11152016 business

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 2016

business@tribunemedia.net

$4.10

$4.14

BIFF ‘taken for ride’ over Dingman deal

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net The Bahamas International Film Festival’s (BIFF) founder yesterday said she was left “embarrassed”, and felt “taken for a ride”, after Jamie Dingman failed to deliver on his promised acquisition of the organisation.

Leslie Vanderpool confirmed to Tribune Business that Mr Dingman had spent 18 months attempting to purchase BIFF, but the deal ultimately fell through because he “did not commit” his signature and the necessary funds.

She added that she had to hurriedly return to the Bahamas from California in 2014, when the deal fell apart, and rebuild BIFF,

Founder ‘embarrassed’ as 18-month talks failed Raced back from California to ‘rebuild’ event Dingman’s ambitions beyond failed eatery empire Leslie Vanderpool having given “guarantees” and formed partnerships with companies and individuals on the basis that Mr Dingman’s purchase was going ahead.

“For a year-and-a-half we were negotiating the opportunity of him providing

a major investment into the Festival, and acquiring it so that it could be bigger and better,” Ms Vanderpool told Tribune Business of their talks.

“The deal fell through because he just could not commit. It was very tumul-

tuous on his part. He kept demanding things on his end that we couldn’t commit to until he signed the contract and delivered the funds. I felt he took me for a ride.”

Mr Dingman’s bid to acquire BIFF, which has never been revealed before, was exposed by documents filed last month with the New York federal courts by two of his former associates.

The documents show Mr Dingman’s entrepreneurial ambitions extended well beyond the Nassau hospitality/restaurant empire that ultimately collapsed, leaving in its wake a host of aggrieved Bahamian vendors, employees and legal complaints.

They were filed by Ryan See pg b5

Bahamas urged to ‘review’ corporate income tax merits

Govt urged to clarify $1m residency threshold

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

The Government was last night urged to clarify whether the new $1 million investment threshold for accelerated permanent residency consideration represented an increase or decrease from the previous benchmark.

Carla Sweeting, the Bahamas Real Estate Association’s (BREA) president, was among those suggesting that the new threshold represented a decrease from the previous one - not an increase, as suggested last week by the Minister of Financial Services.

Hope Strachan told a seminar staged by the Higgs & Johnson law firm last Thursday that the Christie Cabinet had given

The Bahamas was yesterday urged to examine the benefits of implementing a ‘low rate’ corporate tax, and whether this would unlock potential “benefits” from double taxation agreements.

Tanya McCartney, the Bahamas Financial Services Board’s (BFSB) chief executive, told Tribune Business that the industry was continuing to push for a comprehensive review of this nation’s taxation structure.

Apart from positioning the Bahamian financial services industry to better compete in a global market dominated by ‘tax transparency’ demands, Ms McCartney suggested a corporate income tax would better reflect the reality faced by many companies.

She said the various fees and licenses paid annually by Bahamas-domiciled companies represented a significant tax burden, which the World Bank’s recent ‘ease of doing business’ report estimated as equivalent to 34 per cent of annual profits.

“We believe there needs to be a review of our tax structure so that we are po-

BFSB chief: May position us for ‘double tax’ deals And ‘strike a balance’ on fees, licenses paid Tax Certificates pull Bahamas in line with rivals

Tanya McCartney

sitioned to enter into double tax agreements and that sort of thing,” Ms McCartney told Tribune Business.

Emphasising that the BFSB and wider financial services industry were not calling for the introduction of personal income tax, something that would likely See pg b6

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

Private sector says it’s a decrease, not increase Point to Ingraham’s 2011 raise to $1.5m Decrease good for tough market, but confusion not permission to ‘double’ the threshold from its current $500,000 to $1 million.

She said of the $500,000: “This threshold is no longer achieving the intended objective, which is to attract high net worth individuals to our country and to support the real See pg b5

$4.14

$4.14

Drug wholesalers yet to fell PHA’s 20% spend rise

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net Major Bahamian pharmaceutical wholesalers last night said they were yet to feel the benefits of the Public Hospitals Authority’s (PHA) 20 per cent ‘local’ spending increase, with two reporting a decline in government sales this year.

Responding to yesterday’s PHA’s statement in Tribune Business, the trio of Lowe’s Wholesale, Nassau Agencies and Commonwealth Drugs (CDM Group) said it was “unfair and callous’ to suggest Bahamian jobs were not being jeopardised by its changed procurement policies.

“In response to the comment that the PHA made regarding the fact that their [local] expenditure for drugs has increased by 20 per cent [over the past two years], at least one major wholesaler says that their sales to government are significantly down this year,”

Two major firms report Govt sales decline in 2016 For ‘first time in 30 years’, only 50% of tender awarded PHA goes to same suppliers represented locally the statement said.

“Another major wholesaler says that their sales are also down over last year. It could be true that PHA has had a 20 per cent increase in expenditures, but to say wholesalers are being deceitful and suggesting that jobs have not been lost by the persons who have had to suffer this as a direct result is unfair and callous.”

The wholesale trio also questioned whether See pg b4

GB Power urged: Don’t seek quick $25m recovery

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net Grand Bahama Power Company (GBPC) and its majority owner were yesterday urged not to target “the shortest period of time” to recover their $25 million in Matthew restoration costs from storm-devastated consumers.

Kevin Seymour, the Grand Bahama Chamber of Commerce’s president, told Tribune Business he “would have some concern” if the utility monopoly and

Chamber chief: ‘Can’t be shortest period of time’ But recovery pace ‘unmatched in Freeport history’ Emera, its 80.4 per cent shareholder, sought to “accelerate” their cost recovery plans.

While GB Power’s 19,000 business and residential See pg b4

THE TRIBUNE

Tuesday, November 15, 2016, PAGE 3

Accountants facing US state challenges

By NATARIO McKENZIE

Tribune Business Reporter

nmckenzie@tribunemedia.net

Prime Minister Perry Christie speaks at Charter Accountants week held at the Melia Nassau Beach Hotel.

Business ease slippage ‘doesn’t represent nation’

By NATARIO McKENZIE

Tribune Business Reporter

nmckenzie@tribunemedia.net

The 121st ranking in the World Bank’s 2016 ‘ease of doing business’ rankings “does not represent who the Bahamas is”, Prime Minister Perry Christie argued yesterday, touting a Competitiveness Council as the answer to these woes.

Mr Christie said this body will be created “in short order” as a publicprivate sector partnership (PPP) to “come to grips” with issues impacting the conduct of business in the Bahamas.

While delivering the opening remarks at the 2016 Accountants Week, Mr Christie said Competitiveness Council will harness the analysis and recommendations of the National Development Plan (NDP), and have a twomonth timeframe in which to report back to him with a plan to improve the business environment.

The Bahamas fell one spot, from 120th to 121st year-over-year, in the World Bank’s ease of doing business rankings, with the drop in the ‘paying taxes’ ease, from 22nd in the world to 95th, cited as the main reason why this nation failed to improve its overall position.

Speaking on the Bahamas’ slippage, Mr Christie said: “It’s a serious matter, and we have spoken to the Chamber of Commerce.

We know that with the National Development Plan (NDP), and with all the ideas relevant to our being able to improve in the area of doing business, we are hopeful that we are going to

The Bahamas Institute of Chartered Accountants (BICA) is in talks with the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AISPA) to resolve challenges encountered by members in maintaining their US State Board memberships, its president said yesterday.

Addressing accountants at the opening of BICA’s Accountant’s Week seminars, Darnell Osborne said: “BICA has solidified a partnership with the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants.”

She added that AICPA is the professional organisation for certified public accountants in the US, and many BICA members are also AICPA members.

“We aware that members trying to maintain their US State Board memberships have encountered challenges in the past two years,” Mrs Osborne said.

“We are presently in discussions

Darnell Osborne

with the AICPA representatives, who work closely with the individual state boards, to try and find solutions to this challenge. We hope to make an announcement in due course.”

Mrs Osborne said the AICPA and BICA have agreed in principle for the latter to provide Bahamian accountants with e-learning opportunities in the form of an ondemand self-study programme and webcast, set to begin next January.

“In addition to solidifying a partnership with AICPA, this past summer the Institute implemented practice monitoring, a long-awaited initiative and one of seven statements of membership obligations under membership in the International Federation of Accountants (IFAC),” said Mrs Osborne.

She added that BICA has committed to hosting the Institute of Chartered Accountants of the Caribbean (ICAC) conference in the Bahamas in 2018.

“This conference will attract accountants from around the region and the world,” the BICA president said.

Hutchison ‘streamlines’ Freeport investments

By NATARIO McKENZIE

Tribune Business Reporter

nmckenzie@tribunemedia.net

PM touts Competitiveness Council as answer have in short order a Competitiveness Council and group of private public sector personalities, all with a view to being able to come to grips jointly with issues.”

Mr Christie said he was committed to changing the “downward slide” in the ease of doing business that has been experienced for the last decade.

He added that unlocking the spirit of entrepreneurship is highlighted in the National Development Plan (NDP).

The sales process for the 409-acre Grand Lucayan property on Grand Bahama is “still ongoing”, Prime Minister Perry Christie said yesterday.

Speaking on the sidelines of the Accountant’s Week conference yesterday, Mr Christie said Hutchinson Whampoa, the property’s owner, is seeking to streamline its investments in Grand Bahama.

“It’s on record that they have made a major investment in hotels and suffered significant losses in hotel operations, but all to keep the economy of Grand Bahama going,” the Prime Minister said.

“They have hired a company called HVS to superintend the exploration as to who would wish to buy. The process is ongoing now as a part of Hutchinson Wham-

NOTICE

YANG HOLDINGS LIMITED N O T I C E IS HEREBY GIVEN as follows: (a) YANG HOLDINGS LIMITED is in voluntary dissolution under the provisions of Section 138 (4) of the International Business Companies Act 2000. (b) The dissolution of the said company commenced on the 11th November, 2016 when the Articles of Dissolution were submitted to and registered by the Registrar General. (c) The Liquidator of the said company is Octagon Management Limited, The Bahamas Financial Centre, Shirley & Charlotte Streets, Nassau, Bahamas.

