’m very biased, I admit it wholeheartedly — the MVP isn’t even a competition.

There’s other great players, I’m not saying they’re not great players, but what Nikola Jokic has done this year, with this team, with everything that we’ve had to go through, is incredible.”

The award is likely the start of a huge offseason for Jokic, who is eligible for a supermax extension that could guarantee him nearly $254 million over five seasons starting with 202324. He’ll make $32.4 million next season.

“There’s nothing more important” than keeping Jokic, Nuggets president of basketball operations Tim Connelly recently said.

Jokic joins rarefied company in winning for a second straight season.

The other players to win two in a row include Antetokounmpo, Stephen Curry, LeBron James (twice), Steve Nash, Tim Duncan, Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, Moses Malone and Kareem AbdulJabbar (twice). Larry Bird, Wilt Chamberlain and Bill

in nearly 1 ½ years by rallying past Reilly Opelka, also a semifinalist last year, 3-6, 7-5, 6-2.

Wawrinka recently returned to the tour after undergoing two foot surgeries last year.

Dominic Thiem, another former top-five player returning from injury, was beaten by Italian veteran Fabio Fognini 6-4, 7-6 (5).

Fognini could play fellow Italian Jannik Sinner next — if Sinner gets by Pedro Martinez today.

“He’s our future star,” Fognini said of Sinner.

Other winners included Pablo Carreno Busta, Karen Khachanov, Jenson Brooksby, Tommy Paul and Alejandro Davidovich Fokina.

Botic van de Zandschulp, a recent finalist in

Russell each won the award in three straight seasons.

Next year, Jokic will have his chance at a threepeat as well.

The award comes as no surprise to his teammates. They had a front-row seat to his performance every night.

Guard Bones Hyland posted on Twitter: “Man.. All year I’ve been saying it, I just woke up happier then ever like I won the award!! I’m so proud of my boy man!! Great Player but a even better Leader & Great Role model! Thanks for showing me the ropes this year Jokey! Congrats Ma Brother.”

Former Nuggets coach George Karl posted: “Incredible Jokic! He earned it. He was better this year than last and carried his team all season.”

Known for his pinpoint passing as much as his soft touch, Jokic finished with a leagueleading 19 triple-doubles.

The 41st pick of the 2014 draft now has 76 in his career, which trails only Chamberlain (78) among centres.

After being knocked out of the playoffs — he averaged 31 points, 13.2 rebounds — Jokic was asked how he might celebrate should he win MVP.

Munich, eliminated Sebastian Korda 6-4, 6-1.

In the women’s tournament, 2020 champion Simona Halep beat Alize Cornet 6-4, 6-4; Victoria Azarenka defeated Viktorija Golubic 6-3, 6-0; and Coco Gauff eliminated Angelique Kerber 6-1, 6-4.

Kerber, who was formerly ranked No. 1, has lost six straight matches.

Ukrainian player Anhelina Kalinina extended her strong recent form by beating Madison Keys 6-4, 6-4.

Carlos Alcaraz and Naomi Osaka both withdrew from the tournament.

Alcaraz pulled out because of a right ankle injury following his victory at the Madrid Open. Osaka cited a left Achilles heel injury.

“Probably with some music, beer, friends around, family,” he said. “Like how you’re supposed to do probably. “But if I don’t get it, I’m not going to die. I’m just going to keep playing, keep trying to play the right way like I did my whole life.”

There was a time when the Jokic was maligned for his game. More specifically, his defence and not being able to jump. His once-pudgy frame — Spurs coach Gregg Popovich good-naturedly ribbed him about it — has more strength to it.

Ever bother him that his game doesn’t seem to generate the level of respect as other standout players?

“Can’t care less, brother,” Jokic said.

He sees the court with the clarity of a point guard and has an arsenal of shots that includes smooth baby hooks around the rim and a soft 3-point touch.

Popovich had the apropos answer when asked if it was more important to take away Jokic’s shot attempts or passes: “I don’t think anybody has figured that out,” he said. “He’s a great one.”

NCAA

FROM PAGE 15 against the association. Mit Winter, a sports attorney in Kansas City, Missouri, said NCAA enforcement of these rules is not a clear-cut antitrust violation. “So the question is, under antitrust law, is the rule that’s being enforced reasonable?” Winter said. “And from my reading of everything, the rule that they’re going to be enforcing is the rule that says boosters and other third parties like collectives cannot pay athletes in return for a commitment to a school.”

Heitner advises several collectives and businesses that have made NIL deals with college athletes. He said he has stressed to clients from the start to wait until athletes are at the school of their choice before getting involved. “I don’t think it’s a collective issue,” he added. “I think it’s just a matter of the NCAA saying, ‘Hey, we’ve always been of the position that boosters cannot influence decision making of athletes, particularly high school athletes who have not yet enrolled at universities.’”

Gabe Feldman, the director of sports law at Tulane, said the NCAA would be best served being forward-looking with its NIL enforcement. “I think that probably is a safer and probably more fair approach,” Feldman said. “Hindsight is 20/20, but what might have been an even better approach is to have come up with clear rules earlier and started enforcing those so we didn’t get to a situation where it might be unfair to start enforcing the rules.”

THE TRIBUNE

Tuesday, May 10, 2022, PAGE 17

Horford, Tatum help Celtics even series with 116-108 win

By STEVE MEGARGEE AP Sports Writer MILWAUKEE (AP) — Al Horford and Jayson Tatum scored 30 points apiece and led the Boston Celtics’ fourth-quarter comeback in a 116-108 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks last night that tied their Eastern Conference semifinal at two games apiece.

The two teams have alternated victories in this best-of-seven series, which continues Wednesday with Game 5 in Boston.

Horford scored 16 points and Tatum 12 in the fourth quarter alone to help the Celtics outscore the defending NBA champion Bucks 43-28 in the final period. Horford’s 30 points were a career playoff high for the 35-year-old veteran.

Tatum scored eight points and Horford had six during a 14-2 run that put the Celtics ahead for good and gave them a 106-96 advantage with 3:33 left.

The Bucks wouldn’t cut the margin below six the rest of the way.

Giannis Antetokounmpo had 34 points, 18 rebounds and five assists for the Bucks.

Tatum had 13 rebounds and five assists while bouncing back from a poor Game 3, when he had 10 points and shot 4 for 19.

Jaylen Brown and Marcus Smart each added 18 points for the Celtics.

Horford sparked the rally after Boston trailed by 11 late in the third quarter.

The Celtics tied the game when Horford capped a 10-0 run by driving the baseline and dunking while drawing a foul on

BOSTON Celtics’ Marcus Smart blocks the shot of Milwaukee Bucks’ Brook Lopez during the first half of Game 4 of an NBA basketball Eastern Conference semifinals playoff series last night.

(AP Photo/Morry Gash) Antetokounmpo with 9:51 left. Horford, who normally isn’t very expressive on the court, celebrated the dunk by screaming and pumping his fists.

As Horford landed after completing his dunk, his left arm hit Antetokounmpo’s face, resulting in a technical foul. Jrue Holiday and Horford each sank free throws to make it 81-all.

Horford was just getting started. After Milwaukee’s Brook Lopez scored the game’s next four points to put the Bucks back ahead, the Celtics responded

with a 7-0 run and broke an 85-all tie on Horford’s 3-pointer with 8:08 left.

The Bucks regained the lead 94-92 when Antetokounmpo hit a driving layup and drew a foul on Horford with 6:02. But after Antetokounmpo missed the free throw, Horford started the 14-2 run that put the Celtics in control.

Horford hit a corner 3-pointer to put the Celtics back ahead with 5:40 left and followed that with a conventional three-point play that made it 98-94 with 5:09 remaining. Later in the

spurt, Tatum had a conventional three-point play and a 3-point basket on consecutive possessions.

