09052017 business

business@tribunemedia.net

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 2017

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Insurers warn of 20-25% rate increase if Irma hits

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net BAHAMIAN insurers yesterday warned Hurricane Irma could cause a 20-25 per cent increase in premiums and “capacity” issues, depending on the hit Florida and this nation take.

Anton Saunders, RoyalStar Assurance’s managing director, warned that “significant damage” in Florida could have greater local insurance market implications than if Irma copied

Hurricane Matthew in striking New Providence and Grand Bahama.

Florida and the Bahamas largely share the same global reinsurers, and Mr Saunders said a multibillion dollar damages payout in the ‘Sunshine State’ would make these companies more reluctant to continue coverage here given this nation’s close proximity.

Bahamian insurers, due to their relatively thin capital bases, purchase huge quantities of reinsurance to enable them to underwrite

property and other assets that have a collective multibillion value.

Mr Saunders thus emphasised that any capacity withdrawal as a result of Florida-based losses would make it difficult for Bahamian insurers to obtain the reinsurance needed, putting even greater pressure on catastrophe premium rates than if Irma’s destruction was confined to the Bahamas.

“We have two scenarios,” he told Tribune Business, describing Florida as worst See PG B4

Industry fears Florida damages be ‘even worse’ Could cause reinsurance ‘capacity’ problems Underwriter ceases taking on new business

IRMA HIT WILL DRIVE OUT ISLANDS INTO ‘ECONOMIC ABYSS’

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

RUPERT ROBERTS

EDISON SUMNER

SUPER VALUE CHIEF: ‘SERIOUS PENALTIES’ FOR PRICE GOUGERS

By NATARIO McKENZIE Tribune Business Reporter and NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor SUPER Value’s owner yesterday demanded “serious penalties” for businesses caught ‘price gouging’, although the Chamber’s chief executive said this was “not a major concern” with most companies.

Rupert Roberts, speaking after the Government warned that ‘price gouging’ was a criminal offense, told Tribune Business: “There should be serious penalties for that kind of thing. No one should be seeking to take advantage of the public in the time of a crisis.”

However, Edison Sumner, the Bahamas Chamber of Commerce and Employers Confederation’s (BCCEC) chief executive, said the practice was not widespread among Bahamian companies.

Chamber chief: ‘Not major concern’ with most Says: ‘Honest firms have nothing to fear’ Chamber doing monitoring with CPC Confirming that the Chamber had put out its own general statement and advisory on the issue, he added: “In the last two major hurricanes, we had complaints coming in to us of businesses inflating the prices on certain products coming into the storm.

“We are just generally concerned, and put out a general statement warning businesses, especially those in the retail sector, not to get caught up in price gouging at a time when businesses and persons need access to See PG B2

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A DIRECT hit from Hurricane Irma will push the southern Family Islands “further into the economic abyss”, a Chamber of Commerce executive warned yesterday.

Roderick Simms, who heads the Chamber’s Family Islands division, told Tribune Business that the already-troubled economy in the southern Bahamas was still recovering from Hurricane Joaquin’s devastating impact of two years ago.

With Irma expected to be of similar Category Four magnitude, Mr Simms expressed concern that the storm could exacerbate existing “depressed” conditions - such as the ‘brain drain’ caused by residents leaving in search See PG B3

Fears storm may exacerbate ‘brain drain’ Many businesses still recovering from Joaquin Chamber executive warns on ‘mail boat issues’

RODERICK SIMMS II

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MANAGERS UNION MOVES TO OVERTURN BPL SUSPENSIONS

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net BAHAMAS Power & Light (BPL) has been accused of “acting arbitrarily and capriciously” by a second trade union seeking to overturn suspensions/terminations related to the $2 million fraud probe.

The Bahamas Electrical Utility Managerial Union, in a July 20 originating summons, is seeking Supreme Court declarations that the suspensions of two middle management executives in BPL’s finance department - and the termination of another - are “null and void”.

The union and its attorney, Obie Ferguson, are arguing that the electricity utility breached their registered industrial agreement by failing to provide the trio with reasons for their suspensions/terminations as required by Article 15 (17).

See PG B3

Trio allege action ‘null and void’ As industrial agreement not followed Hearing scheduled for this Friday

OBIE FERGUSON

Bottled water sales surge 50% via Irma

By NATARIO MCKENZIE Tribune Business Reporter nmckenzie@tribunemedia.net BOTTLED water suppliers yesterday estimated that sales had increased “at least” 50 per cent due to Hurricane Irma, one manufacturer saying: “It’s been crazy since Friday.”

Geoffrey Knowles, operations manager at Aquapure, told Tribune Business the company had seen an influx of customers looking to stock up on bottled water ahead of the storm. “People appear to

be taking this storm very seriously,” he said.

“We have put on extra crews, mainly to deal with the Sunday crowd, but we expected the load on Monday. I would say that business has gone up at least 50 per cent compared to the norm. Our staff are being stretched at the moment, but they understand what’s going on. Lunch breaks have gotten shorter to facilitate the customers on the lines.

We are keeping up with the demand. We expect that it will be like this until See PG B4

PAGE 2, Tuesday, September 5, 2017

THE TRIBUNE

Building suppliers enjoy ‘brisk’ pre-Irma business

By NATARIO MCKENZIE Tribune Business Reporter nmckenzie@tribunemedia.net BUILDING supply merchants yesterday described business as “quite brisk” due to the pre-Hurricane Irma sales rush, noting that Bahamians were being far more proactive this year.

Anthony Roberts, purchasing manager at City Lumber, told Tribune Business he was surprised at the level of pre-hurricane

activity, suggesting it showed Bahamians were being far more proactive in their preparations. ““I was quite surprised at the level of traffic that we have been seeing. People are not waiting for the last minute. People are taking this storm very seriously it would seem,” he added.

“I would say that business has been quite brisk.

People are coming in and purchasing a lot of plywood, nails, screws and

other items for their hurricane preparation.”

Charles Albury, manager at JBR Building Supplies, expressed similar sentiments, telling this newspaper that Bahamians were being far more

proactive ahead of Irma’s approach.

“We have been busy all day,” he said. “We have been very busy, and it appears that people are being a bit more proactive this time around given what

happened with Hurricane Matthew last year.”

Irma, now a Category 4 hurricane, is expected to remain a “dangerous major hurricane” through the week.

Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis warned

yesterday that Irma may pose a “direct and serious” threat to the Bahamas, and called on residents to make preparations. Most of the weather models indicate the Bahamas will be impacted in some way by the storm.

Accounting executives meet with Symonette ERNST & Young executives paid a courtesy call on the Minister of Financial Services, Trade & Industry and Immigration on September 1, 2017. Pictured from L to R: Tanya Murray, project manager, Ministry of Financial Services; Tiffany Norris-Pilcher, Ernst & Young; Brent Symonette, minister of financial services, trade and industry and immigration; Michele Thompson, managing partner, Ernst & Young; and Kendrick Anderson, financial officer, Ministry of Financial Services. (BIS Photo/Derek Smith)

Super Value chief: ‘Serious penalties’ for price gougers From pg B1 essential items going into a hurricane.

“It’s illegal and it’s immoral. We will be monitoring this as well along with the Consumer Protection Commission to ensure that consumers are not taken advantage in their time of need.”

The Government has itself warned that ‘price gouging’, and similar schemes to spike prices ahead of hurricanes such as Irma, are considered

“criminal offenses”. It also warned retailers and wholesalers against “hoarding” items for “speculation” or “profiteering” and marking up.

Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis has instructed the Price Control Commission to monitor the prices being charged for items such as breadbasket food items, medical and prescription drug supplies, and hurricane preparedness items such as plywood and nails

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While some businesses treated the Government’s warning as ‘par for the course’ when hurricanes threaten, others felt it stigmatised merchants as ‘price gougers’ and placed unfair suspicions in consumers’ minds, treating them as guilty until proven innocent.

“I was kind of pissed,” one retailer/wholesaler, speaking on condition of anonymity, said of the Government’s warning. “I’m sure the little ones, the ‘Mom and Pop’ stores, do pride gouge because they do not have computer support systems. But to give the public the impression the merchants are gouging only creates a bunch of suspicious people.”

Mr Sumner, though, told Tribune Business that honest businesses had nothing to fear from the Government’s warnings.

“Most businesses don’t engage in price gouging,”

he said. “We have a few who take advantage of the situation, and we want to caution them that it’s bad practice and illegal.

“Those merchants operating properly, and operating in a very ethical way, need not worry about price gouging and the public perception of price gouging. If you’re not doing it, you have nothing to worry about.”

The Chamber chief executive continued: “Most merchants operating legitimately, ethically and morally have no concerns about price gouging.

“It’s not a major concern, but there area few companies who do take advantage of situations.

We want to say to them: Cease and desist, and don’t take advantage of persons. No business should be inflating prices coming into a major disaster such as hurricanes.”

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The scholarship is inclusive of tuition, course materials, accommodation and travel. Commencing September 2018, the successful candidate will follow a 4-year degree programme at the State University New York Maritime College, New York, USA. Upon completion of the degree, the qualified officer will be expected to serve on board a Bahamian flagged vessel for at least 2 years.

Further information and application forms can be obtained from: Mrs. Katie Clarke, Assistant Director, Bahamas Maritime Authority, Shirlaw House, #226 Shirley Street, P. O. Box N-4679, Nassau, Bahamas; Website: www.bahamasmaritime.com OR Email: scholarship@bahamasmaritime.com Tel: +1-(242)-356-5772 Fax: +1-(242)-356-5889 Completed applications must be submitted in person or by post, with copies of academic certificates/transcripts and proof of Bahamian citizenship, no later than Friday, 29th September 2017. Qualified applicants will be contacted for interviews.

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Tuesday, September 5, 2017, PAGE 3

‘LOST’ CRAWFISH SEASON FEAR FROM IRMA IMPACT

By NATARIO MCKENZIE Tribune Business Reporter nmckenzie@tribunemedia.net

BAHAMIAN fishermen fear the 2017-2018 crawfish season could be “lost” if Hurricane Irma significantly impacts this nation.

Keith Carroll, the Bahamas Commercial Fishers Alliance’s (BCFA)

vice-president, yesterday said that just a month into the season - and the Bahamas in the projected path of a Category 4 storm - there was concern that the crawfish season that closes March 31 could be lost.

“These storms impact the seabed the same way it impacts land,” he explained. “If the storm comes this way that is going to be really bad for

Irma hit will drive Out Islands into ‘economic abyss’ From pg B1 of better job opportunities elsewhere.

Mr Simms, who has just returned to Nassau from Mayaguana, where storm preparations have already begun, said: “At this point in our country’s history, I don’t think another hurricane will be very good for us.

“We have so much riding on Moody’s, the Budget, and this could throw us off our path to regaining financial strength. A hurricane will not go very well for us.”

Hurricane Matthew, which last year struck both New Providence and Freeport, the Bahamas’ two major economic centres, inflicted an estimated $600 million worth of damage.

That storm arrived exactly one year after Hurricane Joaquin, also of Category Four strength, devastated the southern Bahamas by creating $100 million in damages itself.

