05132025 BUSINESS

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

THE Government has abandoned its bid to obtain $11.636m in VAT on the $128m sale of two cruise ships after the same tax claim was also dismissed by the Supreme Court.

The rejection of what would have been one of the single-largest VAT generating transactions seen in The Bahamas is detailed in a May 6, 2025, ruling by Justice Simone Fitzcharles that orders the VAT comptroller and Attorney General to pay $37,298 to cover costs incurred by the Bahamian law firm representing the secured lender for both Crystal Cruises vessels.

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

THE Bahamas could more than double its average economic growth rate to “well over 5 percent” if it gave residential construction “the attention it deserves”, a leading contractor argued yesterday. Leonard Sands, the Bahamian Contractors Association (BCA) president, speaking out after the industry was identified as one of the key drivers of 2024’s 3.4 percent gross domestic product (GDP) expansion, warned persons to be careful how they

interpret this data as not all contractors were feeling the benefits. Construction output was said to have expanded by $146m, or 19 percent, in 2024. Asserting that there is “declining work” for smaller contractors in the Bahamian residential housing market, due to inflation, rising construction costs and challenges clients have in obtaining financing, he called on policymakers to break the “stranglehold” that banks have imposed on lending as the process has now become “so arduous and sometimes onerous”.

That firm, Alexiou, Knowles & Company, had urged the Supreme Court to order costs against the Government “on an indemnity basis” due to the latter’s conduct during the legal proceedings. In particular, it claimed that the authorities had sought to “stifle” the bid by DNB Bank, its client with mortgage security on both cruise ships, to object to and appeal the VAT demand to the Tax Appeal Commission.

The $128m vessel sale proceeds were held in escrow at CIBC Caribbean (Bahamas). Alexiou, Knowles & Company alleged that the Admiralty Marshall and Terry North, one of its attorneys and partner, who acted as joint signatories on the escrow account were on October 3, 2023, prevented

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

A FREEPORT resort operator yesterday asserted that a revamped Grand Lucayan needs to “be the driver of the destination”, adding: “It is high time to put us back on track.”

Magnus Alnebeck, Pelican Bay’s general manager, told Tribune Business ahead of Thursday’s Grand Lucayan Heads of Agreement signing that “there is nothing else in the pipeline” for re-establishing Freeport as a tourism destination and providing thousands of extra hotel rooms needed to attract airlift and critical visitor mass.

Speaking after Thursday’s signing between the Government and Concord

from conducting “personal banking transactions” at CIBC after the bank was served with a notice from the VAT comptroller.

This would have meant a high-ranking government employee’s personal banking business was temporarily disrupted by his own employer with given that the Admiralty Marshall was acting Port Department controller, Senior Commander Berne Wright. As Admiralty Marshall, his duty as a Supreme

Wilshire, the $10bn Miamibased developer that is acquiring the Grand Lucayan, was confirmed, he acknowledged that Freeport has moved from a “functioning destination” to “a semi-functioning destination” with sharplyreduced room inventory capacity in the eight-and-ahalf years since Hurricane Matthew struck.

This newspaper was told that last week that Concord Wilshire has teamed with multiple development

Bahamas ‘wellplaced trade hub’ amid Trump’s tariff war

By FAY SIMMONS Tribune Business Reporter jsimmons@tribunemedia.net

THE UK is working to cement “better, stronger ties” with Commonwealth countries including The Bahamas following the Trump administration’s tariff imposition on all trading partners, a senior official said.

Lord Marland, chairman of the Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council, told Tribune Business during a visit to The Bahamas ahead of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) next year that although the UK has been “very slow” to cement trade deals following its exit from the European Union (EU) the changing geopolitical landscape has presented an opportunity.

“I think the UK government has been very slow to take the

and operating partners to transform the Grand Lucayan site into a sixresort property akin to Atlantis and Baha Mar, and Mr Alnebeck agreed that Freeport’s revival requires something similar albeit differentiated from the two mega New Providence resort destinations.

Court officer was to take possession of the Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity and secure them until their sale.

Alexiou, Knowles and Company alleged that the banking disruption was “an attempt... to exert pressure on the parties” to release the claimed VAT to the Department of Inland Revenue.

However, Justice Fitzcharles argued that “the evidence falls short of fully supporting

Emphasising that hotel rooms, airlift and an airport that can “cope” with this demand are critical ingredients for a tourist destination to flourish, he also suggested that the Grand Lucayan deal signing will spark the longawaited Grand Bahama International Airport redevelopment as Concord Wilshire and its partners are unlikely to proceed with their investment in

opportunity of, after Brexit, setting up trade deals,” he acknowledged.

“And I think the decision by America to put tariffs on the UK has made it realise that, actually, it needs to cement ties - better, stronger ties - with some of the countries it’s neglected over the years.

“And a number of those are Commonwealth countries. The UK has got a big, big role to play, and hasn’t really been playing that role for a while, but now it has an opportunity to do so.”

Lord Marland said The Bahamas is well-positioned, and has the

‘Opportunity if we act on normalised dysfunction’

By ANNELIA NIXON Tribune Business Reporter

NOT all Bahamian businesses were yesterday said to have felt the 3.4 percent expansion in the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) for 2024 as measured by the National Statistical Institute.

Kendrick Delaney, owner of The New Duff, said his business did not see much growth and blamed it on inefficiencies related to the ease of doing business. “While national growth of 3.4 percent is promising, The New Duff did not experience that same momentum in 2023-2024,” he revealed.

“After years of exceptional gains, our growth plateaued; not due to demand, but due to inefficiencies in how we do business in The Bahamas. We don’t have a talent problem. We have a system problem. There are skilled Bahamians and hard-working migrant workers ready to deliver.

CRYSTAL CRUISE SERENITY

MAGNUS ALNEBECK

DILLON KNOWLES

Aman to brand 500-job, $260m Exuma project

A BOUTIQUE high-end resort label has agreed to brand and partner with a $260m Exuma cays development that was approved more than nine years ago under the last Christie administration.

Aman Group, in a statement, revealed that its first Bahamas property, Amancaya, will be developed across two Exuma cays. It will feature a 36-pavilion Aman hotel and limited collection of fully-serviced Aman Residences, plus a marina, beach club and spa.

While the two cays were not identified, they are almost certainly Children’s Bay Cay and Williams Cay, situated near Barraterre off north Great Exuma. This is because Aman named Dona Bertarelli, the Swiss investor and philanthropist, who signed a Heads of Agreement with the Government for a resort development in that same location in January 2016, as its partner in the project.

Chester Cooper, deputy prime minister and minster of tourism, investments and aviation, who is also Exuma’s MP, said in a statement that the Amancaya project will create 300 permanent, full-time jobs once operations begin plus 200 construction posts.

“This $260m project reflects strong investor confidence in The Bahamas as a jurisdiction for highquality, strategically aligned development,” the Ministry of Tourism, Investments and Aviation said.

“Spanning two private cays, Amancaya brings

one of the world’s most respected luxury hospitality brands to The Bahamas. The project is expected to create over 500 jobs - 200 during construction and 300 permanent positions - while supporting local entrepreneurs, expanding training opportunities and driving long-term economic activity in Exuma.”

Mr Cooper added:

“Aman’s entry into The Bahamas reflects the strength of our tourism sector as a premier luxury destination and the growing demand for eco-friendly sustainable development. Aman’s ultra-luxury lifestyle brand is a good fit for Exuma, and we look forward to the groundbreaking of this investment that will deliver meaningful, measurable long-term impact.”

Vlad Doronin, Aman Group’s chairman and chief executive, said: “The introduction of Aman into The Bahamas is a significant milestone for our brand, which has already achieved much success in the Caribbean. As one of the most coveted locations in the destination, Aman guests have long requested our presence there.

“Through our collaboration with Dona Bertarelli, we have found an unrivalled setting for exclusivity and natural beauty, and I’m delighted to introduce the Aman lifestyle - from unparalleled service, privacy and transformative experiences - to The Bahamas.”

Ms Bertarelli added:

“Aman is a purpose-driven company globally renowned for its timeless elegance and bespoke experiences. I’m delighted to have found a partner to thoughtfully bring this vision to life in an exceptional location.

“Guests of Amancaya will be able to enjoy the same sense of discovery and personal connection with the local community and culture that I have been able to experience in Exuma, all while immersed in its unmatched natural beauty. I made a long-term commitment to bring this project to life, creating a sanctuary that will seamlessly become part of the fabric of life in Exuma, offering an experience unlike any other.”

Aman said its Exuma cays resort is currently under construction with the involvement of Squircle Capital, and will be its third property in the Caribbean. Aman currently owns, brands and operates 35 hotels, resorts, branded residences and private clubs in more than 20 destinations, 15 of which are within or close to UNESCO Heritage Sites.

The Amancaya’s full-time and construction job numbers match those detailed in an Environmental Management Plan (EMP) for the project that emerged in 2023 for “a luxury hotel and residential community located” on Children’s Bay Cay and Williams Cay.

The ENP said: “The project will be a low-rise, low-density luxury resort

and residential community that will consist of 42 hotel keys and 55 private estate lots. Private estate lots will be at least two acres each across Children’s Bay Cay and Williams Cay.

“Amenities will include restaurants, a 55-slip marina, private docking facilities, a seaplane dock, a guest arrival pavilion, nature trails, spa and treatment facilities, sports recreation facilities, beach clubs, youth clubs, event areas and helipads for Medevac (medical evacuation).

“Each island will have back-of-house operations, including a reverse osmosis facility, power generation, a wastewater treatment facility and waste storage/ recycling. Back-of-house operations, such as a solar panel installation, an agricultural area for local food production and staff housing will be situated on Madam Daus Cay.” Madam Daus Cay is connected to Barraterre and Great Exuma by the Queen’s Highway.

“Children’s Bay Cay is approximately 161 acres, Williams Cay is approximately 189 acres and Madam Daus Cay is comprised of 435 acres with development to occur on 125 acres,” the EMP said.

“Children’s Bay Cay and Williams Cay are located at the southern end of the Exuma island chain, east of the Great Bahama Bank and adjacent to the Exuma Sound. Madam Daus Cay is at the northern end of Great Exuma and is bound

JIMMY’S UNVEILS NASSAU BEVERAGES TRADE SHOW

JIMMY’S Wines & Spir-

its is preparing to host its first annual beer, wine and spirits trade show this Thursday at Sapodilla Estate in New Providence.