Dated this 11th day of November, A. D. 2016 _________________________________ Octagon Management Limited Liquidator

Grand Lucayan sales process ongoing poa trying to streamline their investments in Grand Bahama, and to determine whether in fact there are buyers who are prepared to meet [their requirements].”

The Grand Lucayan has sustained losses since its opening, estimated at between $10-$20 million per year, and Cheung Kong Property Holdings (the real estate division for Hutchison Whampoa) has placed the 1,271-room property on the market, via a sealed bid auction process announced earlier this year.

The Grand Lucayan Resort complex has a total of 1,271 guest rooms. The resort complex includes four hotel elements: the 10-storey, 528-room Breaker’s

Cay tower; 198-room Lighthouse Pointe, newly renovated as all-inclusive; 23 Lanai Suites - all with 12 food and beverage outlets and three swimming pools; plus the 522-room Memories Beach Resort (presently leased to a third-party operator).

Other amenities include a 40,000 square foot conference centre, including a 15,000 square foot ballroom; 16 breakout rooms; 50,000 square feet of outdoor function space; a 23,375 square feet casino with 25 gaming tables and 195 slot machines; a 25,000 square foot destination spa and fitness centre; two golf courses; four multisurfaced tennis courts and 15,000 square feet of retail space.

“The Government is just a bystander in this process,” Mr Christie said. “We support Hutchison in its en-

deavours. We have been in discussions with Hutchison over the new legislations we have passed, and in discussions with the Grand Bahama Port Authority.

“We have all agreed to do this and put in place a new paradigm to ensure that we put in place a ‘one-stop shop’ in Grand Bahama to ensure that all of the bureaucracy and obstacles are removed, and we can streamline the process of doing business in Grand Bahama.”

to advertise today in the tribune call @ 502-2394

PAGE 4, Tuesday, November 15, 2016

Drug wholesalers yet to fell PHA’s 20% spend rise From pg B1 a significant portion of the PHA’s touted local spending increase had gone on non-contract pharmaceutical drug purchases, given that the ‘last but one’ tender, known as MPC 15, had lasted for two-and-a-half years.

But, rejecting claims that its policies could “wipe out” the Bahamian pharmaceutical wholesale industry and associated employment, the PHA said on Monday that such allegations were not supported by its expenditure record.

“In the period July 2014June 2015, local pharmaceutical vendors received more than $15 million. For the period July 2015-June 2016, local vendors received more than $16 million, and it is projected that by the end of the fiscal year

2016-2017, the PHA would have spent in excess of $18 million with local vendors for the procurement of pharmaceuticals alone,” the PHA had told Tribune Business.

Wholesale concerns have been sparked by the PHA’s decision to switch to ‘direct purchasing’ from foreign manufacturers, including some they act as distributors for, in sourcing the 50 per cent of items not awarded in the latest tender, MPC 16.

The PHA justified this move by saying that if Bahamian wholesalers could not supply its needs, it had no choice but to look abroad - and explore all avenues - if it was to meet patient demands.

“It would be foolhardy to suggest that when drugs and medical supplies can-

GB Power urged: Don’t seek quick $25m recovery From pg B1 consumers will end up paying the restoration costs “one way or another”, Mr Seymour implied that it should avoid imposing any additional tariffs or costs to light bills - at least in the short-term.

Calling for any cost recovery to be spread out, the Chamber chief said: “It cannot be that they expect payback over a short-term pe-

riod, given the background to the situation.

“If fairness were to be applied to this, and reality applied to this, people don’t have the ability to meet that extra amount that could come down the pike if they do that in a short period of time.

“From a business standpoint, it cannot be - and should not be - that they expect to recoup this cost over

THE TRIBUNE

not be sourced in country that the PHA turns a blind eye to sourcing them elsewhere, leaving those entrusted to our care without the medications they may require for treatment,” the PHA added.

However, the three wholesalers last night queried why just 50 per cent of the PHA’s MPC 16 tender had been awarded - “the first time” this had happened in almost 30 years of drug procurement by the public body.

They also asked why Bahamian distributors were not “at least informed” of the 760 drug products the PHA was still seeking when it sent out the October 31, 2016, e-mail seeking direct bids from manufacturers.

“Is it true that none of the 760 items sent directly to the manufacturers were bid for?” the three companies asked.

“Or was it that the bids were simply not accepted?

Why? At least one wholesaler has reported that it

had indeed submitted items on the list sent to manufacturers.

“If local wholesalers did not bid for the 760 items, why would PHA have gone to the same manufacturers whom they represent and requested bids? Is there a concern that wholesalers did not intentionally bid for products on MPC 16? If so, what happened for previous tenders?”

In their joint statement, Lowe’s Wholesale, Nassau Agencies and Commonwealth Drugs also queried why the manufacturers were given just two days to bid on a complex tender that required shipping and insurance quotes, plus delivery times.

“Is it true that a few manufacturers were told that they could not supply through their local wholesaler?,”the trio further asked.

“And why were they all informed by e-mail that the intent was direct procurement, and that no directive was given by PHA to

include the local suppliers in the bids sent directly to manufacturers?”

The wholesaler statement also queried whether any manufacturer initially disqualified from the MPC 16 tender is being allowed to bid on the 760 items put out for direct procurement.

And they also asked who owns the building that houses the PHA’s new drug warehouse storage facility, and to whom the latter will now pay rent.

This facility’s creation has heightened fears that the direct procurement strategy being employed by the PHA to complete MPC 16 may foreshadow a longer-term switch to this method, and the exclusion of Bahamian wholesalers from the process. This, in turn, has been further exacerbated by the impending National Health Insurance (NHI) scheme and the uncertainty over how drugs will be procured for that.

“In replacing the functions of local wholesalers,

was a proper costing completed to justify PHA doing their own procurement, warehousing, delivery, accounting, etc?” Lowe’s Wholesale, Nassau Agencies and Commonwealth Drugs asked.

The PHA has defended its new east Shirley Street facility, saying: “The transformation of the PHA’s Supply Chain Management System is designed to bring about a greater level of efficiency, maximisation of scarce resources, transparency, accountability and a culture of continuous improvement throughout all levels of the supply chain system.

“It is the PHA’s clear intention to ensure that supplies needed for our patients can be accessed 24 hours a day, seven days a week.”

The PHA, though, did not address supplier concerns about its “unrealistic” order quantities, which have been blamed for frequent drug shortages.

the shortest period of time.”

Sarah McDonald, GB Power’s chief executive, had previously pledged to Tribune Business that the utility would avoid any “harmful rate shock” to customers still struggling to recover from Matthew’s devastation.

She added that the company would work with its regulator, the Grand Bahama Port Authority (GBPA), to determine the most appropriate method for recovering its “prudent” restoration costs once all work was completed.

“We’ll work with the GBPA to find a way to recover the prudent costs of restoration, but we don’t want a rate shock that will be harmful to people trying to get back on their feet,” Mrs McDonald empha-

sised.

However, Emera’s financial filings for the 2016 third quarter confirmed that the rebuilding of GB Power’s transmission and distribution network is estimated to cost $25 million.

“The Q3 2016 results for Emera Caribbean do not include any of the approximate $25 million of restoration costs, which are expected to be capitalised and recovered from customers over time,” Emera said of GB Power.

“The island of Grand Bahama took a direct hit from Hurricane Matthew in October 2016. Property damage on the island is extensive. GBPC’s generation and substation infrastructure generally weathered the storm well.

“However, over 1,500

transmission and distribution poles and related conduits were damaged or destroyed, as were many connections to customer homes,” it added.

“Restoration efforts are well underway, with GBPC’s team being supplemented by over 200 people and over 100 pieces of equipment from other Emera affiliates, including Tampa Electric, Emera Maine, Nova Scotia Power, and Emera Utility Services.”

Mr Seymour said the extent of the damage inflicted

by Hurricane Matthew meant that GB Power was always looking at a restoration bill that is “quite high”.

He emphasised that the rebuilding was in the interests of Emera, GB Power and the 19.6 per cent Bahamian minority investors

who hold their interest via BISX-listed ICD Utilities, given that it was impossible for the utility to earn money without a transmission and distribution network.

“They are not able to generate revenue with the distribution network being in shambles,” Mr Seymour said. “As long as the poles and high tension cables are down, their ability to generate revenue will be stymied.

They therefore have an interest in bringing back their revenue supply as quickly as they can.”

The GB Chamber added that “in any other business”, it was the responsibility of the owner to spend the necessary money to get key assets back online.

Yet GB Power is a monopoly with no competition, meaning that its regulator, the Grand Bahama Port Authority (GBPA), will play a key role in determining exactly how the utility recovers its restoration costs from consumers, and how much.

Mr Seymour, though, drew a clear distinction between GB Power’s cost recovery plans and the work it has done to re-energise Grand Bahama in Matthew’s wake, helping residents to return to some sense of normalcy.

“The way I would look at this is two-fold,” he told Tribune Business. “It’s important to put things in their proper perspective.

“I would certainly like to extend my sincere commendations, and thanks, on behalf of the business community to Emera for the pace at which they have, and continue, to carry out restoration to-date.

“It’s unmatched in the history of Freeport,” Mr Seymour added, “and had it not been for them and their quick response, we would have been long out of power for many parts of the island.”

THE TRIBUNE

Tuesday, November 15, 2016, PAGE 5

BIFF ‘taken for ride’ over Dingman deal From pg B1 Giunta and Erik Gordon, a former employee and investor/partner, respectively, in Mr Dingman’s Out West Hospitality business, which then-included the iconic Traveller’s Restaurant in western New Providence and several other brands.

A March 27, 2014, e-mail sent by Mr Dingman to his personal assistant, Vicki Inskeep-Brown, reveals that he and Mr Gordon are to keep $100,000 from the proceeds of various wire transfers to help purchase BIFF. “Erik and I have partnered up in the Bahamas in a 50/50 partnership,” Mr

Dingman wrote. “As you are aware, as of today I have invested $1.3 million.

