11292022 NEWS, FEATURES, SPORT AND BUSINESS

Body found dumped on Cowpen Road in latest murder

By JADE RUSSELL jrussell@tribunemedia.net

THE Bahamas reached a grim milestone yester day morning after another murder was recorded, sur passing last year’s murder count.

The latest killing has pushed the country’s murder toll to 120, accord ing to this newspaper’s records, which is the high est number of killings in the past four years.

In 2021, there were 119 killings recorded; 73 in

2020; 95 in 2019; 91 in 2018 and 122 in 2017.

Regarding yesterday’s homicide, police said a man who appeared to be in his mid-20s was found with gunshot wounds on Cowpen Road east of Golden Isle Road. Police suspect the man was shot somewhere else and his body was dumped on the scene.

Officers were alerted about the man’s body shortly after 7am yesterday.

BANKMAN-FRIED HELD 17 ACCOUNTS AT DELTEC

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

A BAHAMIAN bank and trust company was yesterday tight-lipped over court documents show ing that FTX and entities controlled by its besieged founder, Sam BankmanFried, held no fewer than 17 accounts with it.

Deltec Bank & Trust nei ther confirmed nor denied whether it had any bank ing relationships with the

collapsed crypto exchange, its affiliates or Mr Bank man-Fried when contacted by Tribune Business over filings in the Delaware fed eral bankruptcy courts.

Documents produced by John Ray, the newlyappointed chief executive for FTX Trading, disclosed the latter held just one account at Deltec. However, a further nine were said to be in the name of Alameda Research, the fund controlled by Mr Bankman-Fried.

MILLER-BRICE ‘STANDS WITH WOMEN’ ON GENDER VIOLENCE

By LETRE SWEETING lsweeting@tribunemedia.net

LESLIA Miller-Brice, the Bahamas High Com missioner to CARICOM, vowed yesterday to “stand with any female” that is facing gender-based vio lence in The Bahamas.

Mrs Miller-Brice, who is also the Seabreeze MP and chair of the Independ ence Secretariat, made these comments yesterday in support of recent com ments made by CARICOM

encouraged persons of the Caribbean community to take swift and decisive action against gender-based violence.

“This is a vital human rights imperative that needs our collective and con certed action,” Dr Barnett said in a statement to mark the 16 Days of Activism campaign against genderbased violence that takes place November 25 to December 10.

PHONES AND DRUGS

SEIZED IN PRISON

By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net

Acting Commissioner of Corrections Doan Cleare gave the latest figures during a press conference at the prison yesterday before leading government officials and members of the media on a tour.

By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net

Secretary-General, Dr Carla Barnett.

Last week, Dr Barnett

SOME 400 cell phones have been confiscated by officers at the Bahamas Department of Correc tional Services for the year as officials enhance their efforts to crack down on contraband smuggling.

NATIONAL Security Minister Wayne Munroe revealed yesterday that officials are hoping to break ground in the coming weeks on the construction of a new high-medium security correctional facility at the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services.

LESLIA

Photo:

Photo: Austin Fernander

We’re on the Road to 50th Independence anniversary

By LETRE SWEETING lsweeting@tribunemedia.net

THE Independence Sec retariat yesterday launched the country’s 50th anniver sary campaign, announcing events leading up to the milestone that starts next month with a national road race.

The celebration will kick off at 6am on December 3 with The Road to 50 Race taking place on New Providence and the Family Islands. It will be a free nationwide race, where Bahamians are invited to walk, run, roll and have fun.

Ambassador Leslia Miller-Brice, who is The Bahamas’ High Commis sioner to CARICOM and the chairperson of the Inde pendence Secretariat, said during a press conference yesterday that the commit tee has prepared several ways in which every Baha mian, no matter their age or circumstances can partici pate in the independence celebration festivities.

“We are taking the Road to 50 quite literally to start and we want to invite the public on all islands to take to the road and participate in the Road to 50 Race, which will be held this Sat urday, December 3. Each island will have routes for the race,” she said.

“We want there to be pomp and pageantry and a unified effort to support our local vendors in an effort to stimulate our local econo mies from Bimini to Inagua on every island, and every cay. This requires a cadre of vendors, volunteers on crea tives from each island. The

Independent Secretariat would like artists, chefs and restaurants, content creators and volunteers to submit their names, contacts and areas of specialty to us, so that they can be involved in all that we have to achieve,” Mrs Miller-Brice said.

“I sincerely encour age students, parents and grandparents, pastors and churches, corporate

Bahamas, civic and commu nity groups of all abilities to join the race. We want you out there walking, running, cycling, pushing and skating across our islands. Regis ter as buddies, register as a team or co-workers, register the entire family,” she said.

Superintendent Paul Cash of the Royal Baha mas Police Force’s Traffic Division announced various road closures and measures that will be put in place as of Friday to allow for the road race.

“Between the hours of five and 12 we will have major road diversions and closures in place starting from the area of Chipping ham Road and all the way to East Bay Street and the area of Montagu. That means every major road that leads up to the area of the starting point, which is at Clifford Park, all of those major roads will be closed,” Supt Cash said.

“On Saturday, the third of December, we’re expect ing to have thousands of

Bahamians join us in this 50th anniversary run. Meas ures will be put in place as of Friday evening,” he said.

“So, if you do not have to come into the area of Clif ford Park then we ask that you avoid those particular areas. Only residents and local traffic will be allowed into the area of the park itself and even into the race area,” Supt Cash said.

Others in attendance at yesterday’s press conference were Kandice Eldon from University of The Bahamas, Bahamian Consul General for Miami Curt Hollings worth and Donovan Rolle from J Fitness.

