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business@tribunemedia.net

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2021

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US: Fox earned $300k from human trafficking • Prosecutors seek up to six months’ jail time • Argue custody justified by ‘handsome profits’ • Yet ‘co-operation with law enforcement’ noted

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By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net ISLAND Luck’s cofounder allegedly earned up to $300,000 from human trafficking, US federal prosecutors have asserted, as they urged a New York judge to jail him for up to six months. Jordan Estes, an assistant US attorney, in an October 8, 2021, letter to Judge Denise Cote, argued that Adrian Fox’s involvement in a more than decade-old scheme to smuggle illegal Chinese into Florida “warrants” a minor custodial sentence because he “profited handsomely” from his involvement. Alleging that Mr Fox had played an active role in the trafficking of 100 Chinese

ADRIAN FOX nationals, the letter nevertheless acknowledged the Island Luck co-founder’s philanthropic activities in depressed Bahamian communities as well as “his efforts to cooperate with law enforcement” although no details were provided in relation to the latter.

$5.01 Ms Estes, writing ahead of Mr Fox’s October 15 sentencing by Judge Cote, acknowledged that the Bahamian national was due to plead guilty “to aiding and abetting the grossly negligent operation of a vessel” following a plea bargain with US federal prosecutors that saw all charges relating to the more serious human smuggling offences dropped. Detailing the background to the case, she wrote: “This case stems from an investigation into alien smuggling that began in or around 2009. Around that time, a boat captain (CW-1 or co-operating witness one) began co-operating with law enforcement regarding his involvement in an alien

SEE PAGE 8

Major overtime pay win for employees ‘Don’t be dictated to’ By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net A MINIMUM wage security guard has been awarded nearly $11,000 after the Industrial Tribunal ruled that companies and their employees “cannot lawfully contract out” of paying overtime rates. Simone Fitzcharles, the Tribunal’s vice-president, in an October 1, 2021, ruling

• Firms ‘can’t lawfully contract out’ of law’s provisions • Minimum wage security guard wins nearly $11,000 thus awarded former Westech International Security employee, Jason Tynes, some $10,903 representing five years’ worth of

overtime pay for the period 2014 to 2018. In a ruling that will impact Bahamian companies who have contracted

with their employees to pay regular rates, and not overtime’s “time-and-ahalf”, for hours worked beyond a 40-hour week, Ms Fitzcharles ruled that the Employment Act’s statute law provisions override all such agreements. She found that Westech “held all the winning cards” when it came to hiring security guards, as it could easily find replacements for persons who declined to sign contracts where it was stipulated that “the company does not pay overtime” to employees who work more than 40 hours per week. Mr Tynes exposed the vulnerability of low-paid Bahamian workers such as himself when, during testimony before the Industrial Tribunal, he described security guards as “expendable. A dime a dozen. We could easily be replaced”. Westech, which was represented by its principal,

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by 15% corporate tax By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

THE Bahamas “shouldn’t be waiting for someone to dictate to us” and must act now on tax and Business Licence reform ahead of the global push to a minimum 15 percent corporate tax. Tanya McCartney, the Bahamas Financial Services Board’s (BFSB) chief executive, told Tribune Business in a series of e-mailed replies that the G-7/G-20 drive for a global taxation ‘level playing field” provides this nation with an opportunity to advance tax reform for its own ends. “It creates an opportunity for us to review our own tax structure and the current Business Licence regime, which assesses a fee on turnover rather than business income,” she explained,

while asserting that The Bahamas and its financial services industry will still be able to compete against the latest Organisation for Economic Co-Operation and Development (OECD) proposals. “While it is not possible to assess what the impact will be definitively, we believe that with a level playing field and an enabling business environment that The Bahamas will be able to compete,” Ms McCartney said. “The agenda of the OECD is clear. Industry must remain focused on remaining competitive and leveraging those attributes which continue to make The Bahamas an attractive international financial centre (IFC). She responded after the OECD, which is doing the

SEE PAGE 4

Activist: Disney ‘first test’ for Gov’ts words, actions By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net ACTIVISTS yesterday said Disney’s Lighthouse Point project will be “the first test” for the Davis administration when it comes to “matching words” in Opposition to “actions” when in government. Sam Duncombe, reEarth’s president and a leading opponent of Disney Cruise Line’s plans for Eleuthera’s southern tip, told Tribune Business that The Bahamas had “no more time” for politicians who failed to translate talk into meaningful action and reform. “The Prime Minister had some very bold words to say in 2019,” she said, “and we want the words and actions to match otherwise it’s more talk. We don’t have the time for more talk. “This is their first test, and we hope.... we’re here to help in any way we can.... but the words have to match

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PAGE 2, Tuesday, October 12, 2021

Going the extra mile G on compliance culture

lobally, many companies have struggled to meet investor expectations and remain competitive following the COVID-19 pandemic’s

THE TRIBUNE start. Regulatory environments have been enhanced, both globally and locally, to protect stakeholders while simultaneously cultivating an atmosphere for innovation and growth. A recent example of creating attractive and robust legislation is the Digital Assets and Registered Exchanges Act 2020 (DARE). Both the Securities Commission of The Bahamas’ executive director, Christina Rolle, and FTX’s chief executive, Sam Bankman-Fried, have said the latter’s decision to move to The Bahamas is heavily based on our supervisory framework. Against this backdrop, it has become imperative to develop, implement and maintain a compliance programme for companies. This article looks at how a compliance programme can be adequately interconnected while emphasising the importance of creating a lasting culture of compliance. Leadership role in compliance culture Compliance, ethics and anti-fraud programmes should be fully understood by the Board of Directors and executive leadership. The responsibilities of a company’s leadership should be clearly defined and assigned. They should be documented in well-developed, and socialised, written policies and procedures that establish an atmosphere of accountability. These policies and procedures should be re-evaluated on a documented basis regularly, with the time between reviews in my opinion not exceeding a calendar year. Independent compliance officer (CO) designation Depending on the industry, this role is either required or suggested by guidance. The financial services industry in The Bahamas and US both require a compliance officer. Conversely, the healthcare industry in the US only requires the designation if they participate in the Affordable Care Act (ACA). In the Bahamian healthcare industry, there is no such documented requirement. Notwithstanding the regulatory and guidance

DEREK

SMITH regime, I believe this role is essential irrespective of the industry involved. The compliance officer should be a member of senior management and have unfettered access to the board of directors, plus internal and external legal counsel. A regular evaluation of the working relationship between the compliance function and other key operational areas should be conducted as well. Communication and training Communication of policies, procedures and other important elements of the compliance programme should take place regularly and in practical ways, including controls, plans and corrective actions. Moreover, an effective training plan tailored to the nuances of the company should be developed and implemented. Ideally, in addition to providing training sessions for the Board of Directors and executive leaders, the company should also ensure all employees have access to such sessions, as well as its agents, representatives or other third parties, where applicable. Monitoring and evaluating effectiveness The Board of Directors and executive members should receive regular updates on the programme’s implementation and monitoring. These compliance updates must include reports of suspected noncompliance, and be kept by the compliance officer. It is important to consider

SEE PAGE 3

THE TRIBUNE

Tuesday, October 12, 2021, PAGE 3

REGULATOR’S WARNING OVER FINANCIAL SCAMS EXPLOSION By YOURI KEMP Tribune Business Reporter ykemp@tribunemedia.net

A SENIOR Securities Commission executive says financial scams targeting Bahamians more than doubled during the COVID19 pandemic, with 90 percent originating in this nation. Gawaine Ward, the capital markets regulator’s senior manager for enforcement, told a webinar that 2020 saw a significant increase in schemes trying to defraud unsuspecting Bahamians with the Commission undertaking 20 separate investigations for the year.

