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THURSDAY, JULY 29, 2021
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Judge issues plea for Schooner Bay peace By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net
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SUPREME Court judge has made an impassioned plea for peace to prevail in an Abaco community that has been beset by a longrunning dispute between its developer and several homeowners. Justice Indra Charles, in a July 20 verdict, sought to help Schooner Bay Ventures and its opponents find a harmonious “way forward” after denying both their claims in a battle over who has the right to manage properties within the development. Having branded Schooner Bay Ventures claim to have exclusivity over all real estate sales, rentals and management a “commercial absurdity”, and effectively upheld the rights of the south Abaco community’s homeowners - one of whom is the prime minister - to market their properties however they want, Justice
• Offers ‘way forward’ advice after real estate battle • Denies developer exclusivity as ‘commercial absurdity’ • But property manager found operating without licence
SCHOONER BAY DEVELOPMENT Charles urged the two sides to compromise if they wish to use “Schooner Bay’s” name in their promotions. Schooner Bay’s founding articles and declaration require persons planning to use the community’s name in their advertising to first obtain approval from its board of governors, and Justice Charles wrote: “Given the fact that the Plaintiffs’ properties are geographically located in
Digital building permits hailed as ‘long overdue’ By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net THE Bahamas Society of Engineers (BSE) president yesterday hailed as “long overdue” plans to slash building permit turnaround times by going digital, branding the 60-80 percent reduction target as “achievable”. Quentin Knowles told Tribune Business it was “about time” the Ministry of Works and its Building Control Department shift to electronic processing of the 1,000-1,500 applications they receive annually, adding: “We live in the 21st century.”
Arguing that it was critical that approvals from the likes of the Department of Environmental Planning and Protection (DEPP) be obtained in “parallel” to those from the Ministry of Works, he added that execution and implementation were key to ensuring the turnaround reduction targets outlined by Desmond Bannister, deputy prime minister (see other article on Page 1B), are achieved. “We’re very happy that it’s finally here, and look forward to it,” Mr Knowles said of the Electronic Permit Review and Inspection
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Sand Dollar targets ‘further milestones’
By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net
THE Bahamian digital currency’s roll-out will hit “further milestones” next month, the Central Bank’s governor says, with consumers gaining the ability to switch funds between their bank accounts and mobile wallets. John Rolle, pictured, told Tribune Business that public education on the Sand Dollar will “ramp up” through August going into fall 2021 as the momentum
for its nationwide roll-out continues to gather pace. “We are presently working to launch some of the public education campaign,” he added. “We are
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Schooner Bay, it is my fervent hope that if and when they make the necessary application to the board, such approval will not be unreasonably withheld. “At the end of the day, it is hoped that this community would thrive and flourish in growth, and everyone would live peacefully and happily ever after.” Justice Charles, though, said she was merely providing advice and that this was
“not binding” on either side following a dispute whose origins date back more than seven-and-a-half years. It stemmed from allegations by James Malcolm, principal of Destination Schooner Bay (DSB), a property management company, that the developer was interfering with his business and engaging in restraint of trade by trying to stop him looking after several residences owned by Schooner Bay homeowners. His four homeowner clients included Bennet Holdings Ltd, a company owned by well-known Bahamian accountant, Bennet Atkinson; Thomas Scheerer; Arunas and Marilyn Pleckatis; and Teofilo Victoria and Maria Mercedes de la Guardia. They
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DPM pledges 80% slash over building permit turnaround By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net THE deputy prime minister yesterday pledged to slash building permit turnaround times by up to 80 percent with the implementation of Building Control’s long-awaited digital approval system. Desmond Bannister, addressing a conference to unveil the Ministry of Works’ Electronic Permit Review and Inspection System (EPRIS), said he would hold US-based contractor, Tyler Technologies, to a public launch date in six months’ time. With ministry and Building Control officials going so far as to describe digitisation’s arrival as “tear-jerking”, momentous” and “historic”, Mr Bannister promised between a 60-80 percent reduction in turnaround time for building permit applications once the system goes live. Suggesting that EPRIS will “revolutionise” the process for all constructionrelated professions, the
DESMOND BANNISTER deputy prime minister said: “The current time that it takes to process a building permit is estimated to be on average 55 to 75 days. That’s approximately eight to ten weeks. That’s a significantly long time when a project needs to move forward and other approvals must be obtained from various ministries and agencies. “I am pleased to advise that the implementation of the EPRIS programme will allow for all of the agencies involved in the building permit process to review drawings concurrently, which is expected to reduce the processing time of residential applications to
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WISH to now elaborate more on the electronic portal that is the Bahamian government’s e-procurement supplier registry. This was launched by the Ministry of Finance on December 19, 2017, with the then-deputy prime minister and minister of finance, K Peter Turnquest, saying: “This government administration is keeping its promise to bring greater
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PROCUREMENT E-PORTAL NOT BEING MAXIMISED accountability, transparency and modernity to the government by changing how persons and businesses bid for government purchasing opportunities, otherwise known as procurement. “Procurement will move from a very paper-based, time-consuming process to
an online automated system that utilises standardised forms with clearly-defined evaluation criteria. Interested bidders can prepare and submit documents through the online portal, which will be known as the e-tendering and supplier register system.
“More importantly, these initiatives will leap the country forward in terms of having a transparent and accountable use of public resources that will ultimately expand opportunities for a greater number of Bahamian businesses and save taxpayers some money in the process.” Mr Turnquest said the government is a major procurer of goods, works and services, spending in excess of $1.475bn to deliver public services. “This underscores the importance of having in place effective, fair and efficient procurement arrangements to ensure that the best value is obtained for the monies being spent,” he added. Again, on November 29, 2018, while opening the Ministry of Finance’s e-procurement reform seminar, which was held at the Pelican Bay Resort in Freeport, as well as officially launching the e-procurement and supplier registry system in Grand Bahama, the former deputy prime minister said: “The whole idea of the reform is to make the process of government procurement transparent, and to ensure that there is fairness across the system so that everyone has an opportunity. “I know that for most businesses in The Bahamas that I have come across, one of the things that they have been concerned about is fairness and access,” he added. “We know how it worked in the past, where if your party is in power you get the contracts, and when your party is not in power, you’re out of luck. “This system seeks to try to create some balance, some equity and fairness across the system, so that we can take out these kinds of bias. If we allow the system to work the way it has been designed to work, it is going to create equity and it will result in savings and GDP business growth for all Bahamians.” More recently, Elsworth Johnson, minister of financial services, trade and industry and Immigration, said on March 15, 2021, while closing the debate on the Public Procurement Bill: “For about five years or more persons have been discussing the necessity of having an electronic process; how persons would tender, how they would appeal as Killarney said, and how persons can be treated justly.” But it was just last month that his ministry advised the Department of Immigration to engage a vendor to
provide meals for detainees of the Detention Centre. The electronic process and print media were not used to invite bids for this service, as prescribed by the government’s BY DANIEL tender process for FERGUSON any contract in excess of $50,000. In 2018, the Committee of Experts of the • National Anti-Drug Follow-Up Mechanism on the Implementation of Secretariat • National Emergency the Inter-American ConAgency vention Against Corruption Management (MESICIC), of which (NEMA) • Port Department The Bahamas has been a • Post Office Department signatory since 1998, visited • Department of Public this nation and interviewed myself and other offi- Health • Department of Public cials from the Ministry of Finance to follow up on the Prosecutions • Registrar General’s public procurement reform process. This was part of a Department • Department of Road series of visits, and this one was considered as round Traffic • Royal Bahamas Police five. In their final report Force • Royal Bahamas Police dated September 18, 2018, MESICIC made Force - Grand Bahama • Department of Social recommendations that the government should Services, •Department of Statistics consider enacting a new comprehensive legal and (Nassau) • Supreme Court regulatory framework • Bahamas Power & which encompasses all the branches and agencies Light (BPL) • Bahamas Investment of the state applicable to the public procurement of Authority • Bahamas Maritime goods, works and services. It added that this should Authority • Bahamas Trade be done in a way that embodies the principles of Commission • Bahamasair openness, equity and effi• Bank of The Bahamas ciency as outlined in the • Central Bank of The Convention, and called for the creation of a centralised Bahamas • Compliance registry of contractors of Commission works, goods or services. • Data Protection MESICIC added that this should be mandatory for all Commissioner • Hotel Corporation of state bodies and dependencies, while registration was The Bahamas • Nassau Flight Services also to include a list of sanc• Securities Commission tioned contractors in order to foster the principles of of The Bahamas • University of The openness, equity and efficiency provided for in the Bahamas • Utilities Regulations convention. It has been two years & Competition Authority and seven months since (URCA) It is my understandthe e-procurement supplier registry’s initial launch, and