Mr Hollingsworth said the consulate has pro grammes already lined up and will use the tem plate of the Secretariat to ensure that the “Bahamian diaspora throughout our jurisdictions become a part of this exciting movement”.

Meanwhile, Mr Rolle said his task was to make sure participants of the road race stayed physically well.

“My task is to make sure that I walk out to all of the individuals, make sure we stretch and be able to per form our best so we can have a good time on the road and be able to social ise after without being too sore or fatigued,” he said.

Registration for the road race is free. People can register online at www.cele brate-bahamas.com.

The road race will also include live entertainment from Bahamian artists as well as local vendors selling breakfast dishes, said Mrs Miller-Brice.

In January, the winner for the national brand and logo design competition will be announced. The design will be used for The Bahamas 50th anniversary celebra tion next year.

Permanent Secretary Jack Thompson, who was also at the press confer ence yesterday, added that further independence celebration plans will be announced later through various media platforms.

MILLER-BRICE ‘STANDS WITH WOMEN’ ON GENDER VIOLENCE

from page one

In response to this Mrs Miller-Brice said yester day, “We don’t advocate for violence and you know, we would definitely like to stand with any female that’s in that position. I’ve also seen the Royal Bahamas Police Force, they now have an active body that is responsi ble for those kinds of acts.

“So, I encourage any woman that’s in that position to please find the help that is definitely needed. There’s a lot of support out there. It’s just a matter of finding where the support is. And there are so many groups and organisations out there that promote that they are here to support women in those kinds of positions,” Mrs Miller-Brice said.

She added that she is among many CARICOM representatives now in the

capital continuing to advo cate for women’s rights.

“We have a number of CARICOM representatives here. They landed in Nassau yesterday (Sunday), as we are going to be hosting the heads of CARICOM meet ings that will be held next year, February,” she said.

“Right now, Zonta (Club), this is their 19 days, I would say of standing up for women standing up against violence and so, of course, I’m in support of them. All of my female colleagues are in support of them,” Mrs Miller-Brice said.

Last week, Senate Presi dent LaShell Adderley pointed out that the “long walk to freedom” for women has not ended yet, saying women are indiscriminately victims of gender-based violence and there is no domestic violence legislation for their protection.

Ms Adderley’s comments

TEENAGERS CHARGED WITH GUNPOINT THEFT

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Court Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net

A PAIR of 17-yearold boys were sent to the Simpson Penn Centre for Boys after being accused of stealing a woman’s car at gunpoint.

The two juveniles, whose names are being withheld because they are minors, appeared before Magistrate Kara Turn quest-Deveaux on charges of armed robbery and receiving.

On November 20 in New Providence, while armed with a handgun, the accused reportedly stole L’Shae Davis’ blue Suzuki

Swift, a vehicle valued at $5,000.

Due to the nature of the offence, neither accused was required to enter a plea in court. They were informed that their matter would be fast tracked to the Supreme Court by a voluntary bill of indictment (VBI).

The two juveniles were told that as the magistrate lacked the jurisdiction to grant them bail they had the right to apply for it in the higher court.

Until bail is granted, both of them will be remanded to the Simpson Penn Centre.

They are expected back in court on March 9, 2023, for their VBIs.

came during a special joint sitting of the House of Assembly that brought members of Parliament and Senators together in the lower chamber.

Earlier this month, Police Commissioner Clayton Fer nander said that a domestic violence office, housed

separate and apart from the Royal Bahamas Police, should be established before the end of the year.

“That’s something I don’t support when it comes to dealing with the females and ladies. As I indicated when I took office, the domestic violence office will

be housed separate, apart and standalone. And we are doing just that between now and before the year’s end,” Commissioner Fer nander said at the time.

Domestic abuse and vio lence have been a serious problem in the country over the years, prompting

numerous calls for more to be done to protect victims of gender-based violence.

The Davis administra tion has already said it is working on proposed legislation that addresses gender-based matters, with drafts to Parliament said to be forthcoming.

LESLIA Miller-Brice MP speaking yesterday.

THE LAUNCH of the 50th anniversary campaign yesterday with the start of the Road to 50 celebrations.

Photos: Moise Amisial

‘Hold your breath’ as tour

By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net

GOVERNMENT offi cials toured several prison wings under renovation at the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services yesterday, including a newly refurbished juvenile facility that, once completed, will be able to accommodate up to 25 minor prisoners.

The facility, which is expected to be completed by December 16, will not only house the young inmates but also serve as a schooling centre for them.

A juvenile specialist will oversee the inmates and also be responsible for operations of the entire building, which will not be run like the main prison.

Yesterday, according to Acting Commissioner of Corrections Doan Cleare, more than $100,000 has been spent on upgrades to the juvenile building.

“The juvenile facility is a construction that came about some 40 years ago and we have done some massive remodelling,” he told reporters yesterday.

“We spent well over $100,000 on remodelling thus far. The inmates are doing the work along with officers and this facility can house comfortably, 25 inmates.

“Our juvenile population normally hovers around 14 or 15 inmates per year, this facility will be self-con tained. The staffing facility will be properly trained by the American Correc tional Association. You know, we’re going to have a

juvenile psychiatrist special ist on board to be a scientist in this facility. So, this would be a school for juveniles.”

It was one of several facilities under renovation that was toured by senior officials, including National Security Minister Wayne Munroe and members of the media yesterday.

The purpose of the visit was to see the work done so far to improve conditions at the correctional facil ity following the American Correctional Association Assessment’s report that was conducted last month.

Other sites visited by the delegation included the Remand Centre at BDCS.

During a tour of the facility, this newspaper got a glimpse of the current prison cells and the ones undergoing repair that includes freshly painted walls and new beds.

