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Volume: 120 No.219, November 15, 2023

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‘STAFF PANICKED AS BOAT SANK’ 75-year-old US woman dies, two passengers taken to the hospital

By EARYEL BOWLEG Tribune Staff Reporter ebowleg@tribunemedia.net PASSENGERS complained that panicking staff did not know what to do and provided no directions as their double-decker boat began sinking en route to Blue Lagoon Island yesterday.

People screamed and

jumped overboard during the incident, which left a 75-year-old woman from Colorado, United States, dead.

One of the woman’s relatives lay beside her after the incident, rubbing her covered body for about thirty minutes as authorities swarmed the area. They SEE PAGE TWO

MAN SAYS HE HELPED MURDER ACCUSED OUT OF FEAR OF HIM

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net A MAN testified that he gave Rodrigo Rolle the pickax he used to break into the safe of an elderly American woman he allegedly killed in Cat Island in 2017.

Rolle, 33, is accused of killing 74-year-old Janice

Kissinger during a home invasion in Orange Creek, Cat Island, on September 29, 2017. Kissinger had been living on the island for 17 years when she was killed. Rolle allegedly stole a 2006 Ford Explorer and a $500 safe containing a $5,000 Rolex belonging to Frank and Gabbi Wolf SEE PAGE SEVEN

A BOAT transporting visitors to Blue Lagoon sank with about 100 people on board, one of whom would be pronounced dead later.

Photo: Earyel Bowleg

Child found dead in bushes close to his home in the Fox Hill area

By LYNAIRE MUNNINGS Tribune Staff Reporter lmunnings@tribunemedia.net A TWO-YEAR-OLD boy of Brice Lane off Fox Hill Road was found dead in bushes near his home yesterday.

Press Liaison Chief Superintent Chrislyn

Skippings said concerned residents alerted authorities after finding the toddler unresponsive in bushes near their home.

The child had apparent injuries to his neck and head. An autopsy will determine the cause of his death.

Dozens of community

members gathered at the crime scene, discussing the incident.

Some said residents helped the family look for the victim after he was reported missing.

Neighbours within the close-knit community

FAMILY, friends, and members of Parliament gathered at the St Agnes Anglican Church yesterday to lay to rest Dr Perry Gomez, the former minister of health remembered by the prime minister as “a man for all seasons.”

The former health

DR PERRY GOMEZ minister, whose work was critical in the fight against

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

HIV/AIDS, died on October 21 at the age of 76.

Recalling his life and legacy yesterday, Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis said: “As a physician, medical scientist, public administrator, legislator and Cabinet minister, his life epitomised the very spirit of selflessness, commitment and dedication to

ATLANTIS and other major resorts yesterday sought to overturn the approval granted to Wendy’s and Marco’s Pizza by branding it “void” due to the absence of a land use plan for Paradise Island.

Atlantis and other Paradise Island developers and hotels, filed their appeal against the decision to grant “site plan approval” for Wendy’s and Marco’s by arguing there are sufficient delivery companies to satisfy tourist and resident cravings “on the rare occasion” they desire fast food.

SEE PAGE FOUR

FULL STORY - SEE BUSINESS

SEE PAGE THREE

DR PERRY GOMEZ LAID TO REST IN STATE FUNERAL

By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net

ATLANTIS FILES APPEAL on wendy’s APPROVAL

Nassau & Bahama Islands’ Leading Newspaper

PAGE 2, Wednesday, November 15, 2023

THE TRIBUNE

‘Staff panicked as boat sank’, says passenger from page one were reportedly on the second stop of a five-day family vacation.

Two other passengers were taken to the hospital for care, and five staff members were among the 100 passengers on the boat, according to a statement from Blue Lagoon Island.

Videos showed people in life vests wrestling about what to do before they started jumping overboard.

One video showed a man administrating CPR to a caucasian woman.

A woman, Kelly Schissel, said in a TikTok clip that it took a while for passengers to realise the seriousness of their predicament.

She said as the boat neared the entrance to Blue Lagoon Island, the vessel suddenly leaned forward and remained there.

Situated on the vessel’s top deck, she said she looked over the edge of the boat and saw water coming in.

“We stayed leaning forward because we were

starting to sink,” she said.

“And then one of the crew members that was downstairs ran upstairs and was crying, freaking out, absolutely balling, grabbing a life jacket, and that’s when everybody was like, oh shit, this is real, something’s happening. Everybody else starts grabbing their life jackets.”

Ms Schissel said passengers delayed jumping off the boat because they were waiting for staff to tell them what to do.

“They never did because they were too busy crying and freaking out,” she said.

She added that the waves were rough and people struggled to stay above water.

“Yes it was warm, yes it was nice weather, yes the water wasn’t bad, but it was very wavy, so it was not as easy as it might have looked,” she said.

She said no one knew what to do when passengers arrived to shore, with one staff member telling her she SEE PAGE THREE

A BOAT transporting visitors to Blue Lagoon sank with about 100 people on board. According to police there was one casualty and two in hospital.

Photos: Moise Amisial

THE TRIBUNE

Wednesday, November 15, 2023, PAGE 3

Police report one casualty and two more hospitalised from page two didn’t have answers.

Eyewitness News aired an interview on its nightly newscast yesterday where another woman, Britaine Crittens, said 10 to 15 small children were on the boat.

“There was no direction what to do, no one helping anyone,” she said. “It was like pretty much survive on your own if you want to make it.”

Chief Superintendent Chrislyn Skippings said rough seas in the area caused the boat to take on water a half-hour into the ride.

She said authorities responded in a “reasonably short period”.

Suemayah Abu-Douleh, Public Affairs Officer at the US Embassy, visited the incident scene and said: “We wanted to make sure our American Citizen Services was available for all American citizens who need any support or need any services.”

On Monday, the Department of Meteorology alerted small craft operators to expect deteriorating marine conditions.

Chief Meteorological Officer Kaylinda WardForbes told The Tribune yesterday: “Boaters know that when you have gale force wind, gale force winds are high enough to probably turn over a small craft.

CHIEF Superintendent Chrislyn Skippings said rough seas in the area caused the boat to take on water a half-hour into the ride, and authorities responded in a “reasonably short period”.

Photo: Moise Amisial

That’s why when we expect any kind of wind speeds near gale, we advise small craft operators to remain in port.”

She said the weather

could have contributed to the accident.

“It may not be the only factor because I am not aware of, you know, the persons operating the boat

and how persons were secured on the boat,” she said.

Tourism Minister Chester Cooper told reporters that he was not fully briefed

on the incident after an unrelated event yesterday, adding: “Clearly accidents sometimes do happen.”

“This is something that we don’t like to see for

residents or our guests,” he added. “No doubt the Port Department is investigating the matter, and if need be, I’ll have more to say on it later.”

CHILD FOUND DEAD IN BUSHES CLOSE TO HIS HOME IN THE FOX HILL AREA

from page one identified the child as Daniel Nixon, the youngest of four children. The others are aged 10, five, and four.

The neighbours said the boy’s parents are married and that his stayat-home mother is in her early 30s.

They said the father was active in the child’s life and was employed as a garbage collector.

Neighbours told The Tribune that the victim’s family had lived in the community for years, describing the area as a “peaceful corner”. They said the child was found partially clothed, lying among banana leaves.

He wore no pants or underwear, only a shirt.

The Animal Control Unit was at the scene taking blood samples of stray dogs, although CSP Skippings

declined to explain why. Some residents speculate the boy was a victim of a dog attack.

“If an animal did attack him, he would’ve been torn to pieces,” said one 50-year Brice Lane resident.

“Like I said it’s like he has a burn, all his scalp is gone there, like he get drag, like he get burn,” the person said.

CSP Skippings appealed to members of the public to pay close attention to the whereabouts of their children.

“There is a Children and Young Persons Act and where we find that persons are in breach of any offence, neglect, especially, those parents will find themselves before the courts,” she said. “We have zero tolerance for this type of behaviour and any crimes that are happening in our country.”

POLICE escorts family members away from the scene where a 2-year-old boy was found dead in the Fox Hill area yesterday.

Photos: Dante Carrer

PAGE 4, Wednesday, November 15, 2023

THE TRIBUNE

Dr Perry Gomez laid to rest in state funeral

FAMILY, friends, and members of Parliament gathered at the St Agnes Anglican Church yesterday to lay to rest Dr Perry Gomez, the former minister of health remembered by the prime minister as “a man for all seasons.”

Photos: Dante Carrer

from page one improving the health and well being of the Bahamian people.”

“From his groundbreaking work to reducing mother-to-child transmission of HIV to pioneering partnerships that made crucial medications more accessible to our people, he left an indelible mark.”

Among his many contributions, Dr Gomez founded and directed the National HIV Programme of The Bahamas and created the AIDS Clinical Services Programme at the Princess Margaret Hospital.

Under his leadership, HIV transmission rates in The Bahamas declined by more than 30 per cent, and HIV transmission from mother to child decreased

dramatically.

Mr Davis said Dr Gomez’s reputation was known worldwide.

He recalled a conversation last year when former US President Bill Clinton asked for Dr Gomez and later spoke with Dr Gomez’s wife over the phone for about 20 minutes.

The prime minister said the two had worked closely

together to stop the spread of AIDS in the region.

“Clinton reflected on the times they had travelled to India to source affordable medications, and he also spoke warmly of the treatment protocols developed

by Dr Gomez, the success of those protocols, and, as a result, the many lives that were both touched and saved.”

Mr Davis was one of

several people who paid tribute to Dr Gomez in a service punctuated with praise and worship songs.

Retired Anglican Archbishop Drexel Gomez, who delivered the sermon, described him as a “doctor for others.”

“Although Perry had no claim to sainthood,” he said, “his outstanding achievements in the medical arena were all in

the service of the principal enunciated by St Paul.

Perry consistently demonstrated a self-giving sacrificial commitment to the furtherance of healing and human wellness, not for the sake of personal aggrandisement but to serve others, to serve others for the common good and for the flourishing of humanity, especially in The Bahamas.”

THE TRIBUNE

Wednesday, November 15, 2023, PAGE 5

British Colonial ordered to pay former hotel employee $6,000; not unfair dismissal claim

By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune News Editor rrolle@tribunemedia.net THE Industrial Tribunal ordered the British Colonial Hotel to pay a woman $6,399.49 after finding that she was wrongfully dismissed and deserved additional vacation pay and accrued Christmas bonus.

However, the Tribunal rejected the woman’s more substantial unfair dismissal claim, ruling that she did not establish her claim.

Ultimately, Ethlyn Ferguson was awarded far less than the $98,410.44 she sought, money that would have covered notice and severance pay, unpaid salary during a lay-off period, pension, accrued vacation pay, accrued Christmas bonus, and ham and turkey vouchers.

Ms Ferguson claimed she was employed as a banquet waitress with the hotel around December 2004, earning a weekly $210 salary. The hotel claimed her employment started on May 22, 2011.

Industrial Tribunal Vice President Ingrid CooperBrooks sided with the applicant on this point, noting that the woman’s employment was continuous from December 2004 to June 2020, even though the respondent argued that she was employed with the British Colonial Hilton Hotel in 2004 and transferred to the

British Colonial Development Company Ltd in 2011.

Hotel Director of Operations Lynne Johnson said in her witness statement that Ms Ferguson was laid off because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The judge noted that a termination could be wrongful if notice or payment in lieu of notice is not given to an employee. She noted that the employer did not offer to pay Ms Ferguson for the full 26 weeks’ notice and redundancy payment until January 22, 2022, “almost two years after the applicant’s redundancy”.

“The Tribunal accordingly finds on the facts and law that the applicant was wrongfully dismissed in the circumstances, having regard to Section 26B (2) (a) of the Employment (Amendment) Act, 2017,” the ruling said.

Ms Ferguson was awarded $5,623.80, including an interest rate of three per cent for the “almost two years” delay period.

The judge further found that the applicant was entitled to $546 for accrued vacation pay and $229.69 for accrued Christmas bonus.

The judge did not award her vacation pay, pension, accrued Christmas bonus, ham and turkey vouchers for the seven years from 2004 to 2011, finding the applicant did not establish a claim for these given that they are statute-barred

according to Section 5 of the Limitation Act. Ms Ferguson argued her dismissal was unfair because the respondent did not follow proper redundancy procedures, such

MOU signed with Black Innovation Alliance promises to aid technological advancements

MINISTER OF TOURISM, INVESTMENT AND AVIATION, CHESTER COOPER

By LYNAIRE MUNNINGS Tribune Staff Reporter lmunnings@tribunemedia.net THE Ministry of Tourism, Investment, and Aviation signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Black Innovation Alliance yesterday to aid technical advancements in the tourism sector.

Tourism Minister Chester Cooper said the partnership creates a system in The Bahamas to support innovation in the tourism sector.

“We thought that we ought to lead the way

through encouraging innovation in tourism itself,” he said.

“If we are able to do this successfully in the tourism industry, then we would have done it successfully throughout the economy, and therefore we are delighted to be able to execute this MOU today with BIA.” The partnership includes initiatives and programmes to drive tech tourism and encourage sustainable tourism, resilience and investment with a focus on hospitality and climate technology innovation.

“This is going to be a living collaboration, and we will continue to work in partnership together, and we will continue to hopefully take off some tangible achievements over the months and years to come,” Mr Cooper said.

Kelly Burton, CEO of the Black Innovation Alliance, said: “We’re excited to partner with The Bahamas to develop the elements needed to nurture and grow an entrepreneurial ecosystem that makes the art and science of building a business attainable to all Bahamians.”

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THE BRITISH COLONIAL HOTEL as notifying and consult- position that letters ing the trade union and addressed to the union and the minister of labour. She minister of labour were claimed $40k for unfair notification of the impenddismissal. ing redundancies.

The judge, however, “The Tribunal accordaccepted the respondent’s ingly finds on the facts and

law that the respondent had complied with the mandatory requirements for redundancy consultation and notice to the union and the minister of labour,” the judge wrote.

PAGE 6, Wednesday, November 15, 2023

THE TRIBUNE

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UN’s ‘global stocktake’ on climate is offering a sober emissions reckoning − but there are also signs of progress (THE CONVERSATION) When this year’s United Nations Climate Change Conference begins in late November 2023, it will be a moment for course correction. Seven years ago, nearly every country worldwide signed onto the Paris climate agreement. They agreed to goals of limiting global warming – including key targets to be met by 2030, seven years from now.

A primary aim of this year’s conference, known as COP28, is to evaluate countries’ progress halfway to the 2030 deadlines.

Reports show that the world isn’t on track. At the same time, energy security concerns and disputes over how to compensate countries for loss and damage from climate change are making agreements on cutting emissions tougher to reach.

But as energy and environmental policy researchers, we also see signs of progress.

GLOBAL STOCKTAKE RAISES ALARMS A cornerstone of COP28 is the conclusion of the global stocktake, a review underway of the world’s efforts to address climate change. It is designed to pinpoint deficiencies and help countries recalibrate their climate strategies.

A report on the stocktake so far stressed that while the Paris Agreement has spurred action on climate change around the globe, current policies and promises to cut greenhouse gas emissions still leave the world on a trajectory that falls far short of the agreement’s aim to limit warming to less than 1.5 degrees Celsius (2.7 Fahrenheit) compared with preindustrial temperatures.

Governments worldwide plan to produce twice as much fossil fuel in 2030 than would be allowed under a 1.5 C warming pathway, another U.N.-led report released in early November found.

Limiting global warming to 1.5 C rather than 2 C (3.6 F), may appear to be a minor improvement, but the accumulated global benefits of doing so could exceed US$20 trillion.

Escalating greenhouse gas emissions are the primary factor driving the rise in global temperatures. And fossil fuels account for over three-quarters of those emissions.

To avoid overshooting 1.5 C of warming, global greenhouse gas emissions will have to fall by about 45% by 2030, compared with 2010 levels, and reach net zero around 2050, according to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.

But emissions aren’t falling. They rose in 2022, surpassing pre-pandemic levels.

The global average temperature briefly breached the 1.5 C warming limit in March and June 2023.

The global stocktake unambiguously states that, to meet the Paris targets, countries must collectively be more ambitious in cutting greenhouse gas emissions.

That includes rapidly reducing carbon emissions from all economic sectors.

It means accelerating adoption of renewable energy such as solar and wind power, implementing more stringent measures to stop and reverse deforestation, and deploying clean technologies such as heat pumps and electric vehicles on a wide scale.

THE SIGNIFICANCE OF PHASING OUT FOSSIL FUELS The report underscores one point repeatedly: the pressing need to “phase out all unabated fossil fuels.”

Fossil fuels currently make up 80% of the world’s total energy consumption.

Their use in 2022 resulted in an alltime high of 36.8 gigatons of CO2 from both energy combustion and industrial activities.

Despite the risks of climate change, countries still provide huge subsidies to the oil, coal and gas industries. In all, they provided about US$1.3 trillion in explicit subsidies for fossil fuels

in 2022, according to the International Monetary Fund’s calculations. China, the U.S., Russia, the European Union and India are the largest subsidisers, and these subsidies sharply increased after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022 disrupted energy markets.

U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres has stressed the importance of transitioning away from fossil fuels, criticising the extensive profits made by “entrenched interests” in the fossil fuel sector.

African countries also made their view of subsidies clear in the “Nairobi Declaration” at the first Africa Climate Summit in 2023, where leaders called for the elimination of inefficient fossil fuel subsidies and endorsed the idea of a global carbon tax on fossil fuel trade.

The global stocktake highlights the significance of eradicating fossil fuel subsidies to eliminate economic roadblocks that hinder the shift to greener energy sources.

However, it’s important to note that the report uses the phrase “unabated fossil fuels.”

The word “unabated” has been contentious. It allows room for continued use of fossil fuels, as long as technologies such as carbon capture and storage prevent emissions from entering the atmosphere. But those technologies aren’t yet operating on a wide scale.

SOLUTIONS FOR AN EQUITABLE TRANSITION Several initiatives have been launched recently to expedite the move away from fossil fuels.

In July 2023, Canada unveiled a strategy to terminate inefficient fossil fuel subsidies, becoming the first G20 nation to pledge a halt to government support for oil and natural gas, with some exceptions.

The European Union is broadening its carbon market to include emissions from buildings and transport, targeting decarbonisation across more sectors.

Concurrently, the United States’ Inflation Reduction Act commits US$10 billion to clean energy projects and offers $4 billion in tax credits to communities economically affected by the coal industry’s decline.

To help low-income countries build sustainable energy infrastructure, a relatively new financing mechanism called Just Energy Transition Partnerships is gaining interest.

It aims to facilitate cooperation, with a group of developed countries helping phase out coal in developing economies that are still reliant on fossil fuels.

South Africa, Indonesia, Senegal and Vietnam have benefited from these partnerships since the first was launched in 2021.

The European Union, for instance, has pledged to support Senegal’s shift from fossil fuels to renewable energy.

This includes managing the economic fallout, such as potential job losses, from shutting down fossil fuel power plants, while ensuring electricity remains affordable and more widely available.

By COP28, a comprehensive plan to help Senegal aim for a sustainable, low-emissions future should be in place.

France, Germany, Canada and various multilateral development banks have promised to provide 2.5 billion Euros (about US$2.68 billion) to increase Senegal’s renewable energy output.

The goal is for renewables to account for 40% of Senegal’s energy use by 2030.

To align with the Paris Agreement objectives, we believe global initiatives to reduce fossil fuel dependency and invest in developing nations’ sustainable energy transition are essential.