The islands most heavily impacted by Joaquin were Acklins, Crooked

Island, Long Island, Rum Cay and San Salvador, and Irma - with meteorologists struggling to forecast a consistent future track for the storm - is likely to pass perilously close to these locations.

Mr Simms said the Joaquin recovery process had been “very slow”, with many businesses still struggling to return to sustainable profitability in depressed economies that were continuing to lose population.

“The southern island economies are very challenged, and there is not much activity happening,” he told Tribune Business.

“There is a brain drain happening, and people are leaving the islands because there are not many opportunities to have gainful employment.

“A hurricane of this magnitude, on top of these existing components, could truly devastate the islands and push more people to start leaving. For healthy economies, you need people.”

fishermen, especially in the southern Bahamas.

Fishermen who have their traps set can’t move them.

I have over 4,000 traps set. All fishing boats in the southern Bahamas are heading back in.”

Bahamian fisherman were hoping that this crawfish season will be a repeat of 2016’s, which was described as “one of the best in years” due to the

Royal Bahamas Defence Force’s efforts in combating poachers.

“Reports are that some of the guys have done OK, though not as good as last season,” said Mr Carroll.

“Fishermen in the northern Bahamas appear to be doing good, even better than last year, but it’s not been as good in the southern Bahamas.”

He added that poachers were to blame, suggesting they were seizing opportunities between Royal Bahamas Defence Force patrols in the area to poach.

The BCFA has long voiced concerns over poaching by foreign fishermen, primarily Dominicans, and especially during the closed season.

Mr Simms said reduced Family Island populations also made it harder for the Government to justify multi-million dollar upgrades to improve and maintain infrastructure, especially as there was little prospect of a return for taxpayers.

“It’s of great concern to me that the southern island economies are very challenged, and their population numbers are very low,” he reiterated.

“Any devastation, be it natural or otherwise, pushes them further into the economic abyss, and we have to help mitigate that and keep those islands in consideration.

The people who live there love those islands, and go through daily challenges to be there.”

Mr Simms said the recovery of businesses and commerce on the Joaquinravaged islands had been further delayed by the lack of insurance penetration in the Family Islands.

“What we found is that most of the island businesses do not have insurance,” he added. “They were already struggling, and many businesses had already dropped it or didn’t have insurance prior to the hurricane, as it can be expensive in the islands.”

Mr Simms said this had left businesses impacted

by Joaquin reliant on their own resources; those of their friends and family; and the joint ChamberRotary relief fund for financing to get themselves back into operation.

“Recovery is very slow,” he conceded, “and I think businesses and residents are doing the best they can.

Many businesses are still struggling because they’re living in a depressed economy where every dollar counts, and they have to be frugal with it.”

The Chamber executive added that Family Island entrepreneurs would be unable to rely on friends and family as much if Irma hits, given that their resources had already been strained by Joaquin.

He emphasised, though, that Mayaguana residents and businesses were taking Irma’s impending approach very seriously, with the island’s police chief and administrator having already held a meeting to ensure all were prepared.

Mr Simms said Hurricane Joaquin had caught numerous Family Island residents “off guard”, and a failure to properly prepare had jeopardised residents’ lives, plus the security of business and residential property.

“Preparation is happening,” he added of what he had personally witnessed on Mayaguana. “People are taking it seriously because of past hurricanes.

Everyone is watching it and paying close attention.

They’re not taking it lightly.

“Mr Earnel Brown of the Baycaner Beach Resort has already canvassed the island, helping those who cannot help themselves, working closely with the administrator and police chief.”

Mr Simms told Tribune Business that Mayaguana was also experiencing “a host of mail boat issues”, relating to an irregular calling schedule that was frustrating businesses awaiting freight deliveries.

He added that residents were also complaining that mail boat operators were “not following” the Government’s tariff schedule, and instead charging what they pleased.

The Chamber executive said these issues were exacerbating an already “sluggish economy” on the island, and access issues relating to the fact Mayaguana receives flights just twice weekly - on Mondays and Fridays.

Mr Ferguson argued. “It takes on a statutory code, and is equivalent to being part of the statute. No one person can change a statute, and the court cannot vary unilaterally a registered industrial agreement.

“We’re saying that BPL must be made to follow the letter of the industrial agreement, and it must be meticulously followed. If they are allowed to do what they did, the whole industrial agreement is rendered nugatory.”

Oscar Johnson of Higgs & Johnson is representing BPL in the case. Wayne Munroe QC, who is representing the line staff terminated in relation to

the BPL fraud probe, was also understood to be present in court on a ‘watching brief’.

The BPL fraud probe relates to an alleged scheme were cheques were written, and paid out, to allegedly fictitious companies for work never carried out for the utility. A forensic audit was conducted by Ernst and Young into the purported five-month long scheme, which involved 44 cheques paid out to 16 vendors between December 16, 2016 to May 9, 2017.

The issue has soured relations between BPL’s Board and its management company, PowerSecure, with the former demanding that the US utility operator repay the $1.9 million said to have gone missing.

Managers union moves to overturn BPL suspensions From pg B1 The three impacted workers include James Dean, an accounting officer, who was suspended - then terminated - after he was issued with letters by BPL on May 15 and 19. The other two, who have only been suspended, are Garnell Sheppard, assistant accounts manager, and Ene Maura, finance manager.

They received their letters on June 30 and July 3, respectively.

Mr Ferguson yesterday told Tribune Business that the case launched by the union and three employees had been postponed until this Friday, September 8, when it will be heard before Justice Ian Winder.

Confirming that the matter related to the BPL fraud probe, Mr Ferguson said the declarations sought by the BPL middle managers’ union were designed to ensure the utility monopoly “follows the letter of the industrial agreement”.

“They have a right to suspend,” he added of BPL, “but if they suspend somebody for something they’ve done, they’ve got to tell them what it is and give them an opportunity to be heard. They’ve not been heard.”

Apart from confirming that the registered industrial agreement between the union and BEC, BPL’s parent, is binding on both the utility and the union

and its members, Mr Ferguson also wants a Supreme Court declaration that the company is “legally bound” to follow Article 15 (17).

This stipulates that whenever an employee is warned, suspended or dismissed, a written notice “shall be given to the employee and to the union setting out the reasons for the warning, suspension and dismissal”.

This procedure, the Trades Union Congress (TUC) president contends, was never followed in relation to the BPL fraud probe. As a result, the union and three employees are arguing that BPL “acted unfairly, arbitrarily and capriciously” towards them “by failing to tell them the reasons for the suspensions and terminations”.

Mr Ferguson told Tribune Business: “We’re basically seeking a declaration from the court requiring the employer to follow the letter of the industrial agreement, and that is before you terminate a worker.

“Wherever there is a union, you have to say to the worker what they are being terminated or suspended for. The worker needs to be in a position to respond to those charges, and you still ensure the rights of the employer.

“They have a right to suspend, but they have to make sure that if they’re accusing someone of something, they

have to let them know what it is.”

Mr Ferguson added that the action also sought to clarify an important point of law, namely whether properly-registered industrial agreements are equivalent to statute law and code.

“I think it’s very, very important, and that’s the reason why I’ve decided to do it; to get it cleared up for industrial relations in general,” Mr Ferguson told this newspaper.

He and the BPL middle managers’ union are seeking Supreme Court declarations that a registered industrial agreement “abrogates” the common law relationship between employer and employee, and that the former is “mandated” to follow the agreement’s terms.

If a registered industrial agreement is declared to be equivalent to statutory code, Mr Ferguson and the union are arguing that it “cannot be varied by the courts” during its existence.

They also want a Supreme Court Order requiring BPL to comply with the industrial agreement’s terms, and an injunction to prevent the utility “unilaterally varying” the deal by ignoring its conditions.

“The industrial agreement is a creature of statute once registered,”

NOTICE

IN THE ESTATE of COLAN KNOWLES late of the Eastern District of the Island of New Providence, one of the Islands of The Commonwealth of The Bahamas, deceased.

Notice is hereby given that all persons having any claim or demands against the above named Estate are required to send their names, addresses and particulars of the same duly certified in writing to the undersigned on or before the 25th day of September A.D., 2017, and if required, prove such debts or claims, or in default be excluded from any distribution; after the above date the assets will be distributed having regard only to the proved debts or claims of which the Executor shall then have had Notice.

And Notice is hereby given that all persons indebted to the said Estate are requested to make full settlement on or before the aforementioned date.

MICHAEL A. DEAN & CO., Attorneys for the Executor Alvernia Court, 49A Dowdeswell Street P.O. Box N-3114 Nassau, The Bahamas

COMPANIES TOLD: ‘DON’T TAKE IRMA FOR GRANTED’

By NATARIO MCKENZIE Tribune Business Reporter nmckenzie@tribunemedia.net THE Chamber of Commerce’s chief executive yesterday urged businesses to take “all precautions” to protect their assets ahead of Hurricane Irma, warning: “We can’t take this storm for granted”.

Edison Sumner told Tribune Business: “Given the experiences that we have had over the last two years with severe hurricanes, it’s prudent for business to take all precautions in protecting their assets and ensuring that their staff are also given sufficient opportunity to make their own preparations. We cannot take this storm for granted.

Even if it doesn’t come directly this way we should prepared.”

Mr Sumner also urged businesses to ensure they were adequately insured against catastrophes, and to take the necessary precautions to safeguard their properties.

“The day after the storm passes the business community should be able to mobilise as quickly as possible,” said Mr Sumner.

He urged companies to ensure their records are current and backed up, noting that many small and medium-sized firms have in the past been unable to produce proper records to show how their businesses were performing prior to a storm.

This subsequently impacted their ability to access emergency funding.

Rupert Roberts, Super Value’s owner, told Tribune Business that pre-hurricane shopping had begun on Sunday, with persons stocking up on hurricane supplies. “For the most part people appear to be taking this thing very seriously,” he said.

“They are coming in and getting the items that they need. On Sunday we sold out of water and had to replenish our stock.

We’re in a hectic period right now.”Purity Bakery reported selling 30,000 loaves of bread yesterday.

TO ADVERTISE TODAY IN THE TRIBUNE CALL @ 502-2394

PAGE 4, Tuesday, September 5, 2017

Bottled water sales surge 50% via Irma

Insurers warn of 20-25% rate increase if Irma hits

From pg B1

From pg B1

Thursday, maybe even Friday.”

Mr Knowles added: “We really can’t take another storm. Many people are still trying to recover from Hurricane Matthew.”

Charmon Jennings, Chelsea’s Choice’s operations manager, told Tribune Business it had seen a surge in customer traffic - a trend expected to continue for the remainder of the week.

“We have plenty traffic out here. There’s traffic backed up on Abundant Life Road,” he said. “The police came here to help us

out with the traffic situation. They left at one point and came back again. It’s really busy and I’m thinking it’s going to be like this the rest of the week.”

Irma, now a Category 4 hurricane, is expected to remain a “dangerous major hurricane” through the week. Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis warned yesterday that Irma may pose a “direct and serious” threat to the Bahamas.