This newspaper saw as many as five or more men cramped in old, over crowded cells. There was also a strong scent emanat ing from the cell blocks, with officials warning report ers “to hold their breaths” before the site’s visit.

Prison officials have said that up to eight people can be housed in the small cells.

“It’s like night and day,” Mr Cleare said of the old and newly renovated cells.

As for renovation costs in the remand centre, officials said nearly $80,000 has been spent on critical upgrades on the facility to date.

“We have spent close to about $80,000 thus far but the major works to be done to the medium facility will

be the plumbing, you know, we are estimating that that should cost over a million dollars,” Mr Cleare added.

“Because the facility right now, we currently have a water issue, because you know, the inmates were putting fire down into the toilets and it destroyed the pipes in the cells. So for us to get the water system back on inside there now, we have to retrofit the entire bottom floor and that is you know, correctional toilets is different from ordinary toi lets. I’m hearing from the master plumber it’s $2,000 per toilet you know.”

Asked why inmates were putting fire in the toilets, the acting commissioner told reporters: “When you have inmates smok ing cigarettes or any illegal contraband and officers are doing their tour, they would’ve taken that lighted contraband and just drop it into the toilet top and it goes to the pipes.”

Following a tour of the prison cells, Mr Cleare then led media to the remand centre’s dining facility that was also under renovation.

“We’re going to outfit the walls with ...so the inmates can talk to their families. Now, as you know, the gov ernment is moving towards the concept of ‘cook and chill’ so the food will be brought to the facility and we will distribute the food and they will have tables in here fully air conditioned where you can eat inside here and go back to their cells.”

He said the dining hall will be able to host 30

DEADLIEST YEAR FOR NATION SINCE 2017

from page one

“Sometime shortly after 7am this morning the police received an anonymous call about a male that was found lying on this street on the southern side of this street,” Chief Superinten dent Michael Johnson told reporters.

“When officers arrived, they met the lifeless body of a dark male. He had wounds that were consistent

with gunshots.”

Residents who tried to drive through the road of the scene were forced to turn around while officers conducted their investigations.

Chief Supt Johnson was unable to give an identity of the victim; he added offic ers were following leads in order to uncover the man’s identity.

When asked when the incident occurred, Chief Supt Johnson said: “Well

we know that based on the condition of the body it appears that he was here no more than but an hour prior to the police coming.”

One reporter asked if it was a possibility the vic tim’s body was dumped on the scene, Chief Supt Johnson responded: “We suspect that this is not the primary scene based on our evidence so far that we’ve found on the scene and so we are continuing this investigation.”

Death Notice For Geneva Cartwright

Chief Supt Johnson said the incident is a serious matter, adding it showed some people have “no concern for life” or even themselves.

He asked members of the public who may have infor mation on the incident to contact police.

Chief Supt Johnson con tinued: “I ask persons as we approach the Christmas season to please be vigilant. Be aware of your surround ings, be aware of where you go, and who you hang with. Because that could cause some problems for you. If you know that persons are on bail for any serious mat ters, I ask you and I caution you not to be in the vicinity where these persons are.”

Chief Supt Johnson pointed out that police are always concerned when incidents happen and are continuously adjusting their “crime fighting measures”.

On November 18, a man

who was killed in Grand Bahama pushed the coun try’s murder count to 119 for the year.

Police are also investi gating a double shooting incident on Sunday that has left two men in hospital, in serious condition.

Preliminary reports revealed that around 8.30 pm on Sunday ShotSpotter technology alerted police to gunshots being discharged in the Miami Street area.

Police met a 34-year-old man suffering from multi ple gunshot injuries to the body. He was subsequently taken to hospital.

Acting on information that a second man was shot and taken to hospital via private vehicle, police pro ceeded to PMH, where it was confirmed. The victim is a 31-year-old man of Lin coln Boulevard.

Meanwhile, Free National Movement deputy leader Shanendon

Cartwright has previously demanded that the govern ment rise from its “slumber” and begin to implement tac tics to combat crime.

He acknowledged that the crime issue within the country is not a political one but urged the government to develop a “comprehen sive crime plan” for the country moving forward.

“We acknowledge the complexity of our crime problem and have said it’s not a political issue, but the government is failing to lead,” Mr Cartwright told this newspaper last week.

“The number one respon sibility of any government is to protect its citizens and communities. In this regard, the government is failing to lead and as a result, is fail ing the Bahamian people. The Bahamian people have been frustrated and angered at the level of crime in our nation,” he continued.

Geneva

She

She

In lieu of flowers the family request that donations be sent to St. Matthew’s Day Care Centre for the Aged, P.O. Box N. 963, Nassau in memory of Mrs. Geneva Cartwright.

Funeral arrangements will be announced at a later date.

Arrangements

NATIONAL Security Minister Wayne Munroe during yesterday’s tour. Photos: Austin Fernander

Cartwright passed away peacefully at her home in Sandy Port, Nassau surrounded by her family on Friday, 25th November, 2022.

was prececeased by her husband, Harley C. Cartwright; parents, Michael and Caroline Martinborough; brothers, Llewellyn, Michael, Willard and Maitland Martinborough and son-in-law, Jeffrey Spector.

is survived by her daughters, Donna Maura (David), Elaine Spector and Kathryn Cartwright; sons, Mitchell Cartwright and Llewellyn Boyer Cartwright; grandchildren, Blake Maura, Keleigh, Courtney and Camryn Spector and sister, Vangy Delmonte and many other relatives and close friends.

by Kemp’s Funeral Home Limited.

of prison held

inmates at one time and added that officials also plan to open a pharmacy in the centre over the next two weeks.

