10252022 NEWS, FEATURES, SPORT AND BUSINESS

Meeting to discuss ways to mitigate rise in fuel costs

By LETRE SWEETING lsweeting@tribunemedia.net

HOTELIERS plan to meet with executives of Bahamas Power and Light next week to discuss ways to mitigate the effects of the increased fuel surcharge for hotels and large property owners. While stressing that he did not want to pre-empt the outcome of the meeting, Robert Sands, the Bahamas Hotel and Tourism Asso ciation’s president, said discussions about a possible tax break of some sort for hotels in the future will be on the table among other considerations.

“I can tell you that the industry has set up a meet ing with the leadership of BPL,” Mr Sands told reporters yesterday. “That meeting is taking place in fact next week Monday and therefore we have presented a number of dis cussion points with them and we’re looking forward to that meeting taking place at that time.”

Mr Sands’ comments yes terday came three weeks after Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis’s announce ment of the increase of the monthly fuel charge at BPL.

...AS ‘PERFECT STORM’ SEES RECORD PACE OF BOOKINGS

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

BAHAMIAN tour ism was yesterday said to be enjoying “the perfect storm” via a record booking pace that will see it exceed pre-COVID business levels by 2023 at latest, with one hotelier saying: “I think we’re back.”

Robert Sands, the Baha mas Hotel and Tourism Association’s president, told Tribune Business that the industry will “be coming very close” to the this year to matching 2019 levels when the country received a record 7.2m visi tors despite being hit by Hurricane Dorian.

Biggest And Best!

By JADE RUSSELL jrussell@tribunemedia.net

A MAN on bail for murder was killed and a 30-year-old man is in hospital after a double shooting yesterday.

The incident hap pened shortly before 4am outside a business on 6th Terrace off Collins Avenue, police said.

The 34-year-old victim who was shot and killed was identified by a rela tive as Adrian Knowles. He was reportedly being

electronically moni tored and on bail for murder.

Preliminary reports from police indicate that the two men had just left a business on 6th Ter race and were in the area of East Avenue when the occupants of a grey vehicle, that was travel ling east on 6th Terrace, opened fire on the men hitting them multiple times.

EMS personnel arrived at the scene and con firmed that Knowles had

no vital signs of life.

The second victim, a 30-year-old Kemp Road man, was taken to hos pital by EMS where he is detained in critical condition.

In November 2016, Knowles was accused of intentionally causing the death of Coleman Edgecombe. Edgecombe, 21, was shot in the head during an argument outside a nightclub on Arundel Street.

FACE TO FACE: A PASTOR AND A VISIONARY

PINTARD WANTS PAPERWORK FOR BERMUDA TRIP

By EARYEL BOWLEG Tribune Staff Reporter ebowleg@tribunemedia.net

FREE National Move ment leader Michael Pintard has called on the Davis administration to be transparent and reveal the documentation that shows who paid for Prime Minis ter Philip “Brave” Davis’ recent trip to Bermuda.

In a press release yester day, he said that like many Bahamians, including the press, the opposition party is unclear on whether the government or the PLP paid for this trip.

Foreign Affairs Min ister Fred Mitchell had earlier said there was noth ing unusual about his and Mr Davis’ recent trip to Bermuda.

MILO BUTLER MART TO CLOSE ‘FOR MONTHS’

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

THE iconic Over-the-Hill Milo Butler Mart, with a more than 50-year history, will temporarily close for several months on Friday as its owners “apply the brakes” and work out how to maximise use of that site.

Allan Butler, chairman of Milo Butler Corporation, said it was “not business as usual” in the post-COVID era.

PETER YOUNG DISARRAY - BUT NEW PM IN PLACE IN BRITAIN

EIGHT

‘Govt has been given all information on deaths in Turin’

By EARYEL BOWLEG Tribune Staff Reporter ebowleg@tribunemedia.net

ITALY’S Honorary Consul in The Bahamas

Alberto Suighi said as far as he knows, all the available information on the deaths of two Bahamian men who died in Italy has been for warded to the Bahamian government on behalf of the families.

He told The Tribune that “everybody has been working on this” and he was personally involved from day one. He insisted as far as he knew, everything that was avail able was passed on when questioned about Italy’s responsiveness.

Mr Suighi’s comments came after Foreign Affair Minister Fred Mitchell expressed frustration with the Italian government for its continued delay in handing over the files on the investigation of the tragedy.

Mr Mitchell told report ers in April that the government had requested the reports from the Italian officials.

However, last week it was reported that Bahamian officials have yet to receive them.

Blair John, 28, and Alrae Ramsey, 29, were found in the Po River in Turin, Italy on June 4 and 5, 2019.

Cathleen Rahming, John’s mother, expressed unhappiness that more than three years since her son’s death, Bahamian officials have yet to receive files related to the investigation from Italian authorities.

The honorary consul for Italy explained yesterday

all the efforts that were made.

“Everybody has been working on this, and I was personally involved from day one. As a matter of fact, the family reached out to me in the beginning when their sons were not to be found. And then all the authorities were alerted, eventually they were found.

And we assisted with all the translation of all the docu ments, the autopsy, etc,” he said.

“It’s been three years, and whatever, as far as I know, whatever was available was forwarded to the Bahamian govern ment on behalf of the families. As the minister said last week, still not satisfied that all the infor mation was obtained, and the minister reached out directly to the author ity in Rome. But there is full availability from our government to supply whatever information.”

Asked what further information he thinks the minister wanted that he did not get, Mr Suighi replied: “I have no idea what other information would be avail able. It is a tragedy and there are no witnesses and I don’t know what else can be made available that has not been done.”

While the autopsy reported that their deaths were likely accidental as a result of drowning, Mrs Rahming has rejected that

explanation and continues to seek answers.

Some speculate the men died due to a hate crime.

In response to that accu sation, Mr Suighi asserted: “That is absolutely the wrong perception. There is nothing like that. I don’t even think about anything like that. I don’t know what caused the death of these two guys. The death was for drowning. So some how, they fell into the river.

There was no sign of any

injury, any fight or anything. It’s just a tragedy.”

He explained that for the Italian authorities, the case was closed but it would be reopened if the families or the Bahamian govern ment on their behalf hired a lawyer to reopen the case.

“This has been done so everything that we just dis cussed is in the process but unfortunately there is no information on what really happened that night,” he added.

SHOT DEAD WHILE ON BAIL FOR MURDER

Recently, numerous alleged offenders who have been released on bail have been murdered, while some have been posted on wanted police posters for suspected murder or other serious crimes.

Some have argued offenders are safer inside prison rather than being granted bail, due to the high frequency of people on bail being killed.

Last week, The Tribune spoke to Leon Bethell, former assistant commis sioner of police and CEO of Metro Security Solutions, regarding issues with the ankle monitor system for people on bail.

Mr Bethell defended the system, noting there is no fault in the devices offered.

However, reports have circulated that those being monitored have not adhered to curfew condi tions; it has been reported that the devices’ batteries have intentionally been allowed to die and there are cases where some have removed the devices from their bodies.

This has resulted in some offenders breaching bail conditions or being killed.

At one point, more than 50 percent of persons out on bail for murder were themselves murder vic tims, according to National Security Minister Wayne Munroe.

The increase of mur ders of people on bail has

added to the country’s current crime statistics, with the opposition party earlier calling on the gov ernment to get a grip on the rising violence.

Earlier this month, Free National Movement Deputy Leader Shanen don Cartwright argued that government has no comprehensive plan to combat crime.

He said the opposition in March made 14 recommen dations to the government “to assist in trying to combat this scourge of crime.”

“At that time there (were) 22 murders in the Commonwealth of The Bahamas. Since then, we are talking about 75 plus murders in the Common wealth of The Bahamas, but yet there is no com prehensive plan - not one piece of significant piece of policy or piece of legisla tion to help deal with this issue that continues to be a debilitating issue through out our communities as bodies continue to drop,” Mr Cartwright said earlier this month.

The murder count is over 108, according to this newspaper.

Police are investigating and appealing to mem bers of the public who may have information that can assist police in locat ing the suspects involved in this incident, to con tact police at 911, 919, the Criminal Investigation Department at 502-9991/2 or Crime Stoppers at 328-TIPS-8477.

THE SCENE after Alrae Ramsey’s (inset left) body was found in Turin. Blair John’s (inset right) also died in the incident in 2019.

THE SCENE of the shooting on 6th Terrace off Collins Avenue.

Photo: Moise Amisial

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Pintard wants paperwork for Bermuda trip

The minister, over the weekend, said the trip was a standard official visit to another country at the invitation of the Premier of Bermuda E David Burt, who is also leader of Ber muda’s Progressive Labour Party.

Communications direc tor Latrae Rahming also said on Friday the travel costs were covered by the Progressive Liberal Party, adding any further ques tions should be directed there.

Mr Pintard highlighted the “conflict” in the two men’s statements on the trip.

“There is a definite con flict in the story told by the Office of the Prime Minis ter and the chairman of the PLP in terms of who paid. It is customary that official trips (of) a sitting prime minister and civil servants would be paid for by the government when they are acting in their official capac ity,” the press release said.

“Why would a political organisation organise and finance an official overseas trip by a sitting prime min ister that also included paid public servants? The OPM story and the PLP chairman story can’t both be true. Did the government pay for the party officials who accom panied the prime minister? We find this decision most unusual and based on what happened when they landed, we also find this action to be reckless and potentially dangerous.

“We also ask the Office of the Prime Minister to confirm if the prime minis ter and his delegation were

at all times within reach and contact with Air Traf fic Control in the airspace enroute to Bermuda? Was the prime minister and his delegation ever in danger?

“This situation highlights the deep concern we raised from the start about this administration commin gling government business with PLP business. We saw it with the approvals sur rounding the debacle of the 2021 Christmas Carnival where the PLP had conflict on who approved the car nival during COVID, and we see it every day when a sitting senior minister in charge of the public ser vice — where employees, especially those senior should avoid blatant politi cal actions — also serves as chairman of the PLP.”

In an interview with The Tribune yesterday, he said the government must be transparent in who financed the trip.

“This is not just about being careful,” he said “This is about them, one, being transparent in reveal ing the documentation that shows who paid for the trip, that’s one. Secondly, reveal the correspondence so that we can be clear on what the objective of the trip waswas this a state visit by the prime minister and his min isters, and the civil servants who accompany them, were they over there on offi cial government business. That’s important because of the persons who paid or whoever paid, that is directly related to what the nature of that trip was.

“If it was a party function with a sister organisation, that happens to be the ruling party in Bermuda, then obviously, what they

would they put on the table would then reflect that it was paid for by the Pro gressive Liberal Party and any civil servants who were on that trip, who then paid for them. And if it was not a state event - should any of them have been on that trip?”

Meanwhile, Mr Pin tard noted reports that the prime minister and his del egation had to be grounded upon arrival in Bermuda is deeply concerning.

The opposition is also calling on the Prime Min ister to explain to the Bahamian people why this occurred.

“Did the Office of the Prime Minister and/or the Ministry of Foreign Affairs ensure that the aircraft which was carrying not only the current Prime Minister and leader of the country, but also former Prime Min ister the Rt Hon Perry Christie, (was) approved by local air traffic control officials in The Bahamas as well as international air traffic control towers for their flight to Bermuda?” he asked.

“What were the aviation reasons and conditions that contributed to this flight which also included public servants, being identified and grounded? Was this flight and all, or any of the delegation searched by avi ation officials while on the ground in Bermuda?

“This in our view is very serious, especially as it raises the alarm of concern that a sitting Prime Minis ter and his flight could be grounded upon arrival in a foreign destination where the government of that jurisdiction was expect ing them. This is also very

embarrassing for the coun try and very unusual as the Office of the Prime Min ister and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs should have ensured this flight had met all local and international aviation protocols before their departure.”

Last week, Mr Rahming said the Western Air flight Mr Davis and his delegation travelled on was grounded upon arrival in Bermuda due to an “operational matter” with the airline.

Mr Mitchell said over the weekend that the Bermuda trip “was a standard foreign affairs goodwill trip, not a political trip” — appearing to be at odds with Mr Rah ming’s statements on the trip.

“The Prime Minister spoke at the convention of the PLP in Bermuda. The Prime Minister met with the premier and members of his Cabinet in Hamil ton and exchanged views on housing, transport and

our relationship within CARICOM.

“The visit was a success on all levels. He was able to solidify relations on a party to party basis with the next generation of leaders of The Bahamas and Bermuda. He was able to visit the grave of Dame Lois. He promised that there will be further governmental exchanges on public transport and hous ing and disaster relief.”

Mr Mitchell continued: “There was nothing unu sual about the trip whether in its financing or other wise. There was a one-hour delay on departure to fulfil a requirement of air traf fic control, but this was resolved by the airline. The flight departed without inci dent and landed safely in Nassau two hours and some later.

“The standard

procedure is for most if not all flights of the Prime Minister to be arranged through the Office of the Prime Minister. When set tlement of expenses are done there is a reckoning as between personal expenses and public expenses. That procedure was followed in this case and there is noth ing unusual about it.”

The FNM leader argued that more and more Bahamians are becom ing increasingly concerned about the conduct and decisions of Prime Min ister Davis and his administration.

“There is a shameless attitude that they can do as they please and do not have to consult before they make life-changing decisions nor answer questions on the back end of ill-advised deci sions,” Mr Pintard said.

HOTELS: HELP US TO DEAL WITH BPL HIKE

Mr Sands suggested sev eral ideas on mitigating the effects of the rise in the BPL fuel surcharge that BHTA will be proposing to BPL executives next week to try and ease the burden on hotels and those with large properties.

“We talked about the progress in terms of alter native energy formats etcetera. We talked about the opportunities for looking at a number of the variables that impact the cost of electricity to a number of properties such as the peak demand charge and also the fuel surcharge,” he said.

“And then we will also be speaking about the reli ability certainly within Family Island properties etcetera going forward. I do not want to preempt the discussion with BPL

because they have wel comed our discussion and our advocacy group to address these issues with them next week,” Mr Sands said.

When asked if there may be discussion about a pos sible tax break of some sort for hotels, in the future, Mr Sands said, “I do not want to pre-empt what may be the outcome, but all of those equations are on the table.”

Mr Sands added, “The hotel sector represents some of the top customers of The Bahamas of BPL. I would suggest that we rep resent maybe more than 20 or 30 percent of their (BPL’s) total income,” he said.

Earlier this month, Mr Davis announced that for BPL customers who con sume less than 800 kWh (kilowatt hours), the fuel charge is increasing by 2 cents per kWh, “which will

result in an increase this quarter of less than $20 per month.”

For those who consume more than 800 kWh, the increase will be 4.3 cents per kWh.

Mr Davis said at the time: “I want to note here that we will raise the VAT

ceiling from $300 to $400, so going forward, no VAT will be due on any electric ity bills under $400, which will take some of the sting out of the 4.3 cent increase for a great many BPL con sumers subject to the larger increase.”

Mr Davis said prices have

increased everywhere and global inflation hits small island nations particularly hard.

In reaction to this news, Mr Sands said that the rise in the monthly fuel charge was “alarming” and called for relief for hotel and large property owners.

“I don’t know if it’s so much a threat to the recov ery, but it’s certainly an impediment to the ability of many hotel operators to continue to enjoy, for the first time, a level of financial stability,” Mr Sands told Tribune Business earlier this month.

‘There is a definite conflict in the story told by the Office of the Prime Minister and the chairman of the PLP in terms of who paid.’

FUNERAL HOMES AFFECTED BY SHORTAGE OF CASKETS

By LYNAIRE MUNNINGS lmunnings@tribunemedia.net

THE Bahamas Funeral Directors Association’s president says the local funeral industry has been affected by a supply short age in the United States.

Kirsch Ferguson told The Tribune yesterday that major distributors in the US, particularly some casket companies, dis continued business with Bahamian funeral homes

due to the supply short age and high death rate in America.

There have also been challenges with sourcing the chemicals needed for the embalming process.

“Many of the major dis tributors, in particular casket companies, had to first service US markets because of their death rate being so high,” he said.

“Some of the casket companies had to cut off The Bahamas completely

based on the shortage they were having in the US. So, we had to source our cas kets by other means, which was a challenge for us all around,” he added.

Mr Ferguson said the supply shortage also con tributed to a cost increase across the board, as a result of shipping prices and other factors.

The COVID-19 pan demic contributed to a significant increase in deaths, which ultimately

led to funeral home work ers being overwhelmed and distressed. He explained that there was a 30 percent to 50 percent increase in deaths at the peak of the pandemic.

Following this surge in deaths, business in the industry is now considered to be “levelling” off and “manageable”, although he noted an increase in murders in the country con tributing to more activity.

“Things are a bit

levelling, seeing that the impact of the pandemic has been more or less streamlined with address ing infections but obviously, as you can see, there’s now an increase in homicides in this country,” he told this newspaper. Aside from the supply shortage, Mr Ferguson assured the public that the industry is managing “fairly well” following the relaxation of the emergency orders.

“Outside of caskets and chemicals and other items, we’ve been able to manage fairly well, moving forward since things have opened up quite a bit,” Mr Ferguson told this newspaper.

“But by all means, I think every funeral home has been able to make the appropriate adjustments to be able to accommodate the human families to help their loved ones be buried properly.”

Prepare for a recession, warns Fidelity bank chief

By KHRISNA RUSSELL Tribune Chief Reporter krussell@tribunemedia.net

BAHAMIANS have at best until the end of the year to financially prepare should the local economy fall into a recession in the coming months, a financial expert has warned.

Gowon Bowe, Fidel ity Bank Bahamas’ CEO, pointed to indicators that the United States’ econ omy by some accounts is in the beginning phases of a recession that could affect pockets and businesses here in The Bahamas.

Mr Bowe told The Trib une yesterday that all eyes should be paying keen attention to the US, taking into consideration that what happens there will first be felt in the country’s tourism market.

While he acknowledged that local officials have cel ebrated pent-up demand to travel fed by the massive slowdown of movement

due to the COVID-19 pan demic, Mr Bowe pointed to much of the impact being on Americans’ spontaneous spending.

He told this newspaper that Bahamians must “brace ourselves for what may be a slowdown in tourism”, and while the numbers are still good, focus on our “value proposition” with a realisa tion that “sour faces, lack of attention and failure to adhere to our hospitality principle will only exacer bate the problem”.

The Fidelity Bank executive was contacted yesterday and asked whether the local economy should brace for fallout from a downturn in the US market. By some accounts a recession has been forecast for the US, while others say the country is already in a recession.

Last month, PBS reported that the US Fed eral Reserve’s chairman Jerome Powell acknowl edged the Fed’s goal of engineering a “soft land ing” — in which it would manage to slow growth enough to curb inflation but not so much as to cause a recession — looked increas ingly unlikely.

“No one knows whether this process will lead to a recession or, if so, how significant that recession would be,” Mr Powell said at the time, according to PBS.

Yesterday, Mr Bowe said two components have to be considered when forecast ing a recession in the US.

“The first one is where is it that we derive the major ity of our GDP and by that, I mean what is our principal production centre and that is tourism. So, that means that tourism is based on a luxury item, which is a ser vice being sold by if you have your primary custom ers or primary market for customers actually finding that their available cash flow is being reduced, what are the first things you have to cut back on when you don’t have the same level of cash flows?

“So, paying your bills, your rent, your utilities, your mortgages, your per sonal loan bills and the like and so when you start talk ing about eating out, airfare and hotel costs, those are things that will be sacrificed.

“For The Bahamas when we see our primary market being the United States it means that there is a real risk that when they enter into a sustained period of recession and I think we don’t need to split hairs as people have less money to spend there’s a recession.

So, whether they define it as a recession now or in three months’ time the reality is as Americans have less dis cretionary cash flows, that is going to impact their will ingness to travel because it is considered luxury.”

He continued: “The hotels domestically have

indicated that because of the pent-up demand there has been a lot of for ward bookings. They have indicated for the holiday season and certainly the winter season and there is a potential that persons have prepaid for vacations, which means that when they had the cash flows they prepaid so they could lock in affordable prices.

“That will come to our benefit, but where it is spontaneous spend when they pick up and just wish to travel that is going to be severely impacted.

“So, Bahamians, we have to brace ourselves for what may be a slowdown in tour ism,” Mr Bowe said.

This could translate, in the worst-case scenario, to a reduction in employment or a reduction in consumption, he said.

“We need to be preparing ourselves by putting aside as much as we can even if it is very minimal so we can ride through a period where we may experience reduced employment, reduced con sumption — that can lead to further employment reductions in other indus tries and potentially greater cost due to reduced foreign currency,” he explained.

Asked how long Bahami ans had to prepare, he said: “If we go by what the hotels have indicated that their Christmas season seems to have all been full, I would say we really have no more than between now and the end of the year.

“The reality is the US, if you have listened to it, they have already dem onstrated consecutive quarters of negative growth so by definition if you use the traditional definition it is already in recession.”

However, he said, any fall out in The Bahamas will be predicated by how long the same lasts in the US.

“The United States is hoping that when they go into a recession because the interest rates are so high that they will be able to reverse the recession in rapid succession.

“Meaning they have pushed the interest rates so high if they drop them it will jump start the economy quickly.

“They are gambling and I use that term purposefully, they are gambling on can we use monetary policy to stop the freight train and then restart it quickly in order for us not to crash into the cross lines in terms of two trains crossing over,” Mr Bowe said.

“So we are banking on the Federal Reserve being very, very smart and being able to pull of what they call forcing it into recession and then bringing it out to normal spending so that they will be able to bring inflation under control and then at the same time spending back to normal but it’s a big, big gamble,” Mr Bowe said.

FIDELITY Bank Bahamas CEO Gowon Bowe.

KIRK CORNISH, MP for North Abaco.

Abaco has ‘vexing’ migrant issue - MP

By JADE RUSSELL jrussell@tribunemedia.net

NORTH Abaco MP Kirk Cornish said the island has a “vexing migrant issue” following the discovery of a safe house on the island harbouring 19 migrants of different nationalities.

Immigration Minister Keith Bell on Friday said officers found a safe house in Abaco harbouring the migrants, stemming from a recent operation that sent immigration officers to the island.

Mr Bell said the migrants found were attempted to be smuggled.

When contacted for comment, Mr Cornish said the uncovering of the 19 migrants in the safehouse clearly speaks to the strong hold “this vexing migrant issue has on Abaco.”

“Not only are the migrants here building ille gal communities, occupying land illegally, working ille gally but more alarming

they are being facilitated and employed by Baha mians. For the love of our country, we can’t ask a gov ernment to fix a problem in the light and facilitate it in the dark. I hope and pray that we all do our part to correct this issue,” he said.

Mr Bell on Friday also called on citizens not to facilitate migrants, as he explained it is Bahamians’ duty as well to protect the country’s borders.

“I want to invite the Bahamian people, we too have to become caretak ers for our borders, for our country, against unscru pulous persons, including Bahamians because these persons are being facili tated by Bahamians,” Mr Bell said on Friday.

He added: “So if you have any information, if you have any intelligence, then by all means, please call the police. Please call the Defence Force or please call the Immigration Department. And we will act on your information.”

Mr Cornish for his part shared similar sentiments in his effort to discourage others from harbouring migrants.