He called on residents to make preparations, saying most of the weather models indicate the Bahamas will be impacted in some way

by Irma.

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NOTICE Extension

PUBLIC CONSULTATION BPL’s CONSUMER PROTECTION PLAN The Utilities Regulation and Competition Authority (URCA), advises the public that the deadline to submit responses to URCA’s public consultation document on BPL’s Consumer Protection Plan, ES 04/2017, has been extended to 31 October 2017.

URCA reminds the public that responses to the said Consultation Document can be sent via email to info@urcabahamas.bs, faxed to (242) 393-0237/393-0153, mailed to P.O. Box N-4860 or hand delivered to the URCA office situated at the UBS Annex building on East Bay Street, New Providence.

for the insurance industry.

“If it’s localised to the Caribbean and the Bahamas, the rates will be increased depending on the loss. It will be between 20-25 per cent.

“If it hits Florida, all bets are off. If Irma hits Florida, and Florida sustains significant damage, our concern would be if we will have sufficient capacity available for the Bahamas. That’s more our concern; whether it hits Florida and if there’s sufficient capacity for the Bahamas going forward.”

Irma is potentially the third major hurricane in three years to score a direct hit on the Bahamas, following Matthew last year and Joaquin in 2015.

“We just hope and pray that if something happens it’s minor, and we are crossing our fingers that we will be spared this one,” Mr Saunders said.

“If it hits Florida, it’s not a matter of rates; it’s a matter of capacity. How much are we going to get?

That’s even worse.”

Tim Ingraham, Summit Insurance Company’s

president, backed Mr Saunders’ analysis by agreeing that Bahamian property and casualty rates will “head north” should Irma emulate Matthew’s estimated $600 million damages.

He added that the storm, currently with Category Four winds, would be “more of a game changer” for the Bahamas and its reinsurance market than Hurricane Harvey should it hit Florida.

“That would be more of a game changer than Harvey is at this point,” Mr Ingraham told Tribune Business.

“Even if we escaped and Florida got hit, that certainly will be a different thing for us.

“A lot of reinsurers that do business here also do business in Florida. That’s the difficulty; being so close to Florida.”

The Summit chief added that Irma’s impact on the Bahamas, and potential level of damages, will be determined by the path it takes through the 700island archipelago.

“If it goes over the islands to the south, it will not be as

significant,” Mr Ingraham said. “If it starts to come up the chain like Matthew, we could see extensive losses, depending on what path it follows and the rain coming from it.

“If that happens, rates will start heading up. Rates have remained fairly level this year following Matthew, except for properties and areas that suffered losses. If we see another one on that scale, we will start to see rates head north. If it’s a huge hit, that’s more than likely.”

Mr Ingraham said Summit was still accepting new underwriting business, given that the Bahamas had yet to be placed under any Irma-related hurricane or tropical storm advisories.

“We’re watching and waiting to see where it goes over the next day or two before making any firm determination or decision,” he added. “We will write until alerts are issued for those areas. Nothing’s been issued yet.”

Mr Saunders, though, said RoyalStar had stopped underwriting new property and casualty risks, and changing existing coverage, on Sunday. “With social media driving the hype, a lot of people out there are panicking,” he told Tribune

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Business, “so we think it’s in the best interests of our partners and reinsurers to cease new business at this time.”

The RoyalStar chief added that all policies due for renewal, and quotes, would be honoured. Predicting that Irma would match Matthew’s losses ($600 million in damages, $400 million in insured claims) if it followed the same path, he added that underwriters and loss adjusters could have difficulty in determining when property damage was incurred.

“The challenge will be to determine if those people who had damage from Matthew repaired their properties, so that you are not paying double claims on the same loss,” Mr Saunders told Tribune Business.

Mr Ingraham, meanwhile, added of Irma: “After two years in a row of dealing with these things, it’s not something we look forward to; not just from an insurance perspective, but a personal perspective.

“The stress of it all can get to you if you’re dealing with it on an annual basis.

From my perspective, I hope this one misses us and gives us a break this year.”

China says Trump’s trade threat over N. Korea ‘unacceptable’ BEIJING (AP) — China on Monday criticized President Donald Trump’s threat to cut off U.S. trade with countries that deal with North Korea and rejected pressure to do more to halt the North’s nuclear development.

Trump issued the threat after North Korea on Sunday exploded a thermonuclear device in its sixth

and most powerful nuclear test. The threat was seen as a warning to China, North Korea’s main trading partner and only major ally.

A foreign ministry spokesman, Geng Shuang, criticized Trump’s stance as unfair to Beijing.

“What is definitely unacceptable to us is that on the one hand we work so hard to peacefully resolve

NOTICE

PELLVIEW LIMITED

this issue and on the other hand our interests are subject to sanctions and jeopardized,” Geng said at a regular news briefing.

“This is unfair.”

Such an approach would be drastic if applied to China, from which the United States imports goods worth about $40 billion a month.

Trump said it was under consideration “in addition to other options.”

Asked whether Beijing would support tougher U.N. sanctions such as cutting off oil supplies to North

Korea, Geng didn’t mention oil but said whatever happened would depend on discussions among council members. Geng said China, one of five permanent Security Council members with power to veto U.N. actions, would take part in a “responsible and constructive way.”

Geng expressed frustration at Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull’s comment that Beijing had a responsibility to influence North Korea due to its status as the North’s main trading partner.

N O T I C E IS HEREBY GIVEN as follows: (a) PELLVIEW LIMITED is in voluntary dissolution under the provisions of Section 138 (4) of the International Business Companies Act 2000. (b) The dissolution of the said company commenced on the 30th August, 2017 when the Articles of Dissolution were submitted to and registered by the Registrar General.

URCA issues this Notice in accordance with section 41(4) of the Utilities Regulation and Competition Authority Act, 2009.

(c) The Liquidator of the said company is Leeward Nominees Limited, Akara Building, 24 de Castro Street, Wickhams Cay 1, Road Town, Tortola, British Virgin Islands.

The consultation document can be found at:

Dated this 5th day of September, A. D. 2017 _________________________________ Leeward Nominees Limited Liquidator

NORTH Korean workers chat at each other near a window of North Korean Embassy in Beijing, Monday, Sept. 4, 2017.

Earlier, U.S. President Donald Trump threatened to halt all trade with countries doing business with the North, a veiled warning to China, and faulted South Korea for its “talk of appeasement.”

(AP Photo/Andy Wong)

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NOTICE

T-FUN HOLDING LIMITED

CONTINUITY INVESTMENT HOLDINGS LIMITED

www.urcabahamas.bs/download/030640900.pdf

N O T I C E IS HEREBY GIVEN as follows: (a) T-FUN HOLDING LIMITED is in voluntary dissolution under the provisions of Section 138 (4) of the International Business Companies Act 2000. (b) The dissolution of the said company commenced on the 30th August, 2017 when the Articles of Dissolution were submitted to and registered by the Registrar General.

N O T I C E IS HEREBY GIVEN as follows: (a) CONTINUITY INVESTMENT HOLDINGS LIMITED is in voluntary dissolution under the provisions of Section 138 (4) of the International Business Companies Act 2000. (b) The dissolution of the said company commenced on the 30th August, 2017 when the Articles of Dissolution were submitted to and registered by the Registrar General.

(c) The Liquidator of the said company is Bukit Merah Limited, The Bahamas Financial Centre, Shirley & Charlotte Streets, P.O. Box N-3023, Nassau, Bahamas

(c) The Liquidator of the said company is Bukit Merah Limited, The Bahamas Financial Centre, Shirley & Charlotte Streets, P.O. Box N-3023, Nassau, Bahamas

Dated this 5th day of September, A. D. 2017

Dated this 5th day of September, A. D. 2017

_________________________________ Bukit Merah Limited Liquidator

_________________________________ Bukit Merah Limited Liquidator

NOTICE

NOTICE

DUREVOLE PARTNERS INVESTMENT LIMITED

SERENDIPTY HOLDINGS LIMITED

N O T I C E IS HEREBY GIVEN as follows: (a) DUREVOLE PARTNERS INVESTMENT LIMITED is in voluntary dissolution under the provisions of Section 138 (4) of the International Business Companies Act 2000. (b) The dissolution of the said company commenced on the 30th August, 2017 when the Articles of Dissolution were submitted to and registered by the Registrar General. (c) The Liquidator of the said company is Bukit Merah Limited, The Bahamas Financial Centre, Shirley & Charlotte Streets, P.O. Box N-3023, Nassau, Bahamas Dated this 5th day of September, A. D. 2017 _________________________________ Bukit Merah Limited Liquidator

N O T I C E IS HEREBY GIVEN as follows: (a) SERENDIPTY HOLDINGS LIMITED is in voluntary dissolution under the provisions of Section 138 (4) of the International Business Companies Act 2000. (b) The dissolution of the said company commenced on the 30th August, 2017 when the Articles of Dissolution were submitted to and registered by the Registrar General. (c) The Liquidator of the said company is Bukit Merah Limited, The Bahamas Financial Centre, Shirley & Charlotte Streets, P.O. Box N-3023, Nassau, Bahamas Dated this 5th day of September, A. D. 2017 _________________________________ Bukit Merah Limited Liquidator

THE TRIBUNE

Tuesday, September 5, 2017, PAGE 5

OBSTACLES AWAIT AS CONGRESS RESUMES HEALTH CARE FIGHT

By ALAN FRAM Associated Press

WASHINGTON (AP) — Republican hopes for repealing and replacing former President Barack Obama’s health care law are still twitching in Congress, though barely.

Leaders lack the votes to pass something and face a fresh obstacle — the Senate parliamentarian ruled Friday that Republicans only have the ability to dismantle the law with 51 votes until the end of the month.

It’s among several health issues lawmakers face when they return from summer recess, even as fights over the budget and helping Texas recover from Hurricane Harvey grab center stage.

When We Left Off In Late July Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., tried to push three plans through his chamber erasing the 2010 law called Obamacare.

Republican defections denied him the 50 votes needed, with Vice President Mike Pence ready to seal victory with a tie-breaking vote.

The excruciating last roll call failed 51-49. Three Republicans voted “no,” one more than McConnell could afford to lose. President Donald Trump used August to insult McConnell for that flop, even suggesting he might need to relinquish his leadership post, inflaming tensions between the White House and congressional Republicans and lacerating party unity.

There’s no sign sponsors have enough Republicans to prevail and McConnell hasn’t been publicly encouraging. Further reducing its chances, lawmakers need September to prevent a damaging federal default and a government shutdown, help Texas recover from Harvey and craft a GOP tax overhaul.

“If people can show me 50 votes for anything that would make progress on that, I’ll turn back to it,” McConnell said in early August of repealing Obamacare.

