07152022 NEWS, SPORT AND BUSINESS

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PMH ‘BURSTING AT THE SEAMS’ Flood of patients has hospital in crisis mode struggling to manage LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net A MAJOR jump in hospital admissions has left the Princess Margaret Hospital “bursting from the seams”, forcing health officials to have some patients re-located to Doctors Hospital West to receive medical care.

During a press conference yesterday, Health and Wellness Minister Dr Michael Darville said the situation became apparent

due to a major influx of non-COVID patients seeking care at the hospital.

His disclosure came after healthcare workers raised the alarm with The Tribune about the overcrowding issues, describing the situation at PMH as being in “crisis mode”.

When contacted yesterday, Bahamas Nurses Union president Amancha Williams said she was informed that some 52 people were waiting to be admitted to the hospital.

SEE PAGE THREE

THE BAHAMIAN hotel industry has “intervened” over the upcoming minimum wage increase to propose employees earning the bulk of their income from gratuities receive less than the full rise, it was revealed yesterday.

Robert Sands, the Bahamas Hotel and Tourism

Association’s (BHTA) president, said this was justified by the “unique arrangement” where tipped workers receive “generous gratuities” on top of minimum wage base pay.

He was quick to emphasise the sector was not “indifferent”, or opposed to, a minimum wage increase - especially for non-tipped employees earning the current $210 weekly floor.

FULL STORY - SEE BUSINESS

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

BAHAMIAN hotels were yesterday growing increasingly fearful that rising electricity costs will wipe out their profitability “breathing space”, with one saying: “We can ill-afford to give it all away.”

Robert Sands, the Bahamas Hotel and Tourism Association’s president, renewed calls for Bahamas Power & Light “to do everything in its power to mitigate the cost of electricity” amid expectations that the fuel charge - which typically accounts for 50-60 percent of customer bills - is set to increase imminently due to the annual adjustment that has to be made under the utility’s hedging strategy.

FULL STORY - SEE BUSINESS

‘LET LOCALS BUY INTO NEW BLUE COMPANIES’

‘STAFF ON TIPS SHOULD BE PAID LOWER MINIMUM’

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

HOTELS - ‘WE STILL NEED YOUR HELP’

FASHION FOR THE NATION BAHAMIAN designers showcased how much fashion has evolved in the last 49 years, as Baha Mar hosted the Island Luxury Fashion Show – a homage to the Independence Fashion Show held on July 14, 1973, the first evening function of the very first Independence celebrations. Pictured here is a design by Theodore Elyett x Bahama Handprints. For more, see today’s WEEKEND section.

Photo courtesy of Baha Mar

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net OPPOSITION MPs yesterday urged that “ordinary Bahamians” be given an opportunity to directly own shares in the company being created to manage this nation’s carbon credits and their trading.

Kwasi Thompson, the FNM finance spokesman, said that permitting this would enable Bahamians to truly “see some benefit from their natural resources” as the government moves to monetise the country’s socalled “carbon sinks”.

FULL STORY - SEE BUSINESS

DEANDRE’S DELIGHT AT $133M PAYDAY

By RENALDO DORSETT Tribune Sports Reporter rdorsett@tribunemedia.net

DEANDRE Ayton remains the biggest restricted free agent on the market and is just hours away from finding out whether he will have a new NBA home alongside Buddy Hield in Indiana or will return to the Phoenix Suns.

ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski first reported that Ayton and the Indiana

DEANDRE AYTON Pacers agreed to a four-year $133m offer sheet - the richest in NBA history for a restricted free agent.

The Suns have 48 hours to match the offer sheet and retain Ayton as a member of the franchise or allow him to leave for Indiana.

Once Ayton officially signs the offer sheet, the Suns will no longer be able to involve him in a sign and trade with Indiana. Furthermore, if the Suns decide to match the offer sheet they will be unable to trade Ayton until January 15, 2023.

FULL STORY - SEE SPORTS

Nassau & Bahama Islands’ Leading Newspaper

DIANE PHILLIPS: CORPORATE TAX WILL BE THE NEXT TEST

SEE PAGE NINE

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FNM leader Michael Pintard, left, and Transport and Housing Minister JoBeth Coleby-Davis.

Pintard wants the facts on incident with Coleby-Davis

By EARYEL BOWLEG Tribune Staff Reporter ebowleg@tribunemedia.net OFFICIAL Opposition leader Michael Pintard has urged the Prime Minister to present the facts regarding what is alleged to have taken place between a Cabinet minister and police officer.

This comes after Killarney MP Dr Hubert Minnis on Wednesday called on Phillip “Brave” Davis to invite Transport and Housing Minister Jobeth Coleby-Davis to resign the post while the matter is being investigated.

However, Mr Pintard said before this, the facts should be made clear.

“The investigation is going on but unconfirmed,” Mr Pintard said when he was asked if he was of the view that a resignation should come.

“Before we even get there, I’m not jumping ahead of the moment. I’m saying that the Prime Minister ought to speak about what the facts are. Once we hear definitively what the facts are, then we can go to the next level. But right now, it’s clear that there are contradictions among credible people.

“I don’t believe the Prime Minister believes that (former Commissioner) Paul Rolle is not a credible person – he is. He said that there’s an investigation. I don’t believe he doesn’t believe the police staff association is credible – they’re credible and they are concerned. I don’t believe he’s dismissing a police officer as having been aggrieved – he’s a credible person.

“So, you have a number of persons who I believe the Prime Minister has respect for who believes that there is something that has to be looked at and he ought to be able to look at the sequence of all statements made inclusive of his own and the Minister of National Security and bring clarity to do this for the public.”

Mrs Coleby-Davis has repeatedly denied claims that she assaulted a police officer with her vehicle at a Carnival event in May However, in the days following the alleged incident, the Police Staff Association released a statement saying the officer involved retained an attorney as he had to seek medical attention for injuries and was

then discharged.

Despite this, Mr Davis last week defended the minister. He also told the House that in the execution of his duties he made an inquiry to determine if there was any truth to what was claimed.

Mr Davis furthered: “The fact that nothing has happened tells me that nothing has happened.”

Asked of concerns that the investigation could potentially be clouded due to public commentary, Mr Pintard told reporters of his warning both Mr Davis and National Security Minister Wayne Munroe when it comes to credibility as well as addressing the matter.

On Wednesday, Mr Munroe told the House that he had seen video as well as witness statements on the incident. It led Dr Minnis to accuse him of potentially prejudicing whatever investigation is underway.

“I said yesterday in the House, the Prime Minister ought to be awfully careful to allow his credibility to be severely damaged because he is presiding over many weighty issues that are a matter of life or death for our citizens and when the public does not believe what you have to say they then tune out,” he said Asked if the Prime Minister’s comments on the issue were a bit inappropriate, Mr Pintard replied: “Yeah. The Prime Minister should have either clarified it entirely or direct those to who have immediate responsibility for these matters to speak to it which would have been the Attorney General, the Minister of National Security.

“The Minister of National Security is fully aware that his public comments have not assisted in this matter and the question I raised again yesterday was for all of those ordinary Bahamians who no one speaks on their behalf. How do they feel when they hear powerful voices intervening on behalf of somebody who already have clout and power and authority, etc.

“So, when he injected himself into the conversation in one direction that does in fact influence others who are now investigating the situation, I mean there’s no way around it and so this is a very messy situation that the prime minister has to clear up.”

THE TRIBUNE

Friday, July 15, 2022, PAGE 3

PRINCESS Margaret Hospital.

PMH ‘bursting at the seams’ from page one Dr Darville later confirmed this to reporters, adding that PMH has partnered with Doctors Hospital West to house some 30 of those patients as a means to help alleviate the issue.

“What we are seeing is a large amount of individuals who suffer from chronic non-communicable diseases presenting at the Accident and Emergency (Department) here at the Princess Margaret Hospital,” Dr Darville said.

“Today, the situation has been in the overflow and the hospital is presently bursting from the seams. We had to intervene immediately and we’re here today because of the circumstances (and) we now have to move some of our patients here from the hospital to Doctors Hospital West that would allow us the breathing room in order for us to deal with the logistic challenges that we presently have.

“Our staff is working overtime. We do have a nursing shortage and we’re working to address the shortages.”

When asked about the costs associated with the move, Dr Darville would only say that the costs will be revealed at a later date.

‘Well, we’re actually in crisis mode,” he continued.

“The economic impact associated with the transfer is something that we would have to address but the health and safety of the patients who are presently here at the PMH is paramount and so those questions will be answered later down the road, but I assure you that we will work closely with us to give us the best possible value for service.”

Ahead of yesterday’s press conference, a concerned health care worker, who asked to remain anonymous, told The Tribune that the health crisis had impacted some operations there, specifically the Emergency Medical Services department.

“What’s happening at the wards (they) are backed up with patients,” the employee said.

“When this occurs, they are already short on trolleys, which is what we would use when we come in with our stretchers and put the patients on. But, because they are short on trolleys, they are using the stretchers in manners which they are not supposed to. This is damaging the stretchers, so we are left with less and less.

“They didn’t order any new trolleys because it’s not in the budget and now with all of these admissions and they have all of our stretchers, which is now causing us not to be able to respond.”

When asked about this

yesterday, Public Hospital Authority officials admitted that some patients waiting to be admitted were placed on trolleys, but noted the hospital “still had five ambulances that were on the road” able to respond to emergencies.

“At no point (was) there was no ambulances on the roads to be able to assist,” said Ms Aubynette Rolle, PHA managing director.

“However, when we do dispatch on both sides, whether Doctors Hospital or other healthcare facilities that may own ambulances, if one facility cannot respond, it’s automatic that they go to the rest so we are resolving that issue at this time.”

Hospital officials said they are working on several strategies to address the bed shortages among other logistical issues at the facility.

“We would have found a company that we will work with to be able to do modular units… so these units allow us now to be able to attend to the patient in a more dignified fashion,” Ms Rolle added.

For his part, Dr Darville said officials were also working aggressively to complete renovations at several clinics in hopes of getting “ our primary health care up and going” so people suffering from chronic non-communicable diseases could be treated sooner.

FAMILY OF AUTISTIC TEENAGER FOUND DEAD IN CAR TRY TO COPE WITH LOSS

By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

THE family of the missing autistic teen found dead inside a vehicle on July 9 is trying to cope with the tragedy.

The body of Justin Stuart, 19, was discovered in an old derelict vehicle not far from where he lived. The teen was seen last on Sunday, July 2, shortly around 9am at his family’s home in North Bahamia.

Police have classified Mr Stuart’s death as suspicious.

Nakay Stuart, the victim’s sister, told The Tribune her family is trying to cope as best they can with their loss.

She indicated that even though her brother was autistic, he was smart and could speak.

“Everybody is coping and trying to stay strong,” Ms Stuart said. “My mother is okay, but she breaks down and cries every time she thinks about it.”

Justin was the fourth of six siblings, according to

Ms Stuart. “I saw him when I was leaving for church on Sunday morning,” she recalled.

Police issued a missing person’s flyer on Wednesday, July 6. He was wearing a pair of red short pants, a light blue t-shirt and black tennis.

On Saturday, July 9, police received a report around 3pm of a lifeless body found in a derelict blue Honda vehicle situated on Santa Maria Drive, North Bahamia. A severely decomposed body was in the front passenger seat, and the doors could not open.

Assistant Superintendent of Police Stephen Rolle reported that they are awaiting the results of an autopsy to determine the cause of death.

According to a source, a family member of the deceased identified the body on Wednesday.

Ms Stuart said Justin had a less severe form of autism.

“He was smart; he just had a speech problem, and that was it. It was not so

bad because he could speak well and had all his good senses,” she said.

“Justin was very friendly, and he was a smart young boy. He was very helpful.

He never bothered much with (anyone) and was always stayed to himself and his family,” she said.

Ms Stuart said her family is very concerned and disturbed about the incident.

“We are still wondering what is going on with the matter. We are still waiting for an autopsy to determine the cause of death,” she said.

There is speculation that Justin might have been in the company of other people before his death.

Ms Stuart said: “We are wondering why these persons have not been taken in for questioning.”

Police are appealing to anyone with information that could assist them with their investigation into the matter to call anonymously at 919, crime stoppers at 328-TIPS (8477) in New Providence, or 1-242-3008477 for Family Islands.

MAN SHOT OUTSIDE HIS HOME BY GUNMAN A 35-YEAR-OLD man of Zinnia Street, Kennedy Sub-Division, is in the hospital after he was shot yesterday. Police said the incident happened at around 9.45am.

According to reports,

the victim was outside his residence when he was approached and subsequently shot multiple times by an unknown man who exited a white vehicle.

The victim remains in hospital in stable condition,

while police continue their investigations.

Anyone with information who can assist with solving this case is asked to contact police at 911, 919 or the Criminal Investigation Department at 502-9991/2.

MINISTER of Health and Wellness Dr Michael Darville yesterday.

Photo: Leandra Rolle/Tribune Staff

PAGE 4, Friday, July 15, 2022

THE TRIBUNE

‘Stay vigilant’ over two new COVID variants

By JADE RUSSELL jrussell@tribunemedia.net A PAN American Health Organisation official has urged countries to remain vigilant in light of the emergence of two new fast spreading variants of COVID-19.

During a virtual briefing, PAHO director Carissa Etienne addressed the new variants BA.4 and BA.5.

PAHO’s virology advisor, Dr Jairo MendezRico, said: “BA.4 and BA.5 have been detected in around 40 percent of their samples most recently sequenced from the Caribbean. Although, we don’t have official reports of any of those... from The Bahamas, we are closely following the most recent samples that are going to be sequenced to see if they are detected.”

Dr Mendez-Rico added there is no evidence indicating the variants are more severe than the Omicron variant.

Dr Etienne said: “An increasing number of countries and territories in Latin

PAHO director Carissa Etienne.

Death Announcement It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Our Beloved Mother,

MRS. ANGELA VERONICA NEYMOUR, 67

of Colony Village, Eastern, New Providence and formerly of Grants, Mangrove Cay, Andros.

Our Mother passed away in hospital Care on Friday, July 8th, 2022, following a Brief Illness, Bravely Borne.

Her treasured Three Daughters, although not all residing locally, rallied around her in the final weeks of her life. This is an untimely and very great loss to all who knew her– as a mother, “Nana and Oma”, Sister, Aunt, Relative, Colleague, Teacher, Psalmist, Dutiful and Faithful Parishioner, Neighbors and Friend.

The Neymour Family Join With All Who Knew “Angie” In Mourning Her Loss.

FUNERAL SERVICE for the late

ANGELA VERONICA NEYMOUR will be held at The New Lively Hope Baptist Church, Jerome Avenue and Chesapeake Road on Thursday July 21st, 2022 at 10:00 a.m. Officiating will be Revd. Dr. Charles T. Dorsett of New Life Kingdom Baptist Church, assisted by Ministers Kyle Dean and Robert M. Pennerman. Interment will follow in Woodlawn Gardens Cemetery, Soldier Road.

Left to cherish her memories are her, Three Daughters: Shaneka Vermeulen, Gail Papavasiliou, La’gacy Neymour; Three Bonus Sons: Through Marriage. Three Step Children: Dwayne Bethell, Lakito Rodgers and Senardo Farrington; Beloved Husband: Mr. Melvin Neymour (Deceased); Three Sisters & One Brother: Jestina Johnson, Hestelyn Wright, Maria Bowleg And Reliston Green; Five Grandchildren: Dylan Russell-Papavasiliou, Jayce Deveaux, Spring Vermeulen, Atlas & Mila Papavasiliou and a host of other beloved relatives and friends who will be highlighted in love and recognition in The Booklet of The Home Going Service.

Viewing will be held at the Serenity Suite at Restview Memorial Mortuary and Crematorium Limited, Robinson and Soldier Roads on Wednesday, July 20th, 2022 from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

America and the Caribbean are also reporting these sublineages. Omicron BA.5 has been detected in at least 22 countries and territories and is likely to become predominant in all the subregions during the next weeks.

“The emergence of BA.4 and BA.5 is yet another reminder that the virus keeps evolving every time it is transmitted, and that we must remain vigilant.

We must also strengthen genomic surveillance, which unfortunately has decreased in recent weeks due to less sampling in most countries and territories.

“This virus knows no borders, especially now that international travel has resumed. We must use every tool at our disposal to protect ourselves, particularly those of us most vulnerable to severe disease and death.

“This means reintroducing public health measures like masks and social distancing when cases spike. Some countries have already begun to do this.”

Additionally, a case of malaria was reported for the first time in ten years in The Bahamas in a Bahamian man who had recently travelled to West Africa.

PAHO’s incident manager for COVID-19, Dr Sylvain Aldighieri, said PAHO’s communicable disease department is collaborating closely with the Ministry of Health in relation to vector-borne diseases including malaria control.

He said that The Bahamas has strict protocols for preventing the reintroduction of malaria including the use of mosquito nets for managing suspected cases of it.

In regard to The Bahamas expecting to receive 24,000 paediatric doses of COVID-19 vaccines at the end of this month, a PAHO official said “we can feel confident” that the use of these vaccines in children will be effective.

PAHO noted that no vaccine is 100 percent efficacious; however, studies have shown that persons who are vaccinated have a higher rate of recovery.

PAIR REPORTEDLY FOUND WITH $2.4M CASH GRANTED $16K BAIL

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Court Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net

TWO men who were allegedly found with over $2.4m in cash at Inagua last year were each granted $16,000 bail in a Magistrate’s Court yesterday.

Dwayne Bassett, 40, and Duncan Love, 48, both of New Providence and represented

by Attorney Brian Dorsett stood before Chief Magistrate Joyann Ferguson-Pratt on a charge of

money-laundering.

On September 23, 2021, the pair were arrested after police allegedly found $2,424,674.00 in cash in the defendants’ hands, which was suspected of being the proceeds of crime.

Both defendants pleaded not guilty to the charge.

As the defendants had no antecedents and were both successful businessmen, there were no objections to bail.

In view of this, the magistrate granted the defendants bail at $16,000 each. After consulting with

their counsel with regards to safety concerns Magistrate Ferguson-Pratt allowed the balance of their bail to be paid for with a certified cheque.

Under the condition of the defendants’ bail, Bassett was ordered to report to the Cable Beach Police Station, while Love is to go to the Wulff Road Station.

Both of the defendants are expected to do this every Tuesday.

The defendants’ trial is expected to begin on November 18.

Funeral Service For McKell Theresa Mackey, 46

of Black Village will be held at Prevailing Church of God, Deaveaux Street on Saturday, July 16th, 2022 at 11:00.a.m. Officiating will be Assistant Pastor Patrick Coakley assisted by other ministers of the gospel. Cremation will follow.

Left to cherish her loving memories are her one and only daughter: Chakara Mackey; son-in-law: Desmond Rolle; adopted daughter: Antia Hanna; brothers: Ronald Murphy Thompson, Donald, Teddy, Tony, Camaro, Cochese Mackey and Christopher Guy; 5 sisters: Sharese Morley, Jennifer King, Sophie Mackey-Rolle, Rosemary Mackey-Bain and Thedora Mackey; brothersin-law: Garth King and Clevand Rolle; sister-in-law: Jennifer Thompson, Vedra And Pamela Mackey and Tiffany Guy; grandchildren: Achara Mackey, Walter Harris Jr,And Khamari Wright; nieces and nephews: Jade, Jasmine and Janae King, Lashae, Tianna, Chrisae, Christina, Haylee, Antonique, Joenique, Nakara, Melody, Teddesha, Camaya,Camaro Jr., Cavaro, Taran, Cashna, Keymaro, Danielle, Gabryelle, Aiden, Jonathen, Luven, Theovan, Chriszantio, Maylaysia and Kesia Mackey; uncles: Joseph, Allan and Felton Thompson, Leroy Higgins and Leo Mackey; aunts: Irene, Pearl, And Nora Thompson; god daughters: Shandia Mckintosh, Crispin and Randonya Mackey; numerous cousins including: Victoria, Altomese, Fineta, Bricimae And Family, Patricia, Sherry, Maceo and Family, Carmen and Family, Patsy and Family, Jackie and Family, Betty and Princess Taylor and Family, Kenya, Lakeisha, Latanya, Tamia, Margret, Emitt and Dudson Higgins and Family, Christopher Thompson, Creg, Jomar and Tyler Thompson Sr., Lachino, Seth, Antrae, Rickia, Ricardo and Latico, Lakeisha Wells-Sands and Family Corean Bowles-Newbold and Family The Female Medical One and the staff Of ICU; close friends including: Michelle Smith,Derica Clarke, Selvin Rolle, Tamara Mitchell Nicola Johnson, Petra Hepburn and Family Cheree Andrews and Family, Bettyann Skinner and Family, Sherry and Renetta Rolle and Family, James Ingraham and Family, Walter Harris Janet and Khalid Wright, Paul and Sherry Miller, Renae, Angie, Romeo, Black Village Community, The Peter Street Community and Quacko Street Community, Pastoral Members and Members Of The Prevailing Church Of God, Pastoral Members and Members Of Kemp Road Ministries and Family, staff Of Ministry Of Agriculture, staff Of Executive Security and management and staff Of Little Switzerland.

Viewing will be held at the Serenity Suite at Restview Memorial Mortuary and Crematorium Limited, Robinson and Soldier Roads on Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

THE TRIBUNE

Friday, July 15, 2022, PAGE 5

PM suggests carbon exchange in Bahamas LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net PRIME Minister Phillip “Brave” Davis said yesterday his administration is exploring the idea of establishing a Carbon Exchange in The Bahamas with FTX, “where we will trade our carbon credits”.

Mr Davis made the remarks during his contribution to the debate on the Carbon Credit Trading Bill 2022.

By the end of the sitting, the bill was passed. It will now go on to the Senate for further debate and passage.

The Bill - which builds on the foundation of the Climate Change and Carbon Markets Initiative Act - proposes a complete legislative framework to regulate and manage the trade of carbon credits.Mr Davis described the bill as an historic one and said that it will help put the country “at the forefront of the emerging market of carbon credits.”

“We are making history and positioning our country as the first country that will sell Blue Carbon Credits, as it relates to sea grass, on the Carbon Market,” he told MPs. “These ocean-based credits will allow the government to tap into a completely new source of revenue that will undoubtedly benefit the Bahamian people as the funds will assist with the financial challenges we face as a result of climate change. “ He also said that monies generated from the sale of carbon credits will help ensure the survival of the nation’s marine ecosystems.

“Marine ecosystems like seagrass beds, mangroves and salt ponds are capable of storing more carbon per square mile than their terrestrial counterparts (trees). The 1,600 square miles of mangroves and other marine ecosystems in The Bahamas are perhaps our most valuable resource,” he said.

“In analysing their role as carbon sinks, we are still in the process of determining what their monetary value is, but early indications suggest that they may be quite valuable.

“Ironically, the very systems that protect us from climate change are also being threatened by climate change as more frequent hurricanes and storms increase the likelihood that

PRIME Minister Philip “Brave” Davis alongside the Prime Minister of St Vincent and the Grenadines, Ralph Gonsalves, during the Concordia Americas Summit this week in Miami. damage will be done to our recommendation, the coastal ecosystems.