“I wish to encourage all Bahamians not to engage in facilitating or hiding migrants. It is a criminal act and you will be pros ecuted if found. Please, this is our country, it is the best country in the world. Let’s protect and keep it,” Mr Cornish added yesterday.

When asked about further details on those migrants who were found in the safehouse, Mr Cornish said investigations were ongoing.

Additionally, in Abaco concern has been raised about the recent expan sion of several shanty towns there, with one unregulated community mushrooming to 200 acres since 2019.

In a recent operation on Abaco there were 52 arrests, the operation also showed the heightened level of the shantytown issue.

FAMILY ISLAND RESIDENTS WRESTLE WITH LIVING COST

By LYNAIRE MUNNINGS lmunnings@tribunemedia.net

DESPITE the govern ment’s efforts to assist Bahamians grappling with the high cost of living compounded by inflation, residents of the Family Islands argued that the chal lenge to survive remains.

With the recent announcement of the increase in the minimum wage from $210 to $260 per week, some say more is needed.

Prime Minister Phillip “Brave” Davis previously acknowledged that the increase is not enough for Bahamians to survive during the inflationary times, but said it is a positive step in the right direction.

Yesterday, The Tribune canvassed several residents of Family Islands who voiced their concerns about the already high cost of living.

Terranique Dean, of Lowe Sound, North Andros, said that the gov ernment has failed with developing the island, which ultimately contrib utes to the challenge faced

by many islanders.

“Well, the cost of living has a major effect on us on a daily basis,” she told this newspaper. “Since The Bahamas imports most of their food, by the time as the food items gets to Andros it’s cost has tripled the regular value.”

As a resident of the island for 19 years, the 22-year-old said the cost of living makes it impossible to sustain one’s daily expenses.

“Minimum wage just went up by 50 dollars, but it’s still not enough. With VAT, the overpricing on my island and bills we are still working pay cheque to pay cheque,” she said.

Sharing similar senti ments was a male resident of Andros who asked to remain anonymous.

“The cost of living has skyrocketed in recent years.

Everything in the grocery stores and gas stations has gone up because of the demands of items,” he told the Tribune yesterday.

He said he does not make a livable wage to sustain his daily expenses, because after handling his obliga tions he is left with nothing.

Another Family Islander, George Harris, of Matthew

Town, Great Inagua, shared different views.

“Actually, cost of living does have a cost factor, but relations with neighbours, community acquaintances and friendly behaviour make our island liveable,” the ten-year resident of Matthew Town said.

“We share and help each other, and this relationship tends to keep you below the high cost of living in the islands because hand go, hand come. Traditional ser vitude behaviour is endured over here, however, low wages contribute to much hardship,” he added.

While acknowledging the increase of minimum wage assisting residents, he also pointed out the hardships of the islands within this district.

He said: “With the increase in minimum wages it will assist those workers a lot. Small businesses may not need extra labourers because their profit level can’t sustain a high opera tional costing.

“These islands, especially in the MICAL district loca tion, are filled with hardship because of the availability to the low level of transpor tation to the islands.”

State Recognized Funeral Service for Diocesan Bishop Ellis James Farrington Sr., OBE, CM, JP, 88

of Cargill Creek, Andros, will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, October 27th, 2022 at Transformation Ministries International, Dignity Gardens. Officiant, Bishop Theodore Brooks, Pentecostal Assemblies of The World assisted by other ministers of the gospel. Interment will take place in Erma Williams Cemetery, Cargill Creek, Andros on Saturday, October 29th, 2022 at 10:00 a.m.

Bishop Farrington was preceded in death by his Daughter: Victoria Farrington Mackey; Brother: Suffragan Bishop Bruce Farrington; Daughters-in-Law: Kayla & Shirlean Farrington; Grand Daughter: Misty Whyms.

Waiting to join him in glory are, Wife: Mother Daisy Farrington; Children: Carolyn Farrington, Philip Farrington, Minister Rosalie Farrington-Wilkinson, Suffragan Bishop Dr. Sharon Rolle, District Elder Ellis Farrington (Chief Petty Officer RBDF, Deputy Director), Evangelist Sharmie Farrington (Attorneyat-Law, Former Data Protection Commissioner of The Commonwealth of The Bahamas), Suffragan Bishop Dr. Anthony Farrington (Professional Engineer P.E.), Pastor Derek Farrington (Professional Engineer P.E.), Arnette Farrington, Kenwood Farrington, Kirkwood Farrington and District Elder Dr. Roosevelt Kamiller Whyms (Licensed Real Estate Developer & Broker & Licensed Environmentalist); Sons-in-Law: Suffragan Bishop Paul Rolle and Omar Austin; Daughters-in-Law: Evangelist Deserene Farrington, Elder Nina Farrington, Elder Dr. Gezel Farrington, Evangelist Melissa Farrington, and D Ana E Paraviccini-Farrington, and Retired Nurse Carolyn Whyms; Grandchildren: Javon (Asteen) Rolle, Roshanda Farrington, Shankayon (Conrad) Curtis, Maxjaneo Farrington, Shaquille Farrington, Reagan Wilkinson, Kennedy Wilkinson, David Mackey, Demetri (Raenya) Mackey, Minister D’Enae (Adrian) Austin, Minister Veronique (Isaac) Neely, Ellis Farrington Jr. (Attorney-at-Law), Elishae Farrington, Asia Austin, Anthony Farrington Jr., Mark Farrington, Aaron Farrington, Derek Farrington Jr., Daija Farrington, Deron Farrington, Dejorn Farrington, Samara Mitchell, Ian Farrington, Ian Farrington, Mariangelie Farrington, Tanahiri Farrington, Gabriela Farrington, Solei Farrington, Stanlee Whyms, Sidney Whyms, Vernay Whyms, Tevin Whyms, Ashley Whyms, Kamiller Whyms, Ronald Whyms, Marva Whyms, Cember Whyms, Rashae Whyms, Raheem Whyms, Paulica Rolle, Paul Rolle Jr., Kendra Wilkinson-Smith; Great Grandchildren: Jae Rolle, Dior Mackey, Liam McClain, Alex, and Alexis Saunders, Sky’la and Cai Farrington, Cree, Cianne, Candence, and Chase Curtis; Brother: Leroy Weir; Sister: Eucharist Minister Paula Mae Meadows; Brother-in-Law: Lay Minister Harold Meadows of Miami Florida; Sisters-in-Law: Leanna Weir, Amanda Bain, Madeline Mackey, Blooming Mackey; Aunts-in-Law: Mother Agnes Leadon and Mrs. Glovina Neymour; Adopted Children: Hon. Glenys Hanna Martin, MP, Wendal King, Lawrean McPhee, V. Theresa Burrows, Gregory and Yvette Stuart, Randy Penn, Donny Petty, Malketta Smith, Patricia Davis, James and Rose Rolle, Ann Rolle, Alice Brown-Kolp and Pastor Ophelia Cox; Adopted Brothers: Pastor Leroy Hanna and Wenzel Hanna; Adopted Sister: Gwen Hanna Lewis; Nieces & Nephews: Deaconess Ellamae Cooper, Pastor Earnestine Small, Nurse Roslyn Rolle, Lynden Farrington, Lauretta Marshall, Evangelist Stacy Taylor, Wanda Thompson, Carla Ogletree, Dr. Leander Farrington, Cardinal Farrington and Deacon Tyrone Mackey, Jason Weir, Superintendent Darrel Weir, Denise Weir, Pastor Brenda Clarke, Minister Delmar Ferguson, Monique Robinson, Sherell Crum, Dr. Natasha Meadows, Melissa Smith, Pastor Claudell Farrington, Zilpha Evans, Bloneva Smith, Ezra, Nathaniel, Jeffery, Ashley, Julian Mackey, Norris, Clayton, Ronald, Israel, Wilfred, Henry, Austin, Simon, Lincoln, John and Pastor Carlton Mackey; Franklyn, Alfred, Theodore and Bradley Davis; Edison, Deon, and Minister Adrian Duncombe; Luther, and Jollen Anderson; Hermon, Dennis, Taras, Raynor, Renaldo Bain; Harold and Charles Wilson; Calvin Jones Shirlene, Rozena, Sheila and Joanne Mackey; Anita, Minerva and Maggie Wilson; Patrice and Mabel Bain; Carolyn Robinson, Pearlene Smith, Pastor Annamae Duncombe, Olive Harris, Geraldine Mackey, Nurse Linda Johnson, Tammy, Triolo, Nyoka Duncombe, Harriet Benoit, Malketta Smith, Patricia Davis, Betty Wilson, Brenda Bannister, Stephanie Brown, Karen Melenon, Beverly Clarke, Deborah Bomar, Prophetess Natasha Miller, Kimberlyn Darville, Doris Anderson, Alexis Lewis, Georgiann Carroll and Artest Williams; Special Friends: Mildred ‘Titi’ Anderson, Isabela Nesbitt, Mother Helen Rolle, Edna Leadon, Evangelist Mary Hanna, Pastor Betty Hanna, Deacon Adolphus and Sherell Leadon, Mother Gloria Dawkins, Sister Shirley Rolle, District Elder Linford Williams, Mabel Stubbs, Rev. Leslie Duncombe, The Edgecombe family, Bishop Sherman and Lady Vera Merritt of Tennessee, USA, Bishop George and Sheila Austin of Alabama, USA, Bishop Horace and Susan Smith, M.D. of Illinois Chicago, USA; Bishop Ronald Young of Pennsylvania, USA; Bishop Barrington and Lady Kareen Smith of Canada, Bishop James and Elder Queenie Newry, Pastor Jonathan & Prophetess Natasha Fraser & family, Kenneth Wilkinson, Pachley Forbes & Family, Murietta Scavella & family, Elder Lorene Johnson & family, Tommy & Patricia Rolle, Elder Norris and Sandy Mackey, Sonia Bostwick Williamson, Olive Rolle, Doris Rolle, Diane Clarke, Transformation Ministries International Group of Churches & Bowen Sound Andros Pentecostal Church families and the entire Andros District Council (PAW); Other Relatives & Friends: The entire extended Farrington family, the entire extended Leadon family, the entire extended Hanna Family, the entire extended Mackey Family, the entire extended Neymour family, Olga Seymour and the entire extended Seymour family, the entire extended Brown family, the entire extended Duncombe family, the entire extended Bain family, the Anderson family, the Nesbitt family, the entire extended Gibson and Bonimy family, District Elder Shirley Redwood and family, the McKenzie family, Yvonne Russell & family, the Zonicle family, Sybil Neymour & family, the Coakley family, the Seymour family, Idella McKenzie & family, the Braynen family, the Canter family, the Thompson family, the Hinsey family, Bishop Samuel Mackey and family, Apostle Dorinda Dean and family, Henry Bain & family, Elder Elon Anderson & family, Oswald Poitier and Sabrina Poitier, Pastor Harold Mackey & Family, Harold Braynen & Family, Deacon Clyde & Charlene Duncombe, George and Carolyn Rodgers, Mabel Stubbs, Teacher Doris Adderley, Gloria Johnson & Family, Richard Clarke & family, Deaconess Cinderella Hinsey and family, Suffragan David and Lady Ivy Higgins & family, Suffragan Christopher & Lady Melony Minnis & family Suffragan Bishop Ezekiel Munnings & Lady Paulette Munnings, Suffragan Bishop Stephen Adderley & family, District Elder Troy Mott & family, District Elder Charles Anderson & family, District Elder Warren Duncombe & family, Pastor Olive Curtis & family, Pastor Arnold Nesbitt & family, Evangelist Idamae Nesbitt & family, Pastor Newton Hamilton & family, Rev. Leon Hinsey & family, Pastor Nathaniel Pratt and the entire Pratt family, Bishop Charles Malcolm Rolle & family, Bishop David Braynen & family, Brendamae Wilson & family, Oma Rolle & family, Kenrear McPhee, Chinique McPhee, Jason McPhee, Remelda Been, Darnell Curry, Annie Pinder, Philip McKenzie, Tanya Russell, Ian Mitchell, the entire Cargill Creek, the entire Behring Point Community, the entire Bowen Sound Community, the entire Fresh Creek Community, the entire Calabash Bay Community, the entire Love Hill Community, the entire Central, South & North Andros Communities, The BTCC Andros District Council, The churches of the 39th Episcopal District of the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World, Prelate Bishop Theodore Brooks & the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World (PAW) family, The Apostolic Community, Hon. Philp Brave Davis & Mrs. Davis & the Progressive Liberal Party, Rt. Hon. Former Prime Minister Hon. Perry Gladstone Christie, Dame Marguerite Pindling, Andros PLP Stalwarts, Dr. Nicholas Fox (the best doctor in the World!), Island Dimension family, Jireh Manna Productions family, Farr Construction family, PSF Construction family and the Farrington Foundation.

The family sincerely regrets any names which were inadvertently omitted.

May His Soul Rest in Peace!

Friends may pay their last respects at Sir Lynden Pindling Centre (Gambier House), Farrington Road on Tuesday October 25th, 2022 from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Bishop Farrington will lie in repose on Wednesday October 26th, 2022 at Transformation Ministries International, Dignity Gardens from 12:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. and at the church on Thursday October 27th, 2022 from 10:00 a.m. until service time.

Fight over trip misses the big picture

THERE is something of a debate going back and forward between the PLP and the FNM over a recent trip to Bermuda – and it misses what should be the fundamental point.

The issue starts with the recent trip by Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis to Bermuda. According to Foreign Affairs Minister Fred Mitchell, this was at the invitation of the Premier of Bermuda, E David Burt. Burt is also leader of Bermuda’s Progressive Labour Party –another PLP.

Mr Mitchell said it was a standard official trip. However, communications director Latrae Rahming said the costs were covered by the PLP – the Bahamas version – and that any questions about the cost of the trip should be directed there.

On the front page of today’s Trib une, FNM leader Michael Pintard highlights the “definite conflict” in the two statements.

Now, it is perfectly normal for civil servants to have their travel paid for by the government, but there were also PLP party officials on the trip, who do not have a role in government and would therefore not normally have such travel costs covered.

The debate, something of a political tug-of-war, is over who paid – and who should have paid.

So what is the point that is being missed in all of this? That ever-elusive issue of transparency.

Above the matter of where the pay ment should have come from is that we ought to be long past the point where such things as travel costs remain a mystery.

Every government trip ought to have costs detailed so we can see if they are worth the amount being spent. Not just the overall amount being spent –but there is no reason why each trip shouldn’t have its budget, its actual cost, and the members of the entourage detailed.

We have already seen that this admin istration has exceeded its allocation for travel costs. Last month, The Tribune reported that the $11.8m spent by the government for travel in the 2021-22 fiscal year bust the Budget allocation by 11.1 percent.

But never mind just travel cost – where is the commitment to transpar ency at all?

The Freedom of Information commis sion seems to be lost at sea somewhere, we have no reporting of contracts awarded by this administration as it quickly changes the laws that requires it to do so, and how about finally revealing who did or did not make their financial declarations as required by law?

Transparency is a word that seems to

only exist in Opposition, quickly aban doned by either party whenever they get into office.

So this particular argument? Yes, we should absolutely know who paid for the trip, and if it was a government trip that should be itemised – who went, how much it cost, and how much was budg eted. If it is a private trip, then fine, that’s none of the people’s business – but make that clear.

But this shouldn’t be an isolated discussion. Clarity over costs and mem bers of the retinue should be standard, detailed after every trip.

If we get an answer to the circum stances of this trip, that’s not going to help for the next one, or the one after that.

If public funds are being used, then the public deserves to know how.

So, yes, give us some answers. But better yet, give us a commitment to govern in full view of the public eye, not selectively presenting information when it looks good.

Have public funds been misused to ferry party personnel on this trip? We shall find out, hopefully – but a clear promise to show how our money is being spent would let us see if it is being used the right way or not on every trip, not just this jaunt to Bermuda.

We do not have to settle for scraps from the table. There is no reason the public should not have a seat at the table, and be treated as equals.

Let’s see the big picture.

NIB rates

We applaud Myles LaRoda for giving an update on the progress – or lack thereof – with regard to a decision on what to do about the NIB contribution rate.

It appears that can keeps on getting kicked down the road. There’s been no decision yet, despite funds steadily dwindling in the NIB pot.

An actuarial review has predicted the fund could be depleted by 2028 –and credit to Mr Laroda, the minister of state with responsibility for NIB, for telling it like it is.

There are suggestions that delaying fuel hedging over at BPL has played a part in the increased costs for electricity we are all about to face.

Delaying the rehabilitation of the NIB fund could lead to more costs just the same – putting off the action until it has to be more severe to correct the problem.

What action will our government take? There’s another area where things are far from transparent.

Te recent successes of prosecutors

EDITOR, The Tribune.

PREVIOUSLY we voiced our dismay about the inordinate delay in prosecuting matters and the inadequate and some times incomprehensible sentences given to those found guilty of commit ting heinous offences. We demanded that matters be prosecuted more expedi tiously and we demanded sentences that are commen surate with the crimes. In recent days we have noted considerable improvement.

Today we learned that a woman was convicted of killing her girlfriend and sentenced to 42 years imprisonment. What is remarkable about that case is that the attack took place on February 20, 2021 – One year and eight months ago! We commend all involved in the investigation, pros ecution and adjudication on this matter for bringing the matter to trial and con cluding it within that time period.

We have taken note of several rape and sexual assault cases which have

been tried and concluded with successful convictions in less than two years. One such case is the conviction of George Bernard Storr for unlawful sexual inter course and threats of death on November 13, 2020.

On or about October 10, 2022 – one year and nine months after he committed the offence – he was tried, found guilty and sentenced to nine years.

We also commend the prosecution for their suc cessful prosecution of the 48-year-old father that raped his daughter when she was 15 and 16 years old.

Women’s organizations watched this case closely.

We were deeply disturbed by his defense. Inasmuch as leading defense counsel are on record saying that in rape and sexual assault cases they prefer a jury of women in order to secure a not guilty verdict we are elated that the majority

female jury in that matter on hearing the evidence believed the young lady. We are hopeful that we are entering into a new era in which our women will believe and support women who have been raped. We are confident that the speedy hearing of sexual offences will result in even more convictions. We com mend all involved in the administration of justice –the police, the prosecutors and the courts – for taking steps to ensure that these matters are being dispensed with more quickly. We hope that news of these speedy trials and convictions gets around so that would-be sexual offenders will come to realise that they will no longer get away with their heinous deeds and wouldbe perpetrators will leave their victims and potential victims alone.

LISA BOSTWICK-DEAN 1st Vice President Women United (WU) Nassau, October 24, 2022.

Will crime kill tourism economy?

EDITOR, The Tribune.

AS MANY people have expressed concern in the newspaper about the high crime robberies and mur ders in The Bahamas, President of the Hotel Association Robert Sands and Vice President of Baha Mar stated the govern ment needed to urgently address the high crime rate before it impacts tourism.

President of the Christian Council in The Bahamas also voiced his concern about the high crime rob beries and murders and there is a need to do some thing to reduce crime in The Bahamas.

National Security Min ister Wayne Munroe also stated in the Nassau Guard ian that there is a crime crisis in The Bahamas.

Prime Minister Philip Davis of The Bahamas when making a national address

to the nation and Bahamian people on the 10 October 2022 acknowledged the high crime in The Baha mas, but hoped that The Bahamas would not get a warning from the United States Department and US Embassy issuing advi sory that American tourists should be careful when travelling to the Bahamas because of high crime rob beries and murders.

It should be noted that in the 1980s in Jamaica when it had a high crime with robberies and mur ders the United States State Department did issue an advisory warning that American tourists should be careful when travel ling to Jamaica because of its high crime robber ies and murders, it caused a significant reduction in Americans travelling to Jamaica that had a dev astating impact on the

economy resulting in the devaluation of the Jamai can dollar.

As the Bahamas economy was just recently down graded by Moody, it is most likely sooner, rather than later, with the high crime robbery and murders that the United States Depart ment will issue an advisory to American citizens to be careful when visiting The Bahamas which will most likely happen before the end of 2022.

This would severely affect and impact the Baha mas economy because 75-80 of revenue comes from tourists visiting The Bahamas and tourism.

Could crime kill the Bahamas economy and cause the devaluation of the Bahamian dollar?

PEDRO SMITH Nassau, October 22, 2022.

POLICE move demonstrators from in front of the Canadian embassy during a protest to reject an international military force requested by the government in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, yesterday.

Photo: Ramon Espinosa/AP

SUSPECT FACES COURT OVER SHOOTING OF 22-YEAR-OLD MOTHER OUTSIDE HER HOME

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Court Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net

A MAN was remanded to prison yesterday in connec tion with the shooting death of a 22-year-old mother last week outside her home.

Jeffrey Clarke, 23, rep resented by Alfonso Lewis and Ian Cargill, faced Chief Magistrate Joyann Fergu son-Pratt on a charge of murder.

Clarke, being con cerned with another, is accused of shooting Tada sha Morgan, a woman of Jamaican descent, outside of her home multiple times around 11pm on October 14 in the neighbourhood of Red Land Acres.

The victim died at the

scene.

Clarke was not required to enter a plea in court. He was informed that his matter would be fast tracked to the Supreme Court by a voluntary bill of indictment (VBI) .

As the chief magistrate lacked the jurisdiction to grant him bail, the accused was told he had the right to apply for it in the Supreme Court.

Until bail is granted to Clarke, he will be remanded at the Bahamas Department of Correc tional Services.

Before being taken into remand the accused was allowed a brief moment with relatives.

Clarke’s VBI is set for service on February 9, 2023.

MAN ACCUSED OF ATTEMPTED MURDER

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Court Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net

A MAN was charged in Magistrate’s Court yes terday in connection with an attempted murder on Goggle Eye Road earlier this month.

Craig Deveaux, 22, stood before Chief Magistrate Joyann Ferguson Pratt on charges of attempted murder and possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life.

Deveaux, being con cerned with others, is accused of attempting to

kill Kenton Pollard with a black handgun on October 12.

Given the severity of the offence the accused was not required to enter a plea in court. He was informed that his matter would proceed to the Supreme Court by a voluntary bill of indictment (VBI).

He has the right to apply for bail in the Supreme Court.

Until bail is granted, the accused will be remanded to the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services.

The VBI is set for service in February.

20-YEAR-OLD ACCUSED OF SEX WITH GIRL AGED 15

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Court Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net

A 20-YEAR-OLD man was remanded to prison yesterday after being accused of sleeping with a 15-year-old girl.

Kevin Williams, repre sented by attorney Troy Kelman, stood before Mag istrate Shaka Serville on a count of unlawful sexual intercourse.

The accused is alleged to have had sexual relations with a 15-year-old girl on September 20.

He was not required to enter a plea in court and was informed that his matter would proceed to the Supreme Court through a voluntary bill of indict ment (VBI).

Williams was further informed that while the magistrate lacked the juris diction to grant him bail, he had the right to apply for it through the higher court.

He was remanded to the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services in the interim.

Williams’s VBI is slated for service on December 5.

FORMER POST OFFICE WORKER ACCUSED OF STEALING $95K

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Court Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net

A FORMER female post office employee was granted bail in Magistrate’s Court yesterday after alleg edly stealing a collective $95,066.04 from the San Salvador Post Office two years ago.