A BIPARTISAN TRY

SEN. JOHN BARRASSO, R-Wyo. watches at left as Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell of Ky. speaks during a news conference on Capitol Hill in Washington, Tafter the Senate voted on health care legislation. Republican hopes for repealing and replacing President Barack Obama’s health care law are still twitching in Congress, though barely. It’s among several health issues lawmakers face when they return from summer recess, even as fights over the budget and helping Texas recover from Hurricane Harvey grab center stage. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)

OBAMACARE REPEAL MEETS THE PARLIAMENTARIAN Republicans have used a procedure that’s prevented Democrats from killing the health bill by filibuster. It takes 60 votes to defeat a filibuster. Without that special step, Republicans controlling the Senate 52-48 would need support from eight Democrats to repeal Obamacare, impossible given unanimous Democratic opposition.

The safeguard against filibusters was included in a budget for the government’s 2017 fiscal year that Republicans pushed through Congress in January.

That protection expires at the end of September, the Senate’s nonpartisan parliamentarian, Elizabeth MacDonough, has ruled.

That’s when the fiscal year ends.

Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., the ranking member of the Budget Committee, said in light of the ruling, “we need to work together to expand, not cut, health care for millions of Americans who desperately need it.”

That leaves Republicans with only September to nurture their slim repeal hopes unless the GOP-run chamber votes to overrule her.

A LAST REPEAL PUSH This repeal push comes from GOP Sens. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, Louisiana’s Bill Cassidy and Nevada’s Dean Heller.

They’ve proposed funneling Obamacare’s federal dollars directly to states and erasing its requirements that people buy coverage and companies offer it to employees. They’d cut and reshape Medicaid, halt Obama subsidies that reduce consumers’ out-ofpocket costs and repeal the tax on some medical devices.

GOP aides say the proposal is evolving.

The brightest hope comes from Senate health committee chairman Lamar Alexander, R-Tenn., and Washington state Sen. Patty Murray, that panel’s top Democrat. They’re seeking a deal on continuing federal payments to insurance companies who reduce costs for lowerearning customers.

Even this will be uphill.

Obama’s law requires the cost reductions and government subsidies to insurers, but a court has ruled Congress hasn’t legally authorized the payments. Obama and Trump have continued them, but Trump keeps threatening to stop, calling them an insurance company bailout.

Many conservatives agree.

Yet those payments are a priority for Democrats and many Republicans. They and the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office say halting the subsidies will force insurers to boost premiums for millions.

In exchange, Republicans want to revise parts

of Obama’s law. They’ve suggested making it easier for insurers to avoid some Obama coverage requirements or steps like curbing lawsuits against health care providers.

Alexander wants to extend the insurers’ subsidies for one year while Democrats want two years or more. Another hurdle: Democrats have little interest in relaxing Obama’s law.

“Nobody is going to put their fingerprints on sustaining Obamacare without some sort of reform element,” Rep. Tom Cole, R-Okla., said of Republicans.

CHILDREN’S HEALTH Funding for the popular Children’s Health Insurance Program expires Sept.

30. It provided health care to more than 8 million lowincome children in 2015.

Democrats and most Republicans want to extend the program and success seems likely. First they must compromise on details like how many years to finance it and at what levels.

Washington pays for most of the federal-state program, and in recent years the federal share was bumped up by 23 percent for each state. Many Republicans want to phase out that boost, but Democrats are resisting.

Some Republicans say Congress needn’t act by Sept. 30 because states have enough money to continue coverage. Democrats and program advocates say without fresh funds by September’s end, some states would be forced to make cuts to wind down services.

EU’s Barnier assures Ireland Share your news of support during Brexit talks BRUSSELS (AP) — The European Union’s Brexit negotiator assures Ireland of his full support during the talks and says any deal affecting the border on the island will have to respect EU law.

Michel Barnier told Irish Foreign Minister Simon Coveney that talks with Britain on the border situation between member state Ireland and the U.K’s Northern Ireland are progressing slowly and have yet to make decisive progress on key issues.

He assured Coveney that “every solution we will look at will have to be fully compatible with Union law” and the EU principle of being able to do business seamlessly across the bloc.

Coveney said that “most importantly,” he wanted to see how the peace process could be maintained between the two, as they share “an invisible border that is 500 kilometers.”

The Tribune wants to hear from people who are making news in their neighbourhoods.

Perhaps you are raising funds for a good cause, campaigning for improvements in the area or have won an award. If so, call us on 322-1986 and share your story.

NOTICE FUNS INVESTMENT LTD. In Voluntary Liquidation Notice is hereby given that in accordance with Section 138(4) of the International Business Companies Act. 2000, FUNS INVESTMENT LTD. is in dissolution as of September 1st, 2017.

International Liquidator Services Inc. situated at 3rd Floor Withfield Tower, 4792 Coney Drive, Belize City, Belize is the Liquidator.

EUROPEAN Union chief Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier, right, participates in a media conference with Irish Foreign Minister Simon Coveney at EU headquarters in Brussels on Monday, Sept. 4, 2017. Barnier and Coveney underscored their tight bonds as they seek to tackle the separation of the UK from the EU, something which could have a profound effect on both Ireland and the U.K’s Northern Ireland. (AP Photo/Virginia Mayo)

JOB OPPORTUNITY AVAILABLE TOWER MANAGER AND BUY-OUT TOWER MANAGER HOUSEKEEPING DEPARTMENT •

Job Summary: Ensures overall maintenance and cleanliness of villas and all public areas of Harborside Resort.

Main Duties and Responsibilities: • Inspects and evaluates guest’s rooms, also public areas such as restrooms, lounges,

reception center, sales offices and outdoor areas.

• Ensures guest rooms are cleaned and maintained according to the resort standards.

• Monitors supply of all cleaning materials, amenities and linen.

• Ensure monthly linen inventory and control for respective tower.

• Maintains good working knowledge of cleaning supplies and the proper usage, also

mechanical equipment maintenance.

• Inspects all Out-of-Order rooms daily.

• Ensures the cleanliness and maintenance of guests’ rooms, building hallways, stairwells,

elevators and linen rooms to the resort standard.

• Monitors key control procedures.

• Monitors maintenance requests and ensures timely attention.

• Supervises section staff ensuring that departmental policies and procedures are followed.

• Checks e-mail daily and follow through on requests and concerns.

• Reviews and actions daily concerns in log books and HotSOS. • Completes daily discrepancy report.

• Follow-up on all calls from Resort Services to ensure closed in the prescribed time.

• Prints all maid assignment sheets and room status reports.

• Liaison with Front Office on reported late check-out villas.

• Plans, organizes, coordinates and assigns work load.

• Trains, counsel, coaches develops, disciplines and rewards subordinates.

LIQUIDATOR ______________________

JOB OPPORTUNITY AVAILABLE LATENIGHT HOUSEMAN HOUSEKEEPING DEPARTMENT Job Summary: General cleaning of guestroom, hallways and linen rooms to the established standard and expediting guest requests.

Main Duties and Responsibilities: • Provides professional, courteous services to owners/guests, internal and external at all times.

• Signs in and out for master keys, radios and other communication equipments.

• Follows safety procedures when using cleaning agents.

• Cleans stairwells and breezeways daily or as scheduled.

• Cleans and restocks linen closet.

• Cleans and polishes elevators.

• Clears garbage bins in rooms and hallways.

• Assists with moving furniture and appliances in rooms.

• Cleans tops of armoires, refrigerators and high areas in villas.

• Answers radios efficiently and to department standards.

• Cleans fans, vents drop lights and light fixtures.

• Assists with cleaning sliding doors, frames and windows.

• Strips beds.

• Delivers special requests items example roll-a-ways, high chairs and cribs.

• Collects soiled linen from villas.

• Returns all keys and radios at the end of shift.

Requirements: • Minimum of three (3) years management experience in the field or experience in

a similar capacity.

• Associate Degree in relevant field.

• Excellent oral and written communication skills.

• Ability to work on own initiative.

• Excellent interpersonal skills.

• Computer skills including, Microsoft Word, Outlook, PowerPoint and Excel.

Requirements: • High School diploma or equivalent vocational training.

• Minimum 1 year experience as hotel cleaner or in janitorial/cleaning position preferred.

• Must be literate and have good communication skills.

• Ability to work in a self motivated environment with little supervision.

• Ability to multitask.

For consideration please email resumes to:Jacquelyn.gardiner@harborsideresort.com to apply for the position.

For consideration please email resumes to:Jacquelyn.gardiner@harborsideresort.com to apply for the position.

PAGE 6, Tuesday, September 5, 2017

THE TRIBUNE

GLOBAL STOCKS SLIP ON CONCERN OVER NORTH KOREAN NUCLEAR TEST

By YURI KAGEYAMA Associated Press TOKYO (AP) — Global stocks mostly fell on Monday after a nuclear test

by North Korea over the weekend raised fears about regional instability and as trading volumes remained thin due to a U.S. holiday.

KEEPING SCORE: France’s CAC 40 slipped 0.4 percent to close at 5,103.97 and Germany’s DAX lost 0.3 percent to 12,102.21. Britain’s FTSE 100 edged down 0.4 percent to 7,411.47. U.S. markets were closed for Labor Day. NORTH KOREA: North Korea said it successfully tested a hydrogen bomb.

U.S. Defense Secretary Jim Mattis responded by saying that the U.S. will answer any threat from the North with a “massive military

response — a response both effective and overwhelming.” President Donald Trump threatened to halt all trade with countries doing business with North Korea, a warning to China, and faulted South Korea for its “talk of appeasement.”

THE QUOTE: “Korean tensions are elevated again,” said Chang Wei Liang from the Singapore Treasury Division at Mizuho Bank. “While U.S. Defense Secretary Mattis warned of a ‘massive military response’ if the U.S. or its allies are threatened, risk-off sentiment this morning is not unduly excessive, largely because markets still do not expect any military escalation in the near-term.”

ASIA’S DAY: Japan’s benchmark Nikkei 225 edged down 0.9 percent to

finish at 19,508.25, while Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 lost 0.4 percent to 5,702.00.

South Korea’s Kospi dipped 1.2 percent to 2,329.65.

Hong Kong’s Hang Seng slipped 0.9 percent to 27,703.67, but the Shanghai Composite rose 0.4 percent to 3,379.58.

ENERGY: Benchmark U.S. crude gained 18 cents to $47.47 a barrel in electronic trading in New York.

It added 6 cents to $47.29 a barrel on Friday. Brent crude, which is used to price international oils, fell 34 cent to $52.41 a barrel in London.

CURRENCIES: The dollar fell to 109.60 yen from 110.04 yen late Friday.

The euro rose to $1.1919 from $1.1907.Her work can be found at https:// www.apnews.com/search/ yuri%20kageyama

A DELIVERER pushes a cart past an electronic stock board of a securities firm in Tokyo yesterday.

Asian shares were mostly lower Monday, on investor jitters shaken up by a North Korean nuclear test over the weekend that raised fears about risks to regional stability. (AP Photo/Koji Sasahara)

Taper tiptoe: Strong euro complicates ECB’s stimulus plans

By DAVID MCHUGH Associated Press FRANKFURT, Germany (AP) — A strengthening euro is complicating the European Central Bank’s efforts to scale back and then exit from its monetary stimulus efforts.

For weeks, financial investors had been expecting the bank and its president, Mario Draghi, to give some signal after their policy meeting on Thursday about when they expect to start winding down the stimulus program.