The event, which began last year to welcome new wines to its portfolio, has expanded to the company’s full range of offerings for industry professionals as well as providing the public with a chance to come out and enjoy a ‘taste’ of the showcase.

The trade show, which is invitation only, will run from 10am to 2pm for Jimmy’s on-trade and off-trade business clients, with the public Taste event starting at 6pm to 9pm. This is a ticketed grand tasting.

“Our trade show is designed with our valued on-trade and off-trade partners in mind,” said Gary Sands, general manager at Jimmy’s Wines & Spirits.

“It’s a focused opportunity to explore new products and learn directly from

by Jones Creek to the north and Smiths Creek to the south.”

Children’s Bay Cay was to feature 30 guest villas, containing a total 42 room keys via having one or two bedrooms, plus 22 single family lots of two-plus acres each. A 55-slip marina able to accommodate boats ranging in size from 20 feet to 125 feet was to be developed, with amenities including a beach club, restaurants, spa, tennis/fitness centre and water sports/ dive centre.

“The proposed marina at Children’s Bay Cay will entail a newly-dredged entrance channel to the south to better accommodate vessel approaches from the south and east.

This marina entrance was captured in the 2017 Children’s Bay Cay EIA,” the EMP said.

“The marina has been designed to accommodate approximately 55 slips for vessels ranging from 125 feet to 30 feet in length.

Additionally, an entrance jetty will be placed along the seabed for protection and coastal stability.... The marina entrance will require dredging nearshore to reach deep water suitable for anticipated vessels. Total estimated dredge volume over the seabed is 28,000 cubic yards.”

Providing further details on the marina, the EMP added: “The development is considering the placement of moorings to the southwest of the marina entrance to accommodate additional vessels..... All residential

docks will be designed and built by the developer. It is anticipated that residential docks will be sited accordingly to avoid dredging with shallow draft vessels only. Typical residential docks will be 35 feet by 10 feet with a select few extending to 60 feet offshore.

“The Resident’s Club dock will rest parallel to the shoreline extending 455 feet to reach adequate water depth without dredging. There will be limited access to the Resident’s Club dock during low tide.” Williams Cay, meanwhile, is projected to feature 33 single family homes together with a 16-slip marina and 18 residential docks.

Planned amenities include a yoga pavilion, sports and recreational activities, gym and events lawn. “Williams Cay will have two external marinas: A guest arrival dock and service dock functioning as a back-of-house marina,” the EMP added. “Access to the service dock will require dredging...; dredge volume is estimated at 4,500 cubic yards. No dredging is required for the guest arrival dock which has sufficient existing depth.

“All residential docks will be designed and built by the developer. It is anticipated that residential docks will be sited accordingly to avoid dredging with shallow draft vessels only. Typical residential docks will be 35 feet by 10 feet with a select few extending to 60 feet offshore.”

international brand experts who will also attend the event.”

Attendees can expect to interact with international brand representatives, as well as explore more than 100 beer, wine and spirit offerings from global suppliers. Sampling stations, printed tasting guides and product showcases will help guests navigate the event and learn about top-selling items and trends in the beverage industry.

“We want this event to be valuable for every attendee,” Mr Sands said.

“Whether you’re sourcing for a small bar, liquor store or hotel, our goal is to connect you with the right products and people.”

New products being introduced at the event include Buffalo Trace Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, featured in a custom cocktail called the Buffalo Soldier. The drink blends bourbon with pineapple juice and Gosling’s ginger beer.

“This cocktail really brings out the warmth and character of Buffalo Trace in a tropical-forward format that Bahamian palates will love,” said Windira Brooks, brand manager at Jimmy’s Wines & Spirits. “We’re

also excited to present a new offering - Edinburgh Gin - served up in a crisp and refreshing signature cocktail we know will make waves at the show.”

A public tasting event was included in the evening so that Jimmy’s Wines & Spirits retail customers could discover the full portfolio as well. “We want to celebrate our vast selection of premium beers, wines and spirits alongside our incredible industry partners,” explained Mr Sands. “Taste! gives everyone an opportunity to sip, savour and explore whether you’re a connoisseur, collector or just someone looking for a fun evening out.”

Guests will receive a tasting guide and a glass upon entry for sampling, as well as welcome gifts from Jimmy’s Wines & Spirits and chances to take away branded merchandise. Tickets for Taste! can be purchased at Jimmy’s Wines & Spirits retail locations in Nassau, including East Bay Street, Cable Beach, Carmichael Road, Airport Industrial Park, and Lyford Cay. Electronic tickets to attend are also available online by visiting: www. TicketBox.com

WITH the anticipated success of the day-time trade show, a public tasting event was included in the evening so that Jimmy’s Wines & Spirits retail customers can discover its full portfolio as well.

JIMMY’S TRADE SHOW, which is invitation only, will run from 10am to 2pm for Jimmy’s on-trade and off-trade business clients, with the public Taste! event starting at 6pm to 9pm, which is a ticketed grand tasting event for $75 per person.

JIMMY’s Wines & Spirits is preparing to host its first annual beer, wine and spirits trade show on Thursday, May 15, 2025, at Sapodilla Estate in New Providence.127: With the anticipated success of the day-time trade show, a public tasting event was included in the evening so that Jimmy’s Wines & Spirits retail customers can discover its full portfolio as well.

BAD ROADS AID AUTO REPAIR SHOP DEMAND

By FAY SIMMONS Tribune Business Reporter

A VEHICLE repair shop owner yesterday said he was not surprised vehicle repairs were a main driver of last year’s 3.4 percent economic growth increase due to a steady increase in business.

Kem, owner of Easy Way Out auto repair, told Tribune Business that the volume of customers can be “overwhelming” for mechanics in The Bahamas despite the sector’s growth. “I’m not surprised because every year the numbers are increasing.

This year we’ve been seeing a lot of people come in as well. It’s a good thing, but it can get overwhelming, and sometimes we have to turn people away because we just don’t have any space or time to work on their vehicles,” he said.

He explained that the increase in car repairs is due to the quality of vehicles being produced and the state of the roads, which can force drivers to shell out hefty repair costs.

“We’ve been seeing a number of problems from issues under the hood, engine problems, radiators, oil leaks. Sometimes it’s the compressor so the A.C. isn’t cooling. It’s a number

of things, and I think it’s because they aren’t building these cars to last these days. They have a lot of issues, and the state of the roads also causes a lot of car problems with people dropping into pot holes and such,” Kem added.

Mr Pickstock, owner of Omak Enterprises, said the number of customers his business sees fluctuates mainly due to the rising cost of parts. He explained that the cost of many items, including car parts and tires, have increased due to inflation and many consumers are not prepared for the cost of repairs.

“Things have been up and down, but sometimes

people don’t want to pay.

The cost of everything has gone up, including car parts and tires, so sometimes people aren’t prepared to pay for it,” said Mr Pickstock.

In unveiling the advanced gross domestic product (GDP) estimates for 2024, the Bahamas National Statistical Institute (BNSI) reported a 3.7 percent increase in economic output in nominal terms, and a 3.4 percent rise in real terms, compared to 2023. The latter measurement strips out the impact of inflation.

Terah Newbold, the BNSI’s national accounts supervisor, said the wholesale and retail trade, motor

vehicle repairs and construction were responsible for the “lion’s share” of real growth. The value added to the economy through the production of goods and services was estimated at $14.1bn.

“According to the 2024 annual estimates, economic activity in The Bahamas increased by 3.7 percent in nominal terms and by 3.4 percent in real terms when compared to 2023. This real growth was evident in a number of industries, led by wholesale and retail trade, motor vehicle repair and the construction industries, which were responsible for the lion’s share,” said Ms Newbold.

“In 2024, the value added created through the production of goods and services in the Bahamian economy was estimated at $15.8bn in nominal prices and $14.1bn in real prices.”

Giving a breakdown of the increase in growth across top industries, Ms Newbold said the wholesale and retail trade and motor vehicle repairs increased by 15 percent, construction increased by 19 percent, information and communication increased by 20 percent and electricity and gas, water supply and sewerage increased by 10 percent compared to 2023.

Small Business Centre to expand disability advocacy

By ANNELIA NIXON Tribune Business Reporter anixon@tribunemedia.net

THE Small Business Development Centre (SBDC) is looking to target a second group of entrepreneurs with disabilities following yesterday’s certificate-issuance ceremony. Samantha Rolle, SBDC executive director, said the agency is seeking to host a second group of disabled entrepreneurs by year’s end following the first-ever Entrepreneurs with Disabilities certificate awards yesterday.

“There are a number of differences. So SBDC provides support to small businesses through whether it’s funding, it’s capacity building, it’s networking and mentorship,” Ms Rolle said. “So we have all of those elements involved in the entrepreneurs with disabilities.

“The most prominent difference would be the level of advocacy that was incorporated in this programme and, most importantly, it has a focus on a vulnerable group that, most times, are just often overlooked. And so we wanted to make sure that we provide the support to this community as we would provide support to any other group of entrepreneurs.

“I think the greatest message we want to get out there is that it is possible. I think there are a number of persons in the community who are discouraged, rightfully so, who have been perhaps dismissed. And I think that this programme, what we’ve achieved today, what we will be continuing to do through our Unstoppable Campaign, which is highlighting entrepreneurs with disabilities who have existing businesses and thriving, is that it is possible,” Ms Rolle added.

“And so through the SBDC, the Ministry of Social Services, as well as the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture, I believe that was the greatest message, and we want to make sure that we provide the support that is absolutely needed for inclusivity.”

Ms Rolle said the initiative had to depend heavily on the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities to properly accommodate the entrepreneurs who took part in the initiative.

“That was definitely a learning experience, even for the SBDC, and we leaned heavily on the commission, the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities, to inform us, the mentors who are of the community to inform us,” she added.

“And so we made several adjustments to ensure that we could cater to that community and their needs. And there were different needs, different areas, and so using that support and information, we were able to do it.