The Celtics were playing without post player Robert Williams because of soreness in his surgically repaired left knee.

The Bucks played a seventh straight game without three-time All-Star forward Khris Middleton due to a sprained medial collateral ligament in his left knee.

Celtics coach Ime Udoka expressed optimism before today’s game that Williams would be available

for Game 4. The Bucks haven’t given an indication on when Middleton might return.

TIP-INS Celtics: Grant Williams replaced Robert Williams in the lineup and made his first career playoff start.

Bucks: Grayson Allen remained in the starting lineup after going scoreless in 25 minutes while making his first career playoff start Saturday. Allen scored the game’s first basket and finished with seven points. ...

The Bucks outrebounded the Celtics 48-38.

Mavs to visit Suns, 76ers to visit Heat in Game 5 showdowns

By TIM REYNOLDS AP Basketball Writer Phoenix’s Chris Paul was livid. Miami’s Kyle Lowry was limping.

The playoffs are getting tougher for the No. 1 seeds, and issues with their point guards are part of the reason why.

Phoenix and Miami find themselves in big-time fights now, after both took 2-0 leads in their respective conference semifinal series and then went 0-2 on the road.

Game 5s await tonight — Dallas visits Phoenix, Philadelphia visits Miami — with the winners set to be one victory away from the NBA’s Final Four.

Paul had two rough games in Dallas, fouling out of Game 4, and his day got worse amid allegations that members of his family were harassed by fans at the game. Lowry reinjured his problematic hamstring in Miami’s Game 4 loss at Philadelphia, casting doubt about his availability for Game 5 and beyond.

And now, best-of-seven series are down to bestof-threes, with a pair of No. 4 seeds bringing tons of momentum into today’s matchups that will be played on the home courts of West No. 1 seed Phoenix and East No. 1 seed Miami.

“It’s going to be a fight.

It’s going to be a fight,” Philadelphia’s Tyrese Maxey said. “And we have all fighters on our team.

I don’t know anybody on our team that’s going to back down. They’re going to be in front of their home crowd and they’re going to try to protect home. And we’ve got to go in there and take it.”

Maxey was talking from the 76ers’ perspective, but word for word, the Mavericks would say the same about their looming test in Phoenix.

SUNS guard Devin Booker (1) advances the ball against the Dallas Mavericks in the first half of Game 4 of an NBA basketball second-round playoff series, Sunday, May 8, 2022, in Dallas.

(AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)

HEAT’s Kyle Lowry gestures during the first half of Game 3 of an NBA basketball second-round playoff series against against the Philadelphia 76ers on May 6 in Philadelphia.

(AP Photo/Matt Slocum)

“Now we have to figure out how to win one on the road,” Dallas coach Jason Kidd said. “But again, we’re playing the best team in the NBA right now in the Suns. We know this is a tough challenge, but we’ve just got to go out and execute and hopefully put ourselves in a position to win on the road.”

Paul averaged 8.5 points, 5.5 assists and five fouls per game in Phoenix’s two losses in Dallas. The incident with his family — a video surfaced of Paul yelling “I’ll see you later!” at a young fan, though it was not clear what transpired beforehand — left the Mavericks calling whatever happened unacceptable.

But the on-court struggles happened before whatever off-court incident occurred.

“There’s nothing regular about Chris,” Kidd said.

“He’s one of the best players of all time. He’ll have his team ready to go for Game 5.”

Jimmy Butler had 40 points for Miami in Game 4 and it still wasn’t enough.

The 76ers dropped Games

Philadelphia in Game 4, his highest output in more than a month.

— KEEP AN EYE ON: Butler. Miami’s top player had 73 points in the two games in Philadelphia, and the Heat went 0-2 anyway.

He needs help, in the form of the Heat knocking down 3-pointers again.

— INJURY WATCH: Lowry is listed as questionable. If he can’t go, the Heat must figure out whether to return to their same rotation from earlier in the playoffs when they were without him or if it’s time to put Duncan Robinson in the lineup. Robinson has been out of the rotation in this series.

— PRESSURE IS ON: Miami. Biggest game of the season, bar none. Philadelphia has tons of confidence and rightly so.

MAVERICKS AT SUNS Series tied 2-2. Game 5, 10 p.m. EDT, TNT — NEED TO KNOW: This is the fourth NBA playoff series for Dallas’ Luka Doncic and all have been tied 2-2 going into

1 and 2 in Miami, but Philadelphia coach Doc Rivers made a brilliant adjustment for Games 3 and 4: He used Joel Embiid.

The MVP finalist and scoring champion, playing with a mask after missing the first two games because of an orbital fracture and concussion, averaged 21 points and 11 rebounds in Games 3 and 4 to help the 76ers even the series.

That, combined with Miami struggling enormously from 3-point range — 14 for 65 in the two losses in Philly — has the 76ers feeling great as they head south for Game 5.

“Game 5 is going to be a lot of fun,” Rivers said.

Today’s games: 76ERS AT HEAT Series tied 2-2. Game 5, 7:30 p.m. EDT, TNT — NEED TO KNOW: Heat are 17-4 all-time in Game 5s at home, 76ers are 4-27 all-time in Game 5s on the road. It shouldn’t be a surprise that the series is even, because the teams split four regularseason meetings. James Harden had 31 points for

Game 5. The Suns are trying to avoid what would be their first three-game losing streak of the season.

— KEEP AN EYE ON: Dallas’ 3-point shooting. The Mavs were 20 for 44 in Game 4 (Mavs not named Doncic were 19 for 34). They want to continue shooting that many, if not more. Two numbers that jumped off the stat sheet Sunday were Dallas’ 60-27 edge in 3-point shooting and 23-9 advantage in points off turnovers. Even Phoenix isn’t good enough to overcome two disparities like that.

— INJURY WATCH: The calf strain that slowed Doncic earlier in the playoffs no longer seems to be an issue.

— PRESSURE IS ON: Paul. He fouled out of a game for the first time this season, had more fouls than points in that game, saw his team’s 2-0 series lead become a 2-2 tie and is dealing with whatever went on with his family at Game 4. Easier said than done, but he’s got to be better in Game 5.

CLOUD, AUSTIN SPARK MYSTICS TO WIN OVER LYNX IN WNBA MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Natasha Cloud scored all 19 of her points in the first half, Shakira Austin had a double-double in her first career start and the Washington Mystics beat the Minnesota Lynx 78-66 on Sunday night.

Cloud added six rebounds and six assists. Austin, the No. 3 overall pick out of Ole Miss in last month’s draft, finished with 13 points on 5-of-8 shooting and 10 rebounds. Ariel Atkins had 20 points and five assists and Myisha Hines-Allen added 11 points and eight boards.

Shatori Walker-Kimbrough scored 10 points.

Jessica Shepard led Minnesota (0-2) with 16 points and 12 rebounds. Sylvia Fowles had 13 points and eight boards. Reserves Yvonne Turner finished with 11 points and Odyssey Sims added 10.

Cloud hit three 3-pointers and had a three-point play to help Washington (2-0) grab a 24-19 lead after one quarter. Cloud scored five points in the first minute of the second period to push the lead to 10 points.

Austin moved into Elena Delle Donne’s starting spot.

Delle Donne, who had 21 points and nine rebounds in the Mystics’ season-opening win over Indiana, sat out the second game.

Delle Donne has undergone two surgeries for a herniated disk in the past year and had played just 52 minutes before this season since leading Washington to the WNBA title in 2019.

LE CLOS MAKES SOUTH AFRICA TEAM FOR HIS 7TH WORLD CHAMPS CAPE TOWN, South Africa (AP) — Former Olympic champion Chad le Clos was named on South Africa’s team yesterday for his seventh swimming world championships.

The 30-year-old le Clos is planning to compete in the 50, 100 and 200 metres butterfly at the worlds in Budapest, Hungary, which start on June 18, South Africa’s swimming federation said.

