06022020 BUSINESS, WOMAN AND HEALTH

business@tribunemedia.net

TUESDAY, JUNE 2, 2020

$3.27 Restaurants ‘can’t survive’ with 60% sales devastation

By YOURI KEMP Tribune Business Reporter ykemp@tribunemedia.net RESTAURANTS will simply be unable to survive if the loss of 60 percent of their sales persists amid continuing COVID-19 restrictions, one operator told Tribune Business.

Mario Cash, the Burger King franchise’s operations manager, told this newspaper it was impossible to stay in business indefinitely with just half their normal topline sales volumes.

“We’re all losing money.

How long can any of us survive?” Mr Cash asked.

“As a model, restaurant profit margins are generally between a five percent and a 12 percent margin. In the United State, restaurants at 12 percent is good, and in the Caribbean if you get seven percent you’re good.

“So if you lose 20 percent of your business, you will not even turn a profit; you can’t break-even. So when you lose 50 percent to 60 percent of your sales, your top line revenue, you are definitely running some serious deficits every single month. There is no model for restaurants that can survive on 50 percent, none. It does not exist.”

While fast food franchises have been able to continue offering drive-through services, and others pickup, delivery and curb-side service, patrons are still forbidden by the COVID-19 emergency powers orders to enter such establishments and order/purchase food.

And, while the prime minister permitted fast food restaurants, takeaways and drive-throughs, plus those offering curbside and delivery services, to open from 6am to 7pm yesterday and on the upcoming Labour Day holiday, they have also lost significant sales over the past twoand-a-half months to the weekend lockdowns.

Mr Cash added: “No business can run on 80 percent of their business, so when you lose 60 percent of your business there is no way you can survive. How long can you run $100,000 or $200,000 deficits every single month? You are paying out and you are not taking any single thing in.

For restaurants it’s just not there. It’s tough.”

Mr Cash added that food costs are very high, and the changeover to non-plastic utensils to accommodate the non-reusable plastic ban had already added to overall industry operating costs.

SEE PAGE 5

‘Revisions’ sought to Grand Lucayan deal

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

A

CABINET minister yesterday said “it’s full steam ahead” on the Grand Lucayan’s redevelopment even though the ITM/Royal Caribbean joint venture is seeking “certain proposed revisions” to the deal.

Dionisio D’Aguilar, minister of tourism and aviation, told Tribune Business “there’s nothing significant” other than the duo’s Holistica partnership moving to adjust construction schedules and timetables which he conceded could be pushed back by up to six months due to the fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic.

However, Michael Scott, the Hotel Corporation’s chairman, revealed to this newspaper that Holistica last week suggested several changes to the $300m project involving the Grand Lucayan’s acquisition and redevelopment of Freeport Harbour’s cruise port when it and the government’s representatives met

• Minister: ‘It’s full steam ahead’ • Completion extension is denied • Investors ‘entrenched’ on move

THE GRAND LUCAYAN RESORT

DIONISIO D’AGUILAR

MICHAEL SCOTT

by video conference.

Declining to reveal what the proposed changes are because the matter is now being assessed by

the government, Mr Scott denied that Holistica had sought an extension to the deal’s closing as suggested by several Tribune

AUTO dealers say today’s full sector re-opening was increasingly becoming “a matter of life and death” with as much as “half the industry” in danger of folding had the Government not relaxed COVID-19 restrictions.

Ben Albury, Bahamas Bus and Truck’s general manager, told Tribune Business that the industry’s cash flow/liquidity position was becoming precarious - due to the huge sums of money tied-up in vehicles they have been unable to sell - prior to the prime minister last week moving to Phase three of his economic re-opening.

This allows so-called “non-essential” retail and store-front businesses to open their locations to customers with the necessary health safeguards in place, and multiple dealers

Business sources close to developments.

The attorney, who also chairs the Government-appointed Lucayan Renewal Holdings Board that oversees the resort, added that Holistica and its ITM/Royal Caribbean backers remained “resolute and steadfast” behind the project and their investment despite the cruise industry’s worldwide shutdown since mid-March.

He added that they were “entrenched” in their belief in the project, especially since Freeport’s proximity to Florida’s major cruise ports had only increased its - and The Bahamas - strategic importance to the cruise industry’s revitalisation once the COVID-19 shutdown ends.

“They’ve made certain proposed revisions which the government is considering, and I can’t say any

SEE PAGE 5

Atlantis further delays reopening to June 25

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net ATLANTIS has delayed its phased re-opening until June 25 after informing staff over the holiday weekend that it is “unable to announce a definitive date at this time”.

The Paradise Island mega resort has pushed back plans to re-open the Royal Towers, and associated amenities, by ten days just two weeks after unveiling June 15 as the target date.

Atlantis spokespersons did not respond to Tribune Business messages seeking comment before press time last night, but in updates to guests posted on its website over the holiday weekend, Atlantis conceded that while it is now targeting June 25 this date cannot be set in stone due to ongoing uncertainty over when The Bahamas will open its still-closed borders to international travel.

“Atlantis Paradise Island

• Pushes back target by ten days • Tells staff: ‘No definitive date’ • Minister: ‘We’ll try to help them’

ATLANTIS PARADISE ISLAND resort is temporarily closed from Wednesday, March 25, through Sunday, June 24, 2020,” the mega resort told already-booked guests and potential visitors. “While we don’t have a firm date yet, Atlantis is targeting June 25 for a phased reopening.

The exact date is contingent on critical decisions such as

lifting travel restrictions to and from The Bahamas.”

This was echoed in a May 29, 2020, letter to Atlantis staff which has been obtained

by Tribune Business. “As we continue to navigate the uncharted waters of the COVID-19 pandemic, uncertainty abounds,” the missive, unsigned but on

Auto industry re-opening ‘matter of life and death’

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

$3.28

$3.27

• Dealer: ‘Half sector was close to folding’ • Foresees 30-40% rise in digital business • Others brand 2020 as ‘wipe out’ year

BEN ALBURY - Bahamas Bus and Truck, Nassau Motor Company and Auto Mall - confirmed to this newspaper that they plan to re-open their showrooms and sales offices to clients with effect from today.

“From a cash flow perspective it was a matter of

life and death if we had not returned soon,” Mr Albury said of the full re-opening.

“I still had millions of dollars of orders coming in, but it was difficult to handle that with no money coming in. If this had continued for much longer you would probably have seen half the industry fold.

“I applaud the decision, and think the government will be very pleased to see how our industry holds out.

It’s nice to do parts and service, but I had one [vehicle shipment that came in last week that was worth $500,000. That was not the biggest order you can get; you can have $1m orders.”

With huge sums tied-up in vehicle inventories they have

been unable to sell since the COVID-19 lockdown was imposed in mid-March, and ongoing fixed-cost overheads such as rent, electricity, other utilities and bank loans to cover, auto dealers were facing a tightening cash flow squeeze that had lasted two-and-a-half months until this week’s reopening. Parts and services sales alone were insufficient to cover operating costs.

“In our business, you need an incredible amount of cash to try to move it,” Mr Albury confirmed. “I can’t express from a cash flow perspective how debilitating this was.

“I was fortunate to be in a business where the owners

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Atlantis-headed paper, said.

“When we first closed the resort in March, we were hopeful that we would be able to reopen quickly. However, given the severity of the pandemic, we now know that was not possible. Although we are moving closer to reopening, unfortunately we are not able to announce a definitive date at this time.”

Dr Hubert Minnis previously said the Government was seeking to re-open The Bahamas’ borders to international commercial flights “on or before July 1”, a date which is now less than a month away. His office, as the “Competent Authority” overseeing the COVID-19 emergency powers, yesterday gave the go-ahead for

SEE PAGE 4

$3.23 From 160,000 to near zero at COVID-hit LPIA

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net MAJOR Nassau/Paradise Island resorts suffered a 28 percent room revenue fall for the 2020 first quarter just before COVID-19 unleashed its full fury with only 445 passengers exiting The Bahamas’ major airport during April.

The Central Bank of The Bahamas, unveiling its monthly economic report for April, gave a first insight into the pandemic’s impact on the country’s top industry and foreign exchange earner by revealing that international departures through Lynden Pindling International Airport (LPIA) shrank by almost 100 percent - some 160,000 - after the country’s borders were closed.

“Data provided by the Nassau Airport Development Company (NAD) revealed that during the month of April, total international departures contracted to a mere 445, relative to the prior year’s 18.3 percent growth to 160,275,” the Central Bank said.

“In the previous year, the expansion was broad-based with US and non-US bound departures strengthening by 21.3 percent and by 2.8 percent, respectively. Over the first four months of the year, outward bound traffic reduced by 33 percent, a turnaround from a 21 percent increase in the preceding year.

“By region, the dominant US component fell by 37.9 percent after growing by 23.1 percent last year. In addition, the non-US international component declined by 33.2 percent, overturning the 10.4 percent gain in 2019.”

The sharp drop-off in tourism arrivals and business in March, normally the peak month for industry activity, also dragged down Nassau/PI hotel industry performance for the 2020 first quarter. “Data from The Bahamas Hotel & Tourism Association (BHTA) and the Ministry of Tourism confirmed the deterioration in hotel sector performance,” the Central Bank noted.

“In March, the average hotel occupancy rate declined significantly to 41.8 percent from 86.7 percent in the same period last year. The number of room nights sold contracted by 56.3 percent, while the average daily room rate (ADR) reduced by 15.5 percent to

SEE PAGE 5

PAGE 2, Tuesday, June 2, 2020

I

MMIGRATION takes place when a country permits nonnationals from other nations to stay (reside) within its borders rather than “come and go” for visiting purposes. Immigrants, meaning those who migrate to another country through immigration, significantly contribute to the economy and social construct of a society. But for small island developing states (SIDS) such as The Bahamas, the topic of immigration can become a sticky issue when dealing with both legal and illegal migration.

Immigration policy encompasses job security, public assistance, labour issues and enforcement issues.

There are usually four types of immigration status that exist: Citizens, residents, non-immigrants and undocumented.

Developing economies often struggle to enforce immigration policies because of undocumented migrants. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, many governments will consider improving policies for immigration enforcement to better manage resources and expectations. However, human rights experts have warned that the pandemic is not to be linked to immigration enforcement in any manner. With the topic being extremely sensitive, particularly during a national crisis, measures will need to be put in place to ensure it is managed properly and to

THE TRIBUNE ISLAND INSIGHTS

Pandemic exposes lack of immigration enforcement

BY RODERICK A SIMMS II AN ADVOCATE FOR SUSTAINABLE FAMILY ISLAND GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT RASII@ME.COM minimise the occurrence of illegal Immigration post COVID-19. Prior to the current mandatory lockdowns, the prime minister announced that a “strike force” would be established to aggressively pursue illegal migrants in The Bahamas as he declared it is time to “take our country back”. This segment will explore the impact of immigration from both ends, post COVID-19.

Undocumented workers in a global pandemic With COVID-19 a time for societies to come together to help each other, it has also raised awareness of the risks that poor immigration enforcement has created regarding undocumented migrants in a global health crises. Studies have found that undocumented

workers are prone to a high risk of infection and generating new clusters of infection (United Workers Nation, 2020). This is something that the Bahamian government should follow closely considering the high level of undocumented migrants that are in The Bahamas, and who reside in precarious living and working conditions

that may not enforce strict social distancing protocols.

A recent joint statement from the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, International Organisation for Migration (IOM), the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and the World Health Organisation said: “It is vital that everyone, including all migrants and refugees, are ensured equal access to health services and are effectively included in national responses to COVID-19, including prevention, testing and treatment. Inclusion will help not only to protect the rights of refugees and migrants, but will also serve to protect public health and stem the global spread of COVID-19.”

Public health risks increase when there is no effective way of managing or testing undocumented migrants due to fears of being detained.

Also, economic conditions for undocumented migrants may have deteriorated due to lockdown restrictions, resulting in a loss of income. New Providence has the highest number of reported cases, meaning that testing, strict social distancing procedures and other health precautions need to be highly enforced. But, just months ago, Hurricane Dorian displaced many illegal Haitian migrants, which increased the need for a new home and means of income. Tackling illegal immigration is

important for the safety of Bahamian citizens and residents who are in compliance with the law, and contribute to the economic and social development of The Bahamas.

Immigration and Employment Across the globe, migrant workers such as maids, garbage collectors, farm hands and construction workers are faced with critical concerns regarding job security and social benefits. Some may even be stranded as a result of COVID-19 restrictions.

Against this backdrop, thousands of Bahamian workers are applying for government assistance as unemployment numbers soar and small to mediumsized (SMEs) businesses struggle to survive, particularly in the Family Islands. This scenario has exposed flaws not only in the immigration system but in a labour market that permits foreign workers to do jobs that Bahamians are capable of doing. This is not to criticise migrant workers who want to work in The Bahamas, but there should be mechanisms put in place to limit the amount of time an expatriate can work in the country while also providing training for future Bahamian employees.

The economic contribution of foreign workers should be measurable. There should be no industry that hires a disproportionate ratio of foreign workers to Bahamians. There is a need for

a detailed database for each industry, together with a profile of every employed/ unemployed Bahamian in search of a job or better opportunity. In this case, Bahamians are able to fill posts and, if needed, receive training for a limited time from foreign workers. It also protects the rights of migrant workers because an overcrowded labour market can make jobs scarce and, therefore, economic conditions become harder for those seeking employment or government assistance.

Protecting the well-being of migrant workers is as equally important as prioritising jobs for Bahamians.

Conclusion In closing, COVID-19 has highlighted the need for stronger enforcement of immigration laws. Without this, the labour market is at risk of suffering from human rights errors and higher unemployment numbers. It is time to properly train Bahamians for better jobs, and allow them to have priority in accessing those jobs, particularly in a crisis.

Every country has a right to protect the livelihood of its citizens and residents.

Therefore, following and adhering to immigration laws are important. In addition, immigration policies should ensure the social and economic development of The Bahamas. While immigration plays an important part in providing countries with greater innovation and invention, these skills/assets should be passed on to and secured by Bahamians.

DEVELOPMENT BANK TARGETS $2M INVESTMENT IN POULTRY THE Bahamas Development Bank (BDB) is planning to facilitate or invest up to $2m to boost local farmers’ share of the fresh poultry market.

Aiming to boost farmers’ revenue streams and reduce food imports, the BDB is launching its Community Poultry pilot project on New Providence. It plans to consult farmers in the coming week on plans to offer capital loans for broiler grow houses, along with short-term lending inputs for farmers interested in

DAVE SMITH broiler production.

Broiler producers in the capital will be supported by a central poultry unit (CPU) as part of

AIRPORT CUTS DEPARTURE AREA SEATING BY 30% SEATING in post-security departure areas at Lynden Pindling International Airport (LPIA) has been reduced by 30 percent as part of multiple healthrelated measures to combat COVID-19.

The Nassau Airport Development Company (NAD), LPIA’s operator, said in a statement yesterday that only airport workers with valid identifications and airline passengers possessing the necessary tickets will be allowed into the airport’s terminal buildings going forward.

Part of NAD’s plan to limit the number of persons inside its buildings, the airport operator said the only exceptions to this rule will apply to those accompanying elderly and disabled passengers or minors.