Such endeavours not only champion reducing greenhouse gas emissions but also ensure economic growth in an environmentally conscious manner.

(This article is by Kate Hua-Ke Chi, Tufts University and Maulik Jagnani, Tufts University for theconversation.com)

PEOPLE walk through the festive light trail at The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, in London, Tuesday. This year’s festive light trail is a celebration of nature by night, bringing Kew’s natural architecture to life. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)

Ron DeSantis’ incendiary comments may have been racially motivated EDITOR, The Tribune.

Being an unapologetic supporter of the Republican Party, I was deeply troubled by the inflammatory comments by Republican Party presidential nominee Ron DeSantis, the current governor of our next door neighbour in Florida. Like myself, and many evangelical Christians in North America and Great Britain, DeSantis supports Israel’s right to defend itself against Hamas and other hostile Islamic states bent on pushing it into the Mediterranean Sea. DeSantis had no legitimate reason to use The Bahamas in his inflammatory analogy. As the governor of the State of Florida -- a mere 50 miles west of Bimini -DeSantis is acutely aware of The Bahamas’ racial demographic. Eighty-five percent of the population is Black. Whites are a minority. Why am I discussing the matter of race? Because I believe DeSantis could’ve very well decided to pick on The Bahamas because of its large Black population.

LETTERS letters@tribunemedia.net

He could’ve used the predominantly white Cuba or even Canada instead.

It was the Castro regime that collaborated with the communist Russian government in the Cuban Missile crisis during the John F Kennedy administration in the early sixties.

That he would mention The Bahamas is indeed telling. My suspicions are reinforced by the potentially racist gaffe DeSantis uttered while campaigning during the Florida gubernatorial election in 2018.

After it was announced that the African American Democratic candidate and Tallahassee Mayor Andrew Gillum was elected in his party’s primary contest, DeSantis remarked that Florida voters would “monkey this up” if Gillum is elected. In Jim Crow America Blacks were often referred to as monkeys.

One of the devastating consequences of Darwinism has been the systemic

racism in Europe and North America against ethnic groups such as Jews and Blacks. Rather than viewing man as created in the image of God, Darwinists see him as an advanced primate.

As a potential Republican presidential candidate, DeSantis could become the next president of the United States, considering the growing unpopularity of President Joe Biden.

If DeSantis has such a low, condescending estimation of Black people, what would he do to this country as the most powerful man in the world?

Would he entertain the thought of discouraging White Americans from travelling to The Bahamas?

This country’s continued prosperity is contingent on our decades-old relationship with the United States. While I support the Republican Party, I am hoping that DeSantis is not given the nomination to run in 2024.

KEVIN EVANS Freeport, Grand Bahama.

November 14, 2023.

If it’s going to be it’s up to me EDITOR, The Tribune.

It is a time of global turmoil. War in Gaza, war in Ukraine and global inflation for the past three years have been oppressive.

According to the IMF, global headline inflation is expected to fall from 8.7 percent in 2022 to 6.8 percent in 2023 and 5.2 percent in 2024. We in the Caribbean have seen a decline in the standard of living.

The personal freedom, privacy and quality of life has been usurped by a global governmental system. When the United States (US) was attacked on September 11, 2001, I was very perturbed and sympathetic towards the great nation. When it became difficult for me to travel I had to take off my shoes and belt, etc., and was bombarded with a message of not to joke about terrorism or I will be arrested. I was flabbergasted.

A nation that was the beacon of freedom has become terrified and gave up freedom for security. This milieu of being guilty until proven innocent was transmitted globally because of the US being the global hegemony. Sending or receiving money became onerous and your private life had to be disclosed to a stranger to prove you are not a terrorist.

Then the COVID war was unleashed by government to “protect” their citizen.

I felt like a prisoner, living on a prison planet that cannot do anything without by warden (the government) permission.

Although their intention of preserving life was noble their methodology, tone and authoritarian modality was an over-reach. I lost my respect for all government although I know most people are incapable of surviving without a boss, leader or government.

Now we have oppressive inflation and threat of World War 3. I am more mature and I am not perturbed, but I have been down this road before. Give up my freedom for security. It will never end, but I am hopeful and not resentful of any government or any authority. Why is that? I have come up with my conviction: “if it is going to be it’s up to me”. I don’t blame anyone for my circumstance. What’s happening globally, I cannot change; How I react I can change and control. We are free if we choose to be so. Even If you in jail, no one can tell you how to think and feel. I cogitate Bob Marley lyrics ”Don’t worry about a thing because every little thing going to be all right”.

BRIAN ELLIS PLUMMER Nassau, November 14, 2023.

THE TRIBUNE

Wednesday, November 15, 2023, PAGE 7

Man says he helped murder accused out of fear of him from page one during the incident.

Rolle has pleaded not guilty to murder, stealing from a dwelling house and stealing. Previous charges of armed robbery and burglary were dropped.

Marcelo Hepburn of The Bluff, Cat Island, testified that on September 29, 2017, the accused arrived in his yard in a jeep.

He said the accused beckoned to him and told him he had a stolen two-and-a-half-foot tall, one-foot-and-a-half-wide safe in the back of his jeep that he got from Shannon’s Bay. He said he gave Rolle a pickax to open the safe, and the pair drove to the north side of a beach where Rolle tried to open the object.

Mr Hepburn said he became suspicious after noticing that the defendant got numerous calls.

Rolle complied with his request to be taken home, but allegedly told him he had to destroy the jeep.

Mr Hepburn said the next evening, Rolle allegedly told him police were

searching for him, and that he needed the money out of the safe to lay low.

The pair allegedly returned to where they left the safe, and after 20 minutes, Rolle successfully cracked open the object, finding a small amount of American and Bahamian currency and some documents inside.

After snagging the cash, Rolle allegedly burnt the safe and the documents.

Mr Hepburn said he did not recall seeing a Rolex.

He said a few days later, police brought Rolle to him and asked if he knew the man, to which he said “yes”. He then took authorities to the spot where the safe was allegedly burnt and gave a statement at the Alice Town Police Station.

Both Mr Hepburn and the defendant were taken to New Providence on October 4, where blood samples were drawn from them at PMH. During cross-examination from Geoffrey Farquharson, the defendant’s attorney, Mr Hepburn admitted to

smoking marijuana occasionally, but denied that he was high and intoxicated on September 29.

He also disagreed with the suggestion that he lied about knowing Rolle to avoid blame for Kissinger’s death.

Mr Hepburn agreed that the safe was found in The Bluff within walking distance of his home and miles from the defendant’s home. He told the attorney he had no part in lifting or cracking open the safe, despite Mr Farquharson’s insistence that lifting the object would take two people. Mr Hepburn denied helping to steal the safe.

After Mr Farquharson suggested that he accused Rolle of murder, Mr Hepburn said he didn’t and never made a deal with the police. He said he followed Rolle’s instructions because he was afraid of him, adding that he regrets his actions.

Eucal Bonamy and Janet Munnings served as prosecutors. Justice Gregory Hilton is the presiding judge.

MAN ACCUSED OF ATTEMPTING TO STEAL woman’s vehicle while armed with a gun

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net A MAN was remanded after allegedly trying to steal a woman’s car at gunpoint last week.

Magistrate Algernon Allen, Jr, charged Frank Dorsett, 26, with

attempted armed robbery.

Dorsett, while armed with a gun, allegedly attempted to rob Ilsa Smith of a red coloured 2015 Chevy Equinox valued at $8,500 in New Providence on November 6.

The defendant was told that his matter would be

transferred to the Supreme Court through a voluntary bill of indictment (VBI).

He will be sent to the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services until the higher court grants him bail.

Dorsett’s VBI is to be served on February 27, 2024.

man allegedly found with a loaded gun and drugs in his house granted bail

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net A MAN was granted bail yesterday after he was allegedly found with a loaded gun and drugs in his house last week.

Magistrate Lennox Coleby charged Christopher Brennen, 24, with possession of an unlicensed firearm, possession of

ammunition and possession of dangerous drugs with intent to supply.

Maria Daxon represented the defendant and indicated he is employed at her law firm.

Mr Brennen was allegedly found with a black 9mm Taurus PT111G2 pistol and eight rounds of 9mm ammunition at his residence in Coral Harbour on November 9. During his

initial arrest, Mr Brennen also allegedly had several ounces of marijuana in a jar.

After pleading not guilty, Mr Brennen’s bail was set at $9,500 with one or two sureties. Under the conditions of this bail, he must sign in at the Western Police Station every Monday, Wednesday and Friday by 7pm.

Brennen’s trial begins on December 13.

two men fined after pleading guilty to possession of marijuana, both granted bail

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net TWO men were each fined over $1,000 after admitting to two separate drug charges.

Magistrate Samuel McKinney charged Ralston Brennen, 33, with possession of dangerous drugs with intent to supply.

Brennen was found with 5.2 lbs of marijuana in New Providence on November 10.

After admitting to the offence, Brennen was fined $7,500. He risks six months in prison if he fails to pay the fine.

Magistrate Shaka Serville charged Leroy Heild, 34, with possession of dangerous drugs with intent to

supply.

Heild was arrested at his residence in Dignity Gardens after police found 1.2 lbs of marijuana in several packages on November 7.

The drugs seized have an estimated street value of $1,200.

After pleading guilty, Heild was fined $2,500, He risks a nine-month prison term if he fails to pay.

Kelly’s House and Home Toyland returns

AFTER Three years, Kelly’s House & Home’s Toyland Opening has returned. The feeling of Christmas was present as Kelly’s House & Home opened it’s Toyland and Fantasy Forest on Saturday, November 4, 2023.

The festivities commenced in the southwest parking lot at noon as children and parents gathered around the parking lot awaiting the arrival of Santa and Snowbear, Chase, Minnie Mouse and SpiderMan. Kelly’s House & Home gave out free balloons, freshly popped popcorn, fluffy sweet cotton candy, ice cold frosty pops and delectably scrumptious cookies. Kids also had their faces painted and enjoyed bouncing around in the bouncing castles and also playing games.

The crowd was also treated to the sounds of junkanoo

from the teen division of The Genesis Warhawks; The Teenhawks, followed

by Santa being chauffeured in by a well preserved 1967 convertible Ford Mustang that was adorned in Christmas decorations. Snowbear came out to greet Santa as they tossed out goodies to the crowd.

In the meantime, a line began to form near the Kelly’s Santa’s Workshop around noon. Parents and kids gathered to have their photos taken with Santa and Snowbear and to view Kelly’s House & Home’s fully animated Santa’s Workshop. Kids also had a chance to interact with and have photos taken with some of their favourite cartoon characters as they paraded through the store.

Denise Darville, Toy

Department Area Manager at Kelly’s, said the opening of Toyland was on Saturday was well received. Customers were shopping early for great bargains, taking advantage of the Kelly’s House & Home Toy Sale.

Santa and Snowbear will be available for photos every Saturday until December 2nd between the hours of 12:00pm to 5:00pm. Donations are also welcomed in the Kelly’s House & Home drop box, as all donations proceeds will go to Children’s Emergency Hostel.

Kelly’s will match all donations up to $500.00 Santa’s Workshop will be open every day during store hours until December 2nd.

You can also shop online 24hrs at www.kellysbahamas. com to avoid the Christmas rush.

www.ub.edu.bs

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We should take a stand when there is a crisis PAGE 8, Wednesday, November 15, 2023

THERE is always a crisis somewhere, and when there is a crisis anywhere, there is a crisis everywhere. This is the nature of the world, given the way that the global economy, geopolitic, and interpersonal relationships work on their own and are connected with each other. Crises, however discreet they may appear to be, are also interconnected. Discussed as though they are about one issue or another, armed conflicts are usually started to gain control of resources, destabilise economies, and/or oppress and subjugate people. The latter two are usually connected to the desire to steal, control, and profit from resources.

Some crises make it to the news while others are ignored, deemed less important, impactful, or relevant. Sometimes it is about the direct effect of crisis in one or two countries on the rest of the world and how much we depend on them for necessities. Sometimes it is about the people involved and how human the rest of the world considers them to be.

Everyone knows that there is a conflict in Ukraine, though everyone who is aware of it may not understand and discuss it as a war being waged by Russia.

We have seen footage of the violence against people and destruction of property. We have heard from the people who fled of the absence of choice and the will to survive which led to the separation of families. Ukrainian people have been forced to go to other countries that, thankfully, rightfully, accept them as refugees. They, in many ways, have to learn new ways of life, and they face the difficulty of deciding in which ways they should assimilate and in which ways they can and should maintain their culture. They balance the maintenance of their collective identity with living as comfortably in community with a receiving country. Language and food, of course, are integral to cultural identity, and are both the easiest and most difficult aspects to maintain when a minority in another country. Many have pointed to the targeted destruction of museums, galleries, and other cultural sites — clear attempts to wipe out every trace of Ukrainian cultural. This — all of it— is genocide. This is a war on

THE TRIBUNE

By Alicia Wallace

people, on their culture, and on their history.

Everyone knows that there is conflict in Palestine, and particularly in Gaza, and there are different narratives about it, so not everyone acknowledges that it is genocide.

Some understand that Israel has inflicted violence upon the Palestinian people for decades, displacing them, trapping them in open-air prisons, and killing them. Some are unaware, and maybe uninterested, in the history of this crisis and the human rights violations

by Israel against Palestine.

The same must be said here: We have seen footage of the violence against people and destruction of property. We have heard from the people who fled of the absence of choice and the will to survive which led to the separation of families.

Palestinian people have been forced to go to other countries that, thankfully, rightfully, accept them as refugees. They, in many ways, have to learn new ways of life, and they face the difficulty of deciding in which ways they should assimilate and in which ways they can and should maintain their culture. They balance the maintenance of their collective identity with living as comfortably in community with a receiving country. Language and food, of course, are integral to cultural identity and are both the easiest and most difficult aspects to maintain when a minority in another country. Many have pointed to the targeted destruction of museums, galleries, and other cultural sites — clear attempts to wipe out every trace of Palestinian culture. This — all of it — is genocide. This is a war on people, on their culture, and on their history.

What does the repeated use of these tactics tell us about these wars and the people waging them? What do they say about the intent of the people behind them?

What about the common suggestion that it is “just about land”?

It is easy to throw our

hands up. We can come up with countless excuses that amount to: * We are too far away. * We do not understand. * We are suffering too.

Whatever the excuses we can find to absolve ourselves of any responsibility for each other, within and across borders, global solidarity is critical. This has been rather difficult to build, but it is happening.

One of the main gaps is the low capacity to care.

It is not always that people do not care. Sometimes people do not want to care, so they choose to ignore.

Sometimes people do not know why they should care, and they actively work against the human instinct to be interested in the welfare of others. So many of us are tired, struggling, and tired of struggling. Moving from one day to the next can sometimes feel as though we ourselves are turning the massive, heavy hands of time, and that our running feet are what make this planet spin. The burden heavy, the pressure tall, we press on in our daily lives, concerning ourselves with what is immediately in front of us. Sometimes, being asked to care is taken as an affront. It is not that we should be blamed for these circumstances, considering that we are operating within a system that has been designed and maintained for this purpose — selfdestructive individualism, hyper-focus on survival, perpetual exhaustion, and a seemingly necessary disinterest in what takes place outside of our own bubbles.

Our pushback against this system, while we are in it, has to be intentional, collective, and unrelenting. We have to choose to be attentive —watching, reading, and listening to the news.

This on its own, of course, is not enough. We have to be media literate, assessing the credibility of our sources of information and being critical of the way the information is a delivered. Does the source have a clear position on this issue? What does the source want us

Many have pointed to the targeted destruction of museums, galleries, and other cultural sites — clear attempts to wipe out every trace of Palestinian culture.

PALESTINIANS look for survivors following an Israeli airstrike in Khan Younis, southern Gaza Strip on Sunday.

Photo: Fatima Shbair/AP to believe? Who has been quoted, and what other sources have been mentioned? What do the people behind this piece want us to do, and why?

One source is not enough for us to be able to make a decision on an issue. It is important to go to multiple sources, draw comparisons, note the contrasts, and verify the information. Are the stories firsthand, coming directly from people who have directly experienced the event? Is it a retelling of someone else’s story? Is there evidence to support the secondary data? What do the photos, video, and audio indicate? Could they have been manipulated in any way? Separate the facts from the opinions and apply the evidence.

After accessing and assessing the information for credibility, it can be helpful to discuss it with others. What do other people think about the news? Have others found other sources of information or completed assessments that we have not yet done? Do people tend to take one side over another? Why? There is often one side that gets more support, and this does not necessarily mean that it is the right side. In many cases, the conservative viewpoints get more attention, both from media and from the people around us, because their

talking points are generally the same and their positions are often so divisive that the media wants to run multiple stories over a long period of time, if only for the shock value that leads to more purchases and clicks. The people who call for human rights, dignity, peace, and equality are often left to play catch-up, responding to the hateful rhetoric and misinformation spread by other people.

It is important to pay attention to what is being said on all sides and to identify the intent behind all of the messages. It is not sufficient to know the opinions people hold. Find out why they think, say, and do whatever it is they do. Assume less.

Ask questions, challenge positions, and determine why you stand where you do.

Where are people being valued, championed, and protected? Where are systems and institutions being held up as more important than human life? Who is expressing concern and demonstrating care for the people most vulnerable to violence, destruction, oppression, and murder?

Who is dehumanising people, using gender, race, socio-economic status, age, and other identity markers to “excuse” what is happening to them?

With information, opinions, and the intent behind them, we are better

equipped to find our own positions on issues. Once we do, in order for it to mean anything, we have to take action. This does not mean we need to enter conflict zones or become participants in wars. Being relatively safe, we are able to speak up. We can talk to family members and friends about what is happening elsewhere and help them to understand who the victims are and how we can support them. We can make donations to organisations that are activated, especially on the ground and in receiving countries, to meet immediate needs, including food, water, and medical care.

We can engage political leaders and other people of influence, sharing our positions and our expectations of them as they participate in conversations and decision-making processes with regard to the crisis. We can use our platforms, including social media, to share information and encourage others to act. Small acts matter. What is most important is that we take action based on our own capacity, and that we seek to increase that capacity by challenging ourselves and the systems that limit our ability and willingness to participate.

Interested in learning more about Palestine? Check out the list of 40 books at lithe. com/40-books-to-understand-Palestine.

THE TRIBUNE

Wednesday, November 15, 2023, PAGE 9

YOUTUBE CREATORS WILL

TECHTALK

EXXON MOBIL IS DRILLING FOR LITHIUM IN ARKANSAS AND EXPECTS TO BEGIN PRODUCTION BY 2027

SOON HAVE TO DISCLOSE USE OF GENERATIVE A.I. IN VIDEOS OR RISK SUSPENSION (AP) YouTube is rolling out new rules for AI content, including a requirement that creators reveal whether they’ve used generative artificial intelligence to make realistic looking videos.

In a blog post Tuesday outlining a number of AIrelated policy updates, YouTube said creators that don’t disclose whether they’ve used AI tools to make “altered or synthetic” videos face penalties including having their content removed or suspension from the platform’s revenue

sharing program.

“Generative AI has the potential to unlock creativity on YouTube and transform the experience for viewers and creators on our platform,” Jennifer Flannery O’Connor and Emily Moxley, vice presidents for product management, wrote in the blog post.

“But just as important, these opportunities must be balanced with our responsibility to protect the YouTube community.”

The restrictions expand on rules that YouTube’s parent

By ANDREW DeMILLO Associated Press

company, Google, unveiled in September requiring that political ads on YouTube and other Google platforms using artificial intelligence come with a prominent warning label.

