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FRIDAY, JUNE 25, 2021

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US departures back to 75% pre-COVID levels By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

S pre-clearance at Lynden Pindling International Airport (LPIA) expects to be processing 70-75 percent of pre-COVID’s record passenger volumes “by the end of summer”, a top official revealed yesterday. Jeff Mara, area port director for US Customs and Border Protection (CBP), conceded to Tribune Business this was “a tough number” to hit given the 1.4m departures processed in the last full pre-pandemic year but said it was based on passenger demand data

• CBP chief gives travel ‘ramp up’ boost • ‘Tough number’ after ‘19’s record 1.4m • LPIA pre-clearance staffing boosted provided by the airlines. The 16 percent yearover-year rise in outbound travellers heading to the US in the 12 months to end-September 2019 was the highest growth rate for any US preclearance station, and Mr Mara said CBP has redeployed officers from similar facilities in Canada and Ireland to Nassau with effect from June 6 to cope with the projected “ramp up” in tourism demand. Dionisio D’Aguilar, minister of tourism and aviation,

recently voiced concern that there was insufficient manpower at LPIA’s US pre-clearance facility to handle the anticipated surge in passenger numbers, which will be inflated further - especially at weekends - by several thousand departing cruise passengers as a result of Royal Caribbean and Crystal Cruises’ Nassau home porting. The minister expressed fears that delays in preclearance processing could negatively impact the guest

experience and final impressions of The Bahamas, adding that the government had raised the matter with the US Embassy “and made them aware of this problem. It doesn’t seem as if they can respond that readily to it”. Mr Mara, though, reassured that CBP’s Nassau pre-clearance station is “fully prepared” to handle the pent-up travel demand from Bahamians and

SEE PAGE 4

Construction costs to jump 20% this year

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

TWO ex-Bahamian Contractors Association (BCA) presidents yesterday warned that construction costs will likely increase up to 20 percent this year as cement became the latest product to take a hit. Stephen Wrinkle and Leonard Sands both warned project sponsors ranging from multi-million dollar developers to residential home owners - to brace for a significant price spike over the remainder of 2021 due to the postCOVID environment facing The Bahamas and rest of the world. With cement supplies running low in recent days (see other article on Page 1B), the duo reiterated that increased construction

• Ex-BCA chiefs say surge to last into 2022 • Call to ‘bond’ building materials imports • ‘Every part of society paying COVID price’

STEPHEN WRINKLE

LEONARD SANDS

activity and building materials demand had combined with supply chain and shipping bottlenecks worldwide to generate a surge in costs as the world continues to emerge from the pandemic. Mr Wrinkle, warning that “every aspect of

society is paying the price for COVID-19”, warned: “All across building materials and shipping, virtually every aspect of the industry is going up. It’s going to be difficult to hold prices at the end of the day because the contractor cannot absorb

Nassau ‘running low’ on cement supplies By YOURI KEMP and NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Reporters

NEW Providence is “running very low” on cement supplies due to a combination of shipping delays and surging post-COVID construction activity, merchants disclosed yesterday. They told Tribune Business that tropical storms in the Gulf of Mexico, which have held-up incoming shipments, have imposed short-term pressure on cement supplies but the impact is unlikely to last long-term. Philip Andrews, Bahamas

Redi-Mix Concrete’s managing director, told Tribune Business: “We’re not out of cement, but the island is running very low. We’re supposed to have our shipment come in next week. “We have had shipping problems with the cement, because our shipment was supposed to have been here a week ago but they had some kind of storm in the Gulf of Mexico and that’s where our boats come from, the Gulf of Mexico. There was a tropical storm that went over into the Gulf and up past Alabama.”

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Sanctions letters for 11 registered agents By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net THE government has issued sanctions warnings to 11 financial services providers for failing to supply beneficial ownership details on corporate entities they act for, the attorney general revealed yesterday. Carl Bethel QC, pictured, in his contribution to the Senate budget debate, said similar warning letters had been issued to ten companies who do not have registered agents in a bid to bring them into compliance

with the Register of Beneficial Ownership Act. “As of September 15, 2019, one hundred of the largest registered agents for companies and exempted limited liability partnerships were onboarded into

SEE PAGE 8

that. There’s not enough margin in the industry to absorb that. “Costs are going up across the whole production and supply chain. It’s like a house of cards. It looks like this will continue through the end of the year as it will take that long to catch up. Every time a contractor prices a job he has to account for the price of labour and materials going up. They have to factor that in one way or another.” While larger construction contracts contain clauses that deal with price/cost rises, Mr Wrinkle warned

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‘Greater resolve’ to eliminate Bahamas in financial services By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net A FORMER prime minister yesterday warned that COVID-19 has “only strengthened the resolve” of major nations to eliminate the competitive threat posed by The Bahamas and other Caribbean countries. Perry Christie, making a rare public appearance in giving the keynote address at the Institute of Chartered Accountants of the Caribbean (ICAC) conference, warned that it was “not an option” for this country and others to lose financial services industries that have been critical to developing their societies’ middle classes. The ex-PLP leader, who stepped down from the party’s leadership following the FNM’s 2017 landslide election victory, also suggested that there were “obvious answers” pointing towards the urgent need for tax reform in The Bahamas and wider Caribbean given concerns about fairness and whether existing systems are generating sufficient funds to finance essential public services. Acknowledging that COVID-19’s devastating blow to government finances worldwide will only make G-7 and European Union (EU) members keener to drive international financial centres (IFCs) out of business, due to the perceived loss of tax revenues, Mr Christie argued that their initiatives over the past two decades have been more about eradicating competition. He added that these powerful nation blocs and their forums are “using the perception of the Caribbean

Ex-PM says ‘answers seem obvious’ on tax reform

PERRY CHRISTIE region being used for piracy to suggest that the Caribbean is more susceptible to being used for money laundering and terrorism financing. “The real objective is to eliminate any competitive advantage IFCs have because of tax systems that are not identical to those of OECD countries,” Mr Christie said, in a nod to the G-7’s agreement on a 15 percent minimum global corporate tax rate. “The global pandemic has only strengthened the resolve of those countries to eliminate IFCs. Protectionism has become the order of the day, whether they are likely to admit it or not.” He also agreed that it was especially troubling that the Biden administration is now ensuring the US provides “back up” for the initiatives already launched by the EU and Organisation for Economic Co-Operation and Development (OECD). The former prime minister suggested it had been a mistake for The Bahamas