The changes come as NAD confirmed that LPIA stakeholders, including airlines, commercial tenants and government entities, are finalising a comprehensive post-COVID-19 reactivation plan including recommendations from local Ministry of Health officials, the US Centres For Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the World Health Organisation and

the Pan American Health Organisation.

Vernice Walkine, NAD’s president and chief executive, said all companies at LPIA will adhere to new operating procedures to keep airport employees, passengers and others safe.

“As we move closer to accommodating more commercial traffic at LPIA, we are being guided by the advice of local medical professionals. We’re also working closely within the Vantage Airport Group network of ten global airports to share best practices for implementing new protocols in a dynamic airport environment,” Ms Walkine said.

Vantage is NAD’s operating partner.

She added: “We are putting the necessary measures in place to ensure the safety of our employees, passengers and airport partners.

Once commercial travel ramps up, there will be visible and necessary changes to the way we conduct business in-terminal. Even with the changes, our commitment to providing the best experience for LPIA users remains the same.”

To observe social distancing guidelines required in public spaces, floor markers

a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) venture that will house both a feed mill and a poultry processing line.

The CPU will purchase and resell bulk feed, dayold chicks and equipment, in a bid to slash input costs for farmers who are currently paying $4 for a single broiler chick in some instances. The production will focus on all-natural, no antibiotics and hormonefree birds that will be provided fresh directly to Bahamian consumers.

The BDB said it believes

the proposed price reductions, along with technical, processing and marketing support and access to financing, will reduce entry barriers to the extent that broiler poultry production will become financially viable for smaller farmers.

Once established, the CPU, in coordination with BDB’s lending, will also provide low-cost inputs and technical support to Family Island farmers for fresh poultry production, stimulating the emergence of a small scale broiler production industry where

and signage are in place at check-in areas, preboard security screening checkpoints, Customs and immigration halls and in retail and food and beverage spaces.

Physical distancing will also be mandatory at baggage carousels on arrival, and travellers will also notice a reduction in the amount of seating in the food court and in check-in halls.

Additional stanchions and barriers have been added to limit crowding in public areas in the terminals. NAD’s commercial development team is working directly with commercial tenants to ensure best practices are complied with in their operating spaces and, where appropriate, they offer for sale to the travelling public critical items such as masks and hand sanitizer gels.

Plexiglass barriers are this week being installed in the check-in halls in Terminal A and Terminal C, as well as at boarding gates. Additional barriers will be installed in Customs, Immigration and at the rental car facility to reduce the potential transmission of COVID-19 between passengers and airport workers.

All airport workers and passengers will be required to wear a mask or facial covering inside the airport terminals. Amenities such as the water fountains and

children’s play areas will remain closed until further notice.

Airport cleaning teams will continue to sanitise frequent touch points such as escalator hand rails, elevator buttons and door handles.

NAD recently invested in additional equipment, such as foggers, and will be acquiring electrostatic sprayers to help the cleaning team apply chemicals in a more efficient and controlled manner over large areas.

The LPIA has also placed signage in all washroom facilities reminding users to engage in good hygiene practices.

“In addition to increasing the number of push and automated hand sanitiser stations, we’ve also enhanced cleaning measures throughout our facilities. LPIA is known for its attention to detail as it relates to cleaning and our high customer satisfaction ratings speak to this.

We’ve escalated the cleaning regimen in-terminal by utilizsing hospital grade EPA approved disinfectants which have been proven to kill 99.99 percent of viruses and germs,” Deborah Coleby, NAD’s vice-president of operations, explained.

Once LPIA resumes full operations, passengers should arrive at least three hours before a scheduled flight and be prepared to follow all safety protocols while at the airport.

there is a local market.

The programme was developed in co-ordination with a team of consultants including Justin Taylor and Dr Jason Sands, Bahamian specialists in poultry production and animal nutrition, respectively. The model will be more resilient to adverse weather events such as hurricanes and disease that have previously decimated large-scale producers..

Dave Smith, BDB’s managing director, said it favoured partnering with the government-sponsored

Bahamas venture capital fund to provide blended financing to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and encourage Bahamian participation in the economy as a necessary step post COVID-19.

The bank intends to open the community poultry project (CPP) to private capital investment.

The focus on resiliency and growth for small-scale agricultural producers and local food security is also a reflection of the bank’s focus on the sustainable development goals.

SCOTIABANK WINS REGIONAL HONOUR SCOTIABANK Bahamas is celebrating its second consecutive Best Bank award after again being named on Global Finance Magazine’s list of 2020 Best Banks in the Latin American region.

The selection comes amid an ongoing digital transformation designed to enhance the customer experience. “For the past two years we have been on an exciting technology-driven journey that is improving our operations, and this has aided us to exceed our customers’ expectations. This award serves as another indicator that we continue to head in the right direction,” said Roger Archer, pictured, Scotiabank’s vicepresident and district head, Caribbean North.

“Our investments in digital technology allowed customers to seamlessly continue their banking using our self-service and remote banking options as Bahamians responded to

the local arrival of the novel coronavirus.”

Global Finance noted the bank’s seven-year initiative with Visa to develop payment solutions for Caribbean and Central American cardholders; the launch of a new generation of automated teller machines (ATMs); the introduction of real-time account monitoring; and the new Scotia Mobile application in its selection of Scotiabank.

“2020 has presented significant challenges for almost every industry, and as we prepare to increase our support for our customers during these challenging times, this award proves an excellent motivation for our team of Scotiabankers, not only in The Bahamas, but across the Caribbean region. I would also like to thank our loyal customers for their incredible support,” Mr Archer added.

Scotiabank also won the top 2020 award for its operations in Trinidad and the Turks and Caicos Islands.

THE TRIBUNE

Tuesday, June 2, 2020, PAGE 3

AIRLINES: WE NEEDED MORE RE-OPEN NOTICE

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net THE government should have given more than 24 hours’ notice of its decision to re-open “the lifeline for the Family Islands” so that the private sector could be better prepared, aviation operators said yesterday.

Anthony K Hamilton, president of the Bahamas Association of Air Transport Operators, told Tribune Business that he was in the middle of making phone calls to obtain more details on the health-related protocols and procedures that will be required when the domestic aviation sector resumes inter-island flights on June 8.

Speaking after the government revealed that all forms of inter-island transportation within The Bahamas are being permitted to re-open following the COVID-19 pandemic, Mr Hamilton said the aviation sector’s return was likely to be “staggered” with not all airlines resuming operations on day one.

The Prime Minister’s Office, though, announced that commercial airlines are “expected” to begin

taking reservations, bookings and ticket sales as of today, Tuesday June 2, for flights that will restart next Monday. Pleasure craft and yachts will also be able to start travelling between Bahamian islands as part of efforts to reopen the economy and prepare for hurricane season.

The government is also seeking to cut the healthrelated bureaucracy/red tape that it previously put in place for inter-island travel in The Bahamas to prevent COVID-19’s spread. Instead of having to visit a doctor, receive the health all-clear and obtain a travel permit, passengers travelling by plane, mailboat or ferry boat will simply have to complete travel and health forms when they check-in.

Mr Hamilton yesterday pledged that Bahamian commercial airline operators will “put our best foot forward” in the national interest given that the reopening go-ahead has been received, but he voiced concerns that the lack of notice could undermine the prospects for a “uniform approach” to addressing pressing COVID-19 health-related concerns.

He revealed that the

private sector had been seeking a meeting this week with the Bahamas Civil Aviation Authority, the industry regulator, to ensure that operators and the necessary government agencies were all “aligned” on the necessary protocols that must be implemented to protect passenger, flight crew and worker safety.

However, the re-opening has occurred before this meeting could take place.

“One of the things about this is communication because we’ve just found out about this today,” Mr Hamilton said of the re-opening. “We have historically practiced a lack of communication; the silo experience.”

He explained that Bahamian aviation operators had wanted “a uniform approach” that complied with the various requirements of Civil Aviation, the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Tourism and Aviation and Nassau Airport Development Company (NAD) before commercial flights resumed.

“All of these different silos need to be aligned for this to work properly and seamlessly,” Mr Hamilton said. “We’re talking about the quality of service

WEEKEND CLOSURE COSTS RETAILERS 40% OF SALES

By YOURI KEMP Tribune Business Reporter ykemp@tribunemedia.net

BAHAMIAN retailers are divided between the “desperate need” to generate more sales by opening at the weekend and preventing the spread of COVID-19.

Herbert Marshall, general manager of Sell-All Electronics, told Tribune Business: “Opening up on weekends is desperately needed. That’s when most of our customers come in to shop on Friday and Saturday. This is also important for my workers, toom because some of them can’t come in to work to get paid, so they are missing out on this.”

Sell-All is missing out on at least 40 percent of its normal sales by not being open on Saturday.

Mr Marshall argued that The Bahamas is “basically open now, so a few hours on Saturday won’t hurt at this time” given that the prime minister has moved to phase three of his fivephase economic re-opening plan.

However, Dr Hubert Minnis has largely maintained the weekend lockdowns and curfews with some minor

EXUMA CHAMBER CHIEF: STRUGGLE TO RETURN 60%

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net EXUMA’S Chamber of Commerce president has warned it will take time for economic activity to return to levels where it can support 60 percent of businesses that existed prior to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Hailing the prime minister’s decision to allow full commercial activity to resume on Exuma and all other islands that have escaped the virus as the first chance to get a hair-cut in two months, Pedro Rolle nevertheless warned that companies may not necessarily re-hire all those they employed prior to the lockdown that was imposed in mid-March.

He added that Exuma’s full economic re-opening, which begins today as well as for other Family Islands, was also likely to be impacted by a “lag” of one to two weeks as the vital air transportation links between the island and

modifications. This means that retailers and multiple other companies are unable to open at the weekend - the period when they traditionally generate the bulk of their weekly sales.

Mr Marshall, meanwhile, also expressed his frustration at the National Insurance Board (NIB) failing to pay his furloughed employees their unemployment benefit from March.

He said this was hurting the workers, adding that that while the larger companies have been helping their employees sorted access benefits the smaller ones are being left out.

However, Trevor Davis, general manager of Quality Home Centre, said: “I will be very honest with you.

I would prefer to be safe and worry about the business afterwards. In terms of how it [COVID-19 and the lockdowns] is affecting business, I have not sat down and crunched the numbers.

“But obviously it is going to affect the business because you won’t be able to be opened up the way you would like but, as said, to be honest with you I would prefer to focus on the health than just making money. We still have people trying to come into

the store and not following the rules.

“We have people walk in to the store and take off the mask. You also have people being rude when you ask them to leave the mask on.

Persons are still trying to enter the store with kids, knowing that kids are not allowed in the store.

“So from this aspect of it I would prefer to keep the health and safety of the patrons in mind than that of the financial aspect of it. Once the numbers of infected continue to go down I don’t have a problem with opening up every day. What is revenue if we are not here to enjoy it?”

Mr Davis said he is looking towards the Christmas season to see if he can recover what has been lost during the COVID-19 closure, but in the meantime he wants customers to keep their masks on at all times and stay safe.

A clothing retailer, who preferred to remain anonymous, said: “Not being open on the weekend is definitely affecting business. We can’t do anything about it right now but it is affecting us. Certain customers that would like to shop on Saturday can’t. I’m missing out on about 40 percent of revenue.”

Nassau will only resume on Monday, June 8 (see other article on Page 1B).

And, acknowledging that “so many businesses have been waiting for so long” to receive the go-ahead to resume commercial activity, Mr Rolle said it would be critical for the Family Islands and their private sectors to understand how they can access the $55m worth of micro, small and medium-sized (MSME) enterprise funding that the government has made available in the upcoming 2020-2021 budget.

“Just because he [Dr Hubert Minnis] has declared Exuma open for commercial business does not mean all those persons previously employed will have a job to go to because this devastating pandemic will cause some businesses to be permanently closed,” Mr Rolle told Tribune Business.

“We’re now going to see how many businesses reopen. When we go to the Fish Fry we will see how many come back or how many say they don’t have the resources to open up.

There’s no way to know until you go around and see.

It will be a process to get back to where we were in

terms of 60 percent back in business.”

Speaking ahead of the Prime Minister’s Office

SEE PAGE 4

that’s offered to the passengers, and having the proper accountability in this process and the requisite resources to carry us through what we’ll be required to deal with.

“While we were doing our best to be partners, the fact this challenge has been put on this doorstep makes it a very onerous process.

The thing now is we’re starting up, and what’s going to escalate? The best thing is to mitigate that at the front end. That’s our concern right now.”

Mr Hamilton said aviation operators, in response to requests from the regulatory authorities, had submitted “general guidelines” on how the industry could mitigate COVID-19’s threat last week but these had yet to be approved.

He voiced concern that the virus potentially exposed Bahamian airlines to “shared liability” risks should a passenger subsequently contract COVID-19 following a flight, as the operators had no control or authority over the airport terminals where they could just as easily be infected.

Mr Hamilton warned that the post-COVID-19 environment, which

reduced airport terminal and seating capacity, “almost guarantees a delay in flights”. And, with many airlines scheduling flights at the same time - especially in the early morning hours - he warned that enforcing in-terminal social distancing protocols will be key.

“These are very relevant matters to be dealt with for us to be successful in the re-opening without a doubt,” Mr Hamilton said, adding that the implementation of COVID-19 protocols at Family Island airports represented an additional challenge for the authorities.

Reiterating that financial and “in-kind assistance” could be critical in determining how rapidly some aviation operators rebound, he added: “Todate, I don’t know anybody not able to come back. But I’m not sure all operators will be ready to go on the recommended date coming forward.

“But the industry operators are committed to making the best of it. We’d rather have better inclusion and be consulted on the process. We’re committed to trying to make the best of it. In the best interests of the nation we want to

put our best foot forward, although we’d prefer better communication to make the process seamless.”

Acknowledging that aviation links were critical to “jump start the economy” in the Family Islands, Mr Hamilton told Tribune Business: “That’s their lifeline. It’s bringing the lifeline for the Family Islands, no question about it. It’s the most critical component for recovery in the Family Islands, the socioeconomic lifeline.”

The government said yesterday: “Airlines are working to ensure various protocols, including enhanced cleaning procedures for aircraft, and ensuring that all staff utilise masks/facial coverings (PPE). Travellers are reminded that they must wear masks/facial coverings. Operational procedures to ensure physical distancing on board the aircraft and during the boarding process will be implemented.

Physical distancing will be enforced.”

Describing the effort as “a work in progress”, the government indicated that further adjustments could be made and encouraged travellers to arrive at the airport earlier for their flights due to the likelihood of delays.

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PAGE 4, Tuesday, June 2, 2020

EXUMA CHAMBER CHIEF: STRUGGLE TO RETURN 60% FROM PAGE THREE yesterday confirming the re-opening of inter-island transportation, including commercial flights and yachts and pleasure craft, Mr Rolle said this critical to restarting Exuma’s economy.

“The next phase is in terms of the airport,” he told this newspaper. “I’m still looking for clarity. We still need to determine when flights will come back to Exuma. We need to have that certainty, and don’t have that at the moment.

“Domestic flights will create a big boost. We’re not necessarily going to see the impact of it [the full reopening] in week one. A lot of things are going to happen. We’re going to find our business persons have to go to Nassau. There’s going to be a lag. You may see a lag of a week or two before we see the overall impact.”