Under the latest changes, which will take effect by next year, YouTubers will get new options to indicate whether they’re posting AIgenerated video that, for example, realistically depict an event that never happened or show someone saying or doing something they didn’t actually do.

“This is especially important in cases where the content discusses sensitive topics, such as elections, ongoing conflicts and public health crises, or public officials,” O’Connor and Moxley said.

Viewers will be alerted to altered videos with labels, including prominent ones on the YouTube video player for sensitive topics.

The platform is also deploying AI to root out content that breaks its rules, and the company said the technology has helped detect

“novel forms of abuse” more quickly.

YouTube’s privacy complaint process will be updated to allow requests for the removal of an AI-generated video that simulates an identifiable person, including their face or voice.

YouTube music partners such as record labels or distributors will be able to request the takedown of AI-generated music content “that mimics an artist’s unique singing or rapping voice.”

AN artist’s rendering from General Motors.

General Motors has registered with Formula One’s governing body to become an engine supplier starting in 2028 in what is seen as a huge boost to Michael Andretti’s bid to join the global motorsports series.

(General Motors via AP)

GM STARTS DEVELOPMENT AND TESTING OF PROTOTYPE TECHNOLOGY

ANDRETTI’S FORMULA ONE EFFORT BOOSTED BY GENERAL MOTORS PLAN TO SUPPLY ENGINES STARTING IN 2028

By JENNA FRYER AP Auto Racing Writer LAS VEGAS (AP) — General Motors said Tuesday it has registered with Formula One’s governing body to become an engine supplier starting in 2028 in what is seen as a huge boost to Michael Andretti’s bid to join the global motorsports series.

“We are thrilled that our new Andretti Cadillac F1 entry will be powered by a GM power unit,” GM President Mark Reuss said. “With our deep engineering and racing expertise, we’re confident we’ll develop a successful power unit for the series, and position Andretti Cadillac as a true works team.

“We will run with the very best, at the highest levels, with passion and integrity that will help elevate the sport for race fans around the world.”

The announcement comes ahead of this weekend’s Las Vegas Grand Prix, where three senior GM executives plan to be in attendance to help push Andretti Global’s bid forward with F1.

GM in January announced its partnership with Andretti Global under its Cadillac banner on Andretti’s

application to join F1. GM doesn’t have its own F1 power unit and said its effort would be in conjunction with an existing manufacturer.

The FIA in July approved Andretti’s application, but it has yet to be accepted by F1. One of the criticisms has been that GM isn’t really entering F1, just backing Andretti as he uses another brand’s Cadillac-badged engine.

Now, GM has decided to build its own engine. If Andretti gets approved to join an expanded F1 grid, he would have to use another manufacturer’s engine until 2028.

F1, which participated in Ford’s announcement that it was returning to F1 in 2026, declined to comment on GM’s engine registration, citing the ongoing review of Andretti’s application. F1 and parent company Liberty Media have remained largely silent on the Andretti effort but have previously rebuked the need for an 11th team.

GM has already started development and testing of prototype technology, and it said building an F1 engine will help the automaker advance in areas including electrification, hybrid technology, sustainable fuels, high efficiency internal

combustion engines, advanced controls and software systems.

F1 in 2026 has set new engine regulations that place an emphasis on sustainable fuels and greater electric power. Six manufacturers have signed with the FIA to supply engines in 2026, including newcomer Audi, which will partner with Sauber.

Ford also plans to return to F1 in partnership with three-time reigning champion Red Bull. Honda also plans to return as an official supplier in 2026.

Andretti was the only applicant of seven to meet all the criteria for the FIA to expand the grid from 10 teams to 11, and with a car already built, hoped to be competing in 2025.

The plan had been for Andretti to use an existing engine manufacturer in collaboration with GM. But F1 does not seem impressed with the Andretti application, and The Associated Press reported in October that F1 asked GM to find another team to partner with instead of Andretti Global.

GM then told AP it will only team with Andretti. Even so, one of the arguments against the Andretti application has been that GM would be nothing more than a glorified sponsor

with a Cadillac-badged engine.

The registration to become a power unit supplier strengthens GM’s positioning, but Andretti needs a decision from F1 very soon to be ready to compete in 2025. Although he had a deal with Renault to supply his initial engines, it is believed that contract has expired.

Andretti has promised to field a true American team and said he wants California native and current IndyCar driver Colton Herta to drive for Andretti Global. Mario Andretti, his father, won the 1978 F1 championship and Michael ran 13 F1 races in 1993. The father and son are among the most successful racers in American open wheel history and rank third and fourth on IndyCar’s all-time win list.

California businessman Gene Haas owns an F1 team that he got via a 2014 application similar to the process Andretti went through this year. Haas launched in 2016 and plans to again use Kevin Magnussen of Denmark and Nico Hulkenberg of Germany next season. Haas is ranked last among the 10 teams in the constructors standings, while Hulkenberg is 16th and Magnussen is 19th in the driver standings.

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) — Exxon Mobil on Monday announced it’s drilling for lithium in southern Arkansas, with the oil giant expected to begin production of the critical material for electric vehicles by 2027.

Exxon in early 2023 acquired the rights to 120000 gross acres (48562 gross hectares) of the Smackover formation in southern Arkansas, considered one of the most prolific lithium resources of its type in North America. Exxon said that by 2030 it aims to produce enough lithium to supply the manufacturing needs more than 1 million electric vehicles.

“Lithium is essential to the energy transition, and ExxonMobil has a leading role to play in paving the way for electrification,” Dan Ammann, president of ExxonMobil Low Carbon Solutions, said in a news release.

Exxon didn’t disclose how much it’s spending on the project, which is expected to be a boost for a part of Arkansas that has a history as an oil and gas producer.

“I’m not being dramatic when I say this has the potential to transform our state,” Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders said at a news conference with Exxon and local officials about the project.

Columbia County Judge Doug Fields said the county has already been working with Exxon to ensure roads to the well are prepared.

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TOP PAID iPHONE APPS (US):

1. Five Nights at Freddy’s, Clickteam, LLC 2. Minecraft, Mojang 3. Five Nights at Freddy’s 2 , Clickteam, LLC 4. Five Nights at Freddy’s 4 , Clickteam, LLC 5. Shadowrocket, Shadow Launch Technology Limited 6. Heads Up!, Warner Bros.

7. Geometry Dash, RobTop Games AB 8. Five Nights at Freddy’s 3 , Clickteam, LLC 9. Ultimate Custom Night, Clickteam, LLC 10. HotSchedules, HotSchedules

PAGE 10, Wednesday, November 15, 2023

THE TRIBUNE

RBC DONATES $20,000 TO UNIVERSITY OF THE BAHAMAS’ SCHOOL OF NURSING RBC Royal Bank (Bahamas) Limited has made a $20,000 donation to the University of The Bahamas’ School of Nursing and Allied Health Professions, demonstrating its commitment to academic excellence and the resilience of the healthcare sector.

Officials made the gift on Friday, UB’s seventh charter anniversary.

This month also marks a significant milestone for RBC, which celebrates 115 years of service in The Bahamas. For many years, RBC has been a legacy donor to UB and a strong supporter of higher education.

Managing Director and Vice President of Personal Banking at RBC FINCO LaSonya Missick said the company is proud of its longstanding partnership with UB and will continue championing the transformative potential of a UB education.

“Our ongoing support for University of The Bahamas is a testimony to RBC’s belief in fostering partnerships that drive growth and resilience in our community,” said Mrs Missick during the gift announcement in the RBC Auditorium at UB’s Oakes Field Campus.

“We value our longstanding association with the university and acknowledge the transformative role it plays in the future of The Bahamas. With this donation, we aim to enhance the quality of healthcare in The Bahamas by empowering future nurses who will undoubtedly continue to play a critical role in our society.”

This special gift will positively impact not only the educational experiences of nursing majors, but also UB’s capacity to bolster the skills of future nurses. The funds will be used to create a state-of-the-art nursing simulation laboratory and outfit it with furniture, equipment and technological resources.

Acting UB President Janyne Hodder celebrated the bank’s generous giving and its longstanding support.

“I thank RBC for its commitment to education and also to healthcare in our country, both important pillars of national development,” said President Hodder.

“RBC’s investment impacts not only our students today, but their patients in the future and our broader healthcare system. The donors who support UB recognise that national development is a purpose in which we must all invest with whatever means we have of our time, talent, and treasure.”

For years, RBC has been an integral part of UB’s success story and celebrated proponent of tertiary education. The venue for Friday’s donation, the RBC Auditorium in the Franklyn R. Wilson Graduate Centre, is a shining example. Back in 2008, when Hodder served as president of the former College of The Bahamas, RBC donated $1 million to fund the facility’s construction.

Interim Dean of Pure and Applied Sciences at UB, Dr Veronica Toppin, heralded RBC’s donation as a red-letter day for the School of Nursing and Allied Health Professions.

“Your generous gift is not just a financial contribution but a valuable investment in the future of healthcare in The Bahamas,” said

FROM left: Dean (Interim), College of Pure and Applied Sciences, UB, Dr. Veronica Toppin; Chair, School of Nursing and Allied Health Professions, UB, Dr. Terry Campbell; RBC Managing Director and Vice President - Personal Banking and RBC FINCO, LaSonya Missick; President, UB, Janyne Hodder; Vice President Division of Institutional Advancement, UB, Dino Hernandez; Executive Director Corporate and Foundation Relations, UB, Kandice Eldon; and Student Government Association Senator for the School of Nursing and Allied Health Professions, UB, Treshanne Mackey.

RBC Managing Director and Vice President - Personal Banking and RBC FINCO, LaSonya Missick.

Dr Toppin. “With your support, we are confident that our nursing programme will continue to excel, producing well-prepared and compassionate nurses who will make a positive impact on our patient care.”

On Friday, UB also marked its Day of Giving, during which a sustained period of donations to UB were encouraged for a full 24-hour period. Philanthropy is a pivotal part of growing the university’s potential to meet its nation-building mission.

“And really, that’s why philanthropy matters, and it matters a lot,” said President Hodder.

“Companies like RBC recognise that while it’s a great responsibility for government and the public fund to uphold and support our social structures, the improvements we need, and access to quality, cannot be achieved by government alone.

“And while we are grateful for government funding, we need private support that generous philanthropic organisations and individuals bring to us. Private philanthropy from companies, from organisations, our own alumni, and other individuals has to be a part of the transformation of our country.”

NURSING students receiving hands-on training in UB’s School of Nursing laboratory.

ABOVE: RBC Managing Director and Vice President - Personal Banking and RBC FINCO, LaSonya Missick with School of Nursing and Allied Health Professions students.

RIGHT: Nursing students receiving hands on training in UB’s School of Nursing laboratory

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

NORTH KOREA SAYS IT TESTED NEW SOLID FUEL ENGINES FOR BALLISTIC MISSILES

By KIM TONG-HYUNG Associated Press

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — North Korea said Wednesday it successfully tested new solid-fuel engines designed for intermediate-range ballistic missiles as it continues to work on developing nuclear-capable weapons targeting its rivals in the region.

North Korea’s official Korean Central News Agency said the country’s military scientists tested the first-stage and secondstage missile engines on Saturday and Tuesday.

The report did not say when the new missile system was expected to be completed.

The North’s existing intermediate-range missiles, including the Hwasong-12 that may be able to reach the U.S. Pacific territory of Guam, are powered by liquid-fuel engines, which need to be fueled before launch and cannot stay fueled for long periods of time.

Missiles with built-in solid propellants can be made ready to launch faster and are easier to move and conceal, which theoretically makes it harder for adversaries to detect and preempt the launch in advance.

The recent tests were an “essential process for further enhancing the strategic offensive capabilities of (North Korea’s) armed forces in the light of the grave and unstable security environment facing the country and the future military situation in the region, in which the enemies will get more vicious in their military collusion and nexus,” KCNA said.

Tensions on the Korean Peninsula are at their highest point in years after North Korean leader Kim Jong Un ramped up his weapons demonstrations, including events he described as simulated nuclear attacks on the South.

He also authorised his military to launch preemptive nuclear strikes against enemies if it perceives Pyongyang’s top leadership to be under threat.

South Korea has responded by expanding its combined military exercises with the United States, which Kim has condemned as invasion rehearsals, and enhancing trilateral security cooperation with Japan.

Seoul is also seeking stronger public assurances from Washington that it would swiftly and decisively use U.S. nuclear weapons to protect the South in case of a North Korean nuclear attack.

During their annual security talks this week, U.S. Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin and South Korean Defence Minister Shin Won-sik signed an updated a bilateral security agreement with the aim of more effectively countering North Korea’s evolving nuclear and missile threats.

Shin said the new document spells out that the United States would mobilise its full range of military capabilities, including nuclear, to defend the South in the event of a North Korean nuclear attack.

He also said the document will be a template for the allies to strategise how South Korea could assist U.S. nuclear operations in such events with its conventional capabilities but didn’t elaborate further.

THE TRIBUNE

Wednesday, November 15, 2023, PAGE 11

ISRAELI MILITARY FORCES RAID GAZA’S LARGEST HOSPITAL IN OPERATION AGAINST HAMAS held up the Israeli flag and military flags in celebration.

In a nationally televised news conference, Defence Minister Yoav Gallant said Hamas had “lost control” of northern Gaza and that Israel made significant gains in Gaza City.

But asked about the time frame for the war, Gallant said: “We’re talking about long months, not a day or two.”

One Israeli commander in Gaza, identified only as Lt. Col. Gilad, said in a video that his forces near Shifa Hospital had seized government buildings, schools and residential buildings where they found weapons and eliminated fighters.

The army said it captured the legislature, the Hamas police headquarters and a compound housing Hamas’ military intelligence headquarters.

The buildings are powerful symbols, but their strategic value was unclear. Hamas fighters are believed to be in underground bunkers.

For days, the Israeli army has encircled the hospital.

Hundreds of patients, staff and displaced people were trapped inside, with supplies dwindling and no electricity to run incubators and other lifesaving equipment. After days without refrigeration, morgue staff on Tuesday dug a mass grave in the yard for more than 120 bodies, officials said.

Elsewhere, the Palestinian Red Crescent said Tuesday it had evacuated patients, doctors and displaced families from another Gaza City hospital, Al-Quds.

Israel has vowed to end Hamas rule in Gaza after the militants’ Oct. 7 attack into Israel in which they killed some 1,200 people and took roughly 240 hostages.

The Israeli government has acknowledged it doesn’t know what it will do with the territory after Hamas’ defeat.

The Israeli onslaught

By NAJIB JOBAIN, JACK JEFFERY AND LEE KEATH Associated Press KHAN YOUNIS, Gaza Strip (AP) — The Israeli military raided Gaza’s largest hospital early Wednesday, conducting what it called a “precise and targeted” operation against Hamas as Israel seized broader control of northern Gaza, including capturing the territory’s legislature building and its police headquarters.

The gains carried high symbolic value in the country’s quest to crush the militant group that rules Gaza.

The raid unfolded “in a specified area” of the Shifa Hospital, which has been the site of a standoff with Hamas. Israeli authorities claim the militants conceal military operations in the facility. But with hundreds of patients and medical personnel inside, the military had refrained from entering.

In recent weeks, Israeli defence forces have publicly warned that such use of the hospital jeopardised its protection under international law. On Tuesday, military officials conveyed again to Gaza authorities that all military activity in the hospital must cease within 12 hours.

“Unfortunately, it did not,” the military said.

Hamas has denied accusations that it uses the hospital for cover.

Israeli military officials gave no further details on the raid but said they were taking steps to avoid harm to civilians.

Meanwhile, Israeli defence officials said they have agreed to allow some fuel shipments into the Gaza Strip for humanitarian purposes. It was the first time Israel has allowed fuel into the besieged territory since Hamas’ bloody cross-border invasion on Oct. 7.

Inside some of the newly captured buildings, soldiers

— one of the most intense bombardments so far this century — has been disastrous for Gaza’s 2.3 million Palestinians.

More than 11,200 people, two-thirds of them women and minors, have been killed in Gaza, according to the Palestinian Health Ministry in Ramallah.

About 2,700 people have been reported missing. The ministry’s count does not differentiate between civilian and militant deaths.

Almost the entire population of Gaza has squeezed into the southern twothirds of the tiny territory, where conditions have been deteriorating even as bombardment there continues.

About 200,000 fled the north in recent days, the U.N. said Tuesday, though tens of thousands are believed to remain.

The U.N. agency for Palestinian refugees said Tuesday that its fuel storage facility in Gaza was empty and that it would soon end relief operations, including bringing limited supplies of food and medicine in from Egypt for more than 600,000 people sheltering in schools and other facilities in the south.

“Without fuel, the humanitarian operation in Gaza is coming to an end. Many more people will suffer and will likely die,” said Philippe Lazzarini, the commissionergeneral of UNRWA. Israeli defence officials, who repeatedly rejected allowing fuel into Gaza saying Hamas would divert it for military use, changed course early Wednesday.

Israel will allow some 24,000 litres (6,340 gallons) of fuel into the Gaza Strip for humanitarian operations, officials said.

The Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories, the Israeli defence body responsible for Palestinian affairs, said it would allow U.N. trucks to refill at the Rafah crossing on the Egyptian border

ISRAELI forces raid a Palestinian town of Tulkarem, West Bank, Tuesday.

(AP Photo/Bernat Armangue) the claims, the Gaza Health Ministry says it has invited international organisations to investigate the facility.

The evacuation at the Al-Quds Hospital followed “more than 10 days of siege, during which medical and humanitarian supplies were prevented from reaching the hospital,” Palestinian Red Crescent officials said.

In a post on X, they blamed the Israeli army for bombarding the hospital and firing at those inside.

The White House’s national security council spokesperson, John Kirby, said the U.S. has unspecified intelligence that Hamas and another Palestinian militants use Shifa and other hospitals and tunnels underneath them to support military operations and hold hostages.

The intelligence is based on multiple sources, and the U.S. independently collected the information, a U.S. official said on the condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive matters.

Kirby said the U.S. doesn’t support airstrikes on hospitals and does not want to see “a firefight in a hospital where innocent people” are trying to get care.

later Wednesday. It said the decision was in response to a request from the U.S. PLIGHT OF HOSPITALS Fighting has raged for days around the Shifa Hospital complex at the centre of Gaza City that has now “turned into a cemetery,” its director said in a statement.

The Health Ministry said 40 patients, including three babies, have died since Shifa’s emergency generator ran out of fuel Saturday. Another 36 babies are at risk of dying because there is no power for incubators, according to the ministry.

The Israeli military said it started an effort to transfer incubators to Shifa.

But they would be useless without electricity, said Christian Lindmeier, a World Health Organisation spokesman.

The Health Ministry has proposed evacuating the hospital with the supervision of the International Committee of the Red Cross and transferring the patients to hospitals in Egypt, but has not received any response, ministry spokesman Ashraf al-Qidra said.

While Israel says it is willing to allow staff and patients to evacuate, some Palestinians who have made it out say Israeli forces have fired at evacuees.