Eva Sands, 62, repre sented by attorney Ryszard Humes, faced Magistrate Kendra Kelly on two counts of stealing by reason of employment.

It is alleged that Sands, between January 1 to December 31, 2020, stole $2,552.38 while work ing as an employee of the San Salvador Post Office Department. The accused is

further charged with steal ing $92,513.66 from the same agency within the timeframe of January 1 to November 30, 2020.

In court Sands elected to continue her matter before the magistrate and pleaded not guilty to both charges.

While prosecutor Ser geant Vernon Pyfrom had no objections to bail he asked that a sign-in con dition be imposed on the accused.

Sands was granted bail at $12,000 with two sure ties on condition she signs in at Cockburn Town Police Station every Friday by 6pm.

The accused was further warned not to interfere with any witnesses in this matter.

Sands’ trial will begin on February 6, 2023.

AMERICAN DENIES FALSE DECLARATION

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Court Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net

AN American man was granted $15,000 cash bail in Magistrate’s Court yes terday after being accused of failing to declare over $25,000 in US currency at LPIA on Sunday.

Mark Lamkin, 53, of Kentucky, represented by attorney Ciji Smith-Curry, appeared before Chief Magistrate Joyann Fergu son-Pratt on a charge of making a false declaration to an officer of the US.

The defendant’s wife was also present in court during his arraignment.

It is alleged that on

October 23 at the US PreClearance at LPIA, while returning home from a busi ness trip, Lamkin falsely declared that he was travel ling with $20,000 when he reportedly had $25,266 in US cash.

The accused pleaded not guilty.

As the prosecution did not object to bail, it was granted to Lamkin at the sum of $15,000 to be paid directly to the court by cash or credit card. Under the conditions of his bail, the accused is expected to return to The Bahamas for trial.

Lamkin’s trial begins on January 6, 2023.

LaRoda: No decision yet on NIB contribution rate

By LETRE SWEETING lsweeting@tribunemedia.net

MYLES LaRoda, minister of state with responsibility for the National Insurance Board, says the agency is primed to lose about $70m this year but there has still not been a decision made concerning the NIB contribu tion rate.

In April, Mr LaRoda told this news paper that a new actuarial review of the National Insurance Board has pre dicted that the fund could be depleted by 2028 should officials neglect to take urgent action.

He then told reporters he antici pates that NIB contribution rates will increase within the next year given the unsustainability of the social agency’s fund. However, Prime Minister Philip Davis later said there would be no increase in NIB contributions until his administration is able to arrest the hardships facing Bahamians.

Mr LaRoda said yesterday that though the government is aware of the situation at NIB, no decision will be made until Cabinet addresses the issue.

“No decision has been made for that. Conversations are fluid. It is con tinuing but, no decision as to say, ‘ok we’re going to raise it in this time or we’re not going to raise it or what ever it is’. We are weighing all of the options. We’re looking at the situation in its totality and when the time comes for that decision to be made, it will be made,” he said.

Speaking of NIB’s position, he said: “NIB will lose about $70m this year, let’s put it that way. So we’re talking about around $6m or $7m a month or so. That’s the reality of what’s been going on, for the past couple years.”

He said recommendations from 11th actuarial review of NIB done earlier this year have not been taken into account.

“That has not been taken into con sideration nor has the decision been made with regards to recommenda tions or if or when the increase is going to be made. Notwithstanding, we all know what the realities are, so we’ll cross that bridge when we get there,” Mr LaRoda said.

“The entirety of the amount of money NIB is taking in now is, the amount of money that NIB is paying out and all of the upkeep of the build ings and those type of stuff. That’s a Cabinet decision,” he said.

Earlier this year, Mr LaRoda said an “increase in the contribution rate

cannot be circumvented.”

Earlier this month, he said NIB is paying out roughly $610,000 a month in unemployment benefits and if payments continue on this trend, payouts could total between $7m and $8m by year’s end, a reduc tion of what was paid out in past years.

“If we do the figures, over the past few years, it’s around $12m. So, at this pace, we’re looking at between seven and eight million would be the figure so that’s considerably less than in the past.”

Mr LaRoda also expressed opti mism that payouts will continue to trend downward, but also noted that officials are remaining cautious as things could change.

STATE Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister Myles LaRoda.

A pastor and a visionary

PASTOR Kenneth “Kenny” Carroll has always had a prophetic gift. Even as a child, his mother pointed out that he has “inner sight”, as his dreams and visions would come true, and help family and friends in their lives. He also had the gift of speech, and together, these two tal ents gave way to his path and purpose in life.

When he was 12 years old, he travelled to Eleuthera to his aunt’s funeral. there, family mem bers asked him to read the obituary during the service. He shied away, but they encouraged him to be bold and take the podium. That day, unbeknownst to him, would chart the course of his life as a preacher of the Gospel. The church was moved to hear the young boy read the obituary.

Philip Bethel was the Member of Parliament in Eleuthera at the time. He went over to the young Kenny and asked him, “Are you a preacher”? The young boy said, “No”. But MP Bethel must have seen the future. He told the youth that he is such a good speaker that he would be a pastor in the future. MP Bethel told him that when he spoke, all was left was for him to have an altar call, and he would have brought people to Christ that very day, because his voice had the ability to draw people in and motivate them.

These talents grew as Kenny did, with the loving guidance of his parents Kendal and Constance Car roll, who were married for

Face to Face

By FELICITY DARVILLE

60 years before his mother passed away. He was raised in a loving home on Shirley Street with his elder sisters Kendalee and Kencene. Being the baby and the only boy, he had a very close relationship with his mother. She instilled in her children that “education is the key to success”.

Because of this, Kenny applied himself well in his education. His forma tive years were spent at St Bede’s Primary, before he went on to Prince Wil liam Junior and Senior High. Here, he blossomed as a student. Commit ted to learning, the young Kenny would walk from their second homestead in Highbury Park all the way to Blue Hill Road to catch the school bus. But before all of that, he would rise at 4am every morning to study and do his home work. At school, choosing the right friends was every thing. They would motivate each other, go to the library together, and aim for good grades in all subjects. He and his friends are all suc cessful today because of it. They included Dr Ian Smith; attorney and poli tician Romauld Ferreira; University Professor in Vermont Darren Davis; Educator Trevase Adderley

(deceased); and others.

Several teachers saw his gifts and encouraged him along the way, including Sister Annie Thompson; the late Dr CW Saunders; Mr Jeffrey Wood; Ms Cheffield; Ms Symonette (deceased); and Ms Isaacs, his teacher in Forms 1, 2 and 3.

During his schooling years, Kenny had a well rounded life, participat ing in numerous church and extra curricular activi ties. He played trumpet in the Boys Brigade, and had the opportunity to travel the world. At Holy Family Church, he was president of the youth group. He par ticipated in Boys Scouts, as well as the Big Brother, Little Brother programme. He even helped his aunt at Carrolls’ Pre School on Shirley Street, where he assisted with after school care.

When it was time to graduate, Kenny’s Uncle Malachi Lundy played a pivotal role in encourag ing him not to get a job, but to pursue college. He did so, and ended up with a lengthy college career that earned him degrees and certificates in teaching, broadcasting, geography and theology. Institutions of learning included The Col lege of The Bahamas (now University); North Tennes see Bible Institute; Border College; and Success train ing Institute.

During his tertiary Bible studies, he was greatly impacted by Dr Betty Cleare, who proph esied that he would do great things in life with his prophetic gift. When he returned to Nassau, Apostle Matthew Rolle recognised his gift, and told Kenny that he wanted to “pull it out of him”. That was the start of his ministering to the public, and the evolution of Pastor Kenny Carroll.

Pastor Carroll would go on to touch many lives through ministry. Through out his spiritual journey, youth empowerment and

community building were always important to him. Ordained as a pastor and prophet, he would create life changing programmes, all in an effort to fulfil his personal mandate to “touch one person, one soul”, so his living would not be in vain.

Professionally, Pastor Carroll developed his skills at the Broadcasting Corporation of The Baha mas. He began as a script assistant, moving up to a producer, then an editor, before becoming a radio and television host. He worked to produce count less programmes with great Bahamian broadcasters including: Obie Wilch combe (current Minister of Social Services and Urban Development); Debbie Bartlett; Agnes Ferguson; Ed Bethel; Fred Mitch ell (current Minister of Foreign Affairs); Darold Miller; Calsey Johnson; Michelle Malcolm; Katie Longley; Yvette Stuart; and Kirk Smith.

“My father was a builder; he would read the blueprint and make things happen,” Pastor Carroll said.

“I think I take after him. I remember when Obie Wilchcombe would come up with programme ideas and bring them to me. I would bring them to life. We did so many things, like documentaries for Social Services, The Royal Baha mas Defence Force, and the Bridal Show. I created a show called Morning Joy and I used to host it. It is now hosted by Sherese Williams.”

Despite a successful career at ZNS, Pastor Car roll felt a call to Minister the Gospel in the United States of America. This opened new doors to his spiritual growth. He said he “went to South Carolina on faith” and it turned out to be one of the best decisions of his life.

He ended up at Gospel Impact Radio in South Car olina and there, he spent ten years creating radio shows and even television shows that impacted thousands of people in the community and beyond. He continued to labour in God’s vineyard. He was appointed head of Christian Life Church in South Carolina, and was eventually ordained Bishop there. The pews of the church were often filled because of his willingness to share his prophetic gift to help guide others. After a decade of service abroad, Pastor Carroll said he lis tened to the voice of God when he assigned him back to his homeland in The Bahamas.

Pastor Carroll got mar ried, then divorced, and eventually remarried the love of his life, Veronica, to whom he has been mar ried for over 18 years. A teacher at Stapledon School, he and Veronica built a life together of dedi cated service to youth and community. His adult chil dren Kendal, Kenyawn, and Kneth, along with grand daughter Ivy, make it all

worthwhile.

But Pastor Carroll faced a battle that nearly claimed his life. He had faced trials and tribulations along the journey, but this one was so tough, he said he was “struck by the enemy”.

“It all happened so fast,” he said.

“One minute, I was pre paring to complete my year-end revivals in sev eral cities overseas, and the next, the walls of darkness were caving in on me.”

The pastor who had helped to heal many at his revivals and services, would need the hand of God to touch his own life as he bat tled with pneumonia.

“The nights became longer and the days shorter as the fight endured,” he recalls.

To fight for his life, Pastor Carroll had to lean on God like never before. His wife and daughter were his min istering angels, nursing him through the ordeal. He would play an audiotape of Bishop Paul Morton’s mes sage at the 2006 Walking in Victory Conference in Greensboro, North Caro lina. More importantly, there were a series of Bible scriptures and hymns that helped to lift his spirit through the darkest times, when his breath was failing and his strength was weak.

Jeremiah 32:27 was amongst them: “Behold, I am the Lord, the God of all flesh: is there anything too hard for me?”

Going through this physi cal health ordeal gave Pastor Carroll a personal view of what many whom he prayed for had gone through. It helped him to see the light at the end of the tunnel; to persevere, and to beat the illness that could have claimed his life.

For this reason, he docu ments his experience in his newly-released book: “A Pastor’s Testimony: I Still Believe in Wonders and Signs”. This book, he said, is designed to touch the hearts of all who face tribulations, whether it be in their health or in life. He gives insights to the Bible verses and hymns that pulled him through until he was victorious. He believes his testimony can help to give courage and spiritual strength so that others who are battling could be victo rious, too.

Produced by One Rib Publications, Pastor Car roll’s book can be found at Logos Bookstore in the Harbour Bay Plaza. He has bared his soul, telling all about his trial, how he perceived the onslaught of medical issues, and how he conquered them all.

Today, Pastor Carroll serves as the deputy direc tor of Family Islands for the Urban Renewal Commis sion. he is actively involved

in church and civic activi ties. He and his wife were ministering in Abaco and survived the terrible ordeal that beset when Hurri cane Dorian hit in 2019. He is heavily involved in a Kiwanis Over the Hill Program to impact young people. He teaches Sunday school at St Andrew’s Pres byterian Kirk, and he assists with the Food Bank. He continues to walk in his path of service, never for getting that “God’s grace and mercy” is what brought him through.

Pastor Emeritus Tom Roberts, retired pastor of East Street Gospel Chapel said: “He has prioritised with accuracy, clarity and literary quality (this tes timony) with the goal of creating a translation for public and private reading for all to relate, with Evan gelism teaching, preaching, memorable and leisurely use.”

Elder Peter Bates, CEO of the Sign Man called Pastor Carroll “a man of God, a devout follower of Christ, and most impor tantly, he is not ashamed to tell anyone who is seek ing or not seeking hope and peace in Jesus, his story, his testimony”.

Pastor Bryn of St Andrew’s Presbyterian Kirk called him a “friendly, personable, humble and teachable” who is “passion ate with regards to matters of faith”. Pastor Carroll also received words of encouragement on his book release from many of his spiritual mentors, including Pastor Wood, and many of his colleagues.

Perhaps the greatest testimony came from his beloved wife Veronica: “Being tattered and torn, sinking in despair, thinking that nobody cared as I sat there by the bedside of my sick husband... hearing him repeat these words with tears in his eyes: ‘Though they slay me, yet will I keep trusting Him’. My mind reflects back to the many friends my husband prayed for and helped in many ways. He looked for them to come and visit with words of encouragement, but there was none that came. Instead, friends passed his bedside with their heads held straight or turned to the other side. They talked about him, assuming the negatives. Many times, I too felt like giving up and wanted to walk away from it all. But God reminded me of Job’s encounter with his wife and asked me, ‘Why do you want to give up? it’s only a test.’ Oh, how I wept for forgiveness. Then, I decided to stand all the way with my sick, helpless husband. No, it wasn’t easy through it all. But today, I can say it was truly worth it.”

PASTOR Kenny Carroll at Logos Book store with his book, A Pastor’s Testimony, and, right, with his wife, Veronica Curry-Carroll.

PASTOR Kenny Carroll as a boy, centre, with his sister Kendalee and cousin Val.

Conservatives in disarray in Britain but new prime minister in place

BELOW is the text I drafted on Sunday in time to meet the usual press deadline of Monday afternoon for my weekly column. But over the week end and yesterday events in London moved rapidly, with the situation changing by the hour.

On Sunday evening, Boris Johnson pulled out of the race to become the next Prime Minister after the resignation of Liz Truss on Thursday; and another contender, Penny Mordaunt, failed to obtain the minimum 100 support ers required to stay on the ballot that had been due to take place today.

As a result, on Monday she was forced to pull out of the contest. Former Chan cellor of the Exchequer, Rishi Sunak, was therefore the only contender still standing and yesterday he was declared Britain’s new Prime Minister.

This outcome is noth ing short of astonishing. Who would possibly have thought even a few weeks ago - including Sunak him self - that he would be replacing her as PM so soon after being beaten by her into second place in the Tory leadership con test during the summer? He will now face an array of towering problems for the country, and the watch words for the Conservative Party will be stability, unity and efficiency. I hope to offer further comment in next week’s column.

For older Britons, in par ticular, who are accustomed to political and economic stability in their country with its reputation for toler ance, moderation and good order, the events of the past week have been disturbing and even shocking. Amidst

The Peter Young column

the chaos at Westminster surrounding the deeply divided ruling Conserva tive government whose economic credibility has been shattered, there is reportedly now wide public concern that the UK is becoming an international laughing stock as other countries watch events there with a mixture of dis belief and bemusement.

It is now being said in the UK media that in the nation’s history there has never been a meltdown like it. That is probably an exaggeration, but commen tators have been indulging in a range of descriptions of the current mess - from shambolic and shame ful to extraordinary and unprecedented.

Another British Prime Minister has gone, and by the end of the month the nation will have its third holder of this office in just seven weeks.

In recent years, the coun try has been in a constant state of unease and uncer tainty amounting, in the eyes of some, to a constant

crisis with the present group of Tories in power –so much so that the leader of the Labour opposition has condemned the latest situation as a “ridiculous, chaotic circus in the Con servative Party”, and he has called for a General Election.

Despite signs that the embattled Prime Minis ter, Liz Truss, might have hung on at least until her new Chancellor of the Exchequer had delivered his fiscal plan next week, she resigned last Thursday in the wake of the turmoil set off by the announce ment on September 23 of unfunded tax cuts which rattled the financial markets and sent the pound sterling into free fall. This made her the shortest-serving PM in British history.

In her resignation state ment, she said that she was unable to deliver on the mandate on which she had been elected as Tory leader and therefore prime minis ter. She lost the confidence

of her own party in moving – as she herself put it - too far and too fast in trying to implement the economic policies on which she was elected.

It must have been a supremely lonely and poignant moment for Ms Truss. But - like Boris John son before her, though for different reasons – after consultation with the chair man of the 1922 Committee of Tory backbench MPs, she had bowed to pressure from her own parliamen tary colleagues who wanted her to go.

For the public, the appar ent absurdity of what has happened is all too real. In a nutshell, a political party (the Tories under Boris Johnson) wins power at Westminster with a thump ing 80-seat majority in 2019. Less than three years later, that party gets rid of him – despite his deserved reputation for winning elec tions -- on what some say are the frivolous grounds of ‘Partygate’.

Photo: David Cliff/AP

The party then conducts an overly long leader ship contest, during which effective governance is sti fled because ministers are hamstrung by the political uncertainty. But, within six weeks of the winner taking up office, the party mutinies and forces a reversal of the economic policy on which it has just elected the new leader and, in effect, com pels her to step down. Put simply, the Tories are said to be imbued by a “culture of factionalism” and con stant infighting.

By any standards, this has developed into noth ing short of a shambles. What it shows is that the Conservative Party remains seriously split, torn apart by disagreement and dis content; and, if yet another new leader cannot unite the warring factions, it may collapse entirely as a politi cal party, despite this being barely credible given the famous history of the Tories and the great political fig ures they have produced

in the past – like Church ill, Gladstone, Disraeli and Baldwin, to name just a few. But, already, the polls are saying that, if an elec tion were held now, Labour would win handsomely.

Britain has been a pio neer of parliamentary democracy, with the West minster system being adopted by many other countries.

Over the years, the nation has enjoyed a fine reputa tion for being governed firmly and fairly in a disci plined manner, and this has contributed strongly to a steadfast and well-ordered society.

Under established rules and practices, successive governments have scrupu lously adhered to tradition in a nation which has been a beacon of stability as a suc cessful democracy that has been an example to others. Indeed, for many people Britain has been the envy of the world. But no longer, it seems, at least in the short-term - and some com mentators are linking what is going on at the moment to the divisions precipitated by Britain’s departure from the European Union after the nation’s political, economic and foreign policy had been centred on its membership of the bloc for the past 40 years.

So what happens next? Unlike the protracted exer cise during the summer, the rules for a new lead ership contest are that nominations are due to close on Monday at 2pm local time. Candidates require a minimum of 100 backers to enter the con test. There will then be a ballot of MPs followed by a vote online by Conservative Party members, with the winner to be declared on October 28.

IN FOR THE LONG HAUL IN UKRAINE

HAVING referred briefly last week to the inter esting insights of Steve Rosenberg, the BBC’s Mos cow-based correspondent, about the Ukraine war, I return to the subject today in order to examine new views that are emerging about Putin’s intentions and likely future actions follow ing the recent successes of the Ukrainian armed forces on the battlefield.

At the beginning of the conflict following the Rus sian invasion in February, the Kremlin’s objective was clearly the rapid defeat of Ukraine in order to force Russia’s neighbour back into its orbit of influence without a prolonged war. But Putin underestimated the Ukrainians’ determina tion to defend their country

while he also overestimated the capability and effective ness of his own military forces. Ukrainian success in fighting back during the intervening eight monthswith the help of weaponry and equipment supplied by the West - are well documented.

Some thought that, after having recently annexed several eastern provinces where he has now declared martial law, Putin might freeze the conflict in a tacit acceptance that the whole of the country could not be taken over by force. But this seems to have been ruled out in a statement by the former Russian presi dent, Dmitry Medvedev, to the effect that Ukraine ‘as presently configured will be a constant, direct and clear

threat to Russia’ and there fore its ‘political regime needs to be dismantled’. So a protracted conflict seems inevitable.

As has been well publi cised, Putin has threatened to use nuclear weapons. But Western nations judge that, while this remains under close scrutiny by NATO, a nuclear strategic attack is unlikely though the deployment of tactical such weapons on the bat tlefield cannot be ruled out. But Russian forces are now evacuating the Kherson region in the south in the face of a successful Ukrain ian counter offensive – in the east as well - to liberate and take back control of communities that had been all but destroyed by Rus sian occupiers.

BAHAMAS SPARED A HURRICANE THIS YEAR

AT THE risk of creat ing a hostage to fortune as the hurricane season inches towards its end, is it too early to say definitively that we have been spared Nature’s wrath this year? Everyone knows we were incredibly fortunate not to have been hit by Hurricane Ian which inflicted terrible damage and destruction on western Florida on Sep tember 28. A friend there has emailed to describe the horror of what happened in places like Sanibel and Fort Myers. Said to have been the strongest storm ever to hit Florida, we can only breathe a sigh of relief that The Bahamas escaped it.

Visitors to this coun try are told the hurricane season runs from the begin ning of June to the end of November. But the experts say that the peak period is August to October and the threat decreases con siderably in November. Indeed, in the last 20 years or so, the only two major storms I can recall as late as November were Michelle, which hit New Providence on November 5, 2001, and Noel which moved through the archipelago as a tropi cal storm on November 1, 2007. Michelle was a Cat egory 4 storm which did

heavy damage though there were no fatalities.

So are we now safe for the rest of this year’s

Meanwhile, following the appointment of a new uncompromising military leader - widely called ‘Gen eral Armageddon’ because of the atrocities he perpe trated in Syria - the Russians are now seeking to destroy infrastructure across the country, especially target ing power stations and the electricity supply in the lead-up to the winter in a bid to break the spirit of the Ukrainian people and their will to fight on. But, so far, it seems that attacks on infrastructure using cruise missiles and Iranian-made drones, which have deprived over a million households of power, have not intimidated Ukrainians and have only served to strengthen the people’s resolve and will to resist.

The BBC has reported that partial mobilisation in Russia has led to grow ing discontent there. But Rosenberg’s assessment is that Putin does not want to appear vulnerable himself and wants to show resolve and capability to continue to prosecute the war. It is not in his character to give up, and he is determined to stick to what he sees as the important task of taking back Ukraine which is his torically and legitimately part of Russia. He is not the sort of leader to admit his mistakes or failures, although there can now be no doubt that his so-called special military operation has gone badly wrong for him and that Western sanc tions have hit the Russian economy hard.

Nonetheless, Putin is likely to be determined to push ahead despite his own significant losses of troops and equipment together with loss of territory that Russia had previously occupied. But, as Rosen berg writes, no one should assume that he even thinks he got it all wrong, let alone admit that the invasion was a fundamental error. It is his own perception of events that drives Russia’s policy on the issue, and it is not possible to know how far he will go to win this conflict. That said, in the judge ment of many who study the developing situation, his behaviour and decisions are constrained by his reluc tance to engage in a direct major military confronta tion with the West.

