07192016 business

TUESDAY, JULY 19, 2016

business@tribunemedia.net

Auto dealers warn on ‘skeleton’ staffing cuts

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net LEADING Bahamian auto dealers yesterday warned they are close to cutting employment to “skeleton” levels, as new car sales fell 8 per cent year-over-year during the 2016 first half.

Fred Albury, the Bahamas Motor Dealers Association’s president, told Tribune Business that he was assessing two options - either selling or downsizing his Auto Mall business.

He disclosed that his Freeport business had lost “one-third of its value” in the past three years, with annual losses of $200,000 pushing him towards “closing the doors” there unless ‘break even’ can be reached soon.

Ben Albury, Bahamas Bus and Truck’s general manager, echoed his namesake’s fears, disclosing to Tribune Business that his company

New auto sales fall 8% in first half; off 66.8% since ‘07 BMDA chief mulls sales or downsizing options Fellow dealer will soon ‘borrow to meet payroll’

was also near the point of significant downsizing.

He revealed that Bahamas Bus and Truck would soon “have to borrow money to make payroll” unless there was major restructuring, which

could involve reducing the company to “skeleton operations compared to where we are now”.

The two dealers’ comments reflect the declining strength of an industry that has seen annual new car sales fall by two-thirds, or 66.8 per cent, compared to a pre-recession peak of 4,200 in 2007.

Bahamian auto dealers have largely avoided any workforce redundancies over the past eight years, clinging on to hopes that the economic environment would eventually rebound following the 2008-2009 ‘credit crunch’ and subsequent global recession.

However, the Bahamas’ tepid economic recovery, coupled with the introduction of Value-Added Tax (VAT) and inability of many car buyers to access credit, means the hopedfor rebound has yet to materialise.

As a result, auto dealers are rapidly approaching the point where they See PG B5

Auto dealer chief in used car ‘pull-out’

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net THE Bahamas Motor Dealers Association’s (BMDA) president yesterday said his Auto Mall business will imminently withdraw from the used car market, as it “cannot compete” with unlicensed roadside vendors operating throughout Nassau.

Fred Albury told Tribune Business that the explosive growth in the ‘informal economy’ for used vehicles was having a “tremendous” effect on both his business and the Government’s revenues.

Estimating that used Japanese vehicle imports had doubled within the past years, the BMDA chief said roadside vendors were able to undercut him with ease because they paid no taxes or fees to the Government.

Pointing out that these individuals did not have to cover the overhead costs faced by established dealerships, Mr Albury said the “uncontrolled” and unregulated surge in used car imports had created an ‘unlevel playing field’ that threatened to undermine legitimate Bahamian businesses.

Revealing that he and the Auto Mall were “hanging in there during these rough times”, he told Tribune Business: “There’s been no improvement; there’s been more deterioration in the marketplace.

“The stagnant economy is one issue. The other issue is the uncontrolled allowance of these cheap, used car imports that are brought in by individuals and being sold all along the side of

Govt gets ‘peanuts’, urged to combat ‘corruption’ the road. It’s impacting our business tremendously.”

Mr Albury said such vehicles were “all over” New Providence, and visible on all major thoroughfares and roundabouts, including the likes of Eastern Road, See PG B5

$4.06 $4.06

$4.06

THE Opposition’s current leadership has backed the Utilities Regulation and Competition Authority (URCA) taking responsibility for supervising the Grand Bahama Power Company, despite acknowledging that this would “pierce” Freeport’s founding law.

K P Turnquest told Tribune Business he agreed that allowing URCA to take over utilities regulation in Freeport was a potentially dangerous precedent, given that it represented an “intrusion” into the Hawksbill Creek Agreement.

He argued, though, that such concerns paled against

Back to drawing board with October 1 date

BOB EGM – Chairman Richard Demeritte addresses BOB’s Extraordinary General Meeting. Also pictured from left are: Laura Williams, Corporate Secretary, BOB; Michele Pindling-Sands, Partner, Graham Thompson; and Renee Davis, Acting Managing Director, Bank of The Bahamas Limited.

Recognises Hawksbill ‘piercing’ precedent fears But outweighed by need for independent regulator Wants Port to agree ‘delegation’ of oversight rights the need for Freeport businesses and residents to have an “independent” regulator who would ensure that See PG B4

Shareholders claim no EGM documents received One criticises ‘silly selection process’

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net LEADING shareholder critics of Bank of the Bahamas yesterday said they were unaware of last week’s Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM), with one criticising the “silly process” to find two independent directors.

The troubled BISX-listed bank, in a statement, See PG B6

‘Zero error margin’ over fiscal reforms Insurance chair calls for policy priority balance ‘Only time will tell’ on healthcare advisory body Concerns remain on UHC governance structure

$4.05

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

BOB extends search for ‘independent directors’

Business ‘can’t compete’ with unregulated vendors Estimates used car imports have ‘doubled’ in year

FNM backs URCA’s ‘Freeport takeover’

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

THE Bahamas has “zero margin for error” in bringing order to the Government’s finances, the Insurance Association’s (BIA) chairman warning that this needed to be balanced with initiatives such as healthcare reform.

Emmanuel Komolafe told Tribune Business that while healthcare reform

was “desperately needed”, addressing the Government’s fiscal woes ranked equally as a policy priority.

Pointing out how “fragile” the Bahamian economy is, the BIA chairman said in e-mailed responses to Tribune Business questions that this nation could not afford for any reform efforts to impede job-creating investments by the private sector.

“We have a fragile economy that requires us to See PG B4

EMMANUEL KOMOLAFE

PAGE 2, Tuesday, July 19, 2016

Calling All High

SCHOOL STUDENTS

Every year in August THE TRIBUNE publishes a popular Back to School supplement as a guide to the following academic year.

In the supplement we feature the profiles of high school students across the Bahamas and Family Islands.

We want profiles from as many schools and students as possible to make this guide essential and informative.

Profiles must include 1. Name 2. Age 3. School 4. Grade 5. Parent name or names 6. Goals and aspirations, prizes won and honours awarded

7. Name of college they will be attending (if attending) Plus a suitable photograph in .jpeg format (graduation or any other image).

How to submit profiles Email to back2school@ tribunemedia.net with ‘Back To School’ in the subject field and photos in .jpeg format.

By post to Back To School, The Tribune, Shirley Street & Deveaux Streets, PO Box N-3207, Nassau.

By hand to The Tribune office The deadline for the profiles is July 29, 2016 and there is no cost involved. For any questions please contact Tribune Features at 5022373 or 502-2387 or 502-2411.

THE TRIBUNE

Compliance executive urges ‘de-risking’ talks A Bahamian compliance professional has called for intensive lobbying and dialogue between regional banks and their US-based ‘Tier 2’ correspondents to /avoid any negative impact from ‘de-risking’ tendencies.

Cheryl Bazard made the call at a recent anti-money laundering conference in Antigua and Barbuda.

“Compliance professionals within the region must get together from a private sector perspective to have meetings with international Tier 2 banks to seek alternative relationships,” said the attorney and founding president of the Bahamas Association of Compliance Officers (BACO).

Correspondent banking services make it possible for businesses and individuals to conduct international transactions and make cross-border payments.

But according to a World Bank report in November 2015, large international banks have begun to terminate or “severely” limit their correspondent banking relationships with smaller institutions.

The Caribbean,the report added, has been the region most severely impacted by this ‘de-risking’ trend.

Mrs Bazard told the eighth annual AML/CFT, anti-fraud and financial crimes conference, hosted

by KAW Management Services, that the retraction of correspondent banking relationships (CBRs) by US, Canadian and UK banks was affecting the financial services sector both in the Bahamas and regionally.

“It is a fallacy that the Bahamas and the Caribbean are being viewed as jurisdictions with weak and inadequate AML/CFT (anti-money laundering/ countering the financing of terrorism) rules and standards, and a culture of lax due diligence,” said Mrs Bazard.

“At the end of the discussions, it was agreed that moving forward, practitioners will lobby outside of governmental efforts across the region and in the US, and put forward our arguments and positions, which sometimes, players in the United States are unaware of.”

Her presentation highlighted alarming statistics drawn from the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) staff discussion note on ‘The withdrawal of correspondent banking relationships: A case for policy

action’, issued in June 2016.

The report found 16 banks in five Caribbean countries had lost all or some of their CBRs since May 2016. It also found that CBRs that generated less than $50,000 per annum were unilaterally discontinued.

Researchers have identified the services most affected by the withdrawal of correspondent banking as cheque clearing and settlement, cash management services, international wire transfers and, for banking authorities and local/regional banks, trade finance.

The IMF report also questioned the real reasons for reduced CBR relationships, given that there has been no malfeasance by banks and financial institutions in the region.

Following the conference, Mrs Bazard was invited to appear on the Observer radio station’s ‘Good Morning Antigua and Barbuda’ show where, for almost an hour, she answered callers’ questions regarding compliance in the financial services sector.

The conference lasted from July 1 -13, at Sandals Grande Antigua Resort and Spa in Dickenson Bay, St. John’s.

Bahamian attorney, Cheryl Bazard, was a presenter at the eighth annual AML/CFT, antifraud and financial crimes conference hosted by Antigua and Barbuda’s KAW Management Services.

THE TRIBUNE

Tuesday, July 19, 2016, PAGE 3

IMF ‘presumptuous’ on Minnis’ VAT plan

By NATARIO McKENZIE

Tribune Business Reporter

nmckenzie@tribunemedia.net DR Hubert Minnis’s ‘running mate’ yesterday slammed the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for being “‘entirely presumptuous” in its criticism of his Value-Added Tax (VAT) ‘exemptions’ plan.

K. Peter Turnquest, the Opposition’s deputy leader, also questioned how the Fund was able to calculate, in its recent Article IV report on the Bahamas, that Dr Minnis’s proposal would cost the Government revenue equivalent to 0.75 per cent of GDP - around $60 million.

“I don’t know where they get the number from, but I think it was entirely presumptuous of them to have waded into that issue at this point,” Mr Turnquest told Tribune Business.

“We have not had any discussions with them with regards to what items we’re talking about, particularly as it comes to food-related items.

FNM deputy: ‘They waded in’ too early No discussion with Opposition on its plans “We have had no conversations with them on how we will potentially compensate or create additional revenues to make up for that loss, nor have we had any discussion about the policies we will pursue to try and cut the expenditures.”

The IMF, though, slammed Dr Minnis’s plans to introduce numerous VAT exemptions if elected to office, warning these could cost the Government some $60 million in revenues.

The Fund, in its full 2016 Article IV report on the Bahamas, warned that the proposals would undermine the integrity of the broad-based VAT model and its “efficiency”.

FNM leader Dr Hubert Minnis.

“Staff called for standing firm against pressures to weaken the VAT’s efficiency through introducing exemptions to items such as food, medical and insurance services, which could amount to an estimated three-quarter per cent of GDP in revenue losses,” the Article IV report said.

“Social concerns should instead be addressed by targeted adjustments to the safety net.”

Given that Bahamian

gross domestic product (GDP) is estimated to be around $8 billion, the revenue lost from Dr Minnis’s plan would be around $60 million - a sum around 10 per cent of the Government’s annual VAT revenue.

The IMF’s specific reference to food, medical and insurance products is especially interesting, given that these are exactly the same products Dr Minnis has targeted for his VAT ‘exemptions’.

“In their own statements they say that the Government needs to look at its recurrent expenditure, particularly with respect to wages and the rest of it,” Mr Turnquest responded.

“Why do they think we need to continue to raise revenue while not looking at the expenditure side?

By eliminating wastage alone we can probably save a significant chunk of that $60 million they are talking about, while empowering Bahamians and putting more money in their pockets, which they will even-

tually spend on consumer items and durable goods that will help to further grow the economy.”

Dr Minnis told Tribune Business earlier this year that he stood by his proposal, as Bahamians “need relief” from the tax burden created by VAT’s imposition.

As for the revenue foregone by removing the 7.5 per cent levy from products such as food, baby items, healthcare and other ‘breadbasket’ goods, Dr Minnis said tax adjustments elsewhere would compensate.

He promised that, if elected to office, the FNM would conduct “a comprehensive review of the entire Bahamian tax structure”, in a bid to eliminate wastage and find efficiencies.

However, ‘exempting’ products from the 7.5 per cent VAT levy has knockon consequences for both businesses and consumers.

Companies are unable to recover the VAT they pay on their ‘inputs’ when products they sell are exempt,

meaning that Dr Minnis’s proposal will merely increase their costs.

A broadening of VAT ‘exemptions’ would likely also prompt businesses to increase prices on non-exempt items to compensate for their higher costs, hurting the consumer - the very person Dr Minnis wants to help.

The Government would also have to ‘make up’ the VAT revenue foregone by increasing ‘exemptions’ elsewhere in its tax structure.

And, perhaps, most importantly, widespread exemptions would undermine the very philosophy of the Bahamas’ VAT model, which is to have as broad a tax base as possible. In doing so, this ensures the tax rate is kept low.

Increasing exemptions will thus put pressure on the Government to increase the current 7.5 per cent VAT rate, in order to maintain revenues.