ing that the Ministry of two years since all govern- Finance is aggressively ment ministries, agencies attempting to have all and state-owned enterprises of these departments on were mandated to use the the system by September. Instead of trying to meet an portal for all procurements. To date there are 2,266 unrealistic deadline to vendors who have reg- just populate the supplier istered on the system. registry, it needs to take a However, 208 of them will more strategic approach not receive e-mail notices to yield the best results by of the opportunities avail- first concentrating on the able to them because, agencies that have a larger since the departure of the capital works and services international consultant budget as these are high in and procurement officer value and should be placing at the Ministry of Finance their request for bids on the in March this year, the portal. This would enhance ministry has lacked the transparency, ensure value ability to approve these for money and create an vendors on the system elec- equal opportunity for ventronically, causing them dors in their respective a grave inconvenience. industries. These agencies The same dilemma exists are: • Department of Public for new buyers and those sending in requests for tech- Works • The Public Hospitals nical assistance via e-mail. Approximately four months Authority • Bahamas Power have passed now but the Ministry of Finance also has & Light • Department of yet to hire an IT systems manager to address these Education • Water and Sewage situations and more. The following is a list of Corporation • Royal Bahamas Police ministries, agencies, departments and state-owned Force • Royal Bahamas enterprises (SOEs) that have not registered on the Defence Force To support these large e-procurement supplier regprocurer they ought to istry to date: • Ministry of Financial ensure the Tenders Board’s module is Services, Trade and Indus- governance installed, and that the try and Immigration • Ministry of Foreign Board gets trained in order to make the necessary Affairs • Office of approvals or recommendations. If one was to go to the Governor-General suppliers.gov.bs and search • Ministry of Education • Ministry of National “opportunities”, you would find that out of the 36 agenSecurity • Office of the Attor- cies that are registered ney General & Ministry of on the system there are only four that are actively Legal Affairs • Office of the Prime using it for most of their procurements. They are: Minister • The National Insurance • Ministry of Public Service and National Insurance Board • Ministry of Agriculture • Ministry of Social Services & Urban and Marine Resources • Bahamas Department Development • Ministry of Tourism and of Correctional Services • Royal Bahamas Aviation • Ministry of Youth, Defence Force This lacklustre approach Sports and Culture • Department of to using the e-procurement supplier registry is, I Archives • Business Licence - Val- suspect, being driven by members of the political uation Unit • Department of Coop- directorate, especially when it comes to capital projects, eratives Development and also a lack of oversight • Court of Appeal • Department of by the Ministry of Finance which has yet to place a sigEducation nificant number of notices • Fire Services on the portal. • Forestry Unit Rival Caribbean nations • HIV-AIDS Centre • Department of Housing such as Jamaica (www. • Department of gojep.gov.jm), the Cayman Islands (www.cayman. Immigration bonfirehub.com), and • Internal Audit Office Trinidad & Tobago (www. • Department of Labour • Department of SEE PAGE 6 Meteorology
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Thursday, July 29, 2021, PAGE 3
BPL discloses staff pay as union relations sour By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net BAHAMAS Power & Light (BPL) last night said line staff earned average “cash compensation” of almost $58,000 during its 2020 financial year as industrial relations at the utility appeared to further sour. The state-owned energy supplier, in a statement that appeared designed to portray its Bahamas Electrical Worker Union (BEWU) line staff as well-paid after several staged a sick-out yesterday over negotiations on a new industrial deal, said some 77 non-executive employees last year earned more than $100,000 via a combination of base salary and overtime. BPL said it had made a counter-proposal to the BEWU’s industrial agreement on Tuesday, and described yesterday’s sickout - which some union representatives alleged involved up to 60 percent of line staff - as “regrettable”. “We would like to make it clear the company is - and has been - eager to sign an industrial agreement with the BEWU,” BPL said. “We have honoured the spirit of the industrial agreement which expired in April 2018 to the extent that every increment and bonus has been paid up to June 30, 2021. “We reiterate that despite the depressed economy as a result of COVID-19, no employee was laid off and we continued to meet all of our financial obligations under the expired contract. Even now we await the BEWU counter-offer so that negotiations can continue in good faith.”
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One source with contacts in BPL management and its unions, speaking on condition of anonymity, described yesterday’s sick-out by the BEWU and its members as posturing designed to signal their dissatisfaction with BPL’s offer and increase the pressure on management/ government for improved terms. They added: “I guess they’ve got a point to prove. They’ve got to do what they’ve got to do. Management gave them a counter-offer and they didn’t accept it. They’re putting some pressure on, that’s all. There ain’t nothing to worry about.” The source said BPL had offered BEWU members a “lump sum” equal to the Christmas bonus rather than a percentage salary increase. “I guess they’re going through the motions,” they added of the union. “I wouldn’t be too worried about it. The prime minister and deputy prime minister will step in and deal with it. It won’t get out of hand because they’ll get involved.” BPL last night said that despite the industrial agreement expiring in April 2018, it had still paid annual increment and incentive bonuses totaling $511,739 for that year. “In December 2018, we paid the annual bonus – ranging from $700 to $1,000 per employee - for a total payment of $578,200,” it added. “In 2019, the total increment and incentives paid amounted to $810,540. In 2020, the figure was $796,667, and the figure will likely be around the same for 2021. In Fiscal 2019, BEWU members were paid a base salary of $32.1m. Line union members were paid $10.6m in overtime. “Average cash compensation to BPL line union members in fiscal year 2019 was $54,031. The company paid total cash compensation to line staff of $42.7m
in fiscal year 2019. In fiscal year 2020, the company paid total cash compensation to BPL line staff of about $45.8m - $31.6m in base salaries and $14.2m in overtime. Average cash compensation to BPL line staff was $57,959. “Also in fiscal year 2020, 77 BPL employees who were non-executives took home $100,000 or more in cash (base salary and overtime). One hundred and nine employees took home overtime equivalent to 100 percent or more of their base salary, and 256 employees took home overtime equivalent to 50 percent or more of their base salary.” Turning to the benefits received by BPL line staff, and particularly health insurance, BPL said: “Seventy percent of BPL employees have 100 percent of their individual health insurance paid by BPL, and 30 percent of BPL employees have 70 percent of their individual health insurance paid by the company. “It is to be noted that the three percent increase in health insurance premiums last year amounted to an additional $3.36 per month for BPL employees, and $7.83 paid by BPL for the individual health insurance premiums, and that the health coverage benefits for all BPL employees remained the same as a result of the increase in premiums. “It is also to be noted that 95 percent of BPL employees are enrolled in the defined benefit plan, where the company pays 100 percent of the pension equivalent to about 15 percent of the employee’s base salary. The remaining five percent of BPL employees are enrolled in the defined contribution plan, where BPL pays up to five percent of the employees’ pension, and employees can contribute as much as they wish to the plan.”
FISCAL COUNCIL CHIEF: ‘NO SHORT-TERM FIX’ By YOURI KEMP Tribune Business Reporter ykemp@tribunemedia.net
THE Fiscal Responsibility Council’s chairman yesterday said there was “no short-term fix” for the government’s multi-billion dollar debt and deficit challenges, describing it as a “difficult situation”. Kevin Burrows told Tribune Business that the Minnis administration presently has very little room for cutting government spending given that the majority of the Budget is dedicated to covering costs, such as civil service salaries, debt service payments and rents. With the national debt forecast to hit $10.4bn by the end of the 20212022 fiscal year, with some $951.5m added to it over the next 11 months due to projected deficits, Mr Burrows said the government’s best hope was for tourism and the wider economy to
DIGITISATION OF LITTLE USE IF POVERTY GAPS REMAIN
By YOURI KEMP Tribune Business Reporter ykemp@tribunemedia.net THE Bahamas needs to address its social gaps before full digitisation of the economy can take place, an information and communications technology (ITC) executive warned yesterday. Philip Darville, owner/ operator of SolveIt Bahamas, told Tribune Business this nation needs to tackle its poverty issues before it can enjoy progress in digitising the Bahamian economy. Arguing that it was hard to bring digitisation to all Bahamians, he added: “This isn’t overnight. This is a multi-year approach to
rebound as quickly as possible and enable revenue growth to close the gap with spending. He added: “This is a difficult situation because you have to remember that runaway debt is simply a result of a shortfall of revenue versus expenditure. So in the short-term that shortfall has to be filled; it has to be financed. “There is no short-term fix for the increase in debt and the deficits. We just need to close the gap on the revenue side and, hopefully, with the opening of tourism and all of that we can begin to see revenues get closer to normal.” “There is nothing we can do on the expenditure side that’s going to quickly change that equation. We just have to hope that revenue bounces back a lot more rapidly, and I think we are starting to see some proof of that into this year.” Mr Burrows said the council’s much-anticipated
first report will be presented on its website next week. He explained that it had been delayed because the bureaucracy“takes forever”, but “we’re looking at the first report to come out in the next week or so. We are finalising the final design and that’s just about done, and all we need now is sign off from the committee”. The report will contain nothing that is “earth shattering”, and Mr Burrows said there is “very little” the council can do with regard to the what the central government does to manage its financial affairs. “Unless individual members put their own spin on things, then we may be able to do that. But the Fiscal Responsibility Council is not designed to opine on the budget, per se. It’s just about the presentation and making sure the government is presenting it according to the Act,” he added.