Memorial Service for

Thelma Estelle Taylor Duncombe, 91

of Parkgate Road, will be held on Thursday October 27th at 11am at The Chapel of Evergreen Mortuary located on Parkgate Road, Nassau, Bahamas. Officiating will be Pastor Trajean Jardorette.

Left to cherish her memories are her, Adopted Children: Edward (Joanne) Evans, Lorina (Paul) Pennerman. Grandchildren: Thelma Evans, Vernon (Cavelle) Evans, Kenon (Johniqua) Evans, Racquell (Trevor) Johnson, Leshawn (Kindesha) Evans, Shanice (Dr. Charles J.) Johnson and Joshua Pennerman. Great Grandchildren: Tyreke, Treven, Trelle and Jayla Johnson, Crystal, Isaiah, Kendrick, Alexandria, Leshawn Jr., Kaden and Kenya Evans. Numerous Nieces and nephews including but not limited to Elizabeth, Stennett, Olive, Palacious, Frankie Evans, Estella Thompson, Inez Sands, Dot Sands, Willamae Sweeting, Alberta Gibson, Betty Sweeting, Elizabeth, Sandra Butler, Thelma Walker, Veronica Taylor, Gladys Johnson, Gloria McSweeney, Eleonor Goodman, Christine Gibson, Diane, Donnalee Miller, Brenda North, Audrey Dames, Caroline Moree, Margo Moree, Brunae Miller, Eleanor Russell, Freddie Evans, Eric Evans, Berlin Miller, Wellington, Charles Jr. Taylor, Steve Taylor, Roy Taylor and Percy Taylor, Ronald Taylor, Andy Taylor, Chuck Sands, Leonard, Mervin Sweeting; and a host of other relatives and friends

hurricane season? Let’s hope so. But I’ve been told firmly by a Bahamian friend “not to put mouth on it”!

RISHI Sunak waves after winning the Conservative Party leadership contest at the Conservative party Headquarters in London yesterday. He will become the next UK Prime Minister.

Sunak named as new UK Prime Minister

LONDON Associated Press

RISHI Sunak ran for Britain’s top job and lost. Then he got another shot — and the chance to say “I told you so.”

The former UK Treas ury chief was runner-up to Liz Truss in the contest to replace the scandal-plagued Boris Johnson as Conserva tive Party leader and prime minister. But Truss quit after a turbulent 45-day term, and Johnson has abandoned a comeback attempt. That left Sunak out front, and he won the race Monday to be leader of the Conservative Party and will assume the office he missed out on less than two months ago.

Victory in the Conserva tive leadership contest is vindication for Sunak, who warned in the last campaign that Truss’ tax-cutting eco nomic plans were reckless and would cause havoc. And so they did.

Truss resigned last week after her package of tax cuts spooked financial markets, hammered the value of the pound and obliterated her authority.

Sunak will be Britain’s first leader of color and the first Hindu to take the top job. At 42, he’ll also be the youngest prime minis ter in more than 200 years, a political prodigy whose youthful looks, sharp suits, and smooth, confident manner saw him dubbed “Dishy Rishi” by the Brit ish media.

To win, Sunak had to overcome allegations by opponents that he was a turncoat for quitting John son’s government as it foundered amid ethics scan dals. The near-simultaneous resignations of Sunak and Health Secretary Sajid Javid on July 5 set off a chain reaction. Within 48 hours, some 50 members of the government had quit, and Johnson was forced to step down.

Sunak painted it as a matter of principle, saying he wanted to repair the “breakdown of trust” in politics. He also accused Truss of offering “fairy tales” by promising imme diate tax cuts when he felt curbing soaring inflation was a bigger priority.

“I would rather lose having fought for the things that I passionately believe are right for our coun try, and being true to my values, than win on a false

promise,” Sunak said in a BBC interview.

Sunak was born in 1980 in Southampton on Eng land’s south coast to parents of Indian descent who were both born in East Africa.

He grew up in a middleclass family, his father a family doctor and his mother a pharmacist, and says he inherited their hardworking ethos.

“I grew up working in the shop, delivering medi cines,” he said during the campaign. “I worked as a waiter at the Indian restau rant down the street.”

He has described how his parents saved to send him to Winchester College, one of Britain’s most expensive and exclusive boarding schools.

There he mingled with the elite. Rivals recently dug up a clip from a 2001 television documentary about the class system in which the 21-year-old

Sunak said he had “friends who are aristocrats, I have friends who are upper class, I have friends who are, you know, working class — well, not working class”.

After high school, Sunak studied politics, philosophy and economics at Oxford University — the degree of choice for future prime min isters — then got an MBA at Stanford University.

He worked for the invest ment bank Goldman Sachs as a hedge fund manager and lived in the US, where he met his wife, Akshata Murty. They have two daughters.

Returning to Britain, Sunak was elected to Par liament for the safe Tory seat of Richmond in York shire in 2015. In Britain’s 2016 Brexit referendum, he supported leaving the European Union — a risky career move, since it went against the Conservative government’s policy.

When “leave” unexpect edly won, Sunak’s career took off. He served in sev eral junior ministerial posts before being appointed chancellor of the excheq uer — head of the Treasury — by Johnson in February 2020, just before the pan demic hit.

An instinctively low-tax, small state politician who idolises former Prime Min ister Margaret Thatcher, he nonetheless forked out billions in government money to keep people and businesses afloat during the pandemic. His furlough program, which paid the sal aries of millions of workers when they were temporarily laid off, made him the most popular member of the government — a status he burnished with slick social media messages that rivals and critics said stressed his own brand more than the government’s.

But Sunak has had his

KANYE DROPPED BY AGENCY AFTER ANTI-SEMITIC COMMENTS

NEW YORK Associated Press

A COMPLETED docu mentary about the rapper formerly known as Kanye West has been shelved amid his recent slew of antisemitic remarks.

MRC studio executives

Modi Wiczyk, Asif Satchu and Scott Tenley announced in a memo on Monday: “We cannot support any content that amplifies his platform.”

Ye was recently restricted from posting on Twitter and Instagram over antisemitic posts that the social networks said violated their policies.

He has also suggested slav ery was a choice and called the COVID-19 vaccine the “mark of the beast.” Earlier this month, Ye was criticised for wearing a “White Lives Matter” T-shirt to the show ing of his latest collection at Paris Fashion Week.

Wiczyk and Satchu are co-founders and co-CEOs of MRC Entertainment.

Tenley is the chief business officer. Shelving the docu mentary comes just days after the French fashion house Balenciaga cut ties with Ye, according to Women’s Wear Daily.

In their lengthy memo, Wiczyk, Satchu and Tenley reach deep into the history of antisemitism.

“Kanye is a producer and sampler of music. Last week he sampled and remixed a classic tune that has charted for over 3000 years — the lie that Jews are evil and conspire to control the world for their own gain. This song was per formed acapella in the time of the Pharaohs, Babylon and Rome, went acoustic with The Spanish Inquisition and Rus sia’s Pale of Settlement, and Hitler took the song electric.

Kanye has now helped main stream it in the modern era,” they wrote.

Ye’s talent agency, CAA, has dropped him as well.

That news Monday and the scrapped documen tary comes after UTA CEO Jeremy Zimmer condemned Ye in a companywide memo denouncing antisemitism. Ye was briefly a client but returned to CAA after a year.

Others in Hollywood, including Ye’s estranged wife, Kim Kardashian, and other members of her family, have also condemned antisem itism. Demonstrators on a Los Angeles overpass Saturday unfurled a banner praising Ye.

wobbles over the years.

Critics said a campaign to get people to eat in res taurants after lockdown restrictions were eased in the summer of 2020 con tributed to another wave of COVID-19.

Others have said Sunak’s family’s vast wealth and Sil icon Valley past put him out of touch with the struggles of ordinary people.

He also faced questions about his finances and those of his wife. Murty is the daughter of the billionaire founder of Indian tech giant Infosys, and the couple is worth 730 million pounds ($877m), according to the Sunday Times Rich List.

In April 2022, it emerged that Murty did not pay UK tax on her overseas income. The practice was legal, but it looked bad at a time when Sunak was raising taxes for millions of Britons. Sunak also was criticised for holding on to

his American green card, which signifies an intent to settle in the US, for two years after he became Brit ain’s finance minister.

Sunak was cleared of wrongdoing, but the revela tions still hurt. He was fined by police, along with John son and dozens of others, for attending a party in the prime minister’s office in 2020 that broke coronavirus lockdown rules. Outrage over those parties at a time when Britons were forced to stay home contributed to Johnson’s downfall. Sunak has said he attended inad vertently and briefly.

In his first leadership campaign, he depicted himself as the candidate of grown-up decisions and fiscal probity, criticizing Truss’ plans to lower taxes and increase borrowing, and vowing to get inflation under control.

That’s now a harder job than ever.

CHINESE OFFICERS ACCUSED OF TRYING TO OBSTRUCT US PROBE

WASHINGTON Associated Press

TWO suspected Chi nese intelligence officers have been charged with attempting to obstruct a US criminal investigation of Chinese tech giant Huawei by offering bribes to some one they thought could provide inside information, the Justice Department announced yesterday.

The defendants are accused of paying tens of thousands of dollars in digi tal currency, along with cash and jewelry, to a US offi cial they thought they had recruited as an asset. But the person was actually a double agent working for the FBI, the department said.

That prosecution, as well as two other cases involv ing Chinese operatives, was highlighted Monday at a news conference that featured the heads of both the FBI and the Justice Department, a rare joint presence reflecting a con certed American show of force against Chinese intel ligence efforts. Washington has long accused Beijing of meddling in US political affairs and stealing secrets and intellectual property.

Besides the two men yes terday, 11 other Chinese men have been charged with offences in the last week, including harassment of

individuals in the US, that FBI Director Christopher Wray said show that China’s “economic assaults and their rights violations are part of the same problem”.

“They try to silence anyone who fights back against their theft — companies, politicians, individuals — just as they try to silence anyone who fights back against their other aggressions,” he said.

In the Huawei case, Guo chun He and Zheng Wang, are accused of trying to direct a US official to supply con fidential information about the Justice Department’s investigation, including about witnesses, trial evidence and potential new charges.

The latest announce ments came just days after Xi Jinping awarded himself a third term as leader of China’s Communist Party, though Wray dismissed the idea of a possible connec tion in the timing.

“If the Chinese gov ernment, the Chinese Communist Party, continues to violate our laws, they’re going to keep encountering the FBI,” he said.

The Justice Department separately announced charges against four other Chinese nationals, accusing them of using the cover of an academic institute to try to procure sensitive tech nology and equipment.

RISHI SUNAK, centre, waves after winning the Conservative Party leadership contest at the Conservative party Headquarters in London yesterday.

Photo: Aberto Pezzali/AP

KANYE West - now known as Ye - pictured earlier this year.

DONNALEE Bethell has been diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer

Help a Bahamian mother raise funds for a double mastectomy

By JEFFARAH GIBSON Tribune Features Writer jgibson@tribunemedia.net

Donnalee Bethell’s worst fears were confirmed last month after test results showed cancerous lumps in one of her breasts. Now diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer, she is seeking financial assistance from the public to defray the costs of a double mas tectomy doctors say she urgently needs.

Donnalee, a mother-of-four, has served in the medical field for a number of years as a patient care technician. She was just recently honoured for her devotion and hard work. But now she needs the assistance of others to fight her own health battle.

“The first time I felt the lump was in July while I was in the shower,” she told Tribune Woman.

Instead of getting tested at that point, Donnalee dismissed it and thought it would go away.

“I disregarded it and told myself it would go away until a few weeks later I started having intense pain in the same area where the lump was. There was also a bad burning sensation and discolouration in that same area, so I decided to go and see my physician.”

After being examined by doc tors, Donnalee underwent an ultrasound in the first weeks in September.

She was later advised to have a biopsy done right away.

“I got the biopsy done and it was sent away for testing and on October 12. I was told that the results came back confirming that I have cancer and its spreading rapidly,” she said.

This news was unexpected and knocked Donnalee off her feet. A year ago, she had undergone surgery to remove a benign mass from her stomach. Now, she is

faced with another major health crisis.

“This news left me speechless and heartbroken, but I quickly decided that with God I can fight this, especially when I thought about my kids,” she said.

After consulting with doctors, the best route Donnalee can take is to have both of her breasts removed, as the cancer is spread ing so quickly.

“I have been advised by my physician to have both breasts removed because of how the cancer is spreading. The double mastectomy will cost $25,000, not including chemotherapy treatments afterwards. So, upon hearing this information I knew for a fact that I don’t have this type of money to have the pro cedure done, so I am humbly appealing to the public to please assist me in any way that you can in regards to paying for these medical expenses,” she said.

Donnalee is advising women to have mammogram screenings regularly and to not ignore any abnormal changes in their bodies.

“My advice to any woman out there is to have your mammo grams done regularly. Yes, it may be a bit uncomfortable and a little painful, but it can also potentially save a life in the end.

“Try and catch it before it’s too late. Also check yourself physi cally to make sure there are no unusual lumps, discolourations or changes in your skin around the breast area,” she said.

Donnalee said she believes she will overcome and beat her breast cancer. She wants to be around to raise her youngest daughter, who is only nine years old.

According to Komen Bahamas, genetic research has shown that Bahamian women with breast cancer have the highest preva lence of an inherited BRAC gene in the world. In fact, more than 25 percent of Bahamian women with

A modern-day fairy godmother

By CARA HUNT Tribune Features Writer cbrennen@tribunemedia.net

Just call Brannell Ferguson your one-stop fairy godmother. She is the owner of Your Personal Assistant, a concierge service which literally fulfils almost every client request.

As modern-day life gets busier and busier, traffic in the city gets worse, and the things-to-do list just gets longer, it often seems like there are not enough hours in the day to accomplish it all. So more and more people are looking to outsource some of their errandrunning. This is where Brannell and her business come in.

“I had a regular nine-to-five job,” she told Tribune Woman, “but there was always some thing that I had to do or that I never had the time to do. And sometimes there wasn’t a family member or a friend who could run that errand for me, and I was like, I can’t be the only person experi encing this.”

In August of 2019, she quit her regular job and started her con cierge business, hitting the ground running – for other people.

“We provide a lot of essential services for our clients. Really, we can do just about anything, we can pick up or drop things off, run errands do your shopping or exchanges, we can also deliver things to be shipped throughout the country,” she said.

breast cancer have this inherited pre-disposition. Carriers of this mutation can now plan preventa tive strategies. More and more young women are coming forward for prophylactic bilateral mastec tomies and reconstruction. They are also aware that if they have their ovaries removed (at age 35) it will give them a 70 percent protection against breast cancer and eliminate the risk of ovarian cancer, which is also associated with this generic abnormality.

Donnalee’s children know her as a mother who did her absolute best to raise them; as someone who, even when she had little her self, would give anyone in need the clothes off her back.

Donations can be made to Sco tiabank Bahamas (main branch) in the name of Donnalee Bethell. Account number (9004001), and transit number (70045).

For more information, contact doreenstanisclas@yahoo.com.

She can also handle less tradi tional requests.

“We also offer a pet taxi ser vice, which is actually a growing market. We can transport your pets to their vet appointments or to the groomers or even drop them off to the airport and put them on a plane for you.”

One of the more unconven tional requests she’s had was a client who asked them to pick up their flat tyre, take it to the tyre store to be fixed and bring it back to them.

In future, Brannell said she would like to bundle services for special groups of clients.

“One of the things we can do is offer packages for people who may require specific things, for example we offer a senior pack age for our elderly clients who may not be able or want to move around as much. We can also do a bride-to-be packages, because we know that there is a lot of run ning around during that time and there can be a lot of stress. Just like mothers-to-be may also need some additional support during that time as well. They should feel like they are being catered to,” she said.

Brannell currently has two employees and would love to see her company continue to grow.

“The pandemic actually was really good for my business, because people were afraid to go out or didn’t want to deal with the long lines,” she said.

GROCERY shopping is just one of the many services Brannell Ferguson offers.

‘Grammy’ Rosie Knowles invites people to her crochet corner

By ALESHA CADET Tribune Features Writer acadet@tribunemedia.net

For at least 50 years, Rosie Knowles has enjoyed the crochet ing, knitting and needle point.

She was initially exposed to these crafts at her first place of employment, Melita’s on Bay Street.

The 69-year-old Long Island native explained that Melita’s was essentially like today’s Home Fab rics, selling anything related to the sewing and other crafts .

“I was taken under the wing of some of the more seasoned ladies, who were pretty much self-taught, who passed their knowledge to me. I took to the skills very well and before long I was crocheting. Upon leaving Melita’s, although I was no longer employed directly in the craft industry, moving onto clothing and jewellery retail, I kept up with my love of crochet ing and it developed as a hobby which I continue to this day. I find it to be quite therapeutic and relaxing,” said Rosie.

After retiring 10 years ago, Rosie indulged in her love for crafts in earnest. She initially started with crocheting pieces for close family members and friends, as well as gifts for baby showers.

She impressed her family mem bers with her skills to such an extent, that one of them, a niece, suggest Rosie take her talents to the public by creating a social media presence.

This then resulted in Rosie creating her first Facebook page called “Talents and Tastes by Rosie”, as she is also an avid baker.

She continued to post items on her page until about a month or so ago when her granddaugh ter, Alexis, a marketing major, decided that her grandmother needed a newer, “catchier” name, and she came up with “Grammy’s Corner”.

At her home-based operation, Rosie now offers baby sweater sets, baby blankets, adult afghans, blankets, throws, shawls, scarves, dish cloths, pot holders, trivets, tams, hats, table cloths, bags, table toppers, centre pieces, doi lies, coasters, stuffed animals, and teddy bears. She also recently par ticipated in her first pop-up event earlier this month.

“I have been busy as a bee with adding items to my prod uct line. Unfortunately, to date I have not had the good fortune of working with any local design ers but would of course welcome the opportunity to collaborate with Bahamian designers in the short term. In fact, I am hoping to launch an independence line

in honour of our country’s 50th Independence celebrations next year, which I plan to commence early next year, so look out for those items next year on Gram my’s Corner,” she said.

Rosie said she is often inspired by videos on YouTube, particu larly on “Glenda, the Creative Gramma” channel and “Penny’s Creations” (based in the United States), but also Tracy of Cro chet Rocks (based in the United Kingdom).

“They offer tutorials and picto rials which I find very helpful with pattern-based instructions, as I do need a pattern to follow,” she said.

Rosie said her new Hallow een pumpkin designs have been receiving a lot of rave reviews,

as have her Christmas trees and other holiday decorations. Other popular items from Grammy’s Corner for the Fall and Winter seasons are tams, hats, afghans and blankets. Rosie said her most

requested items are baby blan kets, afghans, baby sweater sets, pot holders, dishcloths, trivets, table toppers, centre pieces, and coasters.

“I am keeping busy filling other orders already received for Hal loween and Christmas décor and decorations,” she said.

For more information, check out Grammy’s Corner on Face book or message Rosie directly via WhatsApp on 565 4150. She is also available via e-mail on johnrose12@hotmail.com.

Rosie is married John Allan Knowles, also of Long Island. The couple have two children, Samantha Knowles-Pratt and Gareth Knowles, and they are also grandparents to Alexis, Bri anna, Savanah and Zoey.

Why it’s a good career move to join a women’s business network – new research

By ELINA MELIOU Reader in Organisational Behaviour, Aston University and Florence Villesèche Associate Professor, Copenhagen Business School

(THE CONVERSATION)

– Women-only professional net works have become a familiar feature of the corporate world. Set up to organise and channel female voices and experiences, some have even become big busi nesses themselves.

Organisations like Driven Woman and Ellevate have international reach, and see them selves as a vital part of improving women’s equality and status in business.

Of course, such groups are not without their critics. Some say they are not that useful (at least compared to traditional “old boys’ networks”, where men use their positions of influence to help others with a similar social or edu cational background) while others say they are elitist. They have even been described as “glorified knitting circles”.

Yet the popularity of women’s networks continues to grow. And, according to our recent research, with good reason.

By analysing online discussions of four large women’s business networks in the US and the UK, we gained insight into the value they bring to the lives and careers of professional women. Over all, we found them to be highly valued by their members, for offering both individual and col lective strategies which help them to navigate workplaces that remain male-dominated.

One of the networks we looked at directly invites potential mem bers to question the dominant status quo, asking: “Are you tired of traditional structures of top-down hierarchy and me-first competitive culture? The old patriarchal ways are falling down fast when women start creating the kind of environments where they flourish and thrive.”

Our analysis showed that these networks are very effective at building such environments, and that the most obvious reason for joining one is probably the career support it can offer. For women at the beginning of their career, or returning from maternity leave or a sabbatical, previous research suggests that joining a global pro fessional network can be critical.

Women who are part of these groups are more likely to be offered better jobs and secure promotions. The increased visibil ity achieved through networking can lead to women being paid

higher salaries, and establishing a pathway to the most senior levels of an organisation. We found that women’s business networks pro vide opportunities and resources which are pivotal for career development.

We also saw evidence of multi ple benefits that came from being in touch with women from differ ent industries and different steps in their careers. One popular advantage was the availability of psychological and emotional sup port, which some members said boosted their self-confidence –particularly when combined with the career advice that network members often share.

Taking the lead

Many networks also have men toring programs, and actively encourage more experienced women to share details of their career paths. We found that senior

female managers are equally keen to learn about – and meet – the next generation of women leaders.

As one woman stated on a network forum: “If you are not willing to help others in their search for success, how can you expect to get a lift yourself?

“By sharing your journey and exposing your vulnerability you are actually putting your experi ences out there for others to learn from. It’s one of the greatest ways to help others.”

Networks were also widely praised for valuing “intersection ality”, a term which encapsulates the overlapping nature of social categorisations such as race, class, and gender. They often provide access to greater diversity of back ground and experience than their members may have been used to. Such interactions allowed women the opportunity to better address power and privilege at work and beyond.

As one entry from a network’s blog claimed: “Every time I meet a group of driven women, I am struck by the wonderful variety of experiences and characters, back grounds and dreams they have. Exploring with them what’s been going on in their lives and where they’re going next helps me to learn and improve too.”

Taking a broader view, away from individual career devel opment, we found that many network members see their net works as a way to make the business world a fairer place for women and girls. As one member commented: “For many years I was playing directly into the patriarchal game without ever noticing.”

She added: “So next time you feel small, overwhelmed and confused, please remember this: it is not who you are. There’s an enormous [amount] of energy and drive inside of you”.

Overall, then, we found that women’s business networks are seen by their members as spaces that can bring about collective change and transformation, with immense professional and per sonal value. They are seen as a trustworthy and accessible source of advice and information on everything from improving worklife balance to motherhood, or working from home to starting a business – and providing a sup portive environment in which to prosper.

from The Conversation, an inde pendent and nonprofit source of news, analysis and commentary from academic experts. Read the original article here: https://the conversation.com

ROSIE Knowles and her designs

“I was taken under the wing of some of the more seasoned ladies, who were pretty much self-taught, who passed their knowledge to me.”

Melatonin for sleep not as safe as you may think

Sufficient quality sleep is fun damentally important for the health of every individual. Sleep does not just make you feel more refreshed, it allows the cells in muscles, organs and the brain to repair and renew each night. Sleep deprived people have a 48 per cent increased risk of developing coronary heart disease. Chronic sleep deprivation is strongly linked to depression and mood disorders. Sleep is important for a healthy immune system, glucose metabolism, and it enhances brain function.