Superwash in $2.5m relocate

By NATARIO McKENZIE

Tribune Business Reporter

nmckenzie@tribunemedia.net SUPERWASH is planning to close its East Street and Soldier Road laundromat and relocate that operation to a new $2.5 million facility expected to open by “the end of August or early September” ‘Dionisio D’Aguilar, its president, told Tribune Business yesterday that the East Street and Soldier Road location was “old and tired”, and lacked sufficient parking for customers.

“We’re replacing the laundromat on the corner of East Street and Soldier Road. It should be opening at the end of August early September,” he explained.

“The plan is to shut down the East Street and Solider Road location. We’ve invested about $2.5 million.

We own the warehouse next to it and we’re renovating that, and making it avail-

Moving East Street/Soldier Rd site next door able for retail space.”

Mr D’Aguilar said the 10 staff at the East Street/ Soldier Road outlet would be transferred to the new location.

“The reason we’re relocating is because that location is just tired and old, and also there isn’t sufficient parking on the corner of East Street and Soldier Road,” he added.

“When they widened the road they took away a lot of the parking space. It has always been difficult to use that parking lot, but when they widened the road at that intersection they took even more of it, and it’s just difficult to manoeuvre.”

Mr D’Aguilar added that Superwash has been renting

VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT:

COASTAL ZONE MANAGEMENT/DISASTER RISK MANAGEMENT CONTRACTUAL

DIONISIO D’AGUILAR its East Street/Soldier Road outlet space for several decades.

“The East Street and Soldier Road site is an excellent site; it’s just too constraining right now,” he said.

The company invested some $3 million to launch its 10th outlet back in 2014 off the Charles Saunders Highway.

‘Good times’ gave us false sense of security

By NATARIO McKENZIE

Tribune Business Reporter

nmckenzie@tribunemedia.net THE Bahamas was yesterday urged to be proactive and “head-off” any further erosion of its financial services sector, the Opposition’s deputy leader adding that there was an “urgent need” to also further diversify the economy.

“We have significant pressure, not only from competitors but from all of these agencies and organisations that continue to tighten the screws on offshore sectors globally,” K P Turnquest said, “but also more particularly here in the Bahamas.

“While we have been retaliating, I suppose, in terms of trying to adapt and amend our laws so that we continue to be compliant, it is obviously not working.”

Mr Turnquest’s comments came after the Central Bank’s annual financial services survey revealed that

KP: Reforms should have been eyed when ‘living off fat of the land’ Bahamian jobs in the commercial banking sector contracted by 7 per cent in 2015.

It found that the banking sector remained “in retrenchment mode”, although sectors such as insurance and investment funds showed improved signs of recovery.

However, some 244 Bahamian jobs in the commercial banking industry were eliminated in 2015, exceeding the 4.3 per cent ‘attrition rate’ seen in the prior year.

“We also have this derisking issue that is connected,” Mr Turnquest added.

“I think that we have to now seriously give thought to what is the next step in this evolution, and to come

up with strategies to be proactive to see how we can head off any further erosion of this business as a result of changes in the global stance towards offshore industries.

“It has been the sustainer of the middle class in the country, and it has caused the growth of a good deal of the so-called upper class. If we were to continue to have this erosion in the high net worth financial services sector, it is going to put tremendous pressure on that middle class. We know that in order to sustain any country there must be a solid middle class,” said Mr Turnquest.

“There is an urgent need for us to find alternative pillars to support this economy.

It is unfortunate that we have allowed ourselves to come to the critical point. When we were living off the fat of the land we should have been making preparation for this day, but instead we all had our heads in the sand living off the good times.”

The Bahamas consists of more than 700 low lying islands and cays extending over an area of 5000 sq. km. and encompassing a variety of coastal and marine ecosystems, mangroves, extensive beaches and coral reefs. The coastal zone is a critical asset for the national economy. It harbors much of the islands’ critical infrastructure in the tourism and fisheries sectors, including industrial complexes, ports, fish processing plants and tourism resorts and associated services; as well as 80% of the island’s residential population. Coastal ecosystems themselves provide goods and services that are also vital to these sectors, including for example the provision of nursery habitat for fish stocks, buffering public infrastructure and coastal populations from coastal erosion and flooding, and supporting tourism and recreation. Natural disasters pose a recurring and substantial threat to the well-being of the country’s coastal and marine assets and tourism plant, and thus to the country’s economy. Bahamas on average is affected by a hurricane once every three years and three of the Bahamas islands (Andros, Abaco and Grand Bahama) are ranked among the top 10 in terms of effects from tropical systems of all cities, islands and countries in the North Atlantic Basin. Coastal erosion present additional threats; and the densely populated coastal zone is also prone to flooding. There is also increasing evidence that increased intensity and frequency of storms associated with climate change and sea level rise is affecting the health of the country’s coastal and marine biodiversity including reef degradation and coral bleaching due to increased temperatures and physical damage and loss of reefs. As most coastal development, tourism, industry, and residential sites occur at elevations of one to four meters above sea level, and more than 90% of all fresh water resources lie within 1.5 meters of the surface, significant property damage, potential loss of life, and long-term damage to coastal biodiversity is predicted (ICF, Bahamas National Report). Other impacts include greater inundation of low-lying coastal lands, loss of beaches, inland migration of coastal wetlands (notably mangroves) and increased groundwater contamination due to saltwater intrusion.

Key Functions The tasks include and are not limited to the following: • Support to the Bank’s Environment, Rural Development and Disaster

Risk Management Division and the Country Office Bahamas in the execution of approved TCs in The Bahamas and the Caribbean Region • Increasing capacity within the Government of The Bahamas to incorporate ecosystem services into coastal planning and evaluation • Evaluating the impact of hazard-resilient coastal infrastructure • Comparing best practices in ICZM in SIDS/SDS • Disseminating lessons learned • Assist in the project preparation and supervision of ICZM

and DRM-related operations (BH-T1029/BH-T1038, BHT1040) in The Bahamas, including (i) supporting the preparation

of TC approval documents (e.g., San Salvador); (ii) contracting of individual contractuals and consulting firms; (iii) coordination and monitoring of activities of firms and individual contractuals and with executing agencies;

(iv) technical review of project documents; and (iv) the updating of Bank monitoring systems; • Assist in the preparation of technical studies; • Develop presentation material and reports and deliver presentations as requested; • Assist in the organizing of meetings, workshops and conferences, including those aimed at building the

community of practice in risk-resilient ICZM in The Bahamas and regionally.

• Support other ICZM-related operations in the region

(RG-T2489, RG-T2675/RG-T2702).

Requirements • Academic Degree/ Level& Years of Professional Work Experience: Master’s degree in coastal zone management, coastal engineering

and/or natural resource management, with at least five years of postgraduate relevant experience in analytical research and technical

input for projects and programs in coastal zone management/disaster risk management, or the equivalent combination of education and experience. Experience in the Caribbean is necessary.

• Languages: English written and spoken fluently.

• Areas of Expertise: Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM), climate change adaptation, disaster risk management.

• Skills: Dynamic individual with capacity to be proactive, work under minimal supervision; strong analytical, planning, organizing and executing skills; attention to detail; ability to work with multicultural and

multidisciplinary teams; ability to adjust to multiple demands; ability to write technical reports; and excellent communications skills in English For more information about this position and to apply, please refer to the following link before July 25th, 2016: https://iadbcareers.taleo.net/ careersection/external/jobdetail.ftl?job=1600003293&lang=en&sns_id=email

PAGE 4, Tuesday, July 19, 2016

see energy providers, “are inconsistent, and conflict with, the rights and privileges vested in [GB Power] and the Port Authority” by the Hawksbill Creek Agreement.

Mr Turnquest, though, argued that the need to properly protect consumers outweighed concerns surrounding the Hawksbill Creek Agreement’s possible breach.

“I know there is some concern with respect to intrusion into the Hawks-

bill Creek Agreement and the licensees,” the FNM deputy leader told Tribune Business, “and I certainly respect that as someone who supports the Hawksbill Creek Agreement.

“However, I believe we ought to achieve a negotiated position between the Port Authority, the Power Company and the Water Company for URCA to be the mandated regulator.”

Mr Turnquest said the GBPA lacked the capacity, expertise and resources to

regulate GB Power Company by itself, and had to rely on external consultants and advisers.

While acknowledging that URCA also needed to “beef up” its ability to regulate the Bahamian energy sector, the east Grand Bahama MP said its independence from the GBPA would likely be supported by many Freeport and Grand Bahama residents.

“Most would support an independent review as opposed to a paid review by the Port Authority, which has a vested interest in the outcome,” Mr Turnquest added.

“For full transparency, fairness and objectivity, it is the right thing to have URCA be the regulatory body.

“At the end of the day, as a government, you have the obligation to the citizens of the Bahamas, including the residents of Freeport, that they are not being taken advantage of, and that they are getting the service they pay for at a fair price.”

Mr Turnquest continued: “On the face of it, and in principle, I don’t see why the GBPA and the Power Company have a problem.

The only caveats are that URCA is qualified to do this work, and it is an independent body that has the necessary legal standing.

“It would inure to the benefit of the Power Company, Port Authority and the residents, quite frankly. I fully respect the risk of piercing the Hawksbill Creek Agreement and creating a precedent, and that’s why it’s important a negotiated position be taken such that the Port Authority agrees to delegate its rights and responsibilities to URCA.” GB Power’s decision to

clear that while we desperately need comprehensive healthcare reform, there is also an urgent need to address the fiscal challenges we face as a nation.

“What we have seen over the past few years is a convergence of thought on the importance of stimulating the economy and providing incentives to the private

sector to invest, while creating sustainable jobs.

“The Government, private sector, international organisations (such as the IMF) and rating agencies (such as Moody’s and S&P) seem to be on the same page on the need to exercise fiscal prudence. This will require prioritising programs and finding innovative ways, in conjunction with the private sector, to implement important initiatives such as universal healthcare (UHC).”

Mr Komolafe said the roll-out of UHC’s primary healthcare phase was expected to begin in the 2017 first quarter, based on information presented to-date to industry stakeholders.

He said that while the UHC Stakeholder Advisory Council had been created, following advice from both the KPMG and PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) accounting firms, to formalise consultation between the Government and healthcare industry, “only time will tell” if this actually happens.

“Only time will tell whether the Council will be used as a resource centre to shape the UHC programme and system, rather than an information dissemination centre with information flowing in one direction only,” Mr Komolafe said.

“It is important that we do not miss the opportunity to leverage the skills and expertise of a diverse group of professionals from the private sector that currently sit on the Council.”

He added that the UHC Advisory Council had only just finished “an orientation process” where information was provided to its members, and said: “It is yet to be seen if and how the Council will be able to contribute to this [UHC] process, seeing that the agenda seems to have been fixed and ambitious timelines have been established.

“There are also concerns about the new governance structure and the composition of the UHC executive steering committee, to which the Council is expected to report.”

Mr Komolafe said the UHC executive steering committee is made up almost entirely of civil servants and/or representatives from the public sector.

“We must not forget that UHC is more of a marathon more than it is a sprint event,” he added. “It is a journey rather than a destination.

“This allows us to pace ourselves as a nation to roll out the various phases of UHC based on our ability to afford them. It also presents us with an oppor-

FNM backs URCA’s ‘Freeport takeover’ From pg B1 Freeport-based utility companies did not “take advantage” of them.

The east Grand Bahama MP suggested that despite its ownership families selling their equity interests, the perception remained that the relationship between GB Power and its regulator, the Grand Bahama Port Authority (GBPA), was not an independent one.

The same, Mr Turnquest said, applied to Freeport’s water provider, the Grand Bahama Utility Company, hence the need for URCA to take over regulatory responsibility for the city’s utility companies from the GBPA. Such a move, which is also desired by the Government, would seemingly conflict with the Hawksbill Creek Agreement, which mandates that the Port Authority - not the Government or an independent regulator such as URCA - be responsible for utilities regulation in Freeport.

This was again highlighted last week when Tribune Business exclusively revealed that Grand Bahama Power is using the issue to challenge URCA’s ability to license and regulate it through the Supreme Court.

Mr Turnquest, though, backed the notion of URCA taking regulatory responsibility for GB Power and Grand Bahama Utility Company, provided this was achieved via a “negotiated position” agreed with the GBPA. “I’ve been a supporter

of having URCA as an independent regulator to oversee all utilities in the country, including the Power Company here and the water company [GB Utility Company,” Mr Turnquest told Tribune Business.

“These are basic necessities that everyone uses, and we ought to ensure they do not get out of control or out of reach of the average citizen or resident.

“The only way to make sure there is fairness to customers and a fair return for shareholders is to have an independent arbitrator [URCA] look out for the interests of both parties.”

Dr Hubert Minnis, the current FNM leader, also backed URCA as the independent utilities regulator for Freeport in his ‘Roc wit Doc’ rally in Grand Bahama at the weekend.

However, GB Power is seeking a Supreme Court injunction to prevent URCA “from regulating, or seeking to exercise licensing and regulatory authority”, over it.

Its amended statement of claim, filed on July 7, 2016, also wants the Supreme Court to declare that GB Power can carry on its business without requiring a public electricity supplier licence from URCA. GB Power’s action is founded on the basis that, as a GBPA licensee, it is licensed and regulated by the latter via the Hawksbill Creek Agreement - and not

by URCA and the Electricity Act 2015.