Cabinet selected the pro“Our first use of any ject management proposal revenues generated from by the NGO Beneath the carbon credits would be to Waves, operating under the ensure the survival of these Bahamian company Carbon vital systems so that they Management Ltd,” he said. continue to protect future “The government generations of Bahamians.” entered into a Heads of Mr Davis also revealed Agreement with Carbon his administration has Management Ltd for sevformed a partnership with eral compelling reasons. a local company to help First of all, the scientists at manage the sale of the Beneath the Waves have country’s carbon credits. been doing shark research “Carbon credits them- in The Bahamas for over selves are an emerging ten years and have identimarket and we will be the fied what is now considered first in the world to benefit to be the largest seagrass from blue carbon credits,” meadow in the world in he said.

Bahamian waters. They are “There are always inher- already familiar with The ent unknowns and risks Bahamas and, as scientists, to being the first to do they have a vested intersomething. From the gov- est in our marine resources ernment’s perspective, beyond their monetary it is necessary to bring value. They are truly pason a partner to assist sionate about conserving with navigating the com- the marine environment.” plex landscape of carbon The Prime Minister also markets, which requires said the government will be knowledge of the valuation exploring the opportunity of natural resources, mon- of establishing a Carbon etisation of those resources, Exchange in The Bahamas the creation of high-value, with FTX, “where we will high-quality carbon credits, trade our carbon credits.” and the responsible sale of “This will be an indethose credits on the carbon pendent exchange and market, among other areas separate from the FTX in which experience and Cryptocurrency Exchange. expertise ensure that this I will say more about this will be a successful venture.” development as those disHe continued: “In accord- cussions advance,” Mr ance with the committee’s Davis added.

TWO HELD AFTER POLICE OFFICER STABBED AT JUNKANOO PARADE

By LYNAIRE MUNNINGS lmunnings@tribunemedia.net

TWO people are in custody in connection with a stabbing incident, which resulted in a police officer being injured.

The stabbing occurred on Monday when officers observed a group of males attacking a 29-year-old at the Independence Junkanoo parade and intervened.

This resulted in a highranking officer needing ten stitches to knife wounds.

The officer was taken

to hospital and later discharged.

A 29-year-old man who was stabbed multiple times during the attack remains in stable condition.

Acting on intelligence, police arrested a 21- yearold around 1.40pm on Wednesday at a residence on Hay Street and a 42 -year- old female resident of the home for deceit of a public officer and obstruction.

Additionally, police have a 19-year-old male of Augusta Street in custody for questioning in

connection with a shooting incident that has left a 22-year-old male in hospital.

According to police reports, around 9.30am on Wednesday a man was leaving his residence when he was approached by a male known to him. The suspect reportedly produced a handgun and pointed it in the direction of the victim who ran but was subsequently shot.

Officers of the Mobile Division arrested the suspect shortly after the incident.

POLICE SEEK HELP IN FINDING SUSPECTS

By LYNAIRE MUNNINGS lmunnings@tribunemedia.net

POLICE are requesting assistance from members of the public in regard to two crime incidents.

The first incident involves locating the occupants of a heavily tinted black Toyota BB L/P AzV7002, who were responsible for an armed robbery. The incident reportedly occurred at around 12.35pm on Wednesday.

According to police, the

victim was in the Palmdale Shopping Plaza when he was approached and subsequently robbed of a deposit bag, containing an undisclosed amount of cash, by two males one of whom was armed with a handgun.

Meanwhile, police want help locating three men responsible for breaking into a business establishment located on East Street South.

Reports are that the culprits gained entry through the roof of the establishment and stole a large

amount of cash and jewellery sometime during the night between Tuesday and Wednesday.

Police are also advising members of the public to always be on the alert and aware of your surroundings.

Police said they are actively investigating and appealing to members of the public who may have any information regarding this incident or any other incident to contact police at 911, 919 or the Criminal Investigation Department at 502-9991/2.

PAGE 6, Friday, July 15, 2022

The Tribune Limited

THE TRIBUNE

PICTURE OF THE DAY

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

Publisher/Editor 1903-1914

LEON E. H. DUPUCH, SIR ETIENNE DUPUCH,

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

Publisher/Editor 1919-1972 Contributing Editor 1972-1991

EILEEN DUPUCH CARRON,

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

Published daily Monday to Friday

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

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Biden once wanted to make Saudi Arabia a ‘pariah’ – so why is he playing nice with the kingdom’s repressive rulers now?

Even before setting foot in the Middle East for his first visit to the region as President, Joe Biden felt compelled to defend a portion of the trip. “I know that there are many who disagree with my decision to travel to Saudi Arabia,” Biden acknowledged in an op-ed for The Washington Post. He went on to restate his commitment to human rights – an issue on which Saudi rulers have long stood accused of abusing.

The President flew to the kingdom of Saudi Arabia directly from Israel yesterday. The trip comes a year after the Biden administration released a scathing intelligence report on the murder of Jamal Khashoggi which concluded that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman approved the operation “to capture or kill” the Saudi journalist.

In his Washington Post article, Biden touted the sanctions and visa bans introduced by the US in response to the killing.

But the tone was certainly softer than the criticism of Saudi Arabia that Biden levelled while on the 2020 presidential campaign trail. Back then, he said his administration would turn this repressive kingdom – a longtime US partner of convenience – into a global “pariah”.

The visit represents a reversal of rhetoric and policy for Biden, especially as the agenda includes a meeting with the Crown Prince accused over Khashoggi’s killing.

The Khashoggi affair highlights a persistent oddity in American foreign policy, one I observed in many years while working at the State Department and Department of Defence: selective morality in dealing with repressive regimes.

Like his predecessors, Biden is grappling with the geopolitical reality that Saudi Arabia is needed to achieve certain US objectives in the Middle East.

Recent global developments – the war in Ukraine, fluctuating oil prices and ongoing inflation – underscore that reality.

As Biden noted in his op-ed, to counter “Russia’s aggression” and put America in a position to “outcompete China,” the US has to “engage directly with countries that can impact those outcomes.” And that means playing nice with the Saudis.

A panoply of dictators Biden is not the only US Pesident to shy away from taking a harsh stance on the Saudis.

The Trump administration was reluctant to confront Saudi Arabia over the killing of Khashoggi, a Washington Post columnist who lived in Virginia. Beyond revoking the visas of some Saudi officials implicated in Khashoggi’s death, Trump did nothing to punish the kingdom for Khashoggi’s torture, assassination and dismemberment.

Trump and other White House officials reminded critics that Saudi Arabia buys billions of dollars in weapons from the US and is a crucial partner in the American pressure campaign on Iran. Biden took a tougher line, approving the release of the intelligence report that blamed Crown Prince Mohammed for Khashoggi’s murder and sanctioning 76 lower-level Saudi officials. The Crown Prince, however, was not on the list of those being sanctioned.

Saudi Arabia isn’t the only nation to get a free pass from the US for its misdeeds.

The US has for decades maintained close ties with some of the world’s worst human rights abusers.

Ever since the United States emerged from the Cold War as the world’s dominant military and economic power, American presidents have seen financial and geopolitical benefit in overlooking the bad deeds of brutal regimes.

Before the Islamic revolution in 1979, Iran was a close US ally. Shah Reza Pahlavi ruled harshly, using his secret police to torture and murder political dissidents.

But the Shah was also a secular, anticommunist leader in a Muslim-dominated region. President Richard Nixon hoped that Iran would be the “Western policeman in the Persian Gulf.”

After the Shah’s overthrow, the Reagan administration in the 1980s became friendly with Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein.

The US supported him with intelligence during Iraq’s war with Iran and looked the other way at his use of chemical weapons.

And before Syria’s intense bloody civil war, which has killed an estimated 400,000 people and featured grisly chemical weapon attacks by the government, its authoritarian regime enjoyed relatively friendly relations with the US. Syria has been on the State

Department’s list of state sponsors of terrorism since 1979. But presidents Nixon, Jimmy Carter, George H.W. Bush and Bill Clinton all met with President Bashar alAssad’s father, who ruled from 1971 until his death in 2000.

Why Saudi Arabia matters Before the assassination of Khashoggi

by Saudi operatives, the 36-year-old Crown Prince was cultivating a reputation as a moderate reformer.

He has made newsworthy changes in the conservative Arab kingdom, allowing women to drive, combating corruption and curtailing some powers of the religious police.

Still, Saudi Arabia remains one of the world’s most authoritarian regimes.

Though women may now obtain a passport without the permission of a male guardian, they still need a guardian’s approval to get married, leave prison or obtain certain medical procedures. And they must have the consent of a male guardian to enroll in college or look for a job.

The Saudi government also routinely arrests people without judicial review, according to Human Rights Watch. Citizens can be killed for nonviolent crimes, often in public. From January to midNovember 2019, 81 people were executed for drug-related crimes.

Saudi Arabia ranks just a few places above North Korea on political rights, civil liberties and other measures of freedom, according to the democracy watchdog Freedom House. The same report ranks both Iran and China ahead of the Saudis on these measures.

But its wealth, strategic Middle East location and petroleum exports keep the Saudis as a vital US ally. President Barack Obama visited Saudi Arabia more than any other American President – four times in eight years – to discuss everything from Iran to oil production.

American realpolitik This kind of foreign policy – one based on practical, self-interested principles rather than moral or ideological concerns – is called “realpolitik.”

Henry Kissinger, Secretary of State under Nixon, was a master of realpolitik, which drove that administration to normalize its relationship with China.

Diplomatic relations between the two countries had ended in 1949 when Chinese communist revolutionaries took power.

Then, as now, China was incredibly repressive.

Only 16 countries, including Saudi Arabia, are less free than China, according to Freedom House. Iran, a country the US wants Saudis to help keep in check, ranks ahead of China.

But China is also the world’s most populous nation and a nuclear power. Nixon, a fervent anti-communist, sought to exploit a growing rift between China and the Soviet Union.

Today, Washington retains the important, if occasionally rocky, relationship Kissinger forged with China, despite Beijing’s ongoing persecution of Muslim minority groups.

American realpolitik applies to Latin America, too. After the Cuban Revolution of 1959, the US regularly backed Central and South American military dictators who tortured and killed citizens to “defend” the Americas from communism.

US not ‘so innocent’ US Presidents tend to underplay their relationships with repressive regimes, lauding lofty “American values” instead.

That’s the language Obama used in 2018 to criticize Donald Trump’s embrace of Russia’s authoritarian President, Vladimir Putin, citing America’s “commitment to certain values and principles like the rule of law and human rights and democracy.”

But Trump defended his relationship with Russia, tacitly invoking American realpolitik. “You think our country’s so innocent?” he asked on Fox News.

As Trump alluded to, the US has for decades maintained close ties to numerous regimes whose values and policies conflict with America’s constitutional guarantees of democracy, freedom of speech, separation of church and state, the right to due process and many others.

It still does.

(This article is by Jeffrey Fields, Associate Professor of the Practice of International Relations, USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences for theconversation.com)

PROTESTERS swim as onlookers wait at a swimming pool in the president’s official residence a day after it was stormed in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Sunday.

(AP Photo/Eranga Jayawardena)

Anti immigration is the theme – the upsurge of the rightwing EDITOR, The Tribune.

In the past decade massive movements of displaced as well as opportunist immigration has happened all over the globe. Central America has seen groups of potential refugees in the tens of thousands march to the USA Border trying to get across, or at least put pressure upon Mexican-US authorities, with the message of how urgent Latin American poverty, criminality and political oppression truly has been.

The US presently has 15-30 million undocumented persons within its borders, and this mass exodus of potentially illegal immigrants complicates this nation’s economic and political plans.

Republicans refuse entry of these displaced people since they also want to expel the illegals presently within the US borders. Democrats attempt to stay their own policies of openness,realizing the growing public pressure to not allow for indiscriminate immigration at this time.

In Canada refugees simply need to walk across the border or arrive at an airport, asking for refugee status. In return many are allowed to stay in Canada for months, even years as they are processed and their applications considered.

Canada’s Liberal Immigration and Refugee Policies are bitterly opposed by the Conservative Party empowered by Western and Prairie Public support. A true divide has appeared between rural and urban Canada that will become more critical as the next federal election comes upon us.

The EU(Europe) has many of its own problems both politically economic, criminal and social. France, Denmark, Greece and most other nations have very active and prospering right wing political parties. The totality of this can be seen in France’s last federal election, where far right and even extremist political parties captured more than 30 percent of the public vote.

Germany too has a reviving right wing sector that has its tentacles within most of the nation’s political parties.

While Germans attempt to remember, but not prioritize their historical roots, the shadows of The Reich still is felt and feared to this day.

The EU has accepted, unwillingly at times, millions of displaced and opportunistic refugees escaping the poverty, oppression and racial discrimination of Africa and Asia. How has this massive population movement affected Europe? Criminality is on the rise everywhere.

In Scandinavia many of the citizenry do not go out after 10pm, as groups of refugees, mostly young men rule the night, often verbally and physically assaulting, robbing and raping individuals.

The local Police are under orders to maintain the peace, but not get involved unless

LETTERS letters@tribunemedia.net necessary. Growth in these Criminal Gangland activities, as well as simply groups of men targeting local citizens continue to grow. The authorities have hesitated on using more forceful methods to quell this criminality, hoping to not be viewed as oppressive governments.

Racist Domestic Terrorism has grown since 1988 by 68%, with hate crime incidents escalating. Well meaning citizens and their governments know not how to find and answer to this question: What do we do with all these wanted and unwanted Refugees? Billions upon billions of Euro’s have been spent on these refugees’ housing, healthcare, education, relocations.

With the Russian-Ukrainian conflict adding further fuel to this crisis, EU Authorities are exhausted, and looking a bit weak. A perfect time for The Right to sway public opinion and ultimately voters’ choices.

Eurasia and Asia Major have a tradition where the political rightwing is viewed as a nationalistic force. The Military has strong political and economic ties, making the heads of the military very rich, while oppressing and manipulating their populations as they see fit. Burma, Cambodia, China are such regimes where nationalism is the uniting force that keeps the rightwing in power, while the authorities continue to be an important part of their nation’s criminal world. In China, the military complex has as its leaders Generals who act just like Russia’s Oligarchs did, taking over profitable corporations, issuing protectionist policies to businesses.

Yes, most large corporations pay a protection tax just like they would if Al Capone ran the roost. The Rightwing and Criminality seem to somehow complement each other.

Also the “communism” that exists in China is not leftwing or progressive in the least. It identifies well with historical past dictatorships where profit and power are their true motivations.

Burma has to deal with its drug cartels, and the generals who are supposed to be eradicating them. Wonder how a general that makes officially @$150,000 a year can be a multi-millionaire in a few years?

Latin America has within its own continental borders mass movements from regions affected by natural disasters, criminality, political oppression and climate change impacted poverty. The Amazon is being destroyed through illegal deforestation, toxic waste dumping, the slave trade, illegal mining and its population deprived of this wealth.

Argentina is going through another severe drought which drives the rural population to urban centres with no employment opportunities, so onto Chile or Brazil.

The Caribbean has continued to feel the effects of everything Mother Nature can throw at it. Natural disasters, oppressive regimes, lack of employment opportunities and poverty finds the average islander in need.

Haiti, Cuba, Jamaica are just a few of the islands where the rightwing have control. Massive amounts of foreign aid move to these areas, only to disappear in a international global account somewhere.

Criminality is a defining reason for many islanders to seek refugee status in “safer” regions around North America. Many of these “gang bangers” also become “refugees” in America or Canada, joining up with their compatriots, living their lives of criminality. Their presence within Canada and America give nationalist and rightwing pontiffs and groups reasons to call for severe immigration-refugee controls.

The Rightwing claims the progressive left use immigration and even the transient refugee population as a tool of political manipulation and a power grab for funds. Rightwing leaders like Frances Le Pens claim they will throw all illegal immigrants and refugees out of France, while Greece’s rightwing maybe diminished with the leaders of The Golden Dawn jailed, its multi-million membership still politically influential. Illegal immigrants and refugees remain the politically right’s boogie men. They appeal to those who have lost or cannot find a job, those without the home they would like while refugees are housed on the tax payers dime. Any excuse or claim will do, so long as it is stinging and has staying power. The New Right has been renamed, rebranded and re-imaged, but it is still the same as previously seen.

Its methods often identical with the added illusion of public respectability perhaps.

Prejudice, ignorance and fear still rule the day, and those who will stand against these destructive forces are exhausted and often disillusioned.

New blood is needed within those forces of patience, acceptance and social activism.

Doing something important this weekend folks? Those of you who know what it is like to be a new Canadian or American, an immigrant like you needs your help, advice and direction. Be constructive at all times, and stop those who only know how to destroy hope, democracy and fairness.

STEVEN KASZAB Bradford, Ontario.

July 10, 2022.

THE TRIBUNE

Friday, July 15, 2022, PAGE 7

Pintard denies the FNM ‘did nothing’

By EARYEL BOWLEG Tribune Staff Reporter ebowleg@tribunemedia.net OPPOSITION leader Michael Pintard says it’s untrue that the former Free National Movement administration did nothing to contribute to the National Development Plan.

While pointing out how the former government was involved with the plan, Mr Pintard furthered that the Free National Movement signed off on an InterAmerican Development Bank offering to provide money to review what had been drafted at the time.

Earlier this week, Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis asserted that there had been no meaningful work on the plan since 2017.

Mr Davis made the comments on Tuesday while giving a lecture on the plan at the University of The Bahamas. He also outlined priorities of his government and some of the historical context to support his administration’s plans.

Responding, Mr Pintard said: “It is most unfortunate the prime minister spoke about a National Development Plan, which we support in the Free National Movement (and) support certainly under his leadership and there has clearly been evidence that in the past the National Development Plan did in fact benefit from the input of the Free National Movement.

“While in opposition prior to 2017, we participated in the discussion and made contributions to helping to frame that National Development Plan.

“While in office, one of the most notable things that have been done is the IDB offered to fund a review of the National Development Plan. I believe it was somewhere in the vicinity of $200,000, which required the sign-off of the previous administration, which in fact we did and that review was again to look at the viability of the National Development Plan whether it’s still useful going forward.”

He continued: “What is true is that you did not hear an ongoing discussion about it but let us be clear the National Development Plan is in large measure driven by the sustainable development goals of the United Nations and multiple government ministries as well as corporations, their programming, their legislative agenda, their policy positions, and the programmes were given by the sustainable development goals. Again it is not as if key planks of the National Development Plan was not being implemented or pursued. However, I do believe it is useful to reference that document because such a document has a unifying impact on what we do collectively as a country and the various stakeholders and certainly

if given the opportunity to manage this country going forward we will reference it because I think that is absolutely important.”

Mr Pintard also said he thought the Prime Minister missed the opportunity to unify the country.

“You cannot be talking about uniting the country but when you do a historical review of what each administration has contributed, you only find that the administrations that you were a part of have been useful. It is intellectually dishonest for him to do that and I’m surprised because I expected that he would function differently.”

“And again it shows a lack of political maturity.”

At the presentation, there was also a question from the audience on taking care of Bahamians who are part of the LGBTQI+ community.

In reference to this, Mr Pintard said: “Again my comments to you are relative to what the prime minister’s statements were.

One of the comments he made is that he is for protecting all Bahamians. We support that, however, we have not seen evidence of him doing that. We have workers in beaches and parks who they refuse to pay notwithstanding the fact that they have contracts.

We have persons in social services who have been terminated and have not yet received their benefits.”

THE EQUINOR site after Hurricane Dorian.

WILL EQUINOR SALE PAY FOR CLEAN-UP?

BY DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

KWASI Thompson, MP for East Grand Bahama, has asked the government about the status of the possible sale of Equinor and whether it would ensure sufficient funds are left in place to clean up any remaining oil spill in East End. His comments came while speaking in the House of Assembly on Thursday during the debate concerning the Climate Change and Carbon Market Initiative Bill.

Mr Thompson expressed his support for the legislation.

“We think it is innovative, but we want to see the specifics of it, and we are calling for the government to ensure that every Bahamian has an opportunity to buy into it, to own it, and to benefit from it,” he stated.

Mr Thompson also raised environmental issues he wants the government to pay close attention to in East Grand Bahama.

In terms of Equinor, he noted there has been public commentary regarding the possible sale of the oil terminal in East Grand Bahama.

More than 100,000 barrels of oil were spilled at Equinor South Riding Point facility during Hurricane Dorian in September 2019.

“We wanted to understand the status of that sale. And, whether the government had given its approval for that sale. And whether the government is satisfied that there is sufficient protection to ensure that any leftover cleanup from Dorian has been

sufficiently protected,” said Mr Thompson.

Mr Thompson indicated environmentalists had also expressed concern about a possible sale.

He said: “They wanted to know whether the government was putting something in place to ensure that if the facility is sold, and Equinor leaves the country, the company could fulfill its obligations to complete any leftover clean-up.”

Clean-up has been undertaken but still not completed.

Mr Thompson said: “They (Equinor) have been doing clean-up which is at a certain stage, but we wanted to ensure that the public is satisfied that protections and reserves are being put in place.”

Another issue raised was the importance of mangrove restoration in EGB, where Dorian had wiped out most of the mangroves.

He was particularly concerned about the govenrment’s denial of an application submitted by a local environmental group to replant mangroves in East Grand Bahama.

Mr Thompson indicated the Mangrove Replanting Project by Waterkeepers Bahamas and Save the Bays at the Coral Vita facility is extremely important, particularly to coastal communities in his constituency such as McLeans Town, Sweeting’s Cay, Water Cay, and Dover Sound.

He noted the MP for Pineridge (Ginger Moxey), and the wife of the Prime Minister (Ann-Marie Davis) had also visited the Coral Vita facility, where the mangrove nursery is located.

Mr Thompson stated that mangroves protect against

storm surges.

“So, they have a very important project, and their application is to start with Dover Sound on the northern side of Grand Bahama,” he explained.

“They recently got a response from the Department of Environmental Protection and Planning (DEPP) where they denied their application to start this very important project.

“I am sure that the DEPP had their reasons for denying the application, but I wish the government to pay special attention to this and take a very close look at this because it is a very important project, and we 100 percent support it.”

Mr Thompson also noted there is an effort to get the public involved in planting mangroves.

“They are calling for public participation to replant mangroves in different areas. So, we ask the government to pay special attention to this, and take a good look at it and assist them in whatever deficiencies the government says they have, but do not put it on the back burner,” he stated.

The third matter he raised was about a dirt pile at Gold Rock Creek.

At the site, he said there is a mound of dirt about 100ft high on government property that is being removed.

“It is government property, and should be protected. I went out there and looked at it myself, and people are just coming and loading it on their property to sell. That is a huge problem, and it may just be as simple as putting a fence up to ensure that does not happen,” Mr Thompson said.