Le Clos was the 2012 Olympic champion in the 200 butterfly and has also won four world titles over 100 and 200 metres. But he didn’t get past the preliminaries in the 100 butterfly at the Tokyo Olympics last year and was fifth in the 200 fly final, raising speculation he might be near retirement.

He won the 50, 100 and 200 events at the South African nationals last month in a return to form.

BELL

FROM PAGE 15 with a home-run and two RBI. Already an early signee for the Jackson State baseball programme next spring, he improved on his numbers posted in his junior season.

In 23 games for Vero Beach as a junior last season, he hit .419 with a 1.100 OPS, 26 hits, 18 RBI, a team-leading two home runs and scored 16 runs. The Indians were eliminated in the Regional Quarterfinal with a 3-0 loss to Palm Beach Central.

The 6’1”, 225-pound catcher and utility player was announced as a member of the 2022 early signing class for Jackson State Tigers baseball programme in the Southwestern Athletic Conference.

Bell and the other signees will join the Tigers in the Spring 2023 season.

The group includes three pitchers, one outfielder, one catcher and one infielder, including a two-way player.

“I’m super excited about our early signing class,” Tigers head coach Omar Johnson said. “We look forward to seeing our fans out at Thee ‘Bob’ this spring.”

PAGE 18, Tuesday, May 10, 2022

THE TRIBUNE

WALL STREET'S LOSSES WORSEN AS MARKETS TUMBLE WORLDWIDE

By STAN CHOE AND ALEX VEIGA AP Business Writers NEW YORK (AP) — Stocks racked up more losses on Wall Street Monday, leaving the S&P 500 at its lowest point in more than a year.

The sell-off came as renewed worries about China's economy piled on top of global financial markets already battered by rising interest rates.

The S&P 500 tumbled 3.2%, deepening its losses following five straight down weeks, its longest such streak in more than a decade.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 2% and the Nasdaq pulled back 4.3% as tech-oriented stocks again took the brunt of the selling. Monday's sharp drop leaves the S&P 500, Wall Street's main measure of health, down 16.8% from its record set early this year.

Wall Street's pullback followed a worldwide swoon for markets. Not only did stocks fall across Europe and much of Asia, but so did everything from old-economy crude oil to new-economy bitcoin.

Bond yields and the price of gold also fell.

Among U.S. stocks, the energy sector, a star

Smaller company stocks also fell broadly. The Russell 2000 gave up 77.48 points, or 4.2%, to 1,762.08.

Most of this year's damage has been the result of the Federal Reserve's aggressive flip away from doing everything it can to prop up financial markets and the economy. The central bank has already pulled its key short-term interest rate off its record low near zero, where it sat for nearly all the pandemic.

Last week, it signaled additional increases of double the usual amount may hit in upcoming months, in hopes of stamping out the

performer in recent weeks, accounted for some of the sharpest declines as oil and gas prices fell. Marathon Oil and APA Corp. each sank more than 14%.

"Basically, investors are finding it very difficult to find a place to hide," said Sam Stovall, chief investment strategist at CFRA. "The traditional safe havens, such as defensive sectors or such as bonds, are not doing that well.

Commodities are not doing well."

The S&P 500 fell 132.10 to 3,991.24. The Dow dropped 653.67 points to 32,245.70. The Nasdaq slid 521.41 points to 11,623.25.

high inflation sweeping the economy.

The moves by design will slow the economy by making it more expensive to borrow. The risk is the Fed could cause a recession if it raises rates too high or too quickly. In the meantime, higher rates discourage investors from paying very high prices for investments, because investors can get a better return from owning super-safe Treasury bonds than they could just a few weeks ago.

That's helped cause a roughly 29% tumble for bitcoin since April's start, for example. It dropped

THE WEATHER REPORT

5-Day Forecast

TODAY

ORLANDO

High: 84° F/29° C Low: 65° F/18° C

TAMPA

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

Mostly sunny and pleasant

Clear to partly cloudy

Partly sunny with a stray t‑storm

Partly sunny

A shower and t‑storm in the p.m.

Cloudy with a shower and t‑storm

High: 80°

Low: 70°

High: 81° Low: 69°

High: 82° Low: 72°

High: 83° Low: 74°

High: 84° Low: 75°

AccuWeather RealFeel

AccuWeather RealFeel

AccuWeather RealFeel

AccuWeather RealFeel

AccuWeather RealFeel

AccuWeather RealFeel

87° F

70° F

90°-71° F

93°-73° F

93°-74° F

93°-76° F

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: 76° F/24° C Low: 72° F/22° C

8‑16 knots

S

High: 82° F/28° C Low: 69° F/21° C

7‑14 knots

FT. LAUDERDALE

FREEPORT

High: 83° F/28° C Low: 69° F/21° C

E

W S

E

W

WEST PALM BEACH

N

| Go to AccuWeather.com

TONIGHT

High: 88° F/31° C Low: 66° F/19° C

High: 80° F/27° C Low: 67° F/19° C

MIAMI

High: 86° F/30° C Low: 69° F/21° C

7‑14 knots

Statistics are for Nassau through 2 p.m. yesterday Temperature High ................................................... 82° F/28° C Low .................................................... 73° F/23° C Normal high ....................................... 83° F/29° C Normal low ........................................ 71° F/21° C Last year’s high ................................. 89° F/32° C Last year’s low ................................... 73° F/23° C Precipitation As of 2 p.m. yesterday ................................. 0.89” Year to date ............................................... 10.77” Normal year to date ..................................... 6.79”

ELEUTHERA

NASSAU

High: 80° F/27° C Low: 70° F/21° C

Forecasts and graphics provided by AccuWeather, Inc. ©2022

High: 79° F/26° C Low: 70° F/21° C

N

KEY WEST

High: 83° F/28° C Low: 74° F/23° C

High: 80° F/27° C Low: 70° F/21° C

N

S

E

W

7‑14 knots

S

7‑14 knots

ANDROS

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

tiDes For nassau High Today

Ht.(ft.)

Low

Ht.(ft.)

3:29 a.m.

4:05 p.m.

2.4 2.2

10:00 a.m. 0.5 10:13 p.m. 0.6

Wednesday 4:22 a.m.

4:58 p.m.

2.5 2.4

10:48 a.m. 0.3 11:11 p.m. 0.4

Thursday

5:13 a.m.

5:47 p.m.

2.5 2.7

11:33 a.m. 0.0 ‑‑‑‑‑ ‑‑‑‑‑

Friday

6:03 a.m.

6:35 p.m.

2.6 3.0

12:05 a.m. 0.1 12:17 p.m. ‑0.2

Saturday

6:51 a.m.

7:22 p.m.

2.6 3.2

12:57 a.m. ‑0.1 1:02 p.m. ‑0.5

Sunday

7:40 a.m.

8:10 p.m.

2.6 3.4

1:48 a.m. ‑0.3 1:48 p.m. ‑0.7

Monday

8:29 a.m.

8:59 p.m.

2.6 3.5

2:39 a.m. ‑0.5 2:35 p.m. ‑0.8

sun anD moon Sunrise Sunset

6:28 a.m. Moonrise 7:45 p.m. Moonset

2:28 p.m.

2:58 a.m.

Full

Last

New

First

May 16

May 22

May 30

Jun. 7

High: 80° F/27° C Low: 71° F/22° C

High: 81° F/27° C Low: 72° F/22° C

N E

W S

LONG ISLAND

tracking map

High: 81° F/27° C Low: 72° F/22° C

7‑14 knots

MAYAGUANA High: 83° F/28° C Low: 75° F/24° C

Shown is today’s weather. Temperatures

L

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

SAN SALVADOR

GREAT EXUMA

High: 79° F/26° C Low: 71° F/22° C

H

uV inDex toDay

CAT ISLAND

E

W

9.7% Monday, according to Coindesk.