“With the math you have provided me, after Erik wires the $800,000 deposit for the hotel, and we keep $100,000 to close the Bahamas Film Festival, we will be close to even as partners.”

Mr Dingman’s e-mail refers to Out West Hospitality experiencing exchange control issues, referring to “problems we have been having wiring funds out of the Bahamas due to the Central Bank”.

He later returns to BIFF, saying: “This still leaves Erik short of my total in-

Govt urged to clarify $1m residency threshold From pg B1 estate market in a tangible way, while maintaining the integrity and profile of the Bahamas as a premier financial centre.”

However, Ms Sweeting pointed to an April 2011 address in the House of Assembly given by former prime minister, Hubert Ingraham, in which he revealed changes to the Bahamas’ National Investment Policy.

Mr Ingraham said the real estate investment threshold, above which foreign residents could “seek accelerated consideration of permanent resident status” had been increased (tripled) from $500,000 to $1.5 million.

Ms Sweeting said she was unaware of any change to that $1.5 million benchmark prior to Ms Strachan’s announcement last Thursday. If correct, this means the new $1 million threshold represents a decrease not an increase.

“When did it change?”

Ms Sweeting asked of the $1.5 million benchmark set

by Mr Ingraham. “If it was back down to $500,000, when did it happen?”

The BREA chief was backed by Bahamian financial services provider Paul Moss, who said he also thought the previous benchmark was $1.5 million.

“Unless I’m in a time warp, I recall that threshold was raised to $1.5 million under the previous administration,” the Dominion Management Services president told Tribune Business.

“If I’m correct, they raised that to $1.5 million for someone wanting to buy real estate or invest. Either I’m missing someone or I’m in a time warp.”

The resulting uncertainty

to advertise today in the tribune call @ 502-2394

over whether the new $1 million threshold represents an increase or decrease is ‘bad for business’ for the Bahamas, as all investors operate on confidence and predictability.

Any confusion will result in mixed marketing and promotional messages from Bahamian realtors and attorneys to their foreign clients, while the notion of an

vestment, but we do not need these funds until we take over the hotel and, potentially, the Bahamas Film Festival.”

The identity of the hotel targeted for purchase is not disclosed, but the e-mail shows that Mr Dingman, son of world-renowned entrepreneur and Lyford Cay resident, Michael, was moving at a frenetic pace to build himself a Bahamasbased business empire.

A permanent resident of the Bahamas himself, the New York court case documents suggest that Mr Dingman opted for ‘helter skelter’ expansion, moving on to another Out West Hospitality restaurant brand before properly bedding in previous acquisitions and ventures.

Ms Vanderpool, mean-

while, said she had been left “embarrassed” after BIFF was unable to deliver on pledges made on the basis of Mr Dingman’s impending takeover.

“It caused me embarrassment because I was promising people and companies things, and guaranteeing them through Jamie, and Jamie was saying he was acquiring the Festival,” Ms Vanderpool told Tribune Business.

“I was making partnerships based on that [happening], and I was embarrassed by it not coming through. I was producing in California, and had to come home and put the Festival back in order.”

Describing the failed negotiations with Mr Dingman as “a shame”, Ms Vanderpool added: “He

brought a lot of people in on the conversation, and they were very aggressive to the point that I didn’t want them involved because of the way they did business.

“Thank God it wasn’t taken over by his group. Fortunately, I didn’t lose a lot of other companies involved.

It was a huge disappointment; a year-and-a-half of negotiations and personally being disappointed. I was very surprised that it came from someone of his stature and family.”

BIFF has become a major fixture in the Bahamian cultural calendar, with its 13th instalment set for December 5-11, 2016.

Its website markets BIFF as “a non-profit organisation” that aims to provide Bahamians with access to diverse films from around

the world, enhancing this nation’s cultural and educational experiences, and opening up the TV and movie industries.

BIFF touted the $20 million “public relations value” created by the Festival, which it says has attracted more than one million global film enthusiasts to the showing of over 1,000 films.

Among the celebrities that have attended past Festivals are Johnny Depp, Nicolas Cage, Laurence Fishburne, Chaz Ebert, Debra Messing, Danny Glover, Heather Graham, Alan Arkin, Sir Sean Connery, Roger Corman, Daryl Hannah, Sophie Okonedo, Anna Faris, Naomie Harris, Zoe Kravitz, Lenny Kravitz, Sydney Tamiia Poitier, Roger Guenveur Smith and Lee Daniels.

‘increase’ could also deter investment.

“In this business environment, where investor confidence is so poor, that might be a good thing,” Ms Sweeting said of the ‘decrease’ to $1 million.

“In good times, you can raise that bar, but not in bad times. That’s my personal opinion.”

The confusion is likely to reignite debate about whether the Bahamas’ National Investment Policy needs to be codified and become law, as the various

international trade agreements this nation is entering - or poised to enter - are demanding.

Mr Ingraham, in his 2011 address, acknowledged that the National Investment Policy was something governments “can change when they see fit”.

Putting his finger on the problem, the former prime

minister added: “The policies were first articulated and published in a formal way in 1993, as my government sought to bring increased certainty and transparency to our business and investment environment, thereby enhancing the country’s attractiveness to the foreign direct investment required to foster eco-

nomic growth.

“It would be most appreciated if Honourable Members [MPs] and the public become familiar with the terms of the Investment Policy of the Bahamas.

Much misinformation is communicated from time to time about the investment policies of the Bahamas.”

The Bahamas Anti-Doping Commission is presently considering applications for an

OFFICE MANAGER

PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS: A minimum of an Associate Degree (or candidacy) in Business/Accounting/Economics/Management; A minimum of three (3) years experience in office administration; Strong organizational skills This position will involve interaction with important national and international sporting personalities as well as national and international stakeholders therefore the job holder is expected to be self-motivated, well-spoken and able to operate with minimal supervision.

RELEVANT SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE: Communication Skills: Strong written and oral communication skills.

Computer Skills: Proficient in Microsoft office, Word, use of Spread Sheets etc.

RELEVANT SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE: Business Leadership • Is visionary and shares and translates the vision into clear strategies.

• Maintains an organization-wide perspective.

Must be willing to buy into the Commission’s business strategy.

• Understands that efficiency is critical to the Commission’s success.

• Instrumental in advancing the cause of the Commission. Passionate about what can be achieved.

People Leadership • Guides, develops and inspires others to achieve the goals of the Commission.

Works openly and collaboratively with Trainers and Commission Members.

• Communicates in a compelling and articulate manner that instills commitments. Appreciates the importance of relationships. Values the contribution of others.

Kindly forward Resumes to: The Chairman P. O. Box SPO63814 Nassau, Bahamas

THIRD QUARTER INTERIM FINANCIAL REPORT FamGuard Corporation Limited Consolidated Statement of Financial Position As at 30 September 2016 (Expressed in BSD)

Unaudited 30 September 2016 $

31 December 2015 $

ASSETS Fair value through profit of loss Available for sale Held-to-maturity Loans Total investment assets Cash and bank balances Reinsurance assets Receivables and other assets Intangible Assets Premiums receivable, net Property, plant and equipment, net TOTAL ASSETS

13,766,154 14,046,383 155,023,257 77,934,443 260,770,237

13,565,734 13,245,237 147,967,758 77,269,049 252,047,778

19,037,124 9,266,916 15,379,435 578,333 3,700,723 33,649,627 $342,382,395

10,187,065 8,677,855 13,372,284 653,333 5,412,891 34,184,418 $324,535,623

197,032,171 17,297,073 214,329,244 12,684,873 227,014,117

187,287,913 18,270,484 205,558,397 10,862,444 216,420,841

10,000,000 2,000,000 10,801,080 16,665,993 42,693,398 82,160,471 33,207,807 115,368,278 $342,382,395

10,000,000 2,000,000 10,801,080 15,939,372 38,356,787 77,097,239 31,017,543 108,114,782 $324,535,623

LIABILITIES AND EQUITY LIABILITIES: Reserves for future policyholders' benefits Other policyholders' funds Policy liabilities Payables and accruals Total liabilities EQUITY: Preference shares Ordinary shares Share premium Revaluation reserve Retained earnings Equity attributable to owners of the Parent Non-controlling interest Total equity TOTAL LIABILITIES & EQUITY

FamGuard Corporation Limited Consolidated Statement of Profit or Loss For the nine months ended 30 September 2016 (Expressed in BSD)

Unaudited 9 MONTHS to 30 September 2016

9 MONTHS to 30 September 2015

$

$

INCOME Net premium income Annuity deposits Net premium income and annuity deposits Investment income Other operating income Total income

68,156,795 9,800,570 77,957,365 10,888,400 2,022,581 90,868,346

67,286,209 9,118,133 76,404,342 10,734,946 1,401,803 88,541,091

BENEFITS AND EXPENSES Net policyholders’ benefits Operating expenses Commissions

56,969,902 17,873,998 8,839,518

57,442,985 17,180,037 8,709,794

Total benefits and expenses PROFIT PROFIT ATTRIBUTABLE TO: Ordinary Shareholders Preferred Shareholders Non-controlling interests Earnings per ordinary share

83,683,418

83,332,816

$7,184,928

$5,208,275

6,136,611 312,500 735,817 $7,184,928 $0.61

3,472,582 $312,500 1,423,193 $5,208,275 $0.35

The complete set of unaudited interim consolidated financial statements is available on the Company’s website at: www.famguardbahamas.com FamGuard Corporation Limited is the parent holding company of: Family Guardian Insurance Company Limited; FG Insurance Agents & Brokers Limited; FG Capital Markets Limited; FG Financial Limited

PAGE 6, Tuesday, November 15, 2016

Bahamas urged to ‘review’ corporate income tax merits

From pg B1

be resisted by ordinary Bahamians and create a major ‘cultural shock’, Ms McCartney said the focus was on the corporate side.