Speaking at an event held by the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE) Bahamas chapter and Citadel Consultants, Mr Ward said: “We can look at some of the numbers involving Commission investigations, and particularly with regard to financial schemes that were investigated. “Within the last 10 years or so, looking at financial schemes specifically investigated through from 2010 to 2020, even I was surprised by the spike in 2020. “Some of you may not be as surprised by that. You will note that there were 20 financial schemes we investigated in 2020 alone and, as you can see, that is many

times the number we would have investigated over the course of the last nine years.” Most of the alleged scams took place in the months of July and August 2020, which featured five and six respectively, and “exceeded” the combined number of cases for the previous nine years. Chalking this up to persons with idle time on their hands, and desperate for money, coupled with the number of people now working remotely and using technology to conduct their work, Mr Ward added: “More likely than not this may have allowed for greater opportunities for the originators of financial schemes

to see how many people they can get into these schemes.” The most prevalent of these Caribbean-wide were pyramid schemes and FOREX (foreign exchange) trading schemes, plus others using the word “asue”, which Bahamians also fell victim to. Mr Ward said: “It is interesting to note that while some of these schemes may have had an external, outof-country influence, most of them were organised in the Bahamas and promoted by Bahamians. “Out of the total number of schemes investigated, 19 of them originated right here in The Bahamas. Six of them arose in the US and they were brought over to

the country, and one from Panama. “So it seems persons have been quite busy locally, because cons as we know them have always been with us and will always be with us. We need to be aware of how it can affect us and, just as important, it not be the cause of anybody else becoming affected.” Mr Ward warned Bahamians against being “greedy” and “ignorant” in falling prey to various online ‘get rick quick’ schemes, for if “something is offering a return too good to be true, often times it is a scam”. “Anything that comes to you promising guaranteed, unrealistic returns, for example you pay $500 now and in

GOV’T ADDS 5.3M ACRES TO MARINE PROTECTED AREAS THE Minnis administration has been hailed for protecting the economy, environment and Bahamian people by quietly adding 5.3m acres to the country’s Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). The Bahamas Protected Areas Fund (BPAF), which acts as the mechanism for financing the MPAs’ upkeep, in a statement praised the now-former administration for ensuring this nation achieved its commitment of protecting 20 percent of the country’s near-shore and marine environments. “On July 20, 2021, without any of the fanfare this declaration deserved, the Government of The

Bahamas significantly strengthened The Bahamas’ fight against biodiversity loss and climate change by adding 5.3m acres to Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) in The Bahamas,” the Fund said. “This action by the Government continues The Bahamas’ long legacy of leadership in setting aside areas of its national space for preservation. For the environmental community who have been advocating for this since 2018, this gazetted announcement was met with great appreciation because of the mitigating effects marine protected areas have against the ravages of climate change.

“Prior to the July 2021 declaration, some 13.9m acres were protected, but with the addition of 5,254,179 million acres, The Bahamas now has protected 20 percent of its marine and coastal habitat. This goal was announced by The Bahamas when it joined the inaugural Caribbean challenge in 2010.” A consortium called Bahamas Protected, featuring The Nature Conservancy, the Bahamas National Trust, the Bahamas Reef Environment Educational Foundation and multiple national stakeholders, had proposed the MPAs’ expansion in September 2018 with funding support from Oceans 5,

GOING THE EXTRA MILE ON COMPLIANCE CULTURE FROM PAGE TWO factors such as the previous year’s audit findings, annual risk assessments, and high-volume services in determining how frequently various functions need to be monitored. Conclusion During past years, a welldocumented and reasonably functional compliance and ethics programme was adequate, but today it is not. An effective compliance programme reduces fraud and abuse, enhances a company’s operations, improves the quality of service, and reduces the overall cost of operations in a way that all stakeholders benefit. Jr

NB: About Derek Smith

Derek Smith Jr. has been a governance, risk and compliance professional for more than 20 years. He has held positions at a TerraLex member law firm, a Wolfsburg Group member bank and a ‘big four’ accounting firm. Mr Smith is a

certified anti-money laundering specialist (CAMS), and the compliance officer and money laundering reporting officer (MLRO) for CG Atlantic’s family

of companies (member of Coralisle Group) for The Bahamas

and

Turks

Caicos.

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a group of philanthropists dedicated to protecting the world’s oceans. The recommended Bahamian MPA sites were identified after consultation by 26 different organisations, across ten islands, over two years. Key information and maps were shared with the public via social media for further input. When the proposal was presented to the Government, more than 7,000 signatures had been obtained in support of marine protected areas. Bahamas Protected’s recommendations were made to support the Government of The Bahamas in meeting its commitment to the Caribbean Challenge Initiative

(CCI), a regional agenda where 11 Caribbean countries committed to protect 20 percent of their marine and coastal habitat by 2020. They also pledged to provide sustainable financing for effective management of MPAs. With climate change likely to result in The Bahamas facing stronger and more frequent hurricanes, the Fund said: “Building strong and resilient marine ecosystems is an important strategy against climate change, especially for small, low-lying island states like The Bahamas. “MPAs, within a properly designed network effectively managed, are

21 days you receive $5,000 and there’s no reasonable explanation for how you get that $5,000, there won’t be one so don’t bother. This sounds like the advanced fee con,” he added. “Also, avoid succumbing to pressure tactics such as ‘if you snooze, you lose’, which are actually pressure tactics,” he added. Mr Ward said financial scammers can appear very friendly at times, then hit people with language that baits them into believing a particular investment scheme has to be seized upon at that moment or other persons will get ahead of them.

a proven means of ensuring this resilience; the ability to bounce back from adverse events. There are other quantifiable benefits to MPAs which have been proven scientifically and economically. “For example, the success of our lobster fisheries, a $97.5m industry, are because of the nursery habitats that are protected and give the crustaceans a chance to breed. The tourism industry, which employed just under 50 percent of the population before the pandemic, is dependent on a pristine, protected environment that supports lucrative touristic activities like bone fishing and sport fishing, in addition to the main attractions of beaching and boating throughout the archipelago.”

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THE TRIBUNE

RETIRED JUSTICE DETAILS PROCUREMENT SHAKE-UP

By YOURI KEMP Tribune Business Reporter ykemp@tribunemedia.net

THE Ministry of Finance’s central tender’s board can now grant contracts worth between $250,000 and $1.2m without requiring Cabinet approval, a retired Supreme Court justice has confirmed. Justice Rhonda Bain (retired), chair of The Bahamas Bar Association’s ethics committee, said

the recently-implemented Public Procurement Act (PPA) both decentralises the bid analysis and awarding of government contracts while also ensuring that only the largest such deals need go before Cabinet for approval. Speaking at a webinar held by the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE) Bahamas chapter and Citadel Consultants, Justice Bain said each “procuring entity” - which means any government agency or department - will

now have their own tenders committee. This moves away from the previously centralised model where the Tender’s Board was housed at the Ministry of Finance. Justice Bain said: “Prior to the PPA, there was no legislation in The Bahamas that dealt with the procurement of goods, works or services for public entities. An amendment was made in 2013 but that amendment was never brought into effect.”