Worries about the world's second-largest economy added to the gloom Monday. Analysts cited comments over the weekend by a Chinese official warning of a grave situation for jobs, as the country hopes to halt the spread of COVID-19.

Authorities in Shanghai have again tightened restrictions, amid citizen complaints that it feels endless, just as the city was emerging from a month of strict lockdown after an outbreak.

CROOKED ISLAND / ACKLINS

are today’s highs and tonight’s lows.

RAGGED ISLAND High: 82° F/28° C Low: 74° F/23° C

High: 82° F/28° C Low: 73° F/23° C

GREAT INAGUA High: 85° F/29° C Low: 74° F/23° C

N

E

W

E

W

N

S

S

6‑12 knots

3‑6 knots

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

Today: Wednesday: Today: Wednesday: Today: Wednesday: Today: Wednesday: Today: Wednesday: Today: Wednesday: Today: Wednesday: Today: Wednesday: Today: Wednesday: Today: Wednesday: Today: Wednesday: Today: Wednesday: Today: Wednesday:

WINDS NW at 7‑14 Knots N at 7‑14 Knots NE at 7‑14 Knots N at 6‑12 Knots N at 7‑14 Knots W at 4‑8 Knots NNE at 4‑8 Knots NNE at 4‑8 Knots N at 7‑14 Knots NW at 4‑8 Knots N at 8‑16 Knots N at 7‑14 Knots NE at 7‑14 Knots NW at 4‑8 Knots NE at 3‑6 Knots NNE at 4‑8 Knots NNE at 6‑12 Knots N at 4‑8 Knots N at 4‑8 Knots NNE at 4‑8 Knots N at 6‑12 Knots N at 4‑8 Knots NE at 6‑12 Knots NE at 6‑12 Knots N at 7‑14 Knots W at 4‑8 Knots

WAVES 6‑10 Feet 8‑12 Feet 1‑2 Feet 0‑1 Feet 4‑7 Feet 5‑9 Feet 1‑3 Feet 3‑5 Feet 5‑9 Feet 6‑10 Feet 3‑6 Feet 4‑7 Feet 1‑2 Feet 0‑1 Feet 1‑2 Feet 1‑3 Feet 1‑2 Feet 1‑2 Feet 3‑5 Feet 5‑9 Feet 1‑3 Feet 1‑2 Feet 0‑1 Feet 1‑2 Feet 1‑3 Feet 2‑4 Feet

VISIBILITY 8 Miles 7 Miles 10 Miles 7 Miles 7 Miles 8 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 6 Miles 10 Miles 9 Miles 10 Miles 5 Miles 7 Miles 10 Miles 8 Miles 10 Miles 7 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 8 Miles 8 Miles 6 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles

WATER TEMPS. 78° F 78° F 84° F 84° F 81° F 81° F 84° F 84° F 81° F 80° F 80° F 78° F 83° F 83° F 84° F 84° F 83° F 82° F 81° F 81° F 81° F 81° F 83° F 82° F 81° F 81° F

PAGE 20, Tuesday, May 10, 2022

THE TRIBUNE

IMF URGES BAHAMAS TO STICK TO 50 PERCENT DEBT CEILING

Warning as container costs to double FROM PAGE 24 summertime and around hurricane season then we will probably feel it.”

As a result, Mr Hall said: “The cost of containers in the means of the cost of freight and bunker oil and fuel, is going to be astronomical. We would probably see a rise in anywhere from 80 percent to 100 percent in containers, minimum. Because you have to remember now the container is a commodity itself and when you are now ordering supplies that are now on high demand because you are coming out of a pandemic and people weren’t ordering much so you had a back order because businesses were closing down and you didn’t need those supplies anymore. So now people are trying to find a way to

offload those goods. You have a lot of that trying to unknot itself while you have a wave of new orders because the pandemic is over and people are trying to start new businesses and there is just not enough. It is now a supply and demand issue.”

The rising cost of fuel will have a big impact on the shipping community as well, Mr Hall said. “Bunker and fuel prices drive everything and if the container ships and the companies that ship the containers are experiencing high volume fuel prices, with part of that fuel increase not being fully felt yet and will be felt within three months’ time, when that fuel has gone up, it’s going to affect everything and we may have $10 gas per gallon by the summertime.”

FROM PAGE 24 setting up a savings fund for natural disasters, requiring additional savings of 0.5 percent of GDP, suggesting a headline deficit target of 0.5 percent of GDP.” The fund added: “The FY2018/19 overall deficit was in line with the path set by the 2018 FSR, but Hurricane Dorian in September 2019 forced the government to trigger the escape clause and delay the achievement of the operational targets to FY2024/25. As a result, the envisaged convergence to the debt ceiling was also delayed to FY2028/29.

The COVID-pandemic, which led to an unprecedented downturn, required the continued use of the escape clause, and further delayed the achievement of the fiscal targets. As a

NOTICE

result of the unprecedented collapse in revenues and significant COVID-related spending support, the deficit reached almost 14 percent in 2020/21, and debt increased to more than 100 percent. The government now intends to achieve the deficit and debt targets by FY2024/25 and FY2030/31, respectively.”

Dealing with a postpandemic Bahamas would mean the country must “develop a credible and achievable fiscal consolidation path”, among other things.

The fund added: “Despite these challenges, staff still sees a long-term debt ceiling of 50 percent as appropriate.”

It noted that the target applies to central government, and that consolidated public debt today is about

IN THE ESTATE OF PHILIP ROBERTS late of #58 McKinney Drive in the Western District of The Island of New Providence one of the Islands of The Commonwealth of The Bahamas.

Deceased.

NOTICE is hereby given that all persons having any claims against the above-named Estate are required on or before the 1st day of June A. D., 2022 to send their names and addresses and particulars of their debts or claims to the undersigned in writing or in default thereof they will be excluded from the benefit of any distribution AND all persons indebted to the said Estate are hereby requested to pay their respective debts to the undersigned on or before the date above mentioned.

NOTICE is hereby given that all persons having any claims against the above-named Estate are required on or before the 24th day of May A. D., 2022 to send their names and addresses and particulars of their debts or claims to the undersigned in writing or in default thereof they will be excluded from the benefit of any distribution AND all persons indebted to the said Estate are hereby requested to pay their respective debts to the undersigned on or before the date above mentioned.

AND NOTICE is hereby also given that at the expiration of the time period above mentioned, the assets of the late GARLAND WAYDE SANDS will be distributed among the persons entitled thereto having regard only to the claims of which the Executor shall then have had notice in writing.

AND NOTICE is hereby also given that at the expiration of the time period above mentioned, the assets of the late PHILIP ROBERTS will be distributed among the persons entitled thereto having regard only to the claims of which the Executor shall then have had notice in writing.

Dated this 2nd day of May, A. D. 2022

Dated this 22nd day of April, A.D. 2022

Roberts, Isaacs & Ward, Unit No.2, Cable Beach Court Professional Centre, 400 West Bay Street, Nassau, Bahamas.

Roberts, Isaacs & Ward, Unit No.2, Cable Beach Court Professional Centre, West Bay Street, Nassau, Bahamas.