When asked for the total costs of the renovation pro jects at BDCS, Mr Cleare was unable to say yesterday.

“It’s ongoing,” he added. “You see what happened is this because we just got the report and we are now going through the report from the American Cor rectional Association and as you know, myself in the ministry knew firsthand that it would be an expensive exercise for us to undertake.

“But again, it must be done. So, we took it upon ourselves here at the prison with the inmates’ labour and with staff to commence the renovations without assistance from the central government thus far.

PHONES AND DRUGS SEIZED IN PRISON

from page one

However, he could not say the total weight of drugs seized this year.

“The last report that I was given from the search and contraband unit that they have found at this compound, they have found close to over 400 cell phones and (some) drugs. I don’t have the actual weightage of the drugs, but they searched every day,” Mr Cleare said.

He said the issue contin ues to be a major concern for officials, adding “one of the reasons why we are trying to curtail contra bands in this particular

vicinity, because this will be the only vicinity that will remain open on the compound after your new construction.”

He was referring to construction of a new high-medium correctional facility that is scheduled to be built next year.

“We’re going to be clos ing down medium security, female prison and the mini mum-security prison will be closed down and because this new facility will be a, you know, a contained airconditioned facility, you know, we cannot allow smoking or any other con traband to get inside.

“So that’s why we’re con centrating so heavily on this

remand centre,” he added.

National Security Minis ter Wayne Munroe said it was “alarming” that some 400 cell phones could be recovered in a facility where “the only persons in and out have been cor rectional officers and some contractors.”

He said it was a problem officials were aware of and moving to address, adding that with the construction of this new prison facil ity, officials hope to reduce the likelihood of such behaviour.

“Part of the thrust for a purpose-built structure is not only to comply with what we’re confronted with every day, about things that

have to happen, simple things like you have to have water in a prison, potable water, water to flush toilets simple things like that, but it also permits you to have a better control on security,” he said.

“And so, the fact that these cells will be two-ply steel means that you can’t dig and hide any of the contraband anywhere, all of the furniture is in that same fashion. You can’t dig and hide contraband anywhere.”

Mr Munroe contin ued: “We’ve been having a number of issues with persons with mental chal lenges and so you will see if you were to consider the

design of the new highmedium prison, a separate housing unit, especially for them, where you can segregate them singularly in a cell so they’re not in a cell with anybody else who they may have altercations with, you will see a medical facility there, as we know that the hospital does not particularly like prisoners to be brought down to the hospital.

“And so there will be a facility where on premises, you can have treatment that prevents persons being transported for simple things to the hospital and so the issue of contraband is a vexing one and as we set about setting up a

facility that rules out the ability for that to happen that has a singular access point, that has the ability to have a comprehensive system installed, we hope to weed out and eliminate that type of behaviour or certainly reduce it to a bare minimum.”

Earlier this year, Mr Munroe regretted a new trend seen by prison offi cials: which includes some officers retrieving and later distributing drugs that are thrown over the prison’s walls.

He has already said that his ministry will not toler ate such actions and will also hold those responsible accountable.

...AS PLANS MADE TO BUILD NEW FACILITY

“But now we are reach ing a stage whereby now we now have to tap into the capital budget to go further because you know, you’re now getting into the expen sive part now, which is the plumbing and the lighting,” he said. from page one

Mr Munroe said while the target was an ambitious one, the government was committed to doing what was necessary to improve prison conditions for inmates and meet interna tional standards.

The minister spoke to reporters before tour ing several facilities under renovation at the prison yesterday.

This comes after the American Correctional Association conducted an assessment report of BDCS that highlighted several deficiencies.

“On the wall you will see renderings of the pro posed new high medium correctional facility, that if Commissioner Cleare gets his way, we’ll be breaking ground 70 days from the time we were in church celebrating the 70th anniversary of the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services at Faith United Baptist Church,” Mr Munroe also said.

He added: “The 70 days according to my calculation expires the 15th of Janu ary 2023. That is ambitious, but this is why you see the whole team here from the Ministry of National Secu rity as our function is to do what is necessary to seek to accomplish the goals that are set up.”

Following his interview with the press, Mr Munroe, along with other prison officials, led the media on a tour of the site where the facility will be constructed.

The new building will be able to accommodate some 820 inmates after completion.

“It would be an area that will encompass the exist ing virtual court and so the proposal is that that will have to be demolished and the judiciary is asking for a more expansive virtual court,” Mr Munroe added.

“Because you may be aware that the Court of

Appeal now sits virtually. They do not entertain in person hearings and so you require virtual court simply to accommodate the Court of Appeal.

“We have virtual courts that deal with remands so that this phenomena of busloads of inmates going down simply to be told, ‘you’re remanded for further weeks.’ That has stopped and so the remand court accommodates that.

“We will trust that the remand court can accom modate some simple trials, particularly in the Family Islands, we have a phe nomenon that people are transported to Grand Bahama, say Abaco, Eleuthera, just to be told, ‘we’ll deal with you in another week, another month or two.’

“It’s a wasted trip. It’s wasted manpower and wasted resources. The virtual court will

accommodate that as well and realise cost savings, quite apart from the logis tics of moving inmates around the Commonwealth of The Bahamas.”

Acting Commissioner of Corrections Doan Cleare said in September the new facility will be completed in the next 17 months.

“The government has already agreed to build a new facility, a new highmedium security prison which is 820 beds,” Mr Cleare said while appearing as a guest on a local radio show.