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PAGE 2, Friday, June 25, 2021

THE TRIBUNE

DEEPENING OUR NATIONAL RESOLVE W

ITH The Bahamas’ 48th Independence celebrations just around the corner, we pause to salute previous generations who have strived to make our nation and business community strong. The Bahamas is blessed to have maintained a high degree of social, political and economic stability over the course or nearly five decades. As we look around, in every facet of our nation we cannot deny that previous waves of prosperity have lifted us to a place of

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prominence and distinction from other countries, particularly in this region. But, amid this success, many Bahamians will agree that the nation has gradually begun to slide down a path of social deterioration that adversely impacts the very fabric of life and society. We can point to the high levels of crime and violence; high levels of physical, sexual and emotional abuse in Bahamian homes; social unrest among the classes; Immigration upheavals; economic collapse as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic; natural disasters and other debilitating factors. Coupled with the social challenges, business leaders also agree that work ethic, and the level of workplace integrity and pride in serving customers, is waning and being rapidly replaced with a sense of entitlement, lethargy and unscrupulous

dealings. While our society falls into the doldrums, our economy and business environment seems to be following rapidly behind. Dare I say that a sick society produces a sick economy? So, as we celebrate nationhood, our column today focuses on strengthening the private sector by deepening our sense of national identity and awakening a love of country that manifests itself into corporate social responsibility, unity, teamwork and a love for service. We pause today to remind ourselves, through the words of our pledge of allegiance and national anthem, of those values we hold dear - those values that made us the great nation we celebrate every July 10. Now 47 years removed from our colonial past, we should have gone through a mature season of

learning and growing. We must not continually repeat the mistakes of our past because we are oblivious to our history. We must not readily accept the customs, behaviours and attitudes of other nationalities because they do not know, or have an appreciation for, our culture and customs. When we develop a deep, abiding love of country, and reverence for that which is ours, we are more firmly grounded as a people and able to exude a greater sense of pride in our work. So, from these two national symbols, the message this week to our corporate community is: • Lift up your head. We have accomplished much and have much to be proud of. Pride should develop in each of us a will to protect what we have achieved. • Pledge to excel. We must daily strive for excellence. Mediocrity in our

business practices is not acceptable. • See how the world marks the manner of your bearing. For all our many accomplishments as an island nation, the world looks on with awe and amazement. The eyes of the world are still on us. • March together to a common, loftier goal. A strong commitment to teamwork is critical to our development as a people. Every Bahamian contributing, and avoiding unnecessary competition, leads to a more productive workforce • Steady sunward through the weather. Expect challenging times, but make sure your resolve is to stay the course and learn as you journey • We are one people united in love and service. In all of our focus on visitors and investors to our shores, we must never forget to serve with the same degree of excellence those we live among. We are our

IAN FERGUSON BY

brother’s keeper and, as my grandmother would often admonish, “take care of home first”. • NB: Ian R Ferguson is a talent management and organisational development consultant, having completed graduate studies with regional and international universities. He has served organsations, both locally and globally, providing relevant solutions to their business growth and development issues. He may be contacted at tcconsultants@coralwave.com.

BAHAMAS IS URGED TO FURTHER GROW FISHERIES By YOURI KEMP Tribune Business Reporter ykemp@tribunemedia.net

A BAHAMIAN attorney yesterday called for further development of the fisheries industry as part of this nation’s efforts to capitalise on the so-called “blue economy” and its ocean resources. Dennise Newton, an associate with the Higgs & Johnson law firm, told the Maritime Conference Bahamas 2021 webinar that the country needed to better “take advantage” of a fisheries industry that she described as under-exploited. “Fisheries provide a significant amount of protein for an estimated 1bn people in developing countries,” she added. “This is a significant food source for many people, and sustainability and sustainable development and fisheries go hand-in-hand, particularly with respect to Small Island Developing States (SIDS).” The Bahamas fisheries sector generates an average of $80m per year in export earnings, with the sector employing roughly 9,300 workers that work on approximately 4,000 fishing vessels, according to a report compiled by the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) and Bahamian Department of Marine Resources in 2016. Ms Newton said: “According to an FAO report, the threats of overexploitation, land-based pollution and inadequate fisheries monitoring systems really harm the long-term

sustainability of fisheries, particularly in SIDS (Small Island Developing States). The blue economy seeks to strike a balance. It seeks to protect the ocean environment while allowing fish to thrive, and permits the economic benefits that fishing brings.” She warned, however, that protection of the fisheries sector must be grounded in “expert knowledge”, especially “knowledge of the ocean and fish varieties” in it. Ms Newton also pointed to the benefits from the “recreational fisheries sector, which supplies in excess of $500m to the economy and provides about 18,000 jobs”. She added: “The Blue Economy promotes economic growth, environmental preservation and sustainability through monitoring of the ocean resources and the development of ocean economies. At the heart of the Blue Economy is balancing socioeconomic development and related activities without degrading the ocean’s ecosystems. “The Blue Economy sees the ocean as a means of generating wealth while simultaneously using technology, innovation and domestic expertise to promote sustainability and protection of natural resources. The Bahamas has always been involved in some aspects of the Blue Economy, whether it’s going to the beach for healing or just taking a mental health day and relaxing on the beach, or sailing or fishing.”