“Income tax is not something we have been advocating for,” she told this newspaper. “What we are advocating for is a review of the tax structure, particularly in the context of

MARKET REPORT MONDAY, 14 NOVEMBER 2016

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

BISX ALL SHARE INDEX: CLOSE 1,915.61 | CHG -0.09 | %CHG 0.00 | YTD 91.66 | YTD% 5.03 BISX LISTED & TRADED SECURITIES 52WK HI 4.25 17.43 9.09 3.50 4.70 0.18 8.28 8.50 6.10 10.60 15.50 2.72 1.60 5.82 9.00 11.00 8.50 6.90 12.25 11.00

52WK LOW 2.50 17.43 8.19 3.50 1.77 0.12 5.50 8.05 5.50 7.66 13.05 2.18 1.31 5.60 6.60 8.56 6.12 6.23 11.81 10.00

PREFERENCE SHARES 1000.00 1000.00 1000.00 1000.00

900.00 1000.00 1000.00 1000.00

1.00 106.00 100.00 106.00 105.00 105.00 100.00 10.00 1.01

1.00 105.50 100.00 100.00 105.00 100.00 100.00 10.00 1.01

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

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

LAST CLOSE 4.06 15.85 9.09 3.50 1.96 0.12 5.60 8.50 5.83 10.50 13.98 2.28 1.55 5.82 8.78 9.00 8.50 6.61 11.93 10.00

CLOSE 4.06 15.85 9.09 3.50 1.96 0.12 5.60 8.50 5.83 10.50 13.98 2.17 1.55 5.82 8.78 9.00 8.50 6.61 11.93 10.00

CHANGE 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 -0.11 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

Cable Bahamas Series 6 Cable Bahamas Series 8 Cable Bahamas Series 9 Cable Bahamas Series 10 Colina Holdings Class A Commonwealth Bank Class Commonwealth Bank Class Commonwealth Bank Class Commonwealth Bank Class Commonwealth Bank Class Commonwealth Bank Class Fidelity Bank Class A Focol Class B

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

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

1000.00 1000.00 1000.00 1000.00 1.00 100.00 100.00 100.11 100.00 100.00 100.00 10.00 1.01

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

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

SYMBOL FBB17 FBB18 FBB22

LAST SALE 100.00 100.00 100.00

CLOSE 100.00 100.00 100.00

CHANGE 0.00 0.00 0.00

Bahamas Note 6.95 (2029) BGS: 2014-12-3Y BGS: 2015-1-3Y BGS: 2014-12-5Y BGS: 2015-1-5Y BGS: 2014-12-7Y BGS: 2015-1-7Y BGS: 2014-12-30Y BGS: 2015-1-30Y BGS: 2015-6-3Y BGS: 2015-6-5Y BGS: 2015-6-7Y BGS: 2015-6-30Y BGS: 2015-10-3Y BGS: 2015-10-5Y BGS: 2015-10-7Y

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

113.56 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00

111.71 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00

-1.85 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

E J K L M N

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

52WK LOW 100.00 100.00 100.00

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

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

VOLUME

200 14 2,650 100

500 500

VOLUME

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

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

P/E 13.4 11.7 8.4 15.9 N/M N/M 30.3 15.4 11.5 19.4 26.5 23.1 9.3 11.4 14.3 9.4 13.1 9.4 15.8 0.0

YIELD 2.22% 6.31% 0.00% 4.57% 0.00% 0.00% 3.34% 3.06% 3.43% 3.43% 4.36% 2.76% 2.58% 4.12% 3.13% 0.00% 3.29% 1.82% 5.36% 0.00%

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

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

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

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

INTEREST 7.00% 6.00% Prime + 1.75%

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

6.95% 4.00% 4.00% 4.25% 4.25% 4.50% 4.50% 6.25% 6.25% 4.00% 4.25% 4.50% 6.25% 3.50% 3.88% 4.25%

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

MUTUAL FUNDS 52WK HI 2.01 3.91 1.93 169.70 140.34 1.45 1.67 1.56 1.09 6.94 8.65 5.92 9.94 11.15 10.46

52WK LOW 1.67 3.04 1.68 164.74 116.70 1.40 1.61 1.50 1.03 6.41 7.62 5.66 8.65 10.54 9.57

FUND CFAL Bond Fund CFAL Balanced Fund CFAL Money Market Fund CFAL Global Bond Fund CFAL Global Equity Fund FG Financial Preferred Income Fund FG Financial Growth Fund FG Financial Diversified Fund FG Financial Global USD Bond Fund Royal Fidelity Bahamas Opportunities Fund - Secured Balanced Fund Royal Fidelity Bahamas Opportunities Fund - Targeted Equity Fund Royal Fidelity Bahamas Opportunities Fund - Prime Income Fund Royal Fidelity Int'l Fund - Equities Sub Fund Royal Fidelity Int'l Fund - High Yield Fund Royal Fidelity Int'l Fund - Alternative Strategies Fund

NAV 2.01 3.90 1.93 169.70 140.34 1.45 1.67 1.56 1.09 6.94 8.65 5.92 9.59 11.15 9.57

YTD% 12 MTH% 3.11% 4.17% 3.28% 4.34% 2.07% 2.93% 4.73% 5.64% 5.70% 7.66% 2.86% 3.86% 2.64% 3.93% 2.51% 3.63% 5.44% 4.48% 4.05% 8.28% 5.93% 13.53% 2.73% 4.73% 3.97% -3.53% 2.96% 4.33% -4.26% -6.22%

NAV Date 30-Sep-2016 30-Sep-2016 30-Sep-2016 30-Sep-2016 30-Sep-2016 30-Sep-2016 30-Sep-2016 30-Sep-2016 30-Sep-2016 31-Jul-2016 31-Jul-2016 31-Jul-2016 31-Jul-2016 31-Jul-2016 31-Jul-2016

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

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

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

THE TRIBUNE

corporate tax.

“Businesses pay a lot in fees and licenses, but it doesn’t equate to them getting the benefits of double tax agreements, so we need to strike a balance there.

“It’s time for us to review how we tax entities such that the world sees it for what it is.”

Calls for the Bahamas to seriously examine the implementation of a low rate income/corporate tax have gained momentum in recent years as a result of the changing international financial services environment.

Paul Moss, president of Dominion Management Services, told Tribune Business earlier this year that the Bahamas needed to implement such tax reforms itself, rather than be seen as forced into doing so by the likes of the Organisation of Economic Co-Operation and Development (OECD) and European Union (EU).

He argued that the Bahamas had to accept, and come to grips with, global demands for ‘tax transparency’ and compete in the same arena through implementing either a corporate or income tax.

A switch from the Bahamas’ current ‘no tax’ platform to one that is based on a ‘low rate’ corporate/income tax could give this nation extra legitimacy, helping to shed the so-called ‘tax haven’ label, while also attracting companies to domicile and do business here.

Such a move would also pave the way for the Bahamas to enter into double taxation treaties with other nations. These agreements would ensure that foreign companies and individuals were taxed only in the Bahamas - and at lower rates - on profits and capital they wanted to repatriate back home.

Barbados has become the ‘Caribbean jurisdiction of choice’ for Canadianowned companies, for instance, because its ‘double tax’ agreement with Ottawa allows their income to be taxed only at its lower rates.

And implementing a corporate income tax would also enable the Bahamas to avoid one of the three criteria the EU is employing to draw up its latest ‘blacklist’ of jurisdictions deemed uncooperative on tax matters.

The taxation ‘review’ is among the proposals the Government has yet to approve, although it has given the nod to other reforms designed to improve the financial services industry’s competitiveness.

Hope Strachan, minister of financial services, last week confirmed that the Christie Cabinet had approved the introduction of Tax Residency Certificates for investors who either live, or have business interests, in the Bahamas.

Ms McCartney yesterday said the BFSB and wider financial services industry had been urging the issuance of such Certificates

“for a while”, as it would make the Bahamas “more attractive” to the sector’s high net worth client base.

The BFSB chief executive, though, emphasised that the Government had only approved the Tax Residency Certificate “concept”, and it now needed to work with the private sector on its practical implementation.

“I don’t think it’s a question of advantage and attraction,” Ms McCartney said of the Tax Residency Certificate’s impact. “It’s how does it make us more competitive.

“If people are investing in the Bahamas, residing in the Bahamas, they should be able to get credit for it.

To the extent they have a substantial connection to this jurisdiction, pay taxes and fees here, spend considerable time here, this should reinforce these three things.”

The Tax Residency Certificate could prove a valuable for foreign investors and residents, as it will show they are in the Bahamas legitimately and for a specific period of time every year - something that will prove useful in dealing with home country tax authorities and may lessen reporting requirements.

Ms McCartney, though, implied that the Bahamas was again playing ‘catch up’, as she confirmed that rival jurisdictions already provide Tax Residency Certificates to their foreign residents.

However, she added: “It’s step in the right direction as we seek to reposition the jurisdiction to respond to the changing operating environment and make it more competitive.”

Ms McCartney said the Government’s decision not to offer economic citizenship, where major investors would be given accelerated consideration for Bahamian citizenship once they invested a certain sum in this nation, would not hurt the financial services industry.

“It’s not on the table, so we propose to work with the Government in the context of permanent residency,” she told Tribune Business.

“That’s the policy position, and economic citizenship is not something the policymakers are willing to consider at the moment.

“It’s not an impediment to the Bahamas’ advantage. In the grand scheme of things, there are other things that give is a competitive advantage.”

Ms McCartney again urged the Government to reform its Immigration policies and procedures where high net worth investors are concerned, and to spend “considerable effort to address” the slippage in the World Bank’s ‘ease of doing business’ report.

PUBLIC NOTICE

INTENT TO CHANGE NAME BY DEED POLL The Public is hereby advised that I, GREGORY FRANCIS LEWIS of Farm Road and Lumumba Road (Kool Acres) New Providence, Bahamas intend to change my name to GREGORY FRANCIS ARCHER. If there are any objections to this change of name by Deed Poll, you may write such objections to the Chief Passport Officer, P.O.Box N-742, Nassau, Bahamas no later than thirty (30) days after the date of publication of this notice.