Israel says its claims of a Hamas command centre in and beneath Shifa are based on intelligence, but it has not provided visual evidence to support them. Denying

MARCH FOR HOSTAGES Families and supporters of the around 240 people being held hostage by Hamas started a protest march from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. The plight of the hostages has dominated public discourse since the Oct. 7 attack, with solidarity protests held across

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF PROFIT OR LOSS AND OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

As of September 30, 2023 (Expressed in B$000, unaudited)

Sep 30 2023 ASSETS CURRENT ASSETS : Cash and cash equivalents Term deposits Trade and other receivables, net Prepaid expenses and deposits Short-term investments Inventory Contract asset Total current assets

$

69,158 11,716 20,831 8,004 31,972 3,657 386 145,724

For the period ended September 30, 2023 with comparatives for September 30, 2022 (Expressed in B$000, unaudited)

53,568 11,690 17,439 11,037 41,705 3,398 304 139,141

NON-CURRENT ASSETS : Property, plant and equipment Intangible assets Contract asset Total non-current assets TOTAL

LIABILITIES AND EQUITY CURRENT LIABILITIES: Payables and accruals Preferred shares Deferred income Lease liabilities Notes payable Total current liabilities

302,421 50,986 603 354,011 $ 499,735

$

42,271 20,715 5,492 8,533 4,162 81,172

301,727 52,717 669 355,113 $ 494,254

$

44,930 14,936 4,695 8,533 4,162 77,255

NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES: Subscriber deposits Notes payable Lease payables Long term debt Preferred shares Total non-current liabilities Total liabilities EQUITY: Ordinary share capital Share-based options Retained earnings Non-controlling interest Total equity TOTAL

8,248 50,867 49,791 13,340 270,235 392,480 473,652

8,271 50,824 49,608 13,168 270,190 392,061 469,316

30,367 3,916 92,073 (100,273) 26,083 $ 499,735

30,367 3,766 89,205 (98,399) 24,939 $ 494,254

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS For the period ended September 30, 2023 with comparatives for September 30, 2022 (Expressed in B$000, unaudited)

THREE MONTHS ENDED Sep 30 Sep 30 2023 2022

Jun 30 2023

$

BATTLE IN GAZA CITY Independent accounts of the fighting in Gaza City have been nearly impossible to gather, as communications to the north have largely collapsed.

Israeli military spokesman Daniel Hagari said Israeli forces have completed the takeover of Shati refugee camp, a densely built district bordering Gaza City’s centre, and are moving about freely in the city as a whole.

Videos released by the Israeli military show troops moving through the city, firing into buildings. Bulldozers push down structures as tanks roll through streets surrounded by partially collapsed towers.

The videos portray a battle where troops are rooting out pockets of Hamas fighters and tearing down buildings where they find them, while gradually dismantling the group’s tunnel network.

Israel says it has killed several thousand fighters, including important midlevel commanders, while 46 of its own soldiers have been killed in Gaza.

P. O. Box CB 13050 I Nassau, N.P., The Bahamas T (242) 601-6780 F (242) 601-8985 E investors@cablebahamas.com www.cablebahamas.com

2024 FIRST QUARTER REPORT

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION

the country. The marchers, who expect to reach Jerusalem on Saturday, say the government must do more to bring home their loved-ones.

“Where are you?” Shelly Shem Tov, whose 21-yearold son, Omer, is among the captives, called out to Netanyahu. “We have no strength anymore. We have no strength. Bring back our children and our families home.”

$ 59,971

$ 55,579

OPERATING EXPENSES

(36,856) 23,115

(34,165) 21,414

Depreciation and amortization OPERATING INCOME

(15,522) 7,593

(12,617) 8,797

Gain on disposal of assets & investment in subsidiary, net

55

-

Other income

103

99

-

(48)

Interest expense

(2,112)

(2,173)

Dividends on preferred shares

(4,649)

(3,372)

REVENUE

Amortization of borrowing cost

Net and comprehensive income attributable to owners of the parent

$

990

$

3,303

Net and comprehensive loss attributable to non-controlling interests

$

(1,874)

$

(3,071)

Net and comprehensive income attributable to owners of the parent

$

2,864

$

6,374

BASIC EARNINGS PER SHARE DILUTED EARNINGS PER SHARE

$ $

0.07 0.07

$ $

0.15 0.14

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY For the period ended September 30, 2023 (Expressed in B$000, unaudited) ORDINARY SHARE CAPITAL

Balance at June 30, 2023 $ Net movement in treasury shares Vested share based options Net and comprehensive income attributable to owners of the parent Net and comprehensive loss attributable to non-controlling interest Balance at September 30, 2023 $

$

30,367

$

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES Net income Adjustments for: Depreciation and amortization Interest expense Amortization of transaction costs Dividends on preferred shares Gain on disposal of assets & investment in subsidiaries, net Increase in cash from changes in operating assets and liabilities: (Increase) decrease in accounts receivable Decrease in prepaids expenses and deposits Increase in inventory (Increase) decrease in contract assets Decrease in accounts payable Increase in provisions Decrease in subscriber deposits Increase (decrease) in deferred income Net cash from operating activities

$

990 $

3,303

15,522 2,112 4,649

12,617 2,173 48 3,372

(158)

-

23,114

21,513

(3,391) 3,033 (272) (17) (2,107) 53 (23) 797 21,189

47,099 4,626 (571) 34 (9,498) 46 (121) (239) 62,889

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES Increase in term deposits Redemption of (purchase of ) short-term investments Additions to property, plant and equipment Net cash used in investing activities

(26)

(5)

10,151 (14,068) (3,943)

(9,931) (13,225 (23,161)

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES Lease liabilities, net Interest paid Dividends paid on preferred shares Redemption of preferred shares Movement of share based options Sale of treasury shares Net cash used in financing activities

(1,810) 150 4 (1,656)

(690) (338) (133) 48 150 54 (909)

INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

15,590

38,819

RETAINED EARNINGS

NONCONTROLLING INTEREST

TOTAL

3,766 150

$ 89,205 4 -

$ (98,399) -

$ 24,939 4 150

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, BEGINNING OF PERIOD

53,568

73,689

-

2,864

-

2,864

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, END OF PERIOD

$ 69,158

$ 112,508

3,916

$ 92,073

(1,874) $ (100,273)

$ 26,083

SHARE-BASED OPTIONS

30,367 -

THREE MONTHS ENDED Sep 30 Sep 30 2023 2022

(1,874)

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS These consolidated interim condensed financial statements are prepared in accordance with IAS 34, Interim Financial Reporting. The accounting policies used in the preparation of these interim financial statements are consistent with those used in the annual financial statements for the year ended June 30, 2023. These statements also follow the guidelines of IFRS 10, Consolidated Financial Statements and incorporate the financial statements of the 48.25% owned subsidiary Be Aliv Limited. All intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated on consolidation.

Subsequent to September 30, 2023, the shareholders of Be Aliv Limited (Aliv), including Cable Bahamas Ltd (CBL), concluded an agreement to restructure certain financial obligations and service contracts between Aliv and CBL with the objective of enhancing the financial position and financial performance of Aliv and in turn, the financial performance of the Group. Certain elements of the agreement will result in decreases in net and comprehensive income/loss attributable to non-controlling interest and owners of the parent; and decreases in non-controlling interest and retained earnings, to be recorded in subsequent financial reporting periods.

SPORTS PAGE 12

A

fter coming off a 10-point loss in their last game, coach Yolett McPhee-McCuin hopes to get her Ole Miss Lady Rebels back on track tonight before they make their return trek to The Bahamas for another Thanksgiving tournament.

The 23rd ranked Lady Rebels, with eight new players on their roster, won their season opener 91-44 over Queen’s North Carolina on Monday, November 6, and suffered an 80-70 defeat at the hands of the No.25th ranked Oklahoma Sooners last Thursday.

Ole Miss, with Bahamian rookie forward Rhema Collins sidelined with a concussion before the season started, will be back

Page 15

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 2023

Ole Miss Rebels set for trip to Bahamas

By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

NBA,

in action tonight when they take on Temple.

Then, it’s time to prepare for their trip to Atlantis to compete in the women’s segment of the Battle 4 Atlantis tournament from Saturday, November 18 to Monday, November 20.

The teams participating are the University of Arkansas, DePaul University, the University of Michigan, Middle Tennessee University, the University of South Dakota, Howard University and the University of Memphis.

Grand Bahamian native McPhee-McCuin, who was the first Bahamian female to earn a female division one basketball scholarship to attend Miami Dade Community College from 2000-2002, said she’s looking forward to her Lady

SEE PAGE 15

COACH Yolett McPhee-McCuin commands her Ole Miss Lady Rebels, who make their return trek to The Bahamas for another Thanksgiving tournament.

TEAMS GO UP 1-0 IN THE BSAA VOLLEYBALL CHAMPIONSHIPS

By TENAJH SWEETING Tribune Sports Reporter tsweeting@tribunemedia.net THE Bahamas Scholastic Athletic Association (BSAA) volleyball championships saw the Teleos Christian Schools’ Cherubims senior girls and Mt Carmel Preparatory Academy junior boys advance to a 1-0 lead yesterday evening at the Tom “The Bird” Grant Sporting Complex in Yellow Elder.

Two best-of-three championship series were played as well as the final remaining playoff games to determine the competitors in the junior girls’ division.

For the championship round, the first-seeded Lady Cherubims knocked off the second-seeded Mt Carmel in game one of their series. Additionally, the Mt Carmel junior boys bested the Cherubims to lead the series.

SEE PAGE 15

U-14 Junkanoo Bowl: Players advance to finals

By TENAJH SWEETING Tribune Sports Reporter tsweeting@tribunemedia.net BAHAMIANS are all set to play in the under14 (U14) Junkanoo Bowl finals at the National Tennis Centre (NTC) today.

The venue has been quite busy following the first ever hosting of the International Tennis Federation (ITF)COTECC regional training camp for English-speaking countries.

The four-day event is scheduled to conclude today after singles and doubles matches wrap up.

Among the top Bahamian juniors in action this morning are Tatyana Madu, Patrick Mactaggart and Briana Houlgrave.

Madu, the number one seed, packed her bags for the finals after overcoming Curaçao’s Keziah Fluonia in two sets.

The opening set went down to the wire for the Grand Bahama native but she won 7-6(3). The

14-year-old then collected a comfortable win in set two (6-1) to secure her place in today’s finals.

One of the three Bahamian representatives said she made some errors but was able to regain her composure for the win in yesterday’s singles semifinals.

“My match was pretty good. I had to overcome some unforced errors I was making but once I overcame that, the second set was a breeze,” she said.

She added that for this morning’s match, she wants to be patient, wait for the short ball and take her time.

Madu will face Makeda Bain of Trinidad and Tobago, who upset the second seeded Sarai Clarke in the semifinals.

The latter and the former had a gruelling and competitive match at the NTC. In the first match of three, Bain gained the advantage and won 6-4.

Clarke made good on her efforts in set two and

PATRICK MACTAGGART, left, and Tatyana Madu have advanced to the finals of the U-14 Junkanoo Bowl Finals at the National Tennis Centre. dropped the visiting opponent 7-6(2). However, Bain outplayed her in the final set for a 6-1 victory.

She was a bit winded after her long match but was ready for today’s finals.

“It was a good match and a great experience. In set one, I was being consistent and then in the second set it was 5-1 and I just started to lose consistency. In the

SPORTS CALENDAR SOFTBALL NPSA POSTSEASON ON the heels of the Bahamas Softball Federation’s All-Star Classic this weekend, the New Providence Softball Association will resume its 2023 abbreviated season with the playoffs this weekend at the Banker’s Field.

On Friday at 7:30pm, UB is slated to play I-Bap at 7pm. If UB wins, the bestof-three championship series will start on Saturday at 7pm.

If I-Bap wins, they will play the third and deciding game against UB on Saturday. The ladies’ finals will then start on Tuesday. The men’s championship between the Cyber Tech Blue Marlins and Chances Mighty Mitts is scheduled to begin on Saturday at 8:30pm.

Game two of the series is all set for Tuesday following the ladies’ game.

Nov 2023

BASEBALL JAZZ CHISHOLM FOUNDATION LITTLE LEAGUE THE Jazz Chisholm Winter Little League is scheduled to continue at the Baillou Hills Sporting Complex this weekend.

On Friday at the Banker’s Field, the Jazz Blue vs Jazz Yellow slated to play at 5:30pm. On Saturday, a series of games are expected to be played on the multiple fields at the Baillou Hills Sporting Complex, starting at 10am.

SOFTBALL SOUSE OUT FAMILY and friends of veteran softball/baseball player Nelson Farrington will hold a souse-out to assist him with his medical expenses. The ‘In Da Back

SEE PAGE 15

third set I just stayed consistent,” she said.

Bain was happy to be in today’s finals and kept her strategy simple - stay consistent and do not get upset.

Mactaggart, the second seed, is slated to battle against Barbados’ first seed Dimitri Kirton in the boys’ singles finals.

Kirton ended the thirdseeded Alhil Cyril’s hopes

in yesterday’s semifinals in two sets.

He reeled in the win in consecutive sets, 6-2, 6-2.

Kirton talked about what led to the victory to earn a spot in the boys’ singles finals. “I played well and I was hitting my shots. I was playing well but another thing was he started to get mad and that was boosting me,” he said.

The 12-year-old continued to say that he was happy to be in the finals but is not overly happy because he now wants to win.

Mactaggart worked hard for his finals spot against Brandon Bridgewater. He fought his way to a win after three tough sets.

His opponent nabbed set one 6-4.

However, the Bahamian turned in a 6-2, 6-0 win to shut down Bridgewater’s finals ambitions.

In the doubles matchups, fellow competitors Bain and Madu will pair up to take on Fluonia and Houlgrave for the girls’ finals.

Curaçao’s Bridgewater and Barbados’ Kirton team up to play against Alec Hooper and Mactaggart for the boys’ doubles finals.

The Bahamas’ Caitlyn Pratt and Ayai Bethel took home the trophies for the boys and girls consolation finals. Due to impending inclement weather, the finals are set to begin at 8am.

NPBA: REBELS AND HEATWAVES IN WIN COLUMN THE New Providence Basketball Association continued its regular season action with a double header at the AF Adderley Gymnasium on Monday night.

UÊ iÀi½ÃÊ >Ê ÃÕ >ÀÞÊ vÊ the games played: Island Development Rebels 96, Brandon Deli Kings 69 Five players scored in double figures as the Rebels crowned the Kings in this men’s division one feature contest.

Both Toureque Cartwright and Theo Ferguson produced 15 points to lead Island Development’s scoring attack.

Cartwright also pulled down 15 rebounds, while Ferguson had eight rebounds and three steals.

Martin Conliff (three

NPBA regular season returned with a bang Saturday night. rebounds) and Demeako Saunders (four rebounds) contributed 14 points apiece with Conliff also dishing out eight assists.

Arnold Stubbs helped out with 10 points and four rebounds.

Marques Cooper added nine points with two rebounds and as many assists and Chadwin James had seven points and two assists.

SEE PAGE 14

THE TRIBUNE

Wednesday, November 15, 2023, PAGE 13

Mingoes spear Great Whites 92-73 thanks to hot night from Edgecombe, sport 2-0 record ERQUANTAE Edgecombe led The University of The Bahamas men’s basketball team to a 93-73 win over The Zulu Great Whites with 25 points, seven rebounds and eight steals in New Providence Basketball Association action at The Kendal Issacs Gym on Saturday night.

Kamari Minnis had 22 points, including four 3-pointers, and Theodore Grant had 17 points (four 3-pointers), six steals and five rebounds in the win.

Even though The Mingoes never trailed in the game, the team did squander a 23-point lead in the first half and allowed The Great Whites to get within seven points.

The half ended Mingoes up 49-42.

Coming out of the half, The Mingoes held their own defensively and that translated into offence and were able to go on a 10-2 run to go up 51-44 early on.

The team’s defence held on for the win and the unblemished record in NPBA action at 2-0.

“In the second quarter our defence slowed down and that’s what allowed them to get back into the game,” said Grant.

“But if our defence had stayed the same and we held on to the same intensity, there was no way this game was going to be this close.”

The Mingoes are now getting ready for the upcoming two-game tour this weekend in South Florida against United International College.

Edgecombe, who had three assists as well, said head coach Bacchus Rolle was looking towards the tour.

“Coach really wanted us to get ready for our international trip this weekend and we implemented some new defensive strategies today in the game,” Edgecombe said.

“Our zone defence was really working for us today.

We felt that defensively we were more active athletically so we were trying that out with some new players to get that solid for this weekend.”

Gabriel Styles and Glenderson Black each had six points in the win.

Bertram Minns led The Great Whites with 26 points.

The Mingoes play UIC Friday and Saturday in South Florida.

UB centre Gabriel Styles (black 30) goes up for a layup.

Photos: UB ATHLETICS

UB guard Delano Armbrister (black 12) goes up for a layup against The Great Whites.

UNIVERSITY of The Bahamas centre Tim Grant drives to the UB guard Dikembe Wilkinson (black 15) applies defence against a basket against Great Whites guard Sherman Marshall.

Great Whites player Issacs Gym.

BAHAMAS YOUTH FLAG FOOTBALL LEAGUE

ON THE RUN: Action heated up in week five (see scores sidebar) of the Bahamas Youth Flag Football League (BYFFL) on the field adjacent to the original Thomas A Robinson national stadium on Saturday.

Photos: O.L. Wilkinson

ATP FINALS: SINNER RECORDS HIS FIRST WIN OVER DJOKOVIC TURIN, Italy (AP) — Jannik Sinner recorded his first win over top-ranked Novak Djokovic, delighting a raucous home crowd at the ATP Finals.

Sinner triumphed 7-5, 6-7 (5), 7-6 (2) in a match spanning more than three hours last night and into this morning.

It was the 22-yearold Sinner’s first win in their four head-to-head meetings. It also ended Djokovic’s 19-match winning streak that stretched back to his five-set loss to Carlos Alcaraz in the Wimbledon final.

“It means a lot to me,” Sinner said.

“When you win against the World No. 1, who has won 24 Grand Slams, it’s obviously in the top,” of career results.

Sinner sealed the result with a smash at the net to send the Turin arena into a frenzy.

“There doesn’t exist a better place to beat the World No. 1. After Wimbledon I said I felt a bit closer but I didn’t even win a set,” Sinner said on his on-court interview, which was interrupted by the crowd serenading him with “Olé, Olé, Olé Olé, Sin-ner, Sin-ner.”

“Here I managed to play the most important points in the best way. There was a bit of tension when I lost the second set, it was very hard, but together with you (the crowd) we won together.”

The umpire had to tell the fans to be quiet several times during the match as they fervently cheered the Italian player on and also booed Djokovic several times.

The 36-year-old Djokovic, who normally enjoys huge support in Italy, lapped up the boos and even encouraged the fans to up their hostility toward him.

“I think the main difference is that in the important points, he was going for it, he was more courageous,” Djokovic said.

“He deserved to win because in important moments I wasn’t aggressive enough, I wasn’t decisive enough.”

PAGE 14, Wednesday, November 15, 2023

THE TRIBUNE

NEW PROVIDENCE BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION

Giants defeat Rockets 104-89 in season opener

ON THE REPLAY: THE New Providence Basketball Association (NPBA) regular season returned with a bang at the Kendal G L Isaacs Gymnasium on Saturday night.

Along with pregame performances by Dillon “D-MAC” McKenzie and Nishie LS, halftime entertainment from Julien Believe and the Saxons Superstars dancers, the crowd witnessed the defending champions Giants defeat the Discount Distributors Liquors Rockets 104-89. The NPBA season opener was a finals rematch between the top division one teams and, from the opening tip to the final buzzer, it was all Giants.

Photos by Dante Carrer

NPBA

FROM PAGE 12 Jarad Richardson paced the way for Brandon’s Deli with a game high 22 points with 167 rebounds.