Are you or your child taking melatonin to help you sleep? Then you or your child are taking hormone therapy. Melatonin has little to do with falling asleep; as melatonin is produced in the presence of darkness and it just happens to correlate with sleep cycles. Melatonin is not a sleep hormone and insomnia is not caused by melatonin deficiency.

Melatonin is a naturally occur ring hormone produced in the pineal gland that is located in a small structure at the centre of the brain. The human body starts secreting melatonin about one hour before sleep, as a signal to the body that it is time to sleep, thus regulating a normal sleep cycle.

Melatonin is a hormone that can induce a drowsy stupor, which is misinterpreted as sleepiness. Stress hormones are beneficial and necessary in proper levels within the body but excess stress hormones can put stress on the body.

A scientific study published in the February 2022 by the Ameri can Medical Association (JAMA) stated that the “evidence sup porting melatonin use for sleep disturbance is weak.”

Melatonin use doesn’t neces sarily need to stop completely but there should be full aware ness of potential adverse side effects of melatonin, possible negative interactions with other medications and an understand ing of what melatonin does.

The JAMA scientific published study also found that the actual content of melatonin products is actually as high as 478 percent higher than what is stated on the label. Melatonin is considered to be a dietary natural supplement in the United States; therefore it is not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), with no comprehensive regulation and testing of the available mela tonin products on the market. In Europe and the United Kingdom, melatonin requires a physician prescription for its use, with tight regulatory administration for its disbursement and use.

A 2017 study found that 31 mel atonin supplements sold without prescriptions in food stores and pharmacies in the United States contained the drug serotonin, a hormone that could potentially cause dangerous side effects.

Even in Canada, where mela tonin use is regulated, a 2017 research study determined that the melatonin content of the majority of available melatonin

Dr Greggory Pinto

supplements was on average 10 percent higher than on the label. One chewable melatonin tablet often taken by children was found to contain 9 milligrammes of melatonin instead of the 1.5 mil ligrammes listed on the label.

Is melatonin safe for kids?

Most experts agree that more long-term research is needed to understand the safest and opti mal use of melatonin in children. In general, melatonin should be avoided in kids unless prescribed by a physician at a safe and appro priate dose and for a safe period of time. Based on published meta-analysis, long-term studies, melatonin that is prescribed with regulated safe doses (less than 3 milligrammes per dose) of mela tonin for children older than 10 years old is safe for short-term use.

The American Academy of Sleep Medicine recommends caution before giving your child melatonin supplements as the amount of contained melatonin in each unregulated product can vary vastly and the stated mela tonin content is often much lower

than is actually present. Again, the FDA does not regulate mela tonin supplements. Melatonin taken for a short period at a safe dose may be low-risk, but deter mining a safe dose in unregulated products is difficult.

The use of melatonin in the paediatric age group in the United States is rising. The Centre for Disease Control (CDC) reported that melatonin ingestions repre sented 4.9 percent of all poison control reported cases in 2021, when compared to the 0.6 per cent of melatonin ingestion cases reported to poison control in 2012.

Lack of proper, regular sleep in children and teens can lead to poor school performance, a lack of concentration, possible depression, disciplinary issues and multiple medical problems.

Instead of just blinding giving your child a melatonin tablet that may have potential side effects, parents should look at why their child may have diffi culty falling asleep. Parents with children experiencing any form of sleep disturbances are advised to restrict electronic device use prebedtime, set and stick to routine and regular bedtimes, manage the duration and frequency of day time naps, dinner and late-night snacks should be given at least two hours before sleep, provide a quiet, safe, peaceful bed space and avoid caffeine related products in the evenings and night. Emo tional turmoil, academic stress, bullying, emotional and physical abuse can all manifest with sleep disruption patterns in children. Talk to your children and consult a pediatrician or child psychiatrist if necessary.

Medications that mela tonin may interact with

Melatonin can also interact with alcohol, which can potentially reduce its effectiveness and possi bly lead to unwanted side effects. It is advisable that a physician is consulted before commencing melatonin. Just because you can take melatonin without a pre scription and with no physician guidance does not mean that you should do so and that there are not possible negative health issues that can occur.

Potential side effects of melatonin

Higher than recommended doses of melatonin can cause severe headaches that usually occur the next morning after ingestion.

A relatively common side effect of high doses of melatonin is diz ziness. Melatonin dosing is age dependent. As mentioned, many melatonin supplements that are available without a prescription, actually contain much higher doses of melatonin than stated on

Oaktree Medical and NHIA partner to combat prostate cancer in the Bahamas

“I was absolutely lost for words; I was totally shocked because in January for my annual, I was totally fine,” recalled Tyrone Miller after receiving an unex pected prostate cancer diagnosis.

Mr Miller, a recent retiree who worked at the Water and Sew erage Corporation for 43 years, was ready to transition to a more relaxed pace not knowing he was now in a battle against cancer.

“Since I was retiring, I decided to just go in and have another physical in May of 2021. So, I went to Oaktree and met with Dr (Don) Deveaux and my prostate levels seemed to be out of whack and I couldn’t understand it because it was zero a few months prior. I was then referred to Dr Evans, the urologist, and after the biopsy, it was confirmed that I indeed had cancer,” he said.

The Bahamas has the 14th high est ranking for prostate cancer in the world. Unfortunately, even with these startling statistics, many Bahamian men deliberately avoid the doctor’s office, unwilling to face themselves or take health matters seriously. Chief Medical Officer for the Oaktree Medical Center Health Network Dr Don D Deveaux strongly encourages men to be mindful of their health.

“Every day I see men of all ages and walks of life down playing their health, as a result cutting their own lives short from neglecting self-care and as a result preventative diseases are running rampant. As September is Pros tate Cancer Awareness Month, we partnered with the National Health Insurance Authority to encourage all men to pay more attention to their bodies while maintaining an active lifestyle,

along with having their annual examinations and prostate checks,” said Dr Deveaux.

This month, the Oaktree Medical Centre donated $5,000 to NHIA for Prostate Cancer Awareness Month. NHIA Chief Executive Officer Christy Butler expressed her gratitude for the partnership.

“Since March this year, NHIA has hosted virtual beneficiary educational sessions as part of

our healthcare, quality, and well ness initiatives. Having Oaktree Medical as a partner allows us to seamlessly move from on screen to in-person engagements and we are very thankful for the oppor tunity. The funds donated are assisting our efforts to host ses sions on men’s health and prostate cancer awareness for NHI ben eficiaries and the general public,” she explained.

Attendees at the September session were able to benefit from the knowledge and expertise from

the product, which makes the risk of overdosing high.

Overdoses of melatonin can lead to daytime drowsiness and fatigue. The hormone melatonin is produced naturally by our brains to aid in regulating our sleep patterns, by assisting us in falling asleep and waking up. An overdose can disrupt sleep patterns.

Side effects of the melatonin hormone supplement include nausea and sometimes vomiting. Melatonin can upset your stom ach and lead to a feeling of nausea that may progress to vomiting.

An overdose of melatonin can potentially cause severe para noia and vivid hallucinations that would be very troubling for an adult but traumatic for a child.

High doses of melatonin could lead to mood instability, high levels of anxiety and acute depres sions. Many persons, who have been suffering with chronic sleep disorders, are already at high risk for mood disorders, including irritability.

The melatonin hormone could potentially disrupt hormone levels in your body. Both adult men and women may suffer from reduced sexual libido when taking melatonin. Melatonin can disrupt the ovulation cycle of women. If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant, it is advised to not take melatonin.

An overdose or high doses of melatonin can lead to abdominal cramping and diarrhea.

Sleep disorders and difficulty falling asleep can be a complex issue with multiple possible causes. Melatonin can aid with inducing sleep in the correct dose over a short period of time, in some individuals. The concern is that overdosing is a potential concern as melatonin supplement content is often understated on labels and American made sup plements are not regulated and governed by the FDA. Melatonin can be a nightmare if taken at higher than advised doses. The safest path to treating sleep disor ders is to request the assistance of a physician.

Good quality, sufficient sleep is a necessity for us all and it is strongly correlated with living longer and attaining and main taining a good quality of life and health.

guest speakers like Bahamian urologist Dr Bert Williams and therapist Harrison Thompson.

“We find that men tend to shy away from healthcare. It is our hope with this and future events as well, to provide a haven for men to feel comfortable not just learning and seeking care for physical health but also mental health as well,” said Ms Butler.

As for Mr Miller, the early detection and the support of his wife, family and friends has made all the difference.

“My doctors told me that I could beat this and it wasn’t a death sentence and so that calmed me and gave me the will to combat it. My wife and family were in total support behind me every step of the way. I had radiation treatment for about two months at the Cleveland Clinic and upon returning home, Oaktree Medi cal Centre staff and my doctors checked on my progress and for that I am thankful,” he said.

Now declared cancer free with an even greater appreciation for life, Mr Miller has the following advice for his fellow men:

“It is because of early detection that I was able to jump on it right away and that increased my odds. I would say to all men over the age 40, please get your prostate checked, have a physical annually and don’t ignore your body. Seri ously, don’t just go to the doctor when you have pain. You only have one good life on this earth, so take responsibility for the things that are important includ ing your health.”

IS IN...

(L-r) Dr Don D Deveaux, Oaktree Medical Centre Health Network Chief Medi cal Officer; NHIA Chief Executive Officer Christy Butler, and Enesca Smith, human resources manager at Oaktree Medical Centre, at the cheque presenta tion of $5,00 (1)

TYRONE MILLER, prostate cancer survivor

Restoring, confidence

one hair

treatment at a time

By ALESHA CADET Tribune Features Writer acadet@tribunemedia.net

Many a Bahamian’s self-confi dence has been impacted by a hair condition, be it alopecia, stunted growth or just regular hair loss and other scalp issues.

Local trichologist Dr Sharron Neely has set out to give people back their hair and their confi dence with her Fabulous Ronnie Hair Restoration Clinic and Salon, located on East Bay Street.

Dr Neely began by learn ing about a variety of natural and organic solutions that aid in restoring a healthy scalp and help in dealing with various hair conditions.

“That journey led me to attend ing the most prestigious school any aspiring trichologist can attend, the World Trichology Society, which partnered with the Huntington University of Health Science,” she told Trib une Health.

Armed with new knowledge gained from both studying and from her own mistakes, Dr Neely was on the road to success.

“I have learned valuable les sons when things didn’t work out the way I may have wanted, or was faced with some opposi tion. It is because of those ‘failed experiences’ that I have gained an earned success today,” she said.

Dr Neely said she has put a lot of time and effort in to offer ing Bahamians new hair care solutions.

“I also plan on creating an edu cational platform for seasoned beauty professionals to advance and maintain awareness of how to prevent hair loss and the impor tance of proper hair care. We are the only place you can receive healthcare and beauty services under one roof,” she said.

“Not only are you able to have a private in person one-on-one professional scalp and hair assess ment, but you are also able to

come in for regular salon services as well. We believe in taking a holistic approach, covering more ground in bringing restoration to the scalp, hair, body, mind and spirit.”

A licenced trichologist, Dr Neely has worked in hair care industry since 1999. She along with her team have a wealth of knowledge dealing with many types of hair loss.

“I consider myself a natural ist and believe that nature has the answers to most, if not, all our problems. With that said, I noticed an increasing need in more herbal-based hair care treatments, so I use my skills as a formulator to create new and much needed products that not only can help our community, but serve a greater good; putting the confidence back in our crowns,” she said.

The trichologist gave kudos to celebrities like Jada PinkettSmith for embracing and sharing her hair loss journey with millions of people.

One of her personal success stories was a client who had been told they had permanently stunted hair growth.

“They were supposed to be bald forever. Yet, with consist and detailed care, we were able to stimulate hair growth for this client. I will never forget the look of gratefulness as they thanked us for helping them when it seemed as if everyone else had given up. We are not afraid of challenges,” said Dr Neely.

Privacy is of utmost impor tance to Dr Neely and her team.

“Unlike other

Tri-athletes Exercise Club launch challenge

By JEFFARAH GIBSON Tribune Features Writer jgibson@tribunemedia.net

THE Foundation of Tri-athletes Exercise Club is sending out the call early in hopes of attracting as much participation as possible in its upcoming “Try-at-it-long” challenge slated for next year.

The exercise club, which was established in 1991, is on a mission to create heightened awareness of the health concerns that affect many Bahamians. They have been encouraging people to be an active participant in their health by moving more.

The Try-at-it-long challenge is a unique week-long event covering the length and breadth New Prov idence. The upcoming challenge covers a distance of 50 miles, in commemoration of the Bahamas 50th Independence anniversary as a sovereign nation. It will feature a slate of exercise activities kick ing off with a seven-mile walk on March 26, 2023.

There are a host of events happening weekly as part of the challenge, including aerobics and calisthenics, health screen ings, health information, walk/jog activities and more.

The idea is to motivate Baha mians of all ages to embrace a healthy lifestyle by remaining physically active.

The organisation launched its Try-at-it-long challenge to encourage participants and the public not to give up.

Some of the major things the club hopes to happen as a result of the challenges is that people see the importance of regular checkups and living healthy.

“It is our hope that the chal lenge would impact about 1,000

of our people to take their health seriously. Also, our environment could be easily affected by storms and hurricanes, eroding the land mass and food crops for our people survival.

“The long distance of 50-miles, mostly along the coastline of New Providence, said to be 7x21miles in size, points to the resilience of our people of 50 years of free dom as an independent nation.

The three segments consist of 14-miles, 15-miles, 21-miles, totalling 50-miles,” said Dur ward J Bostwick, president of the Foundation of Tri-athletes Incor porated Exercise Club.

“The number 50 offers a time to reflect and restart as a nation,” he said.

In July, the club launched the “Work It Out” challenge. In highlighting the hard work and resilience of people, members of the foundation took the challenge to walk/jog/run 49 miles in com memoration of the country’s 49th year as an independent nation. The event was done as a test run.

Upon its inception, the Founda tion of Tri-athletes Exercise Club adopted the Clifford Park/Fort Charlotte grounds as its home training ground. The idea for the formation of the club was born out of the experience of three

young Bahamian men who par ticipated as a team in the gruelling triathlon event known as the Dia mond Triathlon of the Stars in 1991.

This competition event was part of the grand celebrations for the opening of the Cable Beach Hotel, where the Melia is located today.

The club engages the assistance of swimming coach Raymond Farquharson and cycling coach Barron Musgrove.

Workout sessions are held on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thurs days on Clifford Park/Fort Charlotte at 6pm.

For more information, contact 242-422-0924 or log onto www. thefoundationoftriathletesinc. com

TRICHOLOGIST

Sharron

Neely

Top swimmers shine in NCAA

By RENALDO DORSETT Tribune Sports Reporter rdorsett@tribunemedia.net

The NCAA Swim ming and Diving season continues and several Bahamian stu dent athletes participated in winning meets for their respective programmes.

In NCAA Division I, Jami Hepburn and the Stonehill Skyhawks of the Northeast Conference won 148-112 over Merrimack.

Hepburn, the sopho more standout, had three podium finishes at the meet.

Her sophomore season is off to another fast start after she was named the Skyhawks Rookie of the Year.

She took first place in the 200 yard breaststroke in

2:34.81 seconds, second in the 100 yard breaststroke in 1:10.54 and a third place finish in the 50 yard free style in 27.11.

Kevon Lockhart and the Wingate Bulldogs swept Catawba College and Lenoir-Rhyne University in a South Atlantic Confer ence dual meet.

The Bulldogs are ranked no.8 in the College Swim ming and Diving Coaches Association of America’s (CSCAA) NCAA Division II top 25 poll.

Individually, Lockhart won the 50 yard freestyle in 21.84 and took third in the 100 yard freestyle in 49.24.

He teamed with Jona than Carlsson, Noah Sadler and Connor Wright to win the 200 medley relay in 1:33.99 and again with Carlsson, Ethan Hathcock

and Jonathan Douib to win the 200 freestyle relay in 1:25.97.

“Going into the meet, we knew it was going to be tough on our bodies due to our hard training prior to the meet, but we all had to remember our head coach Kirk Sanocki saying ‘We can still swim fast tired.’

“This statement really made me confident in all the hard work that I’ve already put into practice and that I would do pretty good, despite not feeling

rested,” he said. “Overall, the team did great and I can’t be prouder. Let’s keep the momentum going!”

Davante Carey and the McKendree Bearcats picked up two wins in the dual meet as the Bearcats defeated both Saint Louis (217-114) and Oklahoma Christian (207-105).

The Bearcats are ranked no. 2 ranked in the afore mentioned CSCAA poll.

Individually, Carey fin ished third in the 100 yard breastroke in 50.57 and

also finished fourth in the 100 yard butterfly with a time of 51.27. And the 400 yard medley relay team of Carey, Caleb Law, Alireza Yavari and Arthur Souza finished second in 3:20.38.

In the 200 yard free style medley relay, Carey teamed with Yavari, Leo Gandaria-Hernandez and Kirk Brotherton to finish third in 1:23.68. The 200 yard medley relay team of Carey, Law, Brotherton and Jackson Lustig finished second in 1:30.98.

JONQUEL JONES MAKES DEBUT WITH TURKISH CLUB

By RENALDO DORSETT Tribune Sports Reporter rdorsett@tribunemedia.net

A brief offseason break for Jonquel Jones came to an end in just over a month as she returned to the hard wood in Turkey’s Herbalife Nutrition Women’s Basket ball Super League.

Jones made her debut for CBK Mersin Yanisehir Belediyesi Sunday night and immediately staked her claim as a dominant force in the league.

She finished with 26 points and 13 rebounds in Mersin’s 73-70 win over Emlak to help her club improve to 2-1 on the young season.

The club now shifts its attention to FIBA Euro League play on October 26 when they face Perfumias Avenida of Spain.

Jones highlighted a season of high-priced

acquisitions that vaulted Merson to no.3 in the FIBA Euro League power rankings.

“The decision to acquire the services of Briann January looks smart as her hard-nosed veteran play was a foundation for Sopron’s historic title win last season. But the big news is that they will surely be frontrunners to make it to Final Four with Jonquel Jones and Chelsea Gray both agreeing moves to the club. Those two are abso lute elite at every level and immediately make Mersin serious silverware contend ers if the chemistry is good and they can play together consistently at both ends of the floor.”

Club President Serdar Çevirgen said the club is excited about the possibil ity of adding a player of Jones’ calibre. “We are proud to add a world star

Champions League: Barcelona on brink of exit, Messi powering PSG

LONDON (AP) — The Champions League enters the next-to-last round of games, with five teams — Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, Manchester City, Napoli and Club Brugge — already qualified for the last 16.

Here’s a few things to look out for this week:

SPANISH TEAMS

STRUGGLING

While Madrid has advanced with two games to spare, the other Spanish teams — Barcelona, Atlé tico Madrid and Sevilla — face elimination after poor group-stage cam paigns. Barcelona and Sevilla are in the toughest situations. Atlético, which hosts Bayer Leverkusen on Wednesday, can go through with two victories to close out Group B. Barcelona may play its home match

against Bayern Munich on Wednesday knowing it is already out of contention in Group C if Inter Milan defeats last-place Viktoria Plzen at home in the ear lier game. It would mean a second consecutive elimi nation for Barcelona in the group stage.

CHELSEA’S UPTURN Back-to-back wins over AC Milan have lifted Chel sea from the bottom of Group E to the top. The two-time champion still has work to do to qualify, though. Just three points separate the four teams in the group as Chelsea heads to second-place Salzburg today and Milan travels to Dinamo Zagreb.

The loser of the game in Zagreb will likely be knocked out of contention. If it’s a draw, the winner of the Salzburg-Chelsea game

ALL-LADIES BOXING SHOW IS POSTPONED UNTIL NEXT YEAR

By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

THE much-anticipated All-Female Boxing Show by First Class Promotions, which was scheduled for this weekend, is now post poned until next year.

According to promoter Michelle Munnings-Minus, they encountered some problems that extended beyond their control to stage the event as planned for Friday at the Kendal Isaacs Gymnasium.

Munnings-Minus revealed that one of the contenders in the main event for the World Boxing Association’s 147-pound title got injured in train ing and was unprepared to fight. She noted that after seeking a replacement, it was too costly to cover the expenses at the last minute and so they had to pull the plug on the show.

“We had a replacement for one of the girls injured, but the price they were asking for, there’s no way that we could have afforded it,” said Munnings-Minus. “Logistically, we had to

LIONEL MESSI

will advance. Salzburg is looking to advance to the round of 16 for the second straight year, whereas Chel sea hasn’t failed to advance from the group stage since the 2012-13 season — when it was the defending champion. Even if Chelsea loses in Austria, the team will get another chance to qualify when Dinamo visits

Stamford Bridge in the final round. Of the other English teams, Tottenham leads another tight group — Group D — and will advance if it beats Sport ing at home on Wednesday, while Liverpool just needs a point at Ajax on Wednes day to go through alongside Napoli in Group A.

UNBEATEN PSG Lionel Messi looks to maintain his stellar form for Paris Saint-Germain, which remains unbeaten this season and will seal a place in the last 16 with a home win against last-place Maccabi Haifa in Group H today.

Even a draw at Parc des Princes is enough if Juven tus does not win away to Benfica. Messi is getting his sharpness back and is

like 5-time WNBA ‘All Star’ Jonquel Jones to our squad,” he said. “We hope our transfer will be ben eficial for our club and our city.”

Jones has spent her last three European seasons with Russian Premier League powerhouseUMMC Ekaterinburg.

Russia has been the preferred offseason des tination of many of the league’s stars, but many of those stars have opted for other locations amid Brittney Griner’s highly publicised imprisonment in the country.

Griner was Jones’ team mate with UMMC and left the club to sign with Mersin in June.

In 11 Euro League games, with UMMC last season, Jones averaged a team leading 17.1 points,

FOSTER DORSETT SEEKING ANOTHER TERM IN OFFICE

FOSTER Dorsett, who served formally as presi dent and vice president of the Bahamas Association of Athletic Associations, has agreed to return to seek another term in office as a first vice president.

Dorsett, a former athlete and present coach of the T Bird Flyers track and field Club, said he’s presenting himself as a hard-working administrator with a vast amount of experience in the field of technical and voca tional education (T&V) when the BAAA holds its

BALE THE STAR AS WALES RETURNS TO WORLD CUP AFTER 64 YEARS

By STEVE DOUGLAS AP Sports Writer

A hush descended over the players and coaching staff of the Welsh national team as renowned actor Michael Sheen delivered a stirring pre- World Cup speech at the squad’s training base.

Mixing both the Welsh and English languages, Sheen spoke of hope and defiance. Of a “red storm coming to the gates of Qatar.” He ref erenced the team’s late coach, Gary Speed, and encouraged the new man in charge, Rob Page, to “turn the pages of the his tory books.”

It was rousing, goose bump-inducing stuff.

In truth, Wales shouldn’t be short of motivation.

For the first time since 1958, the Welsh will be playing on soccer’s biggest stage — the cul mination of a decade of gradual improvement that has coincided with the presence of one of the world’s best players, Gareth Bale.