She added that prior to the Act’s passage there was a solitary tender’s board that comprised the Ministry of Finance’s financial secretary, the Ministry of Health’s permanent secretary and the Ministry of Works’ permanent secretary, who all opened bids together and were able to award contracts valued up to $50,000. This has now changed. Justice Bain explained: “The Act has thresholds. The procurement unit may award contracts to anything

up to $50,000. Any contract over $50,000, and not exceeding $250,000, will be awarded by the tender’s committee with approval by the minister responsible for the procuring entity.” Any contract in excess of $250,000 and not exceeding $1.2m will go to the central tender’s board for approval, and anything in excess of $1.2m will be forwarded to the Cabinet. Justice Bain said: “One of the safeguards in the Act is where a procurement contract is awarded to a

‘DON’T BE DICTATED TO’ BY 15% CORPORATE TAX FROM PAGE ONE so-called ‘heavy lifting’ on the G-20’s behalf, on Friday announced that 136 nations - including The Bahamas - have signed on to international tax reforms that will see a 15 percent minimum global corporate tax rate levied on the largest multinational enterprises. Michael Halkitis, minister for economic affairs, and who has responsibility for financial services, could not be reached for comment before press time but the Davis administration’s position appears not to have changed from the one taken by its predecessor in relation to this initiative. Pledging that the agreement “does not seek to eliminate tax competition, but puts multilaterally agreed limitations on it”, the OECD said the twopronged deal will see countries collectively gain around $150bn in new revenues annually from multinational enterprises. The first pillar is billed by the OECD as ensuring “a fairer distribution of profits and taxing rights among countries with respect to the largest and

most profitable multinational enterprises”. Some taxing rights over multinationals will be reallocated from these companies’ home countries to the markets where they have business activities and generate profits, regardless of whether they have a physical presence there. Ms McCartney, though, said it was unclear if - and by how much - The Bahamas could benefit from this taxing rights reallocation, saying: “This has not been adequately assessed for us to comment on at this time.” One financial services industry source, speaking on condition of anonymity, told this newspaper they believed The Bahamas will be little impacted by the G-20/OECD proposal at this point because the largest multinationals being targeted do not represent this nation’s market or have a major physical presence here. The Bahamas has traditionally focused on the private wealth management space, as opposed to the institutional business targeted by the likes of

TANYA MCCARTNEY Bermuda and Cayman, and the source similarly suggested that this nation will gain little from the reallocation of taxing rights. “Multinationals, that’s not our bread and butter,” they said. “We don’t have much manufacturing and masses of IT companies. If we do have any multinationals here, they will be part of a corporate structure and the activity will be going on elsewhere.” The taxing rights reallocation only applies to multinationals with annual turnover greater than 20bn euros and profit margins

GOWON BOWE

greater than 10 percent, with a particular focus on those that have benefited so much from the digital economy - the likes of Facebook, Amazon, Apple and Google. Just 25 percent of profit above the 10 percent threshold is to be reallocated. The OECD predicted that $125bn of multinational profits will be reallocated to small jurisdictions in this way. And the 15 percent minimum global corporate tax, billed as generating an additional $150bn in annual global tax revenues, is only targeting companies with a yearly turnover of greater than 750m euros.

The OECD/G-20 are hoping that all countries will formally commit to the initiative in 2022, with implementation targeted at 2023. Ms McCartney declined to comment on whether such a timeline was too aggressive for The Bahamas, adding: “This is a question best answered by the policymakers but industry stands ready to assist in any way that we can.” The OECD said: “Developing countries, as members of the Inclusive Framework on an equal footing, have played an active role in the negotiations and the two-pillar solution contains a number

NOTICE NOTICE is hereby given that DIENIE JEAN LOUIS of Step Street, Fox Hil, Nassau, The Bahamas P.O. Box N-10600, 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 12th day of October, 2021 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, New Providence, The Bahamas.

person or entity pursuant to any international treaty or agreement, or any agreement with a funding agency. “So if a contract is awarded pursuant to a loan from the IDB (Inter-American Development Bank), the minister responsible for finance shall publish on his website, within 60 days, the notice of the award of the procurement contract and, most importantly, the name and address of each beneficial owner of the company.”

of features to ensure that the concerns of low-capacity countries are addressed. “The OECD will ensure the rules can be effectively and efficiently administered, also offering comprehensive capacity building support to countries which need it.” Many in The Bahamas, especially in the financial services industry, are likely to voice scepticism at such pledges by the OECD given how it has led attacks on this nation over the past two decades. Still, Mathias Cormann, the OECD’s secretarygeneral , said: “Today’s agreement will make our international tax arrangements fairer and work better. This is a major victory for effective and balanced multilateralism. “It is a far-reaching agreement which ensures our international tax system is fit for purpose in a digitalised and globalised world economy. We must now work swiftly and diligently to ensure the effective implementation of this major reform.” Gowon Bowe, Fidelity Bank (Bahamas) chief executive, yesterday told Tribune Business that this nation was not objecting to the OECD/G-20 initiative’s focus on equity, transparency and a level playing field but, rather, “how they’re being enforced”. Backing Ms McCartney in asserting that the latest announcement should be a wake-up call for The Bahamas to get ahead of global developments by pursuing tax reform for its own ends, he said: “We shouldn’t be waiting for someone to dictate to us. We should be wise enough to say it’s far better to be ahead of initiatives than behind the ‘8-ball’. “They’ve given us a nudge, but we shouldn’t need a nudge because we know we have deficiencies with our own tax system that we need fix for our own purposes. To compete in the global space, we need to be battle ready as opposed to reactive.”

THE TRIBUNE

Buy the future By Chris Illing

nvestors are buying the future on stock exchanges worldwide. Let us look into the possibly important developments and sectors for the next decade. The COVID19 pandemic is dividing the economy into an old and a new world. We see the following trends up to 2030 that could provide opportunities for investors: Food: Vegetarian food is becoming standard A diet without animal products could already be the rule in 2030. According to a 2020 study, only around two percent of Americans eat vegetarian and around 0.5 percent are vegan - but the trend is upwards. The proportion doubled during the COVID-19 crisis. Artificially-produced meat, refined with flavourings, could be part of our lives in 2030. Insects could also be part of the future diet as a supplier of animal protein. They can recycle waste and serve as animal feed, for example. In 2030, real meat will be frowned upon - and will only be accepted on special occasions. Future technologies in this area could be new protein sources, indoor agriculture and white biotechnology. The latter uses living cells - from yeast, moulds, bacteria and plants - and enzymes to synthesise products that are easily degradable, require less energy and create less waste during their production. Health: Digital Health in daily life Digital tools are already part of our preventive healthcare in 2021, and will become the new norm by 2030. Apple Health users can already track their resting heart rate, their sleep and running distance, while various apps advertise the early detection of heart attacks and strokes. Maybe health trackers will soon