Pointing out that how quickly Exuma businesses are able to access the Budget’s $55m MSME financing will “determine in a big way how quickly we get back to some semblance of normality”, Mr Rolle added: “I haven’t had a hair-cut in two months. I can’t wait for Tuesday to come and get a hair cut. We’re looking forward to that.”

THE TRIBUNE

Atlantis further delays reopening to June 25 FROM PAGE ONE domestic inter-island aviation to resume with effect from next Monday, June 8.

However, The Bahamas’ borders remain firmly shut for the moment. Dionisio D’Aguilar, pictured, minister of tourism and aviation, yesterday indicated the government will assess whether it can accommodate Atlantis’s wishes for an earlier re-opening than July 1.

“They are anxious to get up and running earlier,” he told Tribune Business. “We’ll have to see whether we can accommodate them.” The delay, and revised Atlantis re-opening date, comes as Ministry of Tourism and Bahamas Hotel and Tourism Association (BHTA) executives today plan to

reveal details of their plan to re-open the country’s largest industry and major source of foreign exchange.

Health protocols and measures to ensure the safety of both foreign visitors and industry staff are likely to be unveiled, as well as the strategy for marketing The Bahamas as a safe, relatively COVID-19 free destination to millions of Americans, Canadians and Europeans still reeling from the devastation the virus has inflicted on their own health and populations.

Atlantis, meanwhile, in its guest update branded the resort’s closure “a business decision based on The Government of The Bahamas announcement on March 24, 2020, to close all borders and ports of entry and implement

strict measures to contain the spread of COVID-19”.

And its staff letter revealed that the Paradise Island-based mega resort is “exploring all avenues” to provide further financial assistance to thousands of its temporarily laid-off staff after the first tranche came to an end over the weekend.

“During the closure period we have done everything possible to ease your concerns,” Atlantis told its near-8,000 workers. “As previously communicated, the ex-gratia payment that you have been receiving will come to an end on May 31.

“We understand this may create additional hardship for you and your families.

And you can be confident that we are exploring all avenues to lessen your burden.”

Atlantis previously put into effect plans to pay staff up to 50 percent of their base salaries for the first 60 days following the closure.

Workers who were members of the hotel union’s bargaining unit received an “ex-gratia” payment funded via the industry’s Health and Welfare trust fund, while all full-time, non-union team members gained a weekly payment equivalent to 50 percent of their base pay.

On a brighter note, Atlantis informed staff that had extended their health insurance coverage until July 31, 2020, “at which time we will evaluate our options and communicate further”.

The letter added: “There are many global and national uncertainties that hinder us from providing you with a

return to full operations. But be assured we are making every effort to return to normalcy as soon as possible. We pray for a rapid recovery to our business, and wish you safety and good health as we work together through these challenges.”

Auto industry re-opening ‘matter of life and death’ FROM PAGE ONE kept the money in the business; they’ve not lived high off the hog and spent all the money it has made. They’ve kept funds in the business.

There are no bank payments, no rent.”

The Bahamas Bus and Truck chief said the company’s full 40-plus workforce will all return to work as of today, adding that he expected business volumes generated over its digital platform to increase by 30-40 percent due to a spike in usage by customers during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We’ll be open as of Tuesday, 9am to 5pm, per the order and we’ll be practicing social distancing, trying to offer what we can curb side and move to as much of a digital platform as we can,” he told Tribune Business, “keeping employees and customers safe. That’s the number one priority.

“We understand the situation, and the country needs to move forward and

definitely not look back.

We’ll do our part to make sure everything is controlled, clean and as safe as possible.

We’ve maintained staff level right through this process, and we have a lot of product given that we had such a good run.

“We have a lot of product on order to carry us through the next few months. Once orders are placed and confirmed you cannot change them. We had a lot of inventory come in during the lockdown, and have had an incredible amount of inquiries via Facebook and other social media platforms as well as e-mail,” Mr Albury continued.

“There seems to a great deal of interest, which I’m optimistic about, in purchasing vehicles and companies wanting to be more delivery focused. It’s incredible so far, the interest, and we’ll see how that translates into sales n the coming weeks as more of the population gets back to work. I don’t expect an explosion, but we will slowly turn back in the direction we

were going in.”

Mr Albury said Bahamas Bus and Truck’s showroom “has a lot of room for social distancing and is not usually a high traffic area”, suggesting it would be easy to enforce social distancing protocols. And he added that the company’s increasing use of technology, with the ability to give consumers virtual tours of vehicles they want to buy, was only likely to grow in popularity.

“We’re going to continue with our Facebook, Instagram, e-mail and website.

We’re going to technology so we can give people that experience from home,” he explained. “I think we’ll probably see a 30-40 percent increase in that, I believe.

That’s one tool I think will be very effective.

“That was always the direction we were going in.

At Bahamas Bus and Truck it was something we were interested in, and trying to develop. That’s the type of world we’re living in.

They’re looking at vehicles online in the US and Japan, and we want to be able to provide the same sort of tool. It’s what we’ve been gearing up to do.

“Manufacturers we represent have been very supportive of us in moving in that direction. It’s something we have to along

with, embrace and are very excited about the prospects.”

Mr Albury added that he hoped auto dealers would follow other industries in being “surprised” by the level of demand for their product as the sector fully emerges from lockdown.

He recalled a conversation with a concrete supplier who informed him that he has more work now than preCOVID-19, and is having a tough time keeping up with demand.

Meanwhile Fred Albury, Auto Mall’s principal, told Tribune Business that he had effectively written-off 2020 from a business perspective and was now firmly focused on keeping the dealership “afloat” through the remainder of the COVID-19 pandemic’s fall-out.

“This years as far as I am concerned is a wipe-out,” he said. “Right now it’s controlling expenses and trying to keep our head above water, and praying a vaccine is found and the tourism industry gets going again and kicks back in.

“It’s a touch and go scenario. We’re going to try and do some things to keep expenses under control and keep ourselves afloat. Other than that, I will be retiring to Abaco and fishing for a living.” The Auto Mall chief said the aim was to “try and

stay afloat” until the tourism industry “ramps up” again, which he did not expect until October/November this year at the earliest.

Still, Fred Albury confirmed that Auto Mall and all aspects of its business will fully re-open as of today.

Predicting that June and July are “going to be very rough, tough months”, he disclosed that while all service staff will be recalled, the parts department is likely to be kept on a “rotation system” until mid to end-June, while the need for sales and administrative staff will be evaluated depending on the company’s needs.

“I won’t be 100 percent.

It’s a wait and see scenario,” Fred Albury said. He added, though, that Auto Mall had managed to conclude several vehicle sales that had been pending pre-COVID-19 during May. And continuing phone and Internet inquiries showed demand remains, with one bank wiring a deposit for a BMW on a client’s behalf.

While industry-wide auto sales were likely to suffer a 30-40 percent plunge back to 2009 levels, Fred Albury said: “I’m feeling a little more upbeat about this situation, and the country is moving in the right direction by trying to open back up.”

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THE TRIBUNE

Tuesday, June 2, 2020, PAGE 5

‘Revisions’ sought to Grand Lucayan deal FROM PAGE ONE more,” Mr Scott said of Holistica and its investors.

“The project is still very much a go. There may be some slight delays in timelines, and some relaxation in timelines, and delays in construction.

“I don’t want to trespass into the substance of what was discussed, but I don’t think there’ll be any delay in completion of the deal.

There may be a delay in construction and remediation work, and demolition, and construction of new buildings and facilities.

I don’t think there’ll be any real or significant delays in completion of the purchase.”

Underscoring the strategic value of Freeport and the project to the cruise ships, he added: “We’re very much on track, and the investment is still very much in play. They [Holistica and ITM/Royal Caribbean] are resolute and steadfast. They are entrenched in the view that it is a good project.

There are more pluses than negatives. It’s just going to take time for the hotel industry and the cruise industry to recover from the global lockdown.

“As a project there is much to commend it, particularly in the shortterm, because how else do you crystallise and resuscitate confidence in the cruise industry. In the first instance you’re doing short-hop cruises between Florida and Freeport and Nassau to instill that necessary measure of confidence, which supports more extensive trips by the aficionados and devotees of cruise trips.

You’ve got to prove you can successfully navigate that before starting to market long-term cruises.”

Mr D’Aguilar, meanwhile, said he was unaware of whether ITM/Royal Caribbean and Holistica

has asked for an extension on the 90-day deadline to complete the resort’s purchase or not. However, he suggested it would not have been an unwarranted or unreasonable request for them to have done so given the disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic that has consumed both sides’ attention.

“I don’t think there’s anything of significance other than timing issues given the reality on the ground,” the minister added. “The whole COVID-19 pandemic has kind of thrown everything back, so people are adjusting schedules and timelines to the fact they have been probably pushed back six months.

“There’s nothing significant other than some timelines. I’m delighted they’re moving forward, and moving ahead with this investment and getting it underway. Most projects would have had a very aggressive timeline prior to this COVID-19 outbreak.

‘Now, everybody has been thrown off by this delay and how governments and corporations are not fully operational, and that has delayed the ability to make decisions and caused further delays. It’s hard to get people to make the required decisions but, as far as I’m concerned, it’s full steam ahead.”

Mr Scott, meanwhile, said the Grand Lucayan redevelopment remained vital to Freeport’s economic future. “We need to do something to take it off life support, don’t we?” he said.

The Hotel Corporation chairman added that also resolving Grand Bahama International Airport’s fate, and rebuilding, was “indispensable” to the island’s economic recovery. “Common sense tells you we cannot have a successful tourism industry, or any kind of commerce in Grand Bahama, without a

functioning, viable airport facility,” he added. “It’s a non-starter.

“All that is being negotiated now. That’s not within my compass and jurisdiction, but I know it’s being actively negotiated at the moment, the acquisition of the airport.”

K Peter Turnquest, deputy prime minister, last week pledged that the government is still committed to acquiring Grand Bahama International Airport from the Hutchison Ports Holding and Grand Bahama Port Authority ownership and “restoring it to its former glory”.

“We are still in discussions with the owners of Grand Bahama International Airport for the eventual transfer to the government with the objective of restoring it to its former glory with a new terminal, taking into account the level of storm surge it has suffered in past hurricanes,” Mr Turnquest said.

“Yes, we do intend to go forward with the transfer of the airport to the government and invest in that facility to get it up and running as quickly as possible.”

The government had previously been exploring paying the two existing owners $1 each, and letting them keep the Dorian-related insurance proceeds, but discussions between the parties seemed to cease as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The airport is a vital infrastructure asset for Freeport’s business model, and will assume even greater importance should Carnival and Royal Caribbean/ITM go through with their projects for the city.

A government takeover, and Grand Bahama International Airport’s eventual reconstruction, would also provide a huge boost for investor confidence.

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Dividend Notice 28 May 2020 The Board of Directors of Benchmark (Bahamas) Ltd. at its 24th April, 2020 board meeting unanimously elected to suspend the dividend payable for 30 June, 2020, following the outbreak of the novel Corona virus (COVID-19).

Suspension of the June, 2020 dividend was agreed by the board in response to the economic uncertainty that COVID-19 has created globally. With governments around the world closing their economies to protect human lives and the unknow impact that such measures will have on future economic growth, gave the board the rational to deploy financial containment measures across the company ensuring that financial strength can be maintained post COVID-19. Once more certainty can be gained as to the real economic impact of these governmental measures and the potential outcome they are likely to have on global and domestic future economic growth and activity the policy will be reviewed.

Brent Roberts Secretary

Restaurants ‘can’t survive’ with 60% sales devastation FROM PAGE ONE Revealing that Burger King has no plans make anybody redundant, he said: “I have been paying a lot of attention to what they are doing with regard to opening up in the United States, and I have been looking at the states that have already opened up”.

Mr Cash warned, however, that those restaurants were still not receiving 40 percent of their normal business, and said: “Are the customers going to come?

So what the US is seeing is that while you may open, the demand that you think is there is not there. So they are at 40 percent of where they were; they are not even getting half.

“All of the states have opened up in part in some form. It is difficult to project because restaurants depend on a thriving economy and people with disposable cash. So if unemployment is high and everything is going haywire, and even though we are serving food, people would rather cook at home and save a penny.”

From 160,000 to near zero at COVID-hit LPIA FROM PAGE ONE $300.20, resulting in a 59 percent fall-off in room revenues.

“Over the three-month period, the occupancy rate fell by 14.8 percentage points to 63.2 percent, as the number of room nights sold decreased by 21 percent. In addition, the ADR moved lower by 9.3 percent to $273.57, with room revenue declining by 28 percent.”

The Bahamian tourism industry was completely shutdown for the final two weeks in March as a result of the COVID-19 emergency, with arrivals impacted from earlier in the month.

“With regard to the vacation rental market, data provided by AirDNA for the month of April showed a 59.4 percent fall-off in total room nights sold, underpinned by contractions in bookings for entire place listings and hotel comparable listings, of 60.1 percent and 52.1 percent, respectively,” the Central Bank added.

“Conversely, the average daily room rate (ADR) for entire place listings and hotel comparable listings firmed, by 5.1 percent and by 3.8 percent, to $427.77

LPIA and $166.16, respectively.

On a year-to-date basis, total room nights sold fell by 7.9 percent, as the 9.7 percent reduction in bookings for entire place listings overshadowed the 8.3 percent gain in bookings of hotel comparable listings.

“Similarly, the ADR for hotel comparable and entire place listings decreased by 4 percent to $155.16, and by 0.9 percent to $394.50, respectively.”

As for arrivals figures, the Central Bank added: “Total visitor arrivals reduced by 59.7 percent in March, a reversal from a 5.9 percent growth during the same period in 2019. Underlying this outturn, the high valueadded air segment fell by 62.5 percent, a turnaround from the 9.5 percent gain a year earlier. Similarly, the dominant sea component declined by 58.6 percent, visà-vis a 4.6 percent increase last year.

“A breakdown by major port of entry revealed broadbased declines across the major markets. Specifically,

total visitors to New Providence contracted markedly by 64.6 percent, contrasting with the 20.9 percent growth in the prior year, as both the sea and air components fell, by 66.7 percent and 60.2 percent, respectively.

“Similarly, underpinned by reductions in both air (74 percent) and sea (65.9 percent) traffic, total arrivals to Grand Bahama decreased sharply by 66.9 percent, extending the 1.7 percent downturn recorded in the previous year. Likewise, visitors to the Family Islands reduced by 46 percent, exceeding the 6 percent falloff in 2019, amid respective declines in the air (68.9 percent) and sea (40.3 percent) segments.

“March’s adjustments also contracted tourism for the first quarter, as arrivals fell by 14.7 percent, a turnaround from a 12.3 percent expansion in the previous year, attributed to respective reductions in the air and sea components, of 28 percent, and 10.5 percent.”

PAGE 6, Tuesday, June 2, 2020

THE TRIBUNE

How human risk-perception influences stock markets ACTIVTRADES WEEKLY

By RICARDO EVANGELISTA www.activtrades.bs WITH the global economy contracting at the fastest ever peacetime pace,

it is bewildering to see stock markets moving in the opposite direction. So, why are investors endangering their capital at a time of such uncertainty by speculating on the performance

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THE DOWJONES weekly chart. of risky financial assets that, ultimately should be directly related to the what happens in the underlying economy?