THE TRIBUNE

Friday, June 25, 2021, PAGE 3

CRYSTAL CRUISES IS ‘NEEDED DESPERATELY’ ON CAT ISLAND By YOURI KEMP Tribune Business Reporter ykemp@tribunemedia.net

CAT Island businesses yesterday hailed Crystal Cruises’ confirmation that it will call weekly on the destination as they “desperately need help” to recover from the devastation inflicted by COVID-19. They spoke out after Crystal Cruises, in a response to Tribune Business questions, confirmed: “Crystal Cruises remains focused on providing our guests with the best experience possible and, after careful consideration with The Bahamas’ Ministry of Tourism & Aviation, we have made the decision to call on Cat Island, replacing Spanish Wells, and in addition to the previously

announced ports of Nassau, Bimini, Great Exuma, San Salvador and Long Island.” This means that Cat Island will receive a weekly call from the cruise line’s Crystal Serenity vessel once it begins home porting in The Bahamas for sevennight voyages, which are scheduled to begin on July 3 and last until at least this November. Crystal Cruises selected Cat Island as a port-of-call after both Harbour Island and Spanish Wells rejected their selection as destinations on its seven-night itinerary. However, Cat Islanders were yesterday more enthusiastic about the prospect of receiving the Crystal Serenity and its several hundred visitors. Helen Cartwright, coowner of Boggie Pond

Lodge and Restaurant, said: “I think Crystal Cruises calling on Cat Island is a good idea. We are doing terrible. We are way back some 20 years. There is nothing happening in Cat Island. Nothing. We desperately need help. They said they are going to start next month, so we are just waiting.” Leslie Kennedy, general manager of Pigeon Cay Club, said: “We’re mixed about it all. We think it’s a great thing for the locals and other entrepreneurs, as they can take them on island tours, go fishing or go hiking, or take them on boat tours. But we are wondering if we can handle all of those people coming in. My only reservation is that they want to do things so fast and I just

don’t know if they’re going to get that together. “I think if they are going to bring in 60 people at a time, then I am not sure where they are going to come into. Is it going to be at Bennett’s Harbour or New Bight?” She argued that New Bight would be the better spot because the island’s fish-fry is located not far from the dock, along with Mount Alvernia, and visitors can take various tours from New Bight that they cannot do at Bennett’s Harbour. Ms Kennedy said transporting tourists from New Bight to where the resorts and amenities are located, in Cat Island’s north, may become a challenge as the average bus ride is 90 minutes. Travel from Bennett’s Harbour to other

products defined as “critical hurricane items” were supposed to be released before the beginning of July, but it has not happened as yet. The prime minister said in Parliament during his 2021-2022 budget communication: “I remind Bahamians and residents to begin their hurricane preparations. To assist with these preparations this year, for the first time, we will undertake a VAT holiday for hurricane preparations. This will be during the month of July “So, my message to everyone is that they should use the month of July to get their homes and businesses readied for the hurricane season. Take advantage of the savings and avoid the rush. The Ministry of Finance will provide the details of the dates and the items to be included for VAT-free shopping.” However, Mr Roberts said yesterday: “As far as if this will affect the availability of lumber and materials, the availability

has not changed. A lot of the retailers here have numerous orders in and we just have to wait for our number to come up to get supplies.” Speaking to the prolonged impact the COVID-19 pandemic is having on building materials prices and shipping logistics, Mr Roberts said the two issues affect the availability of goods on the ground in The Bahamas and no sudden rush of hurricane shopping will have any major impact. He said: “It may create a bit of a challenge, but I’m not sure I’m expecting to see a real surge just because there is a VAT holiday. “I don’t think people are going to run out and buy plywood for hurricane protection just because they’re not paying VAT, because there may not be a hurricane or at least there is not a hurricane scare yet. Right now we are pretty well stocked with what most of the people would be looking for, but as far as the impact on sales, I hope I’m surprised but we have to wait and see.” Gary Burrows, general manager of Tops Lumber and Plumbing, said:

“Nothing could affect the availability of materials more than the COVID-19 pandemic is having right now. “Some materials we have to wait sometimes up to eight weeks. Take, for example, PCV pipes. Our suppliers are telling us we have an eight-week wait just to get pipe because I guess the supplier really isn’t there to supply the demand he has.” Mr Burrows added that, while the VAT holiday will have a negligible affect on building material availability, Bahamian consumers should not wait to get prepared for hurricane season, “That would not be a good idea, because of the availability of the material in general you would not have it, and prices have gone up significantly. So that’s another issue,” he said. “I wouldn’t advise them to wait last minute if they have anything that needs to be done. I would advise them to plan, and they should be planning now and should be taking stock of what they really need, and they should have been working on that.”

employee’s mobile wallet account. This transfer simultaneously updates the employee’s $martPay Card that is linked to a SunCash account. The card can also be used to pay at more than 850 Sun Cash registered businesses and stores. “What makes you fall in love with the $martPay Card is that it’s super attractive with no annual, over-the-limit or late fees,” said SunCash. “The $martPay Card is designed to make sure you’re the only one who can use it. We kept you in mind by including all the advanced security technologies like Face ID, Touch ID and one time passwords (OTP), which are built in for your extra protection.” Sun Cash argued that its product is a solution for Family Island workers, whose banking access may have been reduced or

eliminated by the departure of commercial banks. It added that the card’s offline capabilities, which mean it does not require the Internet to work, mean it can be used in the aftermath of natural disasters or occasions when electricity supply is out. “As an authorised financial institution (AFI) SunCash is creating a healthy, vibrant and competitive cashless environment in The Bahamas, especially on the Family Islands,” the company said. “Sun Cash retail merchants and stores are equipped and prepared to accommodate salary withdrawal via the new $martPay Card through the merchant account payroll feature.” Sun Cash said almost 50,000 users have downloaded its app, and there are more than 90,000 cards available now for distribution at all its stores in The Bahamas.

HURRICANE VAT HOLIDAY WILL NOT HIT MATERIALS SUPPLIES By YOURI KEMP Tribune Business Reporter ykemp@tribunemedia.net

BUILDING materials suppliers yesterday said next month’s hurricane preparedness VAT holiday is unlikely to generate a demand surge significant enough to impact future product availability. Anthony Roberts, City Lumber Yard’s general manager, told Tribune Business he is not expecting a huge consumer rush for building materials during July’s VAT waiver. He added: “There’s two things going on. One is we have yet to be informed of any details on how we’re supposed to handle this. I heard, as everyone did, something in the House [of Assembly] about there being a VAT holiday, but is it hurricane-related supplies and, if so, then what is that category? “Does that mean plywood and lumber?” Mr Roberts questioned. Details of the specific