Two other players were in double figures with Levanti Roberts scoring 20 points with nine rebounds, four steals and two assists and Kevin Wright Jr chipped in with 19 points, six rebounds, four assists and steals.

Heatwaves 65, Island Development Construction Rebels 63 With about 12 seconds left on the clock, Quebell Martin canned a jumper to break a 63-63 tie and pushed the Heatwaves out front for the win.

Martin finished with a game high 26 points with 16 rebounds, four steals and two assists.

Joshua Forbes ended up with 12 points and six rebounds. Johnacy

Augustin added nine points, 12 rebounds, seven assists and four steals. Marco Beckford chipped in with six points and eight rebounds and Rhameeko Butler had five points, four assists and three rebounds and steals.

In a losing effort for the Rebels, Mateo Taylor had 14 points, six rebounds and a pair of assists and steals, Andrew Strachan had 11 points, nine rebounds and two assists, steals and block shots.

Shavnno Johnson had 10 points and 13 rebounds and Dario Dean (eight rebounds) and Prince McPhee (nine rebounds) both had nine points and Jude Vil had eight points, six rebounds, six steals and four assists.

Tonight’s schedule 7:30pm - Mekaddish Millionaires vs Produce Express Rockets (DII).

8:30pm - TMT Giants vs Sunlight Cottage Stampers (D1).

FRIDAY 7:30pm - Cyber Tech Blue Marlins vs Rhythm Rebels (DII).

8:30pm - Tucker Boys vs Brandon Deli Kings (D1).

SATURDAY 7:30pm - Your Essential Store Giants vs Javon Medical Rockets (DII).

8:30pm - Zulu Medical & Symphony vs Caro Contractors Shockers (D1).

THE TRIBUNE

Wednesday, November 15, 2023, PAGE 15

Jazz send Ayton, Trail Blazers to their 4th straight loss 115-99

By JOHN COON Associated Press SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — Jordan Clarkson scored 30 points and Lauri Markkanen added 21 points and nine rebounds, leading the Utah Jazz to a 115-99 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers in an NBA In-Season Tournament game last night.

John Collins had 14 points and 10 rebounds for the Jazz. Kelly Olynyk finished with 12 points and a season-high 12 rebounds.

Keyonte George added 15 points and Collin Sexton 13. George and Sexton each had seven assists.

Utah won its second straight tournament game, while Portland, which dropped its fourth straight overall, slipped to 1-1 in West Group A play.

Jermani Grant led Portland with 26 points.

Deandre Ayton added 22 points and 10 rebounds and Shaedon Sharpe finished with 17 points, eight rebounds and seven assists. Skylar Mays had a game-high 10 assists.

Clarkson gave Utah an early spark with his

shooting. He started 6 for 6 from the floor and scored 14 points in the first quarter. Clarkson capped a 10-2 run with a steal and dunk – his final basket in the opening period — to give the Jazz a 29-19 lead.

Utah did not commit a turnover in the game’s first 15 minutes. Portland struggled to hold onto the ball, and its sloppiness was costly.

The Jazz scored 16 points off 12 Portland turnovers in the first half.

Taking care of the ball gave Utah plenty of offensive momentum.

The Jazz opened the second quarter by scoring baskets on four straight possessions, punctuated by a 3-pointer from Olynyk off a steal that extended Utah’s lead to 45-31.

Portland chipped away at the deficit throughout the third quarter behind steady shooting from Grant and Ayton.

The duo combined for nine baskets and cut Utah’s lead to 87-84 late in the quarter.

Each time the Blazers threatened to overtake the Jazz, Clarkson countered with timely baskets

PORTLAND Trail Blazers centre Deandre Ayton (2) shoots as Utah Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen, left, defends yesterday in Salt Lake City.

(AP Photo/Rick Bowmer) to keep Utah a step ahead.

The Jazz ended Portland’s comeback hopes

in the fourth quarter.

Markkanen scored three baskets to fuel a decisive

13-0 run that put Utah ahead 108-93 with 5:40 left in the game.

PACERS BEAT 76ERS 132-126 IN IN-SEASON TOURNEY GAME, END PHILLY’S EIGHT-GAME WINNING STREAK PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Tyrese Haliburton had 33 points and 15 assists, and Obi Toppin chipped in 27 points as the Indiana Pacers beat the 76ers 132-126 in an NBA In-Season Tournament game last night and snapped Philadelphia’s eight-game winning streak.

The Pacers took the upper hand in the tourney’s East Group A standings, improving to 2-0 in pool play. The Sixers slipped to 1-1.

Myles Turner added 17 points for the Pacers, whose bench outscored Philadelphia’s 33-6.

Joel Embiid scored 39 points and De’Anthony Melton added 30 points.

Tyrese Maxey was held to 27 points on 9-of-23 shooting after scoring a career-high 50 points against the Pacers on Sunday.

HEAT 111, HORNETS 105 CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Jimmy Butler scored a season-high 32 points, Bam Adebayo had 21 points and 11 rebounds and Miami remained unbeaten in the in-season tournament with a win over short-handed Charlotte.

Duncan Robinson added 18 points for the

Heat, who’ve won six straight overall.

Miami is 2-0 in group play; the Hornets are 1-1.

P.J. Washington had 32 points and six of Charlotte’s season-high 15 3-pointers. LaMelo Ball added 28 points, 11 assists and six rebounds.

The Heat finished off a 4-0 road trip that included wins against San Antonio, Atlanta and Memphis.

PELICANS 131, MAVERICKS 110 NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Brandon Ingram and rookie Jordan Hawkins each scored 25 points, and New Orleans snapped a five-game skid with a win over Dallas, which committed 20 turnovers in the loss.

Zion Williamson scored 19 point and Herb Jones also had 19 with five steals and two blocks as New Orleans improved to 1-1 in West Conference Group B pool play.

Luka Doncic was not in his usual form. He scored 16 points, but missed 11 of 16 shots, turned the ball over eight times and was a minus-26 in 26 minutes on the court.

Kyrie Irving and Tim Hardaway Jr. each scored 17 before coach Jason Kidd pulled all the starters for most of the final period.

INDIANA Pacers’ Tyrese Haliburton reacts during the second half of an NBA basketball in-season tournament game against the Philadelphia 76ers yesterday in Philadelphia.

(AP Photo/Matt Slocum) HAWKS 126, PISTONS 120 DETROIT (AP) — Dejounte Murray had 32 points and nine assists as Atlanta extended Detroit’s losing streak to nine games.

The Hawks won their Eastern Conference Group A tourney opener, while the Pistons fell to 0-2.

Saddiq Bey had 18 points against his former team and Bogdan Bogdanovic added 17 points for the Hawks. Trae Young missed the game after his wife gave birth to their second child on Monday.

Marvin Bagley III led the Pistons with 22 points

and 10 rebounds. Rookie Ausar Thompson added 21.

THUNDER 123, SPURS 87 OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Shai GilgeousAlexander had 28 points and a career-high seven steals, and Oklahoma City rolled past San Antonio.

The game featured two of the league’s top rookies — San Antonio’s 7-foot-3 Victor Wembanyama and Oklahoma City’s 7-1 Chet Holmgren.

Wembanyama finished with eight points on 4-for15 shooting.

He grabbed 14 rebounds and blocked two shots.

Holmgren had nine points

on 3-for-10 shooting with seven rebounds and three assists.

Josh Giddey added 18 points, seven rebounds and seven assists for the Thunder, who earned their first tourney win in three tries and a record with 19 steals.

Zach Collins and Julian Champagnie had 13 points apiece for San Antonio.

The Spurs lost their sixth straight and fell to 0-2 in the tournament.

NETS 124, MAGIC 104 NEW YORK (AP) — Spencer Dinwiddie had 29 points, eight assists and five rebounds, leading Brooklyn over Orlando.

Mikal Bridges chipped in 21 points, five rebounds and four assists, while Cam Johnson scored 20 points as Brooklyn put six players in double figures.

Day’Ron Sharpe finished with 11 points and 10 rebounds as the Nets won their second straight overall and improved to 2-1 in the tournament.

The Nets will close their round-robin Group C slate with a home game against Toronto on November 28.

Franz Wagner had 21 points, eight rebounds and five assists for the Magic in their tournament opener.

Orlando fell to 4-16 alltime at Barclays Center.

OLE MISS REBELS SET FOR BAHAMAS TRIP FROM PAGE 12 Rebels performing in the Battle 4 Atlantis. They open play against Temple at noon on Saturday.

“We played a top 25 team and we lost to them after we played so well against a non-ranked team for the win,” McPheeMcCuin said.

“Our non-conference games are going to be our test to see where we’re at as a team and where we want to go.”

As they prepare to come back for their first appearance in the Battle 4 Atlantis, having played here last year in another tournament at Baha Mar, McPhee-McCuin said they’re still trying to figure things out as a team.

“We lost Rhema before our first game after she suffered a concussion the day before we played,” McPhee-McCuin said.

“So we’re still trying to figure things out with her. She won’t play in the Bahamas either.

“She’s okay. We will see if it makes sense to redshirt her this season or

allow her to play whenever she gets back playing with the team. I know a lot of people wanted to see her come home and play with us, but she will be there. She just won’t play.”

Despite her absence on the floor, McPhee-McCuin said she hopes that doesn’t diminish the local crowd support for her Ole Miss team in the stands.

“We want as many people to come out and watch us play,” McPheeMcCuin stated. “We know this is a high-level competition, much higher than the tournament we played in Baha Mar. So we want as many Bahamians to come out and support us, support me as a Bahamian and support our team, even though Rhema won’t play.

“This is our second year in a row coming home to play and this time it’s going to be some top-tier competition. So we will need all of the support we can get to get through this tournament. It will definitely be a good opportunity for us to see where we are at so we

know what to expect when we return to play our conference games.”

With eight new players on their roster, McPheeMcCuin said the Battle 4 Atlantis will be a very good opportunity for her and her players to come together and gel before they pick things back up in the United States.

“We gave up 80 points in our last game. We can’t give up 80 points and expect to be in the game,” McPhee-McCuin stated.

“We have to be able to defend the ball a lot better than we did in that game.

But everybody is still trying to figure out their places on the team.”

She admitted that there are a lot of expectations for her team, but she encourages the fans to be a little more patient as they try to figure things out. “We just want the Bahamian people to come out and support us. “That’s going to be important,” McPhee-McCuin summed up.

Having missed what she calls “valuable time,”

McPhee-McCuin said when they return from the Bahamas, the team’s doctors will further assess

Collins’ medical condition and make a determination on her status for the remainder of the season.

SPORTS CALENDAR FROM PAGE 12 Yard” event is scheduled to take place on Saturday on Martin Street, off Baillou Hill Road.

Chicken and pig feet souse will cost $12 each, while sheep tongue and stew conch will be $20 each. Orders can be placed by calling 455-4110 or 468-8179.

SWIMMING BOOK SIGNING THE official launch and book signing of “Let’s Swim Bahamas” is slated to

BSAA

FROM PAGE 12 Championship Round The Lady Cherubims meant business when they stepped on the court to face the senior girls of Mt Carmel. They comfortably defeated their opponent in two straight sets to earn the first win in the BSAA senior girls volleyball finals. The pennant winners opened the first set 8-2 which turned into a 10-4 lead.

Mt Carmel managed to add two more points to their total but the Lady Cherubims closed out the first set 25-7.

In the following set, Mt Carmel refused to go down without a fight. Set two opened tied at two apiece but Teleos pushed the lead to 10-5 on the scoreboard. It looked to be another comfortable win for the Cherubims until Mt Carmel scored five points and made the score 12-10. The team collectively locked in and evened the score at 14 then claimed the lead 15-14. Despite Mt Carmel building some momentum late in set two, the Lady Cherubims poured in six straight points and changed the score to 21-16.

After that point in the match, it was all the Lady Cherubims who won set two 25-17.

Pastor David Adams, head coach of the Cherubims, was impressed with the play of the senior girls to win the first game of the three.

“The last game the key to our win was Victoria Ferguson, and Jada. The captain and co-captain were very good and it was service again that did it for us, especially with the wind that is blowing,” Adams said.

He added that they are looking to finish off Mt Carmel in game two today.

The Mt Carmel junior boys needed three sets to achieve the victory but they got it done.

In set one, Mt Carmel had the advantage and emerged with a narrow 21-18 win.

The Cherubims were laser focused in the following set and stormed out to a 9-0 lead.

Mt Carmel got on the scoresheet at 12-6 but then their opponents dominated the rest of the way. They were up 18-10 and took the second set 21-11.

In the final set of the match, Mt Carmel wasted no time and dropped the Cherubims 15-8.

Dante Clarke, head coach of Mt Carmel, was elated to see her junior boys team grab the first win against the defending champions Teleos.

“It feels really good knowing that my boys and I have put in the effort and it feels good to defeat the reigning championships. Tomorrow I am just gonna pray for no injuries on either side and that my boys play to the ability that I know they can,” Clarke said.

The junior girls’ championship series will feature the Lady Cherubims versus Genesis Academy. The latter booked their ticket to the BSAA volleyball finals after blasting Mt Carmel in consecutive sets 21-9, 21-12.

Meanwhile, Teleos ousted the International School of Business Entrepreneurship & Technology (ISBET) in three sets. The Cherubims’ junior girls claimed set one 21-19 but their opponents got revenge in set two, 21-10. In the final set, Teleos capitalised on the opposing team’s weaknesses and came away with a 15-8 victory.

Shanell Carey, head coach of Genesis Academy, said her girls are ready for the Lady Cherubims. “It feels awesome, we are really ready for the championships and ready to just come and show out. I am expecting to win tomorrow and the day after,” Carey said.

The championship games continue at 4pm today.

Nov 2023

be held on Saturday from 2pm to 4pm in front of the Sports Center in the Harbour Bay Shopping Plaza.

The book, which details the history of swimming in the Bahamas, was written by former swimmer and coach Andy Knowles.

The cost of the book is $22 and is also available on Amazon. All proceeds will go towards the Let’s Swim Bahamas” programme, organised by Andy and his wife Nancy Knowles.

THE TRIBUNE

Wednesday, November 15, 2023, PAGE 17

STOCK MARKET TODAY

Wall Street soars as cooling inflation raises hopes for an end to rate hikes

By STAN CHOE AP Business Writer RELIEF washed over Wall Street Tuesday, and stocks leaped to one of their best days of the year following a surprisingly encouraging report on inflation.

The S&P 500 jumped 1.9% for its best day since April and hit a two-month high. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rallied 489 points, or 1.4%, while the Nasdaq composite charged 2.4% higher.

The highly anticipated report showed not only that overall inflation slowed last month, but so did a key underlying figure that economists see as a better indicator of future trends.

The slowdown bolstered bets on Wall Street that inflation is cooling enough for the Federal Reserve to finally be done with its market-crunching hikes to interest rates.

Such hopes lifted all kinds of investments, and more than 90% of the stocks in the S&P 500 climbed in a widespread rally.

Technology and other high-growth stocks tend to get some of the biggest

boosts from easier rates, and a 2.3% rise for Amazon and 2.1% lift for Nvidia were two of the strongest forces pushing the S&P 500 upward.

Stocks of smaller companies also got a huge boost, with the Russell 2000 index of small stocks surging 5.4% for its best day in a year. Smaller companies are often seen as more dependent on borrowing cash to grow, which can make them more vulnerable to higher interest rates.

The inflation data helped to buoy Wall Street's hopes that the Fed may actually pull off the balancing act of slowing the economy and hurting investment prices just enough to grind down inflation, but not so much as to cause a painful recession.

That is still not a certainty, though.

The Fed has yanked its main interest rate to its highest level since 2001, up from virtually zero early last year, in hopes of grinding inflation lower. The moves have already sent shockwaves through the financial system, with stocks still down from their peak in early 2022 and several highprofile U.S. bank failures

THE SUN shines through the U.S. flags flying in front of the New York Stock Exchange at the corner of Wall and Broad Streets in New York City, Tuesday, Nov. 14, 2023. Photo:J. David Ake/AP earlier this year shaking investors' confidence.

Even if it doesn't hike rates any more, the Fed has indicated plans to keep its main rate high for a while to ensure victory in its battle against inflation.

Still, Tuesday's report was immensely encouraging for Wall Street. After the report's release, Treasury yields in the bond market tumbled immediately as traders flooded into bets that the Fed won't hike rates again.

Investors also pushed up the expected timetable for the Fed's first cut to rates, which can act like steroids for financial markets and provide oxygen across the financial system. Many are betting on cuts to begin by the summer, though some economists say they likely won't begin until the end of 2024.

"Ain't no reason to believe the last inflation mile will be the most difficult," said EY Chief Economist Gregory Daco.

NOTICE

NOTICE

NOTICE is hereby given that ANDRE PHILIPPE of Farrington Road, P.O. Box SB-52453, New Providence, Bahamas is applying to the Minister responsible for Nationality and Citizenship, for registration/naturalization as a citizen of The Bahamas, and that any person who knows any reason why registration/ naturalization should not be granted, should send a written and signed statement of the facts within twenty-eight days from the 15th day of November, 2023 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, Bahamas.

NOTICE is hereby given that PETER PHILIP BAZILE of Kool Acres Subdivision, P.O. Box SB-52453, New Providence, Bahamas is applying to the Minister responsible for Nationality and Citizenship, for registration/ naturalization as a citizen of The Bahamas, and that any person who knows any reason why registration/naturalization should not be granted, should send a written and signed statement of the facts within twenty-eight days from the 15th day of November, 2023 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, Bahamas.

"Slower consumer demand, reduced housing rents, lower profit margins, easing wage growth and restrictive monetary policy represent the ideal disinflationary combo heading into 2024."

The yield on the 10-year Treasury tumbled to 4.44% from 4.64% late Monday, which is a significant move for the bond market. Just a few weeks ago, the 10-year yield was above 5% and at its highest level since 2007.

Traders now see zero chance of a rate increase at the Fed's next meeting next month, down from a 14.5% probability a day before, according to data from CME Group.

The prospect of no more rate hikes reverberated across all kinds of financial markets.

The value of the U.S. dollar fell against many other currencies, further slowing its strong run since the summer, while the price of gold rose $16.30 to settle at $1,966.50 per ounce.

Higher rates tend to hurt gold because the metal looks less attractive as an investment when bonds are paying higher yields and gold continues to pay nothing.

On Wall Street, realestate stocks and others beaten down particularly hard by higher rates soared to some of the market's biggest gains.

Alexandria Real Estate Equities jumped 11.7%, for example. It owns mega campuses catering to life sciences companies in hubs around the country.

Real-estate investment trusts send out most of their earnings to investors as dividends, which means they typically compete with bonds for the same kind of investors. When rates are rising and bonds are paying higher yields, those investors often turn away from REITs, utility companies and other high-dividend stocks.

Bank stocks were also strong on hopes that a halt to rate hikes will mean less pressure on the financial system. Zions Bancorp jumped 8.1%, and Comerica rose 7.8%. Both their stock prices fell sharply earlier this year following the collapses of Silicon Valley Bank and other banks a tier or two below in size of the industry's behemoths.

Elsewhere on Wall Street, Home Depot rallied 5.4% after reporting stronger profit for the latest quarter than analysts expected.

Target, Walmart and other big retailers will report their latest results later this week. They're at the tail end of an earnings reporting season that has been better than analysts expected. Companies in the S&P 500 are on track to deliver their first overall growth in earnings in a year, according to FactSet. All told, the S&P 500 rose 84.15 points to 4,495.70.