PUBLIC NOTICE

INTENT TO CHANGE NAME BY DEED POLL

MARKET REPORT www.bisxbahamas.com

MONDAY, 9 MAY 2022

BISX LISTED & TRADED SECURITIES 52WK HI 6.70 53.00 2.05 2.90 2.60 6.05 10.05 3.50 9.02 3.10 8.00 14.00 2.71 10.25 11.25 10.75 15.00 4.10 11.00 16.50

52WK LOW 4.75 32.12 1.46 2.20 1.30 5.50 6.96 2.82 4.25 2.27 5.90 9.75 1.99 6.50 10.02 9.01 13.10 3.50 8.00 15.50

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

PREFERENCE SHARES 1.00

1.00

1000.00 1000.00 1000.00 1000.00

1000.00 1000.00 1000.00 1000.00

1.00 10.00 1.00

1.00 10.00 1.00

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

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

52WK LOW 100.00 100.00

SECURITY Fidelity Bank (Note 22 Series B+) Bahamas First Holdings Limited

CLOSE

CHANGE

%CHANGE

YTD

YTD%

2305.46

9.23

0.40

77.22

3.47

SYMBOL AML APD BBL BFH BOB BPF BWL CAB CBB CBL CHL CIB CWCB DHS EMAB FAM FBB FCL FIN JSJ BFHP CAB6 CAB8 CAB9 CAB10 CHLA FBBA FCLB SYMBOL FBB22 BFHB

BAHAMAS GOVERNMENT STOCK - (percentage pricing) 115.92 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.54 99.98 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.98 100.00

104.79 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 90.76 100.00 99.98 91.00 90.95 89.02 89.62 89.00 90.24 90.73

MUTUAL FUNDS 52WK HI 2.52 4.69 2.22 207.86 212.41 1.73 1.83 1.82 1.05 9.37 11.83 7.54 16.64 12.84 10.77 10.00 10.43 14.89

52WK LOW 2.11 3.30 1.68 164.74 116.70 1.68 1.73 1.75 0.99 6.41 7.62 5.66 8.65 10.54 9.57 9.88 8.45 11.20

Bahamas Note 6.95 (2029) BGS: 2014-12-7Y BGS: 2015-1-7Y BGS: 2014-12-30Y BGS: 2015-1-30Y BGS: 2015-6-7Y BGS: 2015-6-30Y BGS: 2015-10-7Y BGRS FX BGR134150 BGRS FL BGRS79026 BGRS FL BGRS78024 BGRS FX BGR125238 BGRS FX BGR127139 BGRS FX BGR127149 BGRS FX BGR129249 BGRS FX BGR131249 BGRS FX BGR132249 BGRS FX BGR136150

BAH29 BG0107 BG0207 BG0130 BG0230 BG0307 BG0330 BG0407 BSBGR1341506 BSBGRS790262 BSBGRS780248 BSBGR1252380 BSBGR1271398 BSBGR1271497 BSBGR1292493 BSBGR1312499 BSBGR1322498 BSBGR1361504

LAST CLOSE 5.35 39.95 2.04 2.31 2.25 6.05 9.25 3.25 7.52 2.75 8.00 14.00 2.14 10.25 11.78 10.75 15.00 3.99 10.00 15.50 1.00 1000.00 1000.00 1000.00 1000.00 1.00 10.00 1.00 LAST SALE 100.00 100.00 107.31 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 90.79 100.54 99.98 100.00 100.00 89.08 89.62 100.00 100.00 100.00

CLOSE 5.35 39.95 2.04 2.31 2.25 6.05 9.25 3.25 7.52 2.82 8.00 14.00 2.17 10.25 11.84 10.75 15.00 3.99 10.00 15.50 1.00 1000.00 1000.00 1000.00 1000.00 1.00 10.00 1.00

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

CHANGE 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.07 0.00 0.00 0.03 0.00 0.06 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

VOLUME

2,500

0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

CLOSE 100.00 100.00

CHANGE 0.00 0.00

107.31 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 90.79 100.54 99.98 100.00 100.00 89.08 89.62 100.00 100.00 100.00

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 0.00 0.00 0.00

FUND CFAL Bond Fund CFAL Balanced Fund CFAL Money Market Fund CFAL Global Bond Fund CFAL Global Equity Fund Leno Financial Conservative Fund Leno Financial Aggressive Fund Leno Financial Balanced Fund Leno Financial Global Bond Fund RF Bahamas Opportunities Fund - Secured Balanced Fund RF Bahamas Opportunities Fund - Targeted Equity Fund RF Bahamas Opportunities Fund - Prime Income Fund RF Bahamas International Investment Fund Limited - Equities Sub Fund RF Bahamas International Investment Fund Limited - High Yield Income Fund RF Bahamas International Investment Fund Limited - Alternative Strategies Fund Colonial Bahamas Fund Class D Colonial Bahamas Fund Class E Colonial Bahamas Fund Class F

MARKET TERMS

the timeframe towards achieving the debt target.

“According to the latest Fiscal Strategy Report, the authorities aim to run an overall surplus of 1.5 percent of GDP by FY2025/26, to be achieved through raising the revenue to GDP ratio to 25 percent (mainly through tax administration improvements), reducing current spending to 20 percent, while permanently increasing capital expenditure to 3.5 percent of GDP. They still aim to reach the debt target of 50 percent by FY2030/31.

Given the severity of the shocks, consideration could be given towards delaying the achievement of the

NOTICE

IN THE ESTATE OF GARLAND WAYDE SANDS late of Cloister Drive, Paradise Island one of the Islands of The Commonwealth of The Bahamas.

Deceased.

BISX ALL SHARE INDEX:

six percentage points higher than central government debt and secondly, “the vulnerability of the Bahamian economy, especially against climate change would require high fiscal buffers, especially in the absence of other insurance mechanisms against natural disasters”.

The fund acknowledges in their scenarios that debt would stay above 80 percent of GDP for year 2030/2031 assuming that all COVID-19 related spending measures are fully phased out in the upcoming budget for fiscal year, 2022/2023.

The fund also calls for The Bahamas to “modify”

(242) 323‐2330 (242) 323‐2320 EPS$ 0.239 0.932 0.000 0.140 0.070 1.760 0.369 -0.438 0.140 0.184 0.449 0.722 0.102 0.467 0.646 0.728 0.816 0.203 0.939 0.631 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000

VOLUME

DIV$ 0.170 1.260 0.020 0.080 0.000 0.000 0.260 0.000 0.000 0.120 0.220 0.720 0.434 0.060 0.328 0.240 0.540 0.120 0.200 0.610 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000

INTEREST Prime + 1.75% 6.25% 6.95% 4.50% 4.50% 6.25% 6.25% 4.50% 6.25% 4.25% 5.00% 4.53% 4.50% 5.00% 5.00% 5.50% 5.55% 5.60% 5.65% 5.69%

NAV 2.52 4.69 2.21 197.44 202.39 1.73 1.82 1.82 0.99 9.37 11.79 7.54 15.94 12.47 10.74 N/A 10.43 14.89

YTD% 12 MTH% 0.99% 4.22% 0.36% 5.78% 0.67% 2.74% -2.97% -2.35% -4.72% 6.04% 0.83% 2.82% -0.18% 3.72% 0.76% 3.55% -3.55% -3.85% -0.02% 10.36% -0.33% 18.23% 0.22% 3.05% -3.89% 14.76% -1.04% -2.57% 0.81% 4.20% N/A N/A 3.00% 25.60% 7.90% 48.70%

P/E 22.4 42.9 N/M 16.5 N/M N/M 25.1 -7.4 53.7 15.3 17.8 19.4 21.3 21.9 18.3 14.8 18.4 19.7 10.6 24.6 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000

YIELD 3.18% 3.15% 0.98% 3.46% 0.00% 0.00% 2.81% 0.00% 0.00% 4.26% 2.75% 5.14% 20.00% 0.59% 2.77% 2.23% 3.60% 3.01% 2.00% 3.94% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 6.25% 7.00% 6.50%

MATURITY 19-Oct-2022 30-Sep-2025 20-Nov-2029 15-Dec-2021 30-Jul-2022 15-Dec-2044 30-Jul-2045 26-Jun-2022 26-Jun-2045 15-Oct-2022 15-Oct-2038 28-Mar-2026 22-Sep-2024 15-Oct-2038 15-Jan-2039 15-Jan-2049 15-Apr-2049 15-Jul-2049 15-Oct-2049 21-Apr-2050

NAV Date 31-Mar-2022 31-Mar-2022 25-Mar-2022 31-Mar-2022 31-Mar-2022 31-Mar-2022 31-Mar-2022 31-Mar-2022 31-Mar-2022 31-Jan-2022 31-Jan-2022 31-Jan-2022 31-Jan-2022 31-Jan-2022 31-Jan-2022 31-Mar-2021 31-Mar-2021 31-Mar-2021

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

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

The Public is hereby advised that I, DENNYMAE MARGARET SWEETING of 138 Clive Avenue, Freeport, intend to change my name to DENNIE SWEETING. If there are any objections to this change of name by Deed Poll, you may write such objections to the Deputy Chief Passport Officer, P.O. Box N-742, Nassau, Bahamas no later than thirty (30) days after the date of publication of this notice.