DIGITAL PROVIDER UNVEILS PAYROLL PAYMENTS CARD A BAHAMIAN digital payments provider has launched a new payments card that it says will enable businesses to perform payroll remotely by transferring funds directly to their employees’ mobile wallets. Sun Cash, in a statement, said its SunCash Payroll and $martPay Card products will enable companies to conduct payroll transactions electronically in an environment where financial services is increasingly transitioning away from physical “bricks and mortar” locations. The payments provider added that companies will be able to use the payroll feature to transfer funds from their account to an

destinations in the north can take less than 30 minutes. “They need to take care of their guests and make sure they are making the right decision,” she added. Crystal Cruises’ statement yesterday added: “Among our top priorities is working collaboratively with the local stakeholders of the destinations where we call to ensure the most enriching experiences for our guests, and reciprocally positive experiences for the destination. “The company’s representatives, along with members of the Ministry’s team, met with local stakeholders on Cat Island the week of June 14, holding two separate town halls – one for local police, firemen and emergency services, and one with local

businesses and interested residents. “After the warm and receptive welcome, Crystal Cruises’ operations and destination teams are on the island this week finalising plans and activities to showcase the beauty of this island to our guests. Our guests and travel partners are currently being informed of this itinerary change,” the cruise line added. “We are pleased to offer our guests a one-of-a-kind experience with our Luxury Bahamas Escapes, while operating with the greatest care to reactivate economic growth in The Bahamas as we know many small businesses are struggling to survive due to the challenges of the global pandemic.”

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PAGE 4, Friday, June 25, 2021

US departures back to 75% pre-COVID levels FROM PAGE ONE residents, as well as returning US citizens and others, after bolstering its ranks with officers temporarily re-deployed from other countries. Once the peak summer travel period ends, he explained that CBP was likely to return Nassaubased officers who had been assigned elsewhere after COVID-19 hit and the agency’s budget was impacted by the plunge in user fee income stemming from the global aviation shutdown. Mr Mara also said the US had suggested to the government that it could enter into a “reimbursable services agreement” where The Bahamas could cover the costs of deploying extra CBP officers to LPIA, beyond those already budgeted and covered by the agency, if it wanted to ensure even faster passenger processing. In what will likely boost hopes for a swifter, and stronger, post-COVID tourism recovery than many have anticipated, Mr Mara told Tribune Business: “CBP is prepared to handle

the increase in passenger travel for the summer and beyond. “Our seat recovery numbers, we’ve estimated by the end of this summer, will be at 70-75 percent of pre-COVID levels,” he disclosed. “That’s a tough number. The October 2018 to September 2019 fiscal year, we saw a significant increase in passenger volume. We did over 1.4m passengers departing for the US, a 16 percent increase over the previous fiscal year. “We at CBP, we were the highest rate of growth in travel throughout pre-clearance..... Our projections are for a recovery to 70-75 percent of the numbers were were doing.” If that forecast is achieved, it would place The Bahamas on track to achieve a rate of around 1m US departures on an annual basis by the time the summer travel season ends in September. Mr Mara said CBP’s projections were based on bookings, forecast load factors and other data provided by the airlines that service The Bahamas from the US. He added that the agency had met with the commercial aviation sector back

THE TRIBUNE in Spring “to get a good handle on their projections for the summer season”. Acknowledging COVID-19’s devastating impact on the Bahamian tourism industry, the main driver of employment and economic activity, he added: “We stand ready to facilitate travel and the return of the tourism sector..... “Let there be no mistake about it: Operational planning is a year-round effort. At the micro level, we take into account each and every day, but on a macro level we look at travel moving forward.” Addressing Mr D’Aguilar’s concerns, Mr Mara said that “based on the steady recovery of the airlines we secured officers from other locations with pre-clearance field officers, Canada and Ireland, to come here to The Bahamas and help us through this busy summer season. “They’ve been on the ground from June 6. There’s a short-term and a long-term solution to this. The longer term is to return the staff we deployed back to CBP. We went down by a small number of the staff. A good portion of them will be returned. It just takes some time to get them back on the ground.” Mr Mara declined to give numbers on how many temporary officers have been assigned to Nassau, along

with a figure for how many were redeployed from The Bahamas last year, plus current manning levels at LPIA. He explained that CBP, like most government agencies throughout the world, was challenged by the loss of user fee revenue when international travel ground to a halt for much of 2020, forcing it to reduce staffing levels at LPIA. With Canada and Ireland less open to air traffic, Mr Mara added that it made sense to redeploy those officers to Nassau on a temporary basis before fulltime officers returned after the summer season was finished. Should the government still have concerns about LPIA pre-clearance manpower, he said it has the ability to follow a route already selected by Canada, Ireland and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in the form of signing a “reimbursable services agreement” with the US government. This would see a “host country” such as The Bahamas cover the costs incurred by CBP beyond the latter’s budget for deploying extra officers to facilitate the more rapid processing of US-bound passengers. Describing it as a bilateral agreement that has to be negotiated, Mr Mara said: “There’s an opportunity in

the long-term, as we see the growth in the travel sector in The Bahamas, and as we move forward to larger and larger numbers needing to be processed coming into the Bahamas.” He added that CBP was “certainly ready to go” for Royal Caribbean’s first weekend of home porting in The Bahamas, adding that it had “worked hard in advance” with both the cruise line and LPIA’s operator, the Nassau Airport Development Company (NAD), to meet the demand sparked by departing home port passengers. And Mr Mara said CBP intends to re-establish the pre-clearance presence in Freeport that was lost to Hurricane Dorian, although the timing and details depend on Grand Bahama International Airport’s rebuilding. “Certainly we stand by ready to work together with the stakeholder community in Grand Bahama to return the pre-clearance facility

back to Grand Bahama,” he said. “We’re all aware that the facility suffered catastrophic damage, if you will, and we stand by ready to engage and begin planning sessions. “Ultimately, it’s our thought that we will return to Grand Bahama. We wait to hear what that will turn out to be, and who that turns out to be, and certainly look forward to working with them. It really comes down to the facility. The facility is the issue. “We need a facility that meets the standard to return everybody back to. That takes design and construction. The light at the end of the tunnel is hopefully the return of our employees back to Grand Bahama.” That is a task that will be handed to the operating partner/developer/financier that the government ultimately selects to reconstruct Grand Bahama International Airport, for which a Request for Proposal (RFP) is being prepared.