INVESTORS are buying the future on the worldwide stock exchanges. Let’s look into the possible important developments and sectors for the next decade. be able to call 911 if they detect questionable patterns. Expect some insane changes and developments. Important technologies for the future of medicine could include gene sequencing, individualised medicine and cancer therapies, plus the development and production of human antibodies for the treatment of dangerous diseases. Mobility: Get in and go Self-driving cars, such as those developed by Tesla, VW, BMW and many others, should also be allowed on worldwide roads within the next ten years. It was not until May 2021 that the German government passed a law that allows autonomous level four cars - at this level,

the technical systems drive independently - to drive on certain routes. The second big topic in terms of mobility are electric vehicles (EVs). They will account for more than 90 percent of new registrations in 2030. E-mobility also plays a major role in achieving the climate goals. In the UK, the number of electric cars sold last month neared the figures for the whole of 2019, with panicbuying at the petrol pumps expected to accelerate consumer appetite to switch to cleaner vehicles. Nearly 33,000 pure electric cars were registered in a record month for EVs, almost 50 percent more than last year, as sales of new cars otherwise tumbled to the

weakest September total for more than two decades. Hydrogen cars could also be added. In the future, hydrogen could be used to store electricity, as fuel for large vehicles, and as a chemical reagent. The self-driving car and drones could therefore be decisive mobility topics of the future. Work: Virtual Office Working from the home office has long become part of everyday life for many employees in the COVID19 pandemic. While just four percent worked from home before the crisis, it was a full 27 percent in the first lockdown last April. Employees are now returning to the office in many places. The home office

Tuesday, October 12, 2021, PAGE 5

is unlikely to disappear entirely - it will remain an important part. Along comes the rise of the virtual Boardroom, while companies such as Zoom and Team Viewer soared to new heights during the pandemic. Culture: Music and movies in the home theatre The melody and fine tuning for music, as well as the story and adaptation of movies, all of this could be produced automatically in the future. Music and movies will come entirely from the computer in 2030. Artificial intelligence plays an important role in this. America, Japan and China are leaders in this development. The movie, Demon Slayer, was the most successful animated movie at the Japanese box office in 2020, generating revenue of more than 40 billion Japanese yen. The movie became the highest-grossing Japanese movie to date. Finance: Banks, Online trading and insurance are joining the digital revolution From banks to insurance companies, all of this could be much more digital in the next decade. Promising technologies in this area could be cryptocurrencies and blockchain,

and promising investments include Visa and Coinbase. The rise of the online trading companies became unstoppable during COVID. The global market for online trading platforms is set to gain impetus from the rising integration of artificial intelligence trading platform solutions. Chatbots help users to receive market estimations, data about the trader’s notifications, account reports, real-time estimates and generic FAQs (frequently asked questions). Labour: Robots are shifting the workforce In 2030, robots could be a much more central part of the workforce and cause a real upheaval. “We’re running out of unskilled work because it’s done by robots,” predict experts in the labour market. The COVID-19 pandemic forced businesses to innovate, including using workplace robots. From telepresence capabilities to UV disinfection, mobile robots empowered people and provided business value. But even as the infection fades, their use will continue and expand.

PAGE 6, Tuesday, October 12, 2021

THE TRIBUNE

ACTIVIST: DISNEY ‘FIRST TEST’ FOR GOV’TS WORDS, ACTIONS

FROM PAGE ONE

the actions. We cannot continue to operate as business as usual when we have so many environmental challenges coming our way. “When Disney’s Heads of Agreement came out [under the former Minnis administration], we were thoroughly impressed by Glenys Hanna Martin’s comments because she showed a real understanding of what we had given away,” Mrs Duncombe added. “Now it’s time for these very profound words both she and the Prime Minister said about a better deal for The Bahamas from Disney to bear fruit. Right now, they benefit and we get the crumbs off the table. We need to completely alter that scenario, and a landbased project does just that.” Mrs Duncombe laid out this argument for “heads in beds” in a September 27, 2021, letter to newlyappointed minister of the

environment and natural resources, Vaughn Miller. She also reminded him of the contributions by Mr Davis, Mrs Hanna Martin and others when the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) was in Opposition and had concerns over Disney’s cruise port plan. Mr Davis, while leader of the Opposition, challenged the transparency of the Disney deal, saying on March 10, 2019: “Hard on the heels of the fake and phoney Oban deal, the prime minister sat in secret and signed the Disney deal. “No cameras or outsiders were allowed save for the government’s minders and mouthpieces. The public found out by a release from the Bahamas Information Services. The PLP would never have gotten away with this and never tried to.” Mr Davis said then that questions remained over the environmental impact study; how Bahamians will benefit; and how Lighthouse Point’s landmarks

will be protected from ruin by poor developmental practices. Mrs Hanna Martin, though, went further, blasting just two weeks’ later: “A project which was chosen over a competitor with Bahamian involvement, and which attracted so much controversy and which encompasses perhaps one of the most beautiful spots on earth, should have been diligently negotiated to yield high performing economic opportunity for our people and contained stringent environmental provisions......... “This is essentially a giveaway to Disney. Further, the reference to Oxford Economics on the economic impact is misleading unless it also factors in the value of the many concessions made from the public purse to Disney, a multibillion-dollar international corporate entity. “But, even on the face of it, the sum of $805m projected GDP impact and $357.5m in revenues over

a 25-year period is far from spectacular especially when considering the concessions that are being given.” Even Chester Cooper, now deputy prime minister, got into the act by arguing in relation to Disney’s Lighthouse Point deal that The Bahamas was being “chopped and sold for control” to the interests Sir Lynden Pindling “spent his life keeping at bay”. He added that the Heads of Agreement only left locals with “crumbs”. Mrs Duncombe, in her letter to Mr Miller, called for a meeting between activists and the Government “to discuss the reconsideration of plans for Lighthouse Point and related major environmental issues”. “We hope that your ministry will pause the rush to grant environmental approvals for this project, and require Disney to give serious consideration to a better, more equitable alternative, including a Disney Land and Sea Legacy Park,” she wrote. “For two years, our groups have stood ready to co-operate with Disney to identify a more appropriate alternative site for its cruise port. Disney claims that they are following the same high environmental standards at Lighthouse Point that they would anywhere else in the world. They say they will not proceed with their current plans unless

they are ‘environmentally responsible’. “We hope that your Government will perform much better than the last by holding Disney accountable for these promises.” Mrs Duncombe said more than 450,000 persons had signed the petition opposing the Lighthouse Point project as presently conceived, although she did not say how many were Bahamian. “From the outset, Disney and its allies have stifled the voices of Bahamians expressing serious concerns about the project,” she asserted to Mr Miller. “We look to your Ministry to assure that both the public’s right to be heard and the environment are protected in the Government’s decision-making process on Lighthouse Point. “Both Disney and the previous government refused to make public the full data on the economics of the deal. A study conducted by Oxford Economics purportedly proves that the project will benefit the local and national economy. Yet Disney still has not released the full document. “Lighthouse Point is an important first test of your new Government’s resolve to address the most existential environmental challenges facing our country, most importantly climate change and protection of our marine resources.”