“So [we had] a number of the participants - the range is anywhere from hearing, neuro deficiencies - we had anywhere that has to do with physical and immobility, we had visually impaired. And so the range varied, and again, through the support of the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities, we were able to support across those varying differently-abled persons.

Nalini Bethel, chairperson of the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities, added: “We ensured that those who are visually impaired could use technology like text to speech, and then there was also the sign language interpreter for those who were hearing impaired. Neuro-diverse persons had the opportunity to have some extra time with mentors and that kind of stuff.

That’s how we did it.”

While Ms Rolle said the SBDC is still in the adjudication phase of the programme, it was revealed in December 2024 during the initiative’s launch that the SBDC would offer up to $10,000 in grant funding for the development of participants’ businesses. The grant application opened in February. Ms Rolle said the training was a milestone that was important to celebrate, hence the certificate ceremony.

N O T I C E

IN THE ESTATE OF SHARON ANGELA BOWE FERNANDER late of #29 Kiki Street, of Farrington Road, in the Western District of the Island of New Providence, one of the Islands of the Commonwealth of Te Bahamas, deceased.

NOTICE is hereby given that all persons having any claim or demand against the above Estate are required to send the same duly certifed in writing to the Undersigned on or before 12 July 2025, afer which date the Administrator will proceed to distribute the assets having regard only to the claims of which he shall then have had notice.

AND NOTICE is hereby also given that all persons indebted to the said Estate are requested to make full settlement on or before the date hereinbefore mentioned.

SCENES from the first-ever Small Business Development Centre (SBDC) Entrepreneurs with Disabilities certificate awards.

Gov’t abandons $12m VAT bid on $128m cruise ships

FROM PAGE B1

such a conclusion” and she declined to award the law firm costs on an indemnity basis even though the VAT case was “apparently weak” and misguided.

For her fellow judge, Justice Petra Hanna-Adderley, in a February 9, 2024, verdict reaffirmed that VAT is not “chargeable on Judicial sales”. This means the tax cannot be applied to, and levied on, the proceeds from court-ordered sales and auctions such as the disposal of the two cruise ships. Thus the Government has no claim to $11.636m on the transaction.

The Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity fetched $25m and $103m, respectively, when sold under Supreme Court orders dated March 24, 2022. It was almost seven months before the Attorney General’s Office, on October 20, 2022, served the Admiralty Marshall with the $11.636m VAT demand.

DNB Bank, as secured lender, along with other creditors and the ships’ purchasers, swiftly filed an objection to the tax assessment given that it threatened to significantly reduce their recovery. The Supreme Court then ordered that the claimed tax liability initially be held in escrow pending its determination of whether

VAT was due on the ships’ sale or not. The court then ruled that no party could claim against the $128m sales proceeds unless it had been adjudged a creditor, and only DNB Bank had such status. This prompted the VAT comptroller to intervene when the bank sought Supreme Court permission to pay the Admiralty Marshall’s expenses from the proceeds - but not the VAT.

And, after receiving no response to their November 15, 2022, objection to the VAT assessment, DNB Bank and its fellow creditors moves to dispute the Government’s claim with an appeal to the Tax Appeal Commission. The VAT comptroller retaliated by seeking to strike-out the appeal on the basis that only the Admiralty Marshall could initiate these proceedings, but the application has yet to be heard.

“A disgruntled DNB Bank described its tax appeal as sitting ‘in limbo’,” Justice Fitzcharles wrote.

The Attorney General then filed claims against the Admiralty Marshall and Alexiou, Knowles and Company on November 6, 2023, after the Supreme Court urged it to file separate actions of its own to prosecute the VAT comptroller’s tax claim on the Department of Inland Revenue’s behalf.

“Subsequently, in a February 9, 2024, ruling, Justice Hanna-Adderley ordered that the funds previously reserved for the VAT comptroller’s VAT claim be released from the joint account held in the names of the Admiralty Marshall and the firm [Alexiou, Knowles & Company], and paid to DNB Bank,” Justice Fitzcharles wrote.

“Justice Hanna-Adderley confirmed in her ruling, having considered the evidence and the law, that she was persuaded by ‘the overwhelming arguments and authorities that VAT is not a marshall’s expense nor is it chargeable on Judicial Sales’.”

The judge, in that ruling, found there was no law or precedent in The Bahamas or internationally in maritime law where a Marshall’s expenses of judicial sales proceeds are subject to VAT. She ordered that the $2.272m and $9.264m, being held from the sale of the Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity, respectively, be released as there was “no justification for withholding those sums” from DNB Bank.

And Justice HannaAdderley also found that the Department of Inland Revenue had “dragged its feet” over both the Tax Appeal Commission hearing and filing its Supreme Court actions.

Alexiou, Knowles & Company had viewed the Government’s claim as failing to disclose any prospects of success, and as “frivolous, vexatious, scandalous and/ or an abuse of the process of the court”. The Attorney General and VAT comptroller ultimately applied to withdraw the action in its entirety, and permission to discontinue was given on September 9, 2024.

Then the Bahamian law firm, in its bid to obtain indemnity costs, argued that the Government’s VAT demand had been “woefully misguided and an utter waste of judicial resources” given that its case was based on the cruise ships’ sale being a ‘taxable supply of goods’ and thus subject to VAT. This was the argument rejected by Justice Hanna-Adderley.

And, besides threatening CIBC with “penalties” if the funds set aside to cover the now-rejected VAT claim were not handed over, Alexiou, Knowles & Company alleged that both the Admiralty Marshall and Mr North “could not make personal banking transactions at CIBC due to the bank being served with a notice from the VAT comptroller”.

The law firm’s inquiries with the Attorney General’s Office provoked no response, and it added: “This was an attempt by the VAT comptroller to

GRAND LUCAYAN DEAL HAS TO BE ‘DESTINATION DRIVER’

FROM PAGE B1

the absence of progress guarantees.

“It needs to be the driver of the destination,” Mr Alnebeck said of a revived Grand Lucayan. “There is nothing else in the pipeline that is ready to put us on the road to get us back to what we once were. They need to be the driver of the destination. That does not happen overnight, but it’s great that we’re finally on the road to start it.

“It’s going to be interesting to hear what they actually announce. I don’t know the details of it, but I’m obviously positive something is happening. It’s been almost nine years more or less since Matthew. It is high time to put us back on track.

“We don’t have the room inventory, we don’t have the critical mass to attract airlift. That’s what we need. Now, of course, everything like this takes a bit of time to get it revamped, to get it renovated, to get it rebuilt. I’m not privy to the plans

they have. We’ll see exactly what they’re going to announce.”

The Pelican Bay chief, evoking comparisons with what the now-closed Sandals Emerald Bay resort did for Exuma, said: “We need something that has enough appeal for the consumer and something to market us. Look at Sandals. Even though it’s closed it started the engine in Exuma.

“That has still got the airlift, and it got the small hotels and Airbnb market to take-off. We need something like that to start the engine.” Mr Alnebeck said that “as soon as there is some movement happening”, and construction work actually begins at the Grand Lucayan, it will raise optimism and confidence among all Freeport residents and businesses.

He added that it was vital Concord Wilshire and its partners “give us critical mass so we can attract airlift again”. The Pelican Bay chief described this as the first, and most important step, in Freeport and Grand

Bahama’s revival than the much-touted, but not seen, $200m airport revamp.

“It’s three things - open rooms, airlift and an airport that can cope with it,” Mr Alnebeck said. “Without these three things, it’s difficult. You can obviously get by with a temporary structure for the airport, which we have been doing for years, but obviously I’d like to see us getting a functioning airport, and the ultimate goal must be to get US preclearance back.

“Without knowing the intent of the Heads of Agreement, I would presume an investor like this would have figured this one out [the airport] a long time ago. I’m sure there’s not only been conversations with the Government but an agreement on what needs to happen. If the whole thing is going to work, the airport will have to happen.

“We have gone from a functioning destination with thousands of open rooms to a semi-functioning destination. I think this is vital to put the economy back into

exert pressure on the parties to release the funds to the claimants on the alleged basis that they are entitled to the same under the VAT legislation.” Alexiou, Knowles & Company sought a costs award of $61,342 plus disbursements of $990.

However, the Government defendants countered that if anyone acted “egregiously” in the case it was the law firm - not themselves. They alleged that despite being aware of the VAT Comptroller’s claim, Alexiou, Knowles & Company allowed a February 9, 2024, hearing to take place which “depleted the proceeds of the sale”.

And, using the law firm’s own language against it, they accused it of acting “in furtherance of an ulterior commercial purpose” while asserting that the VAT comptroller has a duty “to recoup VAT monies for the people of this great Commonwealth”. As a result, the Government defendants’ conduct was “in no way egregious, contumacious or unreasonable”.

Justice Fitzcharles rejected the Government’s argument that Alexiou, Knowles & Company had acted “in furtherance of an ulterior commercial purpose”, as it was aware of the February 9, 2024, hearing and DNB Bank’s objection to its $11.636m VAT demand. And she

airport and infrastructure, visitors do not travel to tourist destinations for these reasons.

Freeport and with all the other things happening in the industrial sector and the Shipyard, we need the hotel rooms. If this works, then it’s going to be the start of the solution.”

Dillon Knowles, the Grand Bahama Chamber of Commerce’s president, told Tribune Business he is optimistic that Concord Wilshire and its partners are planning to develop a “destination product” at the Grand Lucayan - which is what Freeport needs - rather than simply “revamp” the existing property.

He argued that Grand Bahama’s tourism product has withered because it failed to develop an alternative attraction, or reason to come, once the gaming industry that the sector was founded on in the 1960s and 1970s started to decline as Florida opened casino gaming.

“My perspective is that Grand Bahama has kind of suffered from not having created a replacement to gaming,” Mr Knowles said, recalling how the industry developed following the imposition of the US embargo on Cuba in the early 1960s. “Everything we did from a tourism perspective revolve around gaming, whether it was the night life associated with it or the golf and day life associated with it.”

The explosion of casino gaming in Florida “signalled the slow death of tourism in Grand Bahama”, he added with the 2004 hurricanes of Frances and Jeanne merely accelerating rather than causing the decline. Mr Knowles said that while there has been much talk about Grand Bahama’s

“We haven’t replaced gaming with an attraction or experience since the early 2000s,” the GB Chamber chief said. “What we need in Grand Bahama is a tourist attraction. What we need is for the hotel to step up, the hotel property to step up, and become an attraction and not just a hotel.”