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THE TRIBUNE

Friday, June 25, 2021, PAGE 5

Construction costs to jump 20% this year FROM PAGE ONE that the situation threatens to leave “the average homeowner who has a fixed mortgage” exposed. The surge in building materials alone could place construction of such a person’s home beyond their financial reach, especially if they are unable to obtain extra financing from the bank or other commercial lumber. With plywood, an essential building material used in almost all aspects of construction, having doubled in price in some instances, the ex-BCA chief told Tribune Business: “You could see a ten to 20 percent increase in construction costs over the course of this year. The consumer can expect to pay anywhere from ten to 20 percent more this year if this current trend continues. “Most of our suppliers have tried to absorb the increase, and contractors have tried to absorb it, by any orders placed today have to reflect these increases. I ordered materials in January, and if I ordered the same now I would be paying ten to 20 percent more. “To get it to Nassau, it’s a 40 percent increase because of duties and VAT, and materials are typically 40-50

Nassau ‘running low’ on cement supplies FROM PAGE ONE Distributors and suppliers, both in The Bahamas and internationally, are struggling to catch up with construction industry demand due to the supply chain backlog that resulted from factory/plant shutdowns at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic and other health restrictions. Mr Andrews added: “We’ve still got cement and we’re still open, but there’s a shortage on bag cement, which is causing a slowdown of everything. Our bulk cement is going to come in on June 29. I don’t do bag cement; you would have to talk to some of the other suppliers here that do bag cement for the smaller contractors. “Bulk cement is running low but bag cement is the main issue that’s causing the slowdown of the smaller construction. We’re able to continue producing ready mix, so we’re still servicing the

percent of the job. You have a 20-40 percent increase on materials, with plywood in short supply. This is unprecedented territory for us,” Mr Wrinkle argued. “This phase that we’re going through now is particularly devastating. It’s not related to the industry; it’s related to COVID-19. It’s totally out of the control of the construction industry, it’s totally out of the control of the consumer, it’s totally out of the control of the government. We’re all suffering. Every aspect of society is paying the price for COVID-19.” Mr Wrinkle suggested that the present situation could revive talks about ‘bonding’ construction materials so that import tariffs and VAT are only paid when they are sold, rather than at the border. “It lends credence to discussions about bonded materials coming into the country,” he said. “If affects businesses by having to pay so much in taxes up front. The auto dealers got their bonded status. To make this easy we need to defer duties and VAT until the point-of-sale. Some suppliers spend over $50m a year bringing in materials and that’s a lot of cash.” The government has being relying heavily on construction to drive and stimulate the economy post-COVID, and the bigger jobs that have their own cement that have been able to keep things going, but I think the smaller guys are running out of bag cement so they can’t proceed with their jobs.” Terry Kemp, operations manager at Premix Concrete Ltd, said the cement shortage in The Bahamas was due to external factors outside the local industry’s control. He acknowledged that “there is a shortage of supply because our foreign supplier got caught up in the global problem of deliveries because of COVID-19. But this is nothing to do with anything or anyone on the island. We ordered something and if they can’t bring it in now, they can bring it whenever they can bring it in. We can’t do anything about it. “Basically this is a global problem we’re having, just like with lumber and everything else. This will probably be like this for a while and in the next couple of weeks we should be up and going,” Mr Kemp added.

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NOTICE

NOTICE is hereby given that ELYSER DESRAVINES, of Market Street, P.O. Box Cr-55963, Nassau, The Bahamas applying to the Minister responsible for Nationality and Citizenship, for Registration Naturalization as a citizen of The Bahamas, and that any person who knows any reason why registration/naturalization should not be granted, should send a written and signed statement of the facts within twenty-eight days from the 25th day of June 2021 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, New Providence, The Bahamas.

NOTICE

NOTICE is hereby given that LAVANIE PRESCA IGNACE, of Hanna Hill, Eight Mile Rock, Freeport, Grand Bahamais applying to the Minister responsible for Nationality and Citizenship, for Registration Naturalization as a citizen of The Bahamas, and that any person who knows any reason why registration/naturalization should not be granted, should send a written and signed statement of the facts within twenty-eight days from the 18TH day of June 2021 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, New Providence, The Bahamas.

combination of supply shortages and price increases threatens to disrupt its plans by causing delays and deterring projects still in the pipeline. Mr Sands, meanwhile, echoed Mr Wrinkle’s assessment of the impact by saying: “I would safely say you are probably going to see an increase in construction costs of 15-20 percent over pre-pandemic levels. Everyone is going to have to adjust to the increased cost of materials prices they will be paying, and that is going to have a net effect on pricing contracts for construction. “This is globally. We’re

going to be feeling the pinch. This is going to go on for a long time. I think for the next 12 months we can see this holding. After that, it will be towards the end of 2022 that we take it back to normal, whatever we consider normal to be after this pandemic. It will be towards the third and fourth quarter of 2022.” Mr Sands added that all lumber, ranging from plywood to rough framing wood, has been “severely impacted” by production and shipping bottlenecks as both industries attempt to play catch up with soaring global demand following COVID-19 lockdowns and

other health measures. “I’ve seen significant price increases, in certain cases by 100 percent, but on average by 60-70 percent on what it was in 2020,” he disclosed. “That’s a big number to pay for a product we use in every aspect of construction from start to finish.” Delivery times, Mr Sands said, have been equally impacted. “What is interesting is that, post-pandemic, orders of major items like windows, right off the top they’re granting 40-plus weeks for delivery when, prior to the pandemic, they were granting six to eight weeks,” he added. “What

we’re hearing is that shipping is backlogged because there are so many orders that people are trying to catch up on. It’s creating a nightmare.” Mr Sands added that the government will have to factor increased construction material prices and other costs into its 20212022 budget projections, as this will raise the price tag for its capital works projects as well as impact revenues. And post-Hurricane Dorian reconstruction in Abaco and Grand Bahama will also stand to be impacted by building materials availability and costs.

THE TRIBUNE

Friday, June 25, 2021, PAGE 7

PUBLIC NOTICE

INTENT TO CHANGE NAME BY DEED POLL

The Public is hereby advised that I, McDONALD HARLFUL CLARK of Willis Street, New Providence, Bahamas intend to change my name to McDONALD HARLFUL CLARKE. If there are any objections to this change of name by Deed Poll, you may write such objections to the Chief Passport Officer, P.O.Box N-742, Nassau, Bahamas no later than thirty (30) days after the date of publication of this notice.