It is arguing that the Electricity Act’s sections 44-46, which give URCA the legal right to licence and over-

‘Zero error margin’ over fiscal reforms From pg B1 handle [it] with much care and implement appropriate remedies,” Mr Komolafe said.

“We literally have a zero

margin for error in getting our fiscal house in order.

Our policies should aim to grow the economy rather than shrink it, and create jobs instead of lose them.”

He added: “I believe it is

THE TRIBUNE

KP TURNQUEST

Project:

Request for Proposals and Qualifications Hotel Renovations

CORAL TOWERS ATLANTIS PARADISE ISLAND, BAHAMAS dck Bahamas Inc. is hereby soliciting contractors interested in providing qualifications and proposals for renovation work for the above referenced project.

Project Description

the project consists of refurbishing and renovations to Guestrooms and corridors, ocean tower, Lagoon tower, and coral towers Main Lobby. the Guestroom work includes demolition, millwork, electrical, HVAc, paint and tile. the Lobby will be refinished with new materials. this is a phased project and will be turned over to the owner progressively. All locations will be worked on at the same time.

Proposal Request

this project may require that the contractor provide a Performance and Payment Bond or Surety Letter of credit for the value of the work. the owner and construction Manager reserves the right to accept a proposal that is in the best interest of the owner. the Atlantis is a World class Facility and has expectations of the highest quality of work.

Interested parties should send an email to the address noted

SMO-AtlantisBahamasRenovation@dckww.com

by July 15, 2016.

initiate legal action represents an immediate obstacle to URCA’s fledgling efforts to regulate the entire Bahamian energy sector, which have yet to get past first base.

It coincides with URCA’s initiation of consultation on the very ‘public electricity supplier licence’ that is the subject of GB Power’s action.

This is URCA’s first regulatory action in the energy sector since the Electricity Act, and amendments to its own founding law, transferred such obligations to it earlier this year.

Meanwhile, the GB Power action is also the first challenge to the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) agreed between the Government and GBPA in early May 2016.

That committed the GBPA to working with the Government to create “a mechanism to ensure the exercise of the regulatory powers and functions vested in the GBPA are consistent with the national policy, regulations and laws of the Bahamas”.

This commits the GBPA to far-reaching governance reforms, and the potential devolution of some of its quasi-governmental powers/regulatory authority, via their ‘harmonisation’ with national laws and government policies/regulations.

The MoU’s clause 1.18 suggests this ‘harmonisation’ will be achieved through “existing independent regulators” such as URCA - a development that is now being directly resisted by the GB Power action. tunity to address systemic issues and inefficiencies in the interim as part of a comprehensive healthcare reform agenda.

“A number of these reforms do not necessarily require government spending or significant investments at taxpayers’ expense, [but] the realignment of systems and redeployment of resources may have to be done.”

Asked whether Moody’s recent threat to downgrade the Bahamas to ‘junk’ status had vindicated previous calls for the Government to proceed cautiously with UHC-style reforms, Mr Komolafe said healthcare industry stakeholders “never had any doubt in our minds” that their concerns were “valid”.

“As to whether the Moody’s issue vindicated stakeholder arguments that we ought to proceed with caution, that is not our focal point as the facts speak for themselves,” he added.

“Our focus and ultimate objective is to ensure that we expand the UHC system the right way, in a pragmatic and proper manner using the talents of Bahamians in myriad industries.”

THE TRIBUNE

Tuesday, July 19, 2016, PAGE 5

Auto dealer chief in used car ‘pull-out’ From pg B1 Prince Charles Drive and Westridge.

“Used car imports from Japan have increased from 3,000-4,000 to 7,000-8,000 units. That’s taken place over the last 12 months,” the BMDA chief told Tribune Business.

“The end of the month is when the boats arrive from Japan. You go down to the dock, Customs at Arawak Cay, with your camera and snap pictures. You have lines and lines of individuals trying to pay import taxes on several hundred cars.”

Given the considerably lower value of used car imports, compared to their new auto counterparts, Mr Albury suggested market trends meant the Government was “getting peanuts” in revenues from vehicle imports.

“We know this is impacting revenue considerably,” he added. “These people are not paying Business Licences, they are not paying National Insurance contributions, and are not paying VAT on the sale; only when they collect the vehicle at the border.

“It’s got so bad that we’re

[Auto Mall] going to pull out of the used car business. I cannot compete with guys on the side of the road.

They’re not paying their fair share of taxes, but I’m being taxed to the max.”

Mr Albury said he only had one to two used car shipments left to come in.

After these arrive, Auto Mall will only deal with used vehicles as ‘trade ins’ in part exchange for new vehicles.

The BMDA president also called on the Government to crack down on “the corruption going on” with the importation of Japanese vehicles, which he said was endangering the welfare and safety of Bahamian consumers.

He alleged that odometers, which give the total distance a vehicle has travelled during its lifetime, were being tampered with and ‘wound back’ in a bid to increase their valuations.

As a result, Mr Albury urged the Government to follow through with an initiative it raised in a meeting with the BMDA several weeks ago, which involved pre-certifying vehicles before they arrive in the Ba-

Auto dealers warn on ‘skeleton’ staffing cuts From pg B1 have no choice but to cut back if their businesses are to reduce/eliminate losses and survive.

“For the first time in my life, I’m thinking if I can sell and get the hell out and retire, or shrinking the business model size to fit the economic times. To do that means I’ve got to cut back on staffing,” Fred Albury said of the Auto Mall, the umbrella business for Executive Motors and Quality Auto.

He told Tribune Business he was especially concerned about his Freeport business, as that city - and Grand Bahama as a whole - have suffered longer, and greater, than Nassau.

“Let’s not go to Freeport,” Fred Albury said.

“That’s in such a depressed state. It’s not a recession; it’s been in a depression.

“In the last three years, I’ve lost a third of the value of the company there just to losses. My people are looking to see what to do to get it to a ‘break even’ point, and if that does not happen we might have to close the doors.

“It’s not a pretty picture,” Fred Albury added. “We’ve been in Freeport since 1987, but have been losing $200,000 a year, and closing means you save $200,000 a year in losses.

“But we have staff we have commitments to, and are going to hang in there as long as we can. If we have to close up, that’s 18 people out of jobs.”

Bahamas Bus and Truck’s Ben Albury was equally forthright about the perilous conditions facing both his company and the wider Bahamian auto industry.

Asked by Tribune Business about the current state of the auto market, he responded: “What market?

Right now, there really is

none. It’s pretty brutal right now.”

Ben Albury disclosed that 4,200 new vehicles were sold in 2007, the last pre-recession year, compared to the 1,564 that BMDA members moved in 2015 - a decline of 66.8 per cent or two-thirds in nine years.

The BMDA, in a statement issued yesterday, said new auto sales had fallen by a further 8 per cent during the first six months of 2016, following a 38 per cent yearover-year decline in 2015.

“In the face of declining sales and mounting taxes and regulations, the signs are somewhat foreboding for the new vehicle industry,” the BMDA statement concluded.

That may be something of an understatement based on the comments from both Alburys, with Ben Albury telling Tribune Business: “This year, if it continues to go the way it has been going, we might expect to get somewhere around 1,200 [new car sales].”

Turning to the wider auto industry, the Bahamas Bus and Truck general manager added: “We’re doing all we can to retain staff. We hear that a lot of companies are keeping a great deal of their staff on, although the majority of them are losing money.”

Warning that it was “only a matter of time” before the industry has to turn to redundancies, Ben Albury said his own company was rapidly approaching a turning point of its own.

“I’m probably going to have to be looking at reducing staff levels and doing some redundancies, as there’s no way we can keep the staff levels we do, and keep investing, without a major improvement in business,” he told Tribune Business.

“I’m waiting on some fi-

hamas.

He said his own research showed that the Japanese Automobile Association would conduct such certification for a $200 per vehicle fee, as would some private companies, once the Bahamas set the standard that vehicle imports have to meet.

This, Mr Albury said, would improve consumer protection by ensuring the safety and reliability of used vehicle purchases, while also checking for pollution levels.

“Once you get a clean bill of health, you can import the vehicle,” he explained.

“Currently, you can get a piece of junk on the road for a year-and-a-half, and it then ends up in the city dump. We’ve become an environmental dump for used cars out of Japan.”

Arguing that the solution was “not rocket science”, Mr Albury said the key was whether “anybody has the balls down there [in the Government] to implement something to protect the country”.

He added that African countries, such as Kenya, were implementing their own certification programmes “to protect their revenue and the environment, and filter out the junk”. nancial reports now, and based upon that, I will advise the owners we may have to do it. If the business continues to operate as presently, it will not be long before we will be like the Government and have to borrow money to continue to operate.

“I can’t see the principals of this company borrowing money to make payroll,” Ben Albury continued.

“We have to look at some downsizing and restructuring to where we have skeleton operations compared to where we are now, and cut back in the areas hardest hit.”

Fred Albury told Tribune Business that the auto industry’s health, in common with many other sectors, depended heavily on a rebound in Bahamian GDP growth.

“We need to get this economy on the upswing,” the BMDA president said.

“It’s been contracting, contracting and contracting. It needs to be turned and put on the upswing.

“It’s not a pretty picture in the new car industry. I don’t know what to say, but the next couple of years are not looking bright.”

Turning to the politicians, Fred Albury added: “The can paint all the pretty pictures they want, pump out all the hot air they want, but the picture does not look pretty from where I sit in business.”

Detailing the obstacles its members were currently facing, the BMDA said in a statement: “Beside the high import taxes of 65 per cent, the next largest hurdle facing buyers is the Value Added Tax (VAT) of 7.5 per cent.

“It seems to follow that the reduced number of new vehicle imports is impacting government revenue.

This is decline not evident in the Government’s recent budget or Central Bank Quarterly Report, as the details are not available to the public.”

It’s the Most Wonderful

Time of the Year!

November 18th, 19th - 20th, 2016

The Bahamas National Trust is accepting applications from vendors wishing to exhibit at the Christmas Jollification Arts and Crafts Festival. Crafts must be original and made in The Bahamas.

Forms may be collected from the BNT office on Village Road. Deadline for application is August 19, 2016.

FOR MORE INFORMATION Call: 393-1317 OR e-mail: gapebnt@gmail.com

EmploymEnt opportunity Retail & Dealer Channel Manager - (Roll Out & Operations) the retail & Dealer Channel manager has the responsibility to lead, direct and promote best practice customer experience and retail excellence standards within newCo retail and dealer partner channels ensuring that sales targets and customer net promoter scores (npS) are achieved. the primary duties include, the identification and preparation and roll out of the retail & Dealer Sales Channels for successful launch of newCo telecommunications operations throughout new providence, Grand Bahama and the Family islands. this position has the responsibility for the day to day management of both retail & Dealer Sales Channels, planning, reporting, setting and delivering of targets, management of sales process optimization, sales training, sales program implementation and recruiting of selection of sales force talent. the retail & Dealer Channel manager is responsible for the overall productivity and effectiveness of the retail and Dealer Sales Channel. reporting to the Vice president of Sales.

Core Responsibilities Roll-out phase – • Manage the design, planning and overall implementation to meet planned timelines and cost targets relating to: o newCo branded stores and store-in-store sales outlets capable of selling all of newCo’s products and services in each Bahamian island that it launches; o Selection of third party dealer partners capable of selling newCo’s range of devices, Sim cards and accessories; o negotiate terms of trading between newCo and Dealer partners and ensure that Dealer contracts are in place prelaunch. o recruiting, training and building a retail sales team; o Specify all necessary “Best practice” customer experience and retail excellence process specifications, policies and procedures and provide mobile network operator retail expertise and advice to senior management colleagues.

• Retail and Dealer sales team commission structures; • SMART phone and other wireless device range selection; • Product and promotional merchandising and mobile retail category management; Launch and Operational phase – • Implementation and sales forecasting, planning, and budgeting processes. Establishes high levels of quality, accuracy, and process consistency in planning, forecasting, and budgeting approaches used by the sales organization. Ensures planning, forecasting and budgeting efforts are appropriately integrated with other planning processes employed within the retail organization • Manage and develop robust working relationships with key dealer principles and partners whilst facilitating the successful implementation of new Sales and customer focused programs through the Dealer sales channel by ensuring a well-defined, efficient sales process and execution plans are in place for launch and post launch.

Fosters an organization of professionalism, integrity and ongoing continuous process improvement.

• Works closely with sales leadership to define the optimal performance Kpi’s and performance management programs required to ensure retail & Dealer channels success. Aligns reporting, training, and incentive programs with these performance management priorities.

• Working closely with sales leadership and Human Resources, establishes a retail and Dealer Channel training plan focused on developing and reinforcing critical sales competencies. prioritizes training objectives for “Best practice” retail sales programs, customer experience, effective sales management, and sales support roles. .