Let’s take a closer look at the United States. The American economy contracted 4.4 percent during the first quarter of this year and even worse results are expected for the second quarter; the unemployment rate jumped from 4.4 percent in March, to 14.7 percent in late May, with more than 40 million Americans filing new unemployment claims during this period. Meanwhile, the number of COVID19 related fatalities in the country exceeds 100,000, with political bipartisanship hindering the much-needed coordination between federal and local authorities.

One would think that is such a scenario the country’s stock market wouldn’t be booming. Well, think again!

Since hitting the lows of mid-to-late March, the major stock indices haven’t stopped adding to their value. The Dow Jones and the S&P500 both climbed more than 40 percent with a similar trend also seen in Europe, where the Eurostoxx50 index has also gone up by 30 percent. Financial

Photo: ActivTrades markets have been propped up by central banks, with a pivotal role played by the American Federal Reserve, through its asset purchase programme that now includes private sector corporate debt. This measure ensured that corporations’ access to credit remained in place, avoiding what otherwise would gave been a torrent of bankruptcies that would have damaged the economy even more.

Despite its importance, the FED’s decisive actions aren’t the only reason why stock markets keep shrugging aside bleak economic prospects. Another factor is the sentiment in the market, which is determined by how investors perceive a given situation. Recent news, pointing at the starting of the tests on a coronavirus vaccine, had a noticeable impact in the financial markets’ risk appetite, which benefited stocks and penalised traditional safe-havens.

Trading based on algorithms and AI is increasingly common,

however, human emotions still play a big role in the markets. Humans are inherently bad at evaluating risk; it’s well documented that novelty increases perceived risk; we mostly fear what is new.

Another commonly accepted rule of risk states that numbers are numbing; the greater the number of victims the more desensitised we get. Notwithstanding today’s number of active cases, daily infections and casualties being higher than when lockdowns were initiated in March, most of us now feel safer, happy to engage in the relaxation of social distancing rules (this is of course also dictated by economic necessity).

The same logic is prevailing in the financial markets; despite the state of the economy being considerably worse now, than at the end of March, investors are finding reasons to see a glass half-full, instead of looking for the safety they so required during the early stages of the pandemic.

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THE TRIBUNE

Tuesday, June 2, 2020, PAGE 7

CROSSWORD PUZZLE Monday, June 1, 2020

MARK ZUCKERBERG

With rare candor, employees protest Facebook’s Trump policy OAKLAND Associated Press FACEBOOK employees are using Twitter and Facebook’s internal communications tools to register their frustration over CEO Mark Zuckerberg’s decision to leave up posts by President Donald Trump that suggested protesters in Minneapolis could be shot.

Twitter flagged and demoted Trump’s tweet about the protests when he used the phrase “when the looting starts the shooting starts”. Facebook has let it stand, and Zuckerberg explained his reasoning in a Facebook post Friday.

“I know many people are upset that we’ve left the President’s posts up, but our position is that we should enable as much expression as possible unless it will cause imminent risk of specific harms or dangers spelled out in clear policies,” Zuckerberg wrote.

Angry demonstrations have spread across the US over the past week, creating some of the most widespread racial unrest since the 1960s. The protests, which have been met by violent police action in many cities, were spurred by the death of George Floyd, a black man who died after he was pinned to the pavement by an officer who put his knee on the handcuffed man’s neck until he stopped breathing.

Trump’s comment evoked the civil-rights era by borrowing a phrase used in 1967 by Miami’s police chief to warn of an aggressive police response to unrest in black neighbourhoods.

Yesterday, dozens of Facebook employees staged a virtual “walkout” to protest the company’s decision not to touch the Trump posts according to a report in the New York Times, which cited anonymous senior employees at Facebook. The Times report says dozens of Facebook workers “took the day off by logging into Facebook’s systems and requesting time off to support protesters across the country”.

Workers also expressed frustration in other ways, including posting on Twitter, speaking to managers and writing on Facebook’s internal communication network.

Though virtual, this was the first time that Facebook workers have staged a walkout in the company’s history. Employees at the social media giant have been less outspoken than their counterparts at other tech companies such as Google and Twitter.

“I work at Facebook and I am not proud of how we’re showing up. The majority of coworkers I’ve spoken to feel the same way. We are making our voice heard,” tweeted Jason Toff, a director of product management at Facebook who’s been at the company for a year.

Toff, who has a verified Twitter account, had 131,400 “likes” and thousands of retweets of his

comment. He did not immediately respond to a message seeking comment yesterday.

“I don’t know what to do, but I know doing nothing is not acceptable. I’m a FB employee that completely disagrees with Mark’s decision to do nothing about Trump’s recent posts, which clearly incite violence. I’m not alone inside of FB. There isn’t a neutral position on racism,” Facebook design manager Jason Stirman tweeted.

Stirman did not immediately respond to a request for comment yesterday.

Sara Zhang, a product designer at the company, tweeted that Facebook’s “decision to not act on posts that incite violence ignores other options to keep our community safe.

The policy pigeon holes us into addressing harmful user-facing content in two ways: keep content up or take it down.”

“I believe that this is a self-imposed constraint and implore leadership to revisit the solution,” she continued. Zhang declined to comment to The Associated Press.

“We recognise the pain many of our people are feeling right now, especially our Black community. We encourage employees to speak openly when they disagree with leadership. As we face additional difficult decisions around content ahead, we’ll continue seeking their honest feedback,” Facebook spokeswoman Liz Bourgeois said in a statement yesterday.

Facebook moved a weekly employee question and answer session with executives to today from this coming Thursday to respond to workers’ concerns.

Late Sunday, Zuckerberg again posted on Facebook, pledging a $10m donation to racial justice groups.

But he made no mention of Trump’s posts. Instead, he highlighted Facebook’s role in the spreading of the video of Floyd’s death.

“We need to know George Floyd’s name. But it’s clear Facebook also has more work to do to keep people safe and ensure our systems don’t amplify bias,” Zuckerberg wrote.

Twitter has historically taken stronger stances than its larger rival, including a complete ban on political advertisements that Twitter announced last November.

That’s partly because Facebook, a much larger company with a broader audience, targeted by regulators over its size and power, has more to lose.

And partly because the companies’ CEOs don’t always see eye to eye on their role in society.

Over the weekend, Twitter changed the background and logo of its main Twitter account to black from its usual blue in support of the Black Lives Matter protesters and added a #blacklivesmatter hashtag.

Facebook did the same with its own logo on its site, though without the hashtag.

MARKET REPORT www.bisxbahamas.com

(242) 323-2330

FRIDAY, 29 MAY 2020

(242) 323-2320

ALL SHARE INDEX: CLOSE: 2,140.69 | CHG: 0.35 | %CHG: 0.02 | YTD: -90.91 | YTD%: -4.07 BISX LISTED & TRADED SECURITIES 52WK HI 4.45 22.65 7.00 6.75 2.60 2.00 5.47 12.77 6.17 4.50 10.30 3.64 5.10 10.88 8.15 16.99 9.40 4.25 15.21

52WK LOW 3.35 20.91 5.50 5.39 1.78 0.67 2.00 10.21 5.60 3.62 5.41 2.53 1.85 8.00 7.01 13.04 6.98 3.14 13.90

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

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

1000.00 1000.00 1000.00 1000.00

1000.00 1000.00 1000.00 1000.00

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

CAB6 CAB8 CAB9 CAB10 CHLA FBBA FCLB

PREFERENCE SHARES

1.00 10.00 1.00

1.00 10.00 0.90

CORPORATE DEBT - (percentage pricing) 52WK HI 100.00

52WK LOW 100.00

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

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

SECURITY Fidelity Bank Note 22 (Series B) +

SYMBOL FBB22

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

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

BAHAMAS GOVERNMENT STOCK - (percentage pricing)

LAST CLOSE 3.55 17.43 6.00 6.68 1.78 1.62 2.98 11.26 6.10 4.03 6.01 2.96 5.10 9.76 8.00 14.50 8.97 4.00 15.20

CLOSE 3.55 17.43 6.00 6.68 1.78 1.62 3.00 11.26 6.10 4.03 6.01 2.97 5.10 9.73 8.00 14.50 8.97 4.00 15.20

CHANGE 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.02 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.01 0.00 -0.03 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

1000.00 1000.00 1000.00 1000.00 1.00 10.00 0.90

1000.00 1000.00 1000.00 1000.00 1.00 10.00 0.90

0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

CLOSE 100.00

CHANGE 0.00

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

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

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

VOLUME

2,000

2,025

VOLUME

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

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

P/E 14.9 18.7 N/M 18.1 N/M N/M -6.8 15.6 13.6 21.9 42.9 29.1 10.9 15.1 11.0 17.8 9.6 19.7 24.1

0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000

0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000

0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

YIELD 4.79% 7.23% 0.00% 3.89% 0.00% 1.23% 0.00% 6.39% 3.61% 2.98% 0.00% 14.61% 1.18% 3.37% 3.00% 3.72% 2.23% 3.00% 4.01% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 6.25% 7.00% 6.50%

INTEREST Prime + 1.75%

MATURITY 19-Oct-2022

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

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

YTD% 12 MTH% 1.04% 3.87% 0.61% 2.93% 0.50% 2.50% -1.34% 2.23% -12.71% -5.79% 0.94% 3.72% -3.46% 2.09% -0.11% 3.43% -3.33% 1.53% -0.32% 10.20% -1.58% 15.37% 0.88% 5.22% -4.91% 10.77% 1.89% 6.75% -1.95% 0.38% N/A N/A -10.90% -4.30% -18.80% -12.00%

NAV Date 31-Mar-2020 31-Mar-2020 27-Mar-2020 31-Mar-2020 31-Mar-2020 31-Mar-2020 31-Mar-2020 31-Mar-2020 31-Mar-2020 29-Feb-2020 29-Feb-2020 29-Feb-2020 29-Feb-2020 29-Feb-2020 29-Feb-2020

MUTUAL FUNDS 52WK HI 2.31 4.40 2.10 198.39 168.29 1.67 1.85 1.76 1.24 8.34 10.26 7.00 12.15 12.58 10.81 10.00 8.98 11.79

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

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

NAV 2.31 4.39 2.10 192.52 145.55 1.67 1.79 1.75 1.16 8.31 10.07 7.00 11.42 12.58 10.52 N/A 8.31 10.01

MARKET TERMS

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

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

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

31-Mar-2020 31-Mar-2020 31-Mar-2020

BODY AND MIND

Local pastor has prayers Cancer Society pleads answered thanks to for support in strained bionic manhood

circumstances

By JEFFARAH GIBSON Tribune Features Writer jgibson@tribunemedia.net

PHILLIP*, a member of the local clergy, spent thousand of dollars and By JEFFARAH years trying to GIBSON achieve an Tribune Writer erection,Features all to no avail. jgibson@tribunemedia.net Impotence drugs, a penile pump and injections did EACHtoyear past nothing helpfor histhe deflated 18 years, Bahamians manhood to rise again.from all walks life have gotten But of after a lot of dressed their attire research,up in Phillip came and black ties to attend across Dr Greggory Pinto the annual Cancer Society at the Urology Care BahaBall, dining mas wining here in and Nassau.

It for was aDr cause.

Pinto who was finally Buttothis was probdifable solveyear Phillip’s ferent for obvious reasons lem through the first bionic –penile the COVID-19 pandemic implant surgery to be forced performedthe in thenon-profit country. organisation cancel The surgerytotook placeits on biggest fundraiser. the December 28 andNow, marked Cancer Society is appealing the commencement of a tonew donors with thebetween means partnership Scientific andasUroltoBoston help with funding the ogy Care Bahamas to offer coronavirus outbreak has a new facet of world-class delayed essential services medical for cancer tourism patients. at Doctors cutting edge “AsHospital: a non-profit organipenile implant procedures. sation we are totally “I thinkon a funding lot of people dependent from have the misconception various scheduled events, that this issponsors for old men corporate and who the have lived lives and I public.

Duetheir to Hurricane am justlast trying to give them Dorian year, we have a second life. But for had to cancel twothis of isour men who are married major fundraising eventsand have despair inintheir lives the annual raffle October because a medical illness and the golf tournament in has been robbing them of their erections,” Dr Pinto told Tribune Health.

Phillip considers the penile implant an answer to his prayers.

By “The ALESHA CADETof ED experience Tribune Reporter (erectileFeatures dysfunction) acadet@tribunemedia.net leaves a man emotionally debilitated. This physical/ FOOT impairment specialist robs Dr emotional Daniel Johnson been a man of his self has worth and on a decades-long mission manhood that can lead to a to ensure Bahamians’ feet are healthy and amputations of lower extremities due to diseases like diabetes are drastically reduced throughout the country, and ultimately the world.

HisKENYA Foot and Ankle By International group was MORTIMER-McKENZIE first established in 1993 with just one nurse, one receptionist andyou one patient.

ARE still shaving Johnson told creams TriborDrusing depilatory une Health his first patient to remove unwanted facial was hisIf mother, and actually body hair? so, you Sylvia Johnson, need to read on;who you was will diagnosed diabetic learn of twowith unique methneuropathy and was told ods of hair removal. she would lose her leg.

“IShaving have given half of myShaving life to the study the is still theofmost human and half of my popularform method of removlife seeing could ing to hair.

Usingif awerazor to solve/fix and function shave isform quick, simple and so people can get their lifeit inexpensive.

However, back.

I hope up doesn’t meanI am it isliving the best tomethod; the promise I made it comes with to its my mother, whoremoves we treated flaws.

Shaving the successfully, that angles we would hair at different and provide of causcare just fromthis thelevel surface, everywhere to for as painful many ing the potential people ashairs. we can, as long ingrown Shaving also ascauses we can,” said the podiadiscoloration over trist of timeand in formerMinister individuals with Youth Sports and Culture. darker skin tones.

To histhat goal, Foot It achieve is a myth shaving and Ankle International – makes your hair grow back with locations on that Dean’s thicker.

It is true the hair bulb becomes larger.

However, shaving only

BAHAMAS’ FIRST PENILE IMPLANT SURGERY DEEMED A SUCCESS

life of depression. My erectile dysfunction was as a result of radical prostatectomy surgery,” the pastor explained.

A penile prosthesis surgery is an option in severe cases of erectile dysfunction when all other options of treatment have been January,” exhausted.the CancerSocietyMen said inwho a statement. suffer from Because of the current diabetes, hypertension and pandemic, the annual cardiovascular disease,gala as ball, in sickle May well usually as thoseheld with during Cancer often Awareness cell disease, have Month, was also cancelled. high incidences of erectile “The likelihood of candysfunction. cellation of our penile other The advanced annual fundraising prosthesis is a highlyevents effecthis year iswith high, which tive device a very high means (we) willforstrugrate ofthat satisfaction both gle make and endsthe meet, like theto patient patient’s partner.households The implantable many in the device consists of two Bahamas in 2020.

Asinflatthe able cylinders economy sinksplaced to anwithin allthe shaft of will the penis, and time low, so our funds thesethecylinders conand ability are to raise nected representatives to a fluid reservoir more,” said. implanted the groin with Since thein outbreak, the a small, easily palpable Cancer Society has actihad vating device new within the to implement safety scrotal sac. at its Cancer measures Having Centre, studied which the Caring natureadditional of the surgery meant costs. and its“The success rate, Phillip additional costcame of to believe this route would finally offer a remedy to his long-standing complaint.