Bale, once soccer’s most expensive player when he joined Real Madrid for 100 million euros (then $132 million) in 2013, has helped drag Wales into the last two European Champion ships — the team reached the semifinals of Euro

JONQUEL Jones in action in Turkey’s Herbalife Nutrition Wom en’s Basketball Super League. She made her debut for CBK Mer sin Yanisehir Belediyesi on Sunday night and immediately staked her claim as a dominant force in the league.

DAVANTE CAREY

JAMI HEPBURN

KEVON LOCKHART

Pro basketball players take spotlight in France

By RENALDO DORSETT Tribune Sports Reporter rdorsett@tribunemedia.net

RADSHAD Davis had another season high, Willis Mackey Jr and Aaron Lev arity finally took the court together, and Dominick Bridgewater continues his production to highlight per formances from Bahamian players in various pro bas ketball leagues throughout France.

In the French Nationale Masculine 1 League, Davis finished with 18 points and 8 rebounds - both season highs - in an 86-73 win for Vendee Challans Basket over Bereck.

After their third consecu tive win, Challans is 4-2 on the season.

In his first year with the club, Davis is now the team’s leading scorer at 12.8 points per game and second in rebounding at 5.5 boards per game. His previous

high was 16 points and six rebounds in an 81-77 win over Tarbes Lourdes.

Mackey, Levarity and Lyon suffered an 84-62 loss to Rouen.

Mackey posted a double double with 13 points and 10 rebounds - both team highs.

He made both attempts from beyond the arc and posted two blocks.

Levarity made his season debut with five points and two rebounds off the bench.

Lyon dropped to 2-4 on the season.

Mackey is averaging 11.7 points and 6.2 rebounds per game this season after he came over as a medical transfer.

He spent last season with another NM1 club, Mulhouse Basket Agglomeration.

Levarity is in his third pro season after spending his previous two seasons with the Svendborg Rab bits of the Basketligaen in Denmark.

He signed with Lyon in August. The NM1 is the professional level third-tier

division in France. The two top teams from each season of the competition are pro moted to the LNB Pro B, which is the French second division.

In the Nationale Mas culine 2 League, Domnick Bridgewater and US Avignon Pontet Basket improved to 82-72 win over Marseillais Stadium UC.

Bridgewater was one of three players in double figures with 15 points and eight assists.

He made his debut with 23 points and nine assists in

an 88-83 loss to La Ravoire Challes on October 9.

This marks the third season for the 22-year-old guard in France’s NM2 League.

Originally a member of the FOS-Sur-Mer Byers of the Pro B League, the team placed Bridgewater on loan to Sapela Basket 13 for a late 2020 playoff run and again for the following season.

Travis Munnings is in the French ProB League with his Boulazac Basket Dor dogne basketball club.

Hot Harper carries Phillies into 1st World Series since 2009

By DAN GELSTON AP Sports Writer

PHILADELPHIA (AP)

— The billionaire owner of the Philadelphia Phillies pounded his fists on Bryce Harper’s chest and joked the Phillies slugger was almost underpaid at $330 million over the life of his contract.

It was absurd to put a price tag on the moment for John Middleton as he pulled in Harper for a hug while the National League championship celebration swirled around them on the field. This was a moment the duo visualised when Middleton took a jet in February 2019 to Las Vegas to court Harper in meet ings and dinners that would eventually yield a 13-year, $330-million deal, the big gest in baseball history for a free agent.

So when Harper and Middleton finally embraced — once the Phillies beat San Diego 4-3 on Sunday in Game 5 of the NLCS and reached their first World Series since 2009 — yeah, the feelings were a bit more personal.

“You bet it was! Of course it was,” Middleton said. “(It’s) $330 million later, mutual promises of being committed to winning and doing whatever it took to win.”

Harper delivered in the postseason, a place seen only in fits and spurts for a franchise that has two World Series champion ships in 140 years. The tater forever etched as an alltimer in team history — the one that had Middleton and Phillies fans everywhere pleading for the ball to keep going — was his game-win ning, two-run homer in the eighth that lifted Philly into the World Series and left even Harper momentarily bewildered.

“Oh my gosh. I just did that,” Harper said in the dugout.

Sure did.

Next stop, Houston.

The Phillies open the World Series on Friday against the Astros with more than a puncher’s

chance against the defend ing American League champions strictly because of Harper. The numbers only tell part of the tale, even as the 30-year-old designated hitter is piling up stats among the best in postseason history, all while declaring Citizens Bank Park is his house. He leads in the clubhouse, and from his Phillie Phanatic cleats and headband, to his nov elty T-shirts to his shoutouts for Philly sports legends, he has embraced the fans and the pressure of playing in the city like few outsiders ever have in any sport.

“All the things we thought he was, have turned out to be true,” Mid dleton said. “There’s been no disappointments. Some times when you go through that process you think you understand somebody and what you really get is a little bit different. There is noth ing different with Bryce. He is just committed to win ning. He’ll do whatever it takes. I think if I told him he had to play third base, he’d play third base.”

The right fielder who bowed to Phillies fans

each time he ran out to start the game was forced into a DH role in April because of a small tear in the ulnar collateral liga ment of his throwing elbow. Because Harper could not throw with the injury, had the National League not adopted the DH rule this season, he might have missed a considerable chunk of time, if not the season.

Remember, too: When Harper’s thumb was broken by a pitch from San Diego’s Blake Snell in late June, there were concerns he might not be back until next year.

The 2021 NL MVP slumped a bit late in the season as the Phillies made a run a the NL wild card. But in the playoffs against St Louis, Atlanta and the Padres, Harper’s numbers soared higher than his jersey sales. Unlike Padres slugger Manny Machado, Harper did not ask for an out in his contract, though his postseason play would have provided ample nego tiation fuel.

Among his October achievements:

MESSI

FROM

combining brilliantly with Neymar again, just like during their Barcelona days. Messi’s connection on the field with Kylian Mbappé is improving quickly. He assisted on both of Mbappé’s goals in a 3-0 French league win on Friday, with Mbappé setting up Mes si’s goal. With Neymar also impressing, this is bad news for Maccabi, which must win to stand any chance of going through.

Meanwhile, Mar seille’s league form has fallen apart after a third straight defeat, and European soccer seems like a release for the 1993 champion. Victory away to German side Eintracht Frankfurt on Wednesday will

— Harper is hitting .419 with six doubles, five homers, 11 RBIs, 10 runs scored and a 1.351 OPS in the postseason.

— His 11 extra-base hits are most for a Phillies player in a postseason and his 10-game hitting streak matches Lenny Dykstra (1993) for the team’s long est in the playoffs.

— Harper’s go-ahead home run was the sixth in MLB postseason history in the eighth inning or later that gave his team the lead when trailing in a potential series-clinching game.

“As good as it gets,” Phil lies manger Rob Thomson said.

“I mean, he’s proved to me over and over and over again that there’s no moment that’s too big for him, and he’s come through so many times. You just kind of expect it when he goes to the plate.”

Harper almost does, too. With the Phillies down 3-2 and reliever Robert Suarez on the mound, Harper had a message in the dugout.

“Let’s give them some thing to remember,” Harper said.

give Marseille a third straight win in a tight Group D, and boost its chances of finishing top with Tottenham to follow at home.

FILLING LEWAN DOWSKI’S BOOTS Cameroon striker Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting is helping Bayern forget about Robert Lewandowski before their reunion at Barcelona on Wednesday in Group C. Lewandowski, who scored 344 goals in 375 games for Bayern in a trophy-laden spell from 2014-22, switched in the summer to Barcelona, where he has continued as he left off. There were con cerns that Bayern missed the Poland star’s clinical presence as it endured four straight Bundesliga games

He got the help he needed once J.T. Realmuto led off the inning with a single.

Padres manager Bob Melvin elected to stay with the right-handed Suarez against the lefty Harper rather than bring in Josh Hader, the hard-throwing lefty closer.

Harper started 1-1, then fouled off three straight pitches in the rain as a sell out crowd of 45,485 grew louder. He took ball two.

Then, boom. Harper ham mered a 98.9 mph sinker to left-centre, and minutes later, the Phillies had won the game and the pennant. He had long ago won over Philly.

“I just looked at my dugout and kind of it’s for all of them,” Harper said.

“It’s for this whole team.

It’s for this whole organi sation. We haven’t been here for a long time. It’s for every single fan that’s here now and that isn’t here. It’s for all of them no matter where you came from, who you are, you’ve got Phils on your chest, you’re family. I really believe that. That’s from right here.”

without a win, but those worries have been eased since the international break with Choupo-Moting scor ing four goals after starting in Bayern’s last three games.

Choupo-Moting played a one-two with Serge Gnabry and scored again Saturday to seal Bayern’s 2-0 win at Hoffenheim. Bayern coach Julian Nagelsmann praised the 33-year-old forward as a “fully fledged top striker who scores, who works and who holds the ball well up front.”

EARLY EXIT FOR JUVENTUS?

Juventus is facing the prospect of going out of the Champions League at the group stage for the first time since the 2013-14 season. Anything but a win

He finished with seven points and seven rebounds in an 87-73 loss to Chalon/ Salor as the team fell to 1-1 on the season.

Munnings has averaged 10.6 points, four rebounds and 3.5 assists per game in the preseason Leaders Cup. Munnings previously played in France when he made his pro debut with La Rochelle Stade Rochelais of France’s NM1 League.

He averaged 17.5 points, eight rebounds and 3.8 assists per game in his brief stint with the club.

RUSSIAN

STRIPPED OF 2012 OLYMPICS

TITLE FOR DOPING

MONACO (AP) — Russian runner Natalya Antyukh was disquali fied yesterday from her 400-metre hurdles win at the 2012 London Olym pics for doping, and Lashinda Demus of the United States is set to be upgraded to the gold medal.

Antyukh was already serving a four-year ban in a previous case judged by the Court or Arbitration for Sport last year that stripped her results from 2013 to 2015.

The new ruling based on historical evi dence recovered from a Moscow testing labora tory database further disqualified Antyukh in all of her events from July 15, 2012 through June 29, 2013, track and field’s Athletics Integrity Unit said.

At the 2012 Olympics, on August 8, Demus fin ished 0.07 seconds behind the Russian winner.

Now aged 39, Demus is in line to become an Olympic champion for the first time and get a gold medal from the International Olympic Committee to add to her world title won in 2011.

The bronze medal ist 10 years ago, Zuzana Hejnová of the Czech Republic should be upgraded to silver, and the bronze is set to go to Kaliese Spencer of Jamaica.

The AIU did not specify evidence against Antyukh from the Moscow database that was part of a yearslong standoff between the World Anti-Doping Agency and Russian authorities.

The latest case was prosecuted at national level in Russia and can be appealed, the Monacobased AIU said.

at Benfica today in Group H would consign Juventus to an early exit as it is five points behind the Portuguese side and Paris Saint-Germain. Even a victory would still leave Juventus needing to win against PSG in the final group match to have any hope of progressing.

Both PSG and Benfica are unbeaten in the competition this season. Juventus routed Empoli 4-0 on Friday for its second straight Serie A win and has been further boosted by the return of Federico Chiesa to training.

However, it lost midfielder Leandro Paredes for at least two weeks with a thighinjury. Ángel Di María, Glei son Bremer and Mattia De Sciglio are also still injured.

THE PHILADELPHIA Phillies are headed to the World Series against the Houston Astros- a pretty tasty matchup starting on Friday night at Minute Maid Park.

RADSHAD DAVIS

WILLIS MACKEY JR

AARON LEVARITY

DOMINICK BRIDGEWATER

TRAVIS MUNNINGS

Felix Neely pleased with his efforts at the Caribbean Under-23 Cycling Championships

By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

ON the heels of his trip to the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, England in August, Felix Neely got a chance to compete against his peers at the Caribbean Under-23 Cycling Champi onships in the Dominican Republic.

While he turned in a 10th place finish in the time trials on Saturday in a time of 47 minutes and 45 seconds, he came back on Sunday and ended up 46th overall in the gruelling road race in just over three hours and 26 minutes.

“I felt very relaxed sit ting the peloton and I felt very strong during the race, although I was the only competitor representing the Bahamas,” said Neely, who was accompanied by coach Lee Gibbs from Grand Bahama.

“Most of the other countries had at least five competitors, so it was going to be very difficult for me to win a medal. But I finished both the time trials and the road race, which was the biggest thing for me going to the championships.”

Kaden Hopkins of Ber muda won the time trials in 36:41, followed by Raphael Lautone from Guadeloupe in 38:59 for second and

Christopher Morales of Puerto Rico in third in 39:08.

In the road race, Edwin Nubul of Martinique won

the road race in 3:00.46. Guadeloupe got second and third from Jeremy Deloumeaux and Taino Caillianu in the same times of 3:01:04.

It was the third time for Neely competing in the championships, having par ticipated as a juvenile and a junior.

“I was very pleased with the result,” he said.

“I was very pleased with the performance. The competition was what I expected.

“I knew there were some teams that were going to be very strong, so I didn’t expect anything outstand ing. I felt more confident riding with them. I didn’t expect anything other than what they did.”

Federation secre tary general Barron Musgrove said Neely’s pro gression has inspired him

to compete both locally and internationally.

“He finished the event. None of our competitors in the past finished the race,” Musgrove said.

“So, we intend to expose him more and more along with some of our younger cyclists like Barron Mus grove Jr and Aiden Bain out of Grand Bahama.

“Felix is still relatively young, so we hope that we can develop a four-tofive-man team that will be able to compete as a team in events like these in the future and hopefully we can get closer to getting a medal on the international scene.”

The goal, according to Musgrove, is to have some representation at the Olympics, if not in 2024, by 2028 and they are looking at Neely leading the charge in the future.

England ready for World Cup test but doubts persist

By STEVE DOUGLAS AP Sports Writer

THE semifinals of the World Cup in 2018. The final of the European Championship in 2021.

England has been trend ing in the right direction at major soccer tournaments after decades of underper formance by the nation which invented the game.

So, is England on the path to finally capturing its first international men’s title since the World Cup in 1966?

Recent results suggest no.

The team coached by Gareth Southgate is on a six-match winless run, the longest such streak the national side has ever had entering a major tournament.

Some players are out of form or simply not play ing at all for their clubs.

Certain positions — centre back, left back, central midfield — are short of top quality.

And there are still doubts about Southgate’s tactical ability and in-game flexibil ity, especially in the biggest matches.

What Southgate and his class of 2022 do have, however, is recent expe rience of going deep at

major tournaments. So, for England winger Raheem Sterling, it’s a time to keep a cool head while fans and sections of the media are losing theirs.

“We are always under that pressure to win, and this small loss of form is not something we need to panic about,” Sterling said. “We now have a big opportunity coming up in the winter to go out and show what we can do again.”

SOUTHGATE’S FUTURE

The English media can play a major role in whether the England soccer coach remains in his posi tion, something Southgate acknowledged last month. And support for Southgate seems to be wavering head ing into the World Cup.

“The cycle of war with the media — we are some where in the middle of that,” he said. “It’s an expe rience I knew at some point would probably come with this job.”

The thing is, England hasn’t had it this good for a generation, with only one other coach — the late Alf Ramsey in 1966 — getting the men’s team to a major final.

Southgate seems to be paying the price for his perceived pragmatic tactics and for never having been

a club manager of any great repute.

It means that should England fail to get out of its group or exit in the last 16 or even the quarterfi nals, the pressure might ratchet up on Southgate so much that he might choose to leave after six years in charge.

“Of course we under stand how the mood changes with the results, and has changed,” South gate said. “I’m realistic

about that, and I will be judged on what we do in Qatar.”

MAGUIRE MESS

The England player likely under most scrutiny will be Harry Maguire — if he is still in the team by the World Cup.

The centre back has become the target of increasing criticism, even vitriol, after high-pro file errors for England and at club level, where he has been dropped by

Manchester United. Magu ire has typically played better for England than for Man United and Southgate stood by the centre back for recent internationals.

Southgate did say, how ever, that the situation could change if Maguire fails to regain his place at United before the World Cup.

It might be Southgate’s biggest call in Qatar, given there aren’t many top-qual ity alternatives at centre back. Continuing to play an out-of-form Maguire could damage England’s chances and, in turn, jeopardise Southgate’s future as coach.

“In these moments, we’ve got to back our best and our most experienced players,” Southgate said, “unless we’re in a situation where it’s almost untenable.”

MIDFIELD CONTROL

For years, England’s standout problem in the big matches at major tour naments has been its lack of control in central mid field. The issue doesn’t look resolved heading to Qatar.

For this World Cup, it’s set to be Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham as the midfield two, with Kalvin Phillips potentially unlikely to be involved because of injury.

TOP-RANKED ALCARAZ WINS AT FIRST SWISS INDOORS IN THREE YEARS

BASEL, Switzerland (AP) — Top-ranked Carlos Alcaraz rallied to beat Jack Draper 3-6, 6-2, 7-5 in the first round of the Swiss Indoors yesterday.

Alcaraz clinched with his third match-point chance, firing a forehand winner when following in a strong serve that left-hander Draper stretched to return. The first Basel tour nament since before the COVID-19 pandemic was intended to be Roger Federer’s hometown come back on tour. But the Swiss great ended his career last month because of a persis tent knee injury.

The 19-year-old Alcaraz and 20-year-old Draper had a combined age of less than Federer’s 41 years, and both were playing for the first time at Basel where he won a record 10 titles from 2006-19.

The 45th-ranked Brit ish player broke Alcaraz’s service twice and made just three unforced errors in the first set. Alcaraz raised his game in the second set and forced two service breaks without allowing Draper a chance. The victory was the Spaniard’s first on tour since winning his first Grand Slam singles title, the US Open, last month. He lost in straight sets to David Goffin in a firstround match three weeks ago in Astana, Kazakhstan.

Goffin lost yesterday in Basel, beaten by 44thranked American Brandon Nakashima 2-6, 7-6 (4), 6-4.

The Belgian former top-10 player, now ranked No. 53, got a wild card into the tournament where he lost the 2014 final to Federer.

Rice and Bellingham have their strengths — the former has boundless energy, the latter is one of the most talented young players in Europe — but running a top-level inter national match might be beyond them at this stage.

England lacked that midfield control when squandering an early lead against Croatia in the World Cup semifinals in 2018 and against Italy in the Euro 2020 final.

What England would give to have a midfield playmaker of the technical quality of Luka Modric or Pedri González or Kevin De Bruyne.

SCORING RECORD

Harry Kane was the top scorer at the 2018 World Cup with six goals and added another four during Euro 2020. Keep up that sort of rate and he’ll be England’s all-time lead ing scorer by the time the World Cup is over.

The Tottenham striker has 51 goals for England, two behind Wayne Roon ey’s total for the national team.

It is a matter of when, not if, the 29-year-old Kane goes to No. 1, so he is unlikely to be feeling the pressure of surpassing Rooney.

2016 — and now into its first World Cup in 64 years. It’s a tournament that Wales greats like Ryan Giggs, Ian Rush, Mark Hughes and Neville Southall never reached. One that looked increasingly beyond even Bale, whose club career is winding down after leaving Madrid to move to MLS team Los Angeles FC in June.

Regularly hit by injuries, the 33-year-old forward continues to save his best performances for his national team. This may yet be his final flourish at international level — who knows, maybe even at any level — and what a stage to go out. Especially with Wales drawn in the same group as neighbor and rival England, as well as the United States and Iran.

GIGGS’ DEPARTURE

Giggs had been hoping to coach Wales at the World

Cup but the Manchester United great stood down in June while he was facing a trial on charges of domestic violence.

Giggs said he didn’t want to jeopardize preparations for Qatar, having been on leave since November.

The jury in Giggs’ trial was discharged in late August after failing to reach a verdict, and the former player is facing a retrial in July.

Because of the case, Giggs didn’t coach Wales at last year’s Euro 2020, either.

MEMORIES OF 1958 Wales’ only appear ance at a World Cup came in 1958, when the team reached the quarterfinals before losing to Brazil 1-0.

The scorer that day? Pele.

Wales’ big regret was that John Charles was unable to play against Brazil after being subjected to some rough tackling by Hungary in the 2-1 win for the Welsh in a playoff match to get into the quarterfinals.

moments in Welsh soccer over the years.

BALE’S FITNESS

To ensure he is as fit and fresh as possible for Qatar, Bale has been follow ing a personalized fitness

program in the United States, gradually loading his training. The majority of his appearances for LAFC have come as a secondhalf substitute and Bale still hasn’t completed 90 minutes for his new team, which went into the MLS playoffs as the Western Conference’s leading team.

Bale has said he feels fitter and sharper than he has for a long time. He is also enjoying his soccer, which wasn’t the case in his final years in Madrid — except during international breaks when he could play for Wales.

And inevitably, it was Bale who guided Wales through the European play offs and into the World Cup, scoring both goals — one a sensational free kick into the top corner — in the win over Austria in the semifinals and then a deflected free kick to clinch a 1-0 victory over Ukraine in the final.

OTHER PLAYERS Wales isn’t all about Bale.

Page will hope experi enced midfielder Aaron Ramsey — another injuryprone player — can stay healthy enough to play all the games in the group stage, while 21-year-old Brennan Johnson is a tal ented forward in his first season in the Premier League with Nottingham Forest. Daniel James will be one of the quickest play ers in the tournament, but the Fulham winger often lacks the end product to make the most of space he can create for himself.

Otherwise, Page has a squad of players mostly spread around England’s lower leagues.

Charles, nicknamed the “Gentle Giant,” was one of the best center forwards in the world at the time and played his club soccer at Juventus. It remains one of the many “What If?”

WALES’ Gareth Bale reacts after the UEFA Nations League soccer match against Poland at Cardiff City Stadium in Cardiff, Wales. (AP Photo/Frank Augstein)

ENGLAND’s Harry Kane scores his side’s second goal during the World Cup group I qualifying soccer match against Hungary at the Ferenc Puskas stadium in Budapest, Hungary.

(AP Photo/ Laszlo Balogh)

CYCLIST Felix Neely competes against his peers at the Caribbean Under-23 Cycling Championships in the Dominican Republic.

BEARS SCORE 23 STRAIGHT POINTS, BEAT PATRIOTS 33-14

By JIMMY GOLEN AP Sports Writer

JUSTIN Fields threw for 179 yards and a touch down and ran for 82 yards and another score, and the Bears defence forced returning Patriots starter Mac Jones back to the bench last night to give Chi cago a 33-14 victory over New England.

In a matchup of quar terbacks from the 2020 College Football Playoff National Championship game, Fields outperformed Jones, who led Alabama to victory over Fields’ Ohio State. And Fields also out played Patriots rookie Bailey Zappe, who came on after Jones was managed just two three-and-outs and an interception in his return after missing three games with a high ankle sprain.

With the damp Gil lette Stadium crowd chanting “Zappe! Zappe!” the fourth-round draft pick from Western Kentucky led the Patriots to back-to-back touchdowns and a 14-10 lead.

But Fields answered with a 25-yard pass to Khalil Herbert and then, after Zappe fumbled in the last 2 minutes, the Bears (3-4) added a field goal to make it 20-14 at the half.

In the second half it was all Chicago, which ran off 23 unanswered points.

Zappe was 5 of 6 for 109 yards and a touchdown in the first half. But in the second, he was 9 of 16 for 76 yards and two intercep tions. Jones completed 3 of 6 passes for 13 yards, with one interception.