The Dow gained 489.83 to 34,827.70, and the Nasdaq climbed 326.64 to 14,094.38.

In stock markets abroad, indexes were mostly higher across Europe and Asia.

PUBLIC NOTICE

INTENT TO CHANGE NAME BY DEED POLL The Public is hereby advised that I, ROY ANTHONY BAIN of P.O. Box CB-12108, Lilac Street, Garden Hills Estate, Bahamas intend to change my name to ROY ANTHONY NOTTAGE. 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, The Bahamas no later than Thirty (30) days after the date of publication of this notice.

NOTICE NOTICE is hereby given that PATRICIA FREDERIC of Third Street #60, 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, 2023 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, New Providence, The Bahamas.

NOTICE NOTICE is hereby given that TERANCE FILS-AIME of Eneas Jumper Corner, off East Street, New Providence, Bahamas is applying to the Minister responsible for Nationality and Citizenship, for registration/naturalization as a citizen of The Bahamas, and that any person who knows any reason why registration/naturalization should not be granted, should send a written and signed statement of the facts within twentyeight days from the 15th day of November, 2023 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, Bahamas.

NOTICE NOTICE is hereby given that JANEE MULLINGS, Blueberry, Fox Hill, Nassau, The Bahamas applying to the Minister responsible for Nationality and Citizenship, for Registration Naturalization as a citizen of The Bahamas, and that any person who knows any reason why registration/naturalization should not be granted, should send a written and signed statement of the facts within twenty-eight days from the 8th day of November 2023 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, New Providence, The Bahamas.

PAGE 18, Wednesday, November 15, 2023

THE TRIBUNE

Home Depot sales continue to slide but the biggest home improvement chain still tops expectations “A lack of financing, softer confidence, and higher interest rates which impact borrowing to fund such activity, are all underpinning the decline,” Saunders said. “In our view, the situation will only remedy itself once the economy picks up or the backlog of work builds to an extent that it fuels latent demand – which will not happen any time soon.”

By MICHELLE CHAPMAN AP Business Writer HOME Depot sales continue to slide as Americans wrestle with persistent inflation and the company narrowed its outlook for the year. But the nation's biggest home improvement retailer still topped expectations for the quarter and shares jumped more than 5% Tuesday.

Home Depot now expects an earnings per share to decline between 9% and 11% in 2023 and same store sales to fall 3% to 4%. The company previously anticipated an earnings per share drop between 7% and 13% and a same-store sales decline of 2% to 5%.

It's the first time that Home Depot has projected a decline in annual sales since 2009, when the U.S. economy was decimated by a massive housing bubble.

Inflation is hitting Home Depot on a number of fronts.

Americans are more closely watching where they spend money as costs rise. The average receipt at Home Depot declined 0.3% from last year during the same period, and customer transactions are down 2.4%. It is also getting more expensive to put big-ticket

Neil Saunders

A VIEW of the exterior of the Home Depot improvement store, in Niles, Ill., Saturday, Feb. 19, 2022. Home Depot reports earnings on Tuesday, Nov. 14, 2023.

Photo:Nam Y. Huh/AP items on credit cards or to take out a loan to buy them, a result of the fight by the U.S. Federal Reserve against inflation.

Secondly, as the Fed has raised interest rates to cool the economy and inflation, it has fractured the real estate market, the health of which is a big determinant in Home Depot's fortunes.

Few people are moving from their homes after

locking in ultralow mortgages at or below 3%. The average rate on the benchmark 30-year home loan is more than twice that now.

Sales of previously occupied U.S. homes in September fell for the fourth month in a row, grinding to their slowest pace in more than a decade.

Sales of new homes are falling, too, but for much different reasons.

The lack of existing homes for sale has forced more people into the new home market, or out of the housing market completely as prices skyrocket. Both can impact a company like Home Depot negatively.

The impact of inflation and monetary policy on a company like Home Depot played out in real time Tuesday after the U.S. released the latest data on

GOOGLE CEO SUNDAR PICHAI RETURNS TO COURT TO DEFEND INTERNET COMPANY FOR SECOND TIME IN TWO WEEKS

By MICHAEL LIEDTKE AP Technology Writer GOOGLE CEO Sundar Pichai on Tuesday was summoned to federal court for the second time in two weeks to testify in an antitrust trial threatening to topple a pillar of an internet empire that he helped build.

In his latest court appearance in San Francisco, Pichai spent more than two hours defending the business practices of the Google Play Store, which distributes apps

for the company's Android software that powers most of the world's smartphones.

At times, the soft-spoken Pichai looked nonplussed and frustrated by the confrontational questioning he faced. Other times he came across as a professor explaining complex subjects to the trial's 10-person jury located just a few feet from a podium Pichai was allowed to use because he has difficulty sitting for prolonged periods.

Epic Games, the maker of the popular video game Fortnite, is trying to convince the jury that a Google Play payment processing system that collects a 15% to 30% commission from in-app purchases is illegally hurting consumers and software developers. Google collects those commissions, according to Epic, by using its market muscle to thwart competing Android app stores — a strategy that drives up prices and discourages innovation.

It echoes a previous case that Epic brought against Apple, the iPhone maker that is alternately being depicted as Google foe and ally in this trial.

Pichai's latest testimony came 15 days after he traveled to Washington, D.C., to take the stand in a separate antitrust trial revolving around the Justice Department's allegations that Google has stifled competition and innovation by abusing the power of the dominant search engine that

inflation, which eased in October. Shares of Home Depot that had been trading flat jumped in early trading.

Third-quarter revenue slipped 3% to $37.71 billion, Home Depot Inc. said Tuesday, which is better than the $37.52 billion that Wall Street was expecting, according to a survey of analysts by Zacks Investment Research.

Sales at stores open at least a year, a key gauge of a retailer's health, dropped 3.1%. In the U.S., they declined 3.5%.

Customers, compared with several years ago when they were taking on major renovations at home, focused instead on smaller, less expensive projects.

"Similar to the second quarter, we saw continued customer engagement with smaller projects, and experienced pressure in certain big-ticket, discretionary categories," Chair and CEO Ted Decker said in a prepared statement.

Big-ticket items include appliances that many customers buy through credit, which has grown very expensive as a result of the fight by the U.S. Federal Reserve to rein in inflation. The Fed has raised its benchmark interest rate 11 times in the past year and a half, to about 5.4%, the highest level in 22 years.

That has raised the cost of mortgages, credit cards typically used to acquire refrigerators, and loans for home improvement.

launched the company in 1998. Although the two trials are unfolding on opposite ends of the country and are delving into different parts of a company that investors value at $1.7 trillion, they are touching upon at least two common issues — Google's immense power and its unusual relationship with Apple, an even bigger tech powerhouse.

A key part of Google's defense against that allegations that its Play Store is running an illegal monopoly on Android apps hinges on the assertion that the company faces major competition from Apple's iPhone, mobile operating system and app store.

Meanwhile, the Justice Department's case against Google in Washington is focused largely on deals that the company negotiated with Apple to ensure Google's search engine automatically

fields queries entered on iPhones and Apple's Safari browser. After Monday testimony from an expert witness in the Washington antitrust trial revealed Google shared 36% of its ad revenue from Safari search queries with Apple in 2021, Pichai was forced to confirm the figure Tuesday in San Francisco under often combative questioning by Epic lawyer Lauren Moskowitz.

Things got so tense that before recessing for a short break, U.S. District Judge James Donato described the back-and-forth between Epic's lawyer and Pichai as a "rocking 75 minutes."

Before the testimony began, Donato had granted Moskowitz's request to disclose the precise amount of money that Google paid Apple in 2021 over objections from both Google and Apple lawyers, but she never got that specific.

THE TRIBUNE

Wednesday, November 15, 2023, PAGE 19

ArawakX directors stay in control of BOB battle FROM PAGE A24 also been given permission to appeal the duo’s appointment if they so desire.

And they are also free to launch further legal proceedings against the Securities Commission, which successfully petitioned the Supreme Court for the provisional liquidators’ appointment.

However, there is a ‘catch’ in that the Rahmings will have to bear the costs of all such litigation and appeals “personally and not out of the assets and undertaking of the company”.

Tribune Business sources yesterday confirmed that the Securities Commission and provisional liquidators were quite happy to allow the Rahmings to retain carriage of the Bank of The Bahamas claim given that they will have to pay all legal costs and expenses.

As a result, there is no risk or liability exposure for any other party, and the matter is effectively viewed as a non-concession.

ArawakX, prior to the provisional liquidation, was seeking damages from Bank of The Bahamas for

breach of contract, injury to its credit and reputation and alleged “unlawful interference” with its business relationships, plus aggravated damages. No dollar figure, though, is specified in the statement of claim.

Bank of The Bahamas froze ArawakX’s bank accounts from November 1, 2022, to mid-May 2023 amid uncertainty over who held control and signatory authority over them - the Rahmings or James Campbell, the former Colina Insurance Company president who was the platform’s largest $1.6m investor, amid their battle for control. The freeze was done to prevent the bank from exposure to potential liability from either party.

Mr Rahming junior, in a November 8 affidavit, argued it was “axiomatic”, or unquestionable, that Bank of The Bahamas “will have to answer for the harm caused” in freezing ArawakX’s bank accounts.

He said it had “cynically” denied to the Securities Commission that the two parties were in settlement talks knowing this would

strengthen the regulator’s case for the winding-up.

The Supreme Court’s appointment of a provisional liquidator, Mr Rahming added, would benefit Bank of The Bahamas because there was no guarantee that the crowdfunding platform’s legal claim against it would survive. However, Christina Rolle, the Securities Commission’s executive director, has previously reassured that a provisional liquidator would be mandated to pursue all such cases.

Nevertheless, Mr Rahming alleged that the regulator, through asking Bank of The Bahamas to confirm if it was in settlement negotiations, had sparked the BISX-listed institution’s “abrupt and calculated rejection” of ArawakX’s $33m settlement demand.

He also produced a September 7, 2023, e-mail from Michelle Deveaux, an attorney with McKinney, Bancroft & Hughes, in which she promised to send a settlement proposal on Bank of The Bahamas’ behalf as evidence the latter was seeking to negotiate a

resolution to the Arawak dispute.

Khalil Parker KC, the Bahamas Bar Association’s president, in a September 15, 2023, letter set out ArawakX’s “position on settlement” in response to what he said was Bank of The Bahamas’ request. He argued that the account freeze, which stemmed from the Rahmings’ battle for control with the platform’s largest investor, James Campbell, had disrupted a $49.8m project to develop a government savings bond.

As a result of this, and other impacts, Mr Parker said his client was prepared to accept a $32.977m settlement plus legal costs of $824,426 and VAT levied on the latter sum. “As the defendant was at all material times aware, its conduct complained of has resulted in loss and damage to the claimant’s standing with its regulator and an interruption of the claimant’s use and enjoyment of its market place and clearing facility licence,” he wrote on ArawakX’s behalf.

“The claimant at all material times had commenced a

Delay dividends to give bigger payout, BOB told FROM PAGE A24 shares, only one represents a ‘buy’ with the others all representing retail shareholders wanting to sell and exit. All prices being sought are in the $5.20 to $5.30 range.

A closer inspection of Bank of The Bahamas’ results, however, that its 2024 first quarter comprehensive income would have come in lower than the prior year without the benefit of a positive $1.734m swing on loan loss impairment reversals. The BISX-listed institution enjoyed a $389,413 writeback of provisions this year compared to the $1.345m

worth of charges it took in the three months to endSeptember 2022.

As a result, total comprehensive income rose to $4.101m this financial year as opposed to $2.742m for the 2023 first quarter. Net interest income rose by close to $1.3m, jumping to $10.901m for the 2024 first quarter as opposed to $9.626m in the comparative period, while fee and commission income rose to $2.915m from $2.49m.

Adding in $1.335m in other operating income took total operating income to $15.152m, a 15.2 percent year-over-year increase over the prior year’s $13.155m. However,

this was exceeded by the 23.2 percent hike in operating expenses, which hit $11.44m compared to the year-before $9.285m.

Bank of The Bahamas’ non-accrual loans, representing credit 90 days or more past due, remains significantly higher than the commercial banking industry’s at 17.1 percent of the net $363.162m loan portfolio even if it no longer has to rely on the $167.437m government bond injected into its balance sheet to keep it solvent.

Neil Strachan, Bank of The Bahamas managing director, in his first quarter report to shareholders, said: “The bank’s total operating

China's economy shows sparks of life, despite persisting weakness in troubled real estate sector BEIJING Associated Press CHINA'S economy showed more signs of reviving in October as retail sales and manufacturing picked up though the property sector remained sluggish, the government said Wednesday.

Factory output rose 4.6% from a year earlier in October, while retail sales jumped 7.6%, helped by robust spending during the weeklong National Day holidays.

But real estate investment sank 9.3%, and officials acknowledged that the industry was still in the "midst of adjustment," after a crackdown on excessive borrowing by developers two years ago, coupled with the pandemic, plunged the industry into crisis.

Disruptions to manufacturing, transport, travel and virtually every other aspect of life during the pandemic ended nearly a year ago when China's leaders abandoned their "zero-COVID" policies aimed at preventing infections.

So improved economic data from October also reflect lower rates of growth a year earlier. Overall, China's recovery from the pandemic has been fitful, though recently activity has revived, leading many economists to upgrade their estimates for growth this year to above the government's target of about 5%.

China's economy slowed in the summer as global demand for its exports faltered and the property sector deteriorated further.

The economy expanded at a 4.9% annual pace in July-September, beating analysts' forecasts of about 4.5%, official data show. But that was much slower than the 6.3% annual growth rate of the previous quarter.

The recent evidence that the world's No. 2 economy is again gaining steam comes just as President Xi Jinping is due to meet later Wednesday with U.S. President Joe Biden on the

sidelines of a Pacific Rim summit in California.

Briefing reporters in Beijing, Liu Aihua, a spokesman for the National Bureau of Statistics, repeatedly emphasized China's transition to new models

of growth, part of a decades-long shift from rapid industrialization and heavy investments in factories, ports and other infrastructure to a more sustainable pace of growth led by consumer spending.

income grew by $2m compared to the same period in the previous year. This improved performance is attributed to higher interest income derived from the bank’s loan growth, and investment of its excess liquidity.

“Furthermore, the bank’s non-interest revenue contributed to the overall positive variance as the bank recorded higher income from fees and commissions, merchant services and prepaid cards.

This first quarter financial performance was also positively impacted by the net impairment reversal of $0.4m compared to a net The economy was continuing to improve under "effective" policies, though its recovery was experiencing "wave-like development and tortuous progress," he said. "At present, the external pressure is still great, the constraints of insufficient domestic demand are still prominent, enterprises have many difficulties in production and operation, and hidden risks in some fields require much attention," Liu said.

project pursuant to a signed proposal with the Government of The Bahamas worth upwards of $49.8m, which the defendant’s conduct complained of herein frustrated, causing loss and damage to the claimant.

“The defendant’s conduct also damaged the claimant’s relationship with its creditors, whose claims it was prevented from satisfying, and has exposed it to claims from its third-party subscribers. The claimant suffered a seven-month loss of earnings, reflecting $560,159 in subscriptions and other income, and $4.182m in success fees,” Mr Parker continued.

“The claimant also seeks $420,000 with respect to the aggravated nature of the injuries caused in the circumstances. The claimant is prepared at present to accept $32.977m and $824,426 plus VAT with respect to its costs of and occasioned by this matter in full and final settlement.” Mr Parker added that the account freeze had also impacted ArawakX’s credit and reputation, plus interfered with its business relationships.

It is unclear how the $32.977m figure was derived, although a large chunk is likely related to loss of opportunity concerning the $49.8m government savings bond development.

However, Simon Wilson, the Ministry of Finance’s financial secretary, previously said talks with ArawakX had not progressed beyond the “proposal” stage and there was no binding agreement or contract between the two sides.

But Neil Strachan, Bank of The Bahamas’ managing director, told Ms Rolle in an October 25, 2023, e-mail that no settlement had been agreed with the embattled crowd-funding platform as the latter’s offer was previously “rejected”.

“This is to formally advise that Bank of The Bahamas has not engaged in any negotiations of settlement terms, nor have we agreed to a settlement relative to MDollaz/ArawakX. An offer for settlement was sent to our attorneys.

However, the offer was rejected,” he wrote.

impairment loss of $1.3m for the same period in prior year.

“Net impairment reversal is attributed to the note receivable balance where the bank adjusted its provisions assumptions based on the interest payments performance, the economy and its related positive indicators,” he added.

“Operating expenses increased by $2.2m mostly due to employee and

occupancy expenses, other administrative costs, banking and business licenses and depreciation expenses.

Regulatory and statutory license fees increased along with additional building insurance and administrative expenses. The bank continues to invest in its technology and physical premises to better serve our customers.”

PAGE 20, Wednesday, November 15, 2023

THE TRIBUNE

Aviation operators support ‘serious overhaul’ for LPIA FROM PAGE A24 a serious impact. Those numbers are coming in, and we’re not in a position to accommodate them. The infrastructure needs serious overhaul.”

Mr Hamilton argued that this applies equally to LPIA’s runways and airside assets as well as the terminals, pointing to longstanding issues such as the baggage system which impact “efficient and effectively organised service between both terminals”.

He added: “If you had an opportunity to visit recently, you’d notice the difficulty getting on a gate.

The traffic sometimes has to sit out. There’s difficulty finding gates for parking and the disembarking of passengers. That tells it, because we have a space challenge.

“Hence the urgency of getting the expansion and restoration done to ensure we have a quality product and some efficiency in

service.” Asked when the proposed upgrades need to begin, the Association of Air Transport Operators chief said simply: “Yesterday.”

“I think it’s inevitable that happens,” Mr Hamilton said of LPIA’s continued expansion. “I don’t think there’s any question about it needing to happen. It must happen. The scientific evidence is there. The traffic is going to increase.

“It will be better for all of us, the travelling public and those of us providing the service. Hopefully we’ll see, as a result of that improvement, the aviation industry’s bottom line regarding its GDP contribution increasing.

“As a matter of fact, we’ve made some strides and improvements on some of these legacy situations. Some of them have been with us for a very long time. The runways, as well as some of the challenges we’re having with the terminals with regard

to the baggage system and so forth. Those things have been hanging around for a long time.”

Dr Romer last week said the plans for LPIA include new runway and taxi ways, while issues involving the control towers and limited operational hours will also be addressed. “I’ve met with the chairman and the president of NAD, Vernice Walkine and NAD has unveiled a plan that speaks to the expansion of the taxi ways and additional runways,” he added.

“So, I am certain that very soon we would invite the media to see those plans. But there is a plan to address the air side concerns and components at LPIA. When asked if these plans include a new runway, Dr Romer said: “The short answer is yes.

“The plans do include a new runway. The plans also include addressing the concerns with the control towers. The concerns speak to the problem with

the runway, speak about a comprehensive way that we can address the congestion between the FBOs (fixed base operators) and the commercial legacy side of LPIA. The president of NAD, I’m certain will be unveiling plans very soon to the general public.”

Dr Romer added that longer operational hours at LPIA is something that is being considered to ease congestion and facilitate the increase in air traffic at The Bahamas’ major airport.

“We have looked at our aviation strategy. The Bahamas is positioned geographically to have ongoing operations, including nighttime operations. We know that there are some concerns now. There are some commercial matters that have to be resolved, manpower matters,” he said.

Mr Hamilton yesterday confirmed there have been initial talks between aviation operators, NAD and industry regulators over the proposed expansion.