Academic Qualifications & Experience • A degree in Business, Marketing, Sales & Branding, telecommunications or technology, • A Successful track record with at least five (5) years’ experience at manger level or Sales lead role • Highly responsible, self-motivated, and able to thrive in an energetic environment • Strong track record of delivering against Corporate and Consumer sales targets • Telco experience preferred • Media Relations experience required • Strong business acumen with demonstrated leadership successes • Strong networker - ability to develop and manage a network of influence • Strong empathy for customers and passion for revenue and growth • Analytical and process-oriented mindset • Demonstrated desire for continuous learning and improvement • Enthusiastic and creative leader with the ability to inspire others • Excellent communicator with superior verbal, written, interpersonal, technical and presentation skills • Ability to think critically and problem solve in a fast- paced, entrepreneurial environment Qualified applicants should submit resumes on or before, July 19, 2016 electronically to the following email address: Humanresources@cablebahamas.com with Subject: Retail & Dealer Channel Manager.

PAGE 6, Tuesday, July 19, 2016

BOB extends search for ‘independent directors’ From pg B1 said it had effectively gone back to the drawing board by extending the deadline for independent director nominations for further two-and-a-half months to October 1, 2016.

Although no explanation was given for the 10-week extension, the implication is that Bank of the Bahamas did not receive enough nominations of sufficient quality for the two Board posts.

Richard Demeritte, Bank of the Bahamas’ chairman, conceded that the single week provided for minority shareholders to select and agree candidates from among themselves may have been too tight a timeline.

“The Bank’s articles currently allow only a very short window to receive and review nominations.

Therefore, we have introduced a motion to amend the Articles of Association to extend the nomination period,” said Mr Demeritte.

The motion was carried at the EGM, giving minority shareholders until October 1, 2016, to submit nomi-

nations prior to the bank’s Annual General Meeting (AGM).

Several shareholders, including outspoken Bank of the Bahamas critics, Mike Lightbourn and Dionisio D’Aguilar, both told Tribune Business that they had received no information on the EGM. Both were unaware it was held on Thursday, July 14, until contacted by this newspaper the following day. However, Bank of the Bahamas had publicised that date previously, according to Tribune Business’s files.

Mr Lightbourn, Coldwell Banker Lightbourn Realty’s president, said: “I didn’t know they had an EGM. They certainly didn’t send out any notice.

“If they did, mine didn’t arrive. I don’t think I received notice of the previous AGM.” Mr D’Aguilar, president of the Superwash laundromat chain, confirmed he was also unaware of the EGM, adding: “I didn’t even know it was last night.”

He then criticised the process chosen by Bank of

the Bahamas for finding two ‘independent’ directors, arguing that standard capital markets practice was for the company - rather than the shareholders - to identify and select the candidates would be voted on.

“It’s a silly process,” he told Tribune Business.

“You’re expecting people to step forward, but you’d normally expect the bank to go out and find people who are regarded as independent and ask them if they wish to serve.

“If they agree, bring them to the meeting. If three to four agree to serve, then the shareholders can take their pick. You can’t expect someone to get up and say: I want to do it. It’s not done that way.

“Every Board goes out and selects its directors. If you want a run-off, go out and get three or four, and vote on them,” he reiterated.

“The shareholders have expressed an interest to have independent directors not appointed by the Government, so you go out and find people of that ilk, and see if they’re willing to serve.”

Whether Bank of the Bahamas’ government-appointed Board would put forward truly independent candidates is another ques-

tion, but the 35 per cent minority investors still have a chance to put forward two candidates of their own.

The proposed election of two ‘independent’ directors is designed to help bring Bank of the Bahamas in line with modern corporate governance practices, and is also a response to calls from increasingly vocal minority investors to give them a voice on the Board.

The Government currently selects the entire Board, including the chairman, via its 65 per cent equity interest through the Public Treasury and National Insurance Board (NIB).

However, besides consenting to their nomination, the independent director candidates must meet strict criteria to be eligible for appointment.

Besides being nominated by two separate Bank of the Bahamas shareholders, each candidate must demonstrate their “management experience, relevant skills and expertise”, including knowledge of the Bahamas’ financial services laws and regulatory requirements.

Other documents made public by Bank of the Bahamas also set out criteria that would disqualify potential candidates, including whether they had previ-

THE TRIBUNE ously served on the Board of a failed public company.

Those serving on the Board of another commercial bank will also be disqualified, as will persons holding more than three directorships in public and regulated companies without the Securities Commission’s prior approval.

Those with relatives and family members who have held executive posts, or received compensation from, Bank of the Bahamas within the last three years cannot stand for election.

Also barred are those who were employed by Bank of the Bahamas or any government-owned entity within the past three years, or people who obtained ‘special’ loans from the bank or who are in arrears.

Those connected to persons who control the voting intentions of more than 10 per cent of Bank of the Bahamas’ stock, or whose companies received payment from the bank for services rendered, representing more than 5 per cent of total revenues, are also disqualified.

The Government, which owns more than 51 per cent of voting rights via the Treasury and National Insurance Board (NIB), will not participate in the selec-

tion “to ensure fairness and transparency”.

It will only cast its vote once the two ‘minority’ directors have been chosen, as its majority interest means it is required to ‘ratify’ the election results.

Much will depend on who the chosen two ‘minority’ directors are, their expertise and independence, and how involved they become in Bank of the Bahamas’ affairs.

While minority shareholder representation on the Board of Directors implies more transparency and openness, this will only happen in practice if those selected do not become mere ‘rubber stamps’ for decisions taken by the majority.

And the Government, through its majority equity interest (65 per cent, plus 51 per cent voting rights) will still control the Board through its ability to appoint the majority of directors, raising questions as to how much influence the ‘independents’ will really have.

“We also look forward to the representation of minority shareholder interests, which will commence with the nomination and confirmation of the additional two directors,” Mr Demeritte said.

Stocks inch higher, send S&P 500 to another record NEW YORK (AP) — Stocks ticked higher Monday as investors looked past this weekend’s failed coup attempt in Turkey and nudged the Standard & Poor’s 500 index to another record.

The S&P 500 rose 5.15 points, or 0.2 percent, to 2,166.89. It was the fifth time in the last six days that the index set a closing high. The Dow Jones industrial average rose 16.50, or 0.1 percent, to 18,533.05. The Nasdaq composite rose 26.19, or

0.5 percent, to 5,055.78.

The stock market has been on a mostly upward swing since February, notwithstanding a few setbacks, after shrugging off worries about fragile economies overseas, weaker profits at home and sundry other challenges. Add one more to the list: Friday’s military uprising in Turkey.

Currency traders had the first chance to react to the attempted coup, which caught investors’ attention after most stock markets

NOTICE The Utilities Regulation and Competition Authority (URCA) invites interested entities to submit proposals for the provision of audit services. The term of the audit engagement is for three (3) years – reporting on the financial statements for the years ending 31 December 2016, 2017 and 2018.

The deadline for submission is August 8, 2016. A copy of the Request for Proposal (RFP) may be downloaded from URCA’s website at www.urcabahamas.bs/

were closed late Friday, and the initial reaction was one of fear. But by the time stock markets around the world opened for trading Monday, most reacted with a shrug, and the Turkish lira recovered some of its steep losses.

“The market is looking at things with a half-full lens these days, and there’s some basis for the market to take this in stride,” said Matthew Peron, head of global equity at Northern Trust Asset Management.

The coup attempt was quickly halted. Plus, economic reports around the world have been coming in better than analysts expected. “There is a firmer footing to the global economy, and this isn’t enough to knock that narrative,” Peron said.

Technology stocks led the way, rising 0.7 percent after SoftBank Group agreed to buy British chip designer ARM Holdings for $32 billion. ARM’s U.S.-listed shares soared $19.09, or 40.6 percent, to $66.17.

Financial stocks gained after Bank of America reported earnings that were better than analysts were expecting. Banks have been

THE AMERICAN flag flies above the Wall Street entrance to the New York Stock Exchange. Stocks are opening solidly higher on Wall Street, Tuesday, July 12, 2016, putting the market on track for another milestone. The Dow Jones industrial average was trading above its previous record high close in early trading. That came a day after the Standard & Poor’s 500 index closed at its own record high. (AP Photo) struggling with low interest rates, which limit the profits they can earn from making loans.

Bank of America nevertheless reported a smaller decline in earnings than analysts forecast, due in part to higher trading revenue and cost cuts. Its stock rose 45 cents, or 3.3 percent, to $14.11.

The day atop the leaderboard for tech and bank stocks marks a turnaround

from their performance earlier this year. Financial stocks are the only sector of the S&P 500’s 10 that are still down for 2016, while technology has made one of the smallest gains.

For much of the year, investors have flocked instead to industries seen as offering a steadier ride. These are also ones that tend to pay the biggest dividends. Telecom stocks are up 22.1 percent, versus the S&P 500’s 6

percent rise, for example.

Much of that demand likely came from investors seeking alternatives to bonds, which are paying only small amounts of interest. The Federal Reserve raised the target for its benchmark short-term interest rate in December for the first time since 2006, but economists have since been pushing out their predictions for when the next increase may occur.

THE TRIBUNE

Tuesday, July 19, 2016, PAGE 7

US says autos can meet 2025 fuel economy targets DETROIT (AP) — The U.S. government says the nation’s cars and trucks are well on their way to meeting fuel economy and emissions standards set for 2025.

But if gas prices stay low and consumers keep buying less-efficient vehicles like SUVs, the government could lower those standards. Automakers argue that meeting the requirements is difficult.

A report on the standards was issued Monday by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the U.S. Department of Transportation and the California Air Resources Board. The report kicks off a two-year review that will determine whether to keep the 2025 fuel economy and greenhouse gas emissions targets in place or change them.

Under standards set in 2012, automakers’ fleets were expected to get an average of 54.5 miles per gallon by 2025. That’s not the real-world mileage vehicles will get; it includes credits for things like more efficient air conditioning systems. The real-world mileage is closer to 40 miles per gallon.

The government calculates an automakers’ average based on the vehicles it sells. A company could fail to meet standards on pickup trucks but exceed them with fuel-efficient cars and still meet the requirements, said Alan Baum, a consultant in Detroit who advises automakers on fuel-economy regulations. But if it fails to sell those cars and only sells the pickup trucks, it could wind up being fined.

As gas prices have fallen, truck and SUV sales have risen. That means the 54.5 mpg standard may no longer be realistic, since automakers are selling more trucks and SUVs and fewer cars than the government anticipated in 2012. The government now forecasts average fuel economy between 50 mpg and 52.6 mpg in 2025, depending on the price of gas. But EPA officials said that the numbers could continue to change.

The report noted that in October 2012, when the fuel economy standards were finalized, U.S. average gas prices were $3.87 per gallon. They ended 2015 at $2.15 per gallon.

So far this year, sales of the Toyota Prius hybrid are down 25 percent while sales of SUVs and other light trucks are up 9 percent, according to Autodata Corp.

But gas prices alone aren’t likely to convince the

government to weaken the standards adopted in 2012.

The report says automakers can meet the original 2012 targets by continuing to make more advanced gasoline engines; the EPA says only about 2 percent of vehicles would need to be hybrids or electric vehicles to meet the standards.

“Today’s draft report shows that automakers are developing far more technologies to improve fuel economy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, at similar or lower costs, than we thought possible just a few years ago,” said Janet McCabe, acting assistant administrator for EPA’s Office of Air and Radiation.

The government says 100 car, SUV, and pick-up truck versions on the market today already meet fuel economy standards targeted for 2020 or later. Automakers also have been making more use of lightweight materials, like aluminum, and improving vehicles’ aerodynamics. They’re also adding features like stop-start technology, which automatically shut down the engine and save fuel while a vehicle is stopped in traffic.

Those advances come at a cost. The EPA estimates the fuel economy standards will cost $1,017 per vehicle between 2021 and 2025, while NHTSA estimates they will cost up to $1,245 per vehicle. The agencies differ on how much consumers would save in gas, but they estimate it’s between $680 and $1,620 per vehicle.

Those costs, and consumers’ reluctance to buy the smallest, most fuel-efficient vehicles, mean the auto industry will likely argue that the standards should be relaxed. The Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers, a lobbying group that represents 12 automakers, including BMW, Toyota and General Motors, says meeting the standards is “a daunting challenge.”

“Absent a vigorous commitment to focus on marketplace realities, excessive regulatory costs could impact both consumers and the employees who produce these vehicles,” the alliance said in a statement.

But environmental groups will urge the government to strengthen the standards. In a statement, Sierra Club President Andrew Linhardt said the report proves that the standards are working.

“Due to technological innovation, our cars are cleaner and more efficient than ever before,” he said.

Asia-wide crackdown on illegal gambling during Euro 2016 BANGKOK (AP) — Interpol says a crackdown on Asian gambling dens and websites during football’s European Championship led to more than 4,100 people arrested and $13.6 million seized.

Police raided nearly 4,000 illegal dens across Asia and Europe, including in China, Singapore, France, and Italy.

Two operations coordinated in Thailand targeted organized crime networks and transnational networks in Asia “behind illicit web-

sites and call-center type operations running online scams,” Interpol says.

Three Thai offices of illegal online gambling sites were shut down, and 15 people were arrested in Malaysia linked to payment card fraud.

Interpol’s head of anticorruption and financial crimes unit, Jim Anderson, says “illegal gambling generates massive profits for organized crime networks which are often linked to corruption, human trafficking, and money laundering.”