changing everything when it comes to digital and that’s ground up. That’s a governmental body. That’s educational systems, a whole mix of things. “We have seen the tragedy that has happened with the unannounced shift towards digital learning. We have seen thousands of students who are unfortunately not in a position to adequately continue their education because of social ills and social gaps that may not have previously been addressed.” Mr Darville said it was easy to tell people the
government intends to digitise, but if families are not in a position to achieve and benefit from this then it is a waste of time. “Digitisation has to go hand in hand with the elimination of social ills and gaps,” he said. “We have to ensure that people have adequate access to technology, and not just giving someone a tablet, but it’s ensuring that these people are able to have electricity to be able to charge their tablets and have them able to function.” “We need to build this
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THE TRIBUNE
DIGITISATION OF LITTLE USE IF POVERTY GAPS REMAIN FROM PAGE THREE
new economy from the ground up. We’re seeing a shift towards an increase in opportunities for payment systems, so there is a road map, but this is something for the future,” Mr Darville added. “But there are some pressing issues that need to be identified at the core, the gaps which exist for those who need the necessary skills from the primary school level. That’s what we really need to look at for the long haul.”
The ‘heavy hitter’ for editing video ADOBE Premiere Pro is the heavy-duty hitter that can be used for anything from short films to feature films. I think you would be hard-pressed to know a creative who has not heard of Adobe Premiere Pro. It is one of Adobe’s flagship programs that likely sits just behind Photoshop in terms of popularity. Adobe is to graphics and video what Microsoft is to data. This standalone software has all the necessary functions needed to execute a comprehensive, simple edit. Many in the industry initially saw Premiere Pro as a tool for amateur filmmakers. As such, Premiere Pro is built for the editor who needs it all. From opening multiple projects simultaneously and working over a shared network, to colour correction and soft audio mixing, Premiere Pro can do almost 99 percent of what is required for a video project. In a nutshell, Premiere Pro is the industry-leading video editing software for social sharing, TV and film. To add a bit of history, Adobe Premier Pro started as simply Premiere, and was introduced in 1991 for the Mac operating system. It was one of the first computer-based non-linear editing systems. Users can either purchase the
software for a one-time fee and use it for as long as they wish - without having to pay any other associated fees - by download or ordering the program CD, or they can subscribe to Premiere Pro by agreeing to pay a monthly fee. What are the advantages of Premiere Pro? • Multiple video clips can be placed on the same video track. • Ideal for trimming and arranging clips. • It is easy to create transitions between clips. • Can create simple text layers. Is Adobe Premiere Pro difficult to use? Adobe Premiere Pro is an NLE (non-linear editor) with the main function of editing video clips together in a sequence. This is the program that most beginners open to create a simple video with multiple clips and music. It is incredibly scalable, easy to use for beginners, and still powerful enough for a master editor. For example, Photoshop files can be opened in Premiere Pro and thereafter edited in Photoshop. Overall, Adobe Premiere Pro is a popular choice for video editing with all the tools for audio mixing, effects, transitions, motion graphics and more. That said, you can use other
The Art of Graphix BY DEIDRE M BASTIAN
Adobe programs in conjunction with Premiere Pro to make your job easier and achieve a better end result. Until we meet again, fill your life with memories rather than regrets. Enjoy life and stay on top of your game. NB: Columnist welcomes feedback at deedee21bastian@gmail.com ABOUT COLUMNIST: Deidre M. Bastian is a professionally-trained graphic designer/brand marketing analyst, author and certified life coach, with qualifications of B.Sc and M.Sc. She has trained at institutions such as: Miami Lakes Technical Centre, Success Training College, College of The Bahamas, Nova Southeastern University, Learning Tree International, Langevine International and Synergy Bahamas.
LENO TRUST NAMES BFSB AWARD WINNER AS ITS HEAD LENO Trust has named a former Bahamas Financial Services Board (BFSB) professional of the year award-winner to take over from Dianne Bingham as its top executive. Sean K Longley, Leno Trust’s director, said in a statement: “We are pleased to announce the appointment of Sharon Colebrook, a respected trust practitioner with certification in anti-money laundering, and an experienced professional in the arena of private wealth management, compliance and risk management, to head our expanding Leno Trust. “Mrs Colebrook’s appointment follows the retirement of Dianne Bingham, a leader in trust and private wealth management and a woman admired for
Americaribe Bahamas LTD is seeking to fill the following positions, which will be based in Nassau
SHARON COLEBROOK her ethics and her work ethic. We know that Dianne Bingham leaves a very large footprint to follow and we feel confident that Mrs Colebrooke will meet the challenge enthusiastically.” Mrs Bingham will remain on Leno Trust’s Board of Directors. “We take great pride in being an all-Bahamian company with roots that extend outward, but a policy of building Bahamian internally,” said Mr Longley. “In this case, we are
Help Wanted
SENIOR SITE ENGINEER
Servers • Bussers • Head Chef
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES • Coordination of construction activities among all trades throughout process • Assist in maintaining & enforcing Safety requirements and housekeeping rules in the area of work • Thorough understanding of construction documents (drawings, Spec, subcontractor scope of work) • Coordinate inspections of various trades with Local Municipality & Private provider agency • Interact with Ownership & Design Team on finish details & conflict resolution • Coordination of drawings to complete different areas of construction • Management of RFI’s and submittals • Prepare and track construction schedule (progress), phasing, means & method in accordance with project programme. • Management of Subcontractors (Meeting, schedule, progress, payment) • Understand quality expectations on work performed & enforce standards among subs • Procurement of various packages: bid tab, selection, contract • Implement and ensure LEAN management on the project. • Organise and animate weekly meetings with consultant, designers, project manager.
Email resume to: nassauemployment@gmail.com
The Senior Site Engineer main responsibility is to support the Superintendent in the completion of all various site aspects of the construction and to manage the Subcontractors as well as self-perform works.
SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS • Candidate must have a Master degrees (5 years of studies) in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, Architecture or related field. • Candidate must have at least three years of experience performing the duties described above • Experience working, in this role, in the construction of 5 Star Hotels and Condominiums a plus • Working knowledge of Microsoft office a must • Working knowledge of Project Management System such as Procore, Snag R a plus • Working knowledge of MS project or equivalent • Able to read and understand design drawings and schematics • Experience in several construction trades a plus • Working knowledge of LEAN management Please email resumes to
recruitment@americaribe.us for consideration
Experience required, flexible hours. Must be able to work under pressure. Must be a team worker. Serious enquiries ONLY.
saying farewell to a strong, dedicated and forwardthinking woman who was the first managing director of Leno Trust and saying hello to another who demonstrates many of the same traits of visionary thinking and strong ethical convictions. We are excited that Mrs Colebrook is capable of stepping into the position fully prepared with experience and clear direction.” Mrs. Colebrook, who holds a degree in accounting from Texas Tech University, has served as vice-president of three major international banks with a presence in The Bahamas. Her career has included organising trust and private wealth management services over more than four decades. She is a past director of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP), and a member of the Association of Certified Anti-money Laundering Specialists (ACAMS)./ Mrs Colebrook’s appointment to head Leno Trust is effective immediately. The entity is part of the wider Leno group, which provides a wide range of personal, corporate and institutional business support and investment services.
THE TRIBUNE
Thursday, July 29, 2021, PAGE 5
CRUISE PORT TARGETING 250K PASSENGERS IN DECEMBER NASSAU Cruise Port says it is expecting 250,000 cruise passengers to arrive in December 2021 with construction work on its new berths now more than 50 percent complete. The cruise port operator, giving an update on Prince George Wharf’s $250mplus transformation, said the work is focused on four areas. These include dredging of a new Oasis-class berth on the northeastern cruise pier extension, and the creation of a new mega yacht berth on the same pier. The final two areas are maintenance dredging to accommodate Quantum-class vessels on the passenger pier; and dredging at the rehabilitated Prince George Wharf pier, which is also being extended to move from accommodating Dreamclass vessels to providing space for the much larger Oasis-class cruise ships. The sand collected through the dredging process is being used to fill in the area of the harbour between the Prince George Wharf pier and Navy Lion Road. This sand will be compacted and used to reclaim an area that will become the “heart” of the port – its authentically Bahamian marketplace and the Port Plaza, which will be home to the port vendors, retail stores and related activities.