PAGE 8, Friday, July 15, 2022

THE TRIBUNE

Corporate tax will be the next test, though we already pay more in VAT and Customs duties

F

orty-nine is behind us, the flag-waving, parades, retreats, the beer, barbeques and day at the beach are memories. Now we gear up for 50. We’ll wave larger flags with more enthusiasm, wear brighter colours, sing louder, party more.

But no matter how much we shout 50 Years of Independence, the reality is that while we mark half a century of enjoying our independence with a capital I, we have to ask ourselves, how independent are we really with a small i?

Surely, we have every reason to celebrate 50 years of freedom from colonial rule. But as we mark five decades of selfgovernance, we need to be honest about the wiggle room we have in many of the most important decisions we make.

Watch what happens when the pressure is

By Diane Phillips really on about corporate income tax.

Let me say at the outset I am – under certain conditions – not opposed to corporate income tax if other fees, including obscene business license and Customs duties are substantially reduced or eliminated.

The current regime of three taxes – business license, Customs duties are VAT – is not sustainable.

Corporate income tax provides an opportunity for reform, swapping out onerous fees for a single known factor.

What cannot happen is for a corporate income tax to be imposed on top

of other taxes. You cannot impose four taxes on the same income without causing businesses, many already struggling to keep their doors open and their staff on, without making them think twice about continuing to operate.

You cannot impose four taxes on the same product or service without driving the cost of living up so high that you further threaten the survival of the middle class.

But taxes, once imposed, are harder to get rid of than an in-law who has nowhere else to live.

Last year, while we were all razor focused on driving away the devil named COVID, some 136

countries got together and signed a global tax treated setting a minimal tax rate of 15 percent for large multinational companies and to require them to pay taxes in the countries where they actually do business.

The Bahamas was not one of those countries, but one of 15 hold-outs who the IMF says cost governments $500 billion or more a year in tax revenue that would have been billed had companies not been registered or domiciled offshore in places like this nation, Anguilla, Cayman, etc.

Faced with the imminent reality of corporate income tax, there are measures we can take to mitigate and win with what little wiggle room we have. One, we can negotiate the rate.

Despite the call for 15 percent, we can leverage the optics of compliance starting with 12.5 percent as other jurisdictions have

with a gradual increase as other taxes are reduced or erased.

Few would argue against tax reform. The co-existence of Customs duties and VAT is a marriage made in hell for all businesses. Given that VAT requiring independent accounting is easier to govern and Customs has a history of corruption, the choice seems clear.

To compensate for funds now raised through the toxic combination of fees on businesses, the opportunity exists to Increase fees associated with the super high net worth individual who enjoys living in The Bahamas and will not be deterred from doing so by a gradual hike in Real Property Tax for homes valued at $12 million or more. Note gradual.

Optimize permanent residency regime to include oversight making sure the practice of buying a condo, getting residency

and flipping it for a profit stops.

You can argue against corporate income tax all you want on principle.

Everyone loves the thought of the little guy standing up to the bully.

But in this David and Goliath play, businesses in The Bahamas are already losing.

US corporate tax is 21 percent, the UK is 19 percent though with an increase later this year, Cyprus and Ireland come in at 12.5 percent and businesses in The Bahamas pay upwards of 30 percent with all three existing taxes – business license fees, Customs duties and VAT. In the end, the cost of goods sold will be better monitored under a new tax structure and the winner will be the consumer.

The truth is not easy to digest but that doesn’t make it less true.

Organic farmers - and proud of it W NICK Miaoulis at his farm in Abaco.

hen the Agricultural Development Organization (Bahamas) was launched in January, the new non-profit said it wanted to boost food security in the country by restoring a culture of, and love for, farming.

ADO meet the couple behind Abaco Neem.

If any husband-wife team ever symbolized what a love for farming is, it is these two. Their names are Nick and Daphne Miaoulis. You may know of their best-known products, Abaco Neem, but you’d be surprised at what else they grow, including more than 107 varieties of fruit and flowering trees. There is hardly a specimen of fruit or flower or produce they do not grow. Tomatoes as fat and red and ripe as you will ever see. Greens so fresh you feel healthier just looking at them. Berries so juicy you feel the liquid running down your chin. There are bees galore and honey and every hour of every day, there is something to do to make sure that God’s green earth continues to give forth what Nick and Daphne’s hands and

their helpers seeded, planted, ploughed, and cultivated.

Nick started the farm 30 years ago with 800 Neem seedlings on 25 acres of leased agricultural farmland. Abaco Neem remains the only certified organic farm in the country. Today the farm has some 8000 trees and 120 acres cultivated.

Nick and Daphne continue to hope for a Crown land grant, wanting to call the land they have loved for three decades their own.

“The majority of our trees are Neem, coconuts, citronella and aloe all used in making our products,” says Daphne.

Much of what they do is labour intensive, some of it back-breaking. The comeback after Dorian took every ounce of strength. After having to close their retail store in Marsh Harbour, they moved into a trailer on the farm itself becoming as self-sufficient as possible.

“Over the years, our passion has not wavered…We are proud Bahamian Farmers,” Daphne tells me.

ADO – if you want to know farming, Nick and Daphne could be your poster figures.

COURT NEWS

MAN IN COURT ON INCEST CHARGE

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Court Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net

A MAN was arraigned in a Magistrate’s Court yesterday for allegedly having sexual intercourse with his underaged sister.

The 20-year-old man appeared before Magistrate Kara Turnquest-Deveaux where he was charged with one count of incest.

On June 29, 2019, in New Providence, the defendant is alleged to have had sexual intercourse with his then 14-year-old sister.

Due to the nature of the offence, the accused was not required to enter a plea. He was informed by the court his case would proceed by way of Voluntary Bill of Indictment (VBI).

While the defendant was denied bail, he was told that he could apply for it again through the Supreme Court, where his case will ultimately be heard.

Until such time as bail is granted, the accused will be remanded to the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services (BDCS).

The 20-year-old male will return to court for service of his VBI on July 25.

SUSPECT ACCUSED OF STEALING $80 OF WOMEN’S UNDERWEAR GIVEN $1,000 BAIL

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Court Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net

A MAN was granted $1,000 bail yesterday for allegedly stealing $80 worth of ladies underwear from a store on Robinson Road.

Leon Altia, 56, appeared before Magistrate Algernon Allen Jr on charges of stealing and receiving.

On July 11 Altia was reportedly found with nine pairs of ladies underwear believed to have been stolen from the “Mama &

Gege” store.

The defendant pleaded not guilty to both charges.

With there being no objections to bail it was granted to the accused at $1,000 with one surety.

Altia’s trial is slated to begin on August 22.

OFFICER WADED INTO SEA TO ARREST ACCUSED

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Court Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net

TWO men were granted bail on separate assault charges yesterday.

Steve Noel Saint, 23, appeared before Magistrate Carolyn Vogt-Evans for allegedly assaulting a police officer, damage and resisting arrest.

At around 10.40am on Junkanoo Beach, Saint reportedly assaulted Sergeant 2694 Hepburn and caused damage to his $300 Samsung A51 phone while resisting arrest.

The defendant pleaded not guilty to all three charges.

Saint then told the court

that he was swimming that day and claimed that Sgt Hepburn came into the water in full uniform to get him. When the magistrate asked why the officer would do that, Saint said he couldn’t recall.

Saint said all he remembered is that Sgt Hepburn told him to come out of the water as other beachgoers stood up for him saying he was doing nothing wrong.

The defendant further claimed he was abused by the officer and briefly strangled in the water.

Magistrate Vogt-Evans advised Saint to lodge an official complaint separate from his ongoing court matter.

Bail was granted to Saint

in the amount of $3,000 with one surety. Under the conditions of his bail, he will be fitted with an electronic monitoring device and is expected to sign in at Nassau Street Police Station every Sunday. His trial is set for October 5.

In the second case, Frank Smith, 33, appeared before Assistant Chief Magistrate Subusola Swain on a charge of assault.

On July 2, in New Providence, Smith is alleged to have assaulted Shahrista Rolle. In court, he pleaded not guilty to the charge.

With no objections to bail, it was granted in the amount of $2,000.

Smith’s trial is set for September 5.

THE TRIBUNE

Long lines back at US food banks as inflation hits high PHOENIX Associated Press LONG lines are back at food banks around the US as working Americans overwhelmed by inflation turn to handouts to help feed their families.

With gas prices soaring along with grocery costs, many people are seeking charitable food for the first time, and more are arriving on foot.

Inflation in the US is at a 40-year high and gas prices have been surging since April 2020, with the average cost nationwide briefly hitting $5 a gallon in June. Rapidly rising rents and an end to federal COVID-19 relief have also taken a financial toll.

The food banks, which had started to see some relief as people returned to work after pandemic shutdowns, are struggling to meet the latest need even as federal programs provide less food to distribute, grocery store donations wane and cash gifts don’t go nearly as far.

Tomasina John was among hundreds of families lined up in several lanes of cars that went around the block one recent day outside St. Mary’s Food Bank in Phoenix. John said her family had never visited a food bank before because her husband had easily supported her and their four children with his construction work.

“But it’s really impossible to get by now without some help,” said John, who traveled with a neighbor to share gas costs as they idled under a scorching desert sun. “The prices are way too high.”

A VOLUNTEER fills up a vehicle with food boxes at the St Mary’s Food Bank in Phoenix on Wednesday.

Photo: Ross D Franklin/AP Jesus Pascual was also in the operating officer for the national queue. food bank network Feeding Amer“It’s a real struggle,” said Pascual, ica. “Demand is really making the a janitor who estimated he spends supply challenges complex.” several hundred dollars a month on Charitable food distribution groceries for him, his wife and their has remained far above amounts five children aged 11 to 19. given away before the coronavirus The same scene is repeated pandemic, even though demand across the nation, where food bank tapered off somewhat late last year. workers predict a rough summer Feeding America officials say keeping ahead of demand. second quarter data won’t be ready The surge in food prices comes until August, but they are hearafter state governments ended ing anecdotally from food banks COVID-19 disaster declarations nationwide that demand is soaring. that temporarily allowed increased The Phoenix food bank’s main benefits under SNAP, the federal distribution center doled out food food stamp program covering some packages to 4,271 families during 40 million Americans. the third week in June, a 78% “It does not look like it’s going increase over the 2,396 families to get better overnight,” said Katie served during the same week last Fitzgerald, president and chief year, said St Mary’s spokesman

IVANA TRUMP, FIRST WIFE OF EX-PRESIDENT, DIES AGED 73 NEW YORK Associated Press

IVANA TRUMP, a skierturned-businesswoman who formed half of a publicity power couple in the 1980s as the first wife of former President Donald Trump and mother of his oldest children, has died in New York City, her family announced yesterday. She was 73.

The former president posted on his social media app that she died at her Manhattan home.

“She was a wonderful, beautiful, and amazing woman, who led a great and inspirational life,” he wrote on Truth Social. The couple had three children, Donald Jr, Ivanka and Eric.

“She was so proud of them, as we were all so proud of her,” he wrote.

“Rest In Peace, Ivana!”

Two people familiar with the matter told The Associated Press that police are investigating whether Ivana Trump fell down the stairs and believe her death was accidental.

She was found unconscious near a staircase in the home, the people said.

The medical examiner’s office will determine an official cause of death.

“It’s been a very sad day, a very sad day,” Eric Trump said as he left his mother’s home near Central Park.

In a statement, he and his siblings called her “an incredible woman — a force in business, a worldclass athlete, a radiant

IVANA Trump pictured in 2009. beauty and caring mother and friend,” and a survivor.

“She fled from communism and embraced this country,” the three said in a statement. “She taught her children about grit and toughness, compassion and determination.”

A Czech-born ski racer and sometime model, she met the future president in the 1970s and quickly perceived him as “smart and funny — an all-America good guy,” as she wrote in a 2017 book. The couple married in 1977.

She became an icon in her own right, dripping with ’80s style and glamor, complete with her signature blonde updo.

She appeared in the 1996 hit film “The First Wives Club” with the now-famous line, “Ladies, you have to be strong and independent, and remember, don’t get mad, get everything.”

The Trumps became partners in love and business.

She managed one of his Atlantic City casinos and helped make Trump Tower an image of ’80s success (or excess, to some).

KEVIN SPACEY DENIES SEX CHARGES LONDON Associated Press

ACTOR Kevin Spacey pleaded not guilty yesterday to charges of sexually assaulting three men a decade or more ago, and was told he would face trial next year.

Spacey, 62, stood in the dock and spoke clearly as he replied “not guilty” to each of the five charges during a hearing at London’s Central Criminal Court, commonly known as the Old Bailey.

Judge Mark Wall set a date of June 6, 2023, for the trial to start and said it would last three to four weeks. It is likely to be at the Old Bailey, the venue for Britain’s highest-profile criminal trials.

The star, who ran London’s Old Vic theater between 2004 and 2015, denied four counts of sexual assault and one count of causing a person to engage in penetrative

sexual activity without consent.

The incidents allegedly took place in London between March 2005 and August 2008, and one in western England in April 2013. The victims are now in their 30s and 40s.

Space’s lawyer previously said the actor “strenuously denies” the allegations.

Spacey, who has addresses in London and the US, was granted bail and allowed to return to the United States after a preliminary hearing last month.

The judge continued the actor’s unconditional bail on Thursday, and said another pretrial hearing would be held early in 2023.

Spacey faces a separate civil sex-assault lawsuit from actor Anthony Rapp in US federal court in New York.

Rapp accused the star of assaulting him at a party in the 1980s, when Rapp was a teenager. Spacey denies the allegations.

Friday, July 15, 2022, PAGE 9

Jerry Brown.

More than 900 families line up at the distribution center every weekday for an emergency government food box stuffed with goods such as canned beans, peanut butter and rice, said Brown. St Mary’s adds products purchased with cash donations, as well as food provided by local supermarkets like bread, carrots and pork chops for a combined package worth about $75.

Distribution by the Alameda County Community Food Bank in Northern California has ticked up since hitting a pandemic low at the beginning of this year, increasing from 890 households served on the third Friday in January to 1,410 households on the third Friday in June, said marketing director Michael Altfest.

At the Houston Food Bank, the largest food bank in the US where food distribution levels earlier in the pandemic briefly peaked at a staggering 1 million pounds a day, an average of 610,000 pounds is now being given out daily.

That’s up from about 500,000 pounds a day before the pandemic, said spokeswoman Paula Murphy said. Murphy said cash donations have not eased, but inflation ensures they don’t go as far.

Food bank executives said the sudden surge in demand caught them off guard. “Last year, we had expected a decrease in demand for 2022 because the economy had been doing so well,” said Michael Flood, CEO for the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank. “This issue with inflation came on pretty suddenly.”

EMMETT TILL ACCUSER DENIES WANTING BLACK TEEN KILLED

DURHAM, North Carolina Associated Press THE white woman who accused black teenager Emmett Till of making improper advances before he was lynched in Mississippi in 1955 says she neither identified him to the killers nor wanted him murdered.

In an unpublished memoir obtained by The Associated Press, Carolyn Bryant Donham says she was unaware of what would happen to the 14-year-old Till, who lived in Chicago and was visiting relatives in Mississippi when he was abducted, killed and tossed in a river. Now 87, Donham was 21 at the time. Her thenhusband Roy Bryant and his half-brother JW Milam were acquitted of murder charges but later confessed in a magazine interview.

In the memoir, Donham says: “I did not wish Emmett any harm and could not stop harm from coming to him, since I didn’t know what was planned for him,” Donham says in the manuscript compiled by her daughter-in-law. “I tried to protect him by telling Roy that ‘He’s not the one.

That’s not him. Please take him home’.”

However, the memoir contains contradictions that raise questions about her truthfulness through the years.

SPORTS PAGE 10

FRIDAY, JULY 15, 2022

Pacers agree to sign Ayton to $133m deal

By RENALDO DORSETT Tribune Sports Reporter rdorsett@tribunemedia.net

D

eandre Ayton remains the biggest restricted free agent on the market and is just hours away from finding out whether he will have a new NBA home alongside “Buddy” Hield in Indiana or return to the Phoenix Suns.

ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski first reported that Ayton and the Indiana Pacers agreed to a fouryear, $133 million offer sheet - the richest in NBA history for a restricted free agent. The Suns have 48 hours to match the offer sheet and retain Ayton as a member of the franchise or allow him to leave for Indiana.

Once Ayton officially signs the offer sheet, the Suns will no longer be able to involve him in a sign and trade with Indiana.

Furthermore, if the Suns decide to match the offer sheet, they will be unable to trade Ayton until January 15, 2023 and will be unable to trade him to the

Pacers for a full calendar year. Ayton would also have the right to veto any trade offers for a full year.

The Pacers, who currently have Buddy Hield on the roster, continue their attempt at a rebuild after they traded away guard Malcolm Brogdon last month and All-Star forward Domantas Sabonis last season.

In his fourth season, Ayton averaged 17.2 points on a career high 63 percent from the field and 10.2 rebounds per game in 58 appearances.

Contract negotiations between Ayton and the Suns reached an impasse last April after both sides failed to reach an agreement on a rookie contract extension.

Tensions heightened during a surprising playoff exit at the hands of the Dallas Mavericks.

Ayton appeared in only 17 minutes of the Suns’ 123-90 elimination loss to the Mavericks in game seven of the Western Conference semifinals.

The 24-year-old former no.1 overall pick was

THE INDIANA Pacers have agreed to sign restricted free agent Deandre Ayton to a four-year, $133 million offer sheet, giving the Phoenix Suns two days to match the offer — or lose the centre it selected with the top overall pick in the 2018 NBA draft. (AP Photo) eligible for a five-year, $172.5 million extension that could have reached as much as $207 million if he reached benchmarks and incentives.

During the NBA Draft Combine in May, Ayton’s agent Bill Duffy discussed his client’s future on SiriusXM’s NBA show.

“We’re disappointed.

We wanted a max contract,” Duffy said. “He

went out and was a solider the whole year, played well, improved his statistics. So, we’re proud of him. A lot of guys handle things differently, but he was very mature about it.

Things will work out for Deandre. He’s a valuable player. There’s other teams in the league as well. He’s a restricted free agent, so we’ll see how this process unfolds.”

Suns general manager James Jones reiterated his organisation’s desire to keep its former no.1 overall pick under contract moving forward.

“Nothing has changed on our end. We haven’t said anything different.

DA remains a huge part of what we do and he’s a free agent. So we’ll talk about free agency when that time comes, but that hasn’t changed,” Jones said following last week’s NBA Draft.

“I think you hear his teammates. They echo the same sentiment that we have. This team is a really good team and we’re going to keep it together.”

Several players in Ayton’s 2018 NBA draft class have received max contract extensions, including Trae Young of the Atlanta Hawks, Luka Doncic of the Dallas Mavericks, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the Oklahoma City Thunder, Jaren Jackson Jr of the Memphis Grizzlies, Kevin Huerter of the Atlanta Hawks and Michael Porter Jr of the Denver Nuggets.

JAZZ: ‘MY BACK RIGHT NOW IS FEELING ALRIGHT’

By RENALDO DORSETT Tribune Sports Reporter rdorsett@tribunemedia.net JASRADO “Jazz” Chisholm Jr has been on the injured list since June 29, but the Miami Marlins’ All-Star second baseman has not ruled out a return to the field for an appearance in the midseason classic.

The 92nd MLB All-Star Game will take place at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, California and Chisholm still looks to make an historic appearance for both Bahamian baseball and the Marlins franchise. “My back right now is feeling alright,” Chisholm said.

“I think I might be able to get on the field by [this] week. So, I feel like I should be able to play in the

game,” Chisholm told reporters in a Zoom call.

Chisholm is the first-ever Bahamian-born All-Star of the nine to ever play in the MLB. From the Marlins perspective, he joins Hanley Ramírez, Dee StrangeGordon, Marcell Ozuna, Gary Sheffield and Giancarlo Stanton as the only Marlins to be fanelected starters.

Chisholm’s last appearance on the field in a Marlins uniform was June 28. He originally injured the back early in the season on a slide and re-aggravated it in late June, which forced him out of the lineup.

He returned to the field the following game and doubled on “Bahamian Heritage Night” but was again sidelined the following

day in the series finale against the New York Mets.

Chisholm has reportedly been rehabbing his back at the Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium complex in Jupiter, Florida. No definitive timetable has been set for his return.

Through 60 games he has a .254 average, 14 home runs, 54 hits, 45 RBI, 12 stolen bases and scored 39 runs.

“I feel like I can go a lot further than I am now. I always say I can be a 40/40 [home run/stolen bases] guy, if I really focus the whole year. No distractions. No anything. Just go out there and play baseball,” Chisholm said. “That was always my goal. So, I’m going to keep that as my goal and my ceiling.”

JASRADO “Jazz” Chisholm Jr. (AP)

HIGH jumper Donald Thomas.

DONALD THOMAS FIRST TO COMPETE FOR BAHAMAS AT WORLD CHAMPS

By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunedia.net THE stage is set for Team Bahamas as competition gets underway today at the World Athletics’ 2022 World Championships in Eugene, Oregon, the first time the event is being staged in the United States of America for the first time since it officially got started in 1983 in Helsinki, Finland.

Donald Thomas, the 2007 world champion from Osaka, Japan and 2010 Commonwealth Games champion from Delhi, India, will be the first to compete for the Bahamas in the 19th edition of the championships in the preliminaries of the men’s high jump at 10:10 am.

The 39-year-old Thomas from Grand Bahama, who has produced a personal best of 7-feet, 9 ¼-inches or 2.37 metres and a season’s best of 7-4 1/2 (2.25m), will be the third of 14 competitors in group B. There are 15 competitors in group A. When combined, the athletes attaining the automatic standard of 7-6 ½ (2.30m) or the 12 best performances will advance to the final that will be contested on Monday at 5:45pm.

Also, during the morning session at 11:45, the preliminaries of the mixed relays are scheduled to take place.

In the absence of injured Steven Gardiner, the Bahamas will select from the combination of Alonzo Russell, Bradley Dormeus, Wanya McCoy, Anthonique Strachan, Megan Moss, Doneisha Anderson, Javonya Valcourt and Janae Ambrose.

The Bahamas is slated to run out of heat six against seven other countries, including Jamaica in three and sandwiched between Brazil in five and South Africa in seven.

A full stack of countries is entered in heat one, led by the United States in four.

Without any day off, the first three in the two heats and the next two fastest times will advance to the final that will conclude tonight’s initial day of competition at 7:50pm.

SEE PAGE 11

Pro basketball players A rookie rises and Munnings, Davis headed Tiger crashes in slowto new clubs in France moving British Open

By RENALDO DORSETT Tribune Sports Reporter rdorsett@tribunemedia.net A PAIR of national team members from the recent FIBA World Cup ‘23 Americas Qualifiers will head to new locations when they resume their pro careers in Europe.

Travis Munnings and Radshad Davis recently inked new deals with their respective clubs in France for the 2022-23 season.

Munnings is headed to Boulazac Basket Dordogne of the French ProB League for his fourth season of pro basketball.