WHERE HIT MUSIC LIVES W W W .

1 0 0 J A M Z

. C O M

@100JAMZ242

A CUSTOMER re-fuels her car at a Costco in Robinson Township, Pa. The U.S. government says the fuel economy of the nation’s fleet of cars and trucks likely won’t meet its targets in 2025 because low gas prices have changed the types of vehicles people are buying. (AP Photo)

St Andrew’s School, The International School of The Bahamas is authorised by the Council of International Schools (CIS), the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) and was the first school in The Bahamas to offer the International Baccalaureate Organisation (IBO) (Primary Years Programme (PYP) and Diploma (IBDP) programmes.

The School invites applications from qualified and Experienced Bahamian candidates and Permanent Residents for the following teaching vacancies with effect from August 2016.

Secondary School Vacancy Learning Support Specialist Maintenance/Handyman (An ability to offer a second subject would be an advantage) GENERAL INFORMATION Candidates must be qualified teachers (holding a minimum of a bachelor’s degree or equivalent) with at least two (2) years teaching experience. Previous experience of the PYP and the IB Diploma programme would be an advantage. Applications from teachers with experience in an independent and/or international school are particularly welcome.

APPLICATION PROCESS Interested candidates should apply to the School’s Business Office by letter, email or fax as soon as possible.

All applications MUST include the following: • Letter of Application • Curriculum Vitae – to include the contact details of at least three (3) referees • A recent photo Failure to provide all this information may result in your application not being considered.

Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. If you have not heard from us within four (4) weeks of making an application, please assume your application was unsuccessful.

The closing date for applications is Thursday 21st July 2016. Short listed candidates will be invited to interview at the School in Late July 2016.

No applications will be considered after the closing date.

St Andrew’s School Business Office P.O. Box EE 17340 Nassau, The Bahamas Email: sandrews@st-andrews.com Fax: (1 242) 324 0816

PAGE 8, Tuesday, July 19, 2016

THE TRIBUNE

Netflix facing tougher times as US subscriber growth slows SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — After years of spectacular success, Netflix is starting to hit some potholes. The high-flying internet video service added only 160,000 U.S. subscribers from April through June, its lowest gain in the period since splitting up its video-streaming and DVDby-mail services five years ago.

In addition to the U.S. slowdown, Netflix is wrestling with an ambitious international expansion amid stiffening competition, challenges that came into sharper focus Monday with the release of its second-quarter earnings. CEO Reed Hastings blamed the disappointing performance on cancellations by subscribers facing price increases of as much as $2 per month, following the expiration of a two-year rate freeze.

"People don't like price increases, we know that," Hastings said during a webcast reviewing the second quarter. "It is a necessary phase we must get through."

HIGHER PRICES, MORE COMPETITION Analysts estimate that more than 20 million subscribers may be hit with

THE NETFLIX Apple TV app icon, in South Orange, N.J. Netflix reports financial results yesterday.

(AP Photo) a price increase between June and the end of this year. Netflix hasn't quantified how many people will be affected, but cited the price increases as one reason it predicts it will add just 300,000 U.S. subscribers in the third quarter — down from a gain of 880,000 at the same time last year.

The fallout from those phased-in price increases has been compounded by intensifying competition that now provide consumers an array of alternative

streaming-video options.

Netflix fared better outside the U.S., but its secondquarter gain of 1.5 million international subscribers still missed management's projections.

The company's stock shed $13.16, or 13 percent, to $85.65 in after-hours trading. If that loss extends into Tuesday, Netflix shares will have lost about a quarter of their value so far this year. That's a harsh comedown for a stock that's been a Wall Street star since bot-

toming out at roughly $7 on a split-adjusted basis about four years ago.

A VICTIM OF SUCCESS In a way, Netflix is a victim of its own success. With 47.1 million U.S. subscribers already signed up in the U.S., where they pay $8 to $12 per month, the company is having more trouble finding new households interested in anteing up.

Beyond the U.S., the Los Gatos, California, company is sustaining significant losses as it ramps up its business in 189 other countries.

Among other things, Netflix has to amass a diverse collection of TV shows and films that will appeal to new audiences speaking a variety of different languages and with divergent tastes.

Its international operations lost $69 million in the second quarter, or an average of about $2 per overseas subscriber. By contrast, Netflix's U.S. streaming service contributed a profit of $414 million, or about $9 per subscriber.

After factoring in its still highly profitable but steadily shrinking DVD-by-mail service and various operating expenses, Netflix earned $41 million, or 9 cents per share, in the second quarter. That nearly tripled its profit of $14 million at the same time last year.

Revenue for the period increased 28 percent from last year to $2.1 billion, driving in part by Netflix's higher prices.

FIRST MOVER NO MORE Until recently, Netflix had been capitalizing on its "first mover" advantage — technology parlance for

innovators that embrace a new concept ahead of the pack.

Its head start in internet video meant Netflix was able to license previously released TV series and films at relatively inexpensive rates, in part because studios hadn't yet realized how valuable streaming rights would become.

That's all changed now.

Netflix's competitors now include internet-only offerings from Amazon.com, Hulu and Google's YouTube as well as traditional TV networks such as Time Warner Inc.'s HBO and CBS, which have introduced online alternatives to their cable and broadcast channels.

At the same time, studios are demanding higher prices for the rights to their shows and films — and increasingly selling the rights to Netflix rivals willing to pay more.

"Media companies are thinking a lot more about what the real value of their content is and what they should be getting to license it to Netflix," says Andre Swanston, CEO of Tru Optik, an entertainment industry consultant. "That is going to make content licensing a lot more expensive for them."

Turkey economy facing fresh problems after coup attempt ANKARA, Turkey (AP) — Turkey faces the prospect of waning economic growth, a struggle to attract international investors and financial market volatility for months to come following the failed coup against Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

The attempted coup and the subsequent tough response by the government that’s seen more than 6,000 people arrested could accentuate toxic political

divisions in Turkey and weaken the institutions and respect for the rule of law that are central to the proper-functioning of a market economy.

Images of warplanes firing on key government installations, tanks rolling into major cities and news of at least 232 people killed are hardly the backdrop to entice international investors, who are badly needed for the financing of Turkey’s sizeable current ac-

count deficit, which stood at around 4.5 percent of the country’s annual GDP in 2015.

The same applies to those looking to holiday in Turkey — a key sector and foreign-currency earner for Turkey. Tourist numbers this year, particularly from Europe, were already expected to be sharply lower before the attempted coup as a result of a series of attacks in the country over the past few months.

Worries over Turkey, which stands at the crossroads between Europe, the Middle East and Asia, are something the global economy could do without, to keep in mind alongside such things as China’s economic slowdown and the implications of Britain’s exit from the European Union.

On Monday, global stock markets largely held their own but the Borsa Istanbul 100 index closed down

MARKET REPORT MONDAY, 18 JULY 2016

t. 242.323.2330 | f. 242.323.2320 | www.bisxbahamas.com

BISX ALL SHARE INDEX: CLOSE 1,966.54 | CHG 0.58 | %CHG 0.03 | YTD 142.59 | YTD% 7.82 BISX LISTED & TRADED SECURITIES 52WK HI 3.65 17.43 9.09 3.50 4.70 0.18 8.34 8.35 6.10 10.60 15.50 2.72 1.60 5.80 8.75 11.00 7.90 6.90 12.25 11.00

52WK LOW 2.21 17.43 9.09 3.14 4.70 0.12 5.85 7.25 5.50 6.85 14.48 2.25 1.27 5.51 6.00 9.85 6.01 5.55 11.75 10.00

PREFERENCE SHARES 1000.00 1000.00 1000.00 1000.00

1000.00 1000.00 1000.00 1000.00

1.00 105.50 100.00 100.00 100.00 105.00 100.00 10.00 1.01

1.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 10.00 1.01

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

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

LAST CLOSE 3.65 15.85 9.09 3.50 5.22 0.12 6.50 8.35 5.84 10.58 14.49 2.70 1.41 5.80 8.75 10.91 7.90 6.36 11.93 10.00

CLOSE 3.65 15.85 9.09 3.50 5.22 0.12 6.50 8.35 5.84 10.58 14.49 2.70 1.41 5.80 8.75 10.96 7.90 6.36 11.93 10.00

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 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.05 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

CAB6 CAB8 CAB9 CAB10 CHLA CBLE CBLJ CBLK CBLL CBLM CBLN FBBA FCLB

1000.00 1000.00 1000.00 1000.00 1.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 10.00 1.01

1000.00 1000.00 1000.00 1000.00 1.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 10.00 1.01

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

SECURITY Fidelity Bank Note 17 (Series A) + Fidelity Bank Note 18 (Series E) + Fidelity Bank Note 22 (Series B) +

SYMBOL FBB17 FBB18 FBB22

LAST SALE 100.00 100.00 100.00

CLOSE 100.00 100.00 100.00

CHANGE 0.00 0.00 0.00

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

BAH29 BG0103 BG0203 BG0105 BG0205 BG0107 BG0207 BG0130 BG0230 BG0303 BG0305 BG0307 BG0330

114.88 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00

114.88 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00

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

Cable Bahamas Series 6 Cable Bahamas Series 8 Cable Bahamas Series 9 Cable Bahamas Series 10 Colina Holdings Class A Commonwealth Bank Class E Commonwealth Bank Class J Commonwealth Bank Class K Commonwealth Bank Class L Commonwealth Bank Class M Commonwealth Bank Class N Fidelity Bank Class A Focol Class B

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

52WK LOW 100.00 100.00 100.00

BAHAMAS GOVERNMENT STOCK - (percentage pricing) 115.92 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00

113.70 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00

VOLUME

9,000

VOLUME

EPS$ 0.304 1.351 1.086 0.220 -1.134 0.000 0.185 0.551 0.508 0.541 0.528 0.094 0.166 0.510 0.612 0.960 0.650 0.703 0.756 0.000

DIV$ 0.090 1.000 0.000 0.160 0.000 0.000 0.187 0.260 0.200 0.360 0.610 0.060 0.040 0.240 0.275 0.000 0.280 0.120 0.640 0.000

P/E 12.0 11.7 8.4 15.9 N/M N/M 35.1 15.2 11.5 19.6 27.4 28.7 8.5 11.4 14.3 11.4 12.2 9.0 15.8 0.0

YIELD 2.47% 6.31% 0.00% 4.57% 0.00% 0.00% 2.88% 3.11% 3.42% 3.40% 4.21% 2.22% 2.84% 4.14% 3.14% 0.00% 3.54% 1.89% 5.36% 0.00%

0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000

0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000

0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

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

INTEREST 7.00% 6.00% Prime + 1.75%

MATURITY 19-Oct-2017 31-May-2018 19-Oct-2022

6.95% 4.00% 4.00% 4.25% 4.25% 4.50% 4.50% 6.25% 6.25% 4.00% 4.25% 4.50% 6.25%

20-Nov-2029 15-Dec-2017 30-Jul-2018 16-Dec-2019 30-Jul-2020 15-Dec-2021 30-Jul-2022 15-Dec-2044 30-Jul-2045 26-Jun-2018 26-Jun-2020 26-Jun-2022 26-Jun-2045

MUTUAL FUNDS 52WK HI 1.97 3.82 1.91 160.64 138.35 1.44 1.67 1.55 1.06 6.67 8.16 5.81 10.66 10.12

52WK LOW 1.67 3.04 1.68 164.74 116.70 1.38 1.53 1.47 1.03 6.11 6.93 5.55 10.37 8.65

FUND CFAL Bond Fund CFAL Balanced Fund CFAL Money Market Fund CFAL Global Bond Fund CFAL Global Equity Fund FG Financial Preferred Income Fund FG Financial Growth Fund FG Financial Diversified Fund FG Financial Global USD Bond Fund Royal Fidelity Bahamas Opportunities Fund - Secured Balanced Fund Royal Fidelity Bahamas Opportunities Fund - Targeted Equity Fund Royal Fidelity Bahamas Opportunities Fund - Prime Income Fund Royal Fidelity Bah Int'l Investment Fund Principal Protected TIGRS, Series 5 Royal Fidelity Int'l Fund - Equities Sub Fund

NAV 1.97 3.83 1.91 164.74 133.64 1.44 1.67 1.55 1.06 6.67 8.01 5.81 10.66 8.65

YTD% 12 MTH% 1.35% 4.06% 1.43% 6.57% 0.70% 3.23% 1.67% 5.13% 0.66% -3.41% 1.89% 3.91% 2.32% 8.70% 1.68% 5.28% 2.77% 1.26% -0.14% 9.15% -1.87% 15.62% 0.83% 4.82% 70.00% 2.80% -6.29% -13.65%

NAV Date 30-Apr-2016 30-Apr-2016 29-Apr-2016 31-Mar-2015 30-Sep-2015 30-Jun-2016 30-Jun-2016 30-Jun-2016 30-Jun-2016 29-Feb-2016 29-Feb-2016 29-Feb-2016 29-Feb-2016 29-Feb-2016

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

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

TO TRADE CALL: CFAL 242-502-7010 | ROYALFIDELITY 242-356-7764 | FG CAPITAL MARKETS 242-396-4000 | COLONIAL 242-502-7525 | LENO 242-396-3225

7.1 percent, at 76,957.61.