NASSAU CRUISE PORT “This dredging work is an integral part of making the redevelopment of Nassau Cruise Port an economic success for all stakeholders,” said Mike Maura, Nassau Cruise Port’s chief executive. “The reclaimed area will help us launch Bahamian creativity within the new port, serving as the hub of the vendors at the port marketplace. “The success of these vendors and the surrounding community is hugely important for us. To this end, we will also construct a dock within the western marina adjacent to this reclaimed space, where the water taxis and excursions will both pick up and return guests enjoying tours. “This will place the returning guests directly in front of local stores, inviting them to shop and experience more of the city before they return to the ship. This
way, they can shop downtown, then shop within the Port Marketplace on their way back. Our aim is to give the downtown community as much opportunity to connect with the passengers as possible.” Mr Maura added: “Our contractor, ENKA, has provided an access channel at the northern section of the dredge area to create a passing route for public vessels as required during the estimated 12 days of dredging activity. All the works are being conducted in accordance with the dredging method statement, which was reviewed and approved by the Department of Environmental Protection and Planning (DEPP). “Our contractor has remained true to all aspects of the method statement. An environmental monitor is stationed on site daily
to observe the dredging works and to monitor the environmental impact of our entire project as per DEPP requirements, so we are following all requirements accordingly. The environmental monitor and the contractor’s team are also continually monitoring the turbidity of the water, which remains well within required limits.” Nassau Harbour was most recently dredged in 2009 by Royal Boskalis Westminster, which was contracted by the Ministry of Works to extend and widen the entrance channel to make space for Genesis-class cruise ships. This dredging work, which included the dredging of approximately 1.5 cubic
million metres of sand, took six months to complete. By comparison, no more than 154,000 cubic metres of sand will be dredged during the current works being undertaken. Mr Maura said: “The dredging will continue to have no impact on our ability to facilitate ships. Our home porting operation continues to move along very smoothly, and the passenger survey responses provided by the cruise lines strongly reflect that despite being moved through an active construction site, passengers are extremely happy with the embarkation and disembarkation experience here. “We expect a strong increase in the number
of ships that will visit us heading into August and throughout the rest of the year, which will be supported by various brands including the return of Carnival Cruise Line ships and welcoming MSC Cruise Line vessels. “We anticipate more than 100,000 passengers in August and, by December, that number will increase to approximately 250,000 passengers, so the business is building upon itself and we’re extremely grateful for that.” Nassau Cruise Port will have the ability to place six ships at its new berths by December 2021. Additional structures will be added to the piers in early 2022.
Regional insurer in acquisition deal By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net A pan-Caribbean insurer with a Bahamian subsidiary yesterday confirmed that Peak Reinsurance Company has agreed to acquire 100 percent of the group subject to closing conditions and regulatory approvals. NAGICO Insurances, the privately-owned general insurer, said the two sides had reached agreement on the acquisition. Since the initial investment in the group by Peak Reinsurance in August 2016, NAGICO said it has pursued growth opportunities and expanded its life operations and footprint into the Eastern Caribbean. On the general insurance side, it has paid nearly $1bn in claims following three Category Five hurricanes that devastated the region - Irma, Maria and Dorian. “The outlook for NAGICO Insurances is positive,” said Kyria Ali,
its interim chief executive and chief strategy and development officer. “This transaction, when concluded, would result in the group being a wholly owned subsidiary of an AM Best A- and Moody’s A3 rated global reinsurer with approximately $1.5bn in equity, thereby further strengthening our profile and broadening our reach. “In addition, our mutual desire to harness the power of technology and deliver exceptional service augurs well for our clients in the near-term.” NAGICO
Insurances said itself and Peak Re will now focus on ensuring all the necessary requirements for regulatory approval and closing conditions are met.
To advertise in The Tribune, contact 502-2394
CHUB CAY RESORT AND MARINA Is seeking workers for the following positions:
Marina Attendant Marina Attendant
Duties include: • Assist visiting vessels with berthing, check in, check out and utilities connections • Maintain cleanliness and safety of Dock Office, walkways and nearby pedestrian areas. • Assist guests with directions, knowledge of the area and supplemental information regarding the resort and its amenities. • Preparing ice and bait for purchase and assist with cashing sales in POS
Duties include: •
Assist visiting vessels with berthing, check in, check out and utilities connections • Maintain cleanliness and safety of Dock Office, walkways and nearby pedestrian areas. • Assist guests with directions, knowledge of the area and Office Assistant supplemental information regarding the resort and its amenities. (with Accounting background) • Preparing ice and bait for purchase and assist with cashing sales Duties include: in POS Qualifications: • Physically fit; ability to left around 50lbs and stay on your feet for long periods • Willing and able to work in all weather conditions • Knowledgeable about fishing and boating (a plus)
• • • •
Reconcile daily cash drops and receipts. Prepare invoices and monthly customer statements. Verify discrepancies and resolve clients’ billing issues. Assist other administrative departments with basic clerical duties.
Qualifications: •
Physically fit; ability to left around 50lbs and stay on your feet for Minimum 3 years’ experience in an Accounting role long periods AA in Accounts is a plus Willing and able to work in all weather conditions Moderate knowledge of PC systems and software Knowledgeable about fishing and boating (a plus)
Qualifications • • •
• •
Front Desk Agent
Office Assistant Create, modify and cancel reservations as required (with Accounting background)
Duties include: • • • •
Greet guests as they arrive Input cash and credit card payments in the POS system Perform Night Audit
Duties include: • • • •
Qualifications:
Reconcile daily cash drops and receipts. Previous experience is a plus Prepare invoices and monthly customer statements. Verify discrepancies and resolve clients’ billing issues. Assist other administrative departments with basic clerical duties.
•
Qualifications • • •
Minimum 3 years’ experience in an Accounting role AA in Accounts is a plus Moderate knowledge of PC systems and software
Duties include: • • • •
Front Desk Agent
Create, modify and cancel reservations as required Greet guests as they arrive Input cash and credit card payments in the POS system Perform Night Audit
Qualifications: • • •
Minimum 3 years of previous experience in a similar role Great computer skills Good verbal and written communication skills
Positions include competitive salaries, incoming air transportation, complimentary housing and daily meals. Candidates must be willing to relocate to a small island for work. Families can visit but are not able to join in relocation. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Please email resume, government issued ID and pertinent diplomas/ certificates to: careers@chubcay.com
PAGE 6, Thursday, July 29, 2021
ELEUTHERA ‘COMEBACK STORY’ FOR REAL ESTATE A PROMINENT Bahamian realtor has branded Eleuthera as “the comeback story of 2021” due to the number of property inquiries on the island doubling over the past year. Mario Carey, founder of the first international affiliate of Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate, BHGRE MCR Bahamas Group, said: “If islands had comeback stories, Eleuthera would be the comeback of 2021. “Judging by the number of inquiries in our office about Eleuthera, Spanish Wells and Russell Island, and seeing how fast the prices are trending upward, the world is rediscovering Eleuthera. In our office alone we have had double the number of inquiries about Eleuthera in the last year.” Explaining what
MARIO CAREY was driving interest in mainland Eleuthera, which runs 110 miles long and is rarely more than three miles wide, Mr Carey added: “During COVID, people began looking seriously at safe havens and where they could live with certain conveniences, but without the hassle or the density of a highly populated urban area. “Eleuthera had it all – especially the key factors of accessibility, affordability and availability. It’s also a beautiful place with great
beaches, and the fact that it now has good, reliable health care with several private clinics and an urgent care facility in Palmetto Point in Central Eleuthera, makes a difference because people feel a level of comfort that they may not feel on a more remote island where - if there is a serious incident like a heart attack - it can’t be managed unless you are flown to Nassau or the US. So everything is pointing in Eleuthera’s favour, including the airlift from Florida and the ferry service from Nassau.” United, American and Silver Airways serve North Eleuthera from south Florida with numerous flights per day, while local airlines including Bahamasair, Pineapple Air, Southern Air and Western serve one or more of the three airports on the island.
PRIVY COUNCIL CONFIRMS COURT OF APPEAL ORDERREFUSING CONDO OWNERS PERMISSION TO APPEAL An Order of the Privy Council made on the 21st of July, 2021upheld a Judgment of the Court of Appeal refusing leave to condo owners who were conducting short-term rentals of their Westridge condo unit contrary to the restrictive covenants which govern the condominium association.The condo owners ultimately failed in their attempt as The Privy Council’s Order refused the condo owners application to appeal directly to the highest Court of The Bahamas after they contravened an Order of the Court of Appeal to file their appeal documents within a stipulated time. The origin of the matter stems from the May 2018 Ruling of Supreme Court Justice Indra Charles where the Judge ruled in favour of Hampton Ridge Condominium Association Limited (HRCAL) to enforce their bye-laws against owners conducting short term rentals for periods of less than 3 months. HRCAL was represented by Attorneys Nadia Wright and EugeinaButler.