Boulazac finished 13th in league standings last year at 13-19.

Munnings previously played in France when he made his pro debut with La Rochelle Stade Rochelais of France’s NM1 League.

He averaged 17.5 points,

By DOUG FERGUSON AP Golf Writer

TRAVIS MUNNINGS

RADSHAD DAVIS

eight rebounds and 3.8 assists per game in his brief stint with the club.

The following year, he moved to Portugal’s Liga Portuguesa de Basquetbol (LPB) and averaged 12.5 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per game for UD Oliveirense. He helped

lead the club to a 19-7 regular season record and quarterfinal berth. The following offseason he made the move to Benfica.

Munnings spent last season with Sporting Lisboa Benfica and helped the club

SEE PAGE 11

ST ANDREWS, Scotland (AP) — The Old Course was never faster.

The pace of play was never slower.

The celebrated start yesterday of the 150th British Open gave way to Cameron Young making his debut with an 8-under 64 for a two-shot lead over Rory McIlroy, and Tiger Woods making what could be his last competitive appearance at St. Andrews a short one.

His score would indicate as much. Woods began his round by hitting out of a divot into the Swilcan Burn for a double bogey.

He ended it by taking three putts through the Valley of Sin for a par

TIGER Woods lines up a putt on the 11th green during the first round of the British Open golf championship yesterday. (AP) and a 78, his second-worst score in his Open career.

Woods will try to avoid leaving early from St Andrews for the second straight time.

“Looks like I’m going to have to shoot 66 tomorrow to have a chance,” Woods said. “Guys did it today. And that’s my responsibility tomorrow

is to go ahead and do it — need to do it.”

Young and McIlroy didn’t have to contend with as much wind in the morning, though St. Andrews has seen far stronger gusts over its centuries of golf.

Throw in the humps and mounds and difficult pin positions, and the Old Course held its own.

“It’s the fiddliest Open that I’ve played. It’s the only way I can really describe it,” McIlroy said.

“OK, the 18th at Carnoustie was like a runway, that fairway. But around the greens here and just all the slopes and undulations and everything, I think as the tournament progresses, you’re going to get some funny bounces and it’s going to

SEE PAGE 15

THE TRIBUNE

Friday, July 15, 2022, PAGE 11

Pro volleyball players share their expertise at summer camp

By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net HOME on their break from playing overseas, professional volleyball players Eugene Stuart and Shonari Hepburn, along with collegian Ras Jesse Delancy, are combining their collective skills as they share their expertise to the youngsters in the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture’s Summer Camp.

The trio are stationed at the Tom ‘The Bird’ Grant Park where they are among the lists of instructors participating in volleyball, basketball, tennis, softball and baseball on a daily basis from 9am to 1pm until the end of the month.

“We’re teaching the basic fundamentals of volleyball because it’s not a sport that is popular like basketball here in the Bahamas,” said Stuart, a former basketball/ volleyball player during his high school at St Augustine’s College.

“We just want to show them how to play the game and perfect their skills.”

Stuart, who played in Romania during his last sting on the pro circuit, said it has been a rewarding experience so far.

“Apart from the heat, it’s been great,” said Stuart, who is preparing for his fourth pro season overseas.

MINISTER of Youth, Sports and Culture Mario Bowleg with professional volleyball players Eugene Stuart and Shonari Hepburn, along with collegian Ras Jesse Delancy.

“We haven’t had any injuries so far, so it’s been quite exciting for me.”

Delancy, coming off the Player of the Year honours in his first season in the Southern Intercollegiate Athletics Conference (SIAC) with Benedict College Tigers, said he welcomed the opportunity to assist in the camp.

“It’s amazing because I can now tell people behind how some of these players here have helped me to get to where I’m at right now,” Delancy said.

“It’s been great so far.

Everybody has a great attitude and they are willing to learn.

“Even when we tell them something or we try to show them how to do it, they

have been very respective.

It’s been a good experience so far.”

Delancy, who at age 22 stands at six-feet, eightinches, noted that he really enjoys spending the time with Stuart and Hepburn because they have been able to help him expand his horizons.

“They are my role models, so it’s good for me to learn from them at the same time,” Delancy said.

“I’m heading back to school for my second collegiate season and so I’m eager to see how everything goes with them.”

And Hepburn, who last played in Frankfurt, Germany, said it’s great to be home, but while he’s just getting the chance to get

back into the gym to train with his fellow local players, he’s taking advantage of the opportunity to assist in the camp in the meantime.

“Everybody is getting back into sports because we’re now getting used to living with COVID-19, so it’s nice to see some of the young talent that we have in the country,” Hepburn said.

“We know that volleyball is not one of our super sports in the Bahamas and that is frustrating for me because in Europe, the sport is almost as popular as soccer.

“When you are overseas, soccer is number one and then volleyball is a close second ahead of basketball.

But here at home, everyone is playing basketball, so it’s good to see that there are some camps that are actually catering to volleyball players in the country.”

With more exposure in camps such as the Ministry of Sports, Hepburn said

they can begin to change the culture and hopefully get more players exposed to playing at both the pro and collegiate level, which will inspire more youngsters to get involved in the sport.

“When more players get involved and they improve their game, they will encourage more persons to want to get involved in the sport as well,” he said.

“That’s how we improve at the club level and the night league programme and it extends to college and the pro ranks and the circuit starts all over again.”

Stuart, a 26-year-old 6-7 player, said as long as the players who are excelling overseas get an opportunity to be exposed to the younger players, they will encourage and inspire them to improve their level of the game and allow more players to get to the next level.

“Everything starts small.

We have to build the foundation like we are doing here in the camp,” he said.

“Then these players will get to play at the high school level and hopefully they will move on to the club system. As time goes on, they can see the necessity of them playing the sport and making a living out of it like Shonari and I are doing.”

Delancy, who hopes to one day be the next pro player, said he’s in it for the long haul and he just wants to motivate others to get themselves prepared to follow in their footsteps as they continue to make volleyball one of the most vibrant sports in the country.

Hepburn, who stands at 6-7, is a 29-year-old former softball and baseball player, who is enjoying his career as a pro volleyball player.

He, along with Stuart and Delancy, are inviting as many Bahamians to join them in the camp at Tom ‘The Bird’ Grant Park before it’s finished at the end of the month.

TOKYO CHOSEN TO HOST 2025 TRACK WORLD CHAMPS

SHAUNAE Miller-Uibo is slated to compete in the heats of the women’s 400m on Sunday, July 17.

WORLDS FROM PAGE 10

During the evening session, LaQuan Nairn will be the seventh of 16 competitors on the runway in Group B. Nairn enters the competition with a lifetime and season’s best of 26-11 ¾ (8.22m). There are 16 competitors as well in Group A. The automatic qualifying distance for the final on Saturday at 6:20pm is 26-9 (8.15m) or the 12 top performers overall.

The heats of the men’s 100m will also take

DAVIS

FROM PAGE 10 complete a dominant season in Portugal’s Liga Portuguesa de Basquetbol (LPB) with the 2022 championship title.

Benfica completed the regular season as the top overall seed at 24-4 and had an 8-1 run throughout the playoffs.

DEVYNNE Charlton is expected to compete in the heats of the women’s 100m hurdles on July 23.

ANTHONIQUE Strachan will contest the heats of the women’s 100m at 5:10pm on Saturday, July 16.

place with Grand Bahamian native Terrence Jones and Exuma native Samson Colebrooke both competing.

Their lane assignments, however, will not be determined until the completion of the preliminary rounds during the morning session.

The semi-finals and finals of the men’s 100m will run on Saturday at 6 and 7:50 respectively.

Also taking place on Saturday, July 16 will be the heats of the women’s 100m featuring Anthonique Strachan and Tynia Gaither at 5:10 pm.

On Sunday, July 17, the semi-final will be contested at 5:33 pm, followed by the final at 7:50 pm.

The first weekend of action on Sunday, July 17 will also showcase MillerUibo in the heats of the women’s 400m.

The semi-final will be staged on Wednesday, July 20 at 6:45pm and the final is set for Friday at 7:15pm.

That would allow Miller-Uibo to once again compete in the 200m with Strachan and Gaither.

The heats for the women’s 200m on Monday, July 18 at 6pm with the semi-final

on Tuesday at 6:05 pm and the final on Thursday, July 21 at 7:45 pm.

The decathlon for men with Ken Mullings as the lone competitor will be staged on Saturday and Sunday, July 23-24.

National record holder Devynne Charlton will have to wait until Saturday, July 23 to begin competition in the heats of the women’s 100m hurdles.

The semifinal is on Sunday, July 24 at 5:05pm with the final at 7pm.

Team Bahamas’ final event will be the women’s 4x400m relay.

The team, comprising of a mixture from the pool of Miller-Uibo, Strachan, Moss, Anderson, Valcourt and Ambrose will have to advance out of the heats on Saturday, July 23 at 5:10pm in order to advance to the final on Sunday, July 24 at 7:30pm.

Following the championships, which wraps up on Sunday, July 24, some of the athletes will be heading to Birmingham, England to participate in the Commonwealth Games that will be staged from July 28 to August 8.

Go Team Bahamas!

In 30 games, Munnings averaged 7.4 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per game while shooting 60 percent from the field and 30 percent from beyond the arch.

In FIBA EuroCup play, Benfica finished just short of the quarterfinals in Group K. In 14 EuroCup Games he averaged 8.7 points, 5.4 rebounds and 3.5 assists per game.

Davis will be headed to France for the first time and will join Vendee Challans Basket of the NM1 League.

The club finished 7-5 last season in Group C. Davis spent his first pro season last year with Decolor Fundacion Globalcaja La Roda in the LEB Silver League.

The LEB Silver is the third tier in the Spanish basketball league system,

after the Liga ACB and LEB Gold.

In 26 games, he averaged 13 points, 5.5 rebounds and 1.3 steals per game. La Roda finished sixth in the East Division at 14-12.

At the national team level, both players recently helped The Bahamas advance to the second round of FIBA Basketball World Cup Qualifiers for the first time in history.

The Bahamas clinched

qualification with a 97-80 win over the US Virgin Islands on July 1. Davis finished with 12 points off the bench while Munnings scored 10.

In six games of the three qualifying windows, Munnings averaged 10 points, 6.7 rebounds and 5.3 assists per game. Davis played in four games of the qualifying windows and averaged 6.5 points and 2.3 rebounds per game.

EUGENE, Oregon (AP) — Track and field officials awarded the 2025 world championships to Tokyo yesterday, bringing runners, jumpers and throwers back to the home of last year’s Olympics, where they competed in front of mostly empty stands.

The World Athletics Council awarded the championships in a bidding contest that also included Nairobi, Kenya; Silesia, Poland; and Singapore.

Japan spent more than $1.4 billion to build the stadium for the Olympics, which were postponed by one year because of the COVID-19 pandemic, then held last summer under restrictions that prevented fans from attending.

The state-of-the-art track in Tokyo helped Sydney McLaughlin and Karsten Warholm each break world records in their 400-metre hurdle finals.

Warholm ran in 45.94 seconds and McLaughlin finished in 51.46 but broke that record earlier this year (51.41) in Eugene.

Elaine Thompson-Herah finished the 100 metres in 10.61 seconds to break Florence Griffith-Joyner’s 33-year-old Olympic record.

This year’s world championships, which begin today at Hayward Stadium in Eugene, were also pushed back one year because of the pandemic.

Next year’s games will be held in Budapest, Hungary.

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PAGE 12, Friday, July 15, 2022

THE TRIBUNE

BAHAMAS AQUATICS’ 50TH NATIONAL SWIMMING CHAMPIONSHIPS THE Bahamas Aquatics completed its 50th National Swimming Championships at the Betty Kelly Kenning Swim Complex on Sunday.

• Here’s a look at the performances from the four-day meet, held in memory of the late longtime executive John Bradley: Girls 13-14 1500 LC Meter Freestyle - 1, Theberge, Elle A, MAC, 20:06.09. 2, Williamson, Zoe A, WAVE-BA, 20:14.06.

3, Bertoldo, Giada I, MAC, 20:15.56. 4, Murray, Alanna T, BMSC, 21:01.82. 5, Pritchard, Erin M, MAC, 21:43.96. 6, Kissau, Nadia M, LSC, 22:02.52.

Girls 15-17 1500 LC Meter Freestyle - 1, Norville-Smith, Seannia V, WAVE-BA, 19:27.40.

2, Johnson, Bianca N, AAC, 19:43.62. 3, Farrington, Grace M, BSC, 20:06.39. 4, Cuffy-Bethel, Devin, MAC, 21:44.53. 5, Fox, Maria R, AAC, 21:56.09.

Girls 18 & Over 1500 LC Meter Freestyle - 1, Albury, Kaliyah G, MAC, 21:05.00. 2, Evans, Aaleyah S, MAC, 27:37.30.

Boys 13-14 800 LC Meter Freestyle - 1, Gibson, Ellie J, WAVE-BA, 9:06.61. 2, Ferguson, Caleb T, AAC, 9:31.68. 3, Charles, Jarrod J, AAC, 9:55.94. 4, Adderley, Tyler A, BSC, 10:09.33. 5, Fox, Michael A, AAC, 10:09.39.

6, Menzies, Malcolm P, BMSC, 10:22.99. 7, Darville, Caellum T, AAC, 10:29.78. 8, Storr, Kaidin A, MAC, 10:30.96. 9, Butler, Daunte C, MAC, 11:00.38. 10, Bartlett, Mikhail A, MAC, 11:06.57. 11, Albury, Kyle A, BSC, 11:17.08.

12, Adderley, Oscar R, MAC, 11:36.28. 13, Wilkinson, Ethan M, MAC, 11:38.66. 14, Mulder, Niklas A, LSC, 11:51.35. 15, Nairn, Shyon, MAC, 13:37.01.

Boys 15-17 800 LC Meter Freestyle - 1, Barr, Jack C, BSC, 9:10.53. 2, Prince, Hodari E, BSC, 9:26.05. 3, Ferguson, Tristin K, MAC, 9:35.34. 4, Longley, Sean K, BSC, 9:42.53. 5, Feaste, William W, MAC, 9:49.01. 6, Wells, Cherkadin C, MAC, 10:39.67. 7, Major, Dayyan J, LIT, 10:44.31. 8, Stuart, Jaron W, BSC, 10:44.36. 9, Mott, Koen M, MAC, 10:46.23. 10, Cordova, Ragh E, LIT, 10:56.24.

Boys 18 & Over 800 LC Meter Freestyle - 1, Bartlett III, Hugh A, MAC, 10:49.24. 2, Curtis, Jayden O, MAC, 12:34.18.

Girls 13-14 800 LC Meter Freestyle - 1, Patton, Mia K, WAVE-BA, 9:53.18 CAR. 2, Theberge, Elle A, MAC, 10:26.22 NATL. 3, Bertoldo, Giada I, MAC, 10:28.45 NATL. 4, Watson, Zarria J, WAVE-BA, 10:51.28 NATL. 5, Norville-Smith, Seannae S, WAVE-BA, 11:11.11 NATL. 6, ritchard, Erin M, MAC, 11:23.78 NATL. 7, Kissau, Nadia M, LSC, 11:37.89 NATL. 8, Major, Mathea, AAC, 12:07.02 NATL. 9, Lewis, Isabelle H, MAC, 12:12.27 NATL. 10, Miller, Maya C, AAC, 12:15.51 NATL. 11, McKinney, Summer S, WAVEBA, 12:38.63 NATL. Girls 15-17 800 LC Meter Freestyle - 1, Lundy, Rachel L, MAC, 10:00.20 CAR. 2, Norville-Smith, Seannia V, WAVE-BA, :15.95 NATL. 3, Farrington, Grace M, BSC, 10:21.81 NATL. 4, Johnson, Bianca N, AAC, 10:25.02 NATL. 5, Saidi, Layla A, LSC, 10:56.62 NATL. 6, Sands, Giann D, MAC, 11:05.45 NATL. 7, Cuffy-Bethel, Devin, MAC, 11:20.48 NATL. 8, Culmer-Mackey, Sienna, AAC, 11:54.52 NATL. 9, Styles, Philena P, AAC, 12:21.10.

Boys 13-14 1500 LC Meter Freestyle - 1, Adderley, Tyler A, BSC, 19:26.12 NATL. 2, Darville, Caellum T, AAC, 19:26.54 NATL. 3, Charles, Jarrod J, AAC, 19:26.92 NATL. 4, Menzies, Malcolm P, BMSC, 19:27.26 NATL. 5, Fox, Michael A, AAC, 19:42.84 NATL. 6, Bain, Ayden T, FAC, 20:51.38 NATL. 7, Butler, Daunte C, MAC, 21:07.68 NATL. 8, Bartlett, Mikhail A, MAC, 21:17.82 NATL.

Boys 15-17 1500 LC Meter Freestyle - 1, Barr, Jack C, BSC, 18:07.09 NATL. 2, Ferguson, Tristin K, MAC, 18:15.99 NATL. 3, Longley, Sean K, BSC, 18:27.58 NATL. 4, Feaste, William W, MAC, 18:55.23 NATL. 5, Mott, Koen M, MAC, 21:10.93 NATL. 6, Wells, Cherkadin C, MAC, 21:18.55 NATL. Boys 18 & Over 1500 LC Meter Freestyle - 1, Thompson, Luke K C, AAC, 17:15.32 NATL. 2, Thompson, Mark-Anthony W, AAC, 17:54.14 NATL. 3, Bartlett III, Hugh A, MAC, 20:55.79 NATL. Girls 8 & Under 50 LC Meter Backstroke - (Finals) 1, Munroe, Isabella I, MAC, 42.75. 2, Dean, Cailyn G, Blue Waves, 44.87. 3, Johnson, Rinia E, Blue Waves, 47.52. 4, Wallace, Emma M, BSC, 48.13. 5, Fergurson, Makayla J, Blue Waves, 49.69. 6, Knowles, Jaleah L, FAC, 50.39. 7, Hamilton, Delnia S, BSC, 50.47. 8, Astwood, Hannah, MAC, 52.16.

Boys 8 & Under 50 LC Meter Backstroke - (Finals) 1, Bastian, Asher X, MANTA-BA, 42.94. 2, Menzies, Fraser, AAC, 45.37. 3, Newry, Jeremiah K, FAC, 45.65.

4, Menzies, Lyall, AAC, 48.21.

5, Cooper, Kymani D, WAVEBA, 48.32. 6, Wells, Caylan C, Blue Waves, 48.98. 7, Comarcho, Logan G, WAVE-BA, 49.34. 8, Musgrove, Dylan A, Blue Waves, 51.97.

Girls 9-10 50 LC Meter Backstroke - (Finals) 1, Ferguson, Alissa A, BSC, 35.00B NATL. 2, Smith, Skyler Y, WAVE-BA, 36.01 NATL. 3, Seymour, Tiah X, MANTA-BA, 36.98 NATL. 4, Pratt, Noel S, BSC, 38.51 NATL. 5, Ellis, Kamelia E, BSC, 40.45 NATL. 6, Allen, Ariana D, WAVE-BA, 40.59 NATL. 7, Nicolls, Taylen D, MAC, 42.32 NATL. 8, Mitchell, Helsinki E, WAVE-BA, 43.17 NATL. Boys 9-10 50 LC Meter Backstroke - (Finals) 1, Comarcho, Blake G, WAVE-BA, 35.98 NATL. 2, Simmons, Harold A, WAVE-BA, 36.21 NATL. 3, Norville-Smith, Sean H, WAVE-BA, 37.97 NATL. 4,mKnowles, Nitayo G, WAVE-BA, 38.24 NATL. 5, Lloyd, Keiron I, MAC, 40.01 NATL. 6, Lightbourne, Zander L, MAC, 40.75 NATL. 7, Dean, Adrian C, MAC, 41.13 NATL. 8, Rolle, Suraj M, Blue Waves, 45.73 NATL. Girls 11-12 50 LC Meter Backstroke - (Finals) 1, Pratt, Trinity C, BSC, 32.64 CAN. 2, Prince, Nia-Ishia C, BSC, 36.27 NATL. 3, Clarke, Christin-Alyssa C, BSC, 36.61 NATL. 4, Isaacs, Siann E, AAC, 36.65 NATL. 5, Julien, Madyson C, BSC, 37.48 NATL. 6, Maycock, Melaja A, LIT, 38.62 NATL. 7, Pickstock, Zahra A, LIT, 39.07 NATL. 8, Ingraham, Dayna G, BSC, 39.95 NATL. Boys 11-12 50 LC Meter Backstroke - (Finals) 1, Hamilton, Lenin, MAC, 32.02 CAN. 2, Simmons, Dijon M, Blue Waves, 32.11 CAN. 3, Singh, David A, BSC, 32.77 CAN. 4, Daniels, Maxwell P, MAC, 33.44 CAR. 5, McBroom, Rafael S, WAVE-BA, 36.12 NATL. 6, Russell, Trace K, MAC, 36.49 NATL. 7, Johnson, Amari H, LIT, 37.04 NATL. 8, Walkes, Cameron A, AAC, 38.21 NATL. --, Fahy, Lev, CBAC, X35.04 NATL. Girls 13-14 50 LC Meter Backstroke - (Finals) 1, Patton, Mia K, WAVE-BA, 32.28 CAN. 2, Theberge, Elle A, MAC,.39 CAN. 3, Rolle, Chloe C, BSC, 33.19 CAR. 4, Knowles, Anjaleah B, SWAT, 33.45 CAR. 5, Ward, Rayven H, MAC, 34.93 NATL. 6, Pratt, Adriel A, BMSC, 35.03 NATL. 7, Adderley, Tia- Isabella J, MAC, 35.34 NATL. --, Bowe, Taliyah A, SWAT, DQ. Boys 13-14 50 LC Meter Backstroke - 1, Saunders, Donald L, LIT, 28.99 CAN. 2, Gibson, Zion U, MAC, 29.17 CAN. 3, Duncombe, Launy L, WAVE-BA,