“We’ve had some preliminary discussions, in some instances on a one:one basis not a collective, encouraging them to do it,” he added.

“In recent days we met with the Civil Aviation Authority and NAD with specific matters for the operators. They all recognise there is some work to be done. There is a plan emerging with regard to aviation, and we need all the stakeholders to be engaged so that better decisions are taken. There’s been some improvement but there is room for more on communication so stakeholders are not on the outside.”

Mr Hamilton added that the Government needs to “give serious consideration to providing a subvention to domestic operators to give the industry balance”, especially if if wants to “deliver a quality product and sustain it” in terms of providing swift, reliable connectivity to the Family Islands. “There are

challenges with regard to funding, but there are ways this can take place,” he acknowledged.

Access to financing, and the difficulty for Bahamian domestic operators in obtaining essential spare parts due to the postCOVID manufacturing and supply chain backlogs, are further obstacles for the industry. And LPIA’s upgrades cannot be viewed in isolation from the need to also improve multiple Family Island airports with “seriously challenged” infrastructure, Mr Hamilton argued.

He also said The Bahamas has “a golden opportunity for new career path ways as far as aviation is concerned”, with the industry needing to reach out and encourage students to explore the variety of job opportunities if offers beyond becoming a pilot.

landowners, and not owned by the carrier or government, the union chief queried the practical value of the deal given that she understood BTC will still own and be responsible for equipment located on, or attached to, the towers.

Ms Benjamin said the sale has revived painful memories over what has occurred in the 12 years since BTC’s controlling interest was sold to CWC, adding: “We already got a bad deal with the sale to CWC in the first place. That was a horrible deal. This deal they’ve entered into, is it going to further sink us or pull us out of the hole we are in?

“I think The Bahamas, the Bahamian people, need some answers to that. We sold a cash cow, and are not even getting whole milk.

We are getting treated milk; milk mixed with something

else. We need to get whole milk from the cow. We’re getting milk mixed with preservatives.

“How is this going to benefit the Bahamian people?

What are the benefits. We are losing our land. A lot of the land involved I presume is government’s. The Government is us. If they are taking our land, and selling it, what’s in it for us?

What are we getting out of this deal. We are not getting answers.”

Ms Benjamin added that she feared a similar scenario to the post-CWC deal, where BTC staff and customers were still waiting two to three years later for the promised benefits to materialise. “If you remember when they were talking about the sale of BTC, they were talking about how this was going to improve communications in this country, how this was going to improve services. We’re still waiting,” she said.

“All of those services we were already doing, and could have done without the company being sold. We gave the company away....

At this point I am questioning successive governments, both political parties, as to who they have an interest in; whether they have an interest for the Bahamian people or foreign interests because BTC is getting a raw deal....

“I’m getting a lot of every day people as I move about in the streets asking how are you letting them sell our towers, how is this supposed to benefit us? I tell them: ‘When I find out I’ll tell you, but I don’t know’.

We need answers.”

BTC ‘cash cow not giving whole milk’ FROM PAGE A24 him. I asked him how is this deal going to benefit the Bahamian public or Bahamian people on the whole.

“We’ve asked for an inperson meeting where us can sit with the management union and line staff union to explain this whole deal and how it impacts our members. He advised that he didn’t have all the answers. He asked us to put our concerns in writing, whatever questions we have, and he will make sure that those person who can answer relevant questions are available to give the answers we are seeking.”

Explaining that some of the questions she and her general-secretary were asking were technical in nature, Ms Benjamin added: “Tomorrow [today] we will provide him with a list of our concerns we have and hopefully, in short order we will have that meeting and get the answers to our questions...

I told the chief executive I needed more clarity.”

The BCPOU president acknowledged suspicions that the Phoenix deal was driven primarily by BTC’s two parent entities, CWC and Liberty Latin America, and that the main benefits will be felt by those two companies rather than here in The Bahamas.

“He’s [Mr Bhatti] saying this was a shareholder’s deal, so both major shareholders, the Government and Liberty, decided this was in the best interest of the business,” Ms Benjamin said, adding that it was critical for the Davis administration to explain why it was backing the Phoenix agreement.

“None of my questions have been answered,” she added. “I’m still trying to figure out the benefit of this to The Bahamas, to Bahamian citizens, to the Bahamian workers at BTC. What is the benefit of this tower sale, and I did not get that from my chief executive today...

“I’m trying to figure out why is our government agreeing to it. If they know

BTC HEADQUARTERS something we don’t know, that it will be a benefit, they need to explain that to the Bahamian people. They work for us. They need to explain why they are going through with this deal and what benefit it is.

“I’m still trying to figure out what these people are thinking and whose interests they are doing it in. I am not a political person.

I support a political party, but am not an overly political person. I will say what

right is and wrong. It could not be implemented in The Bahamas if our government is not OK with it. No one comes into this country and does as they wish without the approval of the Government of The Bahamas.”

Ms Benjamin said her understanding was that just the cell towers themselves, and the land upon which their base footing is situated, are included in the sale and leaseback with Phoenix. The latter will take over ownership of the towers, and be responsible for their maintenance and upkeep.

Pointing out that a number of BTC’s cell sites are leased from other

ADVERTISE TODAY! CALL THE TRIBUNE TODAY @ 502-2394

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Wednesday, November 15, 2023, PAGE 21

Wendy’s PI approval ‘void’ on land use plan absence FROM PAGE A24 in law and will be upheld by the appellate court. All of the arguments that Atlantis and its agents are advancing were heard and rejected by the Town Planning Committee.

“Wendy’s will not have a drive thru and it will not create more traffic than Scotiabank did when it operated from that site. People will not pay a bridge toll to go to Paradise Island to buy a Wendy’s when they can visit the Wendy’s on Mackey Street.” The latter statement implies that the Paradise Island restaurant’s target customer market is residents, tourists and persons who work in that destination.

However, Wendy’s and Marco’s Pizza’s opposition have made good on their pledge not to relent in the campaign block their arrival.

The Paradise Island Tourism Development Association (PITDA), in whose name the appeal was filed, is now arguing that the absence of a specific land use plan and zoning bye-laws for the destination means Town Planning was “not competent to grant the approval”.

PITDA, which represents the likes of Paradise Landing (Sterling Global’s former Hurricane Hole project), the Ocean Club and Comfort Suites as well as Atlantis, is also asserting that the lack of a land use plan and zoning bye-laws resulted in the Town Planning Committee acting unlawfully and in violation of the Planning and Subdivisions Act 201 when conferring site plan approval.

Asserting that Paradise Island has “no transparent and objective development policy”, PITDA’s “grounds of appeal” argued: “The Committee, having confirmed the absence of a land use plan and zoning bye-law for Paradise Island, acted ultra vires the obligations and purpose of section 42(3) of the Act when it granted the approval of the application in the absence of a land use plan and zoning by-law, thereby rendering the approval void.

“The Committee was not competent to grant the approval of the application in the absence of the assistance of a land use plan and a zoning bye-law for Paradise Island, thereby rendering the approval void.” Glen Haddad, PITDA’s executive vice-president, had signalled this line of attack on the approval when warning his members were prepared to take their appeal all the way to the UK-based Privy Council.

The Association and its members, when last month turning their fire on the planning authorities over the Wendy’s approval, also hit out at the Department of Physical Planning for failing to fulfill its lawful obligation to develop a land use plan for Paradise Island some 13 years after the Planning and Subdivision Act was passed, arguing that this had resulted in “yet another uninformed planning decision”.

Mr Haddad told Trib une Business then that the requirement for the Department “to prepare a Land Use Plan for all islands of The Bahamas” is laid out in the Act’s section 16. And Dwana Davis, of Amicus Chambers, the attorney representing the Association in its appeal, has written to Physical Planning asking to “review any existing land use plan” for Paradise Island.

And, in a November 10, 2023, letter addressed to Charles Zonicle, director of physical planning, she also requested the ability for the Association to review previous site plan approval applications and decisions made by the Town Planning Committee, along with subsequent “revocation and modification” to these permits.

The Association, in setting out its grounds of appeal, seemed to argue that there was no justification for approving a Wendy’s and Marco’s Pizza because there is insufficient demand for their product on Paradise Island. And, should anyone require fast food from ‘across the bridge’ in mainland New Providence, then there are multiple service delivery firms that can assist.

“Besides the developer’s application, there appears to be no basis, justification or support for approving the development of fast-food restaurants on the property,

in all the circumstances, including, for example, the fact that 12 Wendy’s restaurants currently exist on New Providence,” the appeal states.

“The prevalence of food delivery service providers including Kraven and Gofadis makes it easy for any resident or visitor of Paradise Island to order Wendy’s or Marco’s Pizza from a location that is within less than two miles from the island on the rare occasion that they choose to do so.”

Otherwise, the appeal largely regurgitated similar arguments and themes to those previously voiced and rejected by the Town Planning Committee. These included suggestions that “the brand, usual branding style and nature of the developer’s fast-food restaurants are inconsistent with the brand of the established luxury hotels, residences, restaurants and the idyllic landscape” Paradise Island delivers.

Pointing to opposition from residents in both Ocean Club Estates and Ocean Club Residences, the Association added: “The nature and relevance of fast-food restaurants are inconsistent with the desires of the residents and other major stakeholders of Paradise Island.

“The intended development does not appear to add any value to the neighbourhood or, at the very least, complement the current landscape, intentions and idyllic environment that the Paradise Island community is known for and its stakeholders expect.”

The Association also alleged that the Town Planning Committee failed to inform it of the approval decision, which “enabled the developer to take steps to and to commence significant development on the property” without its knowledge although it did not specify what work has taken place.

Wendy’s, following the Town Planning Committee’s approval, began selling its regular menu from a mobile food truck at the former Scotiabank branch, located at the junction of Harbour Drive and Paradise Beach Drive, in a bid to start repairing the financial losses that it alleges have resulted from the opposition to planning approval.

“This gives our company the ability to mitigate the loss in revenue due to the unnecessarily delayed opening for over a year-and-a-half from frivolous objections and stall tactics,” Wendy’s said in a previous statement issued by Mrs LockhartCharles on its behalf.

“We have sustained considerable damages in the form of financial losses and delay costs caused by the Atlantis attacks on our Town Planning Committee approvals to renovate and operate the former Scotiabank Paradise Island site purchased by us. We have been victorious so far, and we believe that we will continue to prevail, but we are gearing up for the long haul.

“We are exercising our constitutional rights as property owners and a fully-licensed 100 percent Bahamian-owned business to operate and earn income to cover the carrying costs of this prime commercial real estate. As Bahamian business owners, we have incurred substantial carrying costs for this commercial property with no revenue in return. This gives us a way to mitigate some of those losses,” Wendy’s added.

“Hence the decision to lawfully forge ahead with this new mobile kitchen.

The construction of our restaurants at the former Scotiabank Paradise Island location would have been completed long ago, and we would have been up and running by now but for the trumped-up campaign against us.

“It will now take us an estimated 18 months to complete the project and open our doors to the beautiful new Wendy’s at the site of the old Scotiabank building.

In the meantime, the mobile Wendy’s allows us to mitigate the losses caused by the campaign against us. It also stimulates the economy on the site, which is good for everyone.

Some 12 grounds of appeal in all were cited, with

many focusing on the alleged traffic congestion and strain on available parking spaces that approving Wendy’s and Marco’s Pizza restaurants at that location would create.

These concerns were previously rejected by Aetos Holdings and its principals, Chris and Terry Tsavoussis, who argued that opposition is largely motivated by the competitive threat they pose.

PITDA had previously urged the Town Planning Committee to allow extra time for Caribbean Civil Group to conduct a traffic impact study, which was refused. “The Committee, being mostly comprised of lay members without any or any significant technical expertise, unreasonably failed or refused to consider or be assisted” by such a report, the Association argued.

PAGE 22, Wednesday, November 15, 2023

THE TRIBUNE

Alliance to advance Bahamian innovation

By FAY SIMMONS Tribune Business Reporter jsimmons@tribunemedia.net The Ministry of Tourism, Investments and Aviation yesterday signed an agreement with the Black Innovative Alliance (BIA) to boost technology entrepreneurs and innovation in The Bahamas.

The partnership, formalised with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), aims to develop programmes that will drive technical and sustainable tourism, resilience, hospitality and climate technology innovations.

Chester Cooper, deputy prime minister and minister of tourism, investments

and aviation, said the tie-up provides an opportunity for The Bahamas to establish an “ecosystem” that will support technology entrepreneurs in the tourism industry. He added that the success of the initiative will be felt throughout the Bahamian economy and support the Innovate 242 programme.

“This is a great opportunity for us to create an ecosystem in The Bahamas that will help to support tech innovation, tech entrepreneurs in the tech tourism space firstly, but also in a broad cross-section of our economy,” Mr Cooper said.

“As you know, The Bahamas is a tourism-driven country and we thought that we ought to lead the

Private sector eager to partner over downtown Nassau revival

By FAY SIMMONS Tribune Business Reporter jsimmons@tribunemedia.net THE Government senator in charge of downtown Nassau’s clean-up yesterday said several landlords and businesses have voiced an interest in partnering with the revitalisation project.

Senator Randy Rolle, the Ministry of Tourism, Investments and Aviation’s global relations consultant, said the project’s first phase - which saw the demolition of six derelict buildings on Bay Street - sparked interest from other property owners in the area in teaming with the Government to revive downtown.

He said: “It’s an ongoing process for us. We have just completed our first phase, which was tearing down a couple of buildings. I think, in total, we tore down about six so far.

“We have written a letter to several businesses who are eager and excited to partner with the Government in terms of beautification, and so many who we never thought would come forward are coming forward and saying that they want to be a part of it. And so it’s good when we have businesses who want to partner and keep Bay Street clean.”

Downtown Nassau contains numerous properties which are designated as historical buildings that cannot be demolished. Mr Rolle said the Government is working with the Ministry of Works and property owners

to execute the demolitions on derelict buildings while preserving the charm of historical sites.

He said: “All of those are subject to approvals. These buildings were owned by the owners, so they weren’t owned by the Government.

But there is a process when it comes to Ministry of Works, and so the Government will closely monitor because we do have a plan as to what we want to see.

“We want to keep the historic background of these buildings, and so we’re going to work again in partnership with the owners of these businesses to make sure that we give a product that is pleasing to all.”

Many visitors, including the up to 30,000 passengers that pass through the Nassau Cruise Port daily, stroll down Bay Street but many complain about the centre’s condition, cleanliness and the lack of activities. The Downtown Revitalisation project is aiming to give Bay Street a facelift through the installation of pedestrian zones, a business incubation centre, green spaces, a cultural village and other initiatives.

Chester Cooper, minister of tourism, investments and aviation, said that since the Bahamas surpassed 2019’s record 7.2m tourist arrivals by the end of September a new record is being set daily.

He said: “At the end of September we welcomed over 7.2m arrivals to our shores. So starting midOctober that was a record day. Today is a record day.

Tomorrow will be a record breaking day as well.”

way through encouraging innovation in tourism itself.

“If we are able to do this successfully in the tourism industry, then we would have done it successfully throughout the economy, and therefore we are delighted to be able to execute this MoU today with BIA. They’re in the space already. We are creating friendships and partnerships. We’ll be sharing best practices and, indeed, this is going to be supporting our Innovate 242 initiative.”

Ginger Moxey, minister for Grand Bahama, and who leads the Innovate 242 initiative, said the agreement with BIA is focused on ensuring The Bahamas becomes the “centre of

innovation” for the Caribbean region. She added that there are plans to establish innovation incubators on New Providence, Grand Bahama and Exuma.

“Innovate 242 was established by the Government to ensure that we become the centre of innovation for the Caribbean,” Mrs Moxey said. “With that, we are going to focus on five pillars. One of them includes digital nomads. We’re going to establish incubators on islands of The Bahamas.

We’re starting with three islands, which are New Providence, Grand Bahama Island and Exuma.”

The minister for Grand Bahama said Innovate 242 will establish an innovation fund and work to make

Grand Bahama the “centre of sustainability”.

She added: “That ties in perfectly with Black Innovation Alliance because we are focused on climate change, sustainable development and ensuring that we work together closely to achieve these things.”

Mr Cooper added that he is “excited” for the work the Davis administration has already done, and is anticipating upcoming initiatives including advancing the National Development Plan and furthering projects outlined in the Progressive Liberal Parry’s (PLP) ‘Blueprint for Change’.

Mr Cooper said the partnership with BIA will help digitise the economy and

advance innovation and technology. He added: “I’m very excited about the work that we have done, the support that we continue to enjoy from the Bahamian people, and the work that we have in our near future.

“We’re going to continue to advance the National Development Plan. We’re going to continue to achieve, and work hard to achieve the results in our Blueprint for Change, and one of the things that we promised was to support creatives, to support digitising our economy, to grow new industries, to advance in innovation and technology, and I’m delighted we’re doing just that today”

BAMSI’s executive chairman, Senator Tyrel Young, said: “We live off the ocean here in The Bahamas, and it’s critical Bahamians are aware now and understand the importance of us being resilient, and being more careful of how we treat our ocean and the species in our ocean.

“Yes, we do like conch, we do like grouper, we do like crawfish. But we have to preserve it,. We have to do it in a manner where it is sustainable. And this is a project that definitely is about sustainability.

Mr Young added: “BAMSI is opening up a Marine Research Division in Long Island in the very near future, and this project definitely will be a part of that research centre. It’s a perfect centre for this project. So I feel as though this is the most timely project to kickstart that institution.

“They are in Long Island, and we will also be doing the project simultaneously in North Andros at our BAMSI campus. So moving forward, this project I think will definitely grow and it will be a catalyst for many entrepreneurs.”

With many global fisheries facing overfishing or operating at their maximum sustainable yield, it is crucial to develop innovative strategies for sustainable management of wild populations to ensure the long-term health and sustainability of such vital

resources for generations to come.

The CEI initiative is especially significant as the Caribbean Spiny Lobster fishery has earned MSC (Marine Stewardship Council) certification for its sustainable management practices.

Peter Bryant, programme director for Builders Initiative, which is funding aspects of the project, said: “This is perfect for us because our foundation focuses on sustainable fisheries and restorative aquaculture.

“It takes many forms, but one of the forms it can take is helping to supplement or replenish through grow out when they’re most vulnerable, early stages of life in aquaculture tanks on land, and then help put them back in the wild. So, it’s like a perfect match.”

Mr Higgs added: “The promise of this initiative is that it can spur allied, relevant industries as well, not just across spiny lobster farming but in other sectors. It’s all about creating an economic ecosystem that allows for wider participation and innovation.

“We want to share this knowledge with people, other people who are doing this, whether privately funded or proprietary. We want to share with everybody what works, what doesn’t work and whoever wants to do it could take this up.”

BAHAMIAN INSTITUTE LAUNCHES LOBSTER SUSTAINABILITY PROJECT THE Island School’s Cape Eleuthera Institute (CEI) is launching an initiative to boost lobster sustainability by restocking wild populations and pioneering the rearing of crawfish to marketable size.

The effort undertaken

by Bahamian PhD student, Michael Bowleg, and researcher, Denee Rankine, aims to transform the crawfish industry and make it accessible to more Bahamians through the use of sustainable fibres locally harvested and handcrafted.

“Our project is not just about sustainable lobster farming; it’s about creating a new way of doing aquaculture that benefits the environment, empowers local communities and fosters innovation,” said Dr Nicholas Higgs, director at Cape Eleuthera Institute.