Bahamas Ferries makes the two-hour trek to Spanish Wells off the coast of North Eleuthera at least five times a week from Nassau in the early morning, with a return sailing in the afternoon, and it goes to Governor’s Harbour in Central Eleuthera weekly. “What is especially interesting about this resurgence in mainland Eleuthera and Spanish Wells, which is already becoming too expensive for many, is how many Bahamians are buying or searching for property so they can build a retirement cottage or a primary home,” Mr Carey said. “I’ve had several clients tell me personally or one of my partners, Tim Rodland or Tim Smith, that they feel they have spent enough time in Nassau. They want a place that is peaceful and
where they can enjoy life, and Eleuthera has what they are looking for. From boat mechanics to partners in a few of the most prominent law firms, there is a Nassau to Eleuthera movement afoot.” Mr Smith suggested that climate change has contributed to the increased interest in Eleuthera. “As buyers search for properties with elevation, Eleuthera hits that target. There are singular high spots in The Bahamas, like Mount Alvernia in Cat Island, but there is nowhere else that has the rolling hills and general high elevation yet stunning beaches like Eleuthera,” he added. “Prices are going up even as we speak but, fortunately, bank rates are favourable so I think we are going to continue to see an increase in interest and activity.”
Position Available
Security Officers If you: 1. Possess good working skills 2. Have good oral and written communication skills 3. Are able to work Flexible Hours 4. Have excellent surveillance and observational skills Main Responsibilities: • Protect company’s property and staff by maintaining a safe and secure environment • Observe for signs of crime or disorder and Investigate disturbances • Take accurate notes of unusual occurrences • Liaise with law enforcement offices to ensure proper reporting violations • Report in detail any suspicious incident Documents Required 1. Copy of your valid Bahamian Passport 2. Copy of your valid NIB Smart Card 3. Copy of your Police Record 4. 2 - References 5. 2 - Recent Passport Photos
Email: jobs2018bah@gmail.com Deadline: August 13, 2021
THE TRIBUNE
PROCUREMENT E-PORTAL NOT BEING MAXIMISED FROM PAGE TWO
ttconnect.g) have e-procurement systems as well, and list a large variety of bids for goods, works and services. This is different from what is seen on The Bahamas’ suppliers.gov.bs, as our bid requests are primarily for goods. As we are now in an election period, there are almost daily announcements by the government on project contract awards - almost none of which are reaching the portal. The former deputy prime minister and minister of finance meant well when he launched the e-procurement supplier registry. I wonder what he would say now as there is surely a lack of transparency in public procurement at the moment. The Inter-American Development Bank’s (IDB) economic and financial analysis conducted on The Bahamas’ procurement system reported that the implementation of e-procurement is going to provide more transparency and more competition in the different procurement processes, which will generate savings in the acquisition of goods and services. Let us hope that the Public Procurement Act will come into force soon so we can realise these improvements. NB: Daniel Ferguson, a retired chief petty officer with the Royal Bahamas Defence Force (RBDF), is a former procurement officer in the Ministry Health and Ministry of Finance, and former component co-ordinator for the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) sponsored public financial management reform project, in particular the public procurement reform. He led the drafting team for the development of the Public Procurement Bill 2021, and public procurement regulations. He is a chartered member of the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply, with over 25 years of experience in public procurement.
To advertise in The Tribune, contact 502-2394
THE TRIBUNE
Sand Dollar targets ‘further milestones’ FROM PAGE ONE
very much further along in that process than we have ever been, and that’s going to have some deliberate focus, not just on New Providence but the Family Island communities, where there are greater gaps in access to services on a daily basis. “The public education campaign will begin to ramp up, as once we get through August into early fall, we are going to be starting that. The very current item we are working on completing is connectivity with the banking system so that there will be two-way connectivity for persons wanting to channel funds from their deposit accounts. “That work is very advanced, and focused on ensuring integration between mobile platforms and the Automated Clearing House. I anticipate we should hit some of those milestones in August. It’s broken into several steps but we anticipate completing that this year.” The Central Bank’s governor previously said the Bahamian digital dollar will “strengthen defences against money laundering and other financial crimes” because every transaction can be tracked and recorded, as well as move the Bahamian payments system further away from a cash-based society, thereby improving the security and certainty associated with financial transactions. Arguing that Sand Dollar will make Bahamian communities, especially those in remote Family Islands, less vulnerable to the “logistical challenges of handling cash”, Mr Rolle added then: “The Sand Dollar is not anonymous, as neither are credit card or debt card transactions. “But our first priority through regulation will be to strengthen data privacy and other consumer protection for both the digital currency and other electronic payments transactions The Central Bank wants the public to understand that this infrastructure will strengthen Bahamian defences against money laundering and other financial crimes, joining up with other parts of our financial system where transaction monitoring is the norm.” The governor continued: “We want the public to be assured of our obligation and commitment to maintain a secure infrastructure for digital payments. All participants, including the Central Bank, will be subject to independent third-party scrutiny of the resilience of our maintained systems to cyber attacks and other vulnerabilities. “We will also educate users on the importance of maintaining their mobile phones security to protect the access to funds in their wallets. Although the phone only provides access to digital wallets, and does not store the money, practicing secure phone usage is still important.”
Thursday, July 29, 2021, PAGE 7
Digital building permits hailed as ‘long overdue’ FROM PAGE ONE
System’s (EPRIS) planned introduction within the next six months. “If it works the way it’s supposed to work, it will definitely help to speed things along. It’s long overdue. “We live in the 21st century, and we’ve had a paperless capacity for so long that it’s about time they leverage it.” Bahamian engineers, architects, contractors and other construction-related professions have been calling on the Ministry of Works to digitise the building permit process for the better part of two decades so that the true potential of Bahamian real estate-related industries can be unlocked. Agreeing that EPRIS will be a “substantial benefit” to construction and the industry’s various professions if it works as advertised, Mr Knowles told this newspaper: “I would hate to have millions, and tens of millions, of dollars in construction held up in a review process.
A lot of times the review process done at the Ministry of Works is not very structured, and there are a lot of bottlenecks. “You have circumstances where clients are so frustrated, and are willing to spend tens of millions of dollars, but they can’t start a project because of delays. We hope it works the way they intend it to work. I can tell you that any improvement we have over what they have now will be of great benefit to construction.” Voicing hope that DEPP certification can be obtained in “parallel” to building permit approvals issued via EPRIS, Mr Knowles responded when asked about the issues with the current process: “Let me put it this way: It’s imperfect. “The issue is the bottlenecks. There are too many bottlenecks, particularly for large projects where you are likely to have hundreds of drawings, and in some departments reviewing those projects you may
Position Available
Maintenance Handyman If you: 1. Possess good working skills 2. Have good oral and written communication skills 3. Have experience in using hand and electrical tools 4. Have technical knowledge of basic maintenance repairs 5. Are able to work Flexible Hours Main Responsibilities: • Perform minor maintenance repairs • Perform preventive maintenance task on a regular basis • Perform general inspection checks • Determine tools and equipment needed for repairs • Maintain a log of maintenance work per formed and required • Identify and report need for major repairs • Oversee any maintenance repairs by private contractors • Perform general cleaning projects • Undertake any other duties Documents Required 1. Copy of your valid Bahamian Passport 2. Copy of your valid NIB Smart Card 3. Copy of your Police Record 4. 2 - References 5. 2 - Recent Passport Photo
Email: jobs2018bah@gmail.com Deadline: August 13, 2021
have one person looking at those projects. If that person has a backlog, the process stops until they get through it. Those type of delays add up, and months after you’ve submitted the drawings hopefully you get approval.” Citing a project he is currently working on, Mr Knowles said the electrical component alone ran into 200 pages of drawings. These have to be copied three times’, meaning that 600 pages in total are required. When other disciplines such as plumbing, fire safety and civil are included, project drawings “can easily balloon from 600 to 2,000”. Urging the government to consult with private sector stakeholders so that implementation “hiccups” are avoided, and that EPRIS works the way it was intended, the BSE president said that if structural, electrical, plumbing and volatile substance reviews were all conducted in parallel than a 50 percent reduction in
turnaround time could be achieved through these four disciplines alone. “If we bring the other departments in to look at the drawings, you could get an even higher level of turnaround,” he added. Gustavus Ferguson, the Institute of Bahamian Architects (IBA) president, told Tribune Business that the planned EPRIS system introduction is “certainly a great boost for us. We were asking for this from many years ago; about two decades asking for this type of change to happen, not only for the construction professionals but the industry in general”. Noting that it sometimes took construction projects up to six months from application to gain approval, Mr Ferguson said Mr Bannister’s ambition to reduce the turnaround time for residential submissions from 55-75 days to two weeks (15 days) represented a “significant decrease”. However, he added that
it was still more than the two-seven day turnaround times for residential building permits in the likes of Miami-Dade County and New York. “Those are very much achievable,” he added of Mr Bannister’s goal. “It’s not out of the realm, but if we compare to other jurisdictions it’s down to within two weeks, and two weeks is considered a lengthy time.” Brent Ferguson, the acting building control officer, yesterday described EPRIS as “a world-class product”. And his predecessor in that office, Craig Delancey, said efforts to digitise Building Control processes had begun “over 15 years ago” in 2005 with the introduction of Shorepoint software. Mr Bannister said the project had been delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic and Hurricane Dorian, with the Minnis administration having moved to “reinvigorate” the initiative upon taking office in May 2017.