Mrs Duncombe noted that the 18,000 acres of sea surrounding Lighthouse Point have now been declared a Marine Protected Area (MPA) as of July 2021. However, all the concerns appear to neglect the fact that it is Disney which won the race to acquire what was already privately-owned land. Kim Prunty, Disney Cruise Line’s vice-president of public affairs, told this year’s Eleuthera Business Outlook that the cruise line was hoping to begin operations at Lighthouse Point in the first half of 2024. She added that while Disney had committed in its Heads of Agreement to supplying 30 percent of the project’s energy needs from renewable sources, it was now targeting a 90 percent threshold as well as “zero waste to the landfill”. Ms Prunty also said the $355m in extra tax revenue that the development is projected to generate over a 25-year period exceeds that value of the concessions it has received from the Government, although it has provided no figure for the latter. The project is forecast to generate 120 construction jobs, with a minimum 80 percent going to Bahamians, and 150 fulltime operational posts

THE TRIBUNE

MAJOR OVERTIME PAY WIN FOR EMPLOYEES FROM PAGE ONE Christopher Washington Adderley, before the Industrial Tribunal, argued that its staff who worked additional hours were gaining extra economic benefits albeit at ordinary rates of pay rather than the “timeand-a-half” stipulated by the Employment Act’s provisions. The Industrial Tribunal vice-president, though, dismissed this as “a false economy” because Westech was able to dictate terms to Bahamians desperate for any kind of work. She added that it received the benefit of Mr Tynes’ 12-hour shifts at the Airport Industrial Park and, via this arrangement, was able to save itself having to hire and pay another security guard to cover those hours. Detailing the background to the dispute, Ms Fitzcharles said Mr Tynes was hired at the minimum wage of $210 per week in late 2013. He was paid at regular salary rates, of $5.25 per hour, for all overtime and work performed on public holidays. The security guard, though, kept all 74 original pay slips received from Westech. Sharon Toote, the company’s human resources manager, confirmed that they were genuine and showed that Mr Tynes had not been paid the legal overtime rate as set out in the Employment Act. Westech’s defence sought to undermine Mr Tynes’ credibility, citing a car accident and claiming that he committed “multiple gross misconduct, gross insubordination, gross insolence, sleeping on the job and abandonment of post” to justify his summary dismissal from the company. However, Mr Tynes countered that his last supervisor had “a vendetta against him”, but did not contest his dismissal. And Ms Fitzcharles agreed that the sole issue for determination was whether overtime pay was due to him. The company also suggested that Mr Tynes wanted to work at the Airport Industrial Park because that facility paid security guards a bonus, and that removed any

obligation to pay legallymandated overtime pay. However, the security guard said such a bonus was only paid by the Park for two of the five years he was there. Westech’s code of conduct and company policies, which it required all security guards to sign before they can get the job, stipulated that hours worked beyond the 40-hour week “will not be considered overtime” and “the company does not pay overtime”. When asked by Mr Adderley at trial why he did not complain about the absence of overtime pay while at Westech, Mr Tynes replied: “If you want a job, you have to go along with it whether you like it or not. Security officers were expendable. A dime a dozen. We could easily be replaced.” Ms Fitzcharles, while acknowledging the principles of freedom of contract, added that this concept did not operate “unfettered” under the law. “This case is about whether that principle of freedom of contract is so restrained when it meets and competes with the protection afforded Bahamian employees in the right to overtime pay prescribed by the Employment Act,” she added. The Employment Act’s section eight, the Industrial Tribunal vice-chair noted, stipulated that no employer could require an employee to work in excess of eight hours per day, or 40 hours per week, without paying overtime. And, where workers are “required or permitted” to work in excess of the standard hours of work, their rate of pay is to be “one-andone-half times their regular rate of pay. Ms Fitzcharles said the language clearly showed Bahamian employers are legally bound to pay

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NOTICE NOTICE is hereby given that JOHANNE SULLY BRIZE of Malcolm Road, Nassau, The Bahamas P.O. Box N-10600, 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 12th day of October, 2021 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, New Providence, The Bahamas.

NOTICE NOTICE is hereby given that BELIZER PRESENDIE of Carew Street, Centerville, P.O. Box SS19924 Nassau, The 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 October, 2021 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, New Providence, The Bahamas.

NOTICE

NOTICE is hereby given that LASHONNA ESTIN GLASS of Carmichael Road, 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 12th day of October, 2021 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, Bahamas.

overtime even when workers request extra hours. “The public policy implications are also clear,” the Industrial Tribunal vice-president ruled. “The statute is meant to provide minimum standards which are applicable to employers and employees. In relation to overtime pay provisions, this means no employer can contract to pay an employee less than the prescribed amount for overtime hours worked. “The public policy implication is also that the employee cannot

contract to receive less for the erosion of the mandatory provision would be at stake and, if upheld by the courts, the relevant sections could be ignored and the intended protections would suffer.” Noting that minimum wage employees, and lowskilled workers, are often “bargaining from a position of weakness”, Ms Fitzcharles added that Parliament “must have foreseen the budding mischief”. She said: “Workers with minimal education and

Tuesday, October 12, 2021, PAGE 7

skills, or persons who may be desperate for work whether caused by general economic hard times or the immediacy of their need to earn because of familial obligations, to name a few, would be particularly susceptible to falling into a situation where they may accept any work on any terms.” Dismissing Westech’s arguments about the benefits security guards gained from working extra hours at regular pay, Ms Fitzcharles added that the company “dictated employment

terms to Mr Tynes on a take it or leave it basis”, received the benefits of the extra hours he worked, and did not have to hire an additional security guard to cover the Airport Industrial Park as a result. “The Tribunal finds that the parties could not lawfully contract out of paying the correct rates of overtime pay to Mr Tynes for the overtime hours he worked as shown by the Westech-generated pay slips,” she ruled. “The policy in the [company’s] Code that it does not pay overtime to employees is therefore not enforceable.”

NOTICE International Business Companies Act (No. 45 of 2000) SNOOPY PTC LTD. Formerly CASA PTC LTD. Registration No. 205223 B Pursuant to the provisions of Section 138 (8) of the International Business Companies Act, 2000 notice is hereby given that SNOOPY PTC LTD. Formerly CASA PTC LTD. has been dissolved and struck off the Register of Companies with effect from the 13th day of September, 2021. GALNOM LTD. Liquidator

NOTICE

NOTICE is hereby given that RONEL BRIZE of Malcolm Road, Nassau, The Bahamas P.O. Box N-10600, 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 12th day of October, 2021 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, New Providence, The Bahamas.

NOTICE is hereby given that JOHNSON FLEURIMOND of Mount Royal, Wulf Road, Nassau, The Bahamas P.O. Box N2467, 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 12th day of October, 2021 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau,

PAGE 8, Tuesday, October 12, 2021

THE TRIBUNE

US: FOX EARNED $300K FROM HUMAN TRAFFICKING FROM PAGE ONE

smuggling organisation that specialised in smuggling Chinese nationals into the US through Haiti, the Dominican Republic and The Bahamas. “At times, the Chinese nationals were smuggled in hazardous conditions, including overcrowded boats, where there would be more aliens onboard than lifejackets. In addition, the Chinese nationals would be exposed to the elements while they were being transported by boat and would go without food or water for extended periods of time.” Providing further details on the operation, Ms Estes wrote: “A second cooperating witness (CW-2) provided information on the alien smuggling

organisation’s contacts in The Bahamas. According to CW-2, Fox’s co-defendant, Mario Bowe, was responsible for chartering flights to fly Chinese nationals from Haiti to The Bahamas; arranging for safe houses to house aliens in The Bahamas while they awaited further transportation; and contacting boat captains such as CW-1 to take the aliens from the Bahamas to Florida.” Mr Bowe, son of Felix ‘Mailman’ Bowe, a close confidante of the late Sir Lynden Pindling, ultimately pled guilty in September 2010 to his role in the scheme and was sentenced to 33 months in prison in early 2011. He is understood to have been released and has long returned to The Bahamas.