“When this facility is finished within the next 17 months, the current medium security prison will be retrofitted. The medium security prison has eight dorms and these eight dorms will be now retrofit ted into eight BTVI dorms, because we’re going to have all that specialised training for inmates in carpentry,

Death Notice For

Alphonse Joseph, 71

a resident of Faith Avenue and formerly of Cap Haitian Latortue Haiti, died at his residence on Sunday, November 13th, 2022.

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to THE NEW COMMONWEALTH FUNERAL HOME and will be announced at a later date.

Death Notice For Clarence A. Harrison, 78

of Little Blair, Nassau, The Bahamas died at Doctors Hospital, Shirley Street, Nassau on

22nd November, 2022.

He is survived by his wife, Carol Harrison; sons, Jason Harrison and Dr. Jeremy Harrison; grandchildren, Adtielle, Zachary and Zoe; brother, Donald Darville; sisters, Angelia Robertson and Etoile Maxine Darville; daughters-in-law, Lessie (Jason) Harrison and Melanie (Jeremy) Harrison and many other relatives and close friends.

In lieu of flowers the family request that donations be sent to the Christian Counselling Centre, P.O. Box S.S. 6106, Nassau or by direct deposit RBC, Palmdale Branch No. 05745, Calvary Biblre Church Account No. 7370885 in memory of Mr. Clarence A. Harrison.

Funeral arrangements will be announced at a later date.

plumbing – you name it.” According to Mr Munroe, costs for the new high-medium correctional facility are still being finalised.

NATIONAL Security Minister Wayne Munroe being shown around the Bahamas Department of Cor rections yesterday. Photos: Austin Fernander

Tuesday

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SIR ETIENNE DUPUCH, Kt., O.B.E., K.M., K.C.S.G., (Hon.) LL.D., D.Litt .

Publisher/Editor 1919-1972 Contributing Editor 1972-1991

EILEEN DUPUCH CARRON, C.M.G., M.S., B.A., LL.B. Publisher/Editor 1972-

Published daily Monday to Friday Shirley & Deveaux Streets, Nassau, Bahamas N3207 TELEPHONES

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Gaslighting - the word of the year

“GASLIGHTING” — behaviour that’s mind manipulating, grossly mis leading, downright deceitful — is Merriam-Webster’s word of the year.

Lookups for the word on merriamwebster.com increased 1,740% in 2022 over the year before. But something else happened. There wasn’t a single event that drove significant spikes in curiosity, as it usually goes with the chosen word of the year.

The gaslighting was pervasive.

“It’s a word that has risen so quickly in the English language, and especially in the last four years, that it actually came as a surprise to me and to many of us,” said Peter Sokolowski, MerriamWebster’s editor at large, in an exclusive interview with The Associated Press ahead of Monday’s unveiling.

“It was a word looked up frequently every single day of the year,” he said.

There were deepfakes and the dark web. There were deep states and fake news. And there was a whole lot of trolling.

Merriam-Webster’s top definition for gaslighting is the psychological manip ulation of a person, usually over an extended period of time, that “causes the victim to question the validity of their own thoughts, perception of real ity, or memories and typically leads to confusion, loss of confidence and selfesteem, uncertainty of one’s emotional or mental stability, and a dependency on the perpetrator.”

More broadly, the dictionary defines the word thusly: “The act or practice of grossly misleading someone especially for one’s own advantage.”

Gaslighting is a heinous tool fre quently used by abusers in relationships — and by politicians and other news makers. It can happen between romantic partners, within a broader family unit and among friends. It can be a corporate tactic, or a way to mislead the public. There’s also “medical gaslighting,” when a health care professional dismisses a patient’s symptoms or illness as “all in your head.”

Despite its relatively recent promi nence — including “Gaslighter,” The Chicks’ 2020 album featuring the rous ingly angry titular single — the word was brought to life more than 80 years ago with “Gas Light,” a 1938 play by Patrick Hamilton.

It birthed two film adaptations in the 1940s. One, George Cukor’s “Gaslight” in 1944, starred Ingrid Bergman as Paula Alquist and Charles Boyer as Gregory Anton. The two marry after a whirl wind romance and Gregory turns out to be a champion gaslighter. Among other instances, he insists her complaints over the constant dimming of their London townhouse’s gaslights is a figment of her troubled mind. It wasn’t.

The death of Angela Lansbury in October drove some interest in lookups of the word, Sokolowski said. She played Nancy Oliver, a young maid hired by Gregory and told not to bother his “high-strung” wife.

The term gaslighting was later used by mental health practitioners to clinically describe a form of prolonged coercive control in abusive relationships.

“There is this implication of an inten tional deception,” Sokolowski said. “And once one is aware of that decep tion, it’s not just a straightforward lie, as in, you know, I didn’t eat the cook ies in the cookie jar. It’s something that has a little bit more devious quality to it. It has possibly an idea of strategy or a long-term plan.”

Merriam-Webster, which logs 100 million pageviews a month on its site, chooses its word of the year based solely on data. Sokolowski and his team weed out evergreen words most com monly looked up to gauge which word received a significant bump over the year before.

They don’t slice and dice why people look up words, which can be anything from quick spelling and definition checks to some sort of attempt at inspiration or motivation. Some of the droves who looked up “gaslighting” this year might have wanted to know, simply, if it’s one or two words, or whether it’s hyphenated.

“Gaslighting,” Sokolowski said, spent all of 2022 in the top 50 words looked up on merriam-webster.com to earn top dog word of the year status. Last year’s pick was “vaccine.” Rounding out this year’s Top 10 are:

• “Oligarch,” driven by Russia’s inva sion of Ukraine.

• “Omicron,” the persistent COVID19 variant and the 15th letter of the Greek alphabet.

• “Codify,” as in turning abortion rights into federal law.