But a recent surge in the euro, which can hurt exports and weigh on the economy, and the fact that inflation remains below the 2 percent target have dampened those expectations. Analysts are now wondering whether Draghi will reveal very much or anything at all in terms of concrete guidance for when to start phasing out the stimulus — for fear of driving the euro even higher.

The stimulus program is credited with helping turn around the 19-country eurozone economy, which is now growing at a brisk

THE SUN sets behind the bank skyscrapers in Frankfurt, Germany.

Weather forecasts predict changeable weather for Germany, during the next few days. ( Frank Rumpenhorst/dpa via AP)

pace. So investors are keen to know when the program will start being wound down, and how quickly. In the past, talk of tapering off stimulus has caused stocks to fall and the euro to rise.

The euro has gained 13 percent in value this year against the dollar, to $1.19, and briefly traded above $1.20 last week. The exchange rate jumped after Draghi said in June that the ECB would ease off its

stimulus in tandem with a recovering economy.

An end to the stimulus would mean higher longterm interest rates, and more returns for holding euro-denominated fixedincome investments; that tends to drive up demand for the currency. A stimulus exit would also mean higher returns for savers and more borrowing costs for governments and businesses — including some zombie

companies that have been kept afloat thanks to low rates.

Yet Draghi can only postpone the stimulus exit for so long. That is because the program consists of 60 billion euros ($72 billion) per month in purchases of government and corporate bonds. And analysts estimate that the bank will run out of eligible bonds to purchase next year.

MARKET REPORT MONDAY, 4 SEPTEMBER 2017

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

BISX ALL SHARE INDEX: CLOSE 1,860.95 | CHG 18.81 | %CHG 1.02 | YTD -77.27 | YTD% -3.99 BISX LISTED & TRADED SECURITIES 52WK HI 4.38 19.17 9.09 3.70 2.41 0.13 6.47 8.60 6.30 10.60 14.49 2.52 1.60 6.00 10.00 11.00 10.25 7.25 12.51 11.00

52WK LOW 4.05 17.43 8.19 3.50 1.39 0.12 3.80 8.40 5.83 9.46 10.00 2.18 1.50 5.80 8.75 7.01 8.17 6.60 11.93 10.00

1000.00 1000.00 1000.00 1000.00

900.00 1000.00 1000.00 1000.00

PREFERENCE SHARES

1.00 106.00 100.00 106.00 105.00 103.00 100.00 10.00 1.01

1.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 105.00 100.00 100.00 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 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

SYMBOL AML APD BPF BWL BOB BBL CAB CIB CHL CBL CBB CWCB DHS FAM FBB FIN FCL ICD JSJ PRE CAB6 CAB8 CAB9 CAB10 CHLA CBLE CBLJ CBLK CBLL CBLM CBLN FBBA FCLB

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

SYMBOL FBB17 FBB18 FBB22

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 BGS: 2015-10-3Y BGS: 2015-10-5Y BGS: 2015-10-7Y

BAH29 BG0103 BG0203 BG0105 BG0205 BG0107 BG0207 BG0130 BG0230 BG0303 BG0305 BG0307 BG0330 BG0403 BG0405 BG0407

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

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

MUTUAL FUNDS 52WK HI 2.07 3.95 1.96 170.77 146.34 1.50 1.67 1.58 1.10 6.99 8.54 6.15 10.52 11.46 10.46

52WK LOW 1.67 3.04 1.68 164.74 116.70 1.44 1.63 1.55 1.04 6.41 7.62 5.66 8.65 10.54 9.57

LAST CLOSE 4.28 17.43 9.09 3.70 1.39 0.13 3.92 8.60 6.10 10.00 10.01 2.41 1.55 6.00 9.75 7.01 10.25 7.01 12.50 10.00 1000.00 1000.00 1000.00 1000.00 1.00 100.00 100.00 100.40 100.00 100.00 100.00 10.00 1.01 LAST SALE 100.00 100.00 100.00 108.93 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00

CLOSE 4.28 17.43 9.09 3.70 1.39 0.13 3.92 8.60 6.10 10.44 10.01 2.41 1.55 6.00 9.75 7.01 10.25 7.01 12.50 10.00

CHANGE 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.44 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

1000.00 1000.00 1000.00 1000.00 1.00 100.00 100.00 100.40 100.00 100.00 100.00 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

CLOSE 100.00 100.00 100.00

CHANGE 0.00 0.00 0.00

109.08 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00

0.15 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

FUND CFAL Bond Fund CFAL Balanced Fund CFAL Money Market Fund CFAL Global Bond Fund CFAL Global Equity Fund 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 Int'l Fund - Equities Sub Fund Royal Fidelity Int'l Fund - High Yield Fund Royal Fidelity Int'l Fund - Alternative Strategies Fund

VOLUME

1,000 10,835

24,000

3

VOLUME

22 NAV 2.07 3.95 1.96 174.30 146.25 1.50 1.63 1.58 1.08 6.92 8.03 6.15 10.52 11.46 10.01

EPS$ 0.467 0.932 -0.230 0.540 -0.340 0.000 -0.857 0.574 0.681 0.540 0.559 0.102 0.455 1.212 0.768 0.575 0.929 -0.602 0.697 0.000

DIV$ 0.080 1.000 0.000 0.210 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.300 0.220 0.360 0.570 0.060 0.060 0.290 0.450 0.000 0.340 0.140 0.620 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 0.000

P/E 9.2 18.7 N/M 6.9 N/M N/M -4.6 15.0 9.0 19.3 17.9 23.6 3.4 5.0 12.7 12.2 11.0 -11.6 17.9 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 0.0

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% 3.50% 3.88% 4.25%

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 15-Oct-2018 15-Oct-2020 15-Oct-2022

YTD% 12 MTH% 2.34% 4.55% 0.90% 1.64% 1.21% 2.55% 3.48% 4.01% 3.17% 7.00% 2.15% 4.22% -1.93% -1.89% 0.81% 2.21% 2.28% 1.30% -1.08% 1.77% -5.96% -3.05% 1.90% 4.59% 7.24% 11.96% 2.77% 3.88% 3.94% 4.69%

NAV Date 30-Jun-2017 30-Jun-2017 30-Jun-2017 30-Jun-2017 30-Jun-2017 30-Jun-2017 30-Jun-2017 30-Jun-2017 30-Jun-2017 31-May-2017 30-May-2017 30-May-2017 30-May-2017 30-May-2017 30-May-2017

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 1.87% 5.74% 0.00% 5.68% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 3.49% 3.61% 3.45% 5.69% 2.49% 3.87% 4.83% 4.62% 0.00% 3.32% 2.00% 4.96% 0.00%

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

“While a clear tapering hint at this week’s ECB meeting could send the euro even higher, potentially undermining the recovery, room to postpone tapering is limited due to bond scarcity,” said Carsten Brzeski, chief economist for Germany and Austria at ING bank. “Therefore, we expect Draghi to strike a cautious balance between giving first clear hints about the upcoming tapering and dovish sounds in order to calm” foreign-exchange markets. “Dovish” is central bank jargon for being inclined toward more stimulus rather than less.

The central bank has been purchasing government and high-quality corporate bonds since March 2015 in an effort to push up inflation from alarmingly low levels. The ECB buys the bonds from banks using newly created money, pushing that added money into the banking system and, it is hoped, into the economy through credit to businesses and consumers. The ECB has also lowered its short-term interest benchmark to zero.

The result, in theory, should be more inflation.

The annual inflation rate has indeed risen from

below zero to 1.5 percent in August, but remains below the ECB’s goal of just under 2 percent. The ECB’s current stance is that the purchases will continue through the end of this year and longer if needed, and that they won’t end abruptly but will be phased out in some fashion, while the benchmark interest rate will stay at zero for a while after that.

Franck Dixmier, head of government bonds for Allianz Global Investors, said the ECB board seems divided between members who want a stepwise, preannounced taper next year and those who want a more flexible approach in which the bank would reduce purchases as the economic outlook improves.

“Investors should not be surprised if the ECB announces plans to extend its buying program into 2018 and begin its progressive tapering process next year — all while maintaining the suspense on how it intends to do so,” Dixmier wrote in a preview of Thursday’s meeting.

“All in all, it is important for the ECB to play for time by maintaining some ambiguity on its intentions.”

MEXICO’S LOW WAGES ARE UNDER FIRE AT NAFTA NEGOTIATIONS MEXICO CITY (AP) — Mexico’s low wages have become an increasing point of debate as the second round of negotiations on the North American Free Trade Agreement moved into their fourth day.

Mexican business and labor leaders are resistant to any attempt by the United States to tighten labor standards or ensure that Mexican wages rise. Mexico has drawn plants and investments by

capitalizing on low wages and weak union rules.

Mexican and Canadian auto unions say in a report that Mexican autoworkers earn about $3.95 an hour, which is about one-ninth of average wages north of the border.

Canadian auto workers leader Jerry Dias said over the weekend that wages should be equalized. But top Mexican union leader Carlos Aceves del Olmo says equalizing wages is “a pipe dream.”

NOTICE

NOTICE is hereby given that EPERANZA ARMASREATEGUI HANNA of P.O.BOX SB-51674 NASSAU, 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 5th day of September, 2017 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, Bahamas.

PuBlic NoTice

INTENT TO CHANGE NAME BY DEED POLL The Public is hereby advised that I, AliciA lAguerre of Dundas Town, Abaco. The Bahamas, intend to change my name to AliciA Dormeus. If there are any objection to this change 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 the publication of this notice.

NOTICE

NOTICE is hereby given that JOANES JEAN of Carmichael Road, New Providence, Bahamas is applying to the Minister responsible for Nationality and Citizenship, for registration/naturalization as a citizen of The Bahamas, and that any person who knows any reason why registration/naturalization should not be granted, should send a written and signed statement of the facts within twentyeight days from the 29th day of August, 2017 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, Bahamas.

THE TRIBUNE

Tuesday, September 5, 2017, PAGE 7

B O DY A N D M I N D

PARENTS STRUGGLE WITH FINANCIAL BURDEN OF AUTISM

By JEFFARAH GIBSON Tribune Features Writer jgibson@tribunemedia.net

W

ITH only few avenues offering affordable care and educational support for children with autism in the Bahamas, parents of twoyear-old Santahj Forbes are struggling to make ends meet while providing their son with the treatment he requires.

Autism, or autism spectrum disorder, refers to a range of conditions characterised by challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviours, speech and nonverbal communication, as well as by unique strengths and differences.

There are many types of autism, believed to be caused by different combinations of genetic and environmental influences.

According to REACH, a local autism awareness charity, the disorder appears to be one of the “fastest growing” developmental disabilities affecting Bahamian children.

Since Santahj’s diagnosis, his parents, Santana and Whittia Forbes, had to readjust their lives to provide everything necessary for the toddler’s treatment, which has been an extremely expensive endeavour so far.

The family is now getting ready to host a medical cook-out on September 30 to assist with the therapy sessions and neurological evaluations Santahj was recommended to receive. It will be held at the Johnson

Road Basketball Court from 12pm to 6pm. They are hoping to raise $15,000.