PAGE 8, Thursday, July 29, 2021
DPM pledges 80% slash over building permit turnaround FROM PAGE ONE 15 days or two weeks, and commercial applications to 30 days or one month on average.” Mr Bannister said retirement of Building Control’s existing paper-based system will further enhance what he described as a postCOVID “construction boom”, speeding up such projects and driving greater local and foreign direct investment (FDI) activity that has been made even more important by the pandemic’s devastating fall-out. He added that speeding up the approval, and issuance, of building permits will also boost The Bahamas’ international competitiveness in real estate-related industries, enhance government revenues and improve this nation’s position in the World Bank’s ‘ease of doing business’ rankings. With The Bahamas currently ranked 77th out of 190 nations when it comes
to dealing with construction permits, Mr Bannister added: “This anticipated reduction in the time it takes to receive a building permit is anticipated to improve our ranking significantly in this area, and thus result in greater economic activity. “It is foreshadowed that as construction starts to increase, the enhanced resulting economic activity would mean more construction jobs and investment opportunities being made available in the country.” Brent Ferguson, acting building control officer, said the EPRIS system’s introduction in early 2022 will “make a major difference” in the agency’s fight to clear the backlog of building permit applications by enabling better communications with project sponsors and their architects, engineers and contractors. With the Building Control Department receiving between 1,000-1,500 applications annually, he added: “We do have a backlog, we
THE TRIBUNE recognise there’s a backlog and in time we expect it to be reduced to a minimum.” Asserting that EPRIS will boost the Ministry of Works’ efficiency “across the board”, Mr Bannister said in response to a Tribune Business question: “This is absolutely critical. Since I became minister I have had any number of persons call me on a weekly basis asking about the status of their applications and getting them moving ahead. “It’s quite a financial burden for somebody investing in The Bahamas to seek to have plans submitted and to have their projects approved, and carry interest costs for a significant period of time. That’s a financial burden we’re going to reduce.” Besides reducing the loan payments developers have to make while waiting for permit approvals, the deputy prime minister added that faster turnaround times will also ensure better cash flow for architects, engineers and other professionals working to make their projects a reality. Citing another example in response to a ZNS reporter’s question, Mr Bannister added: “One of your Abaco workers has been communicating with me for several weeks about a permit application that has been in. There was a challenge
NOTICE TO SHAREHOLDERS Notice is hereby given that the Annual General Meeting of Shareholders of Bahamas First Holdings Limited (“BFH” or the “Company”) will be held as follows:
Date
Thursday 5 August 2021
Time
6:00 pm
Location
Victoria Ballroom, British Colonial Hilton 1 Bay Street, Nassau, Bahamas
The BFH 2020 Annual Report may be downloaded from the Company’s website: www.bahamasfirst.com/financial-reports BAHAMAS FIRST HOLDINGS LIMITED IS THE PARENT COMPANY OF:
Bahamas First General Insurance Company Limited Nassau Underwriters Agency Insurance Agents & Brokers Ltd. Cayman First Insurance Company Limited Bahamas First Corporate Services Ltd. BFH Services (Cayman) Limited BFH International Limited BRAC Insurance Associates Ltd. First Response Limited
BAHAMAS FIRST HOLDINGS LIMITED 32 Collins Avenue, Nassau, NP, Bahamas www.bahamasfirst.com
because the architect has not done what was needed to be done, and there are other challenges now. “That communication process will be enhanced. The Building Control Officer and his staff will be able to instantly communicate throughout the country and the world in relation to applications before the ministry. These types of challenges with respect to communicating shortcomings in applications, in many cases although the ministry takes the blame, there are many very cases where there are challenges and shortcomings in the application before us. “Our people have to make inquiries, ask for supplemental information, ask for changes in plans and designs. All these challenges we will be able to deal with much more efficiently when this process is implemented in no more than six months.” Mr Ferguson backed Mr Bannister, adding that applications with unanswered questions and complications can “remain in limbo for some time” until they are addressed. “There are quite a number of applications that stay in limbo for various reasons, and in a lot of cases won’t proceed unless there is code compliance.” Mr Bannister confirmed that Tyler Technologies had been awarded a $1.543m contract, together with a $385,849 “contingency”, to install the EPRIS system and train government officials and private sector stakeholders in its use. The US-based technology
contractor, which since 2014 has been supplying the government with software solutions to map and collect real property tax, beat-off Crimson Logic and Bahamas Business Solutions to secure the deal with what the deputy prime minister described as “the lowest price, and scoring the highest in the evaluation process”. Garth Magness, a Tyler Technologies senior account executive, explained that EPRIS was derived from the company’s EnerGov product, which he described as “a best-in-class end-to-end permitting and development review system”. He added that it will facilitate online building permit applications; related online fee payments; the digital uploading of plans and drawings; provide information on whether projects have been inspected; make all records available online; and provide “tool sets” for construction industry professionals to “better manage work flow”. “Paper-based systems are not only inefficient; they’re potentially rife with errors and mishaps,” Mr Magness said, adding that EPRIS represents “a better way of doing business”. He explained that the digital submission of application plans and drawings will allow multiple government agencies to work on them at the same time, rather than “sequentially” as happens now, thus significantly reducing turnaround time. “Everyone is working from the same sheet of paper concurrently as
opposed to sequentially,” Mr Magness added. He said EPRIS will “identify bottlenecks and inefficiencies that might exist in the process”, while also enabling inspectors to work offline in the field and thereby speed up their work. Pointing to EnerGov’s existing impact, Mr Magness said it had produced a 30 percent reduction in permit turnaround time in Temecula, California. There had also been a 75 percent reduction in turnaround time for walk-in applications, and a 24-48 hour faster turnaround time from the submission of applications to approval. In Tulsa, 45 percent of permits were being received online while there had been a 70 percent increase in persons submitting applications this way. Mr Magness said there had also been a 14 percent increase in annual inspections with the same staff, which he said was significant given that they collectively perform 100,000 building inspections annually.
THE TRIBUNE
Thursday, July 29, 2021, PAGE 9
Judge issues plea for Schooner Bay peace FROM PAGE ONE
joined Mr Malcolm and DSB in seeking a Supreme Court declaration that they had a right to place their properties in a rental pool and advertise them in a magazine. However, Schooner Bay Ventures and its principals, Dr David Huber and his attorney, Tina Gascoigne, argued that this violated the community’s covenants and restrictions that gave the developer “exclusive rights to market and manage rental properties in Schooner Bay, and to which the homeowners agreed”. Both sides sought damages. Ms Gascoigne, in a December 19, 2013, letter terminating Mr Malcolm’s employment as Schooner Bay’s marketing director, warned that while “you may continue to operate your business with the clients you currently have, we will be launching our own property management/ vacation rental business to service Schooner Bay clients and buyers....” Schooner Bay Ventures subsequently launched its own vacation rental and property management business in the 2014 first quarter, but alleged that it found Mr Malcolm and DSB were holding themselves out as “the sole authorised agent and representative” for the community when it came to this segment, thus denying them business. Ms Gascoigne warned Mr Malcolm to cease such activities, and matters came to a head in early 2016 when the latter sought to place his clients’ Schooner Bay properties in Coastal Living magazine as a means to market them. The Schooner Bay Ventures attorney, though, stopped this by informing the magazine that Mr Malcolm was in breach of the community’s declarations. Justice Charles noted that she was unable to take into account Mr Malcolm’s allegation that “two letters were sent to Schooner Bay Ventures from the Bahamas Real Estate Association (BREA) pointing out that Schooner Bay Ventures is not in possession of a BREA developer’s license and, as such, would not be lawfully entitled to carry out real estate business in relation to the Homeowners’ properties as it contended it is exclusively entitled to do”, because this was not mentioned in his pleadings. However, Justice Charles accepted Schooner Bay’s argument that Mr Malcolm had breached the Real Estate (Brokers and Salesmen) Act 1995 because he had not been licensed as such when he signed
the contracts to represent his fellow homeowner plaintiffs. She rejected claims by DSB’s attorneys that Mr Malcolm had been licensed because we was employed by other realtors, including Damianos Sotheby’s and Bahamas Islands Realty, adding: “Based on the evidence and the applicable legal principles, I find that DSB operated independently of a broker. It follows that DSB was operating illegally and in violation of REA. “DSB/Mr Malcolm’s services were not lawful since they contravened the Real Estate (Brokers and Salesmen) Act, as Mr Malcolm was not a broker who is the only licensee allowed to perform the services which he promised to the homeowners. “Pursuant to section 40 of Real Estate (Brokers and Salesmen) Act 1995, neither Mr Malcolm nor DSB is entitled to bring an action for the recovery of any fee
or reward for, or in respect of, anything done by him on behalf of any other person in the course of engaging in such practice. I so find.” As a result, the claim by Mr Malcolm and his fellow homeowner plaintiffs fell away. However, Justice Charles also rejected Schooner Bay Ventures’ assertion that the community’s founding declaration and covenants give the developer exclusivity on all real estate sales. The relevant clause only permitted the exclusivity to last for eight years, meaning it expired in 2017, while also permitting “unsigned homebased real estate offices” to operate. “Schooner Bay Ventures cannot shift the goal post to a date at its own whim and fancy,” Justice Charles found. “In my judgment, when these words are given their ordinary meaning, it is apparent that DSB’s property management activities do not infringe the declaration as there has been no attempt by DSB to operate real estate sales, rental or management offices within Schooner Bay other than unsigned home-based real estate offices.”