While the cruise lines have “stepped up to fill the void” with their own private destinations, Mr Knowles said an attraction that is also accessible to the public is now required. “While I don’t know the details of what the Prime Minister is going to announce on Thursday, what I’m hoping he announces is a destination product and not just a revamp of the hotel as a standard hotel,” he told this newspaper.

“I tell people all the time that Atlantis is not a hotel. Atlantis is a family-based theme park with a hotel attached to it. The attraction is the theme park, not the hotel-based amenity. We need a destination attraction, something that’s going to drive traffic to Grand Bahama. I’m very hopeful that is what this whole exercise is going to be leading towards otherwise I think it’ll just be another transaction.”

The Grand Lucayan was acquired from Cheung Kong (CK) Property Holdings by the Minnis administration for $65m to head-off the resort’s threatened closure by its former owner.

Efforts to find a private buyer for the resort, including the Royal Caribbean/ ITM Group deal submitted to the former administration and the bid by Electra America Hospitality Group,

found it eventually seemed to accept its claim “was too speculative or thin.... to succeed”.

As for the Government’s alleged tactic “for exerting pressure to coerce” the release of the claimed by VAT by pressuring CIBC, and disrupting Mr North and the Admiralty Marshall’s ability to conduct personal transactions, Justice Fitzcharles said “any deliberate approach” of this nature would have been “heavy-handed and unjustifiable”. However, she added that “the question that remains unanswered” is whether the freezing of their personal transactions was “deliberately engineered” by the Government “to force capitulation”. Instead, Justice Fitzcharles found the freezing appeared to have been carried out by CIBC “based upon its interpretation of the notice” received from the VAT comptroller on September 28, 2023, rather than any instruction from the tax authorities.

And, given the absence of “complete evidence”, the judge said it “falls short of supporting such a conclusion” that “undue commercial pressure” was being applied against the Admiralty Marshall and Alexiou, Knowles & Company. She declined to award costs on an indemnity basis, and instead cut the law firm’s claim by 40 percent.

have thus far failed to secure a purchaser. And, in the meantime, the Bahamian taxpayer has been forced to subsidise the Grand Lucayan’s annual losses to sustain its operations.

The 2024-2025 Budget provides a $17m subsidy for the resort and its immediate holding company, Lucayan Renewal Holdings, which matches the current fiscal year’s allocation. However, the $17m provided for the 2023-2024 Budget year was virtually exhausted at end-March 2024, with some $16.632m having been spent, meaning that Bahamian taxpayers will almost certainly incur cost overruns. And, given that the Government provided Lucayan Renewal Holdings with $17.882m in the 2022-2023 fiscal year, the resort is set to cost taxpayers close to $54m by the time the upcoming fiscal year closes at end-June 2025. Given this subsidy run rate, taxpayer exposure to the Grand Lucayan now likely exceeds $200m with much of this sum unlikely to be recovered via a sale.

Among the projects that Concord Wilshire has been involved with is the development of the Diplomat Golf Resort on Hallandale Beach, Florida, featuring 938 hotel keys and 250 residential condo units in partnership with Greg Norman’s company, which handled the golf course revamp. The entire project involved a $548m revamp. Other Florida resort developments include the Diplomat Resort on Hollywood Beach, featuring 1,000 hotel keys and 200,000 square feet of meeting space, in a $535m investment that also had connections to Atlantis owner, Brookfield.

Give construction ‘attention’ to drive GDP growth to 5%

Mr Sands’ comments came as the Opposition yesterday called on the Bahamas National Statistical Institute to explain what it meant by the $413.8m “statistical discrepancy” that it said seemed to account for much of the 3.4 percent real GDP growth recorded in 2024.

“Obviously, in looking at the growth, it seems to be the majority of the growth is based upon this statistical discrepancy,” Kwasi Thompson, the Opposition’s finance spokesman, told Tribune Business. “We need to understand, and they should be transparent, so everyone understands how they arrived at this amount.”

Nerissa Gibson, the Institute’s acting managing director, did not reply to Tribune Business’ voice mail seeking comment before press time last night. However, the “statistical discrepancy” was equivalent to 3 percent of GDP or most of the growth recorded for 2024.

The 3.4 percent figure was also some 79 percent higher, in percentage terms, than the 1.9 percent GDP growth recorded by the Central Bank in its recent March 2025 economic developments release. And it was also higher than the 3 percent GDP growth

that the Institute recorded for 2023, even though the economy is thought to be slowing back to its long-run growth average after the post-COVID reflation. Other sources, speaking on condition of anonymity, also pointed out that the Institute has significantly revised its GDP output estimates for the four-year period between 2020 and 2023 in this year’s figures compared to what was presented in the 2023 national accounts. For example, GDP for 2023 has risen from $12.831bn to $13.647bn - a jump of more than $800m.

And, while the construction industry’s GDP contribution was said to have increased by $146m or 19 percent year-overyear for 2024, Mr Sands cautioned how the data was interpreted because the figures could be inflated by just a few large projectsespecially those financed by foreign direct investment (FDI) - that many Bahamian contractors do not have a chance to work on.

“There’s a lot of activity, but it doesn’t mean all the sector is doing incredibly well,” the BCA president told Tribune Business. “We have to be careful how we break the information down. It’s not the entire sector. The activity is good in a macroeconomic sense, but in a micro sense there

is declining contract work available for residential construction because of inflation and the tightness of the bank lending.

“It’s not as good as it seems. While there is activity, it doesn’t mean that activity is affecting everybody.... The data is good but that number is better served in our community if that is 100 percent residential housing. The true impact would be more than quadruple. A dollar turns over ten times in the residential sector because of the hands involved.

“Until we see the robustness that we saw ten years ago in residential housing, not driven by the Government or small patches here and there, we won’t see robust economic growth. If the Ministry of Finance wants to see higher than 1.2 percent growth, put $100m into residential housing. The multiplier effect fully kicks in.”

While “cautiously optimistic” about construction’s future, Mr Sands added: “I don’t understand why we have allowed the commercial banking sector to kind of put a stranglehold on construction financing. I understand they are private companies, but if you look at the market in the US and Canada, where they make construction financing incredibly easy so you’re sparking quick to easy

Bahamas ‘well-placed trade hub’ amid Trump’s tariff war

FROM PAGE B1

capability to both receive and ship goods directly from other Caribbean and Latin American partners, bypassing US ports.

This arrangement could see The Bahamas become a hub for goods exported from Commonwealth countries to the US, UK and others. “I think the Caribbean region imports a lot of produce. It goes via America. And given the strength of your ports and your own structure here, there’s no good reason why it shouldn’t come directly here,” said Lord Marland.

“People might want to sell directly into The Bahamas, who could then export to the States. They buy produce directly from these producing nations, rather than going by America. And, of course, if you look at Commonwealth countries, they are big exporters of produce and direct travel would be a very good thing.”

Lord Marland said The Bahamas also offers a “safe and secure” environment with good tax incentives that are appealing to many wealthy UK residents looking to purchase second homes.

“The Bahamas offers to many of our wealthier citizens a place to come and live in a good tax

environment. It’s safe and secure. Has got a rule of law, good education system. All these things are attractive to people who are being squeezed in a very heavy tax burden in the UK. The Bahamas is incredibly well positioned to take advantage of that,” said Lord Marland.

After his visit to the capital, he will continue to the Cayman Islands, Jamaica and conclude with a visit to Antigua to discuss arrangements for the upcoming CHOGM and the Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council (CWEIC) business forum.

Lord Marland said the business forum will focus on the impact climate change is having on business in small island states, banking and how jurisdictions in the Caribbean can continue serving as low tax economies.

“We’ll be looking at the impact of climate change on business in island states, which suffer from [high] insurance, and how that can be used to support the people of the colonies rebuilding banking relationships because banks have withdrawn from the Caribbean, encouraging them to return,” said Lord Marland.

“Then there will be how the Caribbean can continue to be a safe and secure haven for people who want to come and move from high tax economies to ones with low taxation.

Bermuda, The Bahamas, Cayman Islands, Turks and Caicos, to name but a few, have established themselves as a lower tax economy, good places to live, which could be central points for commerce and trade.”

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turnaround of construction activity.

“Because the process is so arduous and sometimes onerous, there are a lot of persons who decide to buy rather than build and reduce the activity in the sector. We are the second leading industry in our economy, but we don’t give it the attention it deserves.

“If we did that, the GDP growth would be well over 5 percent. We’re tracking around 1.5-2 percent. Every emerging nation where there is a robust construction sector is at 5 percent. We’re playing around with our economy. If we want the economy and GDP to grow, we need to spend money on and encourage construction. We keep on doing things the same way and expecting different results.”

The Institute, in unveiling the advance GDP growth estimates for 2024, said: “According to the 2024 annual estimates, economic activity in the Bahamas increased by 3.7 percent in nominal terms and by 3.4 percent in real terms when compared to 2023.

“This real growth was evident in a number of industries, led by wholesale and retail trade, motor vehicle repair and the construction industries,

which were responsible for the lion’s share. In 2024, the value added created through the production of goods and services in the Bahamian economy was estimated at $15.8bn in nominal prices and $14.1bn in real prices.”

Explaining how the GDP estimates were derived, the Institute added: “The production approach to GDP, which is derived from the gross value added (GVA) by industry, showed an increase in real growth across most industries. The industries indicating the most substantial increases in 2024 were the following.

“Wholesale, retail trade and motor vehicle repairs increased by $206 (15 percent). This increase is mainly connected to the growth in household consumption. Construction increased by $146m (19 percent). This industry increased as capital investment within the country continued to grow as evidenced by a rise in the imports of construction materials.

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“This was led by the building and infrastructure sector, with an increase of $341m (16 percent), followed by machinery and transportation equipment, which grew by approximately $291m (38 percent). Household final consumption expenditure experienced real growth in 2024 of almost $252m (3 percent) when compared to 2023.

“Exports of goods and services increased by $287m (6 percent) in 2024 compared to 2023. This sector includes the contribution to the economy by tourists, which includes both stopover and cruise visitors’ spending and represents the majority of this component.”