Rhamondre Stevenson caught eight passes for 59 yards and ran 11 times for 39 for the Patriots (3-4).

‘Buddy’ scores 18 in 120-106 loss to 76ers

Shoots 30 percent from three-point range

By DAN GELSTON AP Sports Writer

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — James Harden had 29 points and 11 assists, and Joel Embiid scored 26 points to lead the Philadelphia 76ers to their first win of the season, 120-106 over the Indiana Pacers last night.

The Sixers started 0-3, drop ping the first two games to Eastern Conference contenders Boston and Milwaukee.

Embiid dropped 40 points in a loss to San Antonio as the Sixers still joined Orlando as the only East teams at 0-3.

No more.

Harden made 10 of 18 shots from the floor and hit two straight 3s in the fourth that pushed the lead to 109-95.

The Sixers put the smack down on the Pacers from the jump and a little bit of something from everyone to cruise into the win column.

The Sixers had six players each hit one 3-pointer in the first quar ter. They made 12 of 22 shots in the second and raced to a 19-point lead. Harden and Tobias Harris (18 points) combined for nine of Phila delphia’s 19 3-pointers.

Tyrese Haliburton led the Pacers with 19 points and 10 assists.

Chavano “Buddy” Hield had 18 points, six rebounds and six assists.

The good news for Philly, the Sixers didn’t need much out of Embiid.

The reigning NBA scoring cham pion, Embiid said over the weekend his offseason were slowed by a battle of plantar fasciitis (pain under the heel and foot).

Embiid said he essentially shut down all physical activity for two months headed into training camp and said he was still “trying to work my way back.”

He threw down a thunderous right-handed baseline dunk late in the third that woke up a quiet crowd. The good news for the

HARDEN, EMBIID LEAD PHILLY FOR 1ST WIN

FOSTER

election of officers on Saturday, December 3. “I held the posts of senior education officer and also acting assistant director for T&V of The Ministry of Education,” Dorsett said.

“I was born on the beau tiful island of Exuma, and my background has proven that not only am I people oriented but my expertise is such that make me quali fied to serve as an executive team member.

“Therefore, I am pleased to submit myself as a can didate for the 1st vice president position of the upcoming BAAA elections. I have also served as presi dent and vice president of the BAAA.

Sixers, their slow start was lost in the Philly sports shuffle among the Phillies trip to the World Series, the Eagles’ 6-0 start and the Union’s run to the Eastern Conference final.

Plus, it’s early and coach Doc Rivers believed the Sixers can straighten out and contend rather than fall into a long losing streak.

“I’ve seen talent,” Rivers said. “It just has to match and work. I just like our guys in the locker room. There’s no reason to believe the other way, personally.”

Rivers, in his third season as Phil adelphia’s coach, added the Sixers still have to shore up some weak nesses to become the kind of team that can make a run in the East.

“We may go on a run. Even if we do, we’re not ready yet to be that

team,” he said. “It’s just going to take time.”

TIP-INS Pacers: Made only 12 of 44 3-point attempts.

76ers: G Shake Milton made his season debut in the second quarter. Milton, once seen as a second-unit spark, is in his fifth season with the Sixers. He did not score in 6 minutes.

... G De’Anthony Melton scored all of his season-high 11 points in the first half.

UP NEXT Pacers: Continue their road with games against Chicago (Wednes day), Washington (Friday), and consecutive games in Brooklyn on Saturday and Monday.

76ers: Play consecutive games in Toronto on Wednesday and Friday.

In the role of vice presi dent, for many years, I held the board’s “foot to the fire” and ensured they followed the federation’s written constitution.

“As a candidate for 1st vice president, I appeal for your support in order that I can continue to ensure the goals and objectives of this great federation are paramount.”

Dorsett is not expected to run on any slate, but indicated that if elected, he will be prepared to work with whoever is selected as the next president of the BAAA.

RAIN SPOILS SOUTH AFRICA-ZIMBABWE, BANGLADESH WINS AT T20 WC

HOBART, Australia

(AP) — Rain denied South Africa an all-but-certain win in its opening game at the Twenty20 World Cup yesterday as Quinton de Kock’s attempt to blast his team to victory against Zimbabwe was cut short by the weather in Hobart.

De Kock hit 47 not out from 18 balls as South Africa was initially chas ing 80 to win — and doing it quickly — after rain delayed the start and reduced the Group 2 game to nine overs each. The victory target was reduced to 64 off seven overs after more rain and South Africa was 51-0 after three overs when the weather returned for the final say before de Kock could get his team home.

The game was called a no result, giving each team one point to open their Super 12 campaigns.

Earlier, Taskin Ahmed took wickets with the first two balls of the innings to set Bangladesh on course for a nine-run win over Netherlands in their Group 2 meeting, Bangladesh’s first victory in the Super 12 round of a T20 World Cup.

Bangladesh was sent in to bat and made a rapid start before being restricted to

BOXING

wait and so we pushed it back to give the injured girl time to recover so we can still hold the same matchup next year.”

The show, the first for First Class Promotions in more than a decade, was scheduled to showcase Jes sica Camara from Montreal, Canada, with a 10-3-0 winloss-draw record, against Halanna Dos Santos from Santo Domingo, Domini can Republic, who is 14-9-0.

In the American co-main event, Mary McGee from Chicago with a 27-4 record will face Prisca Vicot of California, who is 14-8, in another 147lb class bout.

Two other bouts will showcase American O’Shea Jones from Philadelphia,

144-8 in cold, overcast con ditions in the day’s early game in Hobart.

Fast bowler Taskin added two more wickets to his first-over damage to return 4-25 as Netherlands was bowled out for 135. Colin Ackermann played a lone hand for the Dutch batting lineup, posting a defiant 62 from 48.

It was Bangladesh’s first win in 17 games in the second round of a T20 World Cup.

“It was very important to get a win,” said Bangladesh captain Shakib Al Hasan, the 35-year-old allrounder who has been involved in every edition of the world T20 event. “From 2007, I’ve played all of them and never won. That was back of our minds.”

Zimbabwe chose to bat first against South Africa and didn’t make it count after a long wait for the rain to stop and the game to start, losing wickets in the second, third and fourth overs and falling to 19-4.

A 55-run partnership off 33 balls between Wessly Madhevere and Milton Shumba gave Zimbabwe 79-5 in nine overs and something to defend. Mad hevere hit 35 not out off 18 balls after being dropped

who is 1-0, against Simone Silva from San Palo, Brazil, who is 17-22, in the 160lb class and American Logan Holler from Fort Lauderd ale, Florida, with a 9-2-1 record, against Adriana Arnajou, also from San Paulo, Brazil, who is 6-1, in the 140lb class.

Munnings-Minus, who was also expected to honour her former husband leg endary injured boxer Ray Minus Jr and a number of outstanding boxers during the show, said it was quite disappointing to postpone.

“Everybody knows the track record of First Class Promotions,” MunningsMinus said. “In our 22 years that we have been actively involved in the sport, we have never had to cancel or postpone anything. “But sometimes disappointments are for the best and so we

on 11 when a high catch was juggled and spilled by Lungi Ngidi in the slippery conditions.

But even Madhevere’s fighting innings didn’t appear to be enough after de Kock slammed four fours and a six and took 23 off the first over of South Africa’s chase. He returned after another rain

are looking forward to host ing it in early 2023.”

Bahamas Boxing Com mission chairman Fred Sturrup confirmed that they have reached an agreement with First Class Promotions for the postponement.

“The boxing event was expected to launch a new revitalised era for the sport, but we recognise fully the challenges First Class Pro motions faced,” Sturrup said. “The commission wishes Ms Munnings and her First Class Promotions Association the very best for the future.”

Joining First Class Pro motions in the production of the show was QB Events Consulting and Marketing, headed by Quinton Bren nen. Part proceeds from the show was to go to Breast Cancer and the Sister Sister Group.

delay to hit another four fours off the second over and South Africa was just 13 runs short when rain finally ended play. Captain Temba Bavuma made two from two deliveries as de Kock dominated the strike in their 51-run opening partnership.

The result sees South Africa trail Group 2

JONQUEL

9.1 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and 1.1 blocks per game.

Speaking with ESPN, Jones has said she will con tinue to seek opportunities outside of the WNBA in her offseason.

“I’m going to have to deal with it,” Jones said of playing abroad.

“Because I feel like while the [WNBA] is making the right and necessary strides to pay us more and ensure that if we don’t want to go overseas, we don’t have to, I just feel like in my situation, the money is not comparable. I have to think about the financial status of my family and everybody else, and also the opportunities that I’m leaving if I don’t go.”

(AP Photo/Anjum Naveed)

pacesetters India and Bangladesh with tougher challenges to come.

Bangladesh started aggressively against the Netherlands, with Najmul Shanto (25 off 20 deliver ies) and Soumya Sarkar (14) combining for a 43-run opening stand before both were dismissed within seven balls.

Jones reportedly signed a two-year deal during the offseason with an annual average salary of $208,075. But her WNBA salary pales in comparison to her payday abroad. What she makes in a season in the WNBA, she makes in a month in Russia, ESPN reported.

A marathon season for Jones came to an end in the quarterfinals of the FIBA World Cup Quar terfinals in September at the World Cup in Sydney, Australia.

Jones led Bosnia and Herzegovina with aver ages of 13.6 points, 8.8 rebounds, and two assists per game on 50 percent shooting from the field, but her team was elimi nated following the group phase.

Litton Das was caught off Logan van Beek’s bowling and Bangladesh slumped to 63-4 when 19-year-old spinner Shariz Ahmad had veteran Shakib caught on the mid-wicket boundary to pick up his first T20 World Cup wicket.

After losing 4-20, Bang ladesh rebuilt through Afif Hossain, who top scored with 38 off 27 balls.

The run chase couldn’t have started much worse for the Dutch. Vikramjit Singh edged the first ball from Taskin to Yasir Ali. Bas de Leede reached for the next ball and was caught behind. The Dutch slumped to 15-4 after a pair of runouts in the fourth over.

A brief revival in the form of a 44-run fifthwicket stand ended when Netherlands captain Scott Edwards (16) was caught trying a reverse paddle sweep in the 12th over.

From that point, only a brief break for rain on a rain-hit day in Hobart, and some late hitting from the lower order, delayed the inevitable. Ackermann was the next-to-last wicket to fall, chasing quick runs in an almost impossible victory pursuit and being caught on the boundary off Taskin’s bowling.

Her appearance at the World Cup came just days after her WNBA season came to an end in the Finals for her Connecticut Sun.

Jones began her 2022 season with UMMC in the Russian Premier League, and in May, she returned to the WNBA and the Sun. She was named to the All-WNBA Second Team, the All Defensive Second Team and received her fourth WNBA All-Star selection, voted a starter for a third time.

She completed her third career season shooting at least 35 percent from three-point range, 50 per cent from the field and 80 percent from the three throw line. She is the only player in WNBA history to have three such seasons.

BANGLADESH’s Taskin Ahmed celebrates after taking the wicket of Sri Lanka’s Bhanuka Rajapaksa during the T20 cricket match of Asia Cup between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, on September 1. Ahmed took wickets with the first two balls of the innings to set Bangla desh on course for a nine-run win over Netherlands in Group 2 and its first victory in the Super 12 round of the Twenty20 World Cup in Hobart, Australia, yesterday.

76ERS’ Tobias Harris (12) goes up for a shot against Pacers’ Buddy Hield (24) dur ing the first half last night in Philadelphia.

(AP Photo/Matt Slocum)

Sand Dollar undermined? ‘Nothing further from truth’

FROM

organisers had selected Kanoo as the exclusive provider of Sand Dollar wallets, and sole payment facilitator, for the tens of vendors present. However, multiple sources suggested the pre-event advertising gave the misleading impres sion that Kanoo was also the sole supplier of digital wallets for patrons.

This was not the case, and visitors were able to select their provider of choice from all other authorised financial institutions (AFIs) permitted by the Central Bank to offer Sand Dollar services such as Bank of The Bahamas, MoneyMaxx, Island Pay, Sun Cash and Mobile Assist. However, due to the marketing many patrons believed they had to go to Kanoo to pay for all they consumed at the festival.

This was then com pounded by the fact many arrived having not down loaded the Kanoo payment app or that of any other provider. Those who tried to download when they reached the Festival site on Shirley Street experienced long delays due to insuf ficient wireless Internet (wi-fi) bandwidth capac ity that was unable to meet demand from hundreds of persons.

Kanoo sought to pro vide an alternative to downloading the app by providing patrons with an NFC (National Cultural Festival) wrist band that could be loaded with Sand Dollars. Most opted for this solution, and Mr Davies admitted yesterday that the digital payments provider had not anticipated the level of demand for these bands, which had to be activated and loaded. It was this, he explained, that caused the long lines and hour-long queues to enter the Festival on Saturday.

John Rolle, the Central Bank’s governor, last night confirmed that the regulator is conducting a post-mortem into events at the Festival. “After the weekend we are compiling a list of lessons learnt,” he said in a state ment to Tribune Business

yesterday evening, which largely repeated a previous release.

However, Tribune Busi ness can reveal that the Central Bank was suffi ciently alarmed by what occurred on Saturday that it contacted Kanoo’s rival Sand Dollar providers on Sunday morning to see if they could assist and ensure there was no repeat of the problems experienced on Saturday. This newspaper was also told there were occasional problems with some band scanners, leaving both patrons and vendors frustrated over the inability to make payment.

“By no means did we bite off more than we could chew,” Mr Davies replied, when questioned by Trib une Business. “The second day, when we were able to pivot to deal with the demand that showed up, things went quite well.” He acknowledged that too few persons had arrived at the Festival prepared to partici pate by having downloaded Kanoo’s or another provid er’s Sand Dollar payment app beforehand.

“The persons that down loaded the app and got loaded with funds before arriving at the Festival, took up with Kanoo and got ‘Level 2’ verification to add credit and debit cards to load funds, they had zero problems,” Mr Davies said, adding that the event had provided a revealing glimpse into how many Bahamians have yet to become “comfort able” with digital payments technology.

“The lines people saw were because persons did not go digital. We offered a solution through bands; dig ital bands where you simply tap and pay. Initially that was designed for depend ents and tourists who came in and did not have direct ties to The Bahamas.

“Yet it turned out that most people wanted those bands. The bands had to be activated and loaded. That’s where the issue came. On the first day the demand far exceeded the purpose and expectation we had for that. The first step was for

persons to download the app and not enough did. For us it’s lessons learned and we think about the future. There are placed in The Bahamas that go without cash and work very well.”

Mr Davies said the overnight adjustments by Kanoo, and patrons learn ing they could use any Sand Dollar-approved provider, meant there were “less problems” on Sunday at the Festival despite there being “almost double the people”. He, too, said the failure by many patrons to download the necessary apps before arrival was made worse by the lack of sufficient wire less Internet capacity to handle the demand on-site at Collins House.

“There was a change to a new venue and, for the first time, Internet coverage was provided at an event,” he told Tribune Business. “If you understand technology there are ebbs and flows with respect to connectiv ity. Although that was not a Kanoo problem, there are lessons to be learned and ways to mitigate that. I’m sure the providers there learned from that and it will be better next time.”

Asserting that “a vast amount of transactions” numbering in the thousands, and involving “tens of thou sands of dollars”, took place using Sand Dollars, Mr Davies denied that the woes experienced threaten to undermine public trust and confidence in the Bahamian digital dollar at a time when the Central Bank is seek ing to push its adoption as a payment mechanism.

“Far from it,” he replied. “It was a tremendous suc cess for persons there. The patrons had a good time.

The results speak for them selves. We had persons that came come on Saturday and were very angry with the line and things that occurred. We had some persons come back on Sunday and have a glori ous experience. In terms of undermining the Sand Dollar, far from it. Nothing could be further from the truth.”

One prominent patron who attended the Festival on Saturday, speaking on condition of anonymity, detailed the problems and frustrations they encoun tered. While understanding what the organisers, Central Bank and payment provid ers were seeking to do via a cashless event, they argued that “they screwed up” by not providing debit and credit card options.

“I spent an hour and 15 minutes trying to load an app from one of the provid ers and, after I got it loaded, I was told I then had to go and load it with funds at a kiosk of which there were none,” they said. “How could you set that up know ing people have to load cash into this system and there was no way to do it on-site?

“It was an hour-and-a-half to get in and an hour-anda-half to load your card. You’re not interested at that point. Is The Bahamas ready for a switch to com pletely digital? The answer is ‘no’. Cash is king. I’m from the old school and the digital stuff is frightening.”

Other digital payment providers agreed that the Festival was potentially a great testing and proving ground for the Sand Dollar “in a closed and controlled environment”. Yet they argued that the Central

PUBLIC NOTICE

INTENT TO CHANGE NAME BY DEED POLL

The Public is hereby advised that I, JERMAINE PLAKARIS JR of Lower Bogue, Eleuthera, The Bahamas, Father ofJ’NIAH JANÉE YOUNG A minor intend to change my child’s name to J’NIAH JANÉE PLAKARIS If there are any objections to this change of name by Deed Poll, you may write such objections to the Deputy Chief Passport Offcer, P.O. Box N-742, Nassau, Bahamas no later than thirty (30) days after the date of publication of this notice.

Bank should have been more forceful in ensuring it was used as an opportunity to promote all Sand Dollarapproved providers - not just Kanoo.

“It’s a learning curve,” one added. “I think it was a great opportunity for us, but I think we missed the boat on marketing all digital wallets. The Central Bank should have been more insistent on all AFI’s being promoted, all AFIs being there.”

Others were force ful. “People need to be equipped before they go to the event,” one added.

“You bring thousands of people to a venue who have no idea of the tools they need to participate. This has damaged the brand of Sand Dollar. It’s put a bad taste in everybody’s mouths over the Sand Dollar and digi tal payments. The Central Bank needs to make a state ment to give confidence back to the consumer the Sand Dollar works.

“They put all the risk on one provider and they failed. They [Kanoo] were supposed to meet the demand. You cannot put 5,000 in the same spot and ask them to use the same wi-fi. It takes too long. You had to stand in line to get in, and take another hour to download the app. You had to wait two-and-a-bit hours before you could buy a beer.”

Another added bluntly: “That was a debacle, a

complete debacle, what happened on Saturday and Sunday. It was embar rassing. It was a total mess up.” Mr Rolle, in his state ment, said: “We can’t speak to the total amount spent. However, the Central Bank placed at least an extra $200,000 into circulation.

“After the weekend we are compiling a list of les sons learnt. To be clear, cash top-up during events will become less important in the future because we are increasing the means of acquiring funds via bank transfers. As well, the number of outlets that accept Sand Dollars will increase.

“The Authorised Finan cial Institutions have already on-boarded the two major food stores in New Providence. We now have before us the task of educating the frontline employees in those food establishments,” he added.

“In the meantime, we have completed the core developments to allow Sand Dollars to be deposited back into the banks. This is an important requirement for businesses. The Author ized Financial Institutions are now being asked now to tailor their proprietary plat forms to make this direct convenience available to the public.”

given that THERESA KYANNA BLANC of west Crab Apple Street, Baillou Road, New Providence, 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 25th day of October, 2022 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, Bahamas.

NOTICENOTICE is hereby given that LIVANIA DORVILUS of Bay Lilly Drive, Seabreeze Estates, New Providence, 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 18th day of October, 2022 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, Bahamas.

NOTICE is hereby given that JEAN RYKA TILO of Farrington Road, New Providence, 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 18th day of October, 2022 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, Bahamas.

LEGAL

International Business Companies Act (No. 45 of 2000)

JB Business Investment Ltd. (the “Company”)

Notice is hereby given that, in accordance with Section 138 (8) of the International Business Companies Act, No.45 of 2000, the Dissolution of JB Business Investment Ltd. has been completed, a Certifcate of Dissolution has been issued and the Company has therefore been struck off the Register. The date of completion of the Dissolution was the 14th day of October, 2022.

Luciane Ribeiro Moreno Liquidator

SET FOR TEMPORARY CLOSE

I would think it’s only a few months at most I would probably venture to say at this time, but I can’t give anything definitive.”

Milo B. Butler & Sons’ other corporate inter ests, including the Peach Street-based Milo Butler Distributors wholesale business and three Flying Dutchman liquor stores, will remain open and operating normally. Explaining the rationale for closing the gro cery store for renovations and upgrades, Mr Butler said: “Some of it is due to COVID.

“We have three entitiesthe Flying Dutchman stores, the wholesale and distri bution business and one grocery store. The dynam ics of the three of them has caused us to apply the brakes to see where we’re going. Ever since COVID it has been really difficult in managing the three of them together.

“We have to see how that looks going forward. It’s not business as usual in this day and time. The store really needs an uplift. We thought we would apply the brakes and see what it look like moving forward and restructuring.”

Mr Butler, acknowledg ing the grocery store’s proud 54-year history, having been opened in 1968 just one year after Majority Rule, said: “It has been a landmark. A lot of persons actually express that coming into the store and share stories where they remember as a child coming in for this and that and how they remember when their

mother purchased items. It’s a nostalgic spot persons remember when they visit the area, having moved out.”

He added that the Butler family were look ing at “many options” for the site, which include its continued use as a grocery store or splitting it and making it a mixed-use site.

Tourism’s ‘perfect storm’ closing on pre-COVID

FROM PAGE A24

rebound, Mr Sands replied: “I don’t think the word is surprised. I think we all rec ognise pent-up demand has translated into increased bookings.

“I think there’s no ques tion, though, that it’s not as robust as it has been but there’s still some pent-up demand that’s there. As a number of rival destina tions continue to improve, that demand will be spread. There’s now a number of other options available to tourists. We still think The Bahamas is very well-posi tioned, principally because of our proximity to the most important market, the US.”

Observers have previ ously suggested that the strength, and duration, of pent-up post-COVID travel demand will be key to off setting the impact from any US recession, infla tion and next year’s spike in Bahamian energy costs and sustaining the tourism industry’s momentum - and that of the wider economy - beyond just regaining the output lost to the pandemic.

“There’s no question that the advance booking pace is ahead of previous years at this point in time,” Mr Sands told Tribune Busi ness, pointing to the fact that resorts such as Baha Mar and The Pointe in downtown Nassau were enjoying either their first, or one of their first, years in operation due to the pandemic. Sandals, too, has invested heavily in upgrading its Bahamian properties.

“There’s some dynamics in play,” he added. “There’s some new products on the market. The cruise lines have come from a stop posi tion to a greatly improved position. All of these con tribute to where we are today. Companies are rebounding, and this makes for the perfect storm of a significantly improved tour ism industry.”

The removal of the last remaining COVID restric tions, such as 72-hour testing for unvaccinated travellers and the mask mandate, has also paved the way for the return of group bookings - the market seg ment that is likely to be among the last to revive from the pandemic.

“I think we’re seeing a much improved position because a number of groups scheduled for the COVID

period have rebooked to the post-COVID period. I think we’re on a constant positive upward trajec tory,” Mr Sands added. “I think we must always be conscious of headwinds, but tourism is a very resilient sector and industry.