Santahj was diagnosed with autism on July 13, 2017 at the Emory Autism Centre in Atlanta, Georgia. Mr Forbes said he and his wife realised that something was wrong with Santahj when he was about 10 to 11 months old.

“We took him to a few paediatricians who all stated we should wait a

consultation from the Seahorse Institute in Nassau.

There, they were told that Santahj may be on the spectrum, but an autism evaluation was needed for a definitive diagnosis.

“Since then, we have been back and forth with paediatricians, an audiologist and an ENT physician to eliminate any possible medical issues that may contribute to his delays,” said Mr Forbes.

“Its hard to juggle your day to day life, utilities, basic care for your kids – which includes food, clothing and shelter – all the while having the burden of autism on your shoulder.”

TWO-year-old Santahj Forbes was diagnosed with level 2 autism, defined as “requiring substantial support”. while because boys take a longer time to develop than girls, and that we should just give him time because he’ll eventually come around. My wife was not satisfied with their response so she decided to do some research on the behaviours exhibited by our son, and based on that research she came across autism spectrum disorder,” said Mr Forbes.

“His mom noticed that he wasn’t meeting certain developmental milestones for his age and he would exhibit behaviours that we both found weird, for example walking on toes, lack of eye contact or totally ignoring you if you would call his name.”

A few months after his second birthday, Santahj’s parents decided to get a

After exhausting all avenues locally to find the right treatment and educational support, his parents came across the Emory Autism Centre in Atlanta, where Santahj was eventually diagnosed.

“Based on his diagnosis of level 2 autism, he was recommended to undergo 25 to 40 hours intensive applied behaviour analysis (ABA) and speech therapy weekly, 12 months a year.

The only therapy sessions he has had was 10 hours intensive ABA therapy at the Emory Autism Centre last month. As of late, he hasn’t had any ABA or speech therapy as they are all booked for months.

Government-operated programmes for speech therapy has a waiting list for several months and we

were told that they cannot state when they would even get to assist Santahj,” said Mr Forbes.

The concerned father said they were advised that Santahj has a high chance of improvement as he is still very young and receptive to learning and interaction.

“In order for this to be possible he has to have regular therapy sessions and everything learned in therapy has to be reinforced at home. So its not just a quick fix. We all have to work together to help him, from the therapist to my wife and I, our older son, his school and our family,” said Mr Forbes.

Juggling life’s responsibilities, including raising their other son, six-year-old Santana III, and meeting the financial obligations

of Santahj’s treatment has been a major burden on the family. Currently, speech therapy averages $100 an hour while ABA therapy costs $70 an hour.

“It’s hard to juggle your day to day life, utilities, basic care for your kids – which includes food, clothing and shelter – all the while having the burden of autism on your shoulder,” said Mr Forbes.

“Marriages and families are hurting and struggling to make ends meet, and there is no relief; no assistance. In order to take our son abroad we had to host a fundraiser. My wife wrote to various companies and organisations for assistance and they all, except two, Arawak Port Development and Ronald Atkinson & Co, have hit us

Bahamas joins fight against suicide

By ALESHA CADET Tribune Features Reporter acadet@tribunemedia.net UNDER the theme “Take a Minute, Change a Life”, several local organisations will join together in highlighting World Suicide Prevention Day. The Sandilands Rehabilitation Centre (SRC), in partnership with the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO), Save Our Bahamas Campaign, and the Bahamas Christian Council, will commemorate the cause on Sunday, September 10, in Rawson Square, beginning at 3pm (pending Hurricane Irma’s movements).

“Suicide has become a major global problem, with estimates being over 800,000 deaths per year.

In 2003, the International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP), along with the World Health

Organisation (WHO), launched the initiative of World Suicide Prevention Day to raise awareness around the world that suicide can be prevented,” said Dr Tracey King, clinical psychologist at SRC and chair of the World Suicide Prevention Committee for the past four years.

With the committee’s responsibility of planning and implementing World Suicide Prevention Day events and other activities geared towards preventing suicide, Dr King said it is the committee’s hope that people will leave the upcoming event with more information on how to recognise warning signs for suicide and ways to prevent it from happening.

Highlights will include a ceremony in which Minister of Health Dr Duane Sands will make the official declaration. Remarks will then be given from Dr Esther de Gourville, PAHO

representative, followed by a presentation focused on prevention methods done by a group of children. There will also be an unveiling of display boards featuring educational information regarding suicide and prevention.

“Suicide does not discriminate. It can occur in people from any socio-economic background at any age. Anyone of us could become suicidal. Your co-worker, friend, child, spouse, and family member are all susceptible to suicide. Therefore, we all need to be aware of the warning signs and ways to prevent suicide. Initiatives like this help to bring awareness to mental health issues that impact our overall ability to function. It provides an avenue to not only educate, but to encourage a conversation that is long overdue.

Topics such as mental illness and suicide are typically avoided and shrouded

with that famous line, ‘We don’t sponsor individuals, only major companies’.

“This journey with our son has been a challenging one. When we returned home since his diagnosis in July, we have sought both ABA and speech therapists. They are booked for months, both private and public.”

However, the Forbes family remains hopeful that Santahj will get the proper therapy and educational support he needs.

“We know it won’t be easy; it was not not intended to be. Through it all, however, our son will prevail and he will overcome, because we won’t give up,” said Mr Forbes.

“Suicide does not discriminate.

It can occur in people from any socio-economic background at any age.

Anyone of us could become suicidal. Your co-worker, friend, child, spouse, and family member are all susceptible to suicide.” in stigma. However, we need to talk about these topics and work together as a community to find ways to prevent them. Suicide does not only affect the person who died, but also the community. We have all been touched by the aftermath of suicide in one way or another,” said Dr King.

She further added that over the years, the amount of people dying by suicide globally has escalated to about one suicide every 40 seconds, with more than 25 times as many attempting suicide. Locally, Dr King said there has been an increase in persons who are suicidal.

“Despite the rise, most of us remain in the dark about how to prevent suicide. Therefore, being a part of this international initiative is essential. Suicide is a complex issue that will require all of our efforts to combat it,” she said

SCIENCE SAYS: KATE’S MORNING SICKNESS BRUTAL, NOT DANGEROUS

By MARIA CHENG, AP Medical Writer LONDON (AP) — Prince William and his wife, the Duchess of Cambridge, are expecting their third child. And for the third time — as with her previous two pregnancies — the former Kate Middleton is suffering from hyperemesis gravidarum, or severe morning sickness.

Hyperemesis gravidarum is estimated to affect about one to three percent of pregnant women and can result in nausea and vomiting so acute that hospitalisation is required. It is thought to be caused by pregnancy hormones, but doctors aren’t sure why some women experience worse symptoms than others.

BRITAIN’S PRINCE WILLIAM, second left, and his wife Kate, the Duchess of Cambridge, second right, and their children, Prince George, left, and Princess Charlotte. ( Christian Charisius/Pool Photo via AP)

The condition usually begins in the early weeks of pregnancy and in many cases, subsides by about 20 weeks. But for some women, the effects may persist until the baby is born.

The condition can be “absolutely devastating,” said Dr Roger Gadsby of Warwick University, who has studied the issue for decades. “Your life is on hold while the symptoms

are present,” he said, noting that some pregnant women may vomit dozens of times per day and be restricted to bed rest.

Kensington Palace made the pregnancy announcement Monday, saying the duchess was not feeling well enough to attend an official engagement later in the day. Kate is being cared for at her Kensington Palace home in London. There was no word of when the baby is due.

She and Prince William already have two children:

Prince George, 4 and Princess Charlotte, 2.

In 2012, Kate was hospitalised for several days when she was believed to be suffering from dehydration.

There is no evidence that the nausea and vomiting from severe morning sickness will affect the baby’s future health. Women with the condition actually have a slightly lower risk of miscarriage, according to Britain’s Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists.

In severe cases, however, babies can be born with lower than expected birthweight. Women with the condition are advised to eat small meals often, to avoid any foods or smells that trigger symptoms and to consult their midwife or doctor if their symptoms do not subside.

If treatment requires hospitalisation, women are typically given vitamins, steroids and anti-nausea drugs intravenously.

Patients are also sometimes treated with shots of heparin, to thin their blood: pregnant women are at increased risk of developing blood clots in their legs, and being dehydrated further elevates the risk.

Gadsby said he would expect doctors to be able to treat the duchess at Kensington Palace and that there shouldn’t be any lasting effects. She would likely have to cut back on her royal schedule, though.

“As long as the mom receives adequate treatment, the mom is usually fine and the baby is fine,” he said.

PAGE 8, Tuesday, September 5, 2017

THE TRIBUNE MAKING preparations ahead of time will result in a smoother, more successful school year for teachers, students and parents.

Back to school CAN you believe it’s “back to school” already? This can be one of the most chaotic times in the lives of teachers and parents. It can be equally as overwhelming for students, too. After all, they are the ones faced with going into new schools, new grades, meeting new teachers and new friends.

That can be very unnerving for anyone.

One crucial factor can help calm the anxiety of back to school – being proactive. I’m sure you’ve heard the saying, “If you fail to plan, you plan to fail.” I’ll add that the success of our students is contingent upon how well we plan for their future.

In my first few years of teaching I ran around like a chicken with its head cut off. I was winging it daily. I didn’t set clear expectations for myself, my students or their parents. I am absolutely certain that didn’t help lessen the stress load of school. (To those parents, I’m sorry.)

Finally, one night, while marking a trunk-load of papers that piled up over the weeks, I had an epiphany. I realised that I didn’t plan ahead. As simple as that sounds, I didn’t think that it was that big of a deal. I spent years being reactive and unorganised until I had this “light bulb” moment. I decided to take a step in a different direction. I got out a sheet of paper and I planned. I took baby steps at first. Soon, my lessons were running smoothly, parents were informed about projects and filed trips well in advance, and I didn’t spend most

Off The Spectrum

kiddos up for a successful this school year:

Teachers Whether this is your first year teaching or you’re in your double digit years, these tips can help save you lots of time in the classroom.

Yanique Smith Over the past decade, there has been a steady rise in the cases of children being diagnosed with autism and other developmental delays.

Yanique Smith, director of the Therapy Learning Center, aims to open up a dialogue with Bahamian parents and teachers, and offer practical advice gleaned from first-hand experience of working with affected children. of my day trying to figure out what to do next.

Incorporating these back to school tips and hacks that I’ve learned over the years into your planning will set you and your

1. Have a calendar planner with an overview of special days marked out like holidays, special assemblies, professional development days, et cetera. This way, you can be sure not to overlap any activities during the school year.

2. Map out clear expectations, routines and procedures that you’ll discuss on the first day of school. Include bathroom, homework and assignment procedures. Start your day discussing these things until students fully understand what you expect.

3. Get to know your students’ parents or caregivers. This is crucial. Building a rapport from the start is essential in creating that home-school relationship.

I send home a “Parent Package” at the beginning of every school year with forms requesting in-case-of-emergency contacts, allergies the student may have, et cetera. The “Parent Package” also includes classroom procedures and ways to contact the teacher.