“I am married, and based on numerous conversations with my wife, I guess you Lane, the of emoFort can sayatshe hadtop mixed Charlotte, and the in the Grostions (about surgery). venor Medical – has She was a littlePlaza apprehenassembled a team of experts sive, but at the same time from around the world, he a little excited, because said. while the fear was real, This team, said,a the surgery couldhereturn includes his professor from the University of Chicago, his colleagues from University of the Bahamas, Harvard University, University College London and New York University.

“Over the past 25 years we have developed highly successful protocols and treatment programmes which culminated in our international conference, New Hope For The Diabetic Foot,” he said.

“We have demonstrated a 50 percent reduction in amputations. We have produced a state-of-the-art diagnostic and treatment protocol for diabetic neumakes your hair appear ropathy.

We areof the first thicker because the blunt ATLAS Foot Alignment angle of removing the hair.

Centre regionshavto Why inis the it that completely realign the ing clogs your pores? It is human becausefoot. the As haira isresult, only we are well on our surface, way to removed at the answering everyone’s burnleaving hair trapped in the ing question, ‘My feet hair follicles. This overarea killing can you periodme, of time giveshelp?’” the skin “The human foot is the a discoloured appearance. most neglected, used and abused part of creams the body Hair removal but,Depilatory when yourcreams feet hurt, are you all different over,” saidfrom Dr not hurt much Johnson. shaving in the sense that He surface believeshairnon-comonly is being municable diseases removed. chronic Depilatory

significant part of the intimacy in our love life,” he said.

With hope in his heart, Phillip left his manhood in the hands of Dr Pinto, who handled it with care and caution.

“There is no such thing as a simple surgery in my anti-COVID-19 mind, especially measures one that someone’s life,” said the and the loss of our anaesmajor Cancer Society. involves general fundraising events mean Not only were its funthesia. However, I had the that the confidence Cancer Society of draising activities for this member, utmost in the the Bahamas willand have to year affected, but testing friend, co-worker, or neigh- hands medical abilities experely more on that the initiatives as well. Due to the bour is diagnosed with frequently and to wear face rience of heavily Dr Pinto; goodwill provided aand level generosity of comfort coronavirus outbreak, the this deadly disease and is masks,” said the Cancer of and corpothatbusinesses the procedure would Cancer Society had to cancel in dire need of medical Society. rations, financially The new mandatory be successful,” he said.abled wide-reaching testing events, treatment.” persons, other NGOs to and as a result diagnoses and “It is and essential to note Since the start of the restriction of no visitors keep us faith afloatin and that my Jesusprevent Christ, treatments will be affected. pandemic, the Cancer Soci- has been especially difficult us havingGod, to eliminate even thefrom Almighty has pro- DR“Unfortunately, forprosthesis. the patients, not only Greggory Pinto with the highlyety advanced AMS 700the inflatable has ensured safetypenile needed this pandemic, of the patients and staff because they are from the vided theprogrammes greatest leveland of during we leave therages patient with a and length of the patient’s curvature and by providing benefits persons,” still throughcomfort for for the successthe of cancer Family Islands and alone its byCaring Centre, but the necessary full rigidity penis up to 25 percent. full erection, so these are of representatives said. the surgery. A positive out- out the Bahamas. Our in Nassau, but also because resources are strained. for penetration.

Urology Care Bahamas men who have not had an come was placed in His care And while the organisa- Family Island mammogram lose the therapeutic The Cancer Society’s they “I would conservatively erection for (FIMS) many years, it was recently named the that recognises the hands of sur- screening tion thatthemany probenefit of seeing loved ones.

Caring Centre is almost regional referral centre by estimate that about 50,000 improvesand their self-esteem.” geons wouldare be guided by gramme Bahamians currently free pap smear at The Cancer Society has full capacity, with nine Penile werebeen first Boston Scientific for AMS Bahamian men have erecHim and the and healing unemployed do pronot and PSA implants clinics have pledged its commitment to of its ten rooms currently tile dysfunction. It may not 700 penile prosthesis placedeveloped 1973. Today, cess would also to bedonate, guided on have the means hold sinceinFebruary.

This occupied. the awareness, education, be as severe to require a ment procedures.

Boston Scientific’s AMS 700 by the same.” it is hoping that those who interruption will certainly prevention, research, advo“Sanitising stations have penile prosthesis, but it is a Boston Scientific is coninflatable penile prosthethewill successful areFollowing able to help donate impact early detection and been cacy, care, and cure of cancer, strategically placed common occurrence,” said sidered a world-renowned sis is the most technically procedure, Phillip has expegenerously. result in delayed diagnoses throughout the facility to and to serve cancer patients, Dr Pinto. medical innovator.

Their advanced penile implant rienced pain, and treatment,” said the promote good hygiene. survivors and their families, “Even some the slight smallest “Bahamian men tie their current bionic penile available worldwide. but he said he will feels blessed contribution make Cancer Society.

Staff and clients are regu- as well as individuals at risk The AMS 700 penile implant is seen as a revo- self-esteem and self-worth to once again be able to a significant impact in “Every day a family larly reminded to sanitise across the Bahamas. advancement based on their erectile implant – or bionic penis – lutionary experience erections. the treatment of power, and when they don’t is also the most popular in in “From all indications and the reports from the Boston Scientific’s extensive severe erectile dysfunc- have any, it affects their and Peyronie’s social life They basically surgeons, the surgery was line of inflatable devices, as tion a success. Now we wait it perfectly mimics a natural disease – extreme curva- live their lives dead inside. for the healing process to erection and provides full ture of the erect penis. But this procedure will lives from use of rigidity when and inflated, and The remain the greatest ulceralike with yourthecar,bionic you take teamtheir are working on darkgiving be completed and expense for the amputations to light and make implant men ness and to bethe coun- tions in theflaccid diabetic would have to do in a licence people access to them quala natural, feel foot. and penile bionicthreat penis to deployed than they try’s wellness whichwhen we will col- with and inspection checkdisease once a rise ity, again...better affordable healthcare.

Peyronie’s appearance deflated. (for health active and duty),” said After infrastructure.

And unlike laborate our global year. ensure I tell people you are have A second initiative will ever have.” the ifdevelopThe AMSwith 700 bionic penis can Phillip.

COVID-19, a partners to take not willing to inspect and include the opening of two of a healthy, happy, is currently the this onlyinnovapenile ment Dr Pinto which added: has “The half life,works chronicimmediately. diseases in tive treatment into fully checksatisfying your feet by a profesclinics: Diabetic * The name the was changed sexual life new implant on theprotocol market that device the Bahamas will not fade the Latin sional once a year, ain’t Foot to Clinic and Gout protect thethe patient’s correcting theyou penile can Caribbean, increase both theAmergirth by Even for the first 24 hours away. Dr Johnson said the ica, Southern Africa, Hong serious. I believe once you Clinic. burden of the complications Kong, Malaysia and Saudi have a clean bill of health, “So anybody who is stemming from diabetes Arabia. All this through you keep on going. If there diabetic, the first sign of in particular are the innovation and is something wrong, you get problems they see, feel or staggering and technology cre- it fixed; it’s health mainte- think, they can call and life-threatated in the nance,” he said. we will treat that as an ening.

Bahamas.

When asked about the emergency clinic; it’s a one“The One day unique importance of foot health causing stop-shop. can check method.

Threading less We ingrown hairs tragedy we will can for be those in quarantine, your blood, nerves, and done on all areas (hair is removed in its natuof this be able of Dr the Johnson said is vital everything you would face. It canit last up ral direction like of hair growth) sceto say to forfour people the be• It’s in hospital.

We can do weekstoonknow an averless painful nario that dangersThreading associated offers with same-day at the age.

• Softerprocedures and smoother over the disuse of the feet, as it Diabetic Foot Clinic,” anti-aging benefits because skin (sugaring exfoliates said the the leads to muscle skin Dr Johnson. there is weakness, no heat applied by only removing dead past and skin changes in skin “With the not Gout to atrophy, the delicate in the cells and liveClinic, skin 50 circulation. we believe there many under eye area. However, cells). years is “People who are Bahamians with very it who are it is important that you • Can remove short DR Daniel Johnson we have all threading day and hairs just being put on tablets and visit ahome seasoned (front right) and his failed binge watch, told to reduces change their professional for they the have best being • Sugaring and team of experts to invest to be careful, as they diminishes diet, and that experience. hair doesn’t growth help. enough can get a deep vein Gout is paste so painful, • Sugar is watersome solenergy and innothrombosis (DVT), uble persons can’t sleep the Body sugaring (sugar paste leftwith on the vation to the task of healthy which is blood clot in the fan blowing on them, pull This is an ancient skin can be easily cleaned prevention. This is the feet are calf that can be quite thewith cover over their foot, Egyptian method of danhair off warm water).

EYEBROW threading canon help achieve those change that we focus inyoubetter in perfect the brows. gerous...if the clot were to they can’t shower because removal. Many view it as • It is a cost effective our Weand really feel the shoot off intomethod your chest (it method when the water falls on haircompany. exposes This yourSummer, skin to Bahamas. coarser hair monitor superior of hair of hair removal we see the pre- removal. could) cause a pulmonary they scream, and thesewill chemicals andopening can the that how the long21st you century leave these There are many their • It feet is safe to use on deliof facil- sents challenge to all of reasons embolism, is 90 pertheyareas certainly skina ifstate-of-the-art its sensitive. There creamsa on your skin. whywhich you should try cate of thecannot body wear ity bisecting botheither Doctor’s cent fatal. This occurs from shoes. So taking a tablet is no guarantee that us in the field of health and sugaring: Hospital Mar- wellness to provide life- sitting he said. for weeks all hair and will Princess be removed.

Threading • It’sall all day,” natural Sotwo there youdoesn’t have get it, garet Hospital, where our long solutions,” said Dr “We have this phrase in to the heart of the Unfortunately, this method This is an ancient • There is no chance of it’s more than justmatter. hair ATLAS Foot Alignment medicine now that is removal, So we have nowcare. developed of removing hair and Johnson.

Indian method of remov- getting burned (the sitting paste is it’s skin Project and the Diabetic Feet, he said, are like the new smoking.

And even a one-day relief package shaving may be the best ing hair, using 100 percent never hot, just warm) Foot Treatment Centers of tyres a Rolls-Royce; office jobs people have; for diabetics, and same-day method for men’s facial cotton on thread to remove the • It’s sanitary (bacteria • Kenya Mortimerthe will launch are incredibly resilient that is how bad inactivity relief for people suffering hair, Americas because removing hair they unwanted facial hair.

It don’t live in large amounts McKenzie is an anti-aging our new projects,” hefollicle said. and strong. is.” gout. We are also going to from below the hair is also one of the safest of sugar. This is also the skin care specialist at “These projects are proof “(You) never worry about Looking towards the extend our hours to Saturcan create other issues for methods of removing facial reason sugar was used the Baha Retreat Antiof... our work to reduce a tyre until it goes flat. Just future, Dr Johnson and his days and Sundays.” men’s beards. It would be hair. Eyebrow thread- during the Civil War to kill Aging Spa. Visit www. best to choose a depilatory ing can help you achieve infections). baharetreat.com or e-mail cream that works best for perfect brows due to its • There is less breakage, kenya@baharetreat.com.

DONATIONS NEEDED TO KEEP PATIENT PROGRAMMES AFLOAT

‘HEALTHY FEET ARE BETTER IN THE BAHAMAS’

ANCIENT METHODS OF HAIR REMOVAL

creams have harsh chemicals and removing your

B8WOMAN

PAGE 10 TUESDAY, JUNE 2, 2020 PAGE 8, 8, Tuesday, January 7, 2020 PAGE Tuesday, January 7, 2020

B8WOMAN THE TRIBUNE

THE TRIBUNE THE TRIBUNE

Is there a direct link between New advances in in New advances pornography and erectile prostate treatments prostate intreatments dysfunction young men?

Ultrasound imaging does not for the use of PARP inhibitors in may determine their lifetime risk THE good news: prostate generally show the location of treating prostate cancer. cancer, if detected early, can be of prostate cancer and be even The development of immuno- more diligent in early prostate prostate cancer lesions. The ultrasuccessfully treated, with a 98 sound guidance allows for the therapy and future vaccines for cancer diagnosis. Targeted more percent prostate cancer specific anatomical directed biopsy of the prostate cancer is currently being intense prostate cancer screening survival ten years after treatment.

EVERY man face some investigated and has prostate. Ultrasound guided pros-imaging Advances in will prostate for Bahamian with BRCA forgreat the use of PARPmen inhibitors in may determine their lifetime risk Ultrasound does notshown THE good news: cancer prostate form of erectile is his tate biopsies can miss prostate potential. One type of prostate gene 1 or 2 mutations will help detection in dysfunction the past 20-plus treating prostate cancer. generally show the location of cancer, if detected early, can be of prostate cancer and be even cancer treatment vaccine called cancer altogether or biopsy low years have led to the advent of prevent prostate cancer deaths lifetime, whether it takewith the form The ultraof detection immuno-in more diligent in early prostate successfully a 98 grade prostate prostate cancer andcancer miss lesions.

Sipuleucel-T (Provenge) The has development the prostatetreated, cancer management by enabling earlier of percent poor quality erections, diffiapproval the managehigher grade prostate It is FDA option of active surveillance; for prostate soundcancer. guidance allows for forthe therapy this andhigh-risk futuregroup vaccines for cancer diagnosis. Targeted more prostate cancer specific ment biopsy of advanced estimated that 25% of ultrasound whereby clinically insignificant cancer. culty maintaining an erection, or anatomical directed ofpatients the metastatic prostate cancer isHospital currently being survival ten years after treatment. intense prostate cancer screening prostate cancer with few guided prostate biopsies under early and low-volume prostate Doctors has availpremature ejaculation.

To attain investigated has shown great for Bahamian men with BRCA Ultrasound guided pros- helps Advances prostate cancer symptoms.

Provenge the able toand stage or fail toprostate. detect prostate cancer can in be actively monitored residents of the Bahamas and sustain erection, man potential. type of3T prostate biopsies misssystem prostate detection in the requires past acura20-plus cancer that is tate present.

Urolo- can immune to target prostate until the an disease the One state-of-the-art MRI mag- gene 1 or 2 mutations will help cancer gists can now use MRI prostate tivehave treatment.

Many men with netic resonance imaging,called that is prevent prostate cancer deaths requires an adequate penile bloodof vaccine cancer altogether or cells. biopsy low cancer treatment years led to the advent images in real time with ultraAn important development in an important advancement in the prostate cancer have supply and nerve supply and suffiSipuleucel-T (Provenge) grade prostate cancer and miss the insignificant prostate cancer management sound guidance and specifically prostate cancer on the horizon diagnosis, surveillance and has been able to delay prostate cancer man- by enabling earlier detection in Dr Greggory biopsy suspicioushigher FDA approval thecancer managegrade cancer. is introduced option of active surveillance; cient male hormone testosterone, prostate lesionsprostate is a simple urine It test treatment for as long as eight, agement offor prostate locally. this high-risk group for prostate in 2019, that makes use of urine of Prostate highly accurate 10,other even clinically 12physiological years before curative cancer ismetastatic a very treat- cancer. ment advanced that 25% of ultrasound whereby insignificant Pinto and thus provideestimated among comprostate cancerguided detection.prostate MRI samples taken at home. The PUR able management. disease but yet hundreds prostate cancer patients with fewof biopsies under early and low-volume prostate Doctors Hospital has availponents.