“Information and communications increased by $97m (21 percent), as implementation and increased use of digital technology expanded in the Bahamian economy. Electricity and gas, water supply and sewerage increased approximately $64m (18 percent) when compared to 2023. This real growth can be mainly attributed to lower fuel costs in 2024.” The Institute added that the expenditure approach to GDP, which bases its calculation in final consumption, investments, exports and imports, “indicated a real growth in a number of sectors in 2024. Gross fixed capital formation showed an increase in 2024 compared to 2023 of 21 percent.

‘Opportunity if we act on normalised dysfunction’

“But what holds us back are outdated banking practices, sluggish public processes, and a cultural reluctance to demand better. It’s not uncommon to pay over $900 in duties and fees on urgently needed equipment, then wait two weeks for clearance. That’s not progress; it’s friction. But we don’t need to sit in complaint. We need to act.”

Mr Delaney added:

“Here’s what we can do. Automate public incentives and clearances. The Department of Inland Revenue already has our VAT and compliance history.

Our TIN (taxpayer identification number) should act as a passport across agencies, instantly qualifying businesses for Customs exemptions and small business programmes.

“We should reform SME (small and medium-sized enterprise) banking. We need digital payment rails, faster account onboarding and reduced fees for micro businesses. Give SMEs the tools to scale without punishing them with red tape. Invest in cultural exchange for youth. Most Bahamians have never lived abroad. We must send every high school student on a short overseas exchange.

“In 30 years, this will shift our collective mindset and break the belief that ‘this is just how it is’. Innovate education with platforms youth use. Bahamian kids are learning on TikTok;

why not embrace it? A national TikTok curriculum with exciting short-form lessons could spark real engagement. A one-time investment here could transform education for an entire generation,” Mr Delaney added.

“Reframe Immigration. Our economy is powered by foreign-born workers, especially in service sectors. Let’s recognise their contribution and stop the silent prejudice. Immigration is not our enemy; inefficiency is. Raise standards, not excuses. Bahamians must start expecting more - faster service, transparent processes, fair treatment. Whether it’s banks charging ‘maintenance fees’ with no service, or approvals taking six months, we’ve normalised dysfunction.

“At The New Duff, we’ve built a brand rooted in Bahamian pride and global standards. But to grow further, we need a country as forward-thinking as its people. We’re entering the age of AI. If we don’t modernise our systems now; if we don’t make bold policy and cultural shifts, we’ll fall behind while the rest of the world leaps ahead. I believe in this country. I see the talent. I live the frustration. But more than anything, I see the opportunity if we’re willing to act.”

Businesses were also torn over the idea of importing skilled expatriate labour to maintain economic growth if there are no qualified Bahamians trained, willing

NOTICE

NOTICE is hereby given that ESTHER AUGUSTIN of East Street South, 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 13th day of May, 2025 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, Bahamas.

and able to perform the work required.

While Ben Simmons, owner of Little Island Hotels, consisting of the Ocean View Club, The Other Side and The Farm, as well as Ethan Quant, Lifestyles Digital Media Group founder, both agreed they have seen some economic growth through their companies, they also believe inefficiencies in the public and private sectors must be addressed to improve this.

However, Mr Quant said that even with inefficiencies he sees more growth on the horizon. “Well, you know, from my personal experience, banking and government just tends to be quite inefficient at times,” Mr Quant said. “But I do feel that even in their inefficiency, that isn’t any excuse as to why you can’t grow, or why we can’t enjoy economic growth, even with those inefficiencies.

“Because if we did enjoy that 3 percent growth last year, even with those inefficiencies, in my mind, yes, we can enjoy even greater growth with greater efficiency. But I think true growth comes from publicprivate partnerships and having conversations.

“So even like engaging with organisations like Bahamas Chamber of Commerce, that can help you and advocate for you as a business owner. They are things that you can do to even safeguard yourself against those inefficiencies.”

Mr Simmons added:

“I think that the building permit process, as a developer, that can be challenging. I don’t know what goes on in back of house for those departments. I’m sure they’re overwhelmed with the volume of just raw paperwork that needs to be assessed.

“So if there are some efficiencies that are to be gained in that process, as a developer, I would be grateful and hope that they can can move forward. Recently, I did apply for some CEC, certificate of environmental clearance, and that process with DEPP has been really fast. I think that that’s improved considerably over the last sort of five years since its inception.”

Mr Simmons and Mr Quant agree that skilled workers are another factor impacting economic growth, but they do not believe foreign labour is needed in order to see progress.

“It starts with education and we have to invest heavily in education if we want to build that workforce,” Mr Simmons said.

“Because there is a fundamental need to ensure that that the schooling system is not only training our kids for a future, and it’s a rapidly changing future, and in terms of AI and how that’s going to interact with how people engage with our economy.

“I mean, all of that needs to be taken into consideration. But I think, holistically, when we talk

NOTICE is hereby given that

JEAN REMY PIERRE  of Meadow Side, Carmichael Road, Nassau, The Bahamas is applying to the Minister responsible for Nationality and Citizenship, for Registration Naturalization as a citizen of The Bahamas, and that any person who knows any reason why registration/ naturalization should not be granted, should send a written and signed statement of the facts within twenty-eight days from the 6th day of May 2025 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, New Providence, The Bahamas.

about hospitality and that human component, that is a very trainable skill that we can find, and have historically found within The Bahamas without the need of excess imported labour.

“If anything this is why I’m a strong advocate of small. And this is the idea of our business model: That by smaller, simpler businesses, we can engage people on a local level, and that they can learn the skill sets to grow with business and grow to the management level,”

Mr Simmons added. “The Bahamas seems to be very, very excited about larger scale developments, but they always come with an exceeding, increased degree of complexity.

“With that complexity, you end up having to need imported labour. And if you start with a small mindset, that gives greater opportunity, I think, for a local person with limited experience to be engaged. With that, we have to design an economy that meets the local populace’s needs.

Otherwise, what are we doing? Are we building a country for foreigners? Are we building a country for Bahamians?

“And so encouraging business that requires the skill sets that we have here, or at least the potential skill sets, we’re going to create an economy that engages Bahamians in the long-term versus essentially surpassing

or usurping our population with this imported labour. My effort and hope is that we always try to hire from from the local area first, and then move to another island,” he added.

“Maybe that local labour is available from another island. And I think Immigration policy is meant to take that into consideration. But it seems that most of these big Heads of Agreements, they come with a litany of excess work permits that you can get provided that you hire some percentage of Bahamian companies.

“And mostly those big Bahamian companies are also just importing the labour. So it’s really not a true control on encouraging people to hire locally.” Meanwhile, Mr Quant believes companies should position themselves “as a top tier employer.”

“I used to subscribe to that notion that finding qualified, skilled people is so hard,” Mr Quant said.

“But I don’t do that any more, because I realised that, one, if you are attractive as an organisation, you will attract top tier talent.

“And so just one of the ways to do that is to let people know who you are, what you’re doing, and how awesome you are; not just for the industry that you serve, but for the employees or people that you employ.”

NOTICE

NOTICE is hereby given that DANICA DANIEL of Butler Street, Nassau Village, 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 13th day of May, 2025 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, Bahamas.

NOTICE

NOTICE is hereby given that JUNIOR PIERCILUS of #94 Gambier Drive, Freeport, Grand Bahama, The Bahamas, is applying to the Minister responsible for Nationality and Citizenship, for registration/ naturalization as a citizen of The Bahamas, and that any person who knows any reason why registration/naturalization should not be granted, should send a written and signed statement of the facts within twenty-eight days from the 13th day of May, 2025 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, Bahamas.

Incorporated under the International Business Companies Act, 2000 of the Commonwealth of

Caxias

Zanalatto,

Persons

a Claim

before the

of

A.D. 2025 to send their names, addresses and particulars of their debts or claims to the Liquidator of the Company, or in default thereof they may be excluded from the benefit of any distribution made before such claim is proved.

Dated this 8th day of May A.D. 2025. MARCELINO LUIZ MOSENA LIQUIDATOR

JUDGE

New fertility hope for young cancer patients

By ALESHA CADET

Tribune Features Reporter

acadet@tribunemedia.net

FORmany youngwomen facing gynecologic cancer, the possibility ofhaving children inthe futureisoften cutshort by life-saving treatments like hysterectomy orpelvic radiation. But one physicianis changing that narrativethrough a groundbreaking surgicalprocedurethat preservesfertility while stilltreating thedisease. Dr John PDiaz, chief of gynecologic oncology at Baptist Health’s Miami Cancer Instituteand Medical Director of Robotic Surgery at Baptist Health,performed the first uterine transposition surgery for vaginal cancer in the

United States.

The innovative procedure temporarily repositions the uterus andovaries outof the radiation field, allowing patients to undergo necessary treatment withoutpermanentlysacrificing theirability to conceive. “The standardtreatment for most gynecologiccancers isa hysterectomy orpelvic radi-

ation.While thesetreatments are effective, theyhave the side effectof eliminatingthe possibility offuture fertility,” said Dr Diaz.

Dr Diaz shared that the first surgerywasdriven byapatient’s determinationto preserve her chances of motherhood despite acancer diagnosis.

My patient was 32 years old. She wasdiagnosed with vaginalcancer. Thetreatment for that would be radiation therapy,which couldcureher cancer but would eliminate her ability tohave children in the future. It's our patient who demanded thatwe dobetter. We discussed the possibility of movingthe uterusoutside the radiation field so she could receivethe necessary cancer treatmentand thenreturning the uterus to its normalanatomical positionto preserve her fertility, he said.

The procedureinvolves robotic-assisted surgery to move theuterusinto theupperabdomenduring radiation,and then back intoplace afterward. This minimally invasive approach results in less pain, faster recovery, anda quicker start to additional cancer treatment.

We move itinto the upper abdomen, where it will remain during thepatient's radiation therapy. Then, oncethe radiation therapy iscomplete, we moveitback intothepelvis,” Dr Diaz explained.

He said thebenefit is that women have a much quicker recovery. Theyexperience much less pain.And for women who require treatment

Advice for resistant hypertension

If your blood pressure has creptupover theyears,you likelytake oneor moredrugs to help bring it down. But what happens whenmedication isn tenough tocontrol your hypertension?