• “Queen consort,” what King Charles’ wife, Camilla is newly known as.

• “Raid,” as in the search of former President Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago home.

• “Sentient,” with lookups brought on by Google canning the engineer who claimed an unreleased AI system had become sentient.

• “Cancel culture,” enough said.

• “LGBTQIA,” for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or ques tioning, intersex, and asexual, aromantic or agender.

• “Loamy,” which many Wordle users tried back in August, though the right word that day was “clown.”

By LEANNE ITALIE Associated Press

PICTURE OF THE DAY

EDITOR, The Tribune.

I have seen a pie chart from, https://twitter. com/whalechart/status/ 1595384133827854336?s=21 – about the global distribu tion of FTX customers as of “The Petition Date”.

It was noted with great interest that about one third of the FTX global customer base is stationed in two small Caribbean countries – namely Cayman Islands, and Virgin Islands.

Cayman Islands have 22% and Virgin Islands

have 11% of the total FTX worldwide customer base – as of the (Bankruptcy) petition date.

Interesting, isn’t it? Take note, that China with a pop ulation of more than one billion people – accounts for 8% of FTX customer base – while India with a population of more than a billion people also, accounts for zilch percent of the FTX customer base – and the US and Great Britain together only account for 10% of FTX Base.

The following Barack

Obama quote from more than a decade ago comes immediately to mind: “You’ve got a building in the Cayman Islands that supposedly houses 12,000 corporations. That’s either the biggest building or the biggest tax scam on record.”

The Cayman and Virgin Islands corporations busi ness links and connections with FTX will be interesting to unravel no doubt.

DENNIS

DAMES Nassau, November 24, 2022.

Charlotte St roadworks

EDITOR, The Tribune

PEOPLE have said much about what the former Prime Minister Hubert Alexander Ingraham did, and what he did not do... attempting to penalise him for not being a Saviour to many of them, etc?

But while I am at odds with some of what I felt were done in poor taste, such as the sale of BATELCO, and in being fair to him, even though I believe he led the proposal to sell, the fact of the matter is that that proposal was debated in the Parliament of the Bahamas, acquiring a majority to support the sale and on to the Senate who endorsed the sale... finally, the Governor General then consented and thus, passed into law, etc?

Another point of con tention was after the earthquake in Haiti and the many detained illegal immi grants were released from detention under Prime Minister Ingraham, and with reporting conditions.

To date, we the Baha mian people still do not know whether or not those conditions were met, or what became of them?

What I also praise the Hon Prime Minister Ingra ham for was that he not only said what he said, he showed us Bahamians that he meant it because he fol lowed it up. He was an all-hands-on deck, action

Prime Minister. Usually, he would be seen moving about New Providence, and in the City Centre, espe cially where Government contracts were being car ried out. He knew just what stages the work was at? Because he made it his busi ness and visited all of those sites. He even travelled to the Family Island to obtain firsthand knowledge about work going on there.

And when I watched our Parliament in ses sion under Mr Ingraham, I used to wonder how it was that he always seemed to have insider knowledge on almost every project hap pening in the country? Now I know, because he made it his business to find out.

He was very concerned about what happened to government money. I don’t think that we have ever seen Hon Prime Minister Hubert Alexander Ingra ham, a PM that was quite as driven as him.

Anytime I have the occa sion to take a leisurely stroll along Bay Street, in downtown, I am forever mindful as I trod the side walk, and examine tiles, unable to dismiss the fact that it was the Hon Prime Ingraham that had all those areas tiled. Furthermore, Charlotte Street north,

What am I saying? Char lotte Street is poised for another upgrade, which is coming about 30-plus years later. I think that it is a disgrace the state of down town Nassau which is the main tourist location. This is the first area the cruise ship visitors see and all of the garbage.

Editor, reaching the exact heart of this article, the work ongoing at Char lotte Street north, and how far has it come? The fill is down and some effort to compact it is visible, and the cones placed to cordon off this piece of roadway, jitney bus drivers, other vehicular units, would exit their vehicles to move them aside, so that they are able to pass, but my question: Road construction must and ought to mean that the road is closed to vehicular traffic, shouldn’t it?

If the Ministry of Public Works are responsible for it, every effort must be expended to ensure that that doesn’t happen, vehicles trampling the con struction? Why don’t the contractors work at night with less traffic available?

FRANK GILBERT Nassau, November 26, 2022.

Christmas is back

EDITOR, The Tribune.

THE Bahamas has been on a rough economic, mental and societal roller coaster over the past several years. First we had assorted storms and hurricanes, Dorian being the most destructive in many years. That hurricane wiped out parts of Abaco and Grand Bahamas, almost like clock work. Many of the com munities in those Family Islands are still in the recov ery mode. It is believed that scores of persons, inclusive of Bahamians and members of the ‘foreign’ diaspora would have lost their lives during Dorian’s passage.

It is also a given that the effective shut down of the entire nation following the arrival of COVID-19 was a shock and very debilitating for national development and growth. The economic effects were devastating, perhaps even more so than Dorian. Businesses were obliged to close their doors or operate, were allowed by the now infamous Compe tent Authority, with limited hours and severe restrictions. Hotels were mandated to close their doors and thousands of hospitality workers were sent home, with or without pay. All in all, we had a rough roller coaster type ride. Whether it was by divine providence or simply luck, the coun try started to gradually reopen for business and a semblance of normality is now in play. Thousands of Bahamians, it is said, expe rienced some type of mental stress and some may even have gone crazy in the pro cess. It is certain that crime and the fear of crime went up. The relaxation of many of the COVID-19 restric tions and curfews may have

contributed to the spoke in crime, especially alleged homicides.