NOTICE

NOTICE is hereby given that DIANA AURELHOMME of Carib Road off Mackey Street,P.O. Box CR-54802 Nassau, Bahamas is applying to the Minister responsible for Nationality and Citizenship, for registration/naturalization as a citizen of The Bahamas, and that any person who knows any reason why registration/naturalization should not be granted, should send a written and signed statement of the facts within twenty-eight days from the 15th day of November, 2016 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, Bahamas.

NOTICE

NOTICE is hereby given that MARIO JEAN LOUIS of East Street, Lucky Heart Corner, Nassau, Bahamas is applying to the Minister responsible for Nationality and Citizenship, for registration/ naturalization as a citizen of The Bahamas, and that any person who knows any reason why registration/naturalization should not be granted, should send a written and signed statement of the facts within twenty-eight days from the 8th day of November, 2016 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, Bahamas.

THE TRIBUNE

Tuesday, November 15, 2016, PAGE 7

US stocks finish level as tech losses cancel out bank gains in fact be somewhat inflationary,” said PNC Chief Investment Strategist Bill Stone.

The Dow Jones industrial average gained 21.03 points, or 0.1 percent, to close at 18,868.69, another all-time high. The Standard & Poor’s 500 index dipped 0.25 points to 2,164.20 after it fell as much as 0.4 percent earlier. The Nasdaq composite sank 18.72 points, or 0.4 percent, to 5,218.40.

Technology companies fell sharply, with familiar names taking some of the largest losses. Apple gave up $2.72, or 2.5 percent, to $105.71 while Facebook declined $3.94, or 3.3 percent, to $115.08 and Microsoft slid 90 cents, or 1.5 percent, to $58.12. Alphabet, the parent company of Google, slipped $18.53, or 2.4 percent, to $753.22.

Bond prices fell and yields jumped as investors anticipated that Trump’s spending plans would lead

to higher inflation and more government borrowing. The yield on the 10year U.S. Treasury note climbed to 2.25 percent from 2.14 percent late Thursday. Bond trading was closed Friday for the Veterans’ Day holiday. The day before the Nov. 8 election, the yield was 1.83 percent. That’s a huge move for that benchmark rate.

Goldman Sachs rose $5.24 percent, to 2.6 percent, to $209.18 and Bank of America rose $1.06, or 5.6 percent, to $20.08. JPMorgan Chase picked up $2.82, or 3.7 percent, to $79.51.

Stone said investors are focused on potential corporate and individual tax cuts, a “wave of deregulation” that eliminates some of the rules governing businesses like energy companies and banks, and more protectionism on trade, which could hurt sales for companies that do a lot of business overseas.

Investors are also pleased at the prospect of looser regulation and bigger profits. For example, Trump’s election could result in big changes to the Dodd-Frank financial reform bill or to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. Stone added that corporate dealmaking could increase if Trump’s administration takes a looser approach to antitrust regulation. Several companies announced deals or deal offers Mon-

day.

South Korean conglomerate Samsung said it will buy Harman International for $8 billion, or $112 a share. Harman makes electronics for cars including audio systems and safety and entertainment features. Its stock jumped $22.07, or 25.2 percent, to $109.72.

German industrial equipment company Siemens agreed to buy software maker Mentor Graphics for $4.5 billion,

or $37.25 a share. Mentor’s stock rose $5.61, or 18.3 percent, to $36.29.

Shares of communication adapter maker Digi International rose $1.75, or 15 percent, to $13.40 after the company said it received an offer from Belden, a communications equipment company. Digi said it rejected the bid of $13.82 a share, or about $359 million, because it’s too low. Belden stock added $1.52, or 2.2 percent, to $71.22.

Trump set to roll back Obama policies on energy, environment

tions designed to cut down on smog.

Those under consideration for energy secretary include Harold Hamm, an Oklahoma oil tycoon and leading proponent of fracking, and North Dakota Rep. Kevin Cramer, an early Trump supporter from a major oil drilling state, according to transition planning documents obtained

by The Associated Press.

Venture capitalist Robert Grady, who worked in President George H.W. Bush’s administration, is listed as a contender to lead both the Energy and Interior departments.

Cramer told reporters Monday he is happy to stay in Congress, especially “with a friend in the White House. And if another good

friend like Harold Hamm would become secretary of energy, I’d feel like I won the lottery.”

A coalition of conservative states has challenged both the Clean Power Plan and the water rule, which expanded the definition of waters protected under the Clean Water Act to smaller non-navigable waters and seasonal tributaries.

The administration says the rule would safeguard drinking water for 117 million people, but Republicans and some Democrats representing rural areas say the regulations are costly, confusing and amount to a government power grab.

Federal courts have put the rules on hold as judges review lawsuits.

Trump also is likely to

move quickly to approve the Keystone XL oil pipeline from Canada, which Obama rejected last year.

Trump highlighted the project at a campaign stop in Florida last month and listed it among his top priorities for the first 100 days of his administration.

Karen Harbert, president and CEO of the U.S.

Chamber of Commerce’s Institute for 21st Century Energy, said Trump can and will move quickly to overturn Obama’s executive orders. From there, he will likely move to approve a new five-year plan that vastly expands offshore drilling and lift a moratorium on coal leasing on federal lands.

NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. stocks came back from an early loss and finished almost unchanged Monday. Technology companies like Apple and Microsoft took big losses on fears about their overseas revenue, but bank stocks continued to surge along with bond yields.

Technology stocks have been weak since last week’s election, and they fell further Monday as investors wonder if Donald Trump’s policies as president will hurt their sales in China and other markets overseas. Bank stocks built on their post-election gains as bond yields continued to rise. That paves the way for banks to make more money from lending. Government bond yields are now at their highest levels since January.

“The market is sniffing out the belief that some of these Trump policies may drive some better economic growth but also may

WASHINGTON (AP) — President-elect Donald Trump is considering an oil billionaire and a North Dakota lawmaker for top posts as he moves to roll back President Barack Obama’s environmental and energy policies and allow unfettered production of oil, coal and natural gas.

Trump has vowed to rescind “all job-destroying Obama executive actions” and pledges to sharply increase oil and gas drilling on federal lands while opening up offshore drilling in the Atlantic Ocean and other areas where it is blocked.

Topping Trump’s to-do list is repealing the Clean Power Plan, Obama’s signature effort to limit carbon pollution from coal-fired power plants. The plan — the linchpin of Obama’s strategy to fight climate change — is currently on hold awaiting a court ruling.

Trump also is targeting recent Obama administra-

Robert Grady is seen in Trenton, N.J. Grady is being considered to run Trump’s Energy Department, according to transition planning documents obtained by The Associated Press. (AP Photo)

tion efforts to reduce air and water pollution that have been opposed by Republicans and industries that profit from the extraction and burning of fossil fuels, including a rule to protect small streams and wetlands and ozone regula-

N O T I C E EXXONMOBIL EXPLORATION AND PRODUCTION UGANDA (VENTURES) LIMITED ________________________________________________ N O T I C E IS HEREBY GIVEN as follows: (a) EXXONMOBIL EXPLORATION AND PRODUCTION UGANDA (VENTURES) LIMITED is in dissolution under the provisions of the International Business Companies Act 2000. (b) The dissolution of the said Company commenced on the 11th day of November, 2016 when its Articles of Dissolution were submitted to and registered by the Registrar General.

Trader Michael Milano works on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange, yesterday. Stocks are opening modestly higher on Wall Street, led by gains in banks as interest rates continue to rise. (AP Photo)

PUBLIC NOTICE

INTENT TO CHANGE NAME BY DEED POLL The Public is hereby advised that I, FELICIA D. GRIFFITH of New Providence, Bahamas mother of JAYDEN TATUM REECE GRIFFITH, a minor intend to change my child’s name to TATUM REECE JAYDEN HALL. If there are any objections to this change of name by Deed Poll, you may write such objections to the Chief Passport Officer, P.O.Box N-742, Nassau, Bahamas no later than thirty (30) days after the date of publication of this notice.

NOTICE EXXONMOBIL EXPLORATION AND PRODUCTION UGANDA (VENTURES) LIMITED ____________________________________________

Creditors having debts or claims against the abovenamed Company are required to send particulars thereof to the undersigned c/o P.O. Box N-624, Nassau, Bahamas on or before 12th day of December, A.D., 2016. In default thereof they will be excluded from the benefit of any distribution made by the Liquidator.

Dated the 15th day of November, A.D., 2016.

R.W. Rice Liquidator 22777 Springwoods Village Parkway Spring, Texas 77389 U.S.A.

NOTICE OF DISSOLUTION

NOTICE OF DISSOLUTION

WCFT Holdings Limited

DCFT Holdings Limited

Pursuant to the provisions of Section 138 (8) of the International Business Companies Act, 2000, notice is hereby given that WCFT Holdings Limited has been dissolved and struck off the Register of Companies as of the 7th day of November, 2016 and a Certificate of Dissolution issued by the Registrar General.

Pursuant to the provisions of Section 138 (8) of the International Business Companies Act, 2000, notice is hereby given that DCFT Holdings Limited has been dissolved and struck off the Register of Companies as of the 7th day of November, 2016 and a Certificate of Dissolution issued by the Registrar General.

Anthony Inder Rieden Liquidator

Anthony Inder Rieden Liquidator

(c) The Liquidator of the said Company is R.W. Rice, of 22777 Springwoods Village Parkway, Spring, Texas 77389, U.S.A. Dated the 15th day of November, 2016 HARRY B. SANDS, LOBOSKY MANAGEMENT CO. LTD. Registered Agent for the above-named Company

N O T I C E MAJESTIC MARITIME LTD. ____________________________________ Pursuant to the Provisions of Section 138 (8) of the International Business Companies Act 2000 notice is hereby given that the abovenamed Company has been dissolved and struck off the Register pursuant to a Certificate of Dissolution issued by the Registrar General on the 1ST day of November, 2016.