The Public is hereby advised that I, CORAY DARWIN SEARS of #14 Twynam Heights, New Providence, Bahamas intend to change my name to COREY DARWIN BURROWS. If there are any objections to this change of name by Deed Poll, you may write such objections to the Chief Passport Officer, P.O.Box N-742, Nassau, Bahamas no later than thirty (30) days after the date of publication of this notice.

NOTICE

NOTICE is hereby given that RODNEY EDOUARD, of Palm Beach Street, Nassau, The Bahamas applying to the Minister responsible for Nationality and Citizenship, for Registration Naturalization as a citizen of The Bahamas, and that any person who knows any reason why registration/naturalization should not be granted, should send a written and signed statement of the facts within twenty-eight days from the 25th day of June 2021 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, New Providence, The Bahamas.

PUBLIC NOTICE

INTENT TO CHANGE NAME BY DEED POLL The Public is hereby advised that I, KAVA DONETT MACKEY of P. O. Box: General Delivery, Nesbitt Street, Harbour Island, Eleuthera, Bahamas, mother of KAYSHIA NIA KHARDA MOSS a minor, intends to change my child’s name to KAYSHIA NIA KHARDA MACKEY. If there are any objections to this change of name by Deed Poll, you may write such objections to the Chief Passport Officer, P.O.Box N-742, Nassau, Bahamas, no later than thirty (30) days after the date of publication of this notice.

NOTICE

NOTICE is hereby given that MARY ELIZABETH SWABY BASDEN, of Imperial Park, Caravel Beach, Freeport, Grand Bahama is applying to the Minister responsible for Nationality and Citizenship, for Registration Naturalization as a citizen of The Bahamas, and that any person who knows any reason why registration/naturalization should not be granted, should send a written and signed statement of the facts within twenty-eight days from the 18TH day of June 2021 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, New Providence, The Bahamas.

NOTICE is hereby given that GRAVENEL IXE, of Shady Tree Street, Nassau, The Bahamas applying to the Minister responsible for Nationality and Citizenship, for Registration Naturalization as a citizen of The Bahamas, and that any person who knows any reason why registration/naturalization should not be granted, should send a written and signed statement of the facts within twenty-eight days from the 25th day of June 2021 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, New Providence, The Bahamas.

NOTICE

NOTICE is hereby given that PEKITO BASTIAN, of Marsh Harbour, The Bahamas applying to the Minister responsible for Nationality and Citizenship, for Registration Naturalization as a citizen of The Bahamas, and that any person who knows any reason why registration/ naturalization should not be granted, should send a written and signed statement of the facts within twenty-eight days from the 25th day of June 2021 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, New Providence, The Bahamas.

NOTICE

NOTICE is hereby given that MARKES DEANGLO FRANCOIS, of Marsh Harbour, The Bahamas applying to the Minister responsible for Nationality and Citizenship, for Registration Naturalization as a citizen of The Bahamas, and that any person who knows any reason why registration/naturalization should not be granted, should send a written and signed statement of the facts within twenty-eight days from the 25th day of June 2021 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, New Providence, The Bahamas.

NOTICE

NOTICE is hereby given that RASHARDSON PHILIPPE, of Marsh Harbour, The Bahamas applying to the Minister responsible for Nationality and Citizenship, for Registration Naturalization as a citizen of The Bahamas, and that any person who knows any reason why registration/naturalization should not be granted, should send a written and signed statement of the facts within twenty-eight days from the 25th day of June 2021 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, New Providence, The Bahamas.

NOTICE

NOTICE is hereby given that HANDLY THEOPHAT, of Marsh Harbour, The Bahamas applying to the Minister responsible for Nationality and Citizenship, for Registration Naturalization as a citizen of The Bahamas, and that any person who knows any reason why registration/naturalization should not be granted, should send a written and signed statement of the facts within twenty-eight days from the 25th day of June 2021 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, New Providence, The Bahamas.

NOTICE

NOTICE is hereby given that CHRISTINA JEAN – BAPTISTE, of Marsh Harbour, The Bahamas applying to the Minister responsible for Nationality and Citizenship, for Registration Naturalization as a citizen of The Bahamas, and that any person who knows any reason why registration/naturalization should not be granted, should send a written and signed statement of the facts within twenty-eight days from the 25th day of June 2021 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, New Providence, The Bahamas.

MARKET REPORT www.bisxbahamas.com

THURSDAY, 24 JUNE 2021

BISX ALL SHARE INDEX:

CHANGE

1970.24

10.18

%CHANGE

YTD

YTD%

0.52 -122.22

-5.84

(242) 323-2330 (242) 323-2320

BISX LISTED & TRADED SECURITIES 52WK HI 6.36 33.95 1.62 2.90 1.78 6.00 6.96 3.60 6.00 3.98 6.16 12.00 2.75 7.75 10.71 9.01 14.44 4.10 8.97 16.00

52WK LOW 3.13 22.65 1.46 1.62 1.44 5.00 6.00 2.70 4.25 2.75 5.00 9.75 2.10 4.90 9.50 8.00 13.00 3.42 8.00 15.20

PREFERENCE SHARES 1.00

1.00

1000.00 1000.00 1000.00 1000.00

1.00 10.00 1.00

1.00 10.00 0.90

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

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

LAST CLOSE 6.35 39.95 1.60 2.61 1.44 6.00 6.96 3.53 4.25 2.85 5.95 9.98 2.48 7.75 11.26 9.01 13.19 3.75 8.19 15.50

CLOSE 6.36 39.95 1.60 2.61 1.44 6.00 6.96 3.53 4.25 2.85 5.95 9.98 2.47 7.75 11.23 9.01 13.99 3.75 8.19 15.50

1.00 1000.00 1000.00 1000.00 1000.00 1.00 10.00 1.00

SYMBOL FBB22 BFHB

LAST SALE 100.00 100.00

CLOSE 100.00 100.00

CHANGE 0.00 0.00

BAH29 BG0107 BG0207 BG0130 BG0230 BG0307 BG0330 BG0407 BSBGR1210255 BSBGRS880378 BSBGRS900283 BSBGR1322498 BSBGR1341506

107.31 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 102.22 100.00 100.14 100.98 100.00

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

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

BFHP CAB6 CAB8 CAB9 CAB10 CHLA FBBA FCLB

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

52WK LOW 100.00 100.00

115.92 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 102.00 101.08 100.49 100.74 100.98 100.00