30.76 CAR. 4, Moncur III, Tre L, BSC, 31.17 CAR. 5, Miller, Matthew H, BSC, 32.38 NATL. 6, Moss, Orion A, BMSC, 32.83 NATL. 7, Menzies, Malcolm P, BMSC, 33.70 NATL. 8, McKenzie, Kayden M, LIT, 34.88 NATL. Girls 15-17 50 LC Meter Backstroke - 1, Moss, Keianna B, MAC, 31.31 CAN. 2, Higgs, Kyana E, BSC, 32.11 CAR. 3, Sastre, Mia G, BMSC, 32.50 CAR. 4, Knowles, Leylah A, AAC, 32.57 CAR. 5, Mizell, Delaney L, LSC, 32.81 CAR. 6, Zatarain, Isabelle X, LSC, 33.72 NATL. 7, Higgs, Dedrie D, WAVE-BA, 34.08 NATL. 8, Sands, Giann D, MAC, 34.16 NATL. --, Crooks, Jillian, TSAFG, X30.83 CAN. --, Fankina, Veronika, CBAC, X34.36 NATL. Girls 18 & Over 50 LC Meter Backstroke - 1, Cabral, Katelyn, WAVE-BA, 31.72 NATL. 2, Weech, Ariel, AAC, 32.72 NATL. 3, Dean, Alexa J, Blue Waves, 39.34 NATL. Boys 15-17 50 LC Meter Backstroke - 1, Johnson, Marvin L, WAVE-BA, 28.36 CAN. 2, Bonamy, Amauri E, MAC, 29.39 NATL. 3, Newry, Joshua K, FAC, 29.75 NATL. 4, Carey, Christian B, BSC, 30.17 NATL. 5, Williams, Rondon L, AAC, 30.38 NATL. 6, Sealy, Kieran A, BSC, 30.40 NATL. 7, Bowers, David E, BMSC, 30.60 NATL. 8, Pinder, Cyle N, FAC, 31.69 NATL. --, Jackson-Blaine, Zach, TSA-FG, X30.33 NATL. Boys 18 & Over 50 LC Meter Backstroke - 1, Taylor, Lamar C, MAC, 25.93N CAN. 2, Carey, Davante S, MAC, 25.99N CAN. 3, Laing, Darren I, WAVE-BA, 28.28 NATL. 4, Pinder, Roman A, LSC, 28.47 NATL. 5, Smith, Kristofer E, WAVE-BA, 29.28 NATL. 6, Wood, Ralph III V, BSC, 31.45 NATL. 7, Mott, Kadin V, MAC, 32.45 NATL. 8, Curtis, Jayden O, MAC, 34.11 NATL. --, Claiborne, Kevin, UN, X28.44 NATL. Girls 9-10 100 LC Meter Butterfly - 1, Smith, Skyler Y, WAVE-BA, 1:20.05 NATL. 2, Seymour, Tiah X, MANTA-BA, 1:26.95 NATL. 3, Cuccurullo, Isabella K, WAVE-BA, 1:28.45 NATL. 4, Curry, Angel A, MANTA-BA, 1:30.98 NATL. 5, Nicolls, Taylen D, MAC, 1:33.71 NATL. 6, Grey, Blue, MAC, 1:40.06 NATL. 7, Griffin, Dasha A, BSC, 1:41.09 NATL. 8, Seymour, Kaleah R, FAC, 1:41.54 NATL. Boys 9-10 100 LC Meter Butterfly - 1, Knowles, Nitayo G, WAVE-BA, 1:16.13 NATL. 2, Simmons, Harold A, WAVE-BA, 1:20.44 NATL. 3, Lewis, Liam E, WAVE-BA, 1:27.03 NATL. 4, Thompson, Blair E, MAC, 1:35.40 NATL. 5, Russell, Dexter L, FAC, 1:38.78 NATL. 6, Lloyd, Keiron I, MAC, 1:42.80 NATL. 7, Murray, Kyle A, BMSC, 1:50.97 NATL. Girls 11-12 100 LC Meter Butterfly - 1, Lewis, Lelah E, WAVE-BA, 1:08.20N CAN. 2, Gibson, Saleste A, BSC, 1:09.30N CAN. 3, Julien, Madyson C, BSC, 1:14.74 CAR. 4, Smith, Adaiah T, WAVE-BA, 1:17.40 NATL. 5, Prince, Nia-Ishia C, BSC, 1:24.31 NATL. 6, Lynes, Bharti S, Blue Waves, 1:25.93 NATL. 7, Burrows, Allyssa E, LIT, 1:37.77 NATL. --, Pinder, Nyah S, MAC, DQ. .

Boys 11-12 100 LC Meter Butterfly - 1, Simmons, Dijon M, Blue Waves, 1:04.41 CAN. 2, Hamilton, Lenin, MAC, 1:08.59 CAR. 3, Knowles, Noah S, WAVE-BA, 1:11.04 CAR. 4, Butler, Damari, MAC, 1:12.37 NATL. 5, Knowles, Shanterro M, MANTA-BA, 1:17.53 NATL. 6, Pratt, Ta-naj C, FAC, 1:22.44 NATL. 7, Williams, Kaylan K, WAVE-BA, 1:23.06 NATL. 8, Adderley, Kraig L, Blue Waves, 1:23.53 NATL. Girls 13-14 100 LC Meter Butterfly - 1, Williamson, Zoe A, WAVE-BA, 1:07.80 CAN. 2, Patton, Mia K, WAVE-BA, 1:11.34 NATL. 3, Bridgewater, Lauren, BSC, 1:13.15 NATL. 4, Watson, Zarria J, WAVE-BA, 1:14.64 NATL. 5, Ward, Rayven H, MAC, 1:15.11 NATL. 6, Knowles, Anjaleah B, SWAT, 1:17.29 NATL. 7, Major, Mathea, AAC, 1:22.35 NATL. Boys 13-14 100 LC Meter Butterfly - 1, Johnson, Asher A, WAVE-BA, 59.11 CAN. 2, Hepburn, Tristen, WAVE-BA, 1:00.13 CAN. 3, Ferguson, Caleb T, AAC, 1:00.23 CAN. 4, Saunders, Donald L, LIT, 1:00.66 CAN. 5, Gibson, Ellie J, WAVE-BA, 1:01.44 CAN. 6, Moncur III, Tre L, BSC, 1:02.87 CAR. 7, Moncur, Ayrton G, MAC, 1:04.36 CAR. 8, Albury, Kyle A, BSC, 1:08.37 NATL. Girls 15-17 100 LC Meter Butterfly - 1, Moss, Keianna B, MAC, 1:04.84 CAN. 2, Gibbs, Rhanishka R, BSC, 1:06.28 CAR. 3, Lundy, Rachel L, MAC, 1:06.86 CAR. 4, Norville-Smith, Seannia V, WAVE-BA, 1:07.63 CAR. 5, Sastre, Mia G, BMSC, 1:11.97 NATL. 6, Higgs, Chyme D, BSC, 1:20.81 NATL. 7, Culmer-Mackey, Sienna, AAC, 1:22.72. --, Crooks, Jillian, TSA-FG, X1:04.26 CAN. --, Belfonte, Allyson, CBAC,

X1:09.77 CAR. --, Hyson, Gabrielle, TSA-FG, X1:11.40 NATL. Girls 18 & Over 100 LC Meter Butterfly - 1, Cabral, Katelyn, WAVE-BA, 1:06.54 NATL. 2, MacPhail, Anya I, MAC, 1:13.07 NATL. 3, Albury, Kaliyah G, MAC, 1:21.10 NATL. Boys 15-17 100 LC Meter Butterfly - 1, Forbes, Nigel J, WAVE-BA, 55.70 CAN. 2, Johnson, Marvin L, WAVE-BA, 56.46 CAN. 3, Gadson, Emmanuel L, BSC, 57.64 CAN. 4, Thompson, Jake F, BMSC, 58.50 CAR. 5, Dam, Brayden J, MAC, 58.91 CAR. 6, Richford, Adam D, AAC, 1:00.73 NATL. 7, Ferguson, Tristin K, MAC, 1:02.65 NATL. 8, Bosland, Msanaa A, BSC, 1:03.14 NATL. Boys 18 & Over 100 LC Meter Butterfly - 1, Carey, Davante S, MAC, 56.11 CAN. 2, Neely, Shawn W, LIT, 56.79 CAN. 3, Murray, Joshua M, BMSC, 58.35 NATL. 4, Ferguson, Rommel A, WAVE-BA, 1:01.18 NATL. 5, Bowers, Thomas M, BMSC, 1:01.77 NATL. 6, Kerr, Kohen K, MAC, 1:04.58 NATL. --, Claiborne, Kevin, UN, X1:02.96 NATL. Girls 11-12 200 LC Meter Breaststroke - 1, Saunders, Kimaya S, WAVE-BA, 3:03.20 CAR. 2, Gilbert, Madison R, BSC, 3:09.89 CAR. 3, Donaldson, Samirah E, AAC, 3:10.34 CAR. 4, Threadgill, Jaylah N, LSC, 3:11.90 CAR. 5, Zatarain, Alexia C, LSC, 3:13.87 NATL. 6, Davis, A’Myah M, BSC, 3:24.96 NATL. 7, Dames, Khori M, BSC, 3:28.96 NATL. 8, Mckenzie, Dndn F, MAC, 3:31.10 NATL. 9, George, Trinity S, Blue Waves, 3:31.71 NATL. 10, Smith, Chrislynn T, BSC, 3:31.94 NATL. 11, Ingraham, Dayna G, BSC, 3:35.27 NATL. 12, Knowles, Taylor C, SWAT, 3:39.17 NATL. 13, Pickstock, Zahran K, LIT, 3:42.03 NATL. 14, Daxon, Laurel M, LIT, 3:43.49 NATL. 15, Pickstock, Marea A, LIT, 3:44.97 NATL. 16, Taylor, Anaiah R, MANTABA, 3:45.03 NATL. 17, Cooper, Wynter H, Blue Waves, 3:48.37 NATL. 18, Colebrook, Danielle R, LSC, 3:48.60 NATL. Boys 11-12 200 LC Meter Breaststroke - 1, Singh, David A, BSC, 2:49.91 CAN. 2, Farrington, Will B, BSC, 2:50.25 CAN. 3, Murray, Alexander J, BMSC, 3:04.79 CAR. 4, Russell, Trace K, MAC, 3:13.01 NATL. 5, Chatlani-Pickstock, Jahan R, MAC, 3:15.72 NATL. 6, Adderley, Kraig L, Blue Waves, 3:17.99 NATL. 7, Rolle, Gerard C, BSC, 3:21.35 NATL. 8, Burrows, Keron D, BSC, 3:23.65 NATL. 9, Bienamie, Jamar Q, MANTA-BA, 3:25.66 NATL. 10, Cartwright, Makhai I, Blue Waves, 3:27.36 NATL. 11, Wilmore, Macario K, AAC, 3:28.71 NATL. 12, Brown, Caylen X, MANTA-BA, 3:48.30.

Girls 13-14 200 LC Meter Breaststroke - 1, Adderley, TiaIsabella J, MAC, 2:53.33 CAN. 2, Pritchard, Erin M, MAC, 3:07.51 NATL. 3, Pratt, Adriel A, BMSC, 3:10.41 NATL. 4, Murray, Alanna T, BMSC, 3:10.46 NATL. 5, Fiaux, Elina A, LSC, 3:13.97 NATL. 6, Norville-Smith, Seannae S, WAVE-BA, 3:18.91 NATL. 7, Martin, Jai A, MAC, 3:20.20 NATL. 8, McPhee, Arielle J, BSC, 3:21.69 NATL. 9, Miller, Maya C, AAC, 3:22.63 NATL. 10, Barnes, Sanaa Z, BSC, 3:26.37 NATL. 11, Kissau, Nadia M, LSC, 3:27.63 NATL. 12, Bain, Quiana L, Blue Waves, 3:29.21 NATL. 13, Mulder, Kristin E, LSC, 3:32.05 NATL. 14, Minus, Denaja A, Blue Waves, 3:33.12 NATL. 15, George, Teryl O, Blue Waves, 3:33.88 NATL. 16, Stevenson, Kristen R, Blue Waves, 3:34.34 NATL. 17, Sylvain, Knyjha T, MANTA-BA, 3:40.02 NATL. 18, Adams, Kaitlin Ann, LSC, 3:47.84 NATL. Boys 13-14 200 LC Meter Breaststroke - 1, Wells, Caden A, BMSC, 2:29.84 CAN. 2, Hepburn, Tristen, WAVE-BA, 2:30.99 CAN. 3, Moncur, Ayrton G, MAC, 2:37.76 CAN. 4, Kemp, Aidan J, AAC, 2:49.09 NATL. 5, Charles, Jarrod J, AAC, 2:53.56 NATL. 6, Miller, Matthew H, BSC, 3:03.62 NATL. 7, Adderley, Tyler A, BSC, 3:04.35 NATL. 8, Duncombe, Tre, BSC, 3:07.08 NATL. 9, Peet, Caleb I, MAC, 3:14.49 NATL. 10, Armbrister, Tamar A, LIT, 3:15.05 NATL. Girls 15-17 200 LC Meter Breaststroke - 1, Gibbs, Rhanishka R, BSC, 2:48.09 CAR. 2, Goulandris, Katie A, LSC, 2:57.35 CAR. 3, Fox, Maria R, AAC, 3:03.03 NATL. 4, Cuffy-Bethel, Devin, MAC, 3:04.65 NATL. 5, Saidi, Layla A, LSC, 3:11.18 NATL. 6, Tuinman, Chloe I, LSC, 3:13.69 NATL. 7, Higgs, Chyme D, BSC, 3:16.07 NATL. 8, Major, Monae, AAC, 3:28.37 NATL. --, Hyson, Gabrielle, TSA-FG, X3:03.20 NATL. Boys 15-17 200 LC Meter Breaststroke - 1, Gadson, Emmanuel L, BSC, 2:24.54 CAN. 2, Thompson III, Erald C, MAC, 2:30.61 CAR. 3, Dam, Brayden J, MAC, 2:33.50 CAR. 4, Bosland, Msanaa A, BSC, 2:46.99 NATL. 5, Sealy, Kieran A, BSC, 2:50.14

NATL. 6, Prince, Hodari E, BSC, 2:52.25 NATL. 7, Bastian, Cairo T, AAC, 3:07.95 NATL. 8, Cordova, Ragh E, LIT, 3:08.80 NATL. --, Carey, Christian B, BSC, DQ. Boys 18 & Over 200 LC Meter Breaststroke - 1, Thompson, Mark-Anthony W, AAC, 2:31.26 NATL. 2, Walcott, Andre A, MAC, 2:37.75 NATL. 3, Stubbs, Kierro M, MAC, 2:46.26 NATL. --, Weddington, Langston, UN, X2:31.70 NATL. Girls 8 & Under 200 LC Meter Freestyle Relay - 1, Blue Waves Swim Club ‘A’ (Fergurson, Makayla J 8, Rolle, Kirsten C 7, Johnson, Rinia E 7, Dean, Cailyn G 7), 2:47.31. 2, Mako Aquatics Club ‘A’ (Munroe, Isabella I 8, Hamilton, Leniah 8, Edwards, Aubree 7, Astwood, Hannah 7), 2:48.52. 3, Mantas Swim & Water Polo Club-BA ‘A’ (Taylor, Skylar I 6, Pierre, Shamiya T 7, Kemp, Khalie X 8, Smith, Grace S 8), 3:29.86. 4, Lightning Aquatics ‘A’ (Emmanuel, De’Neigha R 8, Hepburn, Kate S 8, Sands, Gabrielle B 8, Martin, Nydel A 7), 3:47.30.

Boys 8 & Under 200 LC Meter Freestyle Relay - 1, YMCA WaveRunners-BA ‘A’ (Cooper, Kymani D 7, Morris, Deon K 8, Smith, Kyrie J 6, Comarcho, Logan G 8), 2:51.38. 2, Alpha Aquatics ‘A’ (Garner, Dylan M 7, Menzies, Lyall 8, Johnson, Ethan N 8, Menzies, Fraser 8), 2:58.74. 3, Barracuda Swim Club ‘A’ (Albury, Cole X 7, McCartney, Jesse P 7, Campbell, Kyrie 8, Allen, Jayden M 8), 3:31.55.

4, Lightning Aquatics ‘A’ (Cordova, Ghabby E 8, Johnson, Aamir C 7, Burrows, James C 6, Fynes, Kaelum K 7), 3:36.18. --, Mako Aquatics Club ‘A’ (Campbell, Edward F 6, Hanna, Mason 6, Feaste, Lynden 5, Lockhart, Paiden C 8), DQ. --, Blue Waves Swim Club ‘A’ (Musgrove, Dylan A 7, Nixon, Razario O 8, Adderley, Kingsley J 8, Wells, Caylan C 8), DQ. --, Mantas Swim & Water Polo Club-BA ‘A’ (Feaste, Isaiah T 8, Sweeting, Stafford S 8, McKenzie, Owen L 8, Bastian, Asher X 8), DQ. Girls 9-10 200 LC Meter Freestyle Relay - 1, YMCA WaveRunners-BA ‘A’ (Cuccurullo, Isabella K 10, Mitchell, Helsinki E 10, Allen, Ariana D 10, Smith, Skyler Y 10), 2:12.98. 2, Barracuda Swim Club ‘A’ (Ferguson, Alissa A 10, Ellis, Kamelia E 10, Chase, Layelle G 10, Pratt, Noel S 10), 2:13.73. 3, Mantas Swim & Water Polo Club-BA ‘A’ (Donaldson, Skarlette L 9, Curry, Angel A 10, Burrows, Paityn G 10, Seymour, Tiah X 10), 2:17.29. 4, Mako Aquatics Club ‘A’ (Nicolls, Taylen D 9, Taylor, Catrell L 9, Hamilton, Lenika 10, Albury, Gillian C 10), 2:17.84. 5, Alpha Aquatics ‘A’ (Ferguson, Avaree J 9, McCartney, Layell M 10, Boucher, Savannah C 10, Kennedy, Isabelle 10), 2:35.50. 6, Lightning Aquatics ‘A’ (Eneas, Amina 9, David, Damali O 10, Smith, Malaya E 10, Hepburn, Kourtney E 10), 2:49.39. 7, Blue Waves Swim Club ‘A’ (Saunders, Isabelle A 10, Grant, Gabrielle 9, Allen, Aiyana L 10, Dean, Amber E 9), 2:54.88.

8, Black Marlins Swim Club ‘A’ (Knowles, Tessa I 10, Moncur, Dwynaye R 9, Saunders, Parris A 9, Mackey, Jayda T 10), 3:19.07. --, Mako Aquatics Club ‘B’ (Grey, Blue 9, Miller, Kaylee 9, Bastian, Re’Nyah A 10, Belton, Nai’a A 10), X2:40.97. --, Mantas Swim & Water Polo Club-BA ‘B’ (Smith, Meghan D 10, Bodie, La’Mya J 10, Morley, Ianthe 10, Douglas, Naya K 10), X2:44.44.

Boys 9-10 200 LC Meter Freestyle Relay - 1, YMCA WaveRunners-BA ‘A’ (Simmons, Harold A 10, Norville-Smith, Sean H 10, Comarcho, Blake G 10, Knowles, Nitayo G 9), 2:08.40B. 2, Mako Aquatics Club ‘A’ (Lloyd, Keiron I 10, Lightbourne, Zander L 10, Dean, Adrian C 9, Robinson, Benecio 10), 2:14.67. 3, Blue Waves Swim Club ‘A’ (Roberts, Alexis A 10, Rolle, Suraj M 9, Rolle, Kriston L 9, Joseph, Christon A 10), 2:24.97.

4, Alpha Aquatics ‘A’ (Thompson, Jai E 10, Ferguson, Kaalen A 10, Ferguson, Anthony A 10, Menzies, Lauchlan 10), 2:31.67.

5, Black Marlins Swim Club ‘A’ (Wells, Cameron R 9, Murray, Dayne J 9, Hanna, Chaswell A 10, Murray, Kyle A 9), 3:04.50. 6, Lightning Aquatics ‘A’ (Burrows Jr, EJ L 9, Armbrister, T’Von E 10, Embleton, Sebastian G 9, Holbert, Dereon D 9), 3:11.62. --, Mako Aquatics Club ‘B’ (Thompson, Blair E 9, Cartwright, Nash A 10, Van Onselen, Harrison 9, Turner, Torion 9), X2:29.97.

--, Alpha Aquatics ‘B’ (White, Lennox 9, Garner, Aiden 9, Wood, Aaron 10, Hall, Tatum 10), XDQ. --, Mantas Swim & Water Polo Club-BA ‘A’ (Wilson, Jahmahl M 10, Carroll, Cameron 9, Bastian, Kai A 9, Johnson, Jacob A 10), DQ.

TO BE CONTINUED IN MONDAY SPORTS

THE TRIBUNE

Friday, July 15, 2022, PAGE 13

Pratt makes her presence felt at swimming nationals FOURTEEN-year-old Adreil Pratt had a strong showing at the Bahamas Aquatics Federation’s 50th National Swimming Championships - her final swimming competition before she heads off to Jacksonville, Florida, to continue her education.

Pratt snagged four bronze medals - 50-, 100- and 200metres breaststroke and 200 medley mix relay. She also placed fourth in the 100m back stroke, fifth in the 200m back stroke and 6th in the 50m back stroke.

She made finals in all of the races she competed in.

She now prepares to attend the Bolles School in Jacksonville, Florida to enter the 10th-grade next month.

The school is well known for producing some of the greatest swimming athletes in the world, including Olympians. Our very own Arianna Vanderpool Wallace attended the school.

Pratt is a member of the Black Marlins Swim

Club operated by Macfit 360, West Bay Street. Her coaches are former Olympian Allan Murray and his wife, Christine.

Lisa Rahming, minister of state for social services and urban development and Member of Parliament for Marathon, is her biggest fan.

She was joined by members of Pratt’s fan club who came out to support her during the races. They include her little brother,

ADREIL PRATT, 14, had a strong showing at the Bahamas Aquatics Federation’s 50th National Swimming Championships - her final swimming competition before she heads off to Jacksonville, Florida, to continue her education. She won four bronze medals at the swimming nationals. her father and his fiancé spiritual advisor Prophetess Sheena Moss, and chairman of the Marathon PLP

Branch, Trevor Seifert.

In addition to her athletic prowess, Pratt is known for her endearing personality

and poise. She is also skilled in the sport of cycling.

Adriel looks forward to representing her country

on the world stage and excelling in the sport of swimming. Good luck on your journey.

ALLYSON Felix celebrates after her second place finish in the women’s 400-metre run with her daughter Camryn at the US Olympic Track and Field Trials on Sunday, June 20, 2021, in Eugene, Oregon. Her 18 medals are the most in world-championship history. She’s looking forward to a slower pace to life. That includes running her own shoe company, being a voice for women’s rights and taking her daughter to soccer practice.

(AP Photo/Ashley Landis)

Allyson Felix reflects on footprints she’s leaving on the track

By PAT GRAHAM AP Sports Writer EUGENE, Oregon (AP) — Before crossing the finish line for the very last time in a career that made her America’s most decorated sprinter, Allyson Felix was interested in something far more leisurely — a stroll down memory lane.

She flashed back to the time when she was a shy 17-year-old sprinting prodigy, with Olympic and world-championship glory still only a hopeful vision.

She wondered: Would teenage Allyson have imagined that by the time she reached 36, and was getting ready for her very last race at the world championships in Eugene, Oregon, she would have accomplished this much — inside and outside of her lane?

Felix certainly found her speed on the track and, later, her voice away from it. She’s starred in big stadiums worldwide — 29 Olympic and world-championship medals — and stared down Nike on pregnancy issues during her journey toward becoming an advocate for women’s rights.

Today, after a 4x400 mixed relay, Felix will bid farewell to the track scene.

She might even take off her Saysh shoes — her new company — and leave them on the track.

One last symbolic gesture to bring home one unmistakable message — she left a powerful footprint.