NOTICE Cotrade Limited NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN as follows: (a) Cotrade Limited is in dissolution under the provisions of the International Business Companies Act 2000. (b) The dissolution of the said Company commenced on the 9th day of November, 2016 when its Articles of Dissolution were submitted to and registered by the Registrar General. (c) The Liquidator of the said Company is Mr. Delano Aranha of Ocean Centre, Montagu Foreshore, East Bay Street, P.O. Box N-3247, Nassau, Bahamas

N O T I C E INVEX CHILE INC. ____________________________________ Pursuant to the Provisions of Section 138 (8) of the International Business Companies Act 2000 notice is hereby given that the abovenamed Company has been dissolved and struck off the Register pursuant to a Certificate of Dissolution issued by the Registrar General on the 1ST day of November, 2016.

Dated the 9th day of November, A.D., 2016.

Delano Aranha Liquidator of MAJESTIC MARITIME LTD.

H & J CORPORATE SERVICES LTD. Registered Agent for the above-named Company

Delano Aranha Liquidator of INVEX CHILE INC.

THE TRIBUNE

Tuesday, November 15, 2016, PAGE 9

b o dy an d m in d

Hundreds turn out for diabetes symposium

By ALESHA CADET

Tribune Features Reporter

acadet@tribunemedia.net

Of the estimated 35,000 persons living with diabetes in the Bahamas, several hundred turned up to a special symposium this past weekend to hear important information and receive support in coping with the disease.

As countries around the globe observed World Diabetes Day yesterday, representatives at the Bahamas Diabetic Research Institute were pleased to have hosted another successful symposium which called attention to this year’s theme – “Eye on Diabetes”.

Organisers invited special guests like consultant ophthalmologist Dawn Russell-Hermanns, family medicine doctor Crispen Gomez and nutritionist Breanne Pritchard to speak on the topic in an effort to drive home the message that “prevention is better than cure” and education is key.

Coral Dean, a registered nurse and programme coordinator at the Institute, said she is happy that those who attended the symposium understood the importance of diabetes care expanding far beyond just taking medication.

“Most of us as Bahamians, once the doctor prescribes medication you feel like that is the end of it and you don’t have to do anything else. But in managing diabetes, you have to take your medication, monitor your blood sugar several times a day, eat a healthy diet and physically exercise,” said Nurse Dean.

During the symposium, she said, persons were made aware of the group sessions the Institute offers on a regular basis to pro-

Dr Dawn Russell-Hermanns speak at ‘Eye on Diabetes’ symposium

There was standing room only at last weekend’s diabetes symposium which sought to stress the message of “prevention is better than cure”.

Photos/Shawn Hanna vide information on living with diabetes.

“The whole idea is to focus on prevention and control of the disease. The feedback was very positive and everyone here was so overwhelmed by the wealth of knowledge that came from our doctors, and they were so empowered by the information. A lot of them

who have been diabetic for a long time; they were just happy that they took advantage of the opportunity to come and listen and they learned a whole lot,” said Nurse Dean.

Employed at the Institute for little over a year now, Nurse Dean said this was her second time participating in the World Diabetes

Day activities and it exceeded her expectations.

“This was really far beyond our imagination. We had standing room only.

Our numbers were well in the hundreds. These activities were important because of the large number of persons who are diagnosed almost on a daily basis with diabetes. We have more

than 387 million persons living with diabetes in the world. In the Bahamas alone, the last statistics show that we have more than 35,000 persons with diabetes,” said Nurse Dean.

She said the Bahamas is becoming more and more fast food oriented each day and persons are not cooking in their homes like they used to.

“These fast foods, even though convenient, are bad for us and we see now there is so much obesity, and obesity is one of the things that put persons at the risk for Type 2 diabetes. We are seeing more and more of our children who are developing Type 2 diabetes because of the fact that they are overweight. The body can no longer utilise the insulin that is produced by the pancreas, so therefore they

become pre-diabetic or diabetic on the whole, and I am passionate about this especially,” said Nurse Dean.

Her goal is to educate children as well as their parents; teaching them to eat healthy and encouraging them to be physically active so they can live healthy lives.

“I am sure when you look around and walk the streets you see people are overweight and a lot of them are pre-diabetic and are not even aware of it until something happens. Education is key and so one of the things we a started a year ago was, I personally started going into the schools to speak with family life teachers as well as the nurses and counsellors to speak on prevention,” said Nurse Dean.

Health Education Officer Emile Lesbott shared words of wisdom with a BTVI student during the HIV health initiative.

BTVI wants students to ‘know their status’

By Hadassah Hall

As an 18-year-old who already has a baby, a Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institution (BTVI) student spoke candidly about why she recently participated in the school’s free HIV testing. The teenager said she takes every opportunity to know her status.

“You have to take your sexual health seriously. Abstinence is best, but I encourage people to wrap it up. There are a lot of sexually transmitted diseases out there. It could happen to you,” said the young woman.

HIV/AIDS is one of the leading causes of death among young people in the country. Hence, BTVI recently held its fifth annual campus-wide “Know Your Status” HIV testing initiative.

Before the rapid testing, there were brief informational sessions to strengthen awareness of the deadly disease. Discussions included how the virus is spread and preventative measures – all a part of the educational component to help people make informed decisions.

BTVI has had nearly 1,000 students, staff and faculty tested for HIV over the past five years, according to Dean of Student Services Racquel Bethel.

Ms Bethel said BTVI’s collaboration with the HIV/ AIDS Centre shows the importance of partnership regarding the nation’s future.

“The fact that BTVI plays a vital role in building the nation’s workforce, we want our students to be good citizens and healthy.

It’s important to not just educate them with technical and vocational skills,

but to provide them with resources to keep them well,” she said.

“According to United Nations’ AIDS statistics for 2015, there are just over 8,000 Bahamians living with HIV and the prevalence rate of adults aged 15 to 49 is 3.2 per cent. The reality is, young people will make their own decisions, but if educated, they can make the right choices.”

Health Educator Emile Lesbott also underscored the importance of education.

“People die for the lack of knowledge. Rapid testing is the way to go. It’s a free line before you get into trouble.

Get yourself tested,” he advised, “it arms you to make good decisions and not take risks.”

Another health educator, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, said today’s

youth are easily exposed to sex.

“They are exposed to sexual images on social media like WhatsApp and Facebook. We want them to be responsible. They must link the reality of sexual activity and HIV,” he said.

While waiting to be tested, an Auto Mechanics major said too many people are not practicing safe sex.

“They don’t have money to buy condoms or diaphragms. They still have sex based on mood and time. I think it is important for organisations like this to provide information on viruses that can be caught during sex. I’m not shy about it. So that’s why I came to be tested,” said the 21-year-old.

During the testing, the Red Cross manned what it dubbed as a “condemise booth”. They were distributing pins and badges

BTVI cosmetology students visited the “condomise booth” at the “Know Your Status” HIV testing event. strung on necklaces. The idea was that wearing them would encourage others to ask questions about condoms and safe sex.

Meanwhile, an Electrical Installation student also believes sexual safety is important.

“Whether young or old, it is important to be educated on HIV. It’s best to know.

Put pride aside. Sex is not a game. At least protect yourself,” the 18-year-old said.

Another student was frank about why she was being tested.

“As someone who is sexually active I want to make sure I am healthy. We have a lot of people having unprotected sex. They feel

they can trust their partner.

They don’t realise they can only trust a condom. I am very strict about condoms.

I don’t want to open myself to diseases,” said the 23-year-old.

It is one of the reasons BTVI’s Student Affairs department’s programmes expand six dimensions of wellness including physical health. Therefore, the HIV testing was an attempt to educate about HIV and sexual health.

“Every year, students show up willingly to be tested. That’s quite encouraging. It shows a level of responsibility and self-awareness,” said Ms Bethel.

PAGE 10, Tuesday, November 15, 2016

Curvature of the spine Everyone’s spine has natural curves. These curves round our shoulders and make our lower back curve slightly inward. But some people have spines that also curve from side to side. Unlike poor posture, these curves can’t be corrected by learning to stand up straight.

This condition of side to side spinal curves is called scoliosis.

A bit of a side to side curve isn’t much to worry about; it’s when the curve gets too large there could be a problem.

A big curve can be visible and cause discomfort and in severe cases a large curve can even cause problems with breathing and circulation. On an X-ray, the spine of a person with scoliosis looks more like an “S” or a “C” than a straight line. Some of the bones in a scoliotic spine also may have rotated slightly, making the person’s waist or shoulders appear uneven.

No one really knows what causes scoliosis. Possible causes can be from a trauma such as a bad fall or car accident, a birth deformity, a short leg, or some type of neuromuscular disease. The

Doctor of Chiropractic

Dr Susan Donald most common scoliosis is called idiopathic (unknown) scoliosis.

What is known is that this type of scoliosis runs in families.

Scoliosis is more common in women than in men The most important time to watch for a developing scoliosis is between ages 10 and 18, especially in girls.

As they go the through hor-

mone change, it is the most important time to have them checked regularly for early signs of scoliosis. It is possible for a normal spine to change very rapidly during this time, especially if there is a family history of scoliosis.

The medical approach to scoliosis may include the use of a brace of some type that goes around the torso. However, this type of treatment is usually not long lasting.

Is the most severe cases, surgery may be done which usually involves a metal rod being grafted to the patient’s spine in hope of stabilising the spine. Before a drastic measure like surgery is taken, I recommend that you get a number of second opinions, which include that of a chiropractor.

As a chiropractor, my first goal is to determine the cause of the scoliosis. This is done through a case history, exam and X-rays.

Many cases of scoliosis can be helped and improvement can be made. The earlier we start the patient, the better the results will be.

Some cases of scoliosis may never be straightened out, however, that is not always the goal. Some people would be worse off if we tried

to “straighten” their spine. It is very important to understand that each case is individual and must be treated as such.

The actual treatment of scoliosis consists of regular chiropractic adjustments, which reposition the vertebrae toward better alignment. The use of physiotherapy, massage, and exercise is very important.

It is important to keep in mind that our goal is not to always “cure” or “straighten out” the scoliosis, because in a number of cases that may not be possible.

Rather our goal is to “manage”

THE TRIBUNE

the case. By regular adjustment we can keep the spine working at its optimum with a minimum amount of pressure on the nervous system. This will usually keep the patient symptom free and able to lead a normal life.