In 2020 and most of 2021 there was not much for the average Bahamian to be thankful for or to celebrate. The fabled ‘ghost’ of Christ mas past haunted countless Bahamians while they holed up at their residences, if they had one, with bare pantries and nagging infants and children. The pros pects of a succulent ham and a stringy turkey faced many emotionally scarred Bahamians, especially in the major Family Islands. The doom and gloom were almost able to be literally sliced with the most rusty of knives. Even the houses of the Lord were closed down and many were unable to say ‘good bye’ properly to their deceased ones.

Over the past year and a half, under the enlightened administration of the Hon Philip “Brave” Davis, MP, KC, The Bahamas is back up and running. It is almost as if we would never have expe rienced the chilling effects of COVID and the lingering devastation of Dorian. The economy is now at par or in excess of the performance levels prior to the double blows of the hurricane and COVID-19. Almost any Tom, Dick and Harry is able to access at least one job and in some cases multiple choices. Despite inflation and the like, construction is back with a bang. Busi nesses are in the expansion mode despite the inordinate fears of the imposition of minimum wage.

That we are back was illustrated by the recent cel ebration of the American holiday, Thanksgiving. Most restaurants that cater to the locals here in New Providence and the major Family Islands hosted Thanksgiving lunches

and dinners. In some cases here in Nassau it was almost impossible to source the same for less than twenty-five or more dollars. Establishments were packed and the lines were out the door. In fact, from a day before the cel ebrations, restaurants, in or take out had ceased taking telephone orders.

The so-called Black Friday traditional sales started on Thursday and stores were crowded with customers apparently spending lavishly and in sheer abandonment. Happy times, I submit are back again. I have little doubt that tens of thousands of pent up Bahamians will be travelling to foreign parts this coming Christmas season and into the New Year. I am in no position to suggest where this excess money may be coming from, but Bahami ans will once again shop until they drop.

I also do not know if former Prime Minister Minnis (FNM-Killarney) could be akin to Scrouge of old or if current Prime Min ister the Hon Philip ‘Brave’ Davis (PLP-Cat Island) is the latest version of Santa Claus, but it is clear that this year Christmas is on his way home, again. No doubt, almost every house hold, where possible, will have a Christmas tree, fully decorated and a few gifts under the same. It is also a given that even more ham and turkey will be avail able or, at the very least, a scrawny chicken. In pre paring to roll out 2022, however, let all sensible Bahamians continue to give thanks to The Lord Jesus Christ for He has brought us a mighty long way.

ORTLAND H BODIE, Jr Nassau, November

25, 2022.

Frederick, Parliament and others, Shirley Street, the extension to the Princess Margaret Hospital were all done by Prime Minister Ingraham, etc?

letters@tribunemedia.net

NATIONAL Security Minister Wayne Munroe touring the Bahamas Department of Corrections.

Photo: Austin Fernander

Tourists accused of drug offences

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Court Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net

TWO American tourists admitted in Magistrate’s Court yesterday to separate drug offences while on vacation in Nassau.

Michelle Lustman, 42, of New Jersey, stood before Magistrate Samuel McKinney on a charge of possession of dangerous drugs. Lustman was arrested around

12.36pm on November 27 at LPIA after a search of her luggage uncovered ten mari juana-infused gummies. She was attempting to return home. These drugs had a collective weight of 2oz and estimated street value of $200. In a subsequent police interview, Lustman admitted to the offence.

She pleaded guilty to the offence in court.

Her attorney said the tour ist is a mother of three who is

remorseful for her actions and has no prior criminal history. In addi tion to citing that her husband was in court and that both are heavily involved in charity work with intentions to help the the less fortunate here, the defence asked the court to be lenient in its sentencing.

In view of this, Magistrate McKinney placed the accused on six months’ probation for which being found in default would carry a $500 fine or two months in

prison. The other defendant, Joseph Harris, 50, of Florida, also stood before Magistrate McKinney on a charge of possession of dangerous drugs.

On November 26 on Bay Street, after disembarking from his cruise ship, Harris was arrested after he was found with several homemade marijuana joints. The confiscated drugs had a weight of 5g and a street value of $25.

BAIL DENIED IN ATTEMPTED KILLING CASE

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Court Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net

A MAN accused of attempted murder was denied bail yesterday while another man who violated his bail conditions for an armed robbery charge was ordered to pay a fine.

Mario Brown, 32, represented by attorney Ian Cargill, appeared before Senior Justice Bernard Turner for a determination on his bail application on a charge of attempted murder.

On September 4, Brown is alleged

to have attempted to kill Richard Turnquest with a handgun.

After reviewing the facts in his case and because Brown has other pending charges, Justice Turner for mally denied the bail request. The accused will remain on remand at the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services.

Another man, Andre Lightbourn, 27, stood before Magistrate Kendra Kelly on three counts of violation of bail conditions.

This is in connection with his Supreme Court bail for armed

robbery. The prosecution alleges that on July 15 in New Providence, he, along with another person, robbed Sheridan Gibson at gunpoint of her brown Nissan Cube and $48 in cash.

Between October 8 and November 17, Lightbourn failed to charge his electronic monitoring device on three occasions.

In court, the accused pleaded guilty to the offence.

He was ordered to pay a $3,000 fine for the bail breach or risk six months in custody.

During his police interview, the accused admitted that the drugs were for his own personal use and subsequently pleaded guilty in court.

Harris further told the Magis trate that the offence was due to negligence on his part.

Magistrate McKinney then bound the accused over to keep the peace for six months with any further breaches in this jurisdic tion resulting in a $300 fine or one month in custody.