PUBLIC NOTICE

INTENT TO CHANGE NAME BY DEED POLL The Public is hereby advised that I, ASHLEY STEVEVANO GARDINER of Founder’s Way, Murphy Town, Abaco, intend to change my name to ASHLEY STEVENNAH GARDINER. If there are any objections to this change of name by Deed Poll, you may write such objections to the Deputy Chief Passport Officer, P.O. Box N-742, Nassau, Bahamas no later than thirty (30) days after the date of publication of this notice.

NOTICE

NOTICE is hereby given that SHEKANYA MEZILIEN of Pelican Shores, Abaco, Bahamas is applying to the Minister responsible for Nationality and Citizenship, for Registration Naturalization as a citizen of The Bahamas, and that any person who knows any reason why registration/naturalization should not be granted, should send a written and signed statement of the facts within twenty-eight days from the 3rd day of May, 2022 tothe Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, New Providence, The Bahamas.

NOTICE

NOTICE is hereby given that ELVAIS JEAN of East Avenue, Carmichael Road, New Providence, Bahamas is applying to the Minister responsible for Nationality and Citizenship, for Registration Naturalization as a citizen of The Bahamas, and that any person who knows any reason why registration/naturalization should not be granted, should send a written and signed statement of the facts within twenty-eight days from the 3rd day of May, 2022 tothe Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, New Providence, The Bahamas.

THE TRIBUNE

Tuesday, May 10, 2022, PAGE 21

RF GROUP TO HOST ANNUAL CONFERENCE THE annual RF Economic Outlook Conference will be held on June 8 this year at Baha Mar. The event, organised by the RF Group and event partners, will have the theme "Future Forces: World-Changing Ideas" and will include presenters such as Dex Hunter-Torricke, communications executive for Facebook & Google, Keith Herman, serial tech entrepreneur and blockchain expert, John Sitilides, geopolitical & geo-economic strategist amd Shawn Kanungo, global disruption strategist.

“This year’s conference will explore such themes as the geopolitical forces

impacting global powers, the future of work and hybrid work models, the future of investment and the rapidly expanding role of digital assets, and the future of technology and the emerging trends that will change how we live,” said RF Group president Michael Anderson. “Over the last two years, the world has experienced unprecedented disruption in our day to day lives. Not only has the number of disrupted areas increased but the pace of change has been exponential. While these changes create significant risks, they also provide massive opportunities which we hope to highlight. ”

The event will be hosted simultaneously in The Bahamas, Cayman Islands and the Eastern Caribbean – through a hybrid model.

Registration is open with an Early Bird discount available through May 15.

Discounts are also available for members of accredited associations looking for Continuing Professional Development (CPD) credits.

Mr Anderson added: “Whether you are government or business leaders, or simply individuals trying to create suitable strategies for the opportunities and risks that lie ahead, this year’s RF Economic Outlook promises to provide a full

(L-R) Prince Rahming, Territory Leader, PwC Bahamas; Patrice Thompson, General Manager, Aliv; Michael Anderson, President, RF Group; Linda D’Aguilar, Partner, GSO; Dennis Deveaux, CFO, Doctor’s Hospital; Patrice Nichols, Sales Representative, Tribune Media; Gowon Bowe, CEO, Fidelity Bank. day of thought-provoking and exciting presentations that will leave you empowered to take on the future.”

RFEO 2022 is sponsored by the RF Group, Aliv, Consolidated Water, Doctors Hospital Healthcare System, Fidelity Bank,

REFORM PENSIONS NOW - OR ELDERLY WILL BE LEFT WITH NOTHING FROM PAGE 24 it will be ageing fast. Currently The Bahamas has a relatively low old age dependency ratio of 11 people over the age of 65 for every person of working age, compared to an average ratio of 16 among Caribbean countries. However, the old-age dependency ratio in The Bahamas is expected to more than double to 27 by 2050, almost catching up with the average of the region.

“Rapid population ageing means that ensuring fiscal sustainability of the pension system is urgent. To avoid sudden disruptions and large intergenerational differences a gradual implementation of reforms is preferable.

However, equitable pension reforms are slow to take full effect. Therefore, the relatively low current old-age dependency ratio provides the perfect opportunity to start this gradual implementation of pension reforms and would prevent the need for an abrupt adjustment in the future.”

The Fund added: “The current pension system in The Bahamas consists of two earnings related pension schemes, one for civil servants and one for the private sector. In 2020, The Bahamas spent 1.2 percent of GDP on the civil servants’ scheme and 2.1 percent of GDP on the private sector scheme, which includes a minimum pension for those with entitlements below a certain threshold.

Out of all of this, over 80 percent of the population had worked in 2019 with one out of five being a government employee.

The fund said: “Compared to other countries in the region, accrual rates in The Bahamas are high.

Average accrual rates for the private sector for a full career from age 22 to age 65 (the retirement age) are 1.4 percent per year. In addition, a full career civil servants worker receives

ECONOMY REBOUNDS WITH 8% GROWTH FROM PAGE 24 and climate risks. The new administration has pledged relief through tax cuts and increasing outlays on investment and education. However, with public debt close to 100 percent of GDP amid elevated financing costs, there is limited room for maneuver.”

The fund added: “The pandemic will likely exacerbate The Bahamas’ long-standing record of low growth. Staff projects medium-term potential growth at just 1.5 percent, owing to the slow structural reform implementation, including in the energy sector.”

1.67 percent accrual per year.

“The accrual schedule in the private sector scheme disincentivizes long careers. The concave accrual schedule implies a very high accrual rate for the first 10 years of contributions (three percent per year, which is common in Caribbean countries but very high in international comparison), a much lower rate for later years (one percent) and no accrual at all after 39 years. Taken together with the ceiling on pensionable earnings this is likely to disincentivize high

earners with long careers the most.

It continued, “The low ceiling on the reference wage for the private sector discourages high earners from reporting the full wage. This wage ceiling will fall further in terms of the average wage because of price indexation of the ceiling, impeding the scheme’s ability to provide income smoothing for those who earn more than the ceiling.

The lack of valorization of past wages makes replacement rates dependent on inflation and real wage growth. Considering that

NOTICE INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS COMPANIES ACT, 2000

Mykonos Investment Fund Ltd. (IN VOLUNTARY LIQUIDATION)

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that in accordance with section 138(4) of the International Business Companies Act, 2000, as amended, Mykonos Investment Fund Ltd. is in dissolution.

The dissolution of the said Company commenced on 6 May 2022 when the Articles of Dissolution were submitted to and registered with the Registrar General in Nassau, The Bahamas.

The sole liquidator of the said Company is L. Michael Dean of Equity Trust House, Caves Village, West Bay Street, P. O. Box N 10697, Nassau, Bahamas.

L. Michael Dean Sole Liquidator LEGAL NOTICE

International Business Companies Act (No. 45 of 2000)

ALI INVESTMENT LTD. (the “Company”)

Notice is hereby given that, in accordance with Section 138 (8) of the International Business Companies Act, No.45 of 2000, the Dissolution of ALI INVESTMENT LTD has been completed, a Certificate of Dissolution has been issued and the Company has therefore been struck off the Register.