“I think we have to be concerned about oil prices that impact the cost of air lift. I think we have to be concerned about supply chain issues, which are easing, but the lead time for a number of items has been extended and have increased prices in the food and beverage area.”

The BHTA chief said the industry would better understand the Christ mas/New Year outlook for Family Island properties after today’s meeting, but one hotelier said his occu pancies were averaging in the high 70 percent range for the two months leading up to Christmas.

Benjamin Simmons, pro prietor of The Other Side and Ocean View proper ties in Harbour Island and north Eleuthera, told Trib une Business that for the remainder of October his resorts were at 62 percent occupancy - a level that is “about 10 percent up on this time last year”.

For November, they are are averaging about 60 per cent occupancy, some four percentage points ahead of the prior year’s 56 percent, before hitting 91 percent for December with time left still to close those gaps. The momentum is also con tinuing through to January where occupancy averages for that month are already at 80 percent.

“I think we’re back,” Mr Simmons said, adding that his property’s numbers were “not unique” and others on Harbour Island are likely seeing similar. “We had a roaring last year, and it just seems like we are fully back. It’s not overwhelm ing. It’s back to the normal level of business. It really feels like we’re seeing healthy numbers.

“The inquiries are still coming in. Weddings are still heavily booked. We’re getting a huge number of wedding requests. There’s probably going to be catch up, catch up because of COVID-19 in that depart ment. That definitely seems to be the case. Hopefully we’ll still sell some rooms in between and narrow the gaps. There’s plenty of time to fill the gap in January.

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“There were some nerves over whether revenge tour ism was happening or if it was the typical rebook ing of The Bahamas. Last year was impressive and

The Government’s previ ously-announced plans to expand tourism Over-theHill could also play a role on the family’s delibera tions if that initiative moves forward.

“It’s definitely a lot of things up in the air at this point in time,” Mr Butler said. “Coincidentally, it comes on the heels of what

it looks like we’re doing equally as good this year. Harbour Island contin ues to go from strength to strength. It’s a destination that has really blossomed in the last year-and-a-half to two years. Once we got out of COVID everybody jumped on the train and we’re coming back. I think everybody’s seeing pretty strong occupancies.”

the Government is propos ing for retail stores with price controls. I don’t want people to feel that has caused this. That is not the case. It’s a coincidence it happened at this time. It’s separate and apart, and I want people to understand that’s the case.

“We are in the middle of a comprehensive reorgani sation plan that takes into consideration our overall business viability across the retail grocery, wholesale distribution, liquor busi ness and other investments. Some thought is being given to how the grocery brand could be repositioned in the future.”

He continued: “Through out these challenging times, the company has done its best to minimise the impact of the pandemic on our operations and on our staff, in particular. As we move forward, our primary focus is on making the transition as smooth as possible for our team and ensuring the proper winding-up of all aspects of business related to Milo Butler Mart. We want to thank our staff, cus tomers, vendors and service providers for their support over the years and we look forward to future opportu nities at that location.”

Milo Butler’s directors, officers and shareholders said in a statement they have made tough decisions to ensure the business remains viable amid surg ing operational costs and global supply chain issues. In early 2021, the company reduced its workforce by one-third and currently has a staff complement of 50 across all brands.

Milo B Butler & Sons was established in 1963 by Sir Milo and Lady Caroline Butler and their children. The family business spans four generations and grew to include Butler’s Bargain Mart (now Milo Butler Mart), the Flying Dutch man Liquor Store brand and Milo Butler Wholesale Cash & Carry (now Milo Butler Distributors). In an effort to diversify earnings, the busi ness later expanded into real estate development and the management of a portfolio of investment securities.

Mr Butler will manage the day-to-day operations at Milo B. Butler & Sons with effect from October 31, 2022, replacing Damian Butler, who will transition to a role on the company’s Board of Directors.

PUBLIC NOTICE

INTENT TO CHANGE NAME BY DEED POLL

The Public is hereby advised that I, DANASUREIA RICHA SMITH of #8 Sunrise Paradise, Farrington Road Nassau, Bahamas, intend to change my name to DEYASUREYA RICHA SMITH If there are any objections to this change of name by Deed Poll, you may write such objections to the Chief Passport Offcer, P.O.Box N-742, Nassau, Bahamas no later than thirty (30) days after the date of publication of this notice.

MILO Butler Mart on Baillou Hill Road will temporarily close its doors on Friday, October 28, until further notice. The company’s wholesale outlet Milo Butler Distributors and liquor brand, Flying Dutchman, will remain in operation.

EX-MINISTER: BAHAMAS NOT FACING A RECESSION

By YOURI KEMP Tribune Business Reporter ykemp@tribunemedia.net

A FORMER Cabi net minister yesterday said that while The Baha mas’ economic growth is slowing from last year’s post-COVID rebound it is not headed for a recession.

Zhivargo Laing, former minister of state for finance, told Tribune Business that a drop-off in the coun try’s gross domestic product (GDP) growth in 2022 was understandable given

the economy’s 14 percent expansion in 2021.

Now executive director, and senior policy fellow, at the University of The Baha mas’ (UoB) Government and Public Policy issue, he asserted that there is “no way” The Bahamas can repeat 2021’s GDP growth rate. As a result, while the pace of economic expansion is receding, this nation has not yet fallen into a reces sion - typically defined as two consecutive quarters of contraction - especially given that 8 percent growth is still forecast for 2022.

“If we go from 14 percent to 10 percent, we recessed. So if, by recession, people are talking about The Baha mas economy slowing down from where it was a year ago, that is going to happen. It will not grow 14 percent in 2022, and it will continue to grow less for the next couple of years. That’s been fore casted; predicted,” Mr Laing explained.

Last year’s 14 percent GDP expansion represented a rebound from the near24 percent contraction sparked by the COVID-19 pandemic. The Bahamas is still regaining economic

TRADE POLICY ‘ ON’T BE NASSAU CENTRIC’

FROM

fragility” of The Bahamas’ current economic model by producing rare twin goods and services trade deficits worth a combined $1.7bn. It disclosed that the pan demic-induced economic lockdown and border clo sures virtually wiped out tourism earnings that had produced a $311m total trade surplus just one year before.

This nation’s economic model has traditionally relied on services exports, chiefly tourism and financial services, to generate for eign currency surpluses to cover the multi-billion dollar annual trade deficits incurred on physical goods. While this system worked reasonably well prior to COVID, the resulting $3.2bn plunge in

2020 services exports created huge shortfalls on both the goods and services sides that combined for an overall defi cit “higher than in any recent years”.

Asserting that trade will play a pivotal role in repo sitioning the Bahamian economy for the post-pan demic “new normal”, the National Trade Policy report said: “In the pre-COVID period, The Bahamas’ large services trade surplus was roughly sufficient, and increasingly so, to coun terbalance the goods trade deficit.

“The strong performance of services, in particular the tourism sector, helped The Bahamas to achieve a combined goods and ser vices trade surplus for the

first time in 2019, at $311m. However, the COVID-19 pandemic caused a collapse in services exports in 2020 to $1.3bn from $4.5bn a year earlier, less than the services imports of $1.4bn in that year.

“The impact of the pan demic was thus a dual goods and services trade deficit with a combined value of $1.7bn, higher than any deficit in recent years and exposing the fragility of the country’s current trade model, which is based on a very narrow export base.”

The $133m services trade deficit incurred in 2020 rep resented a major departure from prior year outcomes, which almost always pro duced surpluses - meaning The Bahamas earned more

output lost to the virus, but the International Monetary Fund (IMF) earlier this month revised this nation’s GDP growth prospects for 2022 upwards to 8 percent again after cutting its fore cast to 6 percent back in March 2022. That is a far cry from the definition of a recession, and Mr Laing added: “If, by recession, people mean we’re going to lose jobs and our businesses are going to go out of business, that’s not going to happen.” Michael Halkitis, minister for economic affairs, last week asserted that The

income than what it spent on importing services - ranging from $1.218bn to $2.637bn between 2016 and 2019.

As an import-dependent country, relying on the out side world for most of what it consumes, the National Trade Policy report said COVID-19 had revealed the vulnerability of a Bahamian economic model that has grown to increasingly rely on tourism - “one of the globally most affected sectors by the pandemic” - to finance these purchases via its annual for eign currency earnings.

“Trade has an impor tant role to play in the new normal,” the report added. “But for this to happen, The Bahamas needs a coherent National Trade Policy which aligns with the broader development strategy, and to avoid a piecemeal approach of uncoordinated and some times conflicting measures

Bahamas is not in recession and warned against nega tive talk that could make this a self-fulfilling prophecy through deterring consum ers from spending.

“You are already in an economy that’s recovering from a valley downturn situ ation, so I think he is right about what people think about recession in terms of loss of jobs and loss of busi nesses. That is not where The Bahamas is headed,” Mr Laing said. “But if we’re talking about a slowing down of the economy from that extraordinary growth it was having as it was

affecting the country’s exports and imports of goods and services.

“Such a trade policy has so far been lacking in the country, which may at least in part explain the long-term declining trend that trade has played for The Bahamas. Up to the mid-1990s, trade in goods and services was equivalent to more than 100 percent of GDP, compared to the less than 80 percent in recent years.”

Underscoring the neartotal reliance on tourism, the National Trade Policy con tinued: “Up to 2019, travel services accounted for about 90 percent of the country’s total services exports – in 2019, $4.1bn out of $4.5bn. In 2020, the impact of COVID19 changed the pattern: Travel services exports con tracted by 67 percent, from $4.1bn to less than $1bn, and

STRIKE BTC MANAGER’S K DISMISSAL LA SUIT BO LED O ER

FROM PAGE A24

with by Ms Curry. She advised Ms Lockhart that she was unable to approve payment to the Cleveland Clinic for the consultation in an encounter that triggered

a “grievance complaint” against Ms Curry on March 5, 2018, alleging “bullying and insulting behaviour”. This was addressed at a late March 2018 meet ing where Ms Wallace,

as a senior BTC human resources executive, Ms Curry and Ms Lockhart were all present together with representatives from their respective unions, the Bahamas Communications

and Public Managers Union (BCPMU) and the Bahamas Communications and Public Officers Union (BCPOU).

Ms Curry had Ms Lock hart’s medical records in her possession and brought them to the meeting, triggering uproar among the BCPOU officials who alleged that she “had committed a breach of confidence” by obtaining them. Ms Curry countered that she needed all available documentary evidence to defend herself.

“BTC says that it was during the grievance meet ing held on March 26, 2018, that it was revealed that Curry had visited Dr Gray’s office seeking additional medical records and infor mation on Lockhart,” Chief Justice Winder wrote. “It was also learned that Curry had also sought out mem bers of a bowling team that Lockhart was a part of, requesting photos and scores of games from them.

“During the grievance meeting Curry disclosed a copy of Lockhart’s chest x-ray report, a disclosure which was not necessary in the context of the meeting

says BTC.” Then-BCPOU president, Bernard Evans, subsequently made a formal complaint to BTC man agement about Ms Curry disclosing his member’s private medical records, describing this as “unauthor ised” and “unwarranted”.

BTC agreed, dismiss ing Ms Curry one month later on April 27, 2018, for breaching the company’s “zero tolerance” policy when it comes to its “oath of secrecy and confidentiality”.

Ms Curry appealed the dis missal and, despite initially seeming to have succeeded after her salary for April and May was paid, the move was confirmed in June that year.

Ms Curry alleged that BTC had breached her employment contract by wrongfully or unfairly termi nating her, while the carrier alleged that her obtaining Ms Lockhart’s medical records from Dr Gray was “outside the scope of her authority and unwarranted in the prevailing circum stances” since it already possessed copies.

However, Justice Winder backed BTC’s actions in

recovering out of the pan demic, it is going to recess from that.”

Tourism bookings remain strong, with the country on-pace to come near to 2019’s record pre-COVID arrivals for 2022. Mr Laing said: “From the forward bookings, to my knowledge things seem to be at least continuing on pace and recovering from that pandemic environment that we were in. So I have no information to support a slowing down and tourism now.”

transport services export by 46 percent.

“Data for the first quarter 2021 showed no recovery: Travel services exports stood at $327m compared to $834m in the first quarter of 2020. Conversely, exports of busi ness services remained stable and, as a result, the share of business services in total services exports increased to 16.7 percent, whereas that of travel services decreased to 77 percent.”

Travel exports plummeted to $967m in 2020 compared to the prior year’s $4.1bn, while transportation earn ings fell from $82m to $44m. Other business services, though, remained relatively flat at $210m compared to $207m for the prior year, which the report said showed the value in The Bahamas developing a “diversified ser vices export portfolio”.

finding that the termina tion did not breach the industrial agreement with the managers union or the Employment Act’s statute law. While finding that there was no bullying as alleged by Ms Lockhart, he agreed that Ms Curry had breached employee confidence and “it was open to BTC to find that Curry’s behaviour warranted dismissal”.

The Chief Justice added: “The gravity of her conduct, if accepted the employer as true, could not be ignored by them in the circumstances. There was no legitimate interest or otherwise proven by Curry that would have entitled her to use Lock hart’s medical information in the manner in which she did.

“I accept that BTC found no justification for Curry’s action and, in reviewing the evidence, I, too, was unable to accept the explanation given for her actions. The fact that Curry as a human resources [sic health and safety] manager saw nothing wrong with doing so is also remarkable.” As a result, Chief Justice Winder dis missed her claim.

DPM MEETS AIRPORT CHIEFS OVER BAHAMASAIR LAUNCH

THE DEPUTY prime minister led a Bahamian delegation to North Caro lina last week to spearhead the latest phase in the coun try’s push for more visitor arrivals and investments.

Chester Cooper, also minister of tourism, invest ments and aviation, was accompanied to Raleigh and North Carolina by Ginger Moxey, minister

for Grand Bahama; Latia Duncombe, the acting tourism director-general; Senator Randy Rolle, the Ministry of Tourism’s global relations consultant; and other Ministry of Tourism, Investments and Aviation officials.

They met with the executive leadership from Raleigh-Durham Airport Authority (RDU) ahead of

the November 17 launch of Bahamasair’s direct services from Raleigh to Freeport, Grand Bahama.

Mr Cooper and his del egation also visited Saint Augustine’s University in Raleigh, where they met with Bahamian students, university president, Dr Christine Johnson McPhail, and her executives.

STUDENT ACCESS TO US COLLEGES GAINS BOOST

BAHAMIAN student access to US higher education will receive a boost when The EducationUSA Advising Centre soon takes up space at the Bahamas Tech nical and Vocational Institute’s (BTVI) New Providence campus.

The US Embassy’s public affairs officer, Suemayah AbuDouleh, and education cultural specialist, Chanelle Sands, recently toured the BTVI campus on Old Trail Road, including the EducationUSA office space, in preparation for the move. The tour was led by BTVI’s interim president, Dr Linda A. Davis, who was accompanied by dean of student affairs, Racquel Bethel.

BTVI became host of the new EducationUSA Advising Centre in 2019, but did not have a dedi cated space. The centre is the official source of information and guidance for anyone in The Bahamas interested in studying at a college or university in the US.

It will offer professional edu cation advising services to local students, and promote a variety of academic opportunities, while supporting students, parents, teachers, local government and higher education institutions in their efforts to achieve their aca demic goals.

There will also be free intro ductory public information

sessions on various topics of US education, webinars, indi vidual consultations on US study and application support services. The centre will also provide logistical support to accredited US higher education institutions on recruitment in The Bahamas, as well as support public events such as presentations and fairs to promote exchange opportunities, working closely with the local educational community.

There are more than 4,700 accredited institutions through out the US.

Saturday Sunday Monday

8:14 a.m. 3.5 1:58 a.m.

8:30 p.m. 3.0 2:36 p.m. 0.2 8:56 a.m. 3.6 2:38 a.m. 0.0 9:13 p.m. 2.9 3:22 p.m. 0.1 9:41 a.m. 3.6 3:19 a.m. 0.0 9:58 p.m. 2.8 4:09 p.m. 0.1 10:29 a.m. 3.6 4:04 a.m. 0.0 10:48 p.m. 2.7 4:59 p.m. 0.2

11:21 a.m. 3.5 4:53 a.m. 0.1 11:42 p.m. 2.6 5:54 p.m. 0.4 12:18 p.m. 3.4 5:48 a.m. 0.2 ----- ----- 6:54 p.m. 0.5 12:44 a.m. 2.5 6:50 a.m. 0.4 1:21 p.m. 3.3 7:59 p.m. 0.6

CHESTER COOPER, deputy prime minister and minister of tourism, investments and aviation, is pictured speaking to Dr Christine Johnson McPhail, president of Saint Augustine’s University, and Bahamian students.

PLANS are underway to officially open the EducationUSA Advising Centre in The Bahamas, which is being hosted by the Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute (BTVI) at its Old Trail Road campus. From L to R are the US Embassy’s education cultural specialist, Chanelle Sands; BTVI’s interim president, Dr Linda A. Davis; the US Embassy’s public affairs officer, Suemayah Abu-Douleh; and BTVI’s dean of student affairs, Racquel Bethel.

Photo:BTVI

Tourism’s ‘perfect storm’ closing on

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

BAHAMIAN tourism was yesterday said to be enjoying “the perfect storm” via a record booking pace that will see it exceed pre-COVID business levels by 2023 at latest, with one hotelier saying: “I think we’re back.”

Robert Sands, the Bahamas Hotel and Tourism Association’s (BHTA) president, told Trib une Business that the industry will “be coming very close” to the this year to matching 2019 levels when the country received a record 7.2m visitors despite being hit by Hurricane Dorian.

With advance bookings run ning at a pace ahead of 2021, he voiced confidence that The Bahamas has sufficient momen tum to withstand the potential threats from a US recession, global inflation and continued supply chain shocks that will likely increase costs as well as impact the country’s main visitor source market.

Mr Sands conceded to this newspaper that post-COVID pent-up demand is “not as robust” as more competing des tinations come online and ease pandemic-related restrictions, but added that many resort properties are matching “with some surpassing pre-COVID levels as we move towards the high-season at the end of 2022”

Sand Dollar undermined?

with its traditional start - the Thanksgiving holiday - now just over four weeks away.

“I think we’re going to be fairly close to pre-COVID levels,” he predicted of the Bahamian tour ism industry’s Christmas/New Year performance. “If I was a betting person, there’s no ques tion we will certainly be past them for the year 2023. We’ll be coming very close in the 2022 full year versus 2019.”

The Bahamian resort and tourism industry will gain better insight into its Christmas and New Year prospects when it meets today. Asked whether the sector had been taken aback by the strength of its post-COVID

‘Nothing further from truth’

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

KANOO’S chairman yesterday denied that it tried to “bite off more than we can chew” over the pay ments woes that beset the two-day International Culture, Wine and Food Festival over the weekend.

Keith Davies told Tribune Busi ness that “nothing could be further from the truth” when asked whether patron frustration over the long queues endured to enter the Collins House grounds, especially on Satur day, as well as problems encountered in loading funds and making pay ments threaten to undermine consumer trust in the Sand Dollar and digital payments more broadly.

The Festival was billed as the first event at which all payments for food, drink and other consuma bles would be solely digital via the

Central Bank Digital Currency, but one patron described the first day as “a s***show” after they spent sev eral hours trying to download the payment app and then attempting to load their digital wallet with the nec essary funds. Speaking on condition of anonymity, they said the outcome

showed The Bahamas is far from ready to go cashless.

This newspaper’s inquiries revealed a succession of problems that ultimately combined to impact the patron experience. The Festival’s

Strike! BTC manager’s $198k dismissal lawsuit bowled over

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

A FORMER senior health and safety manager with the Bahamas Tel ecommunications Company (BTC) has lost her $198,292 wrongful/unfair dismissal claim after she obtained a fellow employee’s medical records without authorisation.

Pauline Curry was terminated by the carrier, which is 49 percent owned by the Government, on the basis that she violated its “oath of secrecy and

confidentiality policy” in going so far as to quiz members of the same employee’s bowling team about her health status.

Chief Justice Ian Winder, in uphold ing BTC’s decision to fire Ms Curry in an October 17, 2022, ruling, said the dispute stemmed from her deal ings with Jonice Lockhart, a BTC employee who worked in credit and collections. The latter alleged in Janu ary 2018 that mold in the department was causing her to become sick, and she obtained a doctor’s diagnosis to support this.

Trade Policy ‘won’t be Nassau centric’

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

THE BAHAMAS Trade Commis sion’s chairman has pledged that the country’s national trade policy will not be “Nassau centric” as it seeks to com plete consultation on the initiative by month’s end.

Philip Galanis told Tribune Busi ness the Commission had made it a priority to seek input from all Family Island Chambers of Commerce to ensure the policy reflects the needs, interests and aspirations of the private sector and communities beyond New Providence.

Confirming that recommendations will be submitted to the Govern ment once consultations conclude, he said: “The National Trade Policy is being reviewed by a number of social partners, including Chambers of Com merce on all islands.

‘‘One of the things we’re doing is meeting with all island Chambers to get their input into trade policy so that it is not Nassau centric, so that it is a policy which reflects the aspira tions, hopes and support of all islands of The Bahamas and is really national in scope. We hope to complete that exercise in October, and then make recommendations to the Government about the National Trade Policy.”

Arrangements were made to have Ms Lockhart transferred from BTC’s then-JFK Drive head office to the company’s Perpall Tract location.

Valerie Wallace, BTC’s vice-president, directed Ms Curry to send Ms Lock hart to BTC’s doctor, Dr Eugene Gray, to be examined. Following this, Ms Lockhart requested via e-mail that a third medical opinion be obtained.

BTC’s top human resources execu tives were away on leave when the request was made, and it was dealt

Mr Galanis continued: “We are in the process of organising a meeting with the Chamber of Commerce, and have asked the trade unit at the Min istry of Economic Affairs to organise a meeting with all the Family Island Chambers of Commerce. One of the things we’re acutely aware of is that we tend to be Nassau centric, and we really need a trade policy that reflects the input of the Family Islands as well.

“We’re trying to have consultations completed by the end of this month so we can send recommendations on to the Government. That’s where we are. We’re working very hard on it, and have got a lot of responses on it.”

The draft National Trade Policy revealed that tourism’s “collapse” at COVID-19’s peak “exposed the

Iconic Over-theHill firm set for temporary close

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

AN ICONIC Over-theHill business with a more than 50-year history will temporarily close for sev eral months on Friday as its owners “apply the brakes” and work out how to max imise use of that site.

Allan Butler, chairman of Milo Butler Corporation and interim chief execu tive of Milo Butler & Sons Ltd, told Tribune Busi ness it was “not business as usual” in the post-COVID era as the family-owned business unveiled the tem porary closure of Blue Hill Road-based Milo Butler Mart.

Emphasising that the timing is coincidental, and is not connected to the Government’s proposed major expansion of the price control regime to include 38 product catego ries, he added that seven staff will be impacted by the closure as the Butler family

determines the best way forward for a location that needs an “uplift” regardless of future usage.

Asked by this newspa per how long the closure may last, Mr Butler replied: “We’re not sure yet. We’re still debating how the restructure will take place. We’re not sure how long it’s going to be at this time.

KEITH DAVIES

ROBERT SANDS

ALLAN BUTLER, chairman of Milo Butler Corporation and incoming chief executive of Milo Butler & Sons Ltd.