Position Available
Inspector If you: 1. Possess good working skills 2. Have good oral and written communication skills 3. Are able to work Flexible Hours Main Responsibilities: • Report inconsistencies to the Supervisor • Provide written reports on a regular basis • Investigate disputes • Conduct spot checks • Liaise with law enforcement offices to ensure proper reporting violations • Ensure security procedures are adhered to • Conduct field investigations to ensure compliance • Investigate violations • Conducts surveillance to ensure all regulations are adhere to • Provide temporary solutions to minor problems Documents Required 1. Copy of your valid Bahamian Passport 2. Copy of your valid NIB Smart Card 3. Copy of your Police Record 4. 2 - References 5. 2 - Recent Passport Photos
Email: jobs2018bah@gmail.com Deadline: August 13, 2021
To advertise in The Tribune, contact 502-2394
PAGE 10, Thursday, July 29, 2021
THE TRIBUNE
CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN THE LIVES OF THE CHILDREN AT RANFURLY
T
he Ranfurly Homes for Children has been a safe haven for thousands of Bahamian children since 1956. The Home provides a safe, structured environment for children who have been orphaned, abused, neglected or abandoned. YOU can make a difference in the lives of the children at Ranfurly. With your support children can have nutritious food, warm beds and a safe environment where they can discover the joy of being children. For years the children living and learning at Ranfurly have made great social and academic strides.
LEGAL NOTICE
NOTICE Pursuant to the provisions of Section 138 (8) of the International Business Companies Act (as amended), NOTICE is hereby given that Full Moon Management Limited has been dissolved and has been struck from the Register with effect from 31st day of December, 2020. Joycelyn Curry and Ian Atkins LIQUIDATORS c/o EFG Bank & Trust (Bahamas) Ltd Goodman’s Bay Corporate Centre, 3rd Floor West Bay Street and Sea View Drive P.O. Box CB 10956 Nassau, Bahamas
Their further development requires additional support in the form of a Transitional Home, planned for construction on the Ranfurly property. This residence will cater to teenagers and young adults who are beyond school age, but need accommodation while they find work and gain independence from the Home. We look forward to your continued support in this worthwhile endeavour.
MEMBERSHIP PACKAGES Individuals, Families & Corporate Sponsors Children Helping Children - $5 (Individual children from ages 6 - 18) Individuals Helping Children - $50 (Individual adults 18 years and over) Families Helping Children - $100
CIRCLE of FRIENDS Silver: $1,500 - $2,499 Gold: $2,500 - $4,999 Platinum: $5,000 plus
OPPORTUNITIES • • • •
Invitations to Ranfurly events Assist with fundraising events Involvement with special activities Adults are eligible to join the Board after three months • Stay in touch with Ranfurly through website and newsletters
BENEFITS
• Personal fulfillment in knowing you are impacting lives • Ranfurly children’s appreciation and positive response • Continued support provides stability and constant care
For more information visit: www.ranfurlyhome.org Please “Like” us on Facebook Ranfurly Home for Children, Mackey Street P.O. Box 1413 Nassau, Bahamas 242-393-3115
PUBLIC NOTICE
INTENT TO CHANGE NAME BY DEED POLL The Public is hereby advised that I, WILFED CURRY of Inagua Place, Hawksbill, Freeport, Grand Bahama intend to change my name to SAMUEL ALEXANDER BUTLER. 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.
PUBLIC NOTICE
INTENT TO CHANGE NAME BY DEED POLL The Public is hereby advised that I, BERNADETTE FERJUSTE AND KENSON FERJUSTE of #90 Sunrise Subdivision, Freeport Grand Bahama, Parents of KENDREKA ESTHER FERGUSTE A minor intend to change my child’s name to KENDREKA ESTHER FERJUSTE. If there are any objections to this change of name by Deed Poll, you may write such objections to the Deputy Chief Passport Officer, P.O. Box N-742, Nassau, Bahamas no later than thirty (30) days after the date of publication of this notice.
Position Available
Custodian
If you: 1. Possess good working skills 2. Have good oral and written communication skills 3. Are able to work Flexible Hours Main Responsibilities: • Proper Sanitizing • Cleaning and maintaining floors (sweeping, mopping, waxing, buffing and polishing) • Cleaning restroom facilities • Keeping janitor rooms and closets clean and organized Documents Required 1. Copy of your valid Bahamian Passport 2. Copy of your valid NIB Smart Card 3. Copy of your Police Record 4. 2 - References 5. 2 - Recent Passport Photos
Email: jobs2018bah@gmail.com Deadline: August 13, 2021
THE TRIBUNE
Thursday, July 29, 2021, PAGE 11
SUPPORT THE BLOOD BANK
SAVE A LIFE GIVE THE GIFT OF
BLOOD
BECOME A REGULAR DONOR
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SOME HELPFUL TIPS BEFORE YOU DONATE:
4 You must have eaten at least once for the day.
4 You need at least 30 minutes between your last meal and donating blood. 4 You will need at least 10 minutes rest after donating blood. 4 You can donate blood every 8 weeks.
4 The Blood Bank will do FREE Pre-screening tests to make sure you are healthy enough to donate blood.
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PUBLIC NOTICE
NOTICE
NOTICE
NOTICE is hereby given that MOESHA ELFRAT, of Marsh Harbour, Abaco, The Bahamas applying to the Minister responsible for Nationality and Citizenship, for Registration Naturalization as a citizen of The Bahamas, and that any person who knows any reason why registration/naturalization should not be granted, should send a written and signed statement of the facts within twenty-eight days from the 22nd day of July 2021 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, New Providence, The Bahamas.
NOTICE is hereby given that JANIQUICA JOSEPH, of Windsor Place, Soldier Road, Nassau, The Bahamas applying to the Minister responsible for Nationality and Citizenship, for Registration Naturalization as a citizen of The Bahamas, and that any person who knows any reason why registration/naturalization should not be granted, should send a written and signed statement of the facts within twenty-eight days from the 29th day of July 2021 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, New Providence, The Bahamas.
INTENT TO CHANGE NAME BY DEED POLL The Public is hereby advised that I, BERNADETTE FERJUSTE AND KENSON FERJUSTE of #90 Sunrise Subdivision, Freeport Grand Bahama, Parents of BENDRENA RUTH FERGUSTE A minor intend to change my child’s name to BENDRENA RUTH FERJUSTE. If there are any objections to this change of name by Deed Poll, you may write such objections to the Deputy Chief Passport Officer, P.O. Box N-742, Nassau, Bahamas no later than thirty (30) days after the date of publication of this notice.
PUBLIC NOTICE
INTENT TO CHANGE NAME BY DEED POLL The Public is hereby advised that I, STEPHANIE JUDITH GRIFFIN of Freeport, Grand Bahama intend to change my name to STEPHANIE JUDITH CULMER-GRIFFIN. 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 WELDINE ALEXIS GAUDIN, of Pinewood Gardens, Button Wood Avenue, Sapodilla Bvld, Nassau, The Bahamas applying to the Minister responsible for Nationality and Citizenship, for Registration Naturalization as a citizen of The Bahamas, and that any person who knows any reason why registration/naturalization should not be granted, should send a written and signed statement of the facts within twenty-eight days from the 29th day of July 2021 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, New Providence, The Bahamas.