NOTICE Execore Company Limited (In Voluntary Liquidation)

Notice is hereby given that, in accordance with Section 138 (4) of The International Business Companies Act 2000 the above-named Company is in dissolution, which commenced on the 15th day of September, 2021. The Liquidator is Dillon R. Dean of Nassau, Bahamas. Kim D. Thompson (Liquidator)

NOTICE PURSUANT TO SECTION 218(1)(e) COMPANIES ACT, 1992 EBL Nominee Ltd. (the “Company”) (IN VOLUNTARY LIQUIDATION) NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on September 15, 2021 the Company was placed into voluntary liquidation. The Liquidator is Kim D. Thompson of Equity Trust House, Caves Village, West Bay Street, P.O. Box N-10697, Nassau, Bahamas and can be contacted on/via 242 676-8188; kthompson@ equitybahamas.com Dated: September 15, 2021 Signed: Kim D. Thompson

NOTICE PURSUANT TO SECTION 218(1)(e) COMPANIES ACT, 1992 Management Nominee Ltd. (the “Company”) (IN VOLUNTARY LIQUIDATION) NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on September 15, 2021 the Company was placed into voluntary liquidation. The Liquidator is Kim D. Thompson of Equity Trust House, Caves Village, West Bay Street, P.O. Box N-10697, Nassau, Bahamas and can be contacted on/via 242 676-8188; kthompson@ equitybahamas.com Dated: September 15, 2021 Signed: Kim D. Thompson

NOTICE PURSUANT TO SECTION 218(1)(e) COMPANIES ACT, 1992 Directors Nominee Ltd. (the “Company”) (IN VOLUNTARY LIQUIDATION) NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on September 15, 2021 the Company was placed into voluntary liquidation. The Liquidator is Kim D. Thompson of Equity Trust House, Caves Village, West Bay Street, P.O. Box N-10697, Nassau, Bahamas and can be contacted on/via 242 676-8188; kthompson@ equitybahamas.com Dated: September 15, 2021 Signed: Kim D. Thompson

But, detailing Mr Fox’s role, Ms Estes asserted: “In or about 2005, when the defendant was working at a restaurant, he was asked by his supervisor to help transport Chinese nationals from The Bahamas to Miami. “The defendant agreed and later connected with CW-1 to transport the Chinese nationals. The defendant later cut out his restaurant supervisor and began working with others, including Bowe, as part of the alien smuggling operation. “From approximately 2005 to 2008, the defendant was involved in smuggling approximately 100 individuals, and he made approximately $200,000 to $300,000 from the scheme. In or about 2008, the defendant voluntarily withdrew from the conspiracy after he was almost caught by the Bahamian police.” Neither the restaurant nor the supervisor were identified in the letter, although both are almost certainly Bahamian. Meanwhile, justifying the US Justice Department’s call for Mr Fox to serve a short-term custodial sentence, Ms Estes argued: “The Government

respectfully submits that the court should impose a sentence within the stipulated guidelines range of zero to six months’ imprisonment. “Fox was involved in an alien smuggling operation for financial gain. And this was not a one-time offense. Rather, over the course of three years, the defendant was involved in repeated violations of immigration law by assisting in the smuggling of approximately 100 individuals. For his involvement in the scheme, Fox profited handsomely, making hundreds of thousands of dollars.” Arguing that a custodial sentence would help deter other human traffickers, the assistant US attorney added: “Alien smuggling presents tangible border integrity and security risks, and imposing a guidelines sentence will deter others tempted to engage in such border corruption. “Nonetheless, the Government agrees that the court should consider the defendant’s withdrawal from the conspiracy, his efforts to cooperate with law enforcement, and the philanthropy he has engaged in since committing this offense.”

The US government’s push for a short-term custodial sentence is, of course, much different from the probation, fine and 100 hours of community service in The Bahamas punishment that Mr Fox and his attorneys have urged Judge Cote to impose when he appears before her on Friday in a New York courtroom for sentencing. Mr Fox, in legal papers obtained by Tribune Business, has informed the court that he will be accompanied by ten “spectators” or supporters who will be present at his sentencing, although these persons were not identified. This newspaper triggered a political firestorm last week when it revealed that the Prime Minister and two of his Cabinet ministers, just over a month before they were elected to office, had written character testimonies on Mr Fox’s behalf to Judge Cote to support his bid for the lighter sentence. The opposition Free National Movement (FNM), fresh from losing the general election, immediately blasted Philip Davis’ support for Mr Fox as “astonishing and reprehensible”. The Prime Minister, though, defended

his actions by saying he wrote in the capacity of a long-time attorney and friend of Mr Fox, not as a prime minister or on behalf of the Government. References for Mr Fox were also supplied by other Cabinet ministers, such as Jomo Campbell, minister of state for legal affairs, and Alfred Sears, minister of works, both of whom have also acted for him and his companies in a legal capacity. Former ministers Shane Gibson and Leslie Miller also vouched for him. Leslia Miller-Brice, Seabreeze MP-elect, and her husband Leander Brice who operates the AsureWin web shop chain and is the Island Luck co-founder’s nephew, also submitted character references. Mr Fox, meanwhile, was forced to deny that the character references from the Prime Minister and other members of the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) were supplied in return for donations made in the recent general election campaign. He added that he has also donated to members of the Free National Movement (FNM), although did not say when.

NOTICE

Equisign Company Limited

Encompt Corporation Ltd.

Kim D. Thompson (Liquidator)

(In Voluntary Liquidation)

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

Monday, October 11, 2021

She’s a survivor By ALESHA CADET Tribune Features Reporter acadet@tribunemedia.net

WHEN she was just 26 years old, Paulterra Johnson’s life was turned upside down. In 2019, she discovered a lump in her right breast. “I performed a self-diagnosis while in the shower and discovered a lump underneath my armpit,” the Eleuthera native told Tribune Health. “I did not tell anyone about it but instead I took matters into my own hands. I had a physical coming up and decided to mention it to my doctor then. After performing all the regular tests for my physical, I spoke to my doctor. She told me that I should have an ultrasound done. I agreed because I wanted to know whether or not the lump had been malignant or benign. I went in good spirits having to do what I had to

do. A few days later, Dr (Zenna) Friend called to tell me that she needed to see me as soon as possible. I was nervous at that point because I knew that once I got called to come in there was a problem. So unfortunately, there was a mass that had been suspicious and too big in size to be said to be normal. At this stage I started to get a bit upset. I then had to tell someone. So, I called my mom who was unfortunately at the time not on the island.” Leaving the island she loves, Paulterra temporarily moved to Nassau to undergo surgery and start chemotherapy. “I lost some weight, nothing drastic. I felt pretty much nauseous most days with really painful mouth

pain. I also did lose my hair. I cried many nights. There would be nights where I’d crawl into my mom’s lap and cry until I’d fall sleep. Yes, the pain was unbearable, but I continued to push. The chemo treatments were very aggressive. After chemo came radiation. Radiation was rather very expensive,” she said. “I had to find a way to raise at least $5,000 to start. God truly stayed with me throughout this entire time. An anonymous person blessed me with the entire $5,000. I could not believe it but as soon as I got it, the sooner I started. Radiation itself wasn’t so bad, however, I caught COVID-19 while on my radiation treatment, but everything ended well.”