You’d be surprised how handy this information comes in.

4. Lesson plan. Yes, the dreaded lesson planning! I assure you that lesson planning helps far more than it hurts. You have a clear idea of what the lesson entails and what materials you’ll need. In addition, at least for the first week, have extra worksheets with lessons that students can do independently for those unplanned meetings with parents or other faculties.

Parents You’ve got a lot on your plate – buying school uniforms and supplies, registering your child before that deadline, preparing lunch and the list goes on. Proper planning will greatly lessen the load of the demands placed on you.

1. Set a schedule for your child. Let this schedule include regular weekday and weekend bed times, morning routines, extracurricular activities and homework times. Be clear about how much time your kiddos spend doing each activity and don’t forget to include play time in there.

2. Meet your child’s teacher.

This is a huge step in being proactive. I can’t begin to tell you the amount of times I’ve met a student’s parent only after they got in some kind of trouble. Call the school and set up an appointment to talk with the teacher and

find out what to expect for the upcoming school year.

3. Set goals with your child.

Let your child know what you would like to see them achieve this school year.

Include academic behaviour as well as life skill goals.

4. Breathe. This goes for teachers, too. Don’t forget to breathe. The reality is, you won’t get everything done, and that’s OK. Get a good night’s rest, wake up the next day and start again. You’re not alone. Establish a great connection with other parents and teachers and ask for help when you need it.

Let this school year be the most successful one yet by planning for it. This may not be as easy to some, but the overhead work pales in comparison to how smoothly the school year will flow.

Also, it gets easier the more you do it.

Have a successful back to school!

For workshop inquiries or if you’re interested in the “Parent Package”, feel free to contact us.

• Parents, teachers and other interested persons can send questions and comments to tutoringtherapy@gmail.com or call 552-5909. Information provided will remain confidential. Visit the Therapy Learning Center on Facebook for more information.

WANT TO LOSE WEIGHT? RESEARCH PROVES A BIG BREAKFAST IS THE FIRST STEP (BPT) - If you want to lose weight, you’re not alone. More than half of Americans desire to shed pounds, according to Gallup. This goal inspires people to take action in many ways, from increasing exercise to modifying meals.

One thing many people do is skip breakfast in order to lower calorie intake.

While this may seem like a good idea to lose weight, research proves otherwise.

In fact, eating a big breakfast followed by smaller meals throughout the day is the best method for weight loss.

A new study in The Journal of Nutrition investigated the relation between meal frequency and timing and changes in body mass index (BMI). The study found that “eating less frequently, no snacking, consuming breakfast and eating the largest meal in the morning may be effective methods for preventing long-term weight gain.”

“When you eat your meal matters,” says registered dietitian and nutritionist Dawn Jackson Blatner. “The best way to eat for energy and weight is to eat a big breakfast, smaller lunch and light dinner because it mimics our days’ activities.”

Blatner explains that people are typically most active in the beginning of the day and so need the most fuel then. They slow down as the day progresses, and by dinnertime they need less fuel.

Make Ahead Breakfast Bowls

A ‘MAKE Ahead’ breakfast bowls “But it’s not just about eating anything in the morning,” she cautions.

“It’s important to pick nutrient-dense foods to fuel your day right.”

Blatner provides three tips for creating a wholesome breakfast that will give you energy and support your weight-loss goals:

1. Fruits and veggies Wake up your taste buds and give your body important vitamins by eating a rainbow of colorful fruits and veggies. Try shopping the farmers market for locally sourced in-season produce. A quick frittata with egg and chopped veggies or a smoothie bowl

topped with fresh fruit will satisfy. If fresh produce isn’t available, frozen has optimum nutrients so it is a smart alternative.

2. Whole grains Make whole grains part of your breakfast and you’ll feel fuller for longer.

Oatmeal is a classic wholegrain breakfast option.

Use whole-grain pancake mix to whip up some flapjacks. Bake muffins with whole-grain flour. Make cornbread with whole cornmeal. When shopping for cereal or other breakfast products, look at the label to ensure it’s made with whole grains.

3. Proteins Eggs are a great source of protein and nutrients for breakfast, but not all eggs are created equal. Swap out ordinary eggs for Eggland’s Best eggs, and you’ll get great taste and superior nutritional benefits with 10 times more vitamin E, six times more vitamin D, more than double the omega-3s, more than double vitamin B12 and 25 percent less saturated fat.

Short on time in the morning?

Try ‘Make Ahead’ breakfast bowls that can be frozen and microwaved in minutes for a satisfying start to your day.

Ingredients: 12 Eggland’s Best eggs (large) 2 pounds Yukon gold potatoes, chopped into 1-inch cubes 1 green pepper, seeded then chopped into 1-inch chunks 1 onion, chopped 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil 1 tablespoon seasoned salt salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese 3 green onions, chopped toppings: tortilla chips, salsa, avocado 6 individual-sized containers with lids

Preparation: Preheat oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit.

On a large baking sheet, place potatoes, peppers and onions in a single layer. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with seasoned salt and ground black pepper.

Toss until evenly coated.

Roast for about 30-40 minutes or until potatoes are golden brown and tender, stirring and rotating pan halfway through cooking.

Meanwhile, crack Eggland’s Best eggs into a large bowl, then season with salt and pepper and whisk until smooth.

Heat a large skillet over medium heat then spray with nonstick spray and add eggs.

Scramble until the eggs are just barely cooked through and still slightly glossy, then scoop onto a plate and set aside.

Divide the potatoes and scrambled eggs evenly between the containers then set aside to cool.

Once cool, sprinkle with cheese and green onions, then cover and refrigerate. Freeze any portions that aren’t eaten within three days.

To reheat from frozen: microwave for 1 1/2 minutes then stir and continue microwaving until food is reheated, stirring between intervals. Top with optional toppings, then serve.

Tip: Store in individualised microwave-safe containers with lids to make these bowls ready to reheat and go.

September is Better Breakfast Month.

THE TRIBUNE

Tuesday, September 5, 2017, PAGE 1

EARTH FRIENDLY FOOTWEAR TOUCHES DOWN IN THE BAHAMAS SAMBA Sol, the ecofriendly Brazilian-based flip flops, has debuted in the Bahamas, stopping shoppers in their tracks at a pop-up event in Sabrina’s upscale boutique in the Lyford Cay Shopping Centre.

Inspired by the sun and the beach, Samba Sol flip flops are made with 100 per cent recycled, biodegradable Brazilian rubber called bio rubber, which decomposes in five years, compared to the 700 years it takes synthetic rubber to give back to the earth.

“Samba Sol is a perfect fit for the Bahamas,” said company spokesperson Beau Beasley, who splits his time between Nassau and Miami.

“Biodegradable consumer products produce far less pollution. They aren’t clogging up landfill sites. So it’s a way for the Bahamas to do its part in the global effort to recycle and reuse

material. Samba Sol is helping Mother Earth one fashionable step at a time” He added: “It’s an easy, breezy lifestyle brand which ties effortlessly into that laid-back island way of life we all love.”

Sabrina Lightbourn, owner of the eponymous boutique, expressed similar sentiments.

“These flip flops are perfect for our island lifestyle and I love when fashion, comfort and consumer responsibility combine into one,” she said.

Local resorts have are eyeing Samba Sol flip flops as a natural fit for their trendy souvenir stores and hotel swag bags, that is, complimentary gifts to their elite guests.

In fact, Mr Beasley had just filled an order for one major resort on the Cable Beach strip and was in “productive discussions” with several others.

“Hotels and our corporate clients love Samba Sol because it is customisable, we’re able to place their name or logo on the product, and it’s a genuinely thoughtful way to show appreciation,” he said. “Our quality flip flops are so comfortable and durable they become a wardrobe staple so it’s the perfect way to stay on your client’s mind with every step they take.”

A unique way for the brand to engage with existing clients and potential customers, Mr Beasley expects to produce more pop-up experiences for the public to enjoy at upscale boutiques around New Providence, Abaco and Harbour Island, both for Samba Sol and for the resort wear clothing line Ramona LaRue by Arianne.

“The feedback so far has been tremendous in generating a lot of buzz,” said Mr Beasley.

SAMBA Sol representative Beau Beasley

60 PLUS? SMART FASHION TIPS TO KEEP YOU LOOKING STYLISH AND FABULOUS (BPT) - Muumuus and mom jeans or spangled capris and Aloha shirts – is this really all the fashion world has to offer women over the age of 60? Do mature women who desire to dress fashionably for summer really have to choose between “frumpy and fogey” or “too young and trendy”?

Not at all, says Catherine Brock, who blogs about style on thebudgetfashionista.com.

“Reaching a certain age doesn’t mean you have to give up your love of fashion, or that you can’t be stylish,” Ms Brock says. “In our youth-obsessed society, many fashion trends are geared for young women, but truly stylish clothing can work for women of any age.”

Joyce Williams (name changed to protect her privacy), a resident of Brookdale Belle Meade Senior Living Community in Nashville, Tennessee, agrees. Mrs Williams didn’t leave her lifelong love of fashion behind upon moving into the senior community. Instead, she remains an avid reader of fashion magazines, and designs

and makes her own jewellery to accessorise her wardrobe. She happily shares fashion advice with other residents who seek to remain stylish after 60.

Here are some of Ms Brock’s and Mrs Williams’ favorite tips and insights for senior women: • Senior women can have trouble finding fashion images that feature women who could be their peers, Ms Brock says. Because most clothing is marketed with images of younger models, many older women may worry about their clothes being “age-appropriate”. Don’t be limited by that kind of thinking, she advises. The age of the model wearing the fashion is far less important than whether the style will work for you.

• Look for garments that have a defined shape. You don’t have to wear form-fitting clothing, but do avoid overalls or baggy, pullon pants and maxi dresses with no waistline, Ms Brock advises.

• Find your colours, Mrs Williams suggests. Everyone has certain colours that complement their skin tone, hair and eyes, and

others that are less flattering. Determine which ones are yours and emphasise those colours in your wardrobe. Ms Brock also counsels against putting too many colours in a single outfit, and says avoid wild colour patterns. Instead, pick one piece in an outfit to make a colour statement and use muted, complementary colours in the rest of the outfit to create a backdrop for your statement colour.

• Just as important as knowing your best colours, you should also know the visual line that looks best for your body type, Mrs Williams says. For example, if you’re pear-shaped, a line that draws attention to your shoulders can be flattering, Ms Brock adds. Appleshaped women may find an A-line skirt flattering since it creates an angle from the shoulder to the waist.

• Stay true to your own personal style, regardless of your age.

“If you had a well-established personal style when you were younger, it doesn’t need to change just because you’re older,” Ms Brock says. “If anything, as you

A SENSE of style does not disappear after 60. age, you can pay more attention to your personal style and be less of a slave to the season’s trends.”

Adapt your younger style to your more mature place in life by focusing on creating outfits that make only one statement at a time, she advises. For example, wear that big, chunky turquoise necklace that you’ve always loved and pair it with an outfit that’s simple and straightforward like a pair of tailored jeans and a white blouse.