But the psychological prostate imaging has led to a con- (Prostate Urine Risk) test has Bahamian men are diagnosed The unfortunate news: Bahasymptoms.

Provenge helps the able to residents of the Bahamas stage or fail to detect prostate cancer can be actively monitored and emotion contribution can siderable reduction world-wide been pioneered to detect aggres- every year at an incurable stage mian men have a one in six system target prostate the state-of-the-art 3T MRI magthat is sive present. until the disease requires curaprostate Urolocancer and immune predict and in unnecessary cancer prostate biopsies, of developing prostate far tootomany die unnecessarhave achance potentially profoundly negwhich patients will require pros- cells. arecan not now per- use cancer in their Many lifetime. men Africanwith ily from this disease. multiple clinical trials has shown whereby biopsies cancer gists MRI prostate tiveaffect treatment. netic resonance imaging, that is ative on erectile function. ancestry is a risk factor for a more that multiparametric MRI can be formed if the MRI has not shown tate cancer treatment within the From the age of 40 years old, An important development in images in real time with ultrainsignificant prostate cancer have aggressivedysfunction form of prostate cancer Erectile (ED)an invaluable tool in the diagno- prostate cancer suspected lesions. next five years. The PUR test has have a PSA (prostate specific an important advancement in the sound guidance specifically prostate cancerblood on test the every horizon able to delay prostate cancer advantage of men being able antigen) PARP (Poly ADP-Ribose Poly- theand that affects such men six to seven year. diagnosis, surveillance and mansis, staging and active surveillance is been often thought of as a disorprovide urine samples at for suspicious prostate to prostate years earlier average Earlyurine detection key to the agement of prostate cancer locally. biopsy lesions ishome a simple testis the introduced treatment foronas longthan astheir eight, of prostate cancer. Pre prostate merase) inhibitors der10,affecting older men, but thebiopsy use of MRI has been a cancer are an important without theaccurate need for an in uncomadvanceother racial counterparts. prostate cancer. and thus provide highly 2019, cure thatof makes use of urine even 12 years beforeBRCA curative Prostate cancer is a very treatcancer research fortable rectal exam. The PUR gene and 2 adult mutations number of 1young menhave whosignificant game changer in the ment in prostateprostate able disease but yet hundreds of cancer detection.

MRI samples taken at home.

The PUR management. and treatment in 2019.

PARP is a test looks at gene expression in a relatively high occurrence in • Dr Greggory Pinto is a Bahadetection and stratifying of prosexperience ED is steadily rising.

(Prostate Urine Risk) test hasin Bahamian men are diagnosed prostate imagingurine has samples led to aand conThe unfortunate news: gene Bahaprovides criti- mian an enzyme Bahamian men. The BRCA urologist who has trained tate cancer. MRI prostate cancer substance that blocks ED is mutation quickly becoming an cal information as to whether cells. In prostate cancer treatriskequal South Africa, Germany, France every year at an incurable stage imaging can with high sensitivity been pioneered to detect aggressiderable reduction world-wide mian men increases have a theone inof six cause structural brain in changes prostate cancer if detected, is low ment PARP may aid in keeping prostate cancer four-fold and the and India.

He is a member of the and specificity determine which agechance opportunity disorder. prostate in unnecessary prostate biopsies, sive prostate cancer and predict of developing and far too many die unnecessarin regards to sexual cancer cells from repairing their risk or an aggressive form. The European Association of UroloBRCA gene 2 mutation increases patients require prostate biop- stimulation.

The number of men under the which patients will require proswhereby biopsies are not percancer in of their lifetime.

African ily from this disease. multiple clinical trials has shown damaged DNA, leading these PUR test research continues and the risk prostate cancer eightgists.

Dr Pinto can be reached at Watching porn triggers the release sies and the imaging of the MRI ageancestry offold 35 by who experience erectile prostate cancer cells to die, as aMRI it will hopefully be part oftate future offactor 70 yearsfor old.

Urology Care Bahamas the cancer treatment withinatthe formed if the has not shown isthe a age risk a more From the age of 40 years old, prostate allows cognitive or causes realMRI that multiparametric can be of dopamine that men to prostate cancer diagnosis. next fiveSurgical part of targetedprostate prostate cancer cancer suspected Thewas use of ofmultiparametric image directed biopsies of the problems estimated to becancer lesstimeexperience years. Suite, The Centreville PUR testMedihas have a PSA (prostate specific lesions. aggressive form prostate an invaluable tool in diagnopleasure, and when treatGenetic testing for BRCA gene cal Centre, Collins Avenue and MRI 8, magnetic resonance imag- 31, PAGE Tuesday, December 2019 prostate lesions. Tra- treatment. PARP inhibitor THE TRIBUNE suspicious than two to three percent before advantage of men being PARProle (Poly that affects such men six cancer to seven sis, staging active mutations are Polyavailable the locally ment an important in ADP-Ribose ing of the prostate for Sixth Terrace.

Call 326 able 1929, antigen) blood test every year. that pleasure is triggered overhas and ditionally, prostateand cancer hassurveillance to provide urine samples at home merase) inhibitors for prostate years earlier on average than their Early detection is the key to the 2002, diagnosis but current studies has havebeenover, BRCA gene mutation related so that men, particularly with e-mail and management welcome@urologycareof prostate Prerepeatedly prostate diagnosed using cancer. biopsy it leads menneeto prostate cancer.

Research cona strong family history of pros- bahamas.com, evolved the BRCA past ofdles biopsy oranvisit www. cure of prostate cancer. directed into the prostate without the need for uncomcancer are an important advanceother racialconsiderably shown that 14counterparts. to 35 in percent use of MRI has been a Sickle cell disease causes erecThere is little doubt, however, some scientific researchers the guidance. porn thattinues initially cancer and breast cancer, with greatasfuture data from glandseek with out ultrasound fortable urologycarebahamas.com. rectal exam. The PUR ment inpromise prostatetate cancer research gene20 1years. andLong 2 term mutations have

THE UROLOGY DOCTOR IS IN...

THE UROLOGY DOCTOR IS IN...

‘Porn is rewiring the brains of many young men. Research is showing that watching even three hours of porn a week can cause structural brain changes in regards to sexual stimulation.’

Dr Greggory Pinto

B8WOMAN

Gospel singer immortalises her DEALING WITH HIP PAIN kids’ upbringing in new book

significant changer in the younger men now face ED. have proposed, that porn actually tile dysfunction in many afflicted that psychogenic erectile dyscreated the game pleasurable response; treatment in 2019. PARP is a test looks at gene expression in a relatively occurrence • Dr Greggory is a Bahadetection and stratifying ofrepeatpros- and The culprit ishigh mainly thought toin similar function thatPinto is unrelated to any helps with erectile dysfunction Bahamian men. to a drug addict The BRCA gene tate cancer. MRI prostate cancer substance that blocks an enzyme urine samples and provides criti- mian urologist who has trained in beBahamian the steadymen. rise in readily availObesity as well as poorly con- physiological cause is on the rise ED. edly seeking out the response to cal information as to whether in cells.

In prostate cancer treatmutation increases the risk of South Africa, Germany, France imaging can with high sensitivity able free pornography. There was cocaine, or undiagnosed bloodand among young For most young men with ED trolledcancer for example. if detected,high is low prostate cancer four-fold the and specificity India. He is amen member of the determine which ment PARP may aid in keeping prostate a recognised surge in the and availpressure and diabetes canThe impairEuropean Erectile dysfunction is an there no single identifiEvery time a man watches porn, your knees to the lower cancer cracks is canlikely appear inrepairing the By gene DR SUSAN DONALDincreases Association of Urolorisk or an aggressive form. cells from their BRCA 2 mutation patients require prostate biopback.

Your chiropractor walls at any level.

And feet ability of high definition porn in or blood and nerve supply to the penis. embarrassing and often traumatic able cause. heightens the experience with DNA, aligned leading these PUR test research continues and gists. Dr Pinto can be reached at the riskYOUR of prostate cancer eight- sies and the imaging of thetheMRI can determine cause of damaged that aren’t properly hip is a weightthefold early 2000s.

Adrenal thyroidUrology subject for many men at of the all ages.

Incontribute regards tostress PIED, is thought masturbation, is a strengthhopefullygland be partand of future cancer cellsandtoitdie, as a it will by the age of and 70 years Care Bahamas your discomfort can to prostate allowsthere cognitive or and realrec- prostate bearing joint, all of old.

According to a 2013 study pubdisorders can cause erectile disturThe real tragedy is not seeking to have created unrealistic expecommend proper treatment. pressure at the hip joint. ening of the brain’s arousal the prostate cancer diagnosis. part of targeted prostate cancer Theyouruseweight of above multiparametric Surgical Suite, Centreville Meditime image directed biopsies of If traumatic release injury such tations Your feet also helpmen to and many lished the Journal waistline has resonance to be of sup-Sexual bances intesting younger and older men.cal help when solutions do exist. forPARP young toprostate dopamine Genetic for BRCA gene treatment. inhibitor treatMRI in magnetic imag- pathway Centre, Collins Avenue and suspicious lesions.

Traas falling on the hip, a protect you against heelportednearly by your hips.

Medicine, one in cancer four and personalThe number of young confidential compasyoung men to pleasure, during which the are available locallymenSixth Seek anneed important role in mutations ing RADIO of the prostate for Terrace.

Call 326and 1929, car accident etc. has been ment strike has shock.

Every timeprogressively ditionally, prostate cancer has Whenever you stand, walk newly diagnosed patients with ity, journalist, author and with lowwith testos-e-mail sionatewelcome@urologycareurology care in regards to and the pain BRCA the heel gene ofsexual your mutation foot hits increase stimulation from so being pathways connecting arousal to that diagnosed men, particularly related diagnosis has been diagnosedruled or run,and the management weight–bearusingout, biopsy neeseemsfrom lessenanother or go away prostate the ground, a shockaroused wave award-winning gospel erectile dysfunction was ing joints in your body higher than ever before.bahamas.com, any form of or erectile porn to become and stay a terone strong is family history of proscancer.

Research conevolved considerably inyounger the past physical visit dysfunction. www. arousal dles directed into tothe prostate completely when you’re travels up through your are subjected external Vanessa Clarke has from partner than 40 years old. to canceralcohol and breast tinues with great future promise 20singer years.

Long term data intake,cancer, smoking,urologycarebahamas.com.

No matter what, you can always aroused.

Porn overload can lead tate High is notultrasound used.

The end gland with guidance. resting or off yourresult feet, you body, all the way to your forces like gravity and heel had strike probably the most The term is andporn induced is that many men maywho have watch a postural imbal- some head. men The to healthier and be aroused illicit drug use and opiate drug rise again. no longer porn shock the strain tumultuous ofalso, her - a compulsively do ance, a foot problem to and/ by more stable your body is ofdysfunction repetitiveyear motion, erectile (PIED) abuse all can potentially lead to the presence of a partner. not respond or a leg length inequality the more likely this shock weight of the body life, the butthat her trials have not condition has been exhauserectile dysfunction for young men.

• Dr Greggory Pinto is a board Reducing the input of porn natural forms of sexual stimulathat could be the cause of is either dissipated or is supported on just one with gravity and heel strike stopped herin from pursuing tively studied recent years. shock if tion your hip pain.can only absorbed safely.

But if yourfor the brain Anxiety and depression certified Bahamian urologist and has shown to allow it is good health with a partner and limb through tree-quarher ters dreams fulfilling The feet are the foun- to feetreboot are not and in their corwith good ensurof the and gait (walking) Researchers have studied laparoscopic surgeon. He has erectile function potentially could lead to erecbeposture aroused by more pornography. her life’s cycle. purpose.

During this time, the ing a stable frame. But if dation of your body; they rectly functioning position the brain images of young male tilethe dysfunction in young men trained in Germany, South Africa a lower relationship improve.

Scores of men have difficulty support everything above within at all times, more of this to can your knees to the cracks appear in you have slight postural muscles in your hip must Having been diagnosed

By DR SUSAN DONALDusers including the hips. The shock is allowed to walls move atorgan compulsive pornography and/or mistoo. and France, and is a member of the brain is a resilient and And achieving and them, maintaining erecto keep your torso imbalances back.

Your chiropractor any level. feet Nervousness related to withcontract a neurological disorder Feet function something through the body and care to ensure that you alignment,tions those forces can the fromhave falling to the opposite brain andinthey discovered performance, fear of unwanted European Association of Urology. erectile dysfunction caused by without input of porn, can determine the cause of that aren’t properly aligned YOUR hip is a weightApril 2019 which left her benefit from proper hip, • Dr Susan Donald can gradually cause a variety of like the basement of a weaken other joints includside. changes that are seen in of other pregnancy concern He can be contacted at The Surgical porn can reversed byknee removing yourbasement discomfort and reccan contribute stress and be or because which their house; brainsif need that and to foot alignment. reached at Life regarding Chirothe ing the hips.be bearing all unable tojoint, walk, she found painful conditions Because of itsand structural You nothing to lose practic 9B Village support the weight There is no time like theexposure. may affect not of onlystimulation your doesn’tfrom addictions such ashuman those tothe ommend treatment. pressure at have the hip joint. design, themore body maintaining anCentre, erection, all could Suite, Centreville Medical Centre, or reducing the porn level porn toproper your weight above herself even driven todrugs but that pain in your hip.

Road. Call 393-2774. the floors above it, stress present to start chiropractic anything arousal. from of Porn can usually traumatic injury such Yourare feetbeing also help andleave alcohol. leadto to erectile issues. #68 Collins Avenue/Sixth Terrace; More young men can If potenwaistline hasdeal toeffectively beworld sup-hips, butachieve her mark in the as falling on the hip,as aobese protect you against heelPorn is the rewiring brains tially lead to the desensitisation The issue of erectile dysfunctelephone: 326-1929. Please note diagnosed and there are through ported byarts.yourthehips. etc. hasnumbers been strike shock.adult Everytion timein young adult men is a “The young Children’s Den: of many Whenever youmen. stand,Research walk that after June 12, Dr Pinto will of young of men’s sexual arousal tocar realaccident live higher ruled out,illustrated and the pain both the hypertension heel of your foot hits one and the direct link to A pub-even or Mother’s run, that the Diary”, weight–bearis showing watching complex no longer be at The Surgical Suite. men having women.

THE COVER of Vanessa Clarke’s new book was by her seems to lessen go away the ground, a shockpornography wave lished

by Amazon, inghours joints your body can daughterItV’ajha. three of in porn afeatures week is all not so straightforward, is strongly debated.