• Dr Susan Donald specialises in specific chiropractic adjustments, soft tissue and deep tissue release, craniosacral therapy, myofascial release and core distortion patterns. She can be reached at the Life Chiropractic Centre at 393-2774.

Mugs for the cure

By JEFFARAH GIBSON Tribune Features Writer jgibson@tribunemedia.net When Gina Smith discovered a lump in her breast a few years ago she found herself in a predicament that many Bahamian women face: she did not have enough money and health insurance to immediately cover the expenses of a mammogram.

In Ms Smith’s case, she was fortunate that the lumps in her breasts turned out to be non-cancerous.

However, for thousands of other women in this country the diagnosis is more dire.

Fully aware of this reality Ms Smith, who is a culture ambassador, artist and entrepreneur, decided that she wanted to do something to assist women who may not be in a position financially to have a mammogram screening.

As the owner of Cultureware, a local dinnerware line, Ms Smith designed mugs dedicated to breast cancer awareness. Twenty per cent of proceeds from the mugs are donated to the Cancer Society of the Bahamas.

“This mug was designed

Local entrepreneur takes unique approach to breast cancer awareness and a sample was made almost 10 years ago but never produced. Two things initially inspired me to design the mugs. First, I recognised that a disproportionate number of Bahamian women were dying soon after being diagnosed with breast cancer and leaving young families behind. Secondly, my personal ordeal which thankfully turned out differently,” Ms Smith said.

“I realised that so many women like myself who discover a lump do not even have the funds to immediately go and check it out or can afford medical attention to determine if it is cancerous or not, that’s why I now choose to partner with the Cancer Society. We don’t need to lose another mother, father, grandmother or grandfather whose life is cut short due to this disease.

We cannot ignore or simply accept it. We have to fight back and we have to find the cure and we need the funds to help.”

The words “For the Cure” are engraved on the mug with the letters “F” and “E” designed to resemble the breast cancer awareness ribbon.

Ms Smith said the Cancer Society’s initial response to the initiative has been “very encouraging”.

She added that when it comes to issues such as breast cancer, it is important that members of the public offer ongoing support.

“The mug is one-of-itskind in the world. It has been designed by a Bahamian, but most importantly, we will be assisting the Cancer Society of the Bahamas in helping a lot of Family Island persons who have been diagnosed with the disease to come to New Providence for medical assistance,” Ms Smith told Tribune Health. “(I want) to encourage the ongoing donations and the consistent support for the fight and cure of cancer. Sometimes we start

Seal out decay!

Brushing and flossing are the main answers in preventing tooth decay and having healthy smiles. Sometimes, however, no matter how well you try to brush or how often you floss, some areas in your mouth can still present a problem. For most, it is tricky to clean every crevice of their molars. The molars are your back teeth which have fissures and grooves. Because of these grooves and fissures, the molars are a favourite place for cavity-causing bacteria to hide. Besides brushing and flossing there is another precaution one can take to prevent decay, this is a dental sealant.

A sealant is a thin, protective

Dr Tamika Ferguson coating that is bonded onto the chewing surfaces of your back

teeth. They help to keep cavities from forming in those pits and fissures. Sealants have been shown to reduce the risk of decay by nearly 80 per cent in molars.

Researchers found that children without sealants have three times more cavities than children with sealants.

The application process of a sealant is relatively simple and pain free. Your dentist will clean and dry the selected tooth, then an acidic gel is placed on the tooth for several seconds. The gel is rinsed off and the tooth dried, the sealant is then placed in the grooves of the tooth. A blue light will be used to harden the sealant onto the tooth. This quick, simple procedure acts as a great preventative measure.

Many may think sealants are only for children but this preven-

Entrepreneur Gina Smith (left) and Laverne Wildgoose of the Cancer Society of the Bahamas hold up the ‘Mugs for the Cure’. to give but then we stop, forgetting about the many needs that still exist. There are children that are being displaced and left orphans.

We have to fight back and we have to find the cure and this takes money.”

The mugs can be purchased or ordered directly from the Cancer Society of the Bahamas.

Companies that purchase 10 mugs or more will receive free delivery.

For more information, contact Gina Luree at 5440442 or e-mail culturewarebahamas@gmail.com.

tative measure is for everyone.

Regardless of age, everyone is susceptible to tooth decay. Sealants can therefore decrease the occurrence of tooth decay in anyone who wishes to have them. Children should get sealants on their permanent molars and premolars as soon as these teeth erupt. However, adults without decay or fillings in their molars can also benefit from sealants.

Aside from sealing out bacteria from the grooves of the back teeth, there are two other benefits of having sealants placed. One, you not only save time but two, you also save money.

Compared to treating a cavity or having a root canal, the price of a dental sealant is relatively cheap. By having this preventative procedure done, you save money you may have spent on correc-

tive treatment later on. Further, to have a cavity filled, you have to set aside at least thirty minutes of your time plus anesthetic is usually required. A sealant is quick and no anesthetic is needed. Since a dental sealant reduces your risk of developing cavities, you will spend a lot less time at your dentist dealing with oral health problems.

A comprehensive dental care routine includes properly brushing twice daily, flossing, a healthy diet and visiting your dentist twice yearly. Having sealants placed is a good additional measure to ensure or maintain your dental health. Sealants provide extra protection for your molars and premolars. If you are interested in sealants for you or your child, schedule a visit to your dentist to help seal out decay!

THE TRIBUNE

Tuesday, November 15, 2016, PAGE 11

Do you have the courage to ask questions?

I’ve often wondered why I was so terrified of asking questions in school. Whether it was to ask a question or to propose the answer. Just the notion of raising my hand made me nervous. However, having taken the journey of selfdiscovery, I now realise that asking questions takes courage.

This quality of courage was in short supply, if not completely absent, for my shy high school self.

Indeed, she direly needed to develop this substantive quality of courage.

Such courage must be diligently developed internally, not externally. That is why the journey of self-discovery is so fundamental.

This journey is not about the destination as it is about the journey itself. If you pay attention it teaches you that deep within, you are more courageous than you can ever imagine.

So many of us lack the courage to ask questions, and without questions we cannot get the answers that can move our lives forward.

I believe that the first step to finding courage to ask questions is to be willing to accept that there are some things that you do not know. Secondly, you must have a deeper motivation to want the answer to that question.

The ability to asking questions is a core aspect of good communication skills. For this reason, one of the principle lessons in my public speaking programme is

Michelle Miller Motivationals

Michelle M Miller building the capacity to ask openended questions.

Asking good open-ended questions engenders a more dynamic communication. This means that before you jump to any half-baked conclusions you ask questions like who, what, when, where, why and or how.

Looking on the surface of things without asking questions one can easily draw some farfetched conclusions that may not be able to withstand the light of day. Failing to ask questions, in particular the right questions, is like building your life house upon the sand.

Until they ask the “right” questions, your life solutions remain out of reach. When you develop the courage to ask questions you

Asking questions takes courage must also be mindful to listen actively. Active listening is another essential skill that is critical to solving life problems.

Most times what we think is the problem is often just a symptom of the problem. This is a good place to ask some open-ended questions to determine how you know that the problem is really the problem and not just a symptom.

Perhaps you are at this time facing some serious problems in your life. First things first, begin the process of developing your courage. Then be willing to trust yourself to ask deeper questions about the issues you are facing. The

How happy people stay happy Sometimes happy people get a bad rap. They’re considered the eternal optimists and aren’t able to see the world for how it really is, and are therefore not essentially capable of seeing or thinking realistically.

I think we can agree that most of that thinking is rubbish considering that happiness is for the most part a choice. During the festive season many people go through the holiday blues for several reasons. But there may be a few things you can do and practice to try and keep calm and happy.

Having one bad day doesn’t mean all is lost We’re human, right? Humans are complicated and life is complicated. There’s going to be many things along the way that come up

Bun In The Oven

Bianca Carter and threaten our happiness. If you’re not feeling it one day, re-

Returning home From pg B12

walks of life. Her team will work closely with the existing advocacy groups to support work already being done in this regard.

Ms Curry brings with her a wealth of international experience combined with a passion for her homeland. She grew up in the Chippingham area of New Providence with a strong mother who instilled the importance of education, excellence and self-pride in her children. And it is this kind of positive reinforcement that she wants children in the Bahamas to hear and to feel today.

Time spent with her grandmother in the Hay Street area added strong cultural and realistic elements to her upbringing that have never left her, said Ms Curry.

For nearly two decades, she has climbed the ranks of the UN. While she is working in the Bahamas, she remains a staff member of the UN, where she has worked in the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR). There, she served as the Acting Chief of Global Issues and the Gender and Women’s Rights Advisor.

In her capacity as chief, she managed, supervised and coordinated the work carried out by the office on a broad range of thematic human rights issues.

Those issues include economic, social and cultural rights and sustainable development; sexual violence in conflict; human rights and counter-terrorism; racial discrimination and the rights of minorities and indigenous peoples; and the rule of law and access to justice. Her primary functions included providing policy advice to senior leadership on global trends and developments in the UN Security Council, General Assembly, the Economic and Social Council and the Commission on the Status

of Women.

Ms Curry started her career in the UN as a human rights officer in Geneva, Switzerland in 1998, serving the Committee on the Rights of the Child. She subsequently supported several other human treaty bodies, including the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women and the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. She served as the UN Human Rights Advisor in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of East Timor during their independence struggle, facilitating the country’s ratification of the core international human rights treaties as well as the inclusion of human rights in its policies and institutions. Having come from an archipelagic nation herself, Ms Curry was able to assist the people who live on this Southeast Asian island to the best of her abilities.

Afghanistan welcomed her for 18 months, as she worked to strengthen coherence in the common policies and programmes of the Afghan government, troop contributors, donors and UN entities on issues of governance, rule of law and human rights. Her commitment and success in rolling out effective strategies led to her being selected to set up the UN’s first Women Protection Advisors to respond to conflict related to sexual violence in South Sudan. Having helped in so many areas of significance all around the world, the UN commissioned her to the headquarters in New York, where she resided for seven years before being called home.