“A key component of the project involves collaborating with local artisans who utilise locally-sourced materials to build equipment for collecting early-stage crawfish. Local fishers will use this equipment to collect and harvest the seed stock, which CEI will purchase for grow-out in our nursery before returning them to the wild.

“This multi-stage aquaculture model not only enhances capacity and job opportunities but also ensures the sustainability of one of The Bahamas’ most profitable fisheries, fostering equitable blue growth across local communities.”

CEI is the research and innovation hub of The Island School. The project is led by Dr Robert Ellis, an aquaculture researcher from the University of Exeter, and collaborates

with experts from The National Lobster Hatchery in the UK. It won support from the United Nations Development Programme’s (UNDP) Ocean Innovation Challenge as one of nine projects fostering sustainable fisheries and the Blue Economy. All were selected to undergo UNDP’s global incubator and receive financial support. It is also a part of a broader initiative that has received support from the Disney Conservation Fund and the Builders Initiative.

Mr Bowleg said: “The development of crawfish aquaculture plays a crucial role in supporting the fishery’s long-term management and longevity. With documented stock-related declines being experienced across the region, aquaculture feasibility and research initiatives, core components of this project, provide an opportunity for conservation, community empowerment and alternative livelihood development to go hand in hand.

“Projects such as this present a compelling solution for Small Island Developing States like The Bahamas to navigate the challenges of climate change, food security and overfishing, countering commercial development.”

CEI also formalised its partnership with the Bahamas Agriculture and Marine Science Institute (BAMSI) through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that will see the project replicated in Andros and other satellite locations throughout The Bahamas.

THE TRIBUNE

Wednesday, November 15, 2023, PAGE 23

AI TOOL TO BOOST INDUSTRIAL TRIBUNAL’S CORE FUNCTIONS THE Bahamas Industrial Tribunal has partnered with a Caribbean non-profit to introduce an Artificial Intelligence (AI) tool designed to automate its core judicial functions.

The Caribbean Agency for Justice Solutions (CAJS), in a statement, said it has teamed with this nation’s Industrial Tribunal to launch JUDI.ai in a bid to modernise court functions and “raise the bar for court service delivery in the region”.

The technology, developed by CAJS, will streamline tasks such as generating orders and other notices. JUDI.ai will also be used to streamline administrative workflows, enabling more efficient and accurate court operations.

The AI solution is the latest product of a long-standing partnership between the Tribunal and CAJS. The latter said the new AI tools will position the Tribunal “at the forefront of international court service excellence”.

Indira Demeritte-Francis, president of the Bahamas Industrial Tribunal, said: “JUDI.ai promises not only to enhance our efficiency but also to redefine the way we deliver justice, ultimately benefiting litigants and legal advocates alike.”

Bevil Wooding, CAJS executive director, said the goal of the new systems is to empower judiciaries by reimagining how service offerings can best meet the needs of court users.

“For CAJS, JUDI.ai is more than just innovative technology,” he added. “It is a fulfilment of our mission to support the modernisation of justice institutions throughout the Caribbean. JUDI.ai will not only benefit the Bahamas Industrial Tribunal; it also sets a precedent for how AI technology can be used to positively impact other jurisdictions in the region and beyond.”

The CAJS is a regional nonprofit organisation dedicated to promoting and enabling the modernisation of justice systems. CAJS aims to increase access to justice and improve the quality and effectiveness of justice delivery in the Caribbean.

L to R: Bevil Wooding, executive director of Caribbean Agency for Justice Solutions (CAJS), and Indira Francis, president of The Bahamas Industrial Tribunal. Photo: The Caribbean Agency for Justice Solutions.

BAHAMASAIR RESUMES CAROLINA FLIGHTS TO GB BAHAMASAIR’S seasonal direct flight from Raleigh-Durham in North Carolina to Freeport resumed on Sunday, November 12, with around 100 passengers on board.

Passengers included visitors, officials from the Ministry of Tourism, Investments and Aviation, Bahamasair and travel agents. They were greeted at Grand Bahama

International Airport by other tourism and Bahamasair officials when the flight arrived at 5.45pm.

After clearing Customs and Immigration, passengers travelling on to Nassau were then escorted back to the aircraft for their departure. The flights are scheduled for Thursdays and Sundays through May 23.

THE WEATHER REPORT

5-DAY FORECAST

ORLANDO

High: 77° F/25° C Low: 68° F/20° C

TAMPA

TODAY

TONIGHT

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

SUNDAY

UV INDEX TODAY

Downpours in the afternoon

Rain and a thunderstorm late

Humid with a stray thundershower

Humid with a couple of t-storms

Pleasant with partial sunshine

Mostly sunny and pleasant

The higher the AccuWeather UV IndexTM number, the greater the need for eye and skin protection.

High: 80°

Low: 74°

High: 83° Low: 73°

High: 82° Low: 73°

High: 84° Low: 71°

High: 83° Low: 72°

AccuWeather RealFeel

AccuWeather RealFeel

AccuWeather RealFeel

AccuWeather RealFeel

AccuWeather RealFeel

AccuWeather RealFeel

81° F

73° F

86°-79° F

90°-76° F

91°-72° F

86°-71° F

High: 78° F/26° C Low: 69° F/21° C

E

W

ABACO

S

N

High: 79° F/26° C Low: 75° F/24° C

20-30 knots

S

High: 80° F/27° C Low: 73° F/23° C

20-30 knots

FT. LAUDERDALE

FREEPORT

High: 78° F/26° C Low: 71° F/22° C

E

W S

E

W

WEST PALM BEACH

N

High

Ht.(ft.)

Low

Ht.(ft.)

Today

8:42 a.m.

8:59 p.m.

3.3 2.5

2:17 a.m.

3:14 p.m.

0.0 0.2

ALMANAC

Thursday

9:28 a.m.

9:47 p.m.

3.3 2.4

3:00 a.m.

4:02 p.m.

0.0 0.3

Statistics are for Nassau through 1 p.m. yesterday Temperature High ................................................... 84° F/29° C Low .................................................... 68° F/20° C Normal high ....................................... 81° F/27° C Normal low ........................................ 70° F/21° C Last year’s high .................................. 85° F/29° C Last year’s low ................................... 71° F/21° C Precipitation As of 1 p.m. yesterday ................................. 0.00” Year to date ................................................ 48.29” Normal year to date ................................... 37.14”

Friday

10:18 a.m.

10:41 p.m.

3.3 2.4

3:48 a.m.

4:53 p.m.

0.1 0.4

Saturday

11:12 a.m.

11:41 p.m.

3.2 2.4

4:43 a.m.

5:49 p.m.

0.3 0.4

Sunday

12:11 p.m.

-----

3.1 -----

5:44 a.m.

6:49 p.m.

0.4 0.4

Monday

12:48 a.m.

1:14 p.m.

2.5 3.0

6:53 a.m.

7:49 p.m.

0.5 0.3

Tuesday

1:56 a.m.

2:18 p.m.

2.6 2.9

8:05 a.m.

8:48 p.m.

0.5 0.2

The exclusive AccuWeather RealFeel Temperature® is an index that combines the effects of temperature, wind, humidity, sunshine intensity, cloudiness, precipitation, pressure and elevation on the human body—everything that affects how warm or cold a person feels. Temperatures reflect the high and the low for the day.

N

High: 79° F/26° C Low: 72° F/22° C

MIAMI

High: 78° F/26° C Low: 72° F/22° C

12-25 knots

KEY WEST

High: 80° F/27° C Low: 73° F/23° C

ELEUTHERA

NASSAU

High: 80° F/27° C Low: 74° F/23° C

SUN AND MOON Sunrise Sunset

6:26 a.m. Moonrise 5:22 p.m. Moonset

8:42 a.m.

7:13 p.m.

First

Full

Last

New

Nov. 20

Nov. 27

Dec. 5

Dec. 12

CAT ISLAND

E

High: 80° F/27° C Low: 73° F/23° C

N

S

E

W

10-20 knots

S

12-25 knots Shown is today’s weather. Temperatures are today’s highs and tonight’s lows.

Forecasts and graphics provided by AccuWeather, Inc. ©2023

High: 80° F/27° C Low: 77° F/25° C

N W

TIDES FOR NASSAU

ANDROS

SAN SALVADOR

GREAT EXUMA

High: 82° F/28° C Low: 76° F/24° C

High: 82° F/28° C Low: 79° F/26° C

N

High: 81° F/27° C Low: 76° F/24° C

E

W S

LONG ISLAND

TRACKING MAP

High: 83° F/28° C Low: 79° F/26° C

15-25 knots

MAYAGUANA High: 85° F/29° C Low: 77° F/25° C

Shown is today’s weather. Temperatures are today’s highs and tonight’s lows.

CROOKED ISLAND / ACKLINS RAGGED ISLAND High: 84° F/29° C Low: 79° F/26° C

L

High: 84° F/29° C Low: 80° F/27° C

GREAT INAGUA High: 87° F/31° C Low: 80° F/27° C

N

E

W

E

W

N

S

S

12-25 knots

12-25 knots

MARINE FORECAST ABACO ANDROS CAT ISLAND CROOKED ISLAND ELEUTHERA FREEPORT GREAT EXUMA GREAT INAGUA LONG ISLAND MAYAGUANA NASSAU RAGGED ISLAND SAN SALVADOR

Today: Thursday: Today: Thursday: Today: Thursday: Today: Thursday: Today: Thursday: Today: Thursday: Today: Thursday: Today: Thursday: Today: Thursday: Today: Thursday: Today: Thursday: Today: Thursday: Today: Thursday:

WINDS E at 20-30 Knots SSE at 30-40 Knots E at 10-20 Knots E at 8-16 Knots E at 15-25 Knots SSE at 10-20 Knots E at 12-25 Knots ESE at 12-25 Knots ENE at 15-25 Knots S at 12-25 Knots E at 15-25 Knots E at 20-30 Knots E at 12-25 Knots SSE at 10-20 Knots E at 12-25 Knots ESE at 10-20 Knots E at 12-25 Knots ESE at 10-20 Knots E at 12-25 Knots ESE at 12-25 Knots E at 12-25 Knots S at 10-20 Knots E at 12-25 Knots ESE at 8-16 Knots E at 15-25 Knots SE at 12-25 Knots

WAVES 6-10 Feet 10-14 Feet 1-2 Feet 1-2 Feet 6-10 Feet 6-10 Feet 4-7 Feet 4-8 Feet 8-12 Feet 6-10 Feet 3-5 Feet 5-9 Feet 1-3 Feet 1-2 Feet 3-5 Feet 3-5 Feet 4-7 Feet 4-7 Feet 5-9 Feet 6-10 Feet 3-5 Feet 2-4 Feet 3-6 Feet 3-5 Feet 3-6 Feet 3-6 Feet

VISIBILITY 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 4 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 7 Miles 10 Miles 5 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 2 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 7 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 4 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 5 Miles 4 Miles 10 Miles

WATER TEMPS. 79° F 79° F 80° F 80° F 80° F 80° F 82° F 82° F 80° F 79° F 79° F 79° F 80° F 80° F 82° F 82° F 81° F 81° F 81° F 81° F 80° F 80° F 81° F 81° F 80° F 80° F

business@tribunemedia.net

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 2023

$6.10

$6.11

$6.01

$6.07

Wendy’s PI approval ‘void’ on land use plan absence t "UMBOUJT SFTPSUT MBVODI BQQFBM UP PWFSUVSO HP BIFBE t 8FOEZ T .BSDP T EFmBOU $POmEFOU SVMJOH AVQIFME t 0QQPOFOUT (P PWFS CSJEHF GPS ASBSF GBTU GPPE OFFE

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net ATLANTIS and other major resorts yesterday sought to overturn the approval granted to Wendy’s and Marco’s Pizza by branding it “void” due to the absence of a land use plan for Paradise Island.

The mega resort, together with other Paradise Island developers and hotels, launched their appeal against the Town Planning Committee’s decision to grant “site plan approval”

for the conversion of the former Scotiabank branch by arguing there are sufficient delivery companies to satisfy tourist and resident cravings “on the rare occasion” they desire fast food.

Wendy’s and Marco’s Pizza, though, responded defiantly to the long-anticipated appeal by voicing confidence that the Subdivision and Development Appeal Board will “uphold” the Committee’s approval.

They and their franchise holder, Aetos Holdings, argued that there is nothing to block the site’s redevelopment as

WENDYS FOOD TRUCK ON PARADISE ISLAND a fast-food restaurant, and accused Atlantis and the other resorts of advancing the same arguments in their appeal that were rejected by the Town Planning Committee.

Gail Lockhart-Charles KC, attorney for Psomi Holdings, the entity spearheading the Paradise Island restaurant project, said in a statement to Tribune

Aviation operators support ‘serious overhaul’ for LPIA

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net THE Bahamas’ top aviation gateway urgently needs “a serious overhaul” of key airside and terminal infrastructure to keep pace with increased flight traffic and tourism, industry operators said yesterday.

Anthony Hamilton, president of the Bahamas Association of Air Transport Operators, told Tribune Business that the expansion of, and upgrades to, key assets such as runways, taxiways and aprons at Lynden Pindling International Airport (LPIA) is “long overdue” and needed to happen “yesterday” given the tourism-driven rise in flight volumes and passenger numbers.

Speaking after Dr Kenneth Romer, The Bahamas’ director of aviation, confirmed that the Nassau Airport Development Company (NAD), LPIA’s operator, is developing a comprehensive plan for the airport’s future growth, he agreed that its infrastructure is “lagging” the increase in traffic and

LYNDEN PINDLING INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT (LPIA)

t "TTPDJBUJPO QSFTJEFOU TBZT OFFET UP IBQQFO AZFTUFSEBZ t "JS USBGmD BOE UPVSJTN HSPXUI APVUHSPXT BJSQPSU DBQBDJUZ t A-BHHJOH JOGSBTUSVDUVSF NBZ VOEFSNJOF AQSPEVDU RVBMJUZ impacting The Bahamas’ ability to deliver a “quality product” for Bahamians and guests.

Mr Hamilton, also Southern Air’s director of administration, he told this newspaper that enhancements to LPIA’s terminal

as well as airside physical infrastructure “must happen” and initial talks have already been held between NAD, the Civil Aviation Authority Bahamas (CAAB) and the airlines on the way forward

and how to resolve issues impacting the operators.

“They are long overdue,” he said of the improvements discussed

by Dr Romer. “For years now. We’ve outgrown the facility. It’s absolutely necessary for renovations and expansion right now, no question about it. When we look at the tourism numbers, the traffic and the commensurate infrastructure to accommodate that traffic, the infrastructure is lagging.

“It is lagging to keep pace with the increase in traffic. If we think about the quality of service it has

SEE PAGE A20

Delay dividends to give bigger payout, BOB told

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net BANK of The Bahamas should have waited to pay a more substantial dividend than its recent one cent per share declaration after a 49.6 percent jump in profits, an investor argued yesterday.

Mike Lightbourn, Coldwell Banker Lightbourn Realty’s president, who is one of the minority shareholders own a collective 17.4 percent interest in the

BISX-listed institution, told Tribune Business he was cautiously optimistic that better days lie ahead after total comprehensive income rose by just under $1.4m year-over-year for the three months to endSeptember 2023.

The bank, which endured two taxpayer funded bail-outs in 2014 and 2017 to rescue its toxic commercial loan portfolio, felt confident enough to declare a one cent per share dividend on October 16, 2023, due to its

slowly improving financial performance.

However, Mr Lightbourn said he would have preferred Bank of The Bahamas’ Board to delay and declare a more substantial return to investors in the coming months.

“When I saw that I thought why can’t they wait and next time give us two cents per share? I think it would have made sense to wait,” he told this newspaper.

“It would be a little more encouraging for shareholders. I’m hopeful

of better things. I think most shareholders will think they’ve done well now the shares are worth something.” Bank of The Bahamas share price on the Bahamas International Securities Exchange (BISX) closed at $5.30 yesterday, although there has been no trading in the stock since August 14, 2023 - three months ago.

Of the nine outstanding orders placed by investors for Bank of The Bahamas

SEE PAGE A19

ArawakX directors stay in control of BOB battle

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net THE Chief Justice has allowed ArawakX’s principals “to maintain conduct and control” of the legal battle with Bank of The Bahamas over the latter’s six-month freezing of all their accounts.

Sir Ian Winder, in a November 14, 2023, Order has permitted D’Arcy Rahming, ArawakX’s president, and his son, DArcy

junior, to stay in charge of the litigation launched against the BISX-listed institution despite appointing provisional liquidators to take control of virtually all other aspects of the crowd-funding platform’s affairs.

The Order, which has been seen by Tribune Business, allows ArawakX’s directors, namely the Rahmings, “to maintain conduct and control on behalf of the company of [the] Supreme Court action

between the company and Bank of The Bahamas”.

While Ed Rahming, founder and managing director of Intelisys (Bahamas), and Cheryl Simms, the Kikivarakis & Co accountant, in their capacities as provisional liquidators will take control of all the books and corporate records belonging to The Bahamas’ first ever crowd-funding platform, the Rahmings have

SEE PAGE A19

D’ARCY RAHMING SNR

Business: “There is no covenant or restriction on the property that prohibits Wendy’s operating its business on its Paradise Island site.

“We are confident that the decision of the Town Planning Committee to grant site plan approval for the Wendy’s Paradise Island site was correct

SEE PAGE A21

BTC ‘cash cow not giving whole milk’

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net A UNION president will today submit “a list of concerns” to the Bahamas Telecommunications Company (BTC) over its cell tower sale after yesterday’s call with its top executive “left more questions than answers”.

Sherry Benjamin, head of the Bahamas Communications and Public Officers Union (BCPOU), which represents BTC line staff, told Tribune Business she was no clearer in understanding how the carrier and Bahamian people benefit from the Phoenix Tower International deal despite yesterday’s phone meeting with Sameer Bhatti, its chief executive.

Disclosing that Mr Bhatti described the sale and leaseback of 345 BTC cell tower sites to Phoenix “as a shareholder’s deal”, indicating that both the Government and Liberty Latin America had approved it, the latter as controlling owner, Ms Benjamin demanded that the Davis administration explain its rationale and why the agreement will benefit The Bahamas.

She told this newspaper that the agreement had reawakened memories of “the horrible deal” that occurred in 2011 when BTC was privatised via the sale of a controlling equity interest to its immediate parent, Cable & Wireless Communications (CWC).

Arguing that the thenIngraham administration had “sold a cash cow”, she added: “We’re no longer getting whole milk from the cow. We are getting treated milk mixed with preservatives.” Given this backdrop, Ms Benjamin said it was vital to understand whether the Phoenix deal “is going to further sink us or pull us out of the hole.”

Valentine Grimes, BTC’s vice-chairman, told this newspaper on Sunday evening that “the intent” of the Davis administration is for a portion of the Phoenix sales price to be reinvested in improving BTC’s services and the roll-out of 5G (fifth generation) mobile phone technology.

He said the sale and leaseback of BTC’s existing 345 cell tower sites will enable the carrier to monetise the value of its existing infrastructure as part of a wider $355m, six-jurisdiction deal involving other affiliates of its ultimate parent, Liberty Latin America. The deal proceeds were touted as increasing to $407m when Phoenix constructs a further 500 sites across the same six countries over the next five years.

Ms Benjamin, though, said she and other BCPOU executives came away from the phone call with Mr Bhatti far from convinced about the deal’s merits.

“What he said to me, I did not get,” she told Tribune Business. “We have more questions than answers after the conversation with

SEE PAGE A20