Further details will follow. andor diabetes. completely when you’re travels up through your her 12, Primary School Student of our are daughters subjected V’ajha, to external wonderful memories off your feet,One you body, all the way to your and V’lori, 7 (nicknamed forces like gravity and heel the Year Programme 2019. inresting a cuteorlittle book. mayI just havemay a postural imbalhead. The healthier and “Teeky”), and strike shock andthe the many strain The self-taught artist was day be gone, but ance, a always foot problem and/ more stable your body is precocious things they have of repetitive motion, also, also Walter Parker Pri- they will have those or a leg that length inequality the more likely this shock said doneof throughout the and weight the body mary School’s valedictorian memories I preserved that could be the cause their childhood.on just one (2019) with gravity and heel strike is supported howof is either dissipated or and graduated with a and they will see just your hip pain. absorbed safely. But if your “It’s through like the Bahamian shock if it is good health much limb tree-quar- 3.94 their mother loves average.

The– feet are the founfeet are not in their corversion of gait the (walking) popular with good posture ensurters of the and that love is “I especially wanted to them everywhere affected changes happening around but I made the most of I am looking forward to dation of yourwas body; they rectly functioning position Health coach Ethan family show ‘Kids Say the ingsomething a stable frame.

But cycle.

During this time, the do Health coach Ethan beautiful forif forever.” in some everything way. you can support above atyou, all times, morechoose of thisto what I had. I know that the rest of 2020 and I am Darndest Things’ andmust it’s you have slight postural muscles in your hip Quant, of Elite Wellness Vanessa said she hopes my two amazQuant, of Elite We have all had make shock change for the better too. you did too, because you super exciting about all them, including thetoDen: hips. is allowed to move bound tokeep mis- “The contract to torso imbalances ingand/or Children’s daughters, Solutions, has your succeeded ensure thatthis. you So of the great things that lie adjustments, besomething it at will home through You have powerand and care are tohere reading ‘One day I just may those Wellness Solutions, functionDiary” thethebody have you alignment, forces can AFeet from falling to the opposite Mother’s who are truly in his weight loss benefit from proper hip, Dr Susan Donald can like the basement of a weaken other joints includrolling over schooling our kids while the opportunity to create that means that you also •ahead. gradually cause a variety of side. encourage parents to the joy of my be gone, but they journey and now in wants I at hope that you are has succeeded knee and foot alignment. be reached Life Chirohouse; if the basement ing the hips. in to laughalso working from home, the body and the life that have the rest of 2020 to painful conditions which Because of its structural world. I have spend more time with their share hiswill methods too, Centre, and if you want help always have You have nothing to lose practic 9B Village his weight loss doesn’t support the weight There is no time like the ter,” she affect always not onlytreasyour children or beingtoonmake lockdown design, theBahamas human in body moreon you want. All you have to look forward to. with the an may that story,” said navigating this or any part that paintoin challenge your hip. you Road.

Call 393-2774. those memories said. of the floors above it, stress to Vanessa. start chiropractic butVANESSA hips, but ured anything from and to capture can usually deal effectively the time I memories, the weekends and not present do is act.

I want journey and now effort to foster a culture “One of my favourite of your health, wellness Vanessa CLARKE, memories photos,out spend with my those I and preserved being able toin hang Something while you are adjusting of wellness conquer television shows isthat ‘Thehas above, wants to share his and they girls, and some videos considand new normal, to and fitness journey, feel and even books. with family and friends. been constantly on my to your will see just how epidemic.

Goldbergs’, and it features ersthe obesity this with daugh-prioritising your free to reach out to me “I wrote the book family and methods The Yet we made it thisforfar so mind that Istories wanted her make many was childhood their mother her FIRSTLY, most Imuch ter, V’ajha,wellness and fit- directly. really…but the chilfriends have parents want to wish all of and there is still the rest of the to use this timeAdam. of quar- health, show’s creator Bahamas an endearright, aged you a happy in new year. them May 2020– and who got their hands even criticised dren loves of 2020 to look forward I fall antine becomeduring better. I 12, ness a is part of that. Make out to laughing your best year yet, and bring ingbe project who not been able to effort tohealth, foster a isandforever.’ that I take too onto.it have thathappiness love So as we make prepawanted to use this time as eating more fruits and vegyou good every episode.

But guess • Health coach Ethan because a decorated many pictures put the book down. That prosperity.of wellness rations for so transitioning an opportunity improve etables, culture We all havetostories Quant, of Elite Wellness student.and less fast food her I daughHEALTHand COACH me feel good. I what? too many made personally love the new year. intothey thisare “new normal”, all areas of my and processed foods a part that, inabout growing terThere V’ajha illustrated is a certain freshness drawn to the I likemyself Solutions, has succeeded and conquer the theand videos and have too many think energy that is– unmatched and Ithe crazy things want to encourage you to up,life. learned new we skills, of the new normal. Let’s book’s cover a drawingatofany Facebook stories where these girls posts about my in his weight loss journey We saw that for other timeepidemic. during the year. Lit- already. obesity that if you arebut reallythey seriousare you outsmart and said to our make health, wellness and didcompleted old parents projects, make regular exercise and theerally sisters from an actual their father and you have the entire year children… and now wants to share most of usVanessa. our pretty wouldn’t wait until lives the new year vicestarted versa. These stopicture. part of it.when There andand new exciting meditation a part of our I fitness all the atime...Even said ahead of you and that means mine,” to start working on a new you. his methods with the much came to a standstill, ries ought to be shared not Ithere WANT to acongratuare now countless possibilities They V’ajha, seventh read it,time shethan killed “I have of V’ajha is no better now ones. new normal. Let’s make also saytaken setting many New Year’s andyou opportunities.

Bahamas in an effort to and we have had figure only history and grade student at St Paul’s truly working on becoming theprotect failure and that youand should give can stayto on capture track together. laughing asked, those hilarious poststowaste about late for making this resolutions is a complete of herself to start or continue workIt was hard on some doing things that This is a great time to set new up on setting goals and do working We will cover: memories but best version of yourself. time. how Methodist College, wasand didbecoming we really you my todaughters foster a culture of wellness out navigateand this ‘Mom, far intocommit 2020. know it raising ing on the best lighthearted days, being confined andThis our mental and emotional goals, to Inew habits is an exciting time and I towards them.Yes, It might justsurely mean • Goal-setting andsomebody’s action plan Igreat wholeheartedly to brighten up named Grand Bahama’s this?’ you times wedisagree sharedwith as like actively work onbeen being one better the and conquer the obesity new and unprecedented has definitely version away from the gym, not health our new am grateful thataI part get toof share that you canyourself. try anotherThe waything to development. both of these simply because you this year than last year, a family and immortalised day,” she said. did.

Every story isthe a true Top Student inyou thewere Bahamas with you so that we all can be in get it done.

• Progress tracking and for the record books time.

Everyone from is, with all of other being able to run outside, normal. epidemic. and you alone determine when Health coach Ethan improving on all of the aspects

DEALING WITH HIP PAIN

NEW YEAR, MAKE NEW FITNESS YOU A PART OF YOUR ‘NEW NORMAL’

NEW YEAR, NEW YOU LIFE LINES – A MIND CHANGER HAVE WE LEARNED ANYTHING YET? ETHAN QUANT

that youof mayElite have fallen short in you are ready to make the change.

Quant, Wellness So if this is the time of year that years past.

I know thathas this time of year has you decided is best for you, then Solutions, succeeded also turned into a bit of a cliché. let’s get to it. in his weight lossYou” has Now if you are anything like The “New Year, New gotten a bad rap because many me you have set New Year’s journey and now wants resolutions in the past and probpeople (personal development and self-help gurus included) to share his methodsfeel ably failed sticking to them. It’s that it’s all just “BS”. They say OK, that doesn’t mean you are a with the Bahamas in an effort foster culture LIFE isto full of surprises and THIS year that isa almost done frequently us, as we been blindsides filled with changes ofhaswellness andmany conquer have collectively learnedone with the for me, and although or two the obesity epidemic. current coronavirus pandemic. were more than a little challeng-

Buting likeatalmost all events in all life, the time, have now FIRSTLY, I wantthey to wish of mostly turned out toorhave potendespite the tragedies the setyou a happy new year. May 2020 tiallythere positive outcomes as I look backs, is year usually upside be your best yet,anand bring forward. to you all of it if we care to look or, good health, happiness and Usually I don’t reviewthe myway year more importantly, change prosperity. at the New Year’s we look at it.traditional I personally love new year. stage, but wait untilthe my For instance, I know it isbirthday a uniThere is a certain freshness and in February to none take stock the versal truth that of usatoflike energy that is unmatched any negatives and positives before theother curfew or the lockdowns, timea during the year. drawing line under them Litand especially since it is the not erally you have entire visualising what I something would year like weahead chose to do individuals but of youas and means to make happen in that the coming was imposed upon us, possibilities albeit for there are countless months. ourand own and theis common opportunities.

This year ending ingood. a totally This is a way greatto time set one new Being forced stay in different than Itooriginally goals, commit new habits andit place and nobutto contact allowed anticipated far from feeling actively work better is an in ending ambeing imbued with unless the– Ion same physical this year than were last year, an uplifting ofyou thefor spirit as well as household is hard everyone, improving onofall of aspects a deep sense gratitude and posincluding those of us the who live itivity havenow arrived atthe the that you mayI have fallen short in alone.

It’sthat true we have placepast. am supposed to becomemoyears benefit ofI the internet and tionally Quite I knowand that time of kind year has munication of intellectually. athis different is a surprise to me, although as I take also turned into a bit of a cliché. available 24/7. a moment to really think The “New Year, You”about has I’m probably in New the people minority, it, there are several who gotten a bad rap because many but have I loathe telephone callsmental and contributed todevelopment this people (personal rarely initiate ones, as shake-up by personal causing me to think and self-help gurus included) feel my differently long-suffering friendssome willof and re-assess that it’s all just “BS”. They say attest, avoid video chats like my and less Iproductive thoughts and the work plague. habits.

Nevertheless, I know it has been a lifeline of sorts for almost everyone else to be able to stay in contact and know that loved ones

ETHAN QUANT

This being the first month of the year, I am going to be sharing in depth with you my top strategies to developing a system that will not only keep you on track with your goals all year, but ensure that you smash them. I will be using examples for my personal journey, past and present, so that we

Life lines

HEALTH COACH that if you are really serious you wouldn’t wait until the new year to start working on a new you.

They also say setting New Year’s resolutions is a complete waste of time.

I wholeheartedly disagree with “Sometimes we all needyou a both of these simply because andLife-line you alone determine when and sometimes you to is make the change. allare weready need a Life-line” So if this is the time of year that you decided is best for you, then and friends are safe. let’s toneed it.

Wegetall help of some sort For many families (although Nowtime if you are anything like from to abusive time, even helpers not those in situations) me you haveI have set been Newblessed Year’s need help and itresolutions has had in a positive impact of the past probwith friends, old and and relatively sharing moresticking daily life and conably to It’s new, failed who supported methem. in variversation perhaps the are usual ous ways - sometimes before Ia OK, that than doesn’t mean you hurried breakfast/off work/ even recognised that Itoneeded coming home/ tired/watch some their assistance and sometimes TV/go to bed, routine.

I am hoping it has given us all time to reflect and we have taken advantage of it to pause and think

Victoria Sarne

monitoring.

• Building your support system.

These three topics are essential to creating the structure that will enable you to be successful. The best part about this is that you can then take these same principles.

And apply them to other areas of your life to ensure that you are

a better place at the end of 2020.

You deserve to be happy and you deserve to get everything you want. So let’s get to it!

• You can contact Ethan Quant at ethan@elite-wellnesssolutions.com or on Instagram at @ ethanquant.

how we might do things differ-my African American man, Ayodeji perception reality. Perjust by being there and being who professional life, after some well. Even for an shapes independent entlyare. to An giveinvisible ourselves a moreprompting Awosika, the Iheader ception reality. you think the they connecfromunder a friend, some- “Ten self-starter likeis me, he If showed fulfilling, less stressful life. your life is probably skyweis falling, fallofon you. If tion runs through and between whatSigns skeptically enlisted the help better me that all needit awill push We can do and go out,of a than you tothink it is”. youfrom think thetoworld is abundant all beings onsee, this when planetwe earth life coach help me focusTo onquote: some sort time time, othlisten to the news or internet, “Politicians and opportunity, you’ll find those we all need each other to thrive,thata specific outcome forthe themedia book have erwise with we tend to get stuck in old friends and strangers is alike.

Some- and a surprise, surprise,stronghold discov- habits and thought patterns. It our environment considerably psychological on opportunities. times that sense connectedness I still had lessons learnto was helpful very different cleaner with of minimum air anderedthe population.

Youtohave pay incredibly “Granted, weandhave toocean something larger Without runs verylife-– a attention necessary, toslightly humbling refreshing to discover in myself pollution. politics to a degree, starting places and self-improvestrongly in me but at other times norexperience.

That in itself a new energy enthusiasm not on the giving nature, neither humans but understand that was fundamenment and changes depending gets covered the overlay of message that people no matter how my work but my life in animals canwith survive. tally –these aren’t hereonly to for context of our circumstances, but day-to-day busyness come and business we think mastered,andgeneral.

In my previous I of our Let’s seriously up with amuch help you. we Ashave individuals as overall, the vast column majority and then it is timeonto how stop, to reflect is always another layer to wrote confidence and this personal plan reducetherecommunities and populations we about problems can be fixed by changing and re-direct my thinking. reveal and another perspective to kind of help for emotional, perour impact on the environment. have a say in this.

Politicians and our mindset.

More importantly, lost After several false starts at help us find the answers that we sonal or professional reasons, For instance, we’ve made a startseek.media pundits simply suffer from inright all the news what it must be attempting to write a novel (which with the coach, is ais valuable withinvariably reverting ended to re-usable shop- Soathis perverse structure. like to reallylives, be down on your luck, have up being is a thankincentive you to David tool for changing which I ping bags; personally no longer The media hasgenerous no choice to personally in any recommend. third world Skepcountry, truly ditched in frustration afterI two or Holis, who is very withbutcan buy chapters, foil Saran wrap, instead you because it gives them truly wondering if you’re three as you I had no clear time offering a 30-minute tical nostruggling, more – after we hire the truly working on all, becoming failure andorthat should give hiscangaslight stay on track together.

I’ve invested in more plastic conthe most clicks and politicians are going to be alive on a daily basis. If idea of where I wanted the charWhatsApp free consultation.

(He trainers at the gym for our bodies, best version of yourself. up on setting goals and working We will cover: tainers that can bego used getGreece). elected,plan you’re notexciting in thatsense camp,and acters or the story to next) out andis currently livingtoin I notsotoit This makes more tobe Igrateis even an time towards them.

It might justover mean •incentivised Goal-setting and action of theyou blue, thetry oneanother I was always his gentle as he qui-If you getam ourful. minds shape to us over for food storage. serve yourmanner best interests.

Theinthat next you’re grateful I time getgive to shareeating that can way to liked development. meant toindividuals, write presented but probingly our best possible lives. we itself all inhaveetly •think those twoasked thingsme areall aligned, watching yourbefavourite withKFC you while so that we all can in getAs it done.

Progress tracking and my head and and I amresponsibility now happily tothe you righthaven’t questions topaying direct attention. my • Victoria Sarne is an entrethe power been showplace on Netflix, think twice before a better at the end of 2020.