The Turkish lira, recovered some of the ground lost Friday in the aftermath of the coup, and was up 1.5 percent against the dollar at 2.9712 lira.

“The near-term economic impact of Friday night’s attempted coup will depend on the length and severity of market dislocation, but at the very least the economy is likely to suffer a period of slower growth, and the lira will remain under pressure,” said William Jackson, senior emerging markets economist at Capital Economics.

Before a full assessment of the impact of the attempted coup, most economic forecasters had penciled in Turkish growth of around 4 percent this year.

Longer-term, Jackson said the economic repercussions will depend on the political fallout. In particular, he said he’ll be monitoring whether President Erdogan tries to push

ahead with long-held plans to amend the constitution in order to centralize power further for himself.

“At this stage, the situation is still highly uncertain, but the initial response seems to be clampdown and even greater centralization of power under the presidency,” he said.

However that transpires, international investors in the country will clearly be worrying about the risks of doing business in the country and may adopt a more cautious approach that sees them reduce their exposure to Turkish assets, which would exert downward pressure on the lira.

“A more volatile and depreciating currency accompanied by concerns about more terrorist attacks may lead to a weaker economic activity as households shift to a saving mode and corporates postpone strategic investment decisions,” said Piotr Matys, an analyst at Rabobank.

A TURKISH man takes a selfie with a Turkish police officer, loyal to the government, as they stand atop tanks abandoned by Turkish army officers, against a backdrop of Istanbul’s iconic Bosporus Bridge, last Saturday. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan told the nation Saturday that his government is in charge after a coup attempt brought a night of explosions, air battles and gunfire across the capital that left dozens dead. (AP Photo)

PUBLIC NOTICE INTENT TO CHANGE NAME BY DEED POLL

The Public is hereby advised that I, CORDARRO RHASHADD CLEVARD WILLIAMS of Freeport, Grand Bahama, Bahamas intend to change my name to CORDARRO RHASHADD CLEVARD MASON. If there are any objections to this change of name

by Deed Poll, you may write such objections to the Chief Passport Officer,P. O. Box N-742,Nassau Bahamas no later than Thirty (30)days after the date of publication of this notice.

NOTICE

NOTICE is hereby given that JAMES SIMEON of Bailey Town, Bimini, 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 12nd dAy of JULy, 2016 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, N.P., The Bahamas.

THE TRIBUNE

Tuesday, July 19, 2016, PAGE 9

B O DY A N D M I N D

SMB Care screens “The Revenant” to raise funds for colon cancer awareness and education

By JEFFARAH GIBSON Tribune Features Writer jgibson@tribunemedia.net WITH colon cancer being the third deadliest form of cancer in the Bahamas, members of the SMB Care Foundation said they recognise that efforts to raise more awareness and educate the public on the disease must be heightened and remain ongoing.

As part of these efforts, SMB Care will tonight screen the Academy Award-winning film “The Revenant” at 7pm at The Island House Cinema.

Tickets are available for a donation of $75 and include complimentary wine and selections from a gourmet platter prepared by Chef Gerald Rolle.

“The Revenant” is a 2015 American epic survival western film directed, coproduced, and co-written

by Alejandro G Iñárritu, and based in part on Michael Punke’s novel of the same name, inspired by the experiences of frontiersman Hugh Glass in 1823, in what is now Montana and South Dakota. It stars Leonardo DiCaprio as Glass, and co-stars Tom Hardy (“The Dark Knight Rises”), Domhnall Gleeson (“Star Wars - The Force Awakens”) and Will Poulter.

While exploring the uncharted wilderness in 1823, frontiersman Hugh Glass (Leonardo DiCaprio) sustains life-threatening injuries from a brutal bear attack. When a member (Tom Hardy) of his hunting team kills his half-Pawnee son

LEONARDO DiCaprio won his first Oscar for his work in “The Revenant”.

Hawk (Forrest Goodluck) and leaves him for dead, Glass must utilise his survival skills to find a way back to civilisation. Grief-stricken and fuelled by vengeance, the legendary fur trapper treks through the snowy terrain to track down the man who betrayed him.

The screening of “The Revenant” is the second instalment of the foundation’s SMB Flicks, a film fundraising initiative. One hundred per cent of the proceeds raised from SMB Flicks will help to underwrite the cost of colonoscopies for high-

TICKETS for SMB Flicks include complimentary wine and selections from a gourmet platter.

risk individuals in need.

SMB Care, established in honour of the late Dr Sharon M Bascom-Bruney who passed away from colon cancer in 2013, has increased its community centered initiatives over the past three years to ensure that all Bahamians know about the deadly yet preventable disease.

“Generally when you are talking about colon cancer, US guidelines state screenings should start at 50 years,” said Corey Bruney, managing director of SMB Care and son of the late Dr Bascom-Bruney.

“However, there was some research done in the Bahamas that concluded that for our population screening should be done at age 45. Colonocopies are an expensive procedure publicly and privately. There are a lot of individuals that are at risked but cannot afford to get screening. We are aiming to give between four and six people colonoscopies.”

The SMB Care Foundation has formed a relationship with the Public Hospitals Authority (PHA) and a network of physicians to identify individuals in need of colonoscopies and to provide the financial assistance to enable them to receive the procedure. A colonoscopy typically costs hundreds of dollars in the public system and thousands if conducted by a private physician.

To learn more about the SMB Care Foundation, visit smbcare.org or contact info@smbcare.org.

Sweet treats for a good cause ON July 28, Dairy Queen Bahamas will host its third annual Miracle Treat Day. Two dollars for every blizzard sold will be donated to help children and families affected by autism spectrum disorder (ASD). All four DQ locations in New Providence will participate – Southwest Plaza, Cable Beach, Harbour Bay and The Mall at Marathon.

Patrons can participate in Miracle Treat Day in three ways: by purchasing a special pre-sold blizzard coupon that can be redeemed any time before August 28; by pre-ordering blizzards that can be collected on Miracle Treat Day, or simply by visiting any DQ store on Miracle Treat Day and purchase blizzards.

Small or large donations in cash or by cheque can also be made at all stores.

This is the third year that DQ Bahamas is participating in Miracle Treat Day, which has been celebrated for more than 30 years across the United States and Canada, raising more than $100 million for the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals.

“Miracle Treat Day is a celebration of life and hope, as well as a fundraiser that draws support from families, friends, strangers and businesses, all eager to help

Dairy Queen supports autism advocacy group children who need it most,” said DQ’s Derek Osborne. “We are proud that through this event we can help make miracles for children and families in our community.” In 2014 and 2015, DQ Bahamas sold more than 7,000 blizzards on Miracle Treat Day and raised $14,930 for children with cancer and diabetes.

This year, DQ hopes to sell 3,500 blizzards on Miracle Treat Day plus 1,500 blizzard coupons and raise $10,000 for those affected by ASD. REACH Bahamas will receive 75 per cent of the funds raised with the remaining 25 per cent benefiting other programmes that support families with autistic children.

ASD remains the fastest-growing serious developmental disability in the Bahamas, according to REACH. And according to the US Centres for Disease Control one in every 68 children is diagnosed with autism.

REACH has been in the trenches for 17 years as a non-profit pro-

REACH members enjoy a blue cookie dough blizzard: (l-r) Denair Rolle, Tyrina Neely, Jonathan Watkins and his mother Aisha Watkins, and Patrice Greene of Dairy Queen.

Photo/Malique Fernander for Fusion IMC moting awareness of autism and providing resources to parents and their children with ASD. Those with ASD struggle daily to fit into a society where their perception of the world and the way that they communicate differ vastly from their peers. The parents of children with ASD bear the burden of searching for intervention and treatment methods that will help their children “fit in” and function in a society that is still very much in the dark on this disorder.

In February, REACH relocat-

ed to a larger facility on Village Road. REACH hopes that funds raised from the Miracle Treat Day campaign will help establish a functioning therapy room at their new location to provide children with ASD access to much needed speech and occupational therapy on a consistent basis.

“There are four speech therapists on the island and private sessions are virtually out of financial reach for most of the families participating in our organization,” said Marcia Newball, REACH executive director. “Vocational,

behavioural and occupational therapy are also very expensive.

We now have a location that can accommodate sessions and with community and corporate support we hope to facilitate training programs to assist families and children with ASD who need it so desperately. Miracle Treat Day is a way to build community while having fun and helping others.”

For more information on REACH or to receive a Miracle Treat Day pre-order form, call 328-4123 or 698-7744.

The dental needs of little people

develop from the age of four and continue every six months. The fluoride treatment hardens tooth enamel and makes teeth resistant to rotting. The second essential service is the placement of dental sealants in all the back teeth.

A dental sealant is a hard plastic coat placed in the grooves of the biting surface of the back teeth.

Dental sealants block the caries process (rotting) from attacking the back teeth.

With these essential dental services completed in August, parents can be reasonably assured that the school term will not be interrupted with dental concerns.

No dental health article about school children would be complete without mentioning food and drink. Refined sugar is a huge culprit in the food and drinks of school children. Almost every drink is full of high fructose corn

syrup as a sweetener. Parents need to choose carefully what a child consumes at home and monitor what they are consuming at school, especially their snacks.

“Junk foods” and drinks are tasty but never good for a developing child. In this regard, parents need to be in control of what their child can acquire at school. This is a hard task when most school vendors sell junk foods and drinks, and the child can acquire these items when they are away from their parents. This is a difficult problem to solve, and since sugar consumption is likely to occur, parents then need to protect their children’s teeth in other ways.

Having said all this, there is no easy path to controlling all these factors. However, parents can give their children the ultimate coverage by seeing to their regular professional dental examinations.

ARE you a parent with school children? If so, you already know that the summer months usher in the back-to-school mode. In many households there is the usual summer checklist with last-minute vacations, new uniforms, and new classroom utensils. What is usually missing from this checklist is the child’s (before school) medical and dental visits. Although I am an advocate for total health, I will leave the medical matters for the physicians to comment on.

I am a long-time believer that although well-meaning, an uninformed parent/guardian is the greatest threat to a child’s dental health. Long gone are the days when a parent could easily say,

Dr Sparkman Ferguson Registrar of the Bahamas Dental Council “I just did not know.” We now live in the information age” and

there is the expectation that if you are raising children in a modern world that you should also know how to care for them.

What does every school age child need in terms of dental care?

Answer: Two important things.

Every school age child needs a parent/guardian that is knowledgeable of a child’s dental needs.

After all, a child does not make health decisions. This parent then needs to be aware of the current dental health trends for children and be willing to seek essential services for the child.

The first essential service is the dental prophylaxis (called dental cleaning) with fluoride treatment.

This is an important routine to

PAGE 10, Tuesday, July 19, 2016

THE TRIBUNE

Youngsters stay fit with tennis summer camp

By ALESHA CADET

Tribune Features Reporter

acadet@tribunemedia.net

PROMOTING health and fitness through the sport of tennis, organisers and instructors at Brajaxba are once again hosting their popular summer camp.

“As an athlete, I had the opportunity to play with many of the top sports teams during my active years, but during summer time we played every day to improve my skills to perform at a higher level,” said Bradley Bain, programme director at Brajaxba Tennis.

Realising that tennis players find themselves in a similar situation, and to help young players focus on their skill development, Mr Bain came up with the idea for the summer camp.

At Brajaxba’s Gym Tennis Club in Winton, the summer camp will run until August 19, from 9am to 1pm, Monday through Friday.

Mr Bain said it is gratifying to watch kids from the ages of four to 17 improve their skill level from beginners to intermediate and advanced levels over their summer vacation.

The camp starts with 45

minutes of fitness; working on a combination of speed, quickness, balance, agility, eye-hand coordination and cross-training. This is then followed by specific drills to work on forehand, backhand, volleys, serves and returns of serves.

The third segment focuses on match play which helps players learn how to play the game by implementing aspects of their daily training into their matches. Instructors note that knowing what to do with the ball in each situation is crucial in developing a top level player.

“Brajaxba Tennis got started out of my love for tennis in 1993 with the focus of developing local tennis talent; to give them the opportunity to attain a college education through tennis,” said Mr Bain.

“I played all the major sports growing up and there were a number of persons who mentored me on my way up the ladder of success to be the best player that I could be.”

He said wanted to give back to the community and began to offer his services to the Tennis Association in 1995 with a single tennis session on Saturday morn-

KIDS ages four to 17 hone their skills at the Brajaxba Tennis summer camp ings at a private court on Yamacraw Road.

The programme expanded to be also be held on Mondays and Wednesdays, and now to six days a week.

Today, Mr Bain is responsible for all programmes offered by Brajaxba Tennis.

He believes the tennis summer camp is important in many ways because while some kids will participate for recreation, true tennis campers take part to improve their overall game.

“They want to be more

consistent in the ground strokes, they will make a few technical adjustments in the stroke technique. Some will work to get faster, quicker on the tennis court, while others will want to improve the game tactics and strategy. Summer is a time to grow your game because you are playing every day and working on all aspects of your game,” he said.

When it comes to the health benefits of tennis, Mr Bain said they are numerous, but in a nutshell he said

playing tennis helps support a person’s cardiovascular health and gives them more vigour, optimism and selfesteem.