104.79 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 101.08 100.00 100.14 100.00 100.00

52WK HI 2.43 4.47 2.17 202.18 190.86 1.69 1.81 1.78 1.12 8.58 10.26 7.35 14.59 12.84 10.31 10.00 10.43 14.89

52WK LOW 2.11 3.30 1.68 164.74 116.70 1.67 1.73 1.75 1.03 6.41 7.62 5.66 8.65 10.54 9.57 9.88 8.45 11.20

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

BAHAMAS GOVERNMENT STOCK - (percentage pricing)

MUTUAL FUNDS

MARKET TERMS

Bahamas Note 6.95 (2029) BGS: 2014-12-7Y BGS: 2015-1-7Y BGS: 2014-12-30Y BGS: 2015-1-30Y BGS: 2015-6-7Y BGS: 2015-6-30Y BGS: 2015-10-7Y BGRS FX BGR121025 BGRS FL BGRS88037 BGRS FL BGRS90028 BGRS FX BGR132249 BGRS FX BGR134150

FUND CFAL Bond Fund CFAL Balanced Fund CFAL Money Market Fund CFAL Global Bond Fund CFAL Global Equity Fund Leno Financial Conservative Fund Leno Financial Aggressive Fund Leno Financial Balanced Fund Leno Financial Global Bond Fund 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

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

CHANGE 0.01 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 (0.01) 0.00 (0.03) 0.00 0.80 0.00 0.00 0.00

VOLUME 1,000

1,000

0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

EPS$ 0.239 0.932 0.000 0.110 0.070 1.760 0.369 -0.438 0.140 0.184 0.449 0.722 0.102 0.467 0.646 0.728 0.816 0.203 0.939 0.631 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000

VOLUME

NAV 2.43 4.47 2.17 202.18 190.86 1.69 1.75 1.76 1.03 8.58 10.14 7.35 14.59 12.64 9.99 N/A 10.43 14.89

DIV$ 0.170 1.260 0.020 0.030 0.000 0.000 0.260 0.000 0.000 0.120 0.220 0.720 0.434 0.060 0.328 0.240 0.540 0.120 0.200 0.610 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000

P/E 26.6 42.9 N/M N/M N/M N/M 18.9 -8.1 30.4 15.5 13.3 13.8 24.2 16.6 17.4 12.4 17.1 18.5 8.7 24.6

YIELD 2.67% 3.15% 1.25% 1.15% 0.00% 0.00% 3.74% 0.00% 0.00% 4.21% 3.70% 7.21% 17.57% 0.77% 2.92% 2.66% 3.86% 3.20% 2.44% 3.94%

0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000

0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 6.25% 7.00% 6.50%

INTEREST Prime + 1.75% 6.25%

19-Oct-2022 30-Sep-2025

6.95% 4.50% 4.50% 6.25% 6.25% 4.50% 6.25% 4.25% 4.13% 4.43% 4.39% 5.65% 5.69%

20-Nov-2029 15-Dec-2021 30-Jul-2022 15-Dec-2044 30-Jul-2045 26-Jun-2022 26-Jun-2045 15-Oct-2022 23-Feb-2025 26-Jul-2037 10-Dec-2028 15-Oct-2049 17-Jan-1950

YTD% 12 MTH% 1.85% 4.26% 0.77% 1.44% 1.14% 2.84% 0.14% 5.02% 3.25% 31.13% 1.04% 0.20% -2.27% -3.15% -0.08% -0.57% -1.94% -3.33% 1.14% 4.22% 1.09% 3.04% 1.01% 4.65% 4.93% 42.27% -1.56% 0.80% -0.60% -4.90% N/A N/A 3.00% 25.60% 7.90% 48.70%

MATURITY

NAV Date

31-May-2021 31-May-2021 28-May-2021 31-Mar-2021 31-Mar-2021 31-May-2021 31-May-2021 31-May-2021 31-May-2021 28-Mar-2021 28-Mar-2021 28-Mar-2021 28-Mar-2021 28-Mar-2021 28-Mar-2021 31-Mar-2021 31-Mar-2021 31-Mar-2021

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

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

PAGE 8, Friday, June 25, 2021

‘Greater resolve’ to eliminate Bahamas in financial services FROM PAGE ONE

and other IFCs to “got it alone” and seek “to negotiate with the big boys” alone, rather than as a bloc, as this had resulted in both themselves and their middle classes being whittled away by “1,000 cuts”. Calling on the Caribbean to “sing from the same hymn sheet”, and use the

Sanctions letters for 11 registered agents FROM PAGE ONE

The Beneficial Ownership Secure Search System

THE TRIBUNE

high net worth residents living in many of its member states to lobby on behalf of regional IFCs, Mr Christie said: “Losing the facilitator of the middle class [financial services] is not an option.” Some observers may ask why Mr Christie seemingly never implemented any aspects of this strategy when he had the chance while in office as prime minister. However, he yesterday agreed that The Bahamas and others in the region need to explore reform of their existing regressive tax

systems for their own benefit and that of lower income members of society. “We must all ask if our tax systems provide sufficient revenue to fund the public purse,” he told the ICAC conference. “Based on debt-to-GDP ratios and numbers, the answer appears to be obvious. Based on equity and ability to pay; based on the widening gap between the ‘have’s’ and ‘have not’s’, the answer appears to be obvious.” Arguing that the Caribbean’s economic future

remains linked to tourism as the primary jobs and growth driver, Mr Christie called for a data-driven approach that would enable The Bahamas and others to know “to the zip codes” where the majority of their tourists are coming from so that they can better dedicate scarce marketing resources to where they will have the most impact. “At our own peril we pay scant attention to ensuring every resident understands and can assist in ensuring the best experience we can

for our visitors,” he said, adding that a data-driven approach could also help to “personalise” the guest experience for tourists according to their personal preferences and tastes. “Annual hotel occupancies are in the range of 60-70 percent,” the ex-prime minister said. “If we manage to use the new analytical tools the way we desire, and move occupancies to 90 percent, we will increase the contribution to GDP by 50 percent without building one roof.”