The date of completion of the Dissolution was the 5th day of May, 2021.

Luciane Ribeiro Moreno Liquidator

NOTICE HIGHTON INVEST LTD. (In Voluntary Liquidation)

Notice is hereby given that in accordance with Section 138 (4) of the; International Business Companies Act, 2000, HIGHTON INVEST LTD. is in Dissolution. The date of commencement of dissolution is the 6th day of May, 2022.

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

the reference wage is based on the best five years only it is not likely to have a substantial impact at the moment. But if the reference wage period were to be extended, rule-based valorization of past wages with the economy wide average wage growth will be necessary.”

The report also noted that the lack of income

taxes makes the “generosity” of the pension system difficult to compare because in other countries they do the exact opposite where other countries pay lower taxes during their retirement compared to their working life because of progressive income tax rates. But in The Bahamas we have flat based customs duties and value added tax

GSO Legal, JS Johnson Insurance Agents & Brokers, PwC and The Tribune.

For full details, visit www. rfbeo.com that affects everyone no matter the age.

The fund is urging The Bahamas to expand the reference wage to include average full career earnings in both the public sector schema and private sector scheme, lower the accrual rates in both schemes, apply equal accrual rates to all years of contribution and reform survivor pensions, limiting it to those “close to or above the retirement age”.

PAGE 22, Tuesday, May 10, 2022

THE TRIBUNE

THE CONSEQUENCES OF HIGH AND GROWING NATIONAL DEBT ON THE GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT OF THE BAHAMIAN ECONOMY – PART I

T

HE assessment of the debt stock of The Bahamas should answer one main important question. Is it at a sustainable level and not whether it meets some widely used benchmark of debt-GDP of no more than 60% and deficit of 3% or less? On March 14, 2022, I delivered a keynote on the caption, at the opening of the University of The Bahamas’ Business Week.

While the actual words and emphasis delivered will in differ instances this is the general text of the speech with very limited addition and edits.

I will share this as a threepart presentation. Firstly we will consider some the real consequences of a high national debt. We will then explore the idea of high debt vs sustainable debt.

Finally we will consider the “debt trap”, explore some other consequences and look in the direction of how we will find solutions. In the end there is no one coming to save us. We must solve our issues ourselves and those solutions start with us understanding and accepting exactly where we are and what needs to be done.

In the end we are all in this together.

INTRODUCTION Good evening. It is an absolute pleasure to be here with you. I am humbled to have been asked to contribute to this very important week of events. I want to thank the leadership of the University of The Bahamas for facilitating discussions such as these, which are immensely important to the growth and development of the country.

The theme “The Bahamian Economy at the Crossroads of Development: Diversify to Survive” is a powerful statement which I believe correctly captures both the current state of The Bahamas and the exacting action needed to correct the challenges – a state of transition

that the time spent will be a valuable investment of your energy and attention.

Hubert Edwards By

(crossroads) and a need to take action to broaden economic activities (diversify).

It is interesting to note that up to this point, the Bahamian economy has done reasonably well for many, not all. Up to this point, the Bahamian economy has been able to survive many of the underlying weaknesses that has been evident for many years. Up to now, the performance of tourism has buoyed efforts to bounce back from many crises without there being any true fix of the weakened fundamentals of the economy.

Largely “some success” seems to have been the enemy of “great success”.

The question that this begs therefore is whether we are now at a point where the ease of bounce back is no longer that easy. Is the existing and sustained levels of debt choking off growth?

Will increased debt levels further stifle growth and development? Is debt in and of itself that is the main culprit? Is it the failure to diversify the economy; failure to institute structural reforms and failure to adopt effective systems for Public Financial Management that are posing the threat to national growth and development? After all, what is debt other than accumulated past deficits?

I thank you for having me here this evening and I trust

THE THESIS It is accurate, I believe, to posit that the economy is at the crossroads of development. It is my belief that what we do from here going forward will be the greatest determinant as to how the country will progress into the future, secure growth and develop resiliency.

There is not much room for getting it wrong over the next few years. The corollary to this is that the things we fail to do now will give great potency to the stalling of progress, exacerbate current realities and potentially spiral the country into a vicious cycle of debt, undermine development resulting in serious challenges for the populace. You might be tempted to ask, “Why is this so when The Bahamas has proven itself very resilient in spirit and the country has faced and bounced back creditably from many crises?”

It is useful to reflect on the fact that the country has never faced a crisis in as weakened an economic position as it is currently, due largely to the existence of significant levels of debt which increased rapidly over recent administrations.

The country is recovering from a significant revenue downturn and projected to continue to running deficits for the near term. The debt stock of the country has reached levels where it is arguably imprudent to borrow heavily in the international market, despite facing an extended period of unfunded deficit and borrowing needs. Additionally, it has suffered significant losses in Abaco and Grand Bahama resulting in substantial portions of those economies becoming unproductive and delayed in rebuilding. For the first time in its history, the country faces the daunting reality of having debt to GDP well beyond that “safe zone” of

60%. We will return to this later.

The consequences of a high and growing national debt on growth can be significant. Debt has the potential to rob the country of investment capacity for infrastructure and therefore a weakened facilitative environment; weaken social systems, affect the provision of educational opportunities; slow economic growth and cause financial distress and poverty, with the usual debilitating attendant effects leading to underdeveloped human capacity and therefore adversely affect current and future national productivity.

THE MAIN CONSEQUENCES Let us look at some of the effects of a high and growing national debt on the growth and development of The Bahamian economy.

I will share some with you now and the rest later in the discussion (what follows includes research material) • There is the reality of reduced public investment. As the debt increases there is less and less resources available to invest in projects and programs and this ultimately hurts the long term growth potential of the country while at the same time adversely impacting the standard of living of its people. The Increase in debt servicing reduces allocations to other areas of the budget. The ability to build schools, road, ports and other infrastructure necessary to foster growth is reduced.

• Increased national debt has the ability to crowd out private demand and consequently there is reduced private investment. The implications are significant. Private commerce drives an economy. While in The Bahamas’ government is a dominant employer, dominant buyer and have a dominant presence in economic activities it is the extent to which the private sector is successful which determines the success of the country.

Government demand for domestic debt puts private concerns at a disadvantage in accessing credit and therefore impacts the ability to invest and scale up their operation, as an example.

• This crowding out of private investments in favor of public debt ultimately result in a slowing economic growth. Slowing of economic growth results in a lowering of standard of living; insufficient tax revenue; lack

of resources for public investment, increased deficits and need for additional borrowing, creating a very vicious cycle. As debt increases, there is higher interest payments. GDP potentially reduces leading to a higher Debt-to-GDP measure that places the country in a negative light potentially leading to serial downgrades. We have seen this here in The Bahamas repeatedly even with some measure of growth.

• With increased debt and the need for debt-servicing, resources available for national safety net becomes reduced or at least is placed under pressure. National safety nets are imperiled. The implications of this are significant as vulnerable citizens suffer when they are unable to secure government support and this becomes especially pronounced in the time of economic crises as we have experienced with COVID-19 and now being exacerbated by the Russian-Ukrainian war and a highly inflationary environment.

effected? What kind of support would it avail to the small business sector?

What follows was not in the speech. The consequences are real and provide insights into what we must work as a country to avoid. There is clear evidence of some aspects of these already taking hold at some levels with the real potential for escalation as the global economy creates continues external shocks.

The work must be focused on expanding the economy or extracting from it more efficiently as it relates to fiscal measures while playing extreme defense against the crystallization of some of the downsides mentioned above which has the ability undermine the capacity for growth. Poverty is one such element. Another is a private sector lacking in growth and innovation as a result of either not having the benefit of sound public sector facilitation or for want of reasonable funding.

• High levels of debt leads to an increased risk of a fiscal crisis. As the debt climbs and breaches certain thresholds, lenders and investors will start to lose confidence in the government’s ability to pay back borrowed funds.