NOTICE NOTICE is hereby given that MICHAEL EUGENE, of Butlers Way, Golden Isles Road, Nassau, The Bahamas applying to the Minister responsible for Nationality and Citizenship, for Registration Naturalization as a citizen of The Bahamas, and that any person who knows any reason why registration/naturalization should not be granted, should send a written and signed statement of the facts within twenty-eight days from the 29th day of July 2021 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, New Providence, The Bahamas.
NOTICE NOTICE is hereby given that AYANNA ASHANNA ARETHA BERNARD, of #53 Beachway Drive, Malibu Reef Freeport, Grand Bahama 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 22nd day of July 2021 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, New Providence, The Bahamas.
MARKET REPORT www.bisxbahamas.com
WEDNESDAY, 28 JULY 2021
BISX ALL SHARE INDEX:
CLOSE
CHANGE
1960.30
3.90
%CHANGE
YTD
YTD%
0.20 -132.16
-6.32
(242) 323-2330 (242) 323-2320
BISX LISTED & TRADED SECURITIES 52WK HI 6.50 33.95 1.62 2.90 1.78 6.00 7.00 3.60 5.27 3.80 6.16 12.00 2.71 7.76 10.71 9.55 14.31 4.10 8.97 16.00
52WK LOW 3.35 22.65 1.46 1.62 1.43 5.00 6.00 2.80 4.25 2.47 5.00 9.75 2.10 5.30 9.50 8.35 13.00 3.42 8.00 15.20
PREFERENCE SHARES 1.00
1.00
1000.00 1000.00 1000.00 1000.00
1000.00 1000.00 1000.00 1000.00
1.00 10.00 1.00
1.00 10.00 0.90
SECURITY AML Foods Limited APD Limited Benchmark Bahamas First Holdings Limited Bank of Bahamas Bahamas Property Fund Bahamas Waste Cable Bahamas Commonwealth Brewery Commonwealth Bank Colina Holdings CIBC FirstCaribbean Bank Consolidated Water BDRs Doctor's Hospital Emera Incorporated Famguard Fidelity Bank Bahamas Limited Focol Finco J. S. Johnson
SYMBOL AML APD BBL BFH BOB BPF BWL CAB CBB CBL CHL CIB CWCB DHS EMAB FAM FBB FCL FIN JSJ
Bahamas First Holdings Preference Cable Bahamas Series 6 Cable Bahamas Series 8 Cable Bahamas Series 9 Cable Bahamas Series 10 Colina Holdings Class A Fidelity Bank Bahamas Class A Focol Class B
BFHP CAB6 CAB8 CAB9 CAB10 CHLA FBBA FCLB
CORPORATE DEBT - (percentage pricing) 52WK HI 100.00 100.00
52WK LOW 100.00 100.00
115.92 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 102.00 104.00 100.49 100.95 100.53 100.30 100.62 100.70
104.79 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.25 100.00 100.95 100.29 100.05 100.62 100.46
SECURITY Fidelity Bank (Note 22 Series B+) Bahamas First Holdings Limited
1.00 1000.00 1000.00 1000.00 1000.00 1.00 10.00 1.00
CLOSE 6.49 39.95 1.60 2.45 1.44 6.00 6.97 3.50 5.27 2.65 5.95 9.80 2.50 7.75 11.45 9.55 14.00 3.99 8.30 15.50
CHANGE 0.29 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.14 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 (0.03) 0.00 0.10 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
1.00 1000.00 1000.00 1000.00 1000.00 1.00 10.00 1.00
0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
SYMBOL FBB22 BFHB
LAST SALE 100.00 100.00
CLOSE 100.00 100.00
CHANGE 0.00 0.00
BAH29 BG0107 BG0207 BG0130 BG0230 BG0307 BG0330 BG0407 BSBGRS710237 BSBGRS880378 BSBGRS630211 BSBGRS700238 BSBGRS700246 BSBGRS770249 BSBGRS790262
107.31 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 102.00 100.03 100.19 100.27 100.05 100.62 100.72
107.31 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 102.00 100.03 100.19 100.27 100.05 100.62 100.72
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
BAHAMAS GOVERNMENT STOCK - (percentage pricing) Bahamas Note 6.95 (2029) BGS: 2014-12-7Y BGS: 2015-1-7Y BGS: 2014-12-30Y BGS: 2015-1-30Y BGS: 2015-6-7Y BGS: 2015-6-30Y BGS: 2015-10-7Y BGRS FL BGRS71023 BGRS FL BGRS88037 BGRS FL BGRS63021 BGRS FL BGRS70023 BGRS FL BGRS70024 BGRS FL BGRS77024 BGRS FL BGRS79026
LAST CLOSE 6.20 39.95 1.60 2.45 1.44 6.00 6.97 3.36 5.27 2.65 5.95 9.80 2.53 7.75 11.35 9.55 14.00 3.99 8.30 15.50
VOLUME 3,000
5,000
EPS$ 0.239 0.932 0.000 0.110 0.070 1.760 0.369 -0.438 0.140 0.184 0.449 0.722 0.102 0.467 0.646 0.728 0.816 0.203 0.939 0.631 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000
VOLUME
DIV$ 0.170 1.260 0.020 0.030 0.000 0.000 0.260 0.000 0.000 0.120 0.220 0.720 0.434 0.060 0.328 0.240 0.540 0.120 0.200 0.610 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000
P/E 27.2 42.9 N/M N/M N/M N/M 18.9 -8.0 37.6 14.4 13.3 13.6 24.5 16.6 17.7 13.1 17.2 19.7 8.8 24.6
YIELD 2.62% 3.15% 1.25% 1.22% 0.00% 0.00% 3.73% 0.00% 0.00% 4.53% 3.70% 7.35% 17.36% 0.77% 2.86% 2.51% 3.86% 3.01% 2.41% 3.94%
0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000
0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 6.25% 7.00% 6.50%
INTEREST Prime + 1.75% 6.25%
MATURITY 19-Oct-2022 30-Sep-2025
6.95% 4.50% 4.50% 6.25% 6.25% 4.50% 6.25% 4.25% 4.53% 4.42% 4.81% 4.53% 4.56% 4.50% 4.53%
20-Nov-2029 15-Dec-2021 30-Jul-2022 15-Dec-2044 30-Jul-2045 26-Jun-2022 26-Jun-2045 15-Oct-2022 22-Oct-2023 26-Jul-2037 12-Dec-2021 29-Jul-2023 29-Jul-2024 4-May-2024 28-Mar-2026
MUTUAL FUNDS 52WK HI 2.43 4.47 2.17 202.18 190.86 1.70 1.81 1.78 1.07 8.75 10.46 7.40 15.99 12.72 10.39 10.00 10.43 14.89
52WK LOW 2.11 3.30 1.68 164.74 116.70 1.67 1.73 1.75 1.03 6.41 7.62 5.66 8.65 10.54 9.57 9.88 8.45 11.20
FUND CFAL Bond Fund CFAL Balanced Fund CFAL Money Market Fund CFAL Global Bond Fund CFAL Global Equity Fund Leno Financial Conservative Fund Leno Financial Aggressive Fund Leno Financial Balanced Fund Leno Financial Global Bond Fund Royal Fidelity Bahamas Opportunities Fund - Secured Balanced Fund Royal Fidelity Bahamas Opportunities Fund - Targeted Equity Fund Royal Fidelity Bahamas Opportunities Fund - Prime Income Fund Royal Fidelity Int'l Fund - Equities Sub Fund Royal Fidelity Int'l Fund - High Yield Fund Royal Fidelity Int'l Fund - Alternative Strategies Fund Colonial Bahamas Fund Class D Colonial Bahamas Fund Class E Colonial Bahamas Fund Class F
NAV 2.43 4.47 2.17 202.18 190.86 1.70 1.76 1.77 1.04 8.75 10.46 7.40 15.99 12.72 10.39 N/A 10.43 14.89
YTD% 12 MTH% 1.85% 4.26% 0.77% 1.44% 1.14% 2.84% 0.14% 5.02% 3.25% 31.13% 1.37% 1.52% -2.05% -2.21% 0.36% 0.76% -1.28% -2.30% 3.13% 5.76% 4.29% 7.07% 1.70% 3.85% 14.99% 38.64% -1.20% -0.36% 3.43% 0.76% N/A N/A 3.00% 25.60% 7.90% 48.70%
NAV Date 31-May-2021 31-May-2021 28-May-2021 31-Mar-2021 31-Mar-2021 30-Jun-2021 30-Jun-2021 30-Jun-2021 30-Jun-2021 30-Jun-2021 30-Jun-2021 30-Jun-2021 30-Jun-2021 30-Jun-2021 30-Jun-2021 31-Mar-2021 31-Mar-2021 31-Mar-2021
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 | CORALISLE 242-502-7525 | LENO 242-396-3225 | BENCHMARK 242-326-7333