“I’m super-proud of all the stuff that’s happened on

the track,” Felix said in an interview with The Associated Press. “But I think my biggest accomplishments are the things that didn’t necessarily get a medal.”

Soon, Felix will be just mom. Not a sprinter. Not a sprinter-slash-mom. Just mom. She likes the sound of that.

She’s looking forward to a much slower pace.

Like taking her daughter, Camryn, who turns 4 on November 28, to soccer practice. “Excited for all the normal things — things that might seem boring to some,” said Felix, who is from California. “I’ve grown so much from that teenage girl who started out and was so shy. I never would have imagined this: Running into my 30s. That would’ve felt ancient at 17 years old.”

Since turning pro out of high school, she’s been all about training and racing.

Just trying to coax a little more speed out of her lanky frame, which earned her the playful nickname of “Chicken Legs.” She won gold in her signature event, the 200 metres, at the 2012 London Games — one of her 11 Olympic medals.

She’s earned plenty of hardware as part of relay teams, too, and is favoured to help bring home another today (she didn’t qualify in an individual event).

“There’s nothing like standing on the line and knowing that you’re going to find out who’s the fastest on that day,” Felix said.

No doubt, she’s in G.O.A.T. territory

— greatest of all time.

Right up there with track royalty such as Usain Bolt, Carl Lewis, Jesse Owens, Michael Johnson, the late Florence Griffith Joyner and Jackie Joyner-Kersee.

“Her connection to the sport transcends being a fast runner,” said JoynerKersee, the Hall of Famer whose husband, Bobby Kersee, has been a longtime coach to Felix. “We’ll miss her presence on the field. But her heart and soul will always be connected to the sport. That will never be lost or forgotten.”

What Felix won’t miss is easy: Coach Kersee’s intense workouts. Just the other day, he put her through one final gruelling training session.

It included a 500-metre all-out sprint. Felix collapsed in exhaustion at the end.

“I don’t care for anything where you have to pass the starting line,” Felix cracked.

New starting line: Her voice.

She always had the platform but was hesitant to use it through most of her career. She didn’t want to ruffle feathers.

“I just felt like, ‘Head down. This (track) is what I’m supposed to do,’” Felix said.

Not anymore. Not since a complicated pregnancy, when she dealt with preeclampsia and underwent an emergency C-section to deliver Camryn.

Her deal with Nike ran out in December 2017.

She explained in a New York Times editorial piece

ALLYSON FELIX, of Los Angeles Baptist High School, salutes the crowd after running 22.52 seconds in the 200 metres to break Marion Jones’ state record of 22.71 in the CIF State track and field championships at Cerritos College in Norwalk, California, on Saturday, June 7, 2003.

(AP Photo) a few years ago that Nike wanted to pay her 70% less.

Although she was willing to accept a reduction, she wanted assurances around maternity. It was declined.

She followed the likes of runners Alysia Montaño and Kara Goucher in speaking out about the need for sponsors to support female competitors before, during and after pregnancy — that contracts shouldn’t penalise someone for starting a family. Ultimately, the stance led to change. Nike later announced it planned to alter contracts so female athletes weren’t penalised for having babies.

Felix counts that as one of her biggest wins. She’s also spoken on Capitol Hill about overcoming racial gaps in the maternal mortality crisis.

“This is something where lives could be changed by

and affected by,” Felix said.

“That was really big for me.”

Same with this — starting the footwear company Saysh, which was created for women. In Tokyo, she earned a bronze medal in the 400 while wearing spikes she envisioned.

That bronze, for all it symbolised, meant just as much to her as gold.

“It was really bigger than just the medal or the time or any of that,” she said. “It was actually a huge accomplishment for me to make it to that (Olympics) and to be able to talk to so many people who said they saw themselves in me.”

She has certainly inspired the next generation.

“There’s nobody like her,” said 24-year-old sprinter Kaylin Whitney, who is in the women’s 4x400 relay pool.

“She’s been in the sport for so long, and I’ve yet to hear one negative thing about her. You never will.

She’s just that type of person where she does everything and anything for the sport.”

The reason for her retirement is straightforward: She’s 36 now and simply didn’t have the same fire (or speed) with the finish line in sight.

“To be at the top, you have to have that hunger,” Felix said.

That hunger now lies elsewhere: With growing her company. With being a champion for women’s rights. With raising Camryn.

Felix recently took a photo with her daughter.

She wore her racing outfit and Camryn an apropos shirt. It simply read: “My mom is faster than your mom.”

PAGE 14, Friday, July 15, 2022

THE TRIBUNE

MINISTER of Youth, Sports and Culture Mario Bowleg is flanked by instructors and campers.

Photos courtesy of Eric Rose

Minister Bowleg tours the youth summer programmes

By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net JUST before he left today for the World Championships and the Commonwealth Games, Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Mario Bowleg toured his ministry’s youth summer programmes at the Tom ‘The Bird’ Grant Park, Yellow Elder School and the Edmundo Moxey community centres.

Based on what he’s seen during his tour on Thursday, Bowleg said he was quite impressed with what the instructors are doing with the hundreds of youngsters, ages five to 17, who are participating in the various sporting and social activities.

At the Tom ‘The Bird’ Grant Park, Bowleg met with the instructor and campers participating in basketball, volleyball, softball and baseball.

He provided them with some life skills advice that he hopes would enable them to become productive citizens in the future.

“Just to know that these kids are out here involved in some positive activities is very encouraging,” he said. “I’m just happy to see the many kids out here and what the ministry is doing to ensure that over the summer months, we are doing something that would keep them active and deterred from the life of crime.

“We’ve lost a lot of young men to the streets by being involved in gangs over the past two years because of the pandemic and now with my ministry, the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Social Services, we’re trying to make sure that we conquer the whole island so we can win our youths back through some positive activities.”

Bowleg said he’s pleased that there are some qualified instructors, including Mario Ford in baseball, Eugene Stuart in volleyball and Randy Cunningham in basketball, so the campers will definitely be exposed to some quality instructions.

“I expect to see some upand-coming future stars, whether it’s professional collegiate players coming out of these camps,” he stated.

However, Bowleg said it’s more important for the campers to be able to receive instructions yearround as they continue to invest in their future and allow them to take advantage of every opportunity to become better in whatever sport they choose to pursue.

Cunningham, one of the renowned basketball instructors, noted that the camp is free and although they have not been able to utilise any of the gymnasiums, they have created a fun-filled environment for the youngsters to participate in.

“We are having a series of tournaments and we will be giving out medals and trophies and certificates to all of the campers,” Cunningham said. “So please send your boys and girls out so they can have a good time.”

One of the campers, Anton Adderley, a 12-year-old student of

MINISTER of Youth, Sports and Culture Mario Bowleg speaks to the campers.

MINISTER of Youth, Sports and Culture Mario Bowleg greets one of the campers. Instructor CAMP instructor Randy Cunningham, background, watches as some Randy Cunningham looks on. of the campers shoot the ball.

CAMPERS in action at the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture’s Summer Camp.

Uriah McPhee, said he was delighted to be a part of the camp where his uncle Anton Sturrup is one of the instructors. He noted that he was pleased to have met Bowleg, who took a photo with him and encouraged him to do his best. “This was my first time seeing him (in person) and it was good to hear from him,” Adderley said. “He was encouraging.

I really like the message he gave us today. Hopefully, I can live up to it.”

Apostle Carlos Reid, who was on hand tp promote his annual Peace on Da Streets Basketball Tournament, commended the ministry for providing this atmosphere for the youngsters to engage in.

“This is a powerful tool right now we have to use right now,” Reid said.

“Parents are frustrated right now. We have not seen the results of COVID-19.

We measure it in terms of death and how many people are affected mentally.

“But parents need a break, knowing that their kids are learning something and are in a safe environment at the same time. This is what the country needs at this time, so kudos to the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture for hosting this kind of event.”

Bowleg said it’s just so fantastic to provide activities such as this to keep everyone, including the parents and kids, so they can unwind, as they focus on their mental wellness coming out of COVID-19.

The camps at the various sites run from 9am to 1 pm daily.

APOSTLE CARLOS REID, far left, and Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Mario Bowleg, far right, share a moment with one of the campers.

CAMPERS enjoy the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture’s Summer Camp.

THE TRIBUNE

Friday, July 15, 2022, PAGE 15

Politicians face Pastors in ‘Peace On Da Streets’ showdown

By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunedmedia.net WHILE Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Mario Bowleg feels the Politicians have assembled a team that they feel can win, Apostle Carlos Reid, the organiser, is urging everybody to come out and see how the Pastors counteract with their team when they meet in the Peace On Da Streets showdown.

The two important pillars of our society will come together in the Pastors versus the Politicians basketball game 7pm on Sunday, August 7 at the Kendal Isaacs Gymnasium as the Peace On Da Streets Basketball Classic, held in memory of the late Michael “Scooter’ Reid, will wrap up.

The classic, which will feature a 13-and-under, 16-and-under, 19-andunder, open men and church division, is slated to run from August 1-7.

The Pastors vs the Politicians will be the highlight of the championship day on Sunday.

“We are going to win this year,” Bowleg said. “I have no doubt that the great Bishop Neil Ellis will be on the other end coaching the Pastors and our Prime Minister Philip ‘Brave’ Davis will be coaching the Politicians.

“We have no doubt that when you put Leonardo Lightbourne, McKell Bonaby, Bacchus Rolle, Wayde Watson and me along with Shanendon Cartwright, once we are in shape and we can get up and down the court, we will be fine.”

Bowleg, a former player turned coach and administrator of basketball, said Reid is looking at some young Pastors to participate, but he anticipates that it will be a fun-filled game that no Bahamian, no matter what side of the court they are rooting for, will want to miss.

“We are all ministers in our own rights, whether it’s as spiritual ministers or ministers of government, we all must come together and share our knowledge and we want to do what is right to ensure that this country is ran right,” Bowleg said.

Unfazed by what he heard from Bowleg, Reid said he will remain respectful, as he was taught in the church.

“But this is not a jokey match as it was in the past,” he said.

“This is going to be a real game,” he said. “The Politicians look good. They have a good team on paper, but we know because we understand scripture, just as David cut down Goliath, we are going to cut down their size.

“The thing that we have going for us this year is that we’ve moved the game to Sunday for a number of reasons. We know that in the Bahamas, Sunday is a day when we worship God.

MINISTER of Youth, Sports and Culture Mario Bowleg, left, and the organiser, Apostle Carlos Reid, talk about about the Pastors vs Politicians game.

Photo by Eric Rose This is going to be a worship experience. We are going to bring the whole church inside the gym. We will have the crowd behind us and there’s no way in the world the church is going to allow the politicians to win one.”

Reid, however, said they are not going to “let everything out of the bag” because when he asked Bowleg for their roster, he only sent in their height, but didn’t provide any names.

So, he’s trying to keep that under wraps until the day of competition.

Having held their own against the politicians in the past, Reid said the church will once again prevail.

“We just came out of elections about a year ago and so this is a time for

healing,” he said. “We will see people from the PLP, the FNM and even the DNA come together. That is what this country needs during this social unrest that we are going through.”

This year, Reid said they decided to honour his brother, Michael Reid, whom he considers to be a legend in the Bahamas.

“We want to make sure that people will always remember who Scooter Reid was,” he stated.

“So, we decided to name the tournament this year, the Michael ‘Scooter’ Reid Peace On Da Street Basketball Classic.”

As the elite basketball tournament in the country, Reid said this allows the professional and collegiate players who are home on a

TIGER

FROM PAGE 10 test your patience at times.” Nothing tested the patience like the constant waiting. By late afternoon, the rounds were taking just over six hours. They waited on the tee and in the fairway, and it didn’t help with so many players looking for the best angles to tight pins and playing to the left into other fairways.

“It’s the way the golf course is set up. It’s how firm it is,” US Open champion Matt Fitzpatrick said after his 72. “The way the golf course is designed ... to get better angles and better lines, you’ve got to hit across all the fairways.

There’s nothing you can do unfortunately about it.

It’s just sad more than anything. It’s just ridiculous.”

Good scores were available, and 54 players broke par, 26 of them with rounds in the 60s.

Young was a surprise leader only because it’s his first time competing on an Open links. He has had one of the better rookie seasons on the PGA Tour, and the 25-year-old New Yorker is not the least bit daunted by the stage. Just two months ago, he contended into the final hour of the PGA Championship until finishing one shot out of a playoff.

Young played smartly and took advantage of the birdie chances. He reached 7 under through 12 holes with the wind helping on the inward nine. He missed two good chances, finished with a birdie and most

TIGER Woods plays off the 6th tee during the first round of the British Open golf championship on the Old Course at St. Andrews, Scotland, yesterday. The Open Championship returns to the home of golf July 14-17, 2022, to celebrate the 150th edition of the sport’s oldest championship, which dates to 1860 and was first played at St. Andrews in 1873.

(AP Photo/Gerald Herbert) importantly kept bogeys off his card.

“I don’t think that I played a perfect round of golf,” Young said. “I scored really well. And I think we thought our way around the way you have to out there.”

Young figures he knows only a fraction of the secrets to Old Course — no one ever really figures it all out with so many conditions on the ground and in the air — and there was one occasion on the par-5 fifth when he looked at his note in the yardage book: “Hard left is better than right.” He

went left and made birdie.

“We did stuff like that a few times today,” Young said.

Players Championship winner Cameron Smith and English qualifier Robert Dinwiddie each had a 67.

Dinwiddie had the best score of the afternoon, when the wind was at its strongest. The large group at 66 included Masters champion Scottie Scheffler, Dustin Johnson and even Barclay Brown, the English amateur who plays at Stanford.

Xander Schauffele, coming off his second

straight win last week, was in the group a 69.

Scheffler tried to explain just how fast the links were playing by suggesting the ball was rolling faster on the fairways than on the greens.

Then he realised that actually was the case. It gets that way at St. Andrews when the ground is crispy and the Open comes to the gray, old town. “They are?

I’m glad I’m not losing my mind,” Scheffler said.

McIlroy looked free as ever at St. Andrews, his first time back for the Open since 2010. His game is in

good shape and he piled up five birdies through 12 holes, with only one careless play that led to his lone bogey on the 13th.

“Fantastic start. Just what you hope will happen when you’re starting off your week,” McIlroy said. “I did everything that you’re supposed to do around St Andrews.”

Then again, good starts are nothing new this year.

He led the PGA Championship after 18 holes and was one shot behind after the first round of the U.S. Open. Both times, he

break to participate in the event and they are even looking at having some visiting scouts in town to look at the talent on display.

Reid said in the words of Bishop Lawrence Rolle, they want to be “loose as a goose” in getting back out in society and participating in sports again since the country was locked down as a result of COVID-19.

“It balances us in life,” Bowleg added. “As people go back to work and school, they get caught up in activities. But at the end of the day, everybody needs some extracurricular activities to help balance them at the end of the day.”

There is an entry fee of $10 per adult and $5 for children under 12 to view the action.

couldn’t hold it together until he had fallen too far behind to catch up.

“I need to go out tomorrow and back up what I just did today,” he said.

Defending champion Collin Morikawa struggled with his putting and had a 72. Morikawa knew how long of a day he was in for when there was a group on the fifth tee, and the group ahead was just starting to walk toward the fairway.

“Xander and I talked about it. We’re watching more golf than we ever have,” said Morikawa, referring to how both rarely watch on TV. “You stay in the fairway and you’re watching two other groups play golf.”

It was hard to watch Woods at times. He was was 6 over through seven holes, missing more putts than usual and missing left off the tee. His tee shot on No. 7 was so far left that it wound up in a bunker in the 12th fairway, leading to another double bogey.

There were consecutive birdies around the turn, but little else to celebrate.

Woods had pointed to this week even as his shattered right leg from a February 2021 car crash kept him from playing.

The Open probably won’t return to St. Andrews for another five years, and the 46-year-old Woods can’t help but wonder if he’ll be playing at a high level by then.

“This was always on the calendar to hopefully be well enough to play it. And I am,” he said. “And just didn’t do a very good job of it.”

PIDCOCK WINS ALPE D’HUEZ STAGE, VINGEGAARD KEEPS TOUR LEAD ALPE D’HUEZ, France (AP) — In his first Tour de France, 22-year-old Tom Pidcock became the youngest winner of a stage on the iconic Alpe d’Huez mountain after crossing the line solo at the ski resort yesterday, when Jonas Vingegaard kept the overall lead.

The mountain bike Olympic champion from Britain attacked on the ascent, and his frenetic pace up the legendary 21 hairpin bends was too fast for his breakaway companions.

“That was certainly one of my best experiences in cycling,” said Pidcock, a jack of all trades who also owns a cyclocross world title. “It’s unreal when you’re literally slaloming through people’s flags, fists and God knows what else.

You can’t experience that anywhere else other than

the Alpe d’Huez in the Tour de France.”

For his first day in the yellow jersey, Vingegaard finished three minutes, 23 seconds behind Pidcock to keep his overall lead intact.

The Jumbo-Visma team leader was in a group including defending champion Tadej Pogacar and 2018 Tour winner Geraint Thomas.

Pogacar, who cracked on yesterday in the first big Alpine stage, tested his rival twice in the last three kilometres but Vingegaard responded with ease.

Vingegaard leads Pogacar by two minutes, 22 seconds, with Thomas third, 2:26 off the pace.

Pidcock and four-time champion Chris Froome had joined forces earlier in the day in the downhill of the Col du Galibier to catch the breakaway.

STAGE winner Britain’s Thomas Pidcock celebrates as he crosses the finish line of the 12th stage of the Tour de France cycling race over 165.5 kilometres (102.8 miles) with start in Briancon and finish in Alpe d’Huez, France, yesterday.

(AP Photo/Thibault Camus) The daunting 165-kilometre (102.5-mile) Stage 12 from Briancon featured three tough climbs so difficult that they are classified as “beyond category”

— the Col du Galibier, the Col de La Croix de Fer and the climb to Alpe d’Huez.

At the foot of the final climb, the five remaining breakaway riders — Louis

Meintjes, Froome, Pidcock, Neilson Powless and Giulio Ciccone — had a lead of more than six minutes on the group including all the main contenders. Amid the sound of cowbells and flares lit by some of the hundreds of thousands of fans lining the road, Pidcock accelerated with 10.5-kilometres left as he dropped Powless and Ciccone.

Meintjes and Froome stayed in contention a bit longer but Pidcock attacked again to dash Froome’s hopes of claiming a first win since the crash that nearly ended his career three years ago.

Pidcok beat the record of Colombia’s Lucho Herrera, who was 23 when he won on Alpe d’Huez in 1984.

Meintjes was second at the top, 48 seconds behind, and Froome completed the stage podium. “I gave

it everything I had. No regrets,” Froome said.

Vingegaard took control of the race yesterday at the end of an epic day of cycling that knocked Pogacar off his pedestal.

After spending the day harassing the two-time champion with relentless attacks, Vingegaard finally dropped his Slovenian rival in the last climb of Stage 11.

Thursday’s battle between the main contenders was less spectacular.

Jumbo-Visma riders rode at the front of the yellow jersey group in the final climb, setting the tempo and preventing attacks from Vingegaard’s rivals, except Pogacar’s moves.

On a disappointing Bastille day for French riders, Romain Bardet was dropped on the final climb and slipped to fourth overall, 2:35 off the pace.

THE TRIBUNE

Friday, July 15, 2022, PAGE 17

Stocks fall as JPMorgan warning helps send banks lower

By DAMIAN J. TROISE AP Business Writer STOCKS closed broadly lower on Wall Street Thursday as JPMorgan Chase opened the latest round of corporate earnings for big banks with weak results and a warning about the economy.

Wall Street is also assessing the latest government reports showing that inflation remains hot and shows no signs of cooling, even as central banks try to loosen

its grip on businesses and consumers by hiking interest rates.

The S&P 500 fell 11.40 points, or 0.3%, to 3,790.38. Nearly three out of every four stocks in the benchmark index finished in the red. The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 142.62 points, or 0.5%, to 30,630.17. The Nasdaq rose 3.60 points, or less than 0.1%, to 11,251.19.

Banks had some of the biggest losses and weighed heavily on the market.

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JPMorgan Chase fell 3.5% after reporting a sharp drop in earnings for its latest quarter, falling short of forecasts. CEO Jamie Dimon stuck by his warning earlier this summer that a “hurricane” may be headed for the economy.

“I haven’t changed my view at all,” he said in a conference call with journalists. “The negatives I pointed out, the risks in the future, are still the same risks. They’re nearer than they were before.”

Inflation and the Federal Reserve’s fight against it remain key concerns for Wall Street. Inflation at the wholesale level climbed 11.3% in June compared with a year earlier. It is the latest painful reminder that inflation is running hot, following a report on Wednesday that showed prices at the consumer level were 9.1% higher last month than a year earlier.

Pervasive inflation has been squeezing businesses and consumers for months.

More importantly for Wall Street, it prompted an aggressive reversal for the Fed on its interest rate policy. The central bank is now raising rates in an effort to slow economic growth and cool inflation,

STATUES adorn the facade of the New York Stock Exchange Thursday, July 14, 2022, in New York. Stocks fell broadly in morning trading on Wall Street Thursday after another hot reading on inflation had investors bracing for another big interest rate hike from the Federal Reserve later this month.

Photo:John Minchillo/AP but that has raised concerns that it could go too far and actually cause a recession.

Small-company stocks fell more than the broader market, in another signal that investors are worried about economic growth.

The Russell 2000 fell 18.53 points, or 1.1%, to 1,707.51.

Several big technology companies rose and helped offset some of the losses elsewhere in the market.

Apple rose 2%.

The yield on the 10-year Treasury, which affects mortgage rates, rose to

2.96% from 2.90% late Thursday. It remains lower than the two-year Treasury, which is at 3.12%. That’s a relatively rare occurrence, and some investors see it as an ominous signal of a potential recession.

The Fed has already raised rates three times this year and traders are increasingly expecting a monster rate hike of a full percentage point at the central bank’s next meeting in two weeks. Traders are betting on a 44% chance of a full-point hike, up from

zero a month ago, according to CME Group.

Christopher Waller, a member of the Federal Reserve’s Board of Governors, said Thursday that he would be open to supporting such a move if upcoming economic data points to robust consumer spending.

“We went into this week feeling that the Fed would make a move significant enough to show it had more control” in fighting inflation, said Greg Bassuk, CEO at AXS Investments.

“A meaty Fed rate hike alone does not rule out an opportunity for a soft landing, but the window is shrinking.”

Investors have grown increasingly worried as retail sales and other data point to an economy already slowing. That could make it more difficult for the Fed to make a so-called “soft landing,” where it raises rates just enough to cool inflation without causing a recession.

Concerns about the Fed’s rate hikes have prompted Bank of America to forecast a mild recession hitting the economy in the second half of the year and more pain for traders.