Although high blood pressureis oftentreatedsuccessfully with medication and lifestyle changes, resistant hypertension is not so easy to address. Kidney medicine and hypertension specialist George Thomas,MD, ClevelandClinic, Ohio,helps unpack this common cardiovascular disease.

High bloodpressure is sometimes known as “the silent killer” — so named becauseit increasestherisk of heart attack and stroke, but oftengoes unnoticedbecause of itslack ofobvious symptoms. Infact, youmay have high bloodpressure andnot even know it.

But resistanthypertension, just asthe name says,is when

your high bloodpressure is difficultto controlevenwith medication.

“Resistant hypertension is thefailureto reachyourgoal blood pressure when you re adhering tomaximally tolerated doses ofan appropriate three-drugregimen thatincludes a diuretic,” explains Dr Thomas.

Put another way: If you have high bloodpressure, and you re takingthe maximum dose of three different blood pressure medications includinga waterpill(diuretic), and your blood pressure still isn t at safelevels, you may have resistant hypertension. And you ll need to do more to control it.

Diagnosing resistanthypertension isn t alwayssimple. Getting a consistently accurate reading is key, and Dr. Thomas says, sometimes that’s tricky. Thereare severalreasons why you might get an inaccurate reading; the blood pres-

surecuffis toosmall,you haven t restedlong enough before checking blood pressure, youexperience “whitecoat hypertension,” or elevated blood pressuredue to anxiety in the doctor s office, you smokeor havecaffeine right before having your blood pressuretakenas thiscanartificially inflate the numbers. If you rule outall of those factors, and yourblood pressure isstill elevated,your may have resistant hypertension.

Inmanycases, it’s a matter

of lifestyle, Dr Thomas says. Medicationcan onlydo so much tocontrol your blood pressure.

If you’re eating a diet that’s high in sodium, smoking, consuming a lot ofalcohol, or are overweight and notexercising,your medicationmay not overcomethose behaviors.

Medications youtake for otherthings cancontributeto the problem.NSAIDS (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, suchas ibuprofen),oral

afterwards, they can start their cancertreatment earlierthan with atraditional openincision.

Although thetechnique remains rarein theUnited States, interestis rapidly growing, includingfrom nearby countries like the Bahamas. Dr Diaznoted that since publicizing the surgery, he has received inquiries from doctorsand patientsaround the world. “It's importantthat we reach out to the community of doctors, many of whom aren't aware that this is an option, as wellas thecommunity ofpatientsso theycan asktheir physicians if they're candidates forthis procedure, he said.

Dr Diaz added: “ We've already performed two of these procedures at our health system. Anywoman who thinks she mightbe a candidate, or anyphysician who thinks their patientmight benefitfrom this,cancertainly reach out.We'd loveto treat more womenand preserve their fertility. ” That outreach has extended to physiciansand patientsvia medical conferences and on social media as well.

Just recently, Dr Diaz hosted a press briefing in the Governors Lounge at the British ColonialHilton in Nassau -to discussthis medicaladvancement andother gynecologic oncologytopics androbotic surgeryinnovations. We ve received a lot of interest. We've also received interestdirectly throughthe hospital. Patients share their

contraceptivesand nasaldecongestants all canboost your bloodpressure, DrThomas says.

Besureto bringallofyour pillbottles, includingoverthe-counter medications or herbalsupplements orvitamins, to your medical appointments, he says. There’salso evidencethat obstructive sleep apnea can contribute to resistant hypertension.Your doctormay order asleep study if thisis a concern. If your doctor rules out lifestylefactors andmedications, they may look for other causes related to hormonesor vascular problems. Dr Thomas offers eight tips for managinghypertension. If you do these things, you’ll know you re doing all you can to help:

l Make sureyou’re taking your hypertension medication correctly and atthe scheduled time.

stories with me tosee if they might be candidates for the procedure in thefuture,” he said.

In a Facebook post, Dr Diaz shared: "Honoured to present atthe MedicalAssociationof The Bahamas. Grateful for the opportunityto speakonthe future of gynecologic surgery, highlighting advancementsin robotic techniques and our groundbreaking work in uterine transposition for vaginal cancer.Proud tocollaborate withpeers dedicatedto innovation and improving women’s healthacross the globe."

For DrDiaz, thisadvancement is aboutmore than surgicalinnovation.It isalsoa call to actionto improve cancer preventionthrough HPV vaccinationand screening,particularly inregionswhere cervicalcancer remains prevalent.

“While I'm opento innovation and coming up with creative strategiesto treat women, the ultimate goal is to eliminate the needfor these measures.

We need to do a better job of educating physicians, parents,and patientsaboutthe benefits of theHPV vaccine and work toeliminate myths and concernsthat maynot be basedon actualrisksassociated with the vaccine. We've had this vaccine for over 10 years. It'svery safe.In areas like Australia, where the HPV vaccinehas beenwidelyadopted, we've seen a decrease in cervical cancer. That's what we need to dohere in the Caribbean and inthe United States as well,” said Dr Diaz.

l If yourmedication is causing unpleasant side effects, talk to your doctor about alternatives don’t just stop taking it.

'Grit' and relentless perseverance can take a toll on brain health

· particularly for people facing social stresses like racism

By Darlingtina Esiaka University of Kentucky

For many people, grit – the perseveranceand passionfor long-term goals – is a virtue. It is also akey ingredient in overcoming challenges, achievingsuccess andmaintaining resilience.

Studieshave linkedgrit with success ingoal attainment, improved psychological well-being and increased life satisfaction.

But despite conventional narrativesequating thistype of psychologicalpersistence with well-being, brain research isbeginning toshow thatmustering gritin theface of adversitymay alsohave some unexpecteddetrimental effects – particularly for communities thatare already under chronic stress.

Asa behavioralscientist studying Alzheimer'sdisease and brain health in black communities, Iuse techniques such as brainactivity monitoring to examinerisk factors and early signs of cognitive decline. Myresearch along withother workisbeginning touncover thatpushing throughcan createa levelof stress thatactually taxesbrain health.

The paradox of grit,

active coping and brain health

Grit has become a central ideain psychology.Researchers have mainly focused onits positivefeatures, describing itas aquality that helps peoplework hard,stay strong during tough times and keep trying evenwhen things are difficult. Activecoping is a similarconcept definedas addressing problemsdirectly and actively seeking solutions. Studies have linked it to lower stress, betterhealth and feeling more in control. Traits such as grit and active coping are strategies used tomanage stress,and they are traditionallyseen as protective factorsfor wellbeing.

Butperseverance mayalso comewith risksthat cancontribute topoor brainhealth outcomes. Considerthe conceptof JohnHenryism, developedby anepidemiologist named Sherman James in the 1970s.

JohnHenryism isacoping strategycharacterized bypersistent, high-effort striving in response tochronic stressors, particularly amongmarginalized groups.It isnamed after thelegendary AfricanAmerican folk heroJohn Henry, who workedhimself todeath

in a contestagainst a steampowereddrill. Inthe folktale, John Henryexemplifies how people mayengage inprolonged, high-effortcoping, oftenatthe expenseoftheir health.James usedthefolklore to symbolizethe relentless effort to overcome structural and systemic barriers. For example, imagine someone in theirearly 40s who works two physically demanding jobs to support their familyand preventhomelessness. Theybelieve relentless effort isthe onlypath tostability, despite experiencing chronic fatigue and pain. Over time, this sustained strain may lead to highblood pressure, stroke and depression – all of whichhave beenlinkedto cognitive decline.

John Henryismhas been linked tonegative healthoutcomes, including increased risksof hypertension,cardiovasculardisease andearly mortality. It has also been linked to the risk of poor brain health.

Perseverance andthe risk of cognitive impairment

My colleagues'and myrecent worksupports theidea that high-effort coping such as grit can contribute to neurocognitive wear and tear. Being constantly under stress can es-

sentially overworkcertain parts of thebrain. This damage canbuild upto make it harder for thebrain to learn new things, remember informationandstay sharpasa person gets older.

In our study published in January2025, weasked158 Black menliving inthe USto participate in an online survey. The survey measured grit by asking how much participants agreed withstatements like"I finishwhatever Ibegin."It also askedparticipants toreport how oftenthey experienced episodesof memory loss and confusion and to rank whetherthese episodeswere becoming more frequent.

Wefound thatmenwith higher levels of grit reported greater cognitivedifficulties such astrouble concentrating, forgetfulness and feeling mentallyfatigued, despitetheir strong motivation to persevere. Whileour study couldn't determinewhether grit causes these difficulties, it raises important questions about whether sustained, higheffortcopingmight comeata cognitive cost over time.

A concept called allostatic load provides one possible explanation forthe linkbetween perseverance andthe cognitive declinewe observedin

ourstudy. Allostaticloadis the wear and tearon the body that builds up over time due to dealing with stress. I believeindividuals who push through adversity against all oddsmay experienceallostatic load more acutely. Their persistent copingcould intensify physiological strain overtime, contributingto earlieronset ofcognitivedecline. Thisexplanation aligns with previous work, which has shown that prolonged exposure to stresscan accelerate cognitive declineand negatively affect memory and executive function.

Facing frequentstressors suchas racism,discrimination, economicchallenges and limited access to health care withintense levelsofperseverance mayencourage people topush throughthese challenges without adequate recovery.That cancause chronic stressthat damages brain health.

Continuously exerting mental and emotional effort without relief may also result in cognitiveoverload anddiminish people'sability tosustain mental resilience. This burden accelerates brain aging and increases the risk of cognitive decline.

Unlike theoccasional stress

l Follow a low-sodium diet (less than 2.3 grams per day).

l Follow the DASHdiet, which includeslots offruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean protein.

l Exercise regularly but talktoyour doctorfirstifit’s beenawhile sinceyouwere physicallyactive. Easinginto an exercise program slowly can be your best bet.

l Limit the amount of processed foods you eat they’reusually highinsodium.

l Limit youralcohol intake.

l Learn to check your blood pressure at home. Ask your doctorto helpyou createa monitoring schedule.Log the results and bring them to your doctor s appointments. Have yourblood pressuremachine checked for accuracyat least once a year.