Today, Paulterra is cancer-free. She said she cannot thank God enough, or her supporters who never stopped being there for her from the moment she told them the news of her diagnosis. She said they all still check in on her to make sure that she is good. “I can honestly say that it’s definitely not for the weak. It is scary, yes. However, at the end of the day I wanted to beat it and so I pushed no matter how defeated I would feel at times. God has never stopped blessing me and it’s Him who I have to thank for getting me up each and every day to fight it. Also having a strong support team is strongly suggested. I can’t thank my family and friends enough for all that they’ve done for me. I pray, asking God day after day to give me the strength to get by. I often listen to motivational speeches, and I keep myself busy with my own

PAULTERRA Johnson is enjoying life again while, left, at one time during her treatment she lost all her hair. business, keeping in mind that I’m going to get what I’ve been praying for,” she said. During her journey, Paulterra said music would be her getaway. She couldn’t do much physically, so she resorted to listening to music that encouraged her. Even after her recovery, she said she is still a “music junkie”. She loves going to the beach, and loves her photography and videography work. “My advice to (women)

is to get regular checkups. Also, self-checkups are highly recommended because you know your body best. Most importantly, don’t ever be too afraid to tell someone if you found something irregular about your body. I would like for Bahamians to know that breast cancer no longer has an age restriction. Females younger than myself have been getting diagnosed. It’s scary out here,” said Paulterra.

PHYSIOTHERAPY VS CHIROPRACTIC CARE By DR MIQUELA ROLLE PT, DPT Doctor of Physical Therapy, Paramount Rehabilitation & Fitness

THERE are many misconceptions surrounding the field of physiotherapy and many questions may arise when you learn that you or a loved one has been referred to a physiotherapist. Some frequently asked questions include: What exactly is physiotherapy? Who are physios? Will my physiotherapy sessions hurt? Will my physio ‘crack’ my back? Am I too old or am I too young for physiotherapy? Then, there is the common misunderstanding or confusion between physiotherapists and chiropractors and if there is actually a difference between the two? People often wonder if or when they should see a

chiropractor vs a physiotherapist, or maybe even if they should see both? As a doctor of physiotherapy, I answer lots of these questions in the clinic. Patients and/or potential patients have lots of questions and it is my belief that having these questions clearly and thoroughly answered, so as to grasp exactly what physiotherapy is, is vital to understanding their successful journey to recovery. So with this in mind, I invite you to read on as I explain the differences between physiotherapy and chiropractic Care. I hope to dispel some myths and bring clarity to this age old conundrum. Firstly, in order to better understand the difference between the two professions we should define them. The World Confederation of Physiotherapy defines physiotherapy as a “healthcare profession concerned

with human function and movement and maximising physical potential. It is concerned with identifying and maximising quality of life and movement potential within the spheres of promotion, prevention, treatment/ intervention, habilitation and rehabilitation.” Whereas, chiropractic is defined as a “health profession concerned with mechanical disorders of the musculoskeletal system. There is an emphasis on manual treatments including spinal adjustment and other joint and soft-tissue manipulation.” By definition we begin to see where, though the two fields are closely similar, there are some striking and notable differences between the two. I will lay out some of these contrasts for you here: •

Physiotherapy Pain-free movement

is one of the key primary goals. • Focuses on how the whole body moves. • Physical therapists help you perform stretches and exercises, as well as performing some manipulations, to improve your mobility. • Physical therapists work in just about any healthcare environment, as well as your home.

Chiropractic care • Alignment of the spine is a key primary goal. • Focuses mostly on back pain, neck pain and headaches. • Chiropractors perform manipulations and adjustments. • Chiropractors usually need specialised spaces and equipment to perform adjustments and manipulations. As you can see, physios and chiropractors do have some common goals, but

our means of getting there do vary. Now, to answer some of those questions above: Who are physios? We help you move and feel better. Will my physiotherapy sessions hurt? Generally no, there may be some uncomfortable stretching but this should be explained to you by your physio. Will my physio ‘crack’ my back? Gosh, not if you don’t need it. And lastly, are you too young or are you too old for physiotherapy? Absolutely not! We help and treat patients from a wide range of ages, from the very young to the very old. So during this month of October as we recognise Physiotherapy Month it is my hope that this article

enhances your comprehension and awareness of what we as physiotherapists do and who we are. If you or a loved one struggles with decreased mobility or pain, please contact your doctor and ask if physiotherapy is right for you. If you still have more questions or would like further clarity please contact the Bahamas Association of Physiotherapy for further information at bapt242@gmail.com.

HIGH-TECH MANAGEMENT OF ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION PREMATURE ejaculation is the most common male sexual dysfunction, with 30 to 40 percent of adult men suffering from this frustrating and often depressing sexual disorder. Premature ejaculation is defined as a man ejaculating before or very soon after vaginal penetration or the inability to delay ejaculation. A new single use, square inch in size skin patch applied to the man’s perineum and controlled by an app has shown promising evidence for treating premature ejaculation. The perineum is the area of skin beneath the scrotal sac and above the anus. The patch, developed by the Israeli company Virility Medical, painlessly delivers a neuromuscular stimulation that can potentially delay the onset of ejaculation. This device represents the first innovation in the treatment of premature ejaculation in more than 20 years. The patch contains a tiny battery and a wireless transdermal electric neuromodulation unit and is controlled by an app so the male or female partner can activate the device on their phone or android device and determine the intensity of the stimulation. The nerve stimulation created by this painless device, essentially dampens the transmission of nerve signals so that ejaculation is delayed. Studies involving this virility patch have shown that with its use, that the time to ejaculation can be prolonged by a factor of four. This wearable perineum patch technology is still in the trial phase with hopeful FDA approval during 2021. Two types of premature ejaculation There are two classifications of premature ejaculation: primary and secondary premature ejaculation.

Primary or lifelong premature ejaculation involves every sexual experience ending too soon. Secondary or acquired premature ejaculation is suffered by men who only sparingly suffer from premature ejaculation and have a history of sexual episodes without the disorder. How does the body control ejaculation? The physiological control of a man’s ejaculation is dictated by two neurological domains; the central and the peripheral nervous systems. Peripheral tactile stimulation can trigger the spinal cord driven ejaculatory reflex. The central nervous system of the brain can be stimulated by visual or emotional stimuli that leads to a physiological climax. The physiological basis for the peripheral and central nervous system driven ejaculatory response differs widely. Tens of thousands of Bahamian men and residents last one, two or three minutes and they have profound disappointment in their sexual lives. This affliction often provides frustration and anguish to both partners. Men often suffer from low

self-esteem and even depression likelihood of a man experiencing due to their unsatisfactory sexual premature ejaculation. experiences. Every sexual escapade that ends Medical treatment of premature too soon leaves the men involved ejaculation often feeling like a failure. Mammals in general experiMedication can be prescribed ence very short sexual interludes, to dampen either the central or whether it be peripheral nervous system’s lions, tigers, input in the monkeys or ejaculatory bears. Men are response the only mamand theremals on earth fore prolong that attempt the period to prolong before the sexual ejaculation. experience. MedicaMultiple tions such as studies have selective seroestimated tonin reuptake that Ameriinhibitors can men last on average (SSRIs) such THE NEW thirteen minutes and Euroas Dapoxetine Virility Medical pean men last ten minutes, or Prozac, Paxil, patch can be whereby German men last used primarily controlled with on average seven minutes. to treat depresan app on your A United Kingdom study sion or anxiety phone. involving five hundred couincrease neuroples found that men in this transmitters sent to study lasted on average five and the brain and have a half minutes during sexual the wanted side effect of delayintercourse. ing ejaculation and prolonging a man’s sexual experience. Diagnostic tool for premature Modafinil (Provigil) is a mediejaculation cation used to treat the sleeping disorder narcolepsy but it has the Premature ejaculation is such a wanted side effect of delaying common issue seen by urologists ejaculation. worldwide that a quantitative Silodosin (Rapaflo) is used in measurement tool was developed the medical management of urito assess premature ejaculation, nary symptoms associated with so as to assess the severity. benign prostate hyperplasia and it also leads to delayed ejaculation. The premature ejaculation diagCertain analgesics such as nostic tool Tramadol can also potentially prolong the period before ejac(PEDT) is a self-evaluation of ulation, but Tramadol can be a man’s various aspects of sexual habit-forming and have side dysfunction. The questionnaire effects such as nausea, headaches includes a man’s ability to con- and vomiting. trol the timing of ejaculation, Some men who suffer from prethe length of the sexual episode mature ejaculation benefit from and the degree to which the pre- the use of phosphodiesterase 5 mature ejaculation affects their inhibitors such as Viagra or Cialis. sexual life. The total score on the The peripheral nerve endings PEDT questionnaire predicts the of the penis can be dampened by