“Tennis players burn more calories than most active sports. Tennis helps with fitness, flexibility, strength, endurance and general body coordination, amongst many others,” he said.

And while the health benefits are not be discounted, and the one of the main goals is to allow the

Toxic emotions – Part V: Guilt IN the past few articles we have been exploring the havoc that negative emotions wreak on our bodies. This week, we finally move on from anger and shift our focus to its sequela. Though many may not realise it, chronic anger can lead to other negative, toxic emotions, including guilt or remorse, shame, bitterness, sadness and depression, hatred and hopelessness.

Guilt is the body’s mental/emotional response to a person perceiving that they did something wrong,or did not meet their personal moral standards.

Remorse can be considered as intense guilt with regret. Guilt is an emotion that is often likened to carrying a burden around. For those of us who have experienced it, we can relate to the description that it is an emotion of heaviness.

Research at Princeton has revealed that there is more to this aspect of the emotion than meets the eye. Individuals who feel guilty view themselves as heavier than they actually are, or weighing more. Moreover, these individuals also perceive situations as heavier, more serious, or requiring much more effort to deal with than their counterparts who are not feeling guilty. When feelings of guilt are ignored or left unresolved, as with all toxic emotions, the psychological injury extends

Dr Monique Thompson beyond the mental and manifests itself in the physical.

The example given above – perceiving situations as requiring more effort – illustrates just one way how guilt can beset persons from taking the steps necessary to improve their situation and even lead individuals down into a state of passivity, or drain the optimism from their eyes to only replace it with a stifling air of futility.

This negative thought pattern also decreases the functioning of the immune system by decreasing immunoglobulin A, a very important antibody, and increasing cortisol which leads to increased inflammation in the body, belly fat and heart problems. Other issues that have been linked to guilt

include low self-esteem and bad body posture. In light of the studies done at Princeton, it makes sense that someone’s posture would decline if they perceive themselves as being weighted down or burdened.

As with anger, and all the emotions that we discuss, we have to keep in mind that inherently these emotions are purposeful. Can you imagine the horrors that would occur in this world absent guilt?

The manner of evil that abounds today is unspeakable, but I believe without guilt and remorse to keep human actions in check, some horrors would be all too common.

That aside, people who do not experience guilt, shame or empathy are considered sociopaths.

Resolving or dealing with guilt is beneficial to one’s health. A lot of the work that has to be done is “self-work” so to speak. There are four main steps we can earnestly strive to take in efforts of absolving our guilt. Recognition/ acknowledgement of guilt, acceptance, forgiveness, and making amends (righting the wrongs). In order to heal ourselves, we have to be able to recognize that what we are indeed feeling is guilt, and acknowledge that we are guilty.

This takes us being introspective, and sometimes brutally honest with ourselves. Writing a letter

detailing the event, your emotions as you experienced them, the reactions of others and your feelings afterward, can help you confront your honest emotions.

Once we have identified the guilt, we should endeavour to accept those feelings rather than downplaying them or running from them altogether. After acknowledging and accepting the guilt, forgiving yourself is paramount. It is one way to truly release the guilt. A portion of the Lord’s Prayer says, “And forgive our debts as we forgive our debtors.” (Matthew 6:12) To me, the expectation here is that receiving forgiveness is tied to forgiving. If we ought to forgive others, why shouldn’t we be able to forgive ourselves? It is perfectly OK for you to intentionally change how you feel about the situation. Give yourself that gift.

Finally, taking strides to fix the problem that was created can not only bring about healing within yourself, but it may also do the same for others that may have been affected by the situation.

Therefore, if it is an apology, paying back money, or fixing someone’s car, you will find that it is worth doing.

In resolving guilt, these general guidelines have brought relief to many, myself included. However,

young players to improve their prowess on the court, he said it is also important that see each camper has fun playing the game.

“If they enjoy the game and have fun they will look forward to the next game or practice session. Our advanced players see college in their futures and we have to ensure they have all the skills in their tool box to earn a tennis scholarship. If we want to see more Bahamians going off to college on tennis scholarships, then camp is essential for them to continue their skill development. I have made a commitment to assist and support as many tennis players as I can to attain a free education through tennis. It is important the we create an environment for them to develop their tennis skills, to allow them to compete and play on the international stage. Our camps will be on going for the foreseeable future,” said Mr Bain.

The Brajaxba Tennis programmes operate from the Gym Tennis Club in Winton Meadows. For more information, email brajaxbatennisbahamas@gmail. com or Whatsapp 544-5622 or 357-5580.

guilt can take on many forms, and successful resolutions really do depend on the cause of the guilt and the type of guilt that a person experiences.

In closing, I will leave you with this reminder of the beauty and peace we have access to: “For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account.

Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession.

For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” (Hebrews 4:12-16) • Dr Monique Thompson is the founder of Cornerstone Healing Institute, an integrative family medicine clinic, and can be contacted at 356-0083 with any questions/comments. Visit www.chibahamas.com for more information. This article is not intended to diagnose or treat any medical condition.

Vegan, vegetarian, pescatarian and plant-based BASED on findings that the over-consumption of red meat causes a host of preventable diseases and ailments, many people are looking for a more animalfree diet for a healthier body.

The terms vegan, vegetarian, pescatarian and plant-based are used to categorise different ways of eating and are often not understood. Here are the definitions:

Transform your Life

VEGAN

A vegan does not consume anything that comes from an animal.

This includes dairy, eggs and honey. Some vegans won’t wear leather or other fibres that come from animals. They are 100 per cent animal free. A typical meal may consist of: tofu or tempeh, mixed vegetables, rice, salads, fruit or beans.

VEGETARIAN

A vegetarian does not eat the flesh of any animal but may choose to consume dairy or eggs.

A typical meal may consist of: pasta, vegetables, rice, beans, fruits, nuts and seeds.

PESCATARIAN

Pescatarians will only eat the meat of fish but no other animal.

They may choose to consume dairy and eggs.

A typical meal may consist of: fish, rice, vegetables, fruits, nuts and seeds.

PLANT-BASED

A plant-based diet is based on primarily consuming foods from plants including vegetables, whole

Christine Carey grains, legumes and fruits. A person eating a primarily plant-based diet may eat meats, dairy and cheese but only occasionally.

A typical meal may consist of: dark leafy green salad, veggies, nuts and seeds.

Whatever diet guideline you choose to follow, there are some essential foods that will benefit all humans. Try to implement these three nutrient dense foods for added vitamins, fibre and minerals:

• KALE

Kale contains a host of cancerfighting antioxidants and is one of the top sources of vitamin A, which promotes eye and skin health and may help strengthen the immune system. A one-cup serving (approximately 100g) has almost as

KALE is considered one of the world’s healthiest foods much vitamin C as an orange. A 100g portion of kale contains two grammes of fibre, three grammes of protein and only 50 calories.

It also has: 200 per cent of the RDA (recommended daily amount) for vitamin C; 300 per cent of the RDA for vitamin A (from beta-carotene); 100 per cent of the RDA for vitamin K1, and large amounts of vitamin B6, potassium, calcium, magnesium, copper and manganese.

Kale (and other greens) is also loaded with various bioactive compounds, including isothiocyanates and indole-3-carbinol, which have been shown to fight cancer in test tubes and animal studies.

• GARLIC

Garlic really is an amazing ingredient. It is high in vitamins C, B1 and B6, calcium, potassium, copper, manganese and selenium.

Garlic is also loaded with anoth-

er incredibly important nutrient called allicin. There are many studies on the health benefits of allicin and garlic. It has been shown to lower blood pressure and total and LDL cholesterol, while raising HDL, which should lead to a reduced risk of heart disease. It also has various cancer-fighting properties. Studies show that the people who eat a lot of garlic have a much lower risk of several common cancers, especially cancers of the colon and stomach. Garlic is also very potent at killing pathogens like bacteria and fungi.

• SEAWEED

There are thousands of different plant species in the ocean, some of which are incredibly nutritious. In many cases, seaweed is even more nutritious than vegetables from the land. It is particularly high in minerals like calcium,

iron, magnesium and manganese.

It is also loaded with various bioactive compounds, including phycocyanins and carotenoids.

Some of these substances are antioxidants with powerful antiinflammatory activity.

But where seaweed is really beneficial is in its high content of iodine, a mineral that is used to make thyroid hormones. Just eating a high-iodine seaweed like kelp a few times per month can give your body all the iodine that it needs.

If you don’t like the thought of eating seaweed, then you can also get it as a supplement. Dried kelp tablets are very cheap and loaded with iodine.

• This column shares preventative health tips and life transformation tools aiming to enlighten the reader to living their full potential with passion and purpose.

The content is not intended to diagnose or treat any diseases.

It is intended to be provided for informational, educational, and self-empowerment purposes only.

Please consult with your wellness team, and then make your own well informed decisions based upon what is best for your unique genetics, culture, conditions and stage of life.

Christine Carey is a certified holistic health and life coach, blogger (www.christine-carey), and co-owner of Liquid Nutrition (www.liquidnutrition.com).

THE TRIBUNE

Tuesday, July 19, 2016, PAGE 11

Workshop to make young women into go-getters

By JEFFARAH GIBSON Tribune Features Writer jgibson@tribunemedia.net

I

NSPIRING a go-getter attitude in young women that will help them be successful in any field of their choosing is the goal of an upcoming workshop.

The “Young Ladies Workshop”, presented by the non-profit organisation New Image, will take place on July 30 at the Bahamas Baptist College from 9am to 2pm.

The theme for the summer workshop is “I Am What You See.” There will be a number of topics presented by various speakers, including New Image’s director, Tanya Sweeting, co-director Sheska Sands, administrator Rochelle Johnson, finance officer Latasha Braynen, and media and communications officer Khadijah Miller.

New Image was started with the idea of assisting young Bahamian women in becoming aware of the success they can experience both physically and spiritually. The organisation is geared towards young women between the ages of 13 and 25.

New Image also actively encourages women to examine their strengths and build their dreams, and empowers them in being “beautifully awesome,” said Ms Sweeting.

The organisation hopes to fulfil this mandate with the upcoming workshop. “(The aim of this workshop is) to bring some enlightenment to real issues and to strengthen selfconfidence. This workshop is also designed to turn on the brilliance of the young ladies, not only on the inside but also on the outside. It will provide opportunities for questions, comments and open dialogue.

This ‘I Am What You See’ summer workshop is to add splashes of beautiful motivating colours and expressions so that the young ladies can leave with a sense of appreciation, value and beauty to know that they can conquer the world,” she told Tribune Woman.

During the workshop, Ms Sweeting explained, participants will learn how to let the beauty that is within them, shine outwards in their attitude, character and in their appearance. They will learn that their beauty should be cherished and protected to bloom into maturity.

Another topic that will be highlighted during workshop is the value of things and the value of time, Ms Sweeting said.

“This workshop is most beneficial to the young ladies because it provides an environment that addresses the person as a whole individual. It does not look at the

spiritual aspect but also the physical and social aspect of a young lady. It focuses on a holistic approach,” she said.

“There are a number of organisations, church groups, and activities that are planned or executed throughout the Bahamas that are geared to reaching out to people of all ages. New Image creates a new process: a vibrant, passionate and unique process in the approach of reaching out to young ladies.”

Ms Sweeting said she is confident that after the workshop the participants will have a clear vision of their future and will be equipped with the necessary tools to achieve their goals.

“The main outcome of the workshop is to see entrepreneurs, teachers, lawyers, talents, preachers, politicians, designers, and all types of professions and careers be developed from the foundation of New Image,” she said.

“Another main outcome will be to develop mentors, role models and motivational speakers for the next generation. Planting seeds of hope, knowledge and wisdom can reap a harvest of ladies aspiring for greatness.”

Registration for the event is $10 and lunch will be provided. For more information e-mail newimage.242@gmail.com.

TANYA SWEETING, DIRECTOR OF NEW IMAGE

New mom tips to ignore

the face and work down to the toes.

baby to sleep. Your baby will become accustomed to the noise in their environment, even the dog barking, as these noises are already familiar to them from inside the womb. The only warning with sound is that when the baby moves into the toddler stage, or even before, they are very aware of their environment and want to explore the world around them, so noise will become an invitation to investigate what’s going on in their world.

A newborn has this baby smell that is totally intoxicating. Not many mothers can resist that new baby smell; babies have their own natural, heavenly scent. There is no need to slather them with baby powder and baby-scented lotions. Honestly, most of the skincare you get in the drug stores are packed with chemicals that can irritate the skin. If you want to nourish and moisturise your baby’s skin, use organic, parabenfree skin care or dermatologist recommended, Cetaphil.

EVERYONE knows that life is exhausting and overwhelming for a new mom. Let’s face it, everything is uncharted territory, and a lot of the time new moms will rely on friends and family that have been down the parenting road before for advice.

Most of the advice received is very helpful, but here are some new mom tips you can ignore:

Bun In The Oven

1. KEEP THE DOGS AWAY FROM THE BABY

I know it can be tempting to keep the dog and the baby separate in the beginning. But honestly, your family dog is a part of the family, too, and the introduction to your family’s new addition should be immediate. Don’t isolate them; introduce them, and monitor their interaction well into the toddler stage. Doing this early will encourage a safe and life-long friendship.