Managing hypertension isn t always easy,but making thesechanges isworth theeffort. They will go a long way toward reducingyour riskof heart disease and stroke.

of meetinga deadlineor completing adifficult project,this type ofoverexertion ismore like wakingup everyday already exhausted,yet pushing throughmultiple jobs, financialworries and family responsibilities with littlerest orsupport.Over time, this constant mental strain may weardown the brain'sability torecoverand maintain clarity,even when the personappears outwardly resilient.

Rethinking perseverance Researchers are beginning to build a more nuanced understanding ofperseverance thatchallenges theconventional wisdom that it is always beneficial. Thisperspective also redefines the notion of strength inthe faceof adversity. In this more realistic definition, perseverance can include self-careand rest.Knowing when totake abreak orprioritise self-careis apractical strategy formaintaining cognitivehealthin thefaceof challenges.

Also, practicessuch as meditation, deepbreathing and guided relaxation can help regulate stress responses and reduce cognitivestrain. And beyond personal resilience, leaning onsocial supportand meaningful connectionscan be just as crucial for long-term brain health.

l

When doctors don't believe their patients' pain – experts explain the all-too-common experience of medical gaslighting

By Elizabeth Hintz University of Connecticut and Marlene D Berke, Yale University

FOR peoplewith chronic gynecological painconditions, pain can be constant, making everydayactivities like sitting, riding a bicycle and even wearing underwear extremely uncomfortable.For manyofthese people – most of whomidentify aswomen –sexual intercourseand routine pelvic exams are unbearable. Endometriosis and vulvodynia,or chronicgenitalpain, are common gynecological conditionsthat cancause severepain. Theyeachaffect about one inten American women. Yet many women face skepticismand gaslightingin health care settings when they seek care for this type of pain. Weknow thiswellthrough ourresearch onsocialcognition and onhow people with

misunderstood healthconditionsmanage difficultconversationswith theirdoctorsand family, as well as through volunteerwork alongsidepeople living with these conditions. We've consistentlyfound that medical gaslighting around chronic gynecological painis acomplexsocietal problem,fueled byholesin medical research and training. 'It's all in your head' A 2024study ofpatients who went to a clinic for vulvovaginal pain – pain experiencedin theexternalfemale genitals andvagina – found that 45% of these patients had been told thatthey "just needed to relaxmore" and 39%weremade tofeelthat they were "crazy". A staggering55% hadconsidered giving up on seeking care. These results echo what one of us – Elizabeth Hintz –found inher 2023meta-synthesis: Femalepatients with chronic painconditions fre-

quentlyhear this"It's allin yourhead" responsefrom doctors.

Another study followed patients intwo differentmajor US citieswho wereseeking carefor vulvovaginalpain. Theresearchers foundthat mostpatients sawmultiple clinicians but never received a diagnosis. Giventhe challenges of seeking medical care, many patientsturn to social mediasources likeReddit for support and information.

These studies,among others, illustrate how people with theseconditions often spend yearsgoing toclinician after clinician seeking care and being toldtheir pain is psychological or perhaps not even real. Given these experiences,why dopatientskeep seeking care?

"Let me describethe pain that woulddrive me totry so manydifferent doctors,tests and treatments," a patient with vulvovaginal pain said to her

doctor.For her,sex "islike taking yourmost sensitive area and trying to rip it apart."

"Icannow wearanypants or underwear thatI want with nopain," saidanotherpatient after successfultreatment. "I never realisedhow muchof a toll thepain took onmy body every day until it was gone."

Medical gaslighting

Many patientsworldwide experience medicalgaslighting – a social phenomenon where a patient's health concerns are not given appropriate medical evaluation andare insteaddownplayed,misattributed ordismissed outright.

Medical gaslightingis rooted in centuries of gender bias in medicine.

Women's reproductive healthissues havelongbeen dismissed aspsychological or "hysterical." Genitaland pelvic pain especially has beenmisattributed topsychologicalrather thanbiological causes:A centuryago,Freudian psychoanalystsincorrectly believed that female sexual paincame frompsychological complexes like penis envy.

These historicalviews help shed light on why these symptoms arestill nottaken seriously today.

Consequences ofmedical gaslighting

In addition to the physical toll of untreatedpain, medical gaslighting can take a psychological toll. Women may become isolatedwhen other people do not believe their pain. Someinternalize this disbelief andcan beginto doubt their own perceptions of pain and even their sanity.

This cycle of gaslighting compounds the burdenof the painand mightlead tolongterm psychological effects like anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stresssymptoms. For some, the repeated experience ofbeing dismissed byclinicians erodestheir sense of trust in the health care system. They might hesitate to seek medical attentionin the future, fearing theywill once again be dismissed.

Although some chronic gynecological painconditions like endometriosis are gaining public attention and becoming better understood,these dynamics persist.

A funding crisis

Partofthe reasonforthe

misunderstanding surrounding chronicgynecological pain conditions is the lack of research on them. A January 2025report fromthe National Academies found thatresearch ondiseasesdisproportionately affecting women were underfunded compared withdiseases disproportionately affecting men.

Thisproblem hasgotten worse over time. The proportion of fundingfrom the National Institutes of Health spent on women'shealth has actually declined over the past decade. Despitethese known disparities, in April 2025 the Trump administration threatened toend fundingfor the Women's Health Initiative, a long-runningwomen's health research program, further worsening the problem. Without sustained federal funding forwomen's health research, conditionslike endometriosis andvulvodynia will remain poorly understood, leaving clinicians in the dark and patients stranded.

Disparities in care

Ashardasit isforanyfemale patient to have their pain believed andtreated, gaining recognition for chronicpain is even harder for those who face discrimination basedon class or race.

One 2016study foundthat halfof thewhite medicalstudents surveyedendorsed at leastone falsebeliefabout biological differences between Black and white patients, such as that Black people have physically thicker skin or less sensitive nerve endings thanwhite people. The medicalstudents andresidents who endorsed these false beliefsalso underestimated Black patients' pain and offered themless accurate treatment recommendations.

Studiesshow thatwomen aremore likelytodevelop chronic pain conditions and reportmore frequentand severepain thanmen.But women are perceivedas more emotionaland thuslessreliablein describingtheirpain than men. Consequently, female patients who describe the same symptoms as male patientsare judgedto bein less painand are lesslikely to beoffered painrelief, evenin emergencysettings andwith female clinicians.Compared to male patients, female pa-

The difference between physiotherapy and chiropractic

This is a question I get asked frequently so I thought I would address it.

Physiotherapy andchiropractic are both healthcare professions focusedon treating musculoskeletal issues, but theyhave some key differences:

Physiotherapy takesa broader approach to treatment, focusing on improving overall physicalfunction and movement. Physiotherapists work on a wide range of physical problemsassociated with different systems of the body, including neuromuscular, musculoskeletal, cardiovascular and respiratory systems. They usevarious techniques like therapeutic exercise, manual therapy,functional training, and assistive devices.

Chiropractic treatment tends to focus more specificallyon spinalmanipulation andadjustments. Whilechiro-

practors mayalso useother techniques, their primary approachcenters aroundmanual adjustments to thespine and other joints.

Physiotherapists generally haveabroader scopeofpractice and may work in more diverse healthcare settings compared to chiropractors. They are often partof multidisciplinary healthcareteams in hospitals, rehabilitationcenters, andother medicalfacilities. Overall, while there is some overlap inthe conditionsthey treat, physiotherapy tends to take amore comprehensive approach to physical rehabilitation, whilechiropractic focuses more on spinal and joint manipulations.

Physiotherapy andchiropractic are both healthcare professionsfocused onimprovingphysical functionand movement,but theyhavedistinct approaches,philo-

sophies, andscopes ofpractice.

Physiotherapy, also known as physical therapy,is a healthcare professionthat aimsto develop,maintain, andrestore maximummovement andfunctional ability throughout a person's lifespan.

Physiotherapists workwitha widerangeof physical problems associated with different systemsof the body, including neuromuscular, musculoskeletal,cardiovascular, and respiratory systems.

Thepractice ofphysiotherapy is characterised by a holisticapproach topatient care. Physiotherapists use theirknowledge ofthebody's structure andfunction toassess,diagnose, andtreata variety of conditions. Physio-

therapists also focuson prevention and health promotion, workingto helpindividuals maintain their physical health and prevent future injuries or conditions.

Physiotherapists work in diversesettings, includinghospitals,private practiceclinics, community-based rehabilitation centers, outpatient clinics,schools, andworkplaces. They can treat patients across the lifespan, from newbornstothe elderly,andaddress awide rangeof conditions from sportsinjuries to chronic diseases.

The scopeof physiotherapy practice is broad and includes:

1. Musculoskeletal physiotherapy: Treating conditions affecting muscles,bones, and joints.

2. Neurological physiotherapy: Addressing disorders of the nervous system.

3. Cardiorespiratory physiotherapy: Focusing on heart and lung conditions.

4. Pediatric physiotherapy: Treatingchildren withdevelopmental or neuromuscular disorders.

5. Geriatricphysiotherapy: Addressing age-relatedconditions andpromoting healthy aging.

6. Sports physiotherapy: Treating sports-relatedinjuries and improving athletic performance.

7. Women's health physiotherapy: Addressingcondi-

tients are morelikely to be prescribed psychologicalcare instead of pain medicine. These lingering erroneous beliefsabout genderandrace are key reasons patients' pain is dismissed,misunderstood and ignored. Thevery reallife consequencesfor patients include delayed diagnosis, treatment and even death. Practical stepsto disrupt medical gaslighting

Correcting these problems will requirea shiftin clinical training, so as to challenge biased views aboutpain in women and racial minorities and to educate clinicians about commonpain conditions like vulvodynia. Research suggeststhat medical trainingneeds toteachstudents tobetter listento patients' lived experiences and admit when an answer isn't known.

In themeantime, people navigating thehealth care system can take practical stepswhen encounteringdismissive care.

They caneducate themselves aboutchronic gynecological pain conditions by reading bookslike "When Sex Hurts: Understanding and Healing Pelvic Pain" or educational informationfrom trusted sources likethe InternationalSociety fortheStudy of Women's Sexual Health, the InternationalPelvic Pain Society and the International Society forthe Studyof Vulvovaginal Disease.