Mr Christie also revealed that he had been motivated to launch The Bahamas’ National Development Plan (NDP) after discovering that Jamaica had leapt ahead of this nation in the World Bank’s “ease of doing business” rankings. “It was a shocking realisation to me, and I needed no further convincing of a National Development Plan,” he added, suggesting this could serve as “a template for the region” over its response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

(BOSS),” Mr Bethel said. “Phases one through four have now been completed at the end of May 2021, with 167 small and mediumsized registered agents being onboarded. To-date we have

43,687 entities entered into the BOSS with 45,813 beneficial ownership entries. “We have issued sanction letters to 11 registered agents, and ten to companies without registered agents, that are

in non-compliance with the Register of Beneficial Ownership Act provisions.” This Act mandates that beneficial ownership on all Bahamas-based corporate entities be held in one secure

location, where it can only be accessed by registered agents, financial services regulators and law enforcement authorities. Mr Bethel did not identify which registered agents had

received sanctions letters, but those acting in such a capacity vary from major banks and trust companies to law firms, accountants and other corporate and financial services providers.

THE WEATHER REPORT

5-Day Forecast

TODAY

ORLANDO

High: 85° F/29° C Low: 73° F/23° C

TAMPA

TONIGHT

SATURDAY

SUNDAY

MONDAY

TUESDAY

Breezy in the morn‑ ing; mostly sunny

A thunderstorm on the prowl late

A t‑storm in the morning; breezy

A passing morning shower

A couple of showers in the morning

Cloudy with a couple of t‑storms

High: 88°

Low: 78°

High: 88° Low: 78°

High: 89° Low: 77°

AccuWeather RealFeel

98° F

83° F

98°-81° F

98°-84° F

98°-83° F

High: 88° F/31° C Low: 76° F/24° 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.

almanac

ABACO

High: 85° F/29° C Low: 80° F/27° C

8‑16 knots

High: 87° F/31° C Low: 79° F/26° C

8‑16 knots

FT. LAUDERDALE

FREEPORT

High: 87° F/31° C Low: 79° F/26° C

W S

WEST PALM BEACH

| Go to AccuWeather.com

High: 87° F/31° C Low: 77° F/25° C

MIAMI

High: 88° F/31° C Low: 79° F/26° C

7‑14 knots

Statistics are for Nassau through 2 p.m. yesterday Temperature High ................................................... 90° F/32° C Low .................................................... 75° F/24° C Normal high ....................................... 87° F/31° C Normal low ........................................ 74° F/24° C Last year’s high ................................. 93° F/34° C Last year’s low ................................... 80° F/27° C Precipitation As of 2 p.m. yesterday ................................. 0.12” Year to date ................................................. 6.94” Normal year to date ................................... 12.65”

ELEUTHERA

NASSAU

High: 88° F/31° C Low: 78° F/26° C

High: 85° F/29° C Low: 79° F/26° C

KEY WEST

High: 87° F/31° C Low: 81° F/27° C

High: 85° F/29° C Low: 79° F/26° C

8‑16 knots

ANDROS

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

tiDes For nassau High

Ht.(ft.)

Low

Ht.(ft.)

Today

8:49 a.m. 9:21 p.m.

2.7 3.6

3:00 a.m. ‑0.4 2:54 p.m. ‑0.7

Saturday

9:43 a.m. 10:14 p.m.

2.7 3.5

3:53 a.m. ‑0.4 3:48 p.m. ‑0.5

Sunday

10:38 a.m. 11:05 p.m.

2.7 3.4

4:45 a.m. ‑0.3 4:42 p.m. ‑0.3

Monday

11:33 a.m. 11:57 p.m.

2.6 3.2

5:37 a.m. ‑0.1 5:37 p.m. 0.0

Tuesday

12:29 p.m. ‑‑‑‑‑

2.6 ‑‑‑‑‑

6:28 a.m. 6:34 p.m.

0.0 0.3

Wednesday 12:48 a.m. 1:26 p.m.

2.9 2.5

7:19 a.m. 7:32 p.m.

0.1 0.5

Thursday

2.7 2.5

8:09 a.m. 8:32 p.m.

0.3 0.7

1:40 a.m. 2:22 p.m.

sun anD moon Sunrise Sunset

6:22 a.m. 8:03 p.m.

Moonrise Moonset

9:22 p.m. 7:03 a.m.

Last

New

First

Full

Jul. 1

Jul. 9

Jul. 17

Jul. 23

SAN SALVADOR

GREAT EXUMA

High: 85° F/29° C Low: 79° F/26° C

High: 86° F/30° C Low: 80° F/27° C

W S

LONG ISLAND

tracking map

High: 86° F/30° C Low: 78° F/26° C

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

CAT ISLAND

uV inDex toDay

7‑14 knots

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

Shown is today’s weather. Temperatures

CROOKED ISLAND / ACKLINS

are today’s highs and tonight’s lows.

RAGGED ISLAND High: 85° F/29° C Low: 79° F/26° C

High: 84° F/29° C Low: 78° F/26° C

GREAT INAGUA High: 87° F/31° C Low: 79° F/26° C

8‑16 knots

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

Today: Saturday: Today: Saturday: Today: Saturday: Today: Saturday: Today: Saturday: Today: Saturday: Today: Saturday: Today: Saturday: Today: Saturday: Today: Saturday: Today: Saturday: Today: Saturday: Today: Saturday:

WINDS E at 8‑16 Knots E at 8‑16 Knots E at 8‑16 Knots E at 7‑14 Knots E at 7‑14 Knots E at 7‑14 Knots E at 8‑16 Knots E at 8‑16 Knots E at 7‑14 Knots E at 7‑14 Knots E at 8‑16 Knots E at 8‑16 Knots E at 8‑16 Knots E at 7‑14 Knots NE at 8‑16 Knots ENE at 8‑16 Knots E at 8‑16 Knots E at 7‑14 Knots E at 8‑16 Knots E at 7‑14 Knots E at 7‑14 Knots E at 7‑14 Knots E at 8‑16 Knots E at 8‑16 Knots E at 7‑14 Knots E at 7‑14 Knots

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

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

WATER TEMPS. 84° F 84° F 86° F 86° F 83° F 83° F 82° F 83° F 86° F 86° F 83° F 81° F 85° F 84° F 82° F 82° F 83° F 83° F 82° F 82° F 84° F 84° F 83° F 83° F 83° F 84° F