PUBLIC NOTICE

INTENT TO CHANGE NAME BY DEED POLL The Public is hereby advised that I, QUINTERA CHARLIS JASINIQUE CLARKE of #154 Coral Fish Street, Freeport, Grand Bahama, Bahamas intend to change my name to QUINTERA CHARLIS JASINIQUE WILLIAMS. 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, New Providence, Bahamas no later than thirty (30) days after the date of publication of this notice.

NOTICE

NOTICE is hereby given that MEL JIANLI of P. O. Box N-8473, Balmoral, New Providence, Bahamas is applying to the Minister responsible for Nationality and Citizenship, for Registration Naturalization as a citizen of The Bahamas, and that any person who knows any reason why registration/ naturalization should not be granted, should send a written and signed statement of the facts within twenty-eight days from the 15th day of July, 2022 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, New Providence, The Bahamas.

NOTICE

NOTICE is hereby given that OLNIZ BLANC of Sunrise Road, New Providence, Bahamas is applying to the Minister responsible for Nationality and Citizenship, for Registration Naturalization as a citizen of The Bahamas, and that any person who knows any reason why registration/ naturalization should not be granted, should send a written and signed statement of the facts within twenty-eight days from the 15th day of July, 2022 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, New Providence, The Bahamas.

NOTICE

NOTICE is hereby given that JOAN NICHOLLS-JOSEPH of P. O. Box H45075, #1 Royal Tern Drive, 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 15th day of July, 2022 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, New Providence, The Bahamas.

MARKET REPORT www.bisxbahamas.com

THURSDAY, 14 JULY 2022

BISX ALL SHARE INDEX: BISX LISTED & TRADED SECURITIES 52WK HI 6.70 53.00 2.47 2.61 2.60 6.10 10.05 4.15 9.90 3.65 8.25 17.50 2.65 10.75 11.25 10.85 17.40 4.00 11.00 16.50

52WK LOW 5.30 33.80 1.60 2.20 1.30 5.75 6.96 2.82 5.00 2.27 5.95 9.80 1.99 7.75 10.02 10.00 13.10 3.50 8.20 15.50

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

PREFERENCE SHARES 1.00

1.00

1000.00 1000.00

1000.00 1000.00

1.00 10.00 1.00

1.00 10.00 1.00

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

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

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

CLOSE

CHANGE

%CHANGE

YTD

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2592.89

-0.02

0.00

364.65

16.36

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

BAHAMAS GOVERNMENT STOCK - (percentage pricing) 115.92 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 97.33 100.00 100.67 100.43 100.34 100.23 100.00 100.00 100.98 100.00

104.79 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 96.71 94.12 100.67 100.43 100.04 100.00 89.62 89.00 90.24 90.73

MUTUAL FUNDS 52WK HI 2.52 4.69 2.22 207.86 212.41 1.74 1.84 1.83 1.03 9.37 11.83 7.54 16.64 12.84 10.77 10.00 10.43 14.89

52WK LOW 2.11 3.30 1.68 164.74 116.70 1.69 1.75 1.76 0.97 6.41 7.62 5.66 8.65 10.54 9.57 9.88 8.45 11.20

Bahamas Note 6.95 (2029) BGS: 2014-12-7Y BGS: 2015-1-7Y BGS: 2014-12-30Y BGS: 2015-1-30Y BGS: 2015-6-7Y BGS: 2015-6-30Y BGS: 2015-10-7Y BGRS FX BGR109036 BGRS FX BGR118037 BGRS FL BGRS71024 BGRS FL BGRS75022 BGRS FL BGRS81037 BGRS FL BGRS88028 BGRS FX BGR129249 BGRS FX BGR131249 BGRS FX BGR132249 BGRS FX BGR136150

BAH29 BG0107 BG0207 BG0130 BG0230 BG0307 BG0330 BG0407 BSBGR1090368 BSBGR1180375 BSBGRS710245 BSBGRS750225 BSBGRS810375 BSBGRS880287 BSBGR1292493 BSBGR1312499 BSBGR1322498 BSBGR1361504

LAST CLOSE 6.48 39.95 2.44 2.35 2.51 6.10 9.75 3.95 9.33 3.64 8.00 16.00 2.79 10.27 11.59 10.85 17.26 3.90 10.10 15.50 1.00 1000.00 1000.00 1.00 10.00 1.00 LAST SALE 100.00 100.00 107.31 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 97.15 100.00 100.91 100.54 100.34 100.00 89.62 100.00 100.00 100.00

CLOSE 6.48 39.95 2.44 2.35 2.51 6.10 9.75 3.95 9.33 3.64 8.00 16.00 2.80 10.27 11.55 10.85 17.26 3.90 10.10 15.50 1.00 1000.00 1000.00 1.00 10.00 1.00

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

VOLUME

0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

CLOSE 100.00 100.00

CHANGE 0.00 0.00

107.31 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 97.15 100.00 100.91 100.54 100.34 100.00 89.62 100.00 100.00 100.00

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

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

MARKET TERMS

CHANGE 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.01 0.00 (0.04) 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

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

VOLUME

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

INTEREST Prime + 1.75% 6.25% 6.95% 4.50% 4.50% 6.25% 6.25% 4.50% 6.25% 4.25% 5.40% 5.22% 4.56% 4.43% 4.87% 4.33% 5.55% 5.60% 5.65% 5.69%

NAV 2.52 4.69 2.21 197.44 202.39 1.74 1.84 1.83 0.97 9.37 11.79 7.54 15.94 12.47 10.74 N/A 10.43 14.89

YTD% 12 MTH% 0.99% 4.22% 0.36% 5.78% 0.67% 2.74% -2.97% -2.35% -4.72% 6.04% 1.37% 3.03% 1.19% 5.23% 1.62% 4.13% -5.25% -6.07% -0.02% 10.36% -0.33% 18.23% 0.22% 3.05% -3.89% 14.76% -1.04% -2.57% 0.81% 4.20% N/A N/A 3.00% 25.60% 7.90% 48.70%

P/E 27.1 42.9 N/M 16.8 N/M N/M 26.4 -9.0 66.6 19.8 17.8 22.2 27.5 22.0 17.9 14.9 21.2 19.2 10.8 24.6 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000

YIELD 2.62% 3.15% 0.82% 3.40% 0.00% 0.00% 2.67% 0.00% 0.00% 3.30% 2.75% 4.50% 15.50% 0.58% 2.84% 2.21% 3.13% 3.08% 1.98% 3.94% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 6.25% 7.00% 6.50%

MATURITY 19-Oct-2022 30-Sep-2025 20-Nov-2029 15-Dec-2021 30-Jul-2022 15-Dec-2044 30-Jul-2045 26-Jun-2022 26-Jun-2045 15-Oct-2022 3-Oct-2036 13-Oct-2037 22-Oct-2024 7-Sep-2022 26-Jul-2037 26-Jul-2028 15-Apr-2049 15-Jul-2049 15-Oct-2049 21-Apr-2050

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

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

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

PAGE 18, Friday, July 15, 2022

THE TRIBUNE

‘We cannot give it all away’: Hotels’ rising energy fears FROM PAGE A22 were increasing as outages became more frequent, “inconveniencing guests” by disrupting both water supply and Internet connectivity. Unless rapidly addressed, they warned that the situation will both undermine The Bahamas’ tourism competitiveness and discourage fresh jobcreating investment in the sector.

Carlton Russell, the former Atlantis executive who is now managing director at The Cove, Eleuthera, listed “the reliability and cost of electricity” alongside upgrades to North Eleuthera’s airport as “basic infrastructure impediments” that need to be fixed “as a matter of urgency” if the areas’s tourism industry is to continue thriving.

“We have been experiencing many, many disruptions that are causing great inconvenience for our guests as it relates to water supply, as it relates to the Internet. If we are to be competitive we must address these issues. If we don’t address them, we will discourage new investment in our industry, particularly

in the Family Islands,” he warned.

Mr Russell’s message was echoed by Kerry Fountain, the Bahamas Out Island Promotion Board’s executive director, who said electricity outages were especially disruptive to water supplies for hotels on more far-flung islands where there is no Water & Sewerage Corporation infrastructure.

Noting that BPL costs, and especially its fuel charge, are likely to increase, Mr Fountain said: “We could stomach it if the increase comes with reliability. Quite often in the last few weeks I’ve heard from members that electricity is inconsistent. Quite a few function on water pumps, and they lose water and they lose Internet service, particularly down south.”

Significant uncertainty surrounds BPL’s fuel charge and overall electricity costs.

Shevonn Cambridge, BPL’s newly-appointed chief executive, recently said the state-owned utility monopoly’s fuel charge will likely have to rise to keep it in line with the regulatory formula governing its fuel hedging programme, but the Prime Minister subsequently said

the Government would not burden businesses and households with any cost increase.

Alfred Sears QC, minister of works who has responsibility for BPL, then indicated that the only way to escape higher electricity costs is for the Government so subsidise BPL’s fuel costs - something it is forbidden from doing by the regulations governing fuel hedging, which stipulate such costs must be passed on in full to the consumer.

The Government’s critics, meanwhile, are asserting it is only in a bind because it failed to execute the hedging trades left by its predecessor.

Regardless, Mr Sands yesterday urged the Government to “do whatever it can” to minimise any electricity cost increase on the tourism sector and wider economy. “The other point that we mustn’t lose sight of is BPL and the cost of electricity,” he told Tribune Business. “You heard the pleas of a lot of Family Island members with reliability.

“Whatever the Government can do to mitigate.....

We appreciate that geopolitical issues are well beyond

the Government’s control, but whatever it can control and its ability to mitigate, would be extremely helpful to the sector. The sector is faced with supply chain issues and escalating costs in terms of food and the transportation of food.

“All of that impacts and takes away from any breathing space the industry had over the last couple of months, and we can illafford to give it all away.”

Senator Michael Halkitis, minister of economic affairs, who was earlier quizzed at the BHTA meeting about the situation, said he “took the point” about electricity reliability and cost concerns although he gave no short-term specifics on how the issue will be alleviated.

Pointing to the Government’s approval of a 61 Mega Watt (MW) solar facility for New Providence, which is going through the approval and planning stages, Mr Halkitis said it was also eyeing the development of multiple micro grids on the Family Islands by private investors who will then supply power to BPL. These projects, though, will only kick-in over the

medium to long-term. “It is an area where we have been lagging behind for a long time,” the minister conceded of renewable energy and other reforms, “but I can assure you that we are addressing it as a matter of urgency. First of all, the cost, because it takes away from your bottom line, and then the reliability. We are taking steps in that area.”

Elsewhere, Mr Halkitis said the Government plans to relaunch the Central Purchasing Unit in an effort to achieve cost savings for the Bahamian taxpayer via consolidated bulk purchases of both goods and services. He added that the National Economic Council (NEC), effectively the Cabinet or an arm of Cabinet, is meeting on a weekly basis to approve investment projects and “get shovels in the ground as quickly as possible”.

Explaining the Government’s rationale for no new and/or increased taxes in the just-passed 2022-2023 Budget, Mr Halkitis said: “We believe the ‘no tax increase’ environment is needed at this time to support recovery.” He also pledged that the Government is “working very hard

to beat forecasts” that The Bahamas’ economic growth rate will start to ease in 2023 and 2024 as the comeback to pre-COVID levels is completed.

“We are bullish on The Bahamas. We know as a government that we need to nourish the goose that lays the golden eggs, and have an open door to collaboration with those in the industry,” Mr Halkitis said.

“We value that collaboration to make sure The Bahamas is always on the leading edge, and we continue to lead the industry.

We are working hard every day to ensure you have the enabling environment that leads you to success.”

The minister also promised that more government services will soon be accessible online, enabling persons to complete the application process digitally from start to finish as a way to enhance the ease of doing business. Mr Sands identified the hotel licensing process, and the need to obtain approvals from multiple agencies, as a key challenge for the tourism and hotel industries.

Give Bahamians ‘direct’ carbon manager equity FROM PAGE A22 49 percent equity stake in the company. Unspecified non-governmental organisations (NGOs) will hold a 2 percent stake, with the remaining 49 percent held by the firm’s operating/management partner, Beneath The Waves.

With a Heads of Agreement with Beneath The Waves already concluded, Philip Davis QC said the Government will receive 85 percent of Carbon Management’s “upstream” revenues with Beneath The Waves gaining the remaining 15 percent. He added that the Government would, via its equity stake, receive 49 percent of Carbon Management’s “downstream” revenues associated with the trading of Bahamian blue carbon credits on the secondary market.

However, both Mr Thompson and Mr White queried why Bahamians are seemingly not being given an opportunity to directly own shares in Carbon Management, suggesting that the Government should have embraced the Arawak Port Development Company (APD) model where a

collective 20 percent equity interest was sold to the public via an initial public offering (IPO).

Mr Thompson, ex-minister of state for finance, focused “on the ability of the ordinary Bahamian to own a piece of that management company and to own a piece of the sovereign wealth fund” that will own The Bahamas’ blue carbon credit assets to be sold, then traded, on registered stock exchanges.

“If we’re trying to ensure ordinary Bahamians benefit from the natural resources of our country, then we should be able to buy into ownership of that management company,” Mr Thompson argued. “I would have preferred that the management company have more Bahamian ownership, and the ordinary Bahamian be able to purchase shares in the management company.

“This is an innovation that is first in the world, so the potential of this is tremendous. If the potential of all of this is tremendous, Bahamians ought to have an opportunity to purchase a piece of that company; all

KWASI THOMPSON Bahamians. So my mother, who is a teacher, could take her $500 and buy into this world changing, innovative company. All of us should have this opportunity.

That’s a prime opportunity for Bahamians to take.”

Alfred Sears QC, minister of works, pointed out that Bahamians would “have a feeling of profiting from their assets” through the Government’s 49 percent ownership interest in Carbon Management. And he added that there was nothing to stop Bahamians buying the country’s carbon credits themselves, whether though a pooled investment vehicle such as a mutual fund or other entity.

Mr Thompson responded by saying “let’s do both” by allowing Bahamians to own shares in Carbon Management directly while the Government held its own stake separately “at the

same time”. He added: “We should ensure there are not just a few Bahamians getting the benefit from this.”

Mr White, meanwhile, said there was nothing to suggest Beneath The Waves was prepared to sell a portion of its stake to Bahamian investors via an IPO. “I think you’re going to hear Bahamian investors say: ‘Why don’t I get a piece of our pie? It’s our pie, so we need to own all the ingredients in our pie’,” he added.

However, Bahamian ownership via an IPO may be better timed for when Carbon Management Ltd has built up an operational and financial performance track record rather than in its embryonic start-up stage.

Mr Thompson, meanwhile, suggested that Carbon Management should be 100 percent Bahamian-owned with Beneath The Waves group instead receiving just a management fee and other agreed compensation.

However, given the extent of the capital raising and mapping work required of the latter, as well as the need to verify and certify the value of The Bahamas’ carbon recycling assets, Beneath The Waves is certainly entitled to just reward.

And hiring the group without giving it any ‘skin in the game’ in the shape

of a 49 percent equity stake could be fraught with risk as it would have no incentive to stick around and could exit at a moment’s notice. Mr Davis yesterday said Beneath The Waves’ 15 percent management fee was “the most attractive of all offers received”.

It is unclear, though, why the Government decided to review what the Prime Minister described as “three unsolicited offers” to be its carbon credit manager rather than stage a formal Request for Proposal (RFP) bidding process that sets out what it wants. In the absence of such guidelines, it could have been comparing offers that were substantially different in nature.

A Cabinet committee, headed by Ryan Pinder, the attorney general, “was also tasked with advising Cabinet on the management and monetising framework for the carbon credits, and was responsible for analysing three unsolicited proposals from entities proposing to manage our carbon credits and be appointed as the project management company for the carbon credits”.

Mr Davis said Beneath The Waves, which was founded in 2013 as a nonprofit focused on Marine Protected Areas, threatened species, deep sea conservation and blue carbon, was selected “for several compelling reasons” that include its ten-year history in The Bahamas doing shark research and its identification of “what is now considered to be the largest seagrass meadow in the world in Bahamian waters”.

Research has already been completed on that 5,000 square kilometre seagrass plot, and the findings are due to be submitted to Vera, the environmental verification group, for certification of its potential blue carbon credit value.

To monetise this asset, and turn it into a tradable commodity where revenue from the carbon credits’ sale will

be first used to safeguard the country’s environment, Beneath The Waves is working with several Bahamian financial services professionals.

Mr Davis named Anthony Ferguson, CFAL’s (Colina Financial Advisors) president, and Antoine Bastian, Genesis Fund Services’ chief, as two principals who will help lead efforts to “financially engineer and structure the carbon credits and to create a network to effectively market, sell and monetise carbon credits”.

Describing Beneath The Waves’ 15 percent management fee as “a very attractive rate” compared to the rival offers, the Prime Minister added: “This Heads of Agreement ensures that the Government not only receives 85 percent of any potential revenue, but we also receive 49 percent of the management company’s downstream revenue from fees and any other revenue derived by the management company by the sale of carbon credits in the secondary markets.

“To restate that point in another way, the Government will directly receive 85 percent of the initial revenue generated but the revenue earning potential does not end there.

The Government will also jointly own 49 percent of the management company itself, in conjunction with Beneath the Waves and local NGOs, and will be entitled to its share of revenues from activities related to that enterprise.

“Essentially, the Government is vertically integrated in all revenue streams in the primary and secondary capital markets, thereby maximising any financial benefit for the people of The Bahamas. This kind of agreement and the level of government equity participation is unprecedented in The Bahamas.” Mr Davis said The Bahamas’ seagrass and mangrove must be reverified every five years for carbon credit purposes.

THE TRIBUNE

Friday, July 15, 2022, PAGE 19

Minimum wage: Hotels ‘intervene’ over gratuity FROM PAGE A22

movement in base rate pay,” Mr Sands added.

He pointed out that rising occupancies, as well as inflation’s impact on menu prices and food costs, meant that gratuity payments were increasing.

But, with US inflation at a 40-year record high and The Bahamas importing most of its goods from that nation, the escalating cost of living crisis means there is growing pressure on the Government to put more money in the pockets of lower-earning, vulnerable Bahamians via a minimum wage increase.

While a minimum wage increase is a question of ‘how much’ and ‘when’, rather than ‘if’, Mr Sands said: “The other point we raised, especially for a lot of Family Island hotels where there is a period of closure for the industry, [is for the increase] to come into effect when they’re open again; possibly October.”

Kerry Fountain, the Bahamas Out Island Promotion Board’s executive director, spoke to these

concerns during the BHTA meeting in relation to a “livable wage” - not a minimum wage increase. He urged the Government, if it planned to implement such a concept this year, to do it in late October/early November “when most of the hotels are open, and not September when most of the hotels are closed, as they simply do not have the revenue” to cover it.

Mr Sands moved swiftly to correct this, pointing out that the Government is focused on a minimum wage increase as opposed to introducing a ‘livable wage’, although the hotel industry’s concerns about the former’s timing remain valid. “We have it on good authority from government that they will go out to a private sector/public sector consultation before doing this,” the BHTA president said.

“We think the minimum wage will be implemented certainly within the third or fourth quarter of this year.” Mr Halkitis did not respond directly to Mr

Sands’ gratuity concerns but affirmed that the minimum wage increase will likely take effect before year-end 2022. Agreeing that a ‘livable wage’ will take much longer to be agreed upon and implemented, he indicated that the Government would be amenable to the hotel industry’s concerns over the timing.

“The minimum wage, we expect that that will be done before the end of the year,” Mr Halkitis disclosed. “The whole issue of a livable wage is a much more long-term process.

I will take back the position by Mr Fountain that you’d prefer it to be done at a time when everybody is open.

“The Prime Minister did indicate he wanted that [minimum wage increase] to happen this calendar year. Those discussions are largely complete, and you should see that right after the summer. Ensuring everybody is open, I don’t think that’s a difficult ask at all.”

HOTELS ‘CLOSE TO LIVING WITH’ RENTAL POOL MINIMUM TAX

positive benefits to their removal”.

The BHTA also praised the Government’s efforts to create “a financial level playing field” between traditional hotels and vacation rentals when it came to the latter’s tax contribution to the Public Treasury, as they “glean benefits” from the public infrastructure financed by taxpayers.

Mr Sands said the industry was also working with the Government to provide suggestions and feedback over plans “to construct and deploy” an electronic Immigration card that can be completed online before tourists arrive in The Bahamas as opposed to filling them out upon arrival or on the plane.

percent gratuity they earn from customers. Workers in the hotel industry, especially those such as restaurant waiters/servers and others in food and beverage, earned thousands of dollars in tips and gratuities that accounted for the majority of their annual take home pay pre-COVID. The industry’s postpandemic rebound means tipped earnings are again picking up towards prepandemic levels. Explaining the sector’s position in a subsequent interview with Tribune Business, Mr Sands said: “We’ve made an intervention that, within the hospitality industry, there’s a unique arrangement whereby, notwithstanding some individuals are paid the minimum wage, they are also paid generous gratuities.

“We accept there are circumstances where persons are only paid the minimum wage and no gratuity, and the level should increase for them, but possibly

FROM PAGE A22 position we can live with in future. We are awaiting a final communication from them [the Government] in this area.”

Philip Davis QC, in unveiling the Budget in late May, revealed the Government’s plan to impose a “minimum tax fee” - equivalent to 75 percent of the subject unit’s assessed value for property tax purposes - as a means to extract revenues from condos, apartments and other high-end real estate that are normally exempt from that levy under the Hotels Encouragement Act levy because they are placed in hotel rental pools.

He explained that this “minimum tax fee” will only kick-in if the unit’s real property tax value is greater than the VAT levied on the rental income generated. This meant, Mr Davis said, that if a property was assessed for $100, for example, and failed to generate VAT equivalent to or greater than this value, its owner would pay $75 as the “minimum tax fee” to the Government.

“We are trying to close the loopholes we have, and for high-end properties this is one way of doing it,” Mr Davis told the House of Assembly during his Budget presentation. “We are now imposing a minimum tax fee of 75 percent of the real property tax assessment for high-end properties, which are exempt from property tax because they are in a rental pool, if these properties do not generate VAT revenue equivalent to the real property tax assessment.

“If part of a rental pool, and your condo and apartment is being rented, we expect VAT to be paid on

consideration should be given for those making minimum wage and also gratuities - a different level of increase. Hopefully, the National Tripartite Council will look at that.”

The Council, which features employer, union and government representatives, was created to deal with all labour-related matters in The Bahamas. It has been charged with doing the necessary research to support the recommended minimum wage increase, which is then forwarded to the Government for debate and implementation via Parliament.

The Davis administration, while in Opposition, pledged to increase the private sector minimum wage from the present $210 to $250 per week - a 19 percent rise. It is unclear whether the Council’s recommendation will be in line with this, but it is unlikely to be much less. And the hotel industry, given the size of its workforce and the number of individuals earning minimum wage

the rental.” The “minimum tax fee” will likely capture unit owners in high-end mixed-use resort developments such as Albany and Baker’s Bay, where such properties are placed into a rental pool and leased out to other visitors when the proprietor is not there.