Although these steps do not address the roots of medical gaslighting,they canempower patients to better understand themedical conditionsthat couldcausetheir symptoms, helpingto counteract the effectsof gaslighting.

Ifsomeone youknowhas experienced medicalgaslighting andwould likesupport, there are resources available.

Organisations likeThe Endometriosis Associationand the NationalVulvodynia Association offer support networks andinformation – like how tofind knowledgeable providers. Additionally,connecting with patient advocacy groups like TightLipped can provideopportunities forpatients to engage in changing the health care system.

l Originally publishedon www.theconversation.com

Chiropractors typically work inprivate practicesettings,although somemay workin largerhealthcarefacilities.They primarilytreat conditions related tothe musculoskeletal system, particularly the spine. Common conditions treated by chiropractors include:

1. Back pain

2. Neck pain

3. Headaches

4. Whiplash

5. Strains and sprains

6. Arthritis

7. Limited rangeof motion in the back,shoulder, neck or limbs

While there is some overlap in theconditions treatedby physiotherapists andchiropractors, there are several key differences:

tions specific towomen, including pelvic floor disorders. Physiotherapists useevidence-based practice, continuallyevaluating andreviewing the evidence that informs their practice and delivery. They often work aspart of multidisciplinary healthcare teams, collaboratingwith otherhealth professionalsto provide comprehensivepatient care. In contrast, chiropractic is a healthcare profession that focuses primarilyon thediagnosis andtreatment ofneuromuscular disorders,with an emphasis on treatment through manualadjustment and/ormanipulation ofthe spine. Chiropractors believe that manyhealth problems can be attributed to misalignments of the spine, which they term "subluxations." The mainfocus ofchiropractic treatmentis onspinal manipulation oradjustment. Chiropractorsuse theirhands or specialinstruments to apply controlled force to joints of thespine or other parts of the body.The goal is to correct structural alignment and improve the body's physical function. While spinal manipulation is thecore of chiropractic treatment,many chiropractors alsouse other therapies suchas heatand ice, electrical stimulation, relaxation techniques,rehabilitative and general exercise, and dietary and lifestyle counseling.

1. Scopeof practice: Physiotherapy hasa broader scope, addressing a wide range of physical conditions across multiplebody systems. Chiropractic focuses more specificallyon themusculoskeletal system,particularly the spine.

2. Treatment approach: Physiotherapistsuse avariety of techniques including exercise, manual therapy, and education. Chiropractors primarily use spinal manipulation and adjustment.

3. Philosophy: Physiotherapy is based on a scientific understanding ofthe body's systems and howthey interact.Chiropractic isbased on the belief that many health problems stemfrom spinal misalignments.

4. Integration withmainstream medicine: Physiotherapyis moreintegrated with mainstreammedical practice, often working alongside doctors and other healthcareprofessionals inhospital settings. Chiropracticis considered a formof complementary and alternative medicine.

5. Educationand training: Whileboth professionsrequire extensiveeducation, the focus of study differs. Physiotherapyeducation coversa broader range of health sciences and treatment techniques, whilechiropractic education focusesmore on spine andjoint educationfocuses more onspine and joint manipulation.

Celebrating mothers

THE Ministry of Housing and Urban Renewal held a PreMother's Day Luncheonto the theme,'Mothers, aSelfless Treasure,' honouring17 women named 'Mother of the Year,' from 17 Urban Renewal Centres. Thecelebration washeldon Thursday at Fox Hill Community Centre.

Minister of Housing and Urban RenewalKeith Bell and AnnMarie Davis ofthe Officeof theSpouseof thePrime Minister addressed all in attendance, stating themany qualities of a mother, congratulating them, and wishing thema Happy Mother's Day. Entertainment was provided byBishop Lawerence Rolle,the UrbanRenewal Dance Academyand theRoyal BahamasPolice ForcePop Band.

Photos: Patrice Johnson/BIS

Thousands of Islamists rally in Bangladesh against proposed changes to women's rights

Thousands ofsupporters of an Islamist group rallied in Bangladesh's capital on Saturday todenounce proposed recommendations forensuringequal rights,including onesrelated toproperty,for mainly Muslim women.

Leaders ofthe Hefazat-eIslam group saidthe proposed legalreforms arecontradictory to theSharia law. More than 20,000 followers of thegroup ralliednearthe Dhaka University,some carrying bannersand placards reading "Say noto Western lawson ourwomen, riseup Bangladesh."

Thegroup threatenedtoorganise rallies on May 23 across the countryif the government didn't meet their demands.

Mamunul Haque, a leader of the group, demanded that the interimgovernment's reforms commissionbe abolished and itsmembers pun-

ished for the proposed changes. He saidthey hurt "the sentiments ofthe majority of thepeople of this country" bylabeling thereligiouslaws ofinheritanceas the main causeof inequality between men and women.

The group's leaders also demanded that the interim government ledby NobelPeace Prize laureateMuhammad punus banthe AwamiLeague party led byformer Prime MinisterSheikh Hasina,who was oustedin August. Hasina's opponents accuse her government ofkilling hundredsof studentsandothers during theuprising thatended her 15-year rule. Hasina has been in exile in India since her ouster.

Islamist groups in Bangladesh haveincreased their visibility since Hasina's ouster,and minoritygroups have complained of being

timidated.

THOUSANDS of activists ofIslamist group Hefazat-e-Islam denounce proposed recommendations for equal rightsfor Muslim women, at a protest rally in Dhaka, Bangladesh, Saturday, May 3, 2025.

in-

(AP Photo/Mahmud Hossain Opu) Mahmud Hossain Opu MINISTER of

UrbanRenewal Keith Bell gives congratulations

BISHOP Lawrence Rolle

MRS. DAVIS sends best wishes

Ruffle some feathers

thehint ofa daintyruffle ata hemline or edge of a sleeve. Eitherway, itjust addsthat touch offun yetglam toa look whether it be day or night.

Thebest waytowear ruffles is to letthat be the standout feature of the outfit. Theeye willautomatically be drawnto wherethe ruffle is,so ifyou hateyour stomach for example, maybe skipa ruffledwaist. Wantto highlight your face try a

ruffledneckline, orifyour arms are your best feature, try a ruffled sleeve. A ruffle blouse is bestpaired with a tailoredskirt orpair ofpants, so thatthere is nottoo much extrafabric weighingdown the look. When wearinga dress,remember that too many big rufflesmay makeyoulook larger thanyou wouldlike. And because ruffles scream dainty, theoverall look should be kept soft.

MARINE FORECAST

Ruffle some feathers

By CARA HUNT Tribune Features Writer cbrennen@tribunemedia.net

SPRINGand Summer2025 issetto beverymindfuland so demure with the most ladylikeprissy detailsgracingall the runawaysand clothing stores.

The season s bestlooks include daintyruffles designed togive botha fabulousfeminine yet high end fashion look. And while we love a bow moment (anotherhuge trend that seems likeit won’t be coming untied any time soon), ruffles deserve their moment in the spotlight as well.

One thing aboutruffles is that they can trulybe worn by women of anyage from the traditional ruffles on the backs of bloomersand swimsuitsof littlegirls, tocrop topsand short shorts forteens and tweens toadult corporate looksblouse orflirtymaxi dresses on women from 20 to 100. You can goas big or as dainty with the ruffles as your comfortlevel andfashion style dictate.Go bigwith layered ruffledskirts or ruffled necklinesfor topsor dresses. Oryou canhave just

SEE PG B11

Serving up elegance, flavour and heart

By ALESHA CADET

Tribune Features Reporter

acadet@tribunemedia.net

DONETTE Dawkinsis proving that a littlefaith, a lot offlavours andthe supportof yourtribe canturn apersonal passion intoa growingbusiness. As thefounder ofthe Bon Appétit Charcuterie Bar, she is bringinga freshtwist tothe Bahamian food scene with beautifullycrafted boardsthat go beyond cheese and crackers; they tell stories, sparkconnection andcelebrate culture.

I vealways believedthat food has a magical way of bringing peopletogether. Growing up, someof my fondestmemories weremade

around tables filled with laughter, love,and homemade meals,” said Donette. A natural host who found joy in curatingfamily gatherings and intimate events, Donette knew she had a gift. But it took the encouragement of her sister in love , Shanique Lightbourne, to turnthat gift into a business. Shanique not only gave me the ideabut pushedme tobelieve thatI could turnmy passion intoa business.She saw the vision evenbefore I fully did, and her unwavering support gaveme thecourage to step out in faith, she said. With thatpush andher own heart full ofpurpose, Donette launchedBon Appétit,amobile charcuterieexperience

that brings creativity and community straight to the table.

“At Bon Appétit, we’re more thanjust beautifullyarranged boards, we’re about crafting experiences. Each boardtells astory: acelebration of flavours,textures, and artistry, said Donette.

What makes her service stand outis the levelof personalisation andthe distinct Bahamian flairwoven into each spread.Whether itis the bright burstof tropicalfruits or the gentleheat of handcrafted pepper jellies, every detail is intentional.

Wemix familiarfavorites witha touchofBahamian soul, presented in a way that feels elegant yet inviting, she said. Plus, with a mobile char-

cuterie bar,Donette is bringing the beauty directly to you, transformingany gathering into something unforgettable.

Like manyentrepreneurs, she facedearly challenges, particularly whenintroducing the concept tothe local market.

“It took patience, education,andstaying truetothe vision,even whenothers didn’t fully understand it yet,” she said.

There were also logistical hurdles, including sourcing ingredients and managing mo-

bile operations, but Donette met them with resilience.

I overcame these by staying flexible,building strong relationshipswith suppliers,and lettingeveryevent be a reflection of my commitment toquality andcare, she said.

Her boards often include ingredients that are distinctly local andpersonal, making each spread a mini celebration of home.

“Bahamian culture isn’t just something we add, it s woven into everything wedo. Our boards area celebrationof

wherewe comefrom,honoring thespirit ofour islands withevery bite, said Donette. To other Bahamian women with a dream, especially in the food andhospitality world, Donette has one message: start.

“Start, even if you’re scared. Dream,even whenthe visionfeels biggerthanyou.

Stay authentic towho you are and what you love. Build relationships,nurture yourcraft, and trustthat yourspace in this world is already waiting for you,” she said.