• Some styles work particularly well for senior women, Ms Brock says. Blazers and cardi-

gans pair well with V-neck tops, sheath dresses, shift dresses and button-down shirts. “In warmer months, V-neck tops with elbowlength sleeves are the new T-shirt for seniors,” she says. “Just add a necklace for a little sparkle.” Plus, every senior woman should have wardrobe staples such as a black blazer, white button-down shirt, dark-wash jeans, straight-leg trousers, neutral-coloured cardigans, a collection of dolman-sleeve tops and T-shirts with varying sleeve lengths and necklines.

• Never underestimate the power of great accessories, Mrs Williams says. The right jewellery can turn an ordinary outfit into something stunning, and you can change the entire look of an outfit simply by switching around your accessories.

“It’s never too late to discover your personal style,” Ms Brock says. “Start by creating a Pinterest board and saving looks you love (get a fashion-minded younger friend to help if you’re not techsavvy). Then reacquaint yourself with your body type and go shopping with a friend. Try on different cuts of pants, skirts and dresses until you both agree on which are the most flattering. Find the cuts that look good on you and then start experimenting with colors and textures.”

Housework may be a key to improving your relationship (BPT) - Cleaning the bathroom and emptying the dishwasher isn’t at the top of a couple’s “To Do Together” list, but it may be the true language of love. In fact, a recent survey from home appliance leader LG Electronics found most Americans (52 per cent) get turned on by their partner doing housework. In fact, those who do chores with their partner (60 per cent) are nearly twice as likely as those who don’t (37 per cent) to believe a person who is good at chores is good in bed.

So what’s the key to a better relationship? Communication and housework.

That couldn’t be truer for celebrity couple Rachel Zoe, renowned designer and editor-in-chief of The Zoe Report, and her husband Rodger Berman, president of Rachel Zoe Inc, who have been together for 26 years. Rachel and Rodger are proof that communication and managing housework together could lead to a happier relationship.

“Rodger and I have young boys, so there is always something to clean or pick up around the house,” shared Zoe. “We work as a team to tackle the different housework, so we can spend

FASHION designer and writer Rachel Zoe with husband Rodger Berman more time together.”

Over their decades-long relationship, Zoe and Berman have some advice for how to handle disagreements over housework:

1. Divide and conquer Splitting up household responsibilities makes it quicker and easier to get housework done. While one person prepares dinner, the

other can set the table and then clear it afterwards.

This helps couples feel like they’re both doing their part and no one is putting in more effort than the other.

“We love to entertain and there is always a lot of preparation before guests arrive,” Zoe said. “Rodger and I divide up the responsibilities, which makes it so much easier and faster.

For example, I’ll cook and

he’ll load the dishes so everything is clean and ready when people arrive.”

2. Find the right tools to make tasks easier “When we have friends and family over, we want to spend time with them and not worry about running around doing a million things and cleaning

up,” notes Zoe. “We make sure we have the right tools to help us - our newest trick of the trade is the LG QuadWash dishwasher.

It looks amazingly chic in our home but it also makes our lives easier. Because it has four powerful spraying arms, instead of the traditional two, we don’t have to worry about prewashing or rewashing the dishes.”

Technology can help couples tackle cleaning and maintain their home together. Set reminders for whose turn it is to clean out the refrigerator or use the LG SmartThinQ app to monitor and check when the dishwasher is done. Using technology can help couples spend more time together and less time cleaning.

3. Specialise according to priorities and strengths Specialising is one way to ensure everyone’s priorities are met and housework gets done. Some people would rather clean the bathroom than load a dishwasher, while others don’t mind a layer of dust on furniture but can’t abide a sink full of dirty dishes overnight. The party who hates bathroom cleaning can be responsible for all dishwasher duties,

including making sure the sink is dish-free at the end of the day. Meanwhile, the other party can tackle bathroom duties.

Zoe and Berman prioritise housework based on the other’s preferences. “I love cooking and it’s important to me to always serve good meals, so I handle all the cooking,” she says. “Rodger actually likes doing the dishes, and he knows I can’t sleep if there are dirty dishes in the sink, so he always makes sure the dishes are loaded in the dishwasher before we go to bed.”

4. Never use housework as a tool for revenge One in four people surveyed by LG said they have purposely messed up a partner’s laundry after a fight.

Zoe admits when she’s angry with Berman she may not take the throw pillows off his side of the bed, or make his nightly frozen yoghurt. However, she also verbalises to him what she’s upset about.

“Sharing responsibilities has always been an effortless part of our relationship,” Zoe says. “That’s the way we have always approached our lives. We have always thought of ourselves as a team.”

SECTION B

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 2017

Pastor reveals ‘30 things to look for in a man’

By JEFFARAH GIBSON Tribune Features Writer jgibson@tribunemedia.net

H

AVING counselled many Bahamian women, both single and married, over the years, Pastor Lequient Bethel said a constant complaint he has heard is that the men they meet or have relationships with do not have any goals or ambitions in life.

These women, he said, find themselves forced into a leadership position, to push their men, only to then be considered nags.

Pastor Bethel, a founder of Epic Church and a life and development strategist, said he recognised that many Bahamian women are hurting in relationships and struggling to have the love life they want.

As a way to help them, Pastor Bethel is embarking on a tour that will give women information on “30 things to look out for in a man”.

The tour will begin on September 15 at the British Colonial Hilton. Sessions will also be held in Trinidad & Tobago at the end of the month.

Pastor Bethel believes once women know what to look out for, they can make a more sound decision when it comes to choosing men to date and eventu-

ally maybe marry.

The tour, he said, is both a workshop and a seminar to teach women their value and to also provide them with an environment where they can learn how to empower themselves and build self-esteem.

“I counselled a lot of men regarding relationships and they ended up not taking the counsel and ended up hurting a lot of the women they were involved with. So I decided instead of counselling men how to prepare for a woman and pursue her, I thought I’d teach women their worth to prevent them from being unnecessarily used or hurt,” he told Tribune Woman.

“I’ll be giving 30 points that will show women their value and strengthen their self-worth.”

Pastor Bethel said he feels compelled to share this information with women because he wants to see them have a better chance at loving and wholesome marriages.

“I’ve counselled a lot of relationships where many women are suffering in their marriage. Many single women are in my congregation that I want to see married, and happily so,” he said.

While some women make bad decisions regarding the men they date or marry, Pastor Bethel said

BAHAMIAN women often fall for men who are not on the same page relationship wise.

PASTOR Lequient Bethel will launch his “30 things to look out for in a man” tour on September 15. others have unresolved issues and pain that has never been properly dealt with, so they end up staying in and choosing bad relationships.

“Some women make poor choices in men, but I think it’s mostly because our wounds find similar ones to connect to. A woman with low self-worth usually will connect to a man who is deeply insecure and

have self-esteem issues himself,” said the pastor.

For this reason, Pastor Bethel hopes the upcoming seminar will uncover worth, beauty and value in every woman, so that she can make healthier decisions when it comes to a potential life partner.

He said there are many single women our there who tout certain standards

“Some women make poor choices in men, but I think it’s mostly because our wounds find similar ones to connect to. A woman with low selfworth usually will connect to a man who is deeply insecure and have self-esteem issues himself.” they have when it comes to dating, but often what they expect is unrealistic perfection.

“There is a distinction between the two that can only be distinguished when a woman truly knows and embraces her value . If you know your value, your standards in the way you allow yourself to be treated will come from that under-

standing. Those who desire perfection usually have a warped perception of love and of people. Mostly from past hurts. They themselves are hurting and in need of some form of healing,” he said.

For more information about Pastor Bethel’s tour, contact lequientbethel@ gmail.com.

New retreat to boost women entrepreneurs

By ALESHA CADET Tribune Features Reporter acadet@tribunemedia.net

ANGEL LIVAS, founder DC Media Connection, is the brain behind The Woman Behind the Business retreat.

THERE is strength in numbers, and The Woman Behind the Business organisation is setting out to prove this when it hosts a special five-day retreat for women starting today at the Meliá Nassau Beach Resort (pending Hurricane Irma’s movements).

Team members are urging Bahamian women “to get ready for an experience unlike any other”. The company said the retreat is not going to be just another boring conference that keeps persons indoors all day. Instead, it is going to feature morning yoga on the beach, hands-on workshops and outings to provide strength, strategy and success: a toolkit to sustainability.

Sessions will cover topics such as “Are Your Dollars Making Sense?”, “Taking a Seat at the Table”, “Mind your Business” and “ Speak with Confidence, Act with Grace.” Registration is $149 per person.

The idea for the retreat came from American businesswoman Angel Livas, who, after launching her company DC Media Connection, realised there was a serious lack resources for startup businesses owned by women.

Prior to developing DC

States and the Bahamas, we have a number of high-profile women speaking from both countries.”

Speakers will include: CEO of the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission Carla Reid; Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer Gloria Goins; CEO of Ex Nihilo Management Angela Dingle; CEO of the Professional Pipeline Development Group Monica P Hawkins; former Superintendent of Royal Bahamas Police Force Elaine Sands; founder of Reussir Modelling, Acting & Refinement Aushia Smith; Consul General of the Bahamas Paulette Zonicle, and CEO of Global Empowerment Services Dr Melisa Hall.

Angel believes the retreat will provide a tremendous amount of resources for women to move to the next level in their businesses.

Whether they are interested in gaining practical marketing and social media skills, learning about women and wealth, or merely in need of hearing lessons from other women who have face a number of difficult situations and made it through, the retreat is there place to be, she promises.

“Another reason to at-

Media Connection, Angel worked with senior-level executives at a multi-tier nonprofit organisation to translate complex messaging to optimise engagement opportunities. She oversaw sixnationally syndicated talkradio shows and transitioned several of them into awardwinning programmes. In

2014, she received a Gracie Award for a series that examined the impact of Alzheimer’s on not only the patient, but the caregiver.

“I thought that if individuals established legitimate relationships with one another before considering how they might ‘do business together’, it might spark an opportu-

nity to increase their likelihood of expanding their brand and business beyond borders,” she told Tribune Woman.

“We are very excited to be so well received by the local Bahamian community.

To ensure that all attendees gain valuable insights from women leaders from United

tend the retreat is to foster relationships with other women leaders; to grow both through professional development, as well as through interactive and fun activities. We are claiming our inaugural year as a success. As an organisation, we have received amazing support from such organisations as the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, the Bahamas Chamber of Commerce, and most recently, the University of the Bahamas. Our goal is to return to the Bahamas in 2018 and bring even more women leaders from the United States and engage an even broader range of women entrepreneurs from the Bahamas,” said Angel.

She added that “when everything comes together almost effortlessly, you know that there is a higher power working for your good.”

Angel is eager to watch the connections occur at this retreat, and even afterwards, she is hoping to connect and follow up with participants during the next two to six months for feedback.

“It’s my hope that attendees are still in contact and seeking ways in which they can and will collaborate. To watch them gain a new perspective and reap the benefits from the lessons taught at the Woman Behind the Business retreat, that’s what’s important to me,” said Angel.