local anesthesia sprays or applied creams that reduce the tactile stimulation and delay the ejaculatory response. These local anaesthesia agents unfortunately could potentially reduce the pleasure of the sexual experience for the man and possibly be transferred to the female and reduce her level of tactile stimulation and lower the pleasure of sexual intercourse. The use of condoms, particularly thick, desensitising condoms can reduce the tactile stimulation of the penis. Pelvic floor physiotherapy with Kegel exercises have shown to aid a man’s ability to delay ejaculation. Behavioural therapy can also provide beneficial results regarding premature ejaculation. Men are usually very reluctant to seek the consult of a urologist for their often deeply disturbing premature ejaculation, due to embarrassment. One in three men experience premature ejaculation, thus if you unfortunately have this frustrating and potentially devastating issue, then take comfort in the fact that you are far from alone. Seek compassionate and comprehensive urology care to solve your erectile dysfunction, whether it is premature ejaculation or difficulty achieving a strong erection or maintaining an erection. The real tragedy is continuing to live with a correctable sexual problem. You can always rise again. • Dr Greggory Pinto is a board-certified Bahamian urologist and laparoscopic surgeon. He has trained in Germany, South Africa and France, and is a member of the European Association of Urology. He can be contacted at OakTree Medical Center, #2 Fifth Terrace & Mount Royal Avenue. Telephone: (242) 322-1145 (6) (7); e-mail: welcome@urologycarebahamas.com, or visit the website:www.urologycarebahamas.com.

THE TRIBUNE

ELEUTHERA BAKER KEEPS IT UNIQUE AND PERSONAL from back page

“In addition to cakes and pastries, we also offer dessert table setups. As mentioned, I am self-taught, so the slightest amount of improvement is a huge deal for me. Over the years I’ve taken on more challenging cake orders in terms of design. One of my greatest accomplishments was perfecting a two-tier cake a few years ago. Apart from that it’s some of the smallest things I have perfected, which makes baking and creating beautiful, delicious cakes easier. For example, a smooth buttercream finish and level cakes - these were two of my biggest challenges in the beginning, but now it comes as easy as walking for me. I absolutely love the freedom to be creative and bringing my customers ideas to fruition,” said Tempess. Inspiration for starting her own business came in 2015 when she decided to bake her own birthday cake because she wanted something different than the usual cakes. “The day of my birthday, I went to the grocery store and purchased everything I thought I needed to make a triple-layer, red velvet ice cream cake with vanilla mousse icing...very ambitious I know). I had no cake pans, and so I purchased three aluminum 9x13 pans. I went home and immediately got to baking. That was the most unappealing cake I had ever seen, I didn’t even take any photos, but let me tell you it was so delicious. I sliced it up and shared it with family and friends, everyone ‘tooted my horn’. As I reflected on that day, not only did I love the taste of the cake, but I loved and thoroughly enjoyed making it. Right away, I became consumed with researching and tweaking recipes to my liking. I ordered all the tools I needed to get started, came up with a name and set the foundation to offer

‘different’ cakes to the island of Eleuthera. That year I gave myself the best birthday gift, Sweet-Tehy’s, named after my daughter,” she said. Out of all her creations, Tempess said her favourite cake is the red velvet cheesecake, not only for the flavor, but also due to the fact that it was the first cake she sold that really got people talking about Sweet-They’s. “I feel a huge sense of empowerment. Entrepreneurship is a difficult journey in the best of times; it takes serious commitment and stickability. During this pandemic, I have faced so many challenges in addition to the everyday challenges, but I kept pushing. There were times when I couldn’t find the simplest ingredients, times when my shipments from the United States would be delayed two to three weeks, times when I had to cancel every order I had for the weekend due to last-minute lockdowns. I had to implement precautions in order to continue servicing my customers while keeping us all safe. It became discouraging to say the least, but when I took note of the numerous businesses that had to close their doors, I am more than grateful that my business is still flourishing in the midst of this crisis,” said Tempess. She said what keeps her brand unique is the originality of her products and her ability to think outside of the box while still making each product very personal for the client. “Not because something is trending, I will follow the trend. As popular as fondant is, I only use a minimal amount as decorative accents on my cakes. The taste and presentation of my cakes and pastries is what really makes my brand stand out from others; it’s different. The feedback has been amazing, so encouraging over the years; always a positive word,” said Tempess.

Tuesday, October 12, 2021, PAGE 11

SECTION D

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2021

Eleuthera baker keeps it unique and personal

TEMPESS Johnson doesn’t follow a trend just because it’s “in” at the moment; she wants her creations to be unique. By ALESHA CADET Tribune Features Reporter acadet@tribunemedia.net SELF-TAUGHT baker Tempess Johnson began what she calls a “great journey” in 2016 without a clear plan and not expecting it to take off as quickly as it did. But today, she is the proud owner of the successful baking venture called Sweet-Tehy’s. With no formal training, of course there were doubts in the beginning. Tempess told Tribune Woman as a child she spent most of her time with her grandmother, watching her bake bread weekly, and frequently tarts, cakes, duffs and other treats as well. “I was always eager to help, and to get my hands all mixed up in dough and batter, not knowing that years later this would be my path. Apart from the skills learned from my grandmother, and calling my Aunt Ven for tips and tricks, I am a self-taught baker with a whole lot of trial and error that got me to where I am today. I consider myself to be an introvert, very quiet and laid back, one who prefers

being behind the scenes and not in the forefront. I felt like this would be a hinderance when it came to effectively marketing my business. Very rarely I would post on social media, distribute flyers, send broadcasts, however, word of mouth was the absolute best marketing tool for my business,” said the 31-yearold mom. Based in her hometown of Tarpum Bay, Eleuthera, Sweet-Tehy’s offer a variety of cakes and cupcakes in flavours like chocolate, vanilla, red velvet, cookies n’ cream, cheesecake, chocolate cheesecake, German chocolate, and carrot. She also offers mousse icings and fillings as well as whipped buttercream in chocolate and vanilla, as well as cream cheese. Cookies come in chocolate chip, double chocolate chip, and oatmeal rum raisin. Tempess also bakes cherry, pineapple and cookies n’ cream cheesecakes, as well as cinnamon and Oreo rolls. And she’s planning to soon add bread rolls, pizzas and pretzels to her repertoire. SEE PAGE 11