2. CREATE A NOISE-

Bianca Carter FREE ZONE

No one wants to wake the baby, believe me! Further, every parent cringes at any noise louder than a whisper, but truthfully your life will be panicked every time a phone rings if you don’t allow normal noise while putting your

3. BATHE THE BABY DAILY

A baby’s skin is very delicate and bathing them every day can lead to irritation and dryness of the skin. Unless it’s summertime and super hot, there’s no need to wash the hair and bathe them daily during the newborn period.

Instead, consider a warm wash cloth to wipe over their little bitty bodies, and a full bath-time experience every other day. Start with

4. USE BABY-SCENTED PRODUCTS

5. BURP THE BABY AFTER EVERY FEEDING

We are taught that all babies must be burped after they eat, before they go to sleep, but anyone that’s been a mother before will tell you that it’s not always easy to get a baby to burp. One of the most common misconceptions about breastfeeding is this notion that you have to burp breastfeed-

ing babies the same as bottle-fed babies after feeding; this is not the case. Breastfed babies do not need to burp after feeding. There is no air in your milk ducts to get into the baby’s system. Instead, the air is transferred by the bottle to your baby. If you’ve just breastfed your baby and they don’t burp, it’s completely fine. I can’t tell you how many women tell me that they breastfeed and then spend the next 40 minutes trying to burp a baby that doesn’t need to burp.

You will have to burp your baby if you bottle feed.

Love and hugs!

• Bianca Carter is a certified lactation counsellor and founder of Bun in the Oven.

For more information, email her at info@ babybunintheoven. com. Follow BITO on Facebook at babybunintheoven, and check out the BITO Blog every Monday and Thursday at http:// babybunintheoven.com.

How do you grow from independence to interdependence?

THE transition from independence to interdependence is a fundamental process that must be undertaken if you desire to experience a life of harmony and interconnectedness.

While many may believe that achieving independence is the pinnacle of success, wisdom reveals that those who are truly enlightened have embraced and mastered interdependence.

Unfortunately, while the conversation around independence has become a common dialogue, clarity and understanding about interdependence has yet to reach the fore.

In essence, while society encourages the notion of independence, the fact of the matter is there is an innate level of interconnectedness that all people share – which is our interdependence.

So what the difference?

Dr Charles J Palus of the Centre for Creative Leadership puts it well using wisdom in his definitions: “Independent wisdom is about the journey of the self, and

Michelle Miller Motivationals

Michelle M Miller the power of personal experience and rational thinking. Interdependent wisdom is about the interconnection of everything and the mysteries of existence.”

Your acceptance of these definitions enables you to determine the degree to which you are growing towards a higher level of living by developing a sense of interde-

pendence.

Although this article speaks to the two aspects of human evolution – from independence to interdependence – it is important to acknowledge the infancy stage of this process, which is dependence.

Essentially, these three phases of development begins with our inborn dependence. As babies, we are totally dependent on others for our needs and well-being.

In phase two we begin to grow towards of our individuality; building a sense of independence, which develops our basic ability to manage ourselves and own our responsibilities.

Many struggle through this second phase and it is where most people remain.

From their vantage point, their independence is the ultimate achievement. Rather than seeing it as only the second tier of a three-part journey, they remain in this stage; restrained by the notion of being independent, believing that this means they don’t need anyone as they can do it alone.

So often the context in which independence is understood even on a personal level is limited to one’s capacity to pay bills and upkeep a certain standard of living First of all, being independent is bigger than paying bills and maintaining the status quo. The fact of the matter is that no matter who you are, or your socioeconomic status, nobody does it alone. From the time we wake up until the time we go to sleep, thousands, if not millions, of people have contributed to making our lives function – the food we eat, the clothes we wear and the material with which we build our homes are all made by the hands of people all over the world. So despite the notion of ‘independence’, we as human beings are forever in need of one another.

Indeed, while the lines of sovereignty must be respected, the idea of interdependence be also be acknowledged and pursued.

Regardless of our place or birth or our nationality, we are all cardcarrying members of the human

Your beauty routine’s dirty little secrets (BPT) - Whether you are heading to a backyard barbeque or a summer soirée, a healthy, glowing complexion is the best accessory this summer. Everyone knows the drill about proper skin cleansing and moisturising regimens, however, many women are interfering with their skin health by not taking the same care when it comes to their beauty products.

“Keeping skin looking radiant is no small feat,” says Stacey Ramstedt, senior director of marketing at Paris Presents Incorporated, a global leader in beauty products and personal care accessories. “Women are careful about the makeup and products they use on

Small steps to improve your regimen their skin, but overlook the importance of maintaining those products for optimal use and skin health.”

Are you guilty of these dirty secrets?

• MISTAKE 1: Never washing makeup brushes A whopping 43 per cent of makeup brush users report they never wash their makeup brushes, according to a 2014 quantitative online survey among 212 makeup brush users. Brushes not only collect makeup

MAKE sure to clean your makeup brushes regularly. residue, but they also hold dirt, oil and other impurities. A regular maintenance routine ensures brushes are clean when they touch your skin, plus it boosts brush performance and integrity so they last longer.

Cleaning makeup brushes does not have to be a time-consuming chore.

For daily cleaning and quick colour changes, try EcoTools Makeup Brush Cleansing Cloths or the

popular Color Switch By Vera Mona Brush Cleaner.

They help keep your brushes fresh and conditioned. For a weekly deeper clean, use a brush shampoo to get your brushes back to new. Use brushes that are made from plant-based ingredients and are dermatologist tested so they are safe for sensitive skin.

• MISTAKE 2: Using expired makeup

race.

When we embrace our sameness and our undeniable interconnectedness, then and only then can we truly find peace and happiness.

Leader to leader, as we celebrate our nation’s 43rd Independence, be mindful that there is a higher, loftier goal to be achieved: our interdependence where we embrace our collective strengths, acknowledge our mutual reliance on each other and find creative ways in which to move forward, upward and onward together.

Your willingness to live at this higher level is at the centre of an empowered life, and yes, you can do it!

What do you think? Send comments questions to coaching242@ yahoo.com.

• Michelle M Miller is a certified life coach, communication and leadership expert. Visit www. michellemmiller.com; mail can be sent to PO Box CB-13060.

Similar to the kale salad you had for lunch, your makeup comes with an expiration date. While it may not give a specific “use by” date, the general rule is to replace mascara and eyeliners every three months, liquid foundation every six months and powder eyeshadow every two years. We all struggle with letting go, with 89 per cent of women hanging on to makeup just in case they need it later, according to a Stowaway Cosmetics survey. Which means at best makeup will be poor-performing, and at worst, it can bring bacteria to the skin and eyes, causing irritation.

Keep in mind, the more often you use the product, especially with your fingers, the more often you should replace it.

• MISTAKE 3: Relying on products to include your sun protection It is no secret that sunscreen helps maintain skin health. By blocking dangerous ultraviolet rays, sunscreen is a key tool to pro-

tect the skin against cancer and premature aging. Recognising the benefits, most face lotions and products on the market today include a sunscreen ingredient. But be cautious, similar to the products in your makeup bag, sunscreens do not last forever and should be replenished.

While sunscreens are designed to remain at original strength for up to three years, according to the Mayo Clinic, the sunscreen ingredients in your favourite face products may not last as long. In fact, facial moisturizers and serums should be tossed after six months to a year. Be on the lookout for PAO (period after opening) notations on new products or look for a number followed by an ‘M’ to tell you how many months after opening the product should be tossed.

To be safe, be sure to use an oil-free high SPF face sunscreen after your moisturiser to provide any extra level of protection all summer long.

SECTION B

TUESDAY, JULY 19, 2016

Caring primary student is a class act with uniform drive

By ALESHA CADET Tribune Features Reporter acadet@tribunemedia.net

J

UST in time for back-toschool, a philanthropic primary is stepping up her initiative to ensure that Bahamian children in need have uniforms to return to class next month.

Last year, when BreAnn Ferguson was just seven years old, she became aware of the fact that there were children in her community who did not attend school because they were without the necessary uniforms.

Acting on this realisation, the caring youngster decided she wanted to do something that matters and ensures that students are not kept from school due to a lack of uniforms.

With the help of her mother, Chandra Ferguson, BreAnn made appeals to friends, family members, corporate donors and other individuals to support her mission: BreAnn’s Care Closet – a charitable organisation that collects and donates new and gently used uniforms to children across the Bahamas whose families cannot afford them due to hardship or tragedy.

“This was a great idea because there are so many organisations that support kids going back to school by giving them backpacks, books and pencils, but without proper uniforms, the book bags, books and pencils are useless. It is also known that a child who is not properly dressed for school is at risk to be out of school, may suffer teasing and bullying from peers, and as a result will not perform as well as they can at school,” Ms Ferguson told Tribune Woman.

Over the past year, Ms Ferguson has been tirelessly supporting her daughter’s vision to ensure that no child is kept from school because they do not have uniforms.

She said her daughter, who has also volunteered along with her mother at Kiwanis for church outreach projects, has a true heart for serving others.

“This love for giving back is what inspired her to launch BreAnn’s Care Closet with the assistance of her family,” Ms

BREANN receives a $1,500 donation from the HeadKnowles group earmarked for students of the Mangrove Bush Primary School.

Ferguson said.

BreAnn and her family worship at Bahamas Harvest Church where she is a member of the Kid’s Electric Children’s Ministry. She is also an honour roll student of St Anne’s Primary School and a member of the school choir.

BreAnn is often described by her teachers and school administrators as a mature, confident and mannerly student who displays good character and leadership qualities, her mother said.

BreAnn enjoys the outdoors and sporting activities like tennis.

She is the 2016 tennis champion in the Girls 8s Singles Subway category and the RBC Junior National Tournaments.

Ms Ferguson said she believes it is vital for BreAnn, and any child, to take part in initiatives such as the Care Closet, because while academics are very important, it is also important for children to develop skills that will

BREANN receives a donation for the Care Closet from The Paint Place

help them become productive members of society.

“BreAnn and BreAnn’s Care Closet subscribes to and is very committed to the national pledge of our country, ‘One people united in love and service’. And this commitment is shown in everything that the Care Closet does. She has expressed that it is her vision to have a Care Closet on every island in the Bahamas.

We would also like to encourage a spirit of giving back and volunteerism amongst young Bahamians between the ages of seven and 12,” said Ms Ferguson.

BreAnn’s Care Closet hosts two major events each summer to support it’s uniform grant programme. The Care Closet has a uniform drive and lemonade stand during the month of July.

The uniform drive event is a multi-pronged approach to obtain donations of new and gently used uniforms as well as monetary donations which go towards the purchase of uniforms. The uniform drive has drop-off locations at the Bahamas Harvest Church and St Paul’s Church which are open throughout the week. Every Saturday in July, the Care Closet has a live uniform drive event at the Mall at Marathon from 10am to 2pm.

The lemonade stand was also BreAnn’s idea and another avenue she uses to raise funds for the uniform grant programme.

The stand operates for the month of July and offers the traditional lemon flavour as well as strawberry and mango. The funds raised from the lemonade stand also go toward the purchase of uniforms for students who are part of the uniform grant programme.

“This is important because it is not only a lesson for BreAnn that we must be our brother’s keeper, but it also spreads that message to the wider community who support the vision. At a time in our country when so many people are suffering due to the economic conditions we face, it up to us as fellow citizens to help those among us who are experiencing hardship,” said Ms Ferguson.

Miss Bahamas contestants get creative for National Dress competition and float parade WITH an explosion of colour and creativity, the 2016 Miss Bahamas contestants celebrated Bahamian history and culture as they participated in the National Dress competition immediately following a float parade throughout the streets of New Providence.

A pirate, Bahama parrot, rake n’ scrape queen and royal pineapple were just some of the themes on display which were presented in an entertaining fashion before the panel of judges and dozens of onlookers in

Pompey Square on Saturday.

Receiving top honours in the competition was Miss World Long Island Ashley Hamilton, whose depiction of the “Long Island Breeze” resulted in a very creative costume. Coming in second was Miss World New Providence Andrea Bowleg with her display of a sexy female pirate, “The Lady Maroon”. And rounding out the top three was Miss World Paradise Island Pischia Adderley with her interpretation of “Jewels of

Paradise” Meanwhile Miss World Acklins Zoie Hanna was inspired by the Bahama parrot, while Miss World Bimini Bryneeah Hanna represented the country’s sun, sand and sea.

Miss World Cat Island Rotalya Williams chose to be a rake n’ scrape queen and Miss World Staniel Cay Shanice Burrows National was the Goombay Festival queen.

Miss World Eleuthera Geena Thompson fittingly chose the royal pineapple,

while Miss World Exuma Aria Romer went with the sea for the theme of her costume.

The National Dress competition is for a special award and does not count towards the contestants overall scores for advancement.

The Miss Bahamas finale is set for July 24 at the Meliá Nassau Beach Resort. Tickets are available at Airbrush Junkies in the Mall at Marathon, or from any Miss Bahamas contestant.

MISS World Long Island Ashley Hamilton presents “Long Island Breeze”