This being the first month of the monitoring. two-thirds of own the way through it ofattention to what I really preneuryou andcomplain. writer. She headed change our habits and way See, the things that wanted would really Don’t let the news You deserve to be happy and year, I am going to be sharing in • Building your support system. and know exactly where it is going to achieve and best helped me define a teamcycle to establish a shelter for worse doing things to make a difference. serve your interests are things make your life seem you deserve toand get children everything you myfeeling. top strategies These three topics -depth a Reading verywith satisfying Good I intended to things getaretoessential that want. abused women inyou some of the more posi-how need, not you than it is. get Once you the sky want.

So let’s to first it! remove tobad, developing a system that will to you creating the structure that will Canada or read or unread when pubpoint.

He then guided me through and was its chairtive news it seems to be a wake-up And you only vote for people who is falling narrative, you realise that not only on track with very enable you tosteps be successful.

The woman. You can reach her at lished, thekeep senseyou of achievement specific to identify callbe forknowing various governments tell you things want to hear. you’re or less OK.” will I accomconcentrate my thoughts victoria.conversations@gmail.

• You canmore contact Ethan Quant your goals all year,that but ensure that toand best part about thisyou is that youon can initiate revised perspective on then So it’s your too.

The overall • Victoria Sarne is an entreplished myacreative practical andfault, logical efforts com, www.lifelineswritingat visit ethan@elite-wellnesssoluyou smash them. goal.

I will be using the take these same principles. how to proceed in theit future. lesson,toengage civically where youtions.com preneur and writer. She headed The next step of getting outjourin ItI needed make or orcall on 467-1178.

Instagram at @ examples for my personal And apply themtotoadjust other my areas service.com, remains to be seen if we havebrain’s can way and stay out of the and mud pile a team to Holis establish shelter for the public domain requires a difof processing Life coach David canabe ney, past and present, so that we of your life to ensure that you are ethanquant. learned lesson here and aside from that”. women and in ferent skillaset and although PRnewwhere necessary abandoning old reached viaabused WhatsApp at + 33children 6 ways of caring for ourselves on toserve say: me “People and publicity is another part ofandhabits He that goes no longer 73 07 80 66.Canada and was its first chairthe planet, our home, are actually put into place.

I read an insightful article in Medium written by a young

who feel like the game of life is rigged against them have a perception problem. They don’t understand the extent to which

woman. You can reach her at victoria.conversations@gmail. com, visit lifelineswritingservice. com, or call 467-1178.

THE APPLIANCE OF SCIENCE TO GIVE BARBIE A MAKEOVER

THE TRIBUNE

Tuesday, June 2, 2020, PAGE 11

THE WEATHER REPORT

5-Day Forecast

TODAY

ORLANDO

High: 84° F/29° C Low: 71° F/22° C

TAMPA

TONIGHT

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

Variable clouds with a few showers

A shower early; otherwise, cloudy

A t‑storm in spots in the afternoon

Cloudy and breezy with a shower

Mostly cloudy with winds subsiding

Clouds and sun, a t‑storm possible

High: 85°

Low: 77°

High: 86° Low: 79°

High: 86° Low: 77°

High: 87° Low: 78°

High: 88° Low: 78°

AccuWeather RealFeel

AccuWeather RealFeel

AccuWeather RealFeel

AccuWeather RealFeel

AccuWeather RealFeel

AccuWeather RealFeel

93° F

80° F

93°-81° F

94°-83° F

96°-83° F

98°-83° F

High: 89° F/32° C Low: 74° F/23° C

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

N

almanac

E

W

ABACO

S

N

High: 80° F/27° C Low: 76° F/24° C

10‑20 knots

S

WEST PALM BEACH High: 84° F/29° C Low: 76° F/24° C

12‑25 knots

FT. LAUDERDALE E

W

FREEPORT

High: 85° F/29° C Low: 77° F/25° C

N

S

E

W

High: 83° F/28° C Low: 75° F/24° C

MIAMI

High: 85° F/29° C Low: 77° F/25° C

8‑16 knots

Statistics are for Nassau through 2 p.m. yesterday Temperature High ................................................... 84° F/29° C Low .................................................... 73° F/23° C Normal high ....................................... 86° F/30° C Normal low ........................................ 73° F/23° C Last year’s high ................................. 91° F/33° C Last year’s low ................................... 77° F/25° C Precipitation As of 2 p.m. yesterday ................................. 0.00” Year to date ............................................... 19.28” Normal year to date ..................................... 8.73”

ELEUTHERA

NASSAU

High: 85° F/29° C Low: 77° F/26° C

Forecasts and graphics provided by AccuWeather, Inc. ©2020

High: 81° F/27° C Low: 78° F/26° C

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KEY WEST

High: 86° F/30° C Low: 80° F/27° C

tiDes For nassau High Today

Ht.(ft.)

Low

Ht.(ft.)

5:14 a.m.

5:54 p.m.

2.7 3.2

11:32 a.m. ‑0.5 ‑‑‑‑‑ ‑‑‑‑‑

Wednesday 6:11 a.m.

6:48 p.m.

2.7 3.4

12:18 a.m. ‑0.2 12:25 p.m. ‑0.6

Thursday

7:06 a.m.

7:40 p.m.

2.7 3.5

1:15 a.m. ‑0.3 1:16 p.m. ‑0.7

Friday

7:59 a.m.

8:31 p.m.

2.7 3.5

2:09 a.m. ‑0.4 2:06 p.m. ‑0.7

Saturday

8:51 a.m.

9:21 p.m.

2.6 3.5

3:01 a.m. ‑0.5 2:56 p.m. ‑0.7

Sunday

9:42 a.m.

10:10 p.m.

2.5 3.3

3:52 a.m. ‑0.4 3:45 p.m. ‑0.5

Monday

10:32 a.m.

10:59 p.m.

2.5 3.2

4:42 a.m. ‑0.3 4:35 p.m. ‑0.3

sun anD moon Sunrise Sunset

High: 83° F/28° C Low: 77° F/25° C

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S

E

W

8‑16 knots

S

10‑20 knots

ANDROS

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

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

6:20 a.m.

7:56 p.m.

Moonrise Moonset

4:48 p.m.

3:54 a.m.

Full

Last

New

First

Jun. 5

Jun. 13

Jun. 21

Jun. 28

CAT ISLAND

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uV inDex toDay

SAN SALVADOR

GREAT EXUMA

High: 83° F/28° C Low: 77° F/25° C

High: 83° F/28° C Low: 79° F/26° C

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High: 85° F/29° C Low: 79° F/26° C

E

W S

LONG ISLAND

tracking map

High: 83° F/28° C Low: 78° F/26° C

8‑16 knots

MAYAGUANA High: 85° F/29° C Low: 79° F/26° C

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

CROOKED ISLAND / ACKLINS

tonight’s lows.

RAGGED ISLAND High: 84° F/29° C Low: 79° F/26° C

H

High: 85° F/29° C Low: 79° F/26° C

GREAT INAGUA High: 87° F/31° C Low: 80° F/27° C

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N E

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10‑20 knots

10‑20 knots

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

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

WINDS NE at 12‑25 Knots E at 10‑20 Knots E at 8‑16 Knots ESE at 8‑16 Knots E at 8‑16 Knots ESE at 8‑16 Knots E at 10‑20 Knots ESE at 10‑20 Knots E at 12‑25 Knots ESE at 8‑16 Knots E at 15‑25 Knots ESE at 10‑20 Knots E at 10‑20 Knots ESE at 10‑20 Knots E at 10‑20 Knots ESE at 10‑20 Knots E at 10‑20 Knots ESE at 10‑20 Knots E at 8‑16 Knots ESE at 10‑20 Knots E at 12‑25 Knots ESE at 8‑16 Knots E at 10‑20 Knots ESE at 10‑20 Knots E at 8‑16 Knots ESE at 8‑16 Knots

WAVES 6‑10 Feet 4‑7 Feet 1‑3 Feet 1‑3 Feet 3‑5 Feet 3‑6 Feet 2‑4 Feet 3‑5 Feet 4‑7 Feet 3‑6 Feet 4‑7 Feet 2‑4 Feet 1‑3 Feet 1‑3 Feet 2‑4 Feet 3‑5 Feet 1‑3 Feet 2‑4 Feet 2‑4 Feet 4‑7 Feet 2‑4 Feet 1‑3 Feet 2‑4 Feet 2‑4 Feet 2‑4 Feet 2‑4 Feet

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

502-2394

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

WATER TEMPS. 81° F 80° F 85° F 85° F 82° F 82° F 83° F 83° F 82° F 81° F 84° F 83° F 84° F 83° F 84° F 83° F 84° F 83° F 84° F 82° F 84° F 84° F 84° F 84° F 82° F 81° F

SECTION D

TUESDAY, JUNE 2, 2020

Ending period poverty NON-PROFIT DEALS WITH INCREASING MENSTRUATION RELATED NEEDS DURING PANDEMIC

By ALESHA CADET Tribune Features Reporter acadet@tribunemedia.net WOMEN dealing with menstruation while living in poverty is not a topic that is often discussed in the public forum. But it is an important issue and one that the Dignified Girl Project non-profit organisation feels very passionate about.

Last October, they hosted their fist “My Period, My Pride” event in honour of International Day of The Girl Child.

The response from Bahamians, the team said, was overwhelming. Following the success of the seminar, they started planning for a second event, scheduled for May 28, World Menstrual Hygiene Day. But then COVID-19 struck and plans had to be changed.

But as founder of the Dignified Girl Project (DGP), Phillipa Dean, said, “pandemics don’t stop periods”, so she and her team decided their efforts to help women in need couldn’t stop either.

In fact, Forbes magazine reported that “period poverty” – the term given to a global sanitation issue affecting girls and women - has gotten worse during the current pandemic.

Studies have also found that a majority of women feel lockdown has made dealing with their monthly cycles more challenging.

With this in mind, the DGP team went ahead and hosted their second “My Period, My Pride”

seminar online in order to a proven fact that keep to the conversation gender inequality, povabout period poverty and erty, natural disasters, menstrual hygiene man- humanitarian crises, and agement alive. harmful traditions can all Ms Dean said it is her turn menstruation into a goal to let people know time of deprivation. that period poverty is a “We hope that through global issue in both devel- our efforts women and oped and developing men, girls and boys are countries. accurately informed about “Just because we don’t menstrual health, are speak about it publicly more comfortable having doesn’t mean it doesn’t conversations regarding exist. Period poverty is a menstruation, and ultiterm used to describe a mately destigmatising it. person’s inability or strug- We realise that men and gle to afford menstrual boys have to be a part of products, pain the convermedication, ‘A person should sation if we or under- not have to want to affect garments to change. This manage their decide between year, one of periods. Facts eating and our panellists also show that buying sanitary was a male menstrual who shared hygiene needs products, but his experience are second- unfortunately as a father ary during they do.’ helping his tough finandaughter cial times. A manage her person should not have period,” she said. to decide between eating Ms Dean has always and buying sanitary prod- felt that promoting female ucts, but unfortunately empowerment was a duty they do,” she told Tribune of hers, so creating a virWoman. tual initiative for women “A period is a natural and girls extends her biological function, man- organisation’s reach and aging it is not a secondary impact. Some 72 percent need, it’s a primary need. of the female populaFinally, today’s resources tion in The Bahamas, she and technology like the said, is of menstruating internet and the app Zoom age, which is a significant allows us to host a virtual number to reach. seminar so we embraced “Many persons have the opportunity. The over- access to the internet all goal of the ‘My Period, through some device even My Pride’ seminar is to if it’s a cell phone. Virtuincrease knowledge and ally, we are able to get awareness of menstrua- information and resources tion, female health and to more persons during development, and femi- social distancing. In fact, nine hygiene.” this year as a result of She added that it’s the virtual capabilities,

FROM THE MOUTH OF A MAN

By JEFFARAH GIBSON Tribune Features Writer jgibson@tribunemedia.net

BY nature, women are thought to be the more expressive gender when it comes to sharing their feelings, hurts and hangsup regarding love and relationships.

In most instances, it is their male counterparts who need coaxing to volunteer information about how something as major as a heartbreak impacts them.

But that is not the case with Rico Neely Jr, who shares his raw emotions and stories of failed relationships in a new book of poetry.

Titled “F*** Love & Give Me Hate”, the book is a selection of Rico’s best poems from the last four years.

Tribune readers may remember Rico from previous articles detailing his

YOUNG POET SHARES MALE PERSPECTIVE ON HEARTBREAK adventures as a young chef, first in Nassau and now currently in New York.

Putting his writing out there is a part of a larger goal to establish himself in a city he describes as very is welcoming to young creatives.

While his poetry book highlights issues such as black empowerment, the measure of a man and selfworth, it also offers a male perspective on different types heartbreak.

This book is intended, he told Tribune Woman, to aid those hurting in getting through their hardships by helping them name their trauma. He does this in an entertaining way, and by shining a light on his many failed experiences with love.

“This book tackles a wide array of themes through what I’d call everyday emotions – love, hurt, pain, peace, joy… the things we feel, and in some cases the things we don’t feel. Well, rather the things we don’t know we’re feeling. I feel as though, really revealing the various themes and concept of this book in depth gives it away… some may even say kill the hype of this emotional scavenger hunt of a book. Through my comical and sometimes cynical use of certain themes and concepts in this book, it’ll have you on the edge of your seat, with bulging eyes, that… just can happen to be glassy sometimes,” he said.

SEE PAGE 11

our main speakers are from South Africa and the United States, including Beatrice Dixon, CEO of The Honey Pot Company,” she said.

Ms Dean added: “Executing this virtual event at this point in history is also important to me because I want women and girls to be reminded to see and create possibilities in the midst of panic and pandemics. By nature we are resilient, we are designed to adapt, to grow, and birth new life, new ideas.”

One of the goals of the seminar, in addition to educating people, was to create a community of women who realise that their questions and concerns regarding menstruation are shared.

“The viewers gained an in depth understanding of what goes on within their bodies during menstruation; they become aware of menstrual related disorders and how to get help for them; they gain information and practical resources which help them to properly manage their periods and period symptoms, and the seminar keeps them abreast of the latest advancements in menstrual products and assists them with deciding which menstrual product options they want to use, including the sustainable reusable pad and reusable cup,” she said.

“All of these benefits increase a woman and

girl’s

chances of regularly attending and participating in work, school, and extracurricular activities.

These benefits shout one word – empowerment.”

For the immediate future, the DGP team is planning its monthly soap drive, as well as pad and tampon drives.

“We also have a couple of COVID-19 community distributions planned where we aim to distribute a minimum of 100 dignity kits to women and girls who need them. One such community is Englerston.

Get used to hearing the name Dignified Girl Project, we plan to be around for a while,” said Ms Dean.

In addition to distributing menstrual hygiene supplies to women in need of them, especially during

strained financial times, provides undergarments to girls as young as six years old.

“The DGP will come into your school, church, workplace, organisation, or community to facilitate a private ‘My Period, My Pride’ workshop,” she said.

There is also a ‘My Period, My Period - Period Education and Management’ book that was released last Thursday.

“If the subject were not so taboo and stigmatized, more women and girls would make their needs known and not resort to unconventional, unhygienic means such as tissues, socks, rags, plastic, or cardboard,” said Ms Dean.

“You see, our work is important. Lack of access to the right menstrual education and products may lead to greater risk of infections and can ultimately become a public health issue. The Dignified Girl Project is working to avoid that by ending period poverty.”