Several observers have argued that there has been an increasing trend of mixed-use resorts featuring a small hotel component, but placing residential units in a rental pool, just to enable their owners access to the real property tax exemptions under the Hotels Encouragement Act. While this may stimulate investment and real estate purchases, it also means the Public Treasury collects less revenue.

Tribune Business sources also have revealed that government officials privately admit capturing taxes on such arrangements is problematic because it is almost impossible to determine when such units have been placed in the rental pool and/or are being leased.

Mr Sands, meanwhile, yesterday said there were several “cleaning up issues” that the Bahamian hotel industry had been seeking clarity on when it came to the “minimum tax fee”. He explained: “There were a number of issues in terms of definition that we wanted to have clarified.

“There were issues in terms of method and calculation. There were issues in terms of whether the commercial or residential real property tax element would apply. There were cleaning up issues, and there was an issue of valuation - not so much the whole building but the individual unit, and we were looking to ensure the owner or operator of

as their base pay, is among the sectors most likely to be impacted by the resulting rise in labour costs.

“We’re not saying: ‘Don’t give anything’,” Mr Sands explained, but reiterated the sector’s position that a minimum wage for tipped employees cannot be viewed in isolation given that they “receive much more in gratuities”.

The BHTA chief, though, acknowledged that unionised employees have not seen a wage increase for almost a decade as no new industrial agreement has been sealed with the Bahamas Hotel, Catering and Allied Workers Union (BHCAWU) in that time.

“There’s some sensitivity on behalf of the industry that many persons in unionised categories have not had an industrial agreement that allowed any increase in wages, although since the inception of the minimum wage this is the third one [increase] introduced.

There’s been a significant increase as a result of

the hotel’s rights were protected under aspects of this tax.

“It’s still a work in progress. We’ve had multiple meetings, and we’re waiting for follow-up correspondence from the Department of Inland Revenue. When the Government wants to introduce additional revenue streams in the form of taxation we want to make sure members’ interests are protected. I think today we’re in position, depending on what we receive from the Department of Inland Revenue, where owners’ rights are protected and we’re not in an onerous position.”

Mr Sands reiterated that among the issues requiring clarity were whether real property tax would be assessed on individual condo units or the entire building, and whether commercial or residential real property tax rates would apply. “That was a major issue,” he added. “The VAT, clarifying what VAT was to be paid on, was an issue. There were five or six matters that awaited clarification from the Department of Inland Revenue.

“They’ve been very cooperative and open. This has its genesis with units in a hotel pool, in a rental pool. The Government wants to be satisfied that it gets a value relating to VAT, and if it does not get sufficient VAT, a minimum real property tax based on the assessed value. If the unit is generating VAT equivalent to that, nothing is due.

There was some language clean-up where the industry agitated for correction.”

Elsewhere, Mr Sands hailed the collaboration between the Government and private sector/tourism industry over the easing of The Bahamas’ COVID

entry testing protocols, with the latest relaxation leading to “the eradication of most friction points, which have been pressure valves for business in The Bahamas, being eliminated and we are beginning to see sustained

PAGE 20, Friday, July 15, 2022

THE TRIBUNE

EMPLOYERS MUST WAKE UP TO STAFF DISCONTENT T

he past two-anda-half years have possibly seen the most dramatic shift in the labour market, and work environment, in Bahamian history. Unemployment rates during the pandemic hit unprecedented levels and now, two years later, as companies recover in leaps and bounds, frictional joblessness and mass resignation has become our new reality.

A recent US-based study conducted by Microsoft found that 41 percent of the global workforce would consider leaving their current employer within the next year. Additionally, a poll from Monster found that 95 percent of workers are at least contemplating a job change. These surveys

speak the workforce language of the global village.

Now that the going is good, employees (especially millennials and Gen Z-ers) are ready to move.

What happened? How did we go from record unemployment to labour shortages? Exactly why is there so much discontent in the current workplace in The Bahamas, in particular, and how does the employer address these concerns?

1. The year of the great reset So many persons laid-off or furloughed from their jobs determined that 20202021 was the ideal time to refocus their energy toward their passions. Even when called back to their workplaces, many refused in pursuit of entrepreneurial

IAN FERGUSON efforts or jobs more aligned with what they enjoy.

2. Work from home options

Many persons realised that working from home has tremendous benefits, and literally thousands of Bahamian parents (mothers in particular) now see the value of home/work balance.

Additionally, there are many who fear the still-raging pandemic and subsequent variants popping up each day, and would much rather remain at home.

3. New Opportunities New business opportunities in technology, services, tourism and hospitality have opened many avenues for employment that meet the compensation and benefits demands of new employees. The ‘secure government job’ scenario in the wake of contractual arrangements no longer

holds public officers to these assignments. Everyone is open game.

4.

Rigid workplace policies Most persons handing in their resignations are simply fed up with the culture that currently exists. The old adage is true: People do not leave their jobs; they leave their managers. What they also leave is the ideology and philosophy of the workplace that might be stagnant, repressive and dated. When your promotion policies are not tied to performance or leadership capacity, but rather tenure or political (workplace or government) affiliation, it becomes rather easy for employees to make up their minds to leave.

It is time for leaders to wake up and listen carefully to the professionals in the people and culture business. Do not allow your top talent to take the walk and leave your business in a lurch with sub-standard employees. This, I promise you, is a dangerous position to be in.

• 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.

ORG in assistant director promotion

STEFFON EVANS

THE Organisation for Responsible Governance (ORG) has promoted Steffon Evans from engagement co-ordinator to the newlycreated post of assistant director.

Mr Evans, in his new role, will work to increase stakeholder involvement with ORG, enhance productivity and ensure compliance with rules and regulations.

With a background in notfor-profit leadership and

community organising, he will support Matt Aubry, ORG’s executive director, in departmental planning and monitoring progress.

“As a young Bahamian professional, embracing this new role is both humbling and exciting,” said Mr Evans. “I’m convinced that our work at ORG will empower communities and strengthen the fabric of Bahamian society. I am committed to helping the

public accept that there is hope for a brighter future, and that there are several community projects we run in which anyone can get involved.”

Mr Aubry said ORG’s Board had been impressed

by Mr Evans’ impact as engagement co-ordinator.

“Steffon has fostered meaningful citizen engagement with governance. He has demonstrated a dedication to ensuring that our

programmes are accessible and relevant to the widest range of citizens across the archipelago,” he added.

“In his new role, we are confident that Steffon will expand his influence and leadership to contribute to the sustainability of ORG’s mission and the accessibility and relevance of our programmes.”

Mr Evans continued: “ORG’s work is driving accountable

governance - empowering citizens; bolstering economic growth; promoting better, more equitable education for all, and building capacity for other non-governmental organisations to continue to improve the lives of Bahamian people. This work matters, and I’ll do my best to further our core message that encourages Bahamians to ‘get informed and get involved’.”

Nassau hotel demand jumps 27% in Florida FROM PAGE A22 quarter,” Mr Lounsberry added. “All indications are that we will continue to keep this trend going.

Summer seems very strong, and we’re on the ramp up for the fourth quarter and early 2023.”

The Nassau/Paradise Island Promotion Board chair added that, over the past 12 weeks, Nassau hotel demand among Florida residents had increased by 27 percent while New York - its other major source market - was ahead by 1 percent. And Los Angeles, “a big target for expansion”, is for 2022 to-date the fourth largest tourism source market in the US having produced some 110,342 visitors - a level that could encourage airlines to introduce direct service to The Bahamas.

As for visits to the Promotion Board’s website, these were close to tripling compared to 2021 levels, having risen by 185 percent year-over-year.

This increase, though, was achieved against a backdrop of weak 2021 comparatives when The Bahamas was still afflicted

by COVID restrictions impacting travel.

Mr Lounsberry said that while The Bahamas had not lost any non-stop flights or direct service from key US tourism markets, the frequency on some routes had “peeled off” due to a

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combination of reduced hotel room inventory the closures of the British Colonial and Melia Nassau Beach resorts - and the aviation industry’s wellpublicised pilot and other staff shortages.

“The bottom line for us is driving demand, and as long as we’re getting 80 percent load factors flights will be added,” he said. Mr Lounsberry added that air fares are “high across the board”, and Nassau was “very competitive” with ticket prices lower than some rivals. “We’re in the same game as everyone else as far as airlift and fuel costs. Hopefully those come down a bit,” he said.

Carmel Churchill, the Grand Bahama Tourism Board’s director of marketing, told the same Bahamas Hotel and Tourism Association (BHTA) meeting that the island’s hotel occupancies were flat year-over-year at 36 percent with some 1,499 rooms available. This compared to 56 percent for 2019, the last year before the COVID pandemic struck.

Still, with the increase in cruise traffic, Ms Churchill said May’s total visitor arrivals had jumped by 44.6 percent year-over-year, while those for 2022 to-date had more than doubled to rise by 150 percent. “It’s been a number of years since we’ve been able to feel really good about our island,” she added.

Bahamasair’s recently launched non-stop Orlando service has been upgraded to a jet for more seating capacity and, while it was originally designed as a

seasonal service due to end on September 10, it will resume on November 17 and continue through January. Ms Churchill said she is now pursuing the national flag carrier for the proposed flight schedule so that the service can be properly marketed.

“We are constantly challenged by the cost of airlift in Grand Bahama,” she added, noting that it was cheaper to fly to Nassau and then connect to Freeport rather than come direct.

“The cost of airlift is definitely something we need help with,” she said. “The lack of high-end product in Grand Bahama is also a challenge.

“We were struggling with congestion in the [airport] terminal because of the size of it. I must give kudos to the team at the airport as they are doing a tremendous job facilitating the smooth progression of customers through the terminal and Immigration.

“The cost of doing business throughout Grand Bahama and the rest of The Bahamas as it pertains to the cost of electricity and the cost of labour, they are challenges we continue to work on every day to deliver a first-class product to our customers.”

The Nassau Airport Development Company (NAD) has added two Bahamian companies to its concessions. Besides fashion brand Bahari, with its Archipelagoes range, and Manuelo’s Lettuce Eat Fresh by Chef Manny Gibson.

THE TRIBUNE

Friday, July 15, 2022, PAGE 21

Citi Bahamas aids local communities SOME 100 volunteers recently celebrated Citi Bahamas 17th annual Global Community Day as the bank’s staff, alumni, partners, clients, family and friends partnered to address a range of local needs.

These ranged from mentoring low income youths to conserving parks and educating persons about the value of protecting healthy and sustainable ecosystems. Reducing food shortages was the main goal as Citi sought to support the global recovery and renewal of communities.

Citi Bahamas held a food supplies drive to provide

assistance to groups that help the homeless, the elderly and displaced children in Nassau. Three organisations received food donations, including Great Commission Ministries, the Persis Rodgers Home for the Aged, and Nazareth Centre.

Margaret Butler, Citi country officer for The Bahamas, said: “Our office is full of food donations and our hearts are filled with goodwill. We are grateful to so many Citi volunteers who have contributed so generously to our Global Community Day initiative. I am thrilled to share that we have engaged and mobilised

staff in The Bahamas to collect enough supplies to amply share with our three selected organisations”.

Citi Bahamas said more than 500 persons were impacted, and Ms Butler added: “Global Community Day gives us all the opportunity to make a positive impact and difference in people’s lives, and connect with the communities where we live and work.”

Since the inaugural Global Community Day in 2006, Citi said its volunteers have contributed more than four million hours of service to Global Community Day projects in hundreds of cities.

THE WEATHER REPORT

5-Day Forecast

TODAY

ORLANDO

High: 93° F/34° C Low: 75° F/24° C

TAMPA

TONIGHT

SATURDAY

SUNDAY

MONDAY

TUESDAY

Breezy; a stray after‑ noon t‑storm

Increasing clouds with a shower

Breezy with times of sun and clouds

An afternoon thunder‑ storm; breezy

A t‑storm around in the afternoon

Mostly sunny and pleasant

High: 87°

Low: 78°

High: 89° Low: 80°

High: 90° Low: 80°

High: 91° Low: 80°

High: 88° Low: 80°

AccuWeather RealFeel

AccuWeather RealFeel

AccuWeather RealFeel

AccuWeather RealFeel

AccuWeather RealFeel

AccuWeather RealFeel

96° F

82° F

98°-86° F

100°-88° F

101°-87° F

99°-85° F

High: 92° F/33° C Low: 78° F/26° 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: 87° F/31° C Low: 79° F/26° C

8‑16 knots

S

High: 89° F/32° C Low: 78° F/26° C

8‑16 knots

FT. LAUDERDALE

FREEPORT

High: 88° F/31° C Low: 80° F/27° C

E

W S

E

W

WEST PALM BEACH

N

| Go to AccuWeather.com

High: 88° F/31° C Low: 79° F/26° C

MIAMI

High: 89° F/32° C Low: 79° F/26° C

6‑12 knots

KEY WEST

High: 89° F/32° C Low: 82° F/28° C

ELEUTHERA

NASSAU

High: 87° F/31° C Low: 78° F/26° C

Forecasts and graphics provided by AccuWeather, Inc. ©2022

High: 87° F/31° C Low: 78° F/26° C

N

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

tiDes For nassau High

Ht.(ft.)

Low

Ht.(ft.)

Today

9:43 a.m.

10:13 p.m.

2.9 3.7

3:51 a.m. ‑0.3 3:51 p.m. ‑0.4

Saturday

10:39 a.m.

11:05 p.m.

3.0 3.5

4:42 a.m. ‑0.2 4:47 p.m. ‑0.2

Sunday

11:35 a.m.

11:57 p.m.

3.0 3.3

5:33 a.m. ‑0.2 5:44 p.m. 0.0

Monday

12:32 p.m. ‑‑‑‑‑

3.0 ‑‑‑‑‑

6:24 a.m.

6:43 p.m.

0.0 0.3

Tuesday

12:50 a.m.

1:29 p.m.

3.0 2.9

7:15 a.m.

7:43 p.m.

0.1 0.6

Wednesday 1:43 a.m.

2:28 p.m.

2.8 2.9

8:06 a.m.

8:46 p.m.

0.3 0.8

Thursday

2.5 2.8

8:58 a.m.

9:49 p.m.

0.4 0.9

2:39 a.m.

3:25 p.m.

sun anD moon Sunrise Sunset

6:29 a.m. Moonrise 8:02 p.m. Moonset

10:10 p.m.

8:23 a.m.

Last

New

First

Full

Jul. 20

Jul. 28

Aug. 5

Aug. 11

CAT ISLAND

E

W

High: 87° F/31° C Low: 79° F/26° C

N

S

E

W

6‑12 knots

S

8‑16 knots Shown is today’s weather. Temperatures are today’s highs and tonight’s lows.

Statistics are for Nassau through 2 p.m. yesterday Temperature High ................................................... 88° F/31° C Low .................................................... 81° F/27° C Normal high ....................................... 88° F/31° C Normal low ........................................ 75° F/24° C Last year’s high ................................. 89° F/32° C Last year’s low ................................... 79° F/26° C Precipitation As of 2 p.m. yesterday ................................. 0.08” Year to date ............................................... 30.65” Normal year to date ................................... 16.55”

uV inDex toDay

ANDROS

SAN SALVADOR

GREAT EXUMA

High: 88° F/31° C Low: 79° F/26° C

High: 86° F/30° C Low: 78° F/26° C

N

High: 86° F/30° C Low: 76° F/24° C

E

W S

LONG ISLAND

tracking map

High: 88° F/31° C Low: 79° F/26° C

8‑16 knots

MAYAGUANA High: 89° F/32° C Low: 81° F/27° C

Shown is today’s weather. Temperatures

CROOKED ISLAND / ACKLINS

are today’s highs and tonight’s lows.

RAGGED ISLAND High: 87° F/31° C Low: 79° F/26° C

High: 87° F/31° C Low: 80° F/27° C

GREAT INAGUA High: 88° F/31° C Low: 80° F/27° C

N

E

W

E

W

N

S

S

8‑16 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: 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 SE at 8‑16 Knots ESE at 8‑16 Knots E at 6‑12 Knots SE at 6‑12 Knots E at 8‑16 Knots SE at 12‑25 Knots E at 10‑20 Knots ESE at 12‑25 Knots E at 8‑16 Knots SE at 10‑20 Knots ESE at 8‑16 Knots SE at 6‑12 Knots E at 8‑16 Knots SE at 10‑20 Knots E at 10‑20 Knots E at 10‑20 Knots E at 8‑16 Knots ESE at 12‑25 Knots E at 10‑20 Knots ESE at 10‑20 Knots E at 8‑16 Knots SSE at 8‑16 Knots E at 8‑16 Knots ESE at 10‑20 Knots E at 8‑16 Knots SE at 10‑20 Knots

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

VISIBILITY 7 Miles 6 Miles 6 Miles 6 Miles 7 Miles 5 Miles 9 Miles 9 Miles 7 Miles 8 Miles 7 Miles 7 Miles 6 Miles 7 Miles 9 Miles 10 Miles 8 Miles 6 Miles 9 Miles 10 Miles 7 Miles 9 Miles 8 Miles 7 Miles 7 Miles 4 Miles

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

business@tribunemedia.net

FRIDAY, JULY 15, 2022

$6.92

$6.97

$6.96

Minimum wage: Hotels ‘intervene’ over gratuity

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

• Suggests tipped workers get less than full rise • Out Islands urge delay until October re-open • Minister: Minimum wage rise before year-end

THE Bahamian hotel industry has “intervened” over the upcoming minimum wage increase to propose that employees earning the bulk of their income from gratuities receive less than the full rise, it was revealed yesterday.

Robert Sands, the Bahamas Hotel and Tourism Association’s (BHTA) president, said this was justified by the “unique arrangement” in the industry where tipped workers receive “generous gratuities” on top of minimum wage base pay.

He was quick to emphasise that the sector was not “indifferent”, or opposed to, a minimum wage increase - especially for non-tipped employees earning the current $210 weekly floor.

However, Mr Sands said the

matter was “a pivotal, pivotal concern” that both the Government and National Tripartite Council should account for.

He delivered this message to Senator Michael Halkitis, minister of economic affairs, at yesterday’s virtual BHTA quarterly meeting, saying: “Our hotel sector, we obviously pay minimum wage, but also create a significant

amount of opportunities for gratuities.

“We would like you [Mr Halkitis] to take that consideration back. That’s a unique element of our sector; the value of gratuities people receive on top of the minimum wage...... That is a pivotal, pivotal concern for our sector. We’re not indifferent to some type of minimum wage increase, obviously, but we believe the issue of

ROBERT SANDS gratuities should be a consideration in our sector.”

Mr Sands also joked with Mr Halkitis that “you’ll be creating some monsters there” should the Government give tipped employees the full minimum wage rise on top of the automatic 15

SEE PAGE A19

Give Bahamians ‘direct’ carbon manager equity

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net OPPOSITION MPs yesterday urged that “ordinary Bahamians” be given an opportunity to directly own shares in the company being created to manage this nation’s multi-million dollar carbon credits and their trading.

Kwasi Thompson, the Free National Movement’s (FNM) finance spokesman, told the

House of Assembly during the debate on the Carbon Credit Trading Bill that permitting this would enable Bahamians to truly “see some benefit from their natural resources” as the Government moves to monetise the country’s so-called “carbon sinks”.

His fellow MP, St Ann’s Adrian White, added that Bahamians were likely to be questioning “why don’t we get a piece of our pie” after the Prime Minister unveiled

a structure for Bahamas-domiciled Carbon Management Ltd that currently provides for no direct ownership by local retail and institutional investors.

Carbon Management, which will be charged with raising the $50m-$60m required to map all The Bahamas’ blue carbon assets such as mangroves and seabeds, gives Bahamians indirect ownership via the Government’s

SEE PAGE A18

ADRIAN WHITE

‘We cannot give it all away’: Hotels’ rising energy fears

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net BAHAMIAN hotels were yesterday growing increasingly fearful that rising electricity costs will wipe out their profitability “breathing space”, with one saying: “We can ill-afford to give it all away.”

Robert Sands, the Bahamas Hotel and Tourism Association’s (BHTA) president, renewed calls for Bahamas Power & Light (BPL) “to do everything in its power to mitigate the cost of electricity” amid expectations that the fuel charge - which typically accounts for 50-60 percent of customer bills - is set to increase imminently

due to the annual adjustment that has to be made under the utility’s hedging strategy.

Global oil prices have risen sharply over the past 12 months, although last night they were trading at just below $100 per barrel on both the West Texas Intermediate and Brent Crude indices. Speaking at the BHTA’s latest quarterly meeting, Mr Sands said the hotel sector would be among those industries feeling the greatest impact from any BPL price hike because it is “a massive consumer of electricity”.

Family Island hoteliers yesterday warned that power reliability woes

SEE PAGE A18

Nassau hotel demand jumps 27% in Florida

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net CONNECTIONS to Nassau/Paradise Island hotels through their promotion board’s website have leapt 98 percent for 2022 to-date, the latter’s chairman revealed yesterday, predicting that business will further “ramp up” into early 2023.

Fred Lounsberry, the Nassau/Paradise Island Promotion Board’s (NPIPB) chief, told the hotel industry’s regular quarterly meeting that so-called “conversions” - connecting travellers to member

hotels’ websites via its own - were “up substantially from last year” as the sector maintains its post-COVID recovery despite inflation and other global economic woes.

He added that increasing “conversions”, which remain 40 percent down year-over-year for the same period compared to preCOVID 2019, “continues to be a focus” for the Promotion Board amid indications that Nassau/Paradise Island will enjoy “a strong summer”.

“We’re very optimistic heading into the fourth

SEE PAGE A20

$7.30

Hotels ‘close to living with’ rental pool minimum tax • Industry awaiting response from DIR • Wants to ensure reform not ‘onerous’ • Had sought multiple clarifications

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net THE BAHAMIAN hotel industry yesterday asserted it is “coming close to a position we can live with” by ensuring that the Government’s ‘minimum tax’ on rental pool units is not too “onerous”.

Robert Sands, the Bahamas Hotel and Tourism Association’s (BHTA) president, told Tribune Business the sector has been seeking multiple “clarifications” over valuation methods, the applicable tax type and owner rights in relation to Budget reforms that sought to ensure high-end properties pay their fair share to the Public Treasury.

He added that the industry was now awaiting correspondence from the Department of Inland Revenue (DIR) to confirm all issues relating to the “75 percent minimum tax fee” for units placed in a hotel rental pool have been resolved with the 2022-2023 fiscal year now in its third week.

Speaking earlier at the BHTA’s quarterly meeting, Mr Sands said: “The new condo hotel tax, the proposed condo hotel tax, is currently being discussed by individual tourism stakeholders and the BHTA. This is designed to ensure that entities and individuals operating a condo hotel the Hotels Encouragement Act meet a minimum level of contribution to the public purse.”

Explaining that the hotel industry’s concerns had been discussed with, and reviewed by the Ministry of Finance, the BHTA chief added: “We are satisfied we are coming close to a

SEE PAGE A19