Before joining the UN, Ms Curry worked as a personal assistant in the Office of the Prime Minister of the Bahamas and as a senior assistant secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

She attained her Master’s degree in International Human Rights Law from

member that tomorrow is a new day and full of possibilities, and that means you get to try again.

Look for the silver lining There’s a saying that goes, “expect the unexpected”, and for some, last week’s US election proved that. What’s important to remember is that you don’t control certain outcomes, and there is good in every situation no matter how dark. If things feel out of control, take a deep breath and try to look for the good, and if that’s just too hard, try to look for the not so bad.

Brush it off Holding on to things for extended lengths of time is counterproductive to happiness. Sure, everyone needs time to reflect

the University of Oxford, UK. She also holds a Master’s degree in International Affairs with a specialisation in Public International Law from the American University in Washington, DC. She further holds a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) from the University of London and a Bachelor of Arts degree in History and Social Sciences from the University of the West Indies. Her tertiary education began right at home, where she obtained an Associate’s degree in History and an Advanced Diploma in Public Policy and Administration from the College of the Bahamas.

Her daughter, Angel, said she absolutely elated about the temporary move back home, and is soaking up all the Bahamian sunshine and culture she can, while enjoying reconnecting with family members.

Ms Curry is now gearing up for an important week of events this month. Among her first duties as the new Director of the Department of Gender and Family Affairs will be overseeing National Women’s Week, which will be held November 20 - 26, under the theme: “Promoting Women as Equal Partners with Men in National Development”.

Events will include a church service; an interactive dialogue at the COB Performing Arts Centre; a forum in partnership with the Zonta Club, which launches the “Sixteen Days of Activism”, and an “Orange your Office” competition, which invites the entire Bahamas to display the colour orange in their work spaces on November 25 as a way of symbolising a brighter future without violence.

National Women’s Week will also feature Family Island forums and a fun/ health walk and celebration to be held on National Women’s Day, with a focus on young women leaders and remembering the women’s suffrage movement. Details will be published in the local press.

goal of which is to get to root of the issue. Asking better questions about the cause or root of the issue you are facing will give you a better chance at solving it.

Those who live an empowered life know the importance of asking questions. The great Albert Einstein acknowledged this truth when he said: “If I had an hour to solve a problem and my life depended on the solution, I would spend the first 55 minutes determining the proper question to ask, for once I know the proper question, I could solve the problem in less than five minutes.”

This response from Mr Ein-

stein confirms that we must ask questions. Leader to leader, take time to develop the courage to ask questions.

Asking questions gives you the confidence to live an empowered life. What do you think?

Please send your comments to coaching242@yahoo.com or 4296770.

and absorb certain things that can hamper our joy, but don’t stay in that place too long. If you can’t change it then you need to let it go.

yes, negative attracts negative. So you decide what you want in your life. It may be best to keep those family members and friends at bay. You know that saying, “Love them from a distance”. Do that.

Set your boundaries It’s hard for people to understand how essential this idea is to being happy. People are scared to set boundaries for many reasons.

But learning to say what’s OK for you and your life, and what’s not OK, is totally healthy.

Just because you don’t take everything on, doesn’t mean you don’t acknowledge it Everyone has that one friend or family member that can’t wait to share the bad news. There’s a lot of negative in the world and you can go down that road of fear, but it won’t make you happy. Yes, it may be reality, but dwelling in the negative reality of certain things is going to beat you down. And

• Michelle M Miller is a certi ed life coach, communication and leadership expert. Visit www. talktomichellemiller.com or call 1-888-620-7894; mail can be sent to PO Box CB-13060.

Wishing you the happiest of holiday seasons.

Love and hugs!

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

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

CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN THE LIVES OF THE CHILDREN AT RANFURLY

T

he Ranfurly Homes for Children has been a safe haven for thousands of Bahamian children since 1956. The Home provides a safe, structured environment for children who have been orphaned, abused, neglected or abandoned.

YOU can make a difference in the lives of the children at Ranfurly. With your support children can have nutritious food, warm beds and a safe environment where they can discover the joy of being children. For years the children living and learning at Ranfurly have made great social and academic strides.

Their further development requires additional support in the form of a Transitional Home, planned for construction on the Ranfurly property.

This residence will cater to teenagers and young adults who are beyond school age, but need accommodation while they find work and gain independence from the Home.

We look forward to your continued support in this worthwhile endeavour.

MEMBERSHIP PACKAGES Individuals, Families & Corporate Sponsors Children Helping Children - $5 (Individual children from ages 6 - 18) Individuals Helping Children - $50 (Individual adults 18 years and over) Families Helping Children - $100

CIRCLE of FRIENDS Silver: $1,500 - $2,499 Gold: $2,500 - $4,999 Platinum: $5,000 plus

OPPORTUNITIES • • • •

Invitations to Ranfurly events Assist with fundraising events Involvement with special activities Adults are eligible to join the Board after three months • Stay in touch with Ranfurly through website and newsletters

BENEFITS

• Personal fulfillment in knowing you are impacting lives • Ranfurly children’s appreciation and positive response • Continued support provides stability and constant care

For more information visit: www.ranfurlyhome.org Please “Like” us on Facebook Ranfurly Home for Children, Mackey Street P.O. Box 1413 Nassau, Bahamas 242-393-3115

SECTION b

tuesday, november 15, 2016

The cast of “The Good Girl’s Guide to Love and Romance” explore the intricacies of relationships in the modern world.

Photos/Shawn Hanna

Bahamians check out “The Good Girl’s Guide to Love and Romance”

By ALESHA CADET

Tribune Features Reporter

acadet@tribunemedia.net

F

riendship, love and the complexities of modern dating are the topics explored by the humourous play “The Good Girl’s Guide to Love and Romance” by author Davrielle Burrows.

Bahamians packed the Myles Munroe Diplomat Centre last Friday to enjoy the tale of four girlfriends who make a purity pact as children. A decade later, the four friends are vibrant, successful women, now faced with the realities of dating in the 21st century.

As they grapple with their traditional values and their desire for love, they question whether abstinence is really the best route to go.

As the playwright of the piece,

Ms Burrows said it was exciting for her to see the audience respond to the material.

She wrote, directed and produced the play largely on her own, with the assistance of the Bahamas Faith Ministries, along with several private individuals, including Andre Culmer, Ranel Pierre, and Terrance McSweeney.

Ms Burrows described the process of preparing and rehearsing for the show as a “gruelling but rewarding” task. Setting out, she said she knew it was ambitious to produce a play like “The Good Girl’s Guide”, but thanks to a talented cast of 22 she was able to pull it off in the end – despite some setbacks and delays caused

by Hurricane Matthew.

“I’m very pleased with how everything turned out. I love theatre. I’ve written two novels and turned one of them into a script for a mini series, but attending live shows is one of my favourite things to do. Earlier this year,

when I started developing a new storyline concept I knew I wanted to produce it in a relatively short time span, and considering that along with a tight budget I knew I wanted to bring it to the stage,” she told Tribune Woman.

What Ms Burrows ultimately brought to stage last Friday was a story based on very own experiences of life and friendships.

Growing up in a very conservative environment, she said she and her friends all believed in waiting to engage in sexual activities until marriage.

As they got older, however, each of them started to question whether this was preventing them from finding happiness and developing deep connections because the landscape of dating had changed so drastically since their childhood.

Ms Burrows said the stage show is dear to her heart and the message is an important

one for her on a personal level.

And being able to get an honest conversation started about the important topic of sexuality and relationships was incredible, she said.

“I love to entertain, so creating an opportunity for people to have a good time, enjoy a special night out and have a few laughs is really satisfying. I’m a storyteller, that is a gift God has given me, and I consider it a privilege to be able to do that well. I wanted people to come and hear a story.

Not to necessarily make them believe like me, but to simply give an honest expression of what modern dating and life looks like for people like me. I wanted to encourage people and let them know that they’re not alone and encourage others to just stay true to who they are. Most importantly though, I really wanted people to come out and enjoy the show, and I think we accomplished that.”

Returning home

By Felicity Ingraham

Gaynel Curry has so much to offer that she is being sought by countries all around the world to assist in drafting policy and implementing measures that result in greater protection and empowerment for women and girls. She could be working anywhere in the world right now and she would be considered a valuable asset to that country’s government in advising on these issues.

However, the veteran Bahamas government and United Nations official has decided it was time to come home, at least for a while.

Ms Curry has been given a leave of absence from her rigorous duties at the UN headquarters in New York City to take time out to assist her own country, the Bahamas, with its social is-

Sought-after UN official to assist Bahamas with social policy issues sues.

Minister of Social Services and Community Development Melanie Griffin welcomed Ms Curry back to the Bahamas and to her new post as the director of the recently created Department of Gender and Family Affairs.

This new department is an expansion of a former unit within the ministry, the Bureau of Women’s Affairs. The expansion includes a focus not only on women and girls, but it will also now include men and boys. The approach, according to Ms Curry, is a holistic one in which strengthening the family as

a unit and promoting the protection of each individual family member is paramount.

The well-being of each member of the family will inevitably result in a better, more peaceful society, which is a vision Minister Griffin firmly believes can become a reality for the Bahamas.

The Department of Gender and Family Affairs is designed to focus on advocacy, coordination, policy advice, and communicating with local and international bodies to promote the rights of Bahamian women and men, and encourage respect as well as protection

Bahamian Gaynel Curry is on loan from the United Nations to help the Bahamian government address social issue policies.

of rights.

It will look at genderbased violence (violence against women, gang violence, etcetera), high school drop-outs, developing healthy relationships, and a host of other issues affecting the family.

Ms Curry will be responsible for structuring the department and advising on legal and policy issues. She will also be scrutinising laws, policies and programmes to determine where the country stands according to international standards.

Her work is expected to result in policy development and the introduction of programmes to empower and advance women and men as equal partners in national development, as well as promote strong family units. The department will also work to educate Bahamians on the issues of equality, fairness and justice to raise awareness of these issues with people from all See pg b11