This will result in borrowers demanding higher rates or bonds trading at very high yields.

The resulting effect is that the government is constrained in borrowing, unable to fund its deficits or meet other borrowing needs and consequently will could be forced to initiate significant spending cuts or increase taxes, employ austere measures.

Diversify to Survive” should remain a constant reminder for us all. As an example in recent times there has been an understandable energy with flourishing discussions about the possibilities of new businesses but with a seeming disconnect to the unchanged underlying economic arrangements of the country and therefore the capacity to positively affect debt. Diversification must impact all aspect of national economics. The job intensive benefits alone will not fundamentally solve our problems. Until and unless new growth changes government capacity to comfortably fund its obligations the cycle we are currently in will remain and likely become more entrenched.

• The ability to respond to emergencies is greatly reduced debt increased and the ability to borrow narrows. Carrying greater amounts of outstanding debt mean there is less scope to respond to emergencies creates a narrowing of fiscal space and therefore limits the policy response. Imagine that the COVID-19 pandemic starts picking up speed today, March 2022 as opposed to 2020.

With the current level of debt how effective, would the government be in its response? How effective would be the social programs for food and unemployment benefits?

How well the provision of additional health infrastructure would be

• Hubert Edwards is the Principal of Next Level Solutions Limited (NLS), a management consultancy firm. He can be reached at info@nlsolustionsbahamas. com. Hubert specializes in governance, risk and compliance (GRC), Accounting and Finance. NLS provides services in the areas of enterprise risk management, internal audit and policy and procedures development, regulatory consulting, anti-money laundering, accounting and strategic planning. He also chairs the Organization for Responsible Governance’s (ORG) Economic Development Committee.

This and other articles are available at www.nlsolutionsbahamas.com

business@tribunemedia.net

TUESDAY, MAY 10, 2022

$6.30

$6.35

$6.33

$6.33

Economy rebounds with 8% growth

By YOURI KEMP Tribune Business Reporter ykemp@tribunemedia.net

THE International Monetary Fund says the country’s recovery is “strong” with real GDP growth pegged at eight percent this year.

The fund, in its Article IV Consultation Report for The Bahamas, said: “The Bahamas is experiencing a tourism-led rebound.

The economy expanded by almost 14 percent in 2021, as net tourism receipts tripled relative to 2020. The strong recovery is expected to continue in 2022, with

real GDP growth projected at 8 percent. The war in Ukraine, which adds considerable uncertainty to the outlook, is expected to affect The Bahamas primarily through higher commodity prices.

The fund also said that, despite the phenomenal growth, it would take until 2024 before the country would be able to return to the pre-pandemic levels of GDP of 2019.

“The economy contracted by almost 24 percent in 2020, as tourism receipts fell by more than 75 percent. Starting in the second half of 2021, air arrivals saw a steep

rebound, recovering to half of 2019 levels in 2021, while cruise arrivals, that were initially more subdued, have recently ticked up.

“Coupled with a rebound in construction activity, output expanded by around 14 percent in 2021.

Labour market conditions are improving, but remain challenging, with unemployment estimated at around 18 percent at end2021 compared to over 25 percent in 2020.”

The report added: “Risks are skewed downwards given a difficult near-term financing situation, rising inflationary —and potentially BOP (balance of

payments) — pressures because of the war in Ukraine, an ongoing threat from the evolving pandemic, and the country’s high vulnerability to natural disasters.

It continued: “The principal risks are one, the emergence of new COVID19 variants, which could prolong the pandemic and induce renewed economic disruptions; two, additional upward pressures on global food and oil prices, including because of the war in Ukraine, which could erode consumer demand, impose a heavy burden on the vulnerable, put pressure on the balance of payments,

and induce the government to put in place policies to mitigate pass-through further straining the fiscal situation; three, a sharp rise in global risk premia that could further strain public and private balance sheets; and four, natural disasters related to climate change, which would have significant social, economic, fiscal, and financial repercussions. On the upside, the global recovery could prove stronger than is currently anticipated, which would help support tourism. In the event of downside risks materialising, the government will need to find ways to provide additional

fiscal support — including well-targeted social assistance — which may prove challenging given the significantly diminished fiscal space and potential inability to tap new sources of financing.

The fund added: “The pandemic has deepened medium-term growth challenges and public finances have deteriorated. The young experienced significant learning losses, and employment will take time to recover. Additionally, there may be lasting effects of the pandemic on travel, shifts in technology

SEE PAGE 21

Warning as container costs to double

By YOURI KEMP Tribune Business Reporter ykemp@tribunemedia.net BUSINESSES should brace for a 100 percent increase in container costs for the summer due to the Russia and Ukraine war.

Michael Hall, managing director of Bahamas Maritime Logistics Service (BMLS), told Tribune Business that supply chain issues outside of The Bahamas are not any better than earlier this year and he sees no letting up for the remainder of the year.

He said: “Obviously, there’s a shortage of containers all around the world and most of those containers are coming from China.

So in a lot of the major ports, like in Panama, California and New York City, they have a big issue with getting the containers out and back to their origin ports.

NASSAU CONTAINER PORT

Reform pensions now - or elderly will be left with nothing

By YOURI KEMP Tribune Business Reporter ykemp@tribunemedia.net THE International Monetary Fund warns that a “significant” share of the elderly would be without pensions if reform to the pension system is not dealt with immediately.

The fund warned in its Selected Issues Report: “The Bahamas is ageing fast, so there is limited time to ensure sustainability of the pension system. It finds that the combination of high accrual rates and last/best earnings reference wages with relatively low or absent contribution rates leads to high internal rates of return. Moreover, the retirement age for civil servants is very low, while the minimum years of contribution requirement in the private sector could leave a significant share of the elderly without pensions.”

Essentially, the fund is warning that for both the private and public sector, people are not paying into the pension system what they have historically made over their career and subsequently receiving pensions not based on their input to the system.

The Fund said: “The Bahamas has one of the youngest populations in the region, but

SEE PAGE 21

INTERNATIONAL MONETARY FUND HEADQUARTERS

IMF urges Bahamas to stick to 50 percent debt ceiling

By YOURI KEMP Tribune Business Reporter ykemp@tribunemedia.net THE International Monetary Fund has urged The Bahamas to keep to the 50 percent debt ceiling passed in 2018.

The fund, in its latest Selected Issues report on The Bahamas, said that debt rules under the current Fiscal Responsibility Act (FRA),

2018 remain “appropriate” despite the fallout from Hurricane Dorian in 2019 and the following COVID-19 pandemic.

Saying that the Act followed the IMF’s recommendations at the time for a “rules-based framework” with two operational targets for an overall deficit rule and a cap on recurrent expenditure growth, the fund added: “Simulations in 2018 suggested that a 50 percent debt anchor would be appropriate for The Bahamas as this

would ensure that the country’s debt would remain below the ‘criticaldebt’ benchmark of 70 percent of GDP for emerging markets even in the face of large shocks.

“To reach that debt ceiling within a decade, while allowing a three year transition period towards the operational targets, required an overall budget deficit of one percent at the time. Staff also recommended

SEE PAGE 20

“So with also the warring with Russia and Ukraine that has even compounded the supply chain issue, meaning there’s a lot of imports and exports of containers that are now seized and left at the port and can move because of the war, because a lot of major franchises stopping the imports and exports into Russia.”

As the noose tightens around Russia from Western countries with regard to trade sanctions for their invasion of the Ukraine, a lot of commodities such as fuel, wheat, crude oil and flour, are not making it to other countries.

Mr Hall said: “We haven’t really felt it yet because it is like a tidal wave or like a tsunami, because right now there is a lot of withdrawal and then when the wave comes back then you will start feeling it.

“The wave is probably going to hit us around

SEE PAGE 20