TEEN MURDER SUSPECT CLAIMS POLICE BEAT HIM

By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

A 19-YEAR-OLD youth charged in the Eight Mile Rock Magis trate’s Court yesterday with murder, claimed he was beaten while in police custody.

Mr Deal claimed that while his client was in cus tody for six days officers allegedly beat him on his left side.

He noted that Webb had undergone surgery to his pelvis previously on his left side and his client was con cerned about his wellbeing.

A GROUP of students at Exu ma’s LN Coakley High School prepared for almost two months to sit an international Envi ronmental Protection Agency (EPA) 608 exam, to obtain cer tification in refrigerant transition and recovery.

Latrell Clarke, 17, Treyvonne Neymour, 18, Renan Boodram, 15, and Danico Pratt, 18, were led by instructor Marva McDon ald. The certification is from Ferris State University Centre for Certification.

The students made many sac rifices, using their days off for classes, after school and late eve nings. And their hard work paid off. All students were certified: three as universal, and one as type I and type II.

Kennedy Webb walked into the courtroom limp ing on his left leg to face his arraignment before Magis trate Simone Brown.

Jefferey Musgrove, 48, was charged with abet ment in connection with the matter.

The police prosecutor was Garth McIntosh.

Webb was charged with the murder of Curtis Mis sick. He is accused of killing Missick on Friday, Novem ber 18, at Hunters. He was not required to enter a plea.

Paco Deal, who represents Webb, claimed his client was beaten by officers while being detained for several days in police custody.

He also accused officers of ignoring his requests for Webb to be taken to hospi tal to be seen by a doctor.

“Requests for him to be seen by a doctor have fallen on deaf ears,” the attorney told the court. “I am asking that Kennedy be taken to see a doctor.”

Magistrate Brown ordered that Webb be taken to a hospital or clinic as soon as possible after his arraignment.

Regarding Mugsrove it is alleged that on the same date and place, he abetted Webb in Missick’s murder.

He was also not required to enter a plea to the charge. He was not repre sented by counsel.

Webb and Musgrove were denied bail. They were told that their matters would proceed by a volun tary bill of indictment.

Both cases were adjourned to February 22, 2023.

LATRELL CLARKE, Treyvonne Neymour, Renan Boodram and Danico Pratt.

The first in line to change The Bahamas

ON November 26, 1962, women in The Bahamas voted for the very first time. It was an occasion that will forever be etched in the annals of Bahamian history.

When women in The Bahamas voted, the major ity of the people, for the first time, had a collective say about the affairs of their country. Women rep resented the majority of households in the country. They represented their fam ilies, their communities, and they represented the inter ests of the people of The Bahamas. This empowering act by women, allowed the people of The Bahamas to have greater control over their destiny. This weekend marked 60 years since that day - one that dramatically changed the trajectory of

Face to Face

By FELICITY DARVILLE

this country.

This day was inevitable. Countries all around the world were changing. The suffrage movement was making its presence felt from country to country, and The Bahamas was no exception.

In 1951, Mary Ingra ham and Mabel Walker sponsored petitions to the House of Assembly for the right to vote. They were members of the Civil Lib erties Committee of the

Curfew Elks Lodge, and they were also members of the Star of The Eastern Lodge of Samaritans. They were no strangers to com munity activism.

There were many Suf fragists who made a difference. Dame Doris Johnson, a social and political activ ist, joined the Women’s Suf frage Movement in 1958 when she returned to Nassau from university in America.

By 1959, her passion and oratori cal skills moved many as she addressed Parlia ment: “Mr Speaker and members of the Honourable House of Assembly, the Women’s Suffrage Movement speaks today on behalf of over fifty-four thousand women; more than one half of the total adult population of our islands. The women of The Bahamas have been awakened to their responsi bilities and duties as citizens for many generations, and in the last thirty or thirtyfive years, women have vigorously carried out their duties and responsibilities in a manner comparable to those performed by the women of any highly civi lised country.”

Suffragist Eugenia Lock hart travelled to London

With the help of women, they helped to usher in a new era in Bahamian politics.

In 1961, Parliament passed Legislation to enable women to vote and sit in the legislature of The Bahamas. In the 1962 Gen eral Election, women voted for the first time. By 1967, black women had organised themselves into a voting bloc. This propelled the Progressive Liberal Party to victory and ushered in Majority rule.

When the legislation was passed allowing women to vote, it had to be followed with the proper processes and procedures to accom modate an increase in the voting population of The Bahamas. Eligible voters - including women - were called to register.

The very first woman to register was honoured this past weekend in a special gala affair, commemorating 60 years of women voting in The Bahamas.

The Progressive Liberal Party hosted a Gala Ball in her honour at the Baha Mar resort on Saturday, November 26.

A day later, the Depart ment of Gender and Family Affairs, Ministry of Social Services and Urban Devel opment, hosted a Memory March at the Southern Rec reation Grounds, attracting scores of men and women representing a wide range of organisations through out the country.

Ruby Ann Cooper-Dar ling was not only the first woman to register to vote

in The Baha mas, she was also the first black woman to work in the reservations office at the Bal

One to break glass ceil ings and forge a path for other women to succeed in her country, Ruby Ann became one of the first women to offer herself as a candidate for an election. She is an ordained Minister, counsellor, former Senator, former Member of Parlia ment, and a Sunday School teacher.

Kathryn Campbell records Ruby Ann’s rec ollection of the moments that led up to her historymaking act: “The Lord said, ‘Ruby, they fought for it and you’re the one to get the prize [the opportunity to register to vote]. You better be there because I made you 21 years old on Friday. When Monday comes you better be the person to put your name there so that you can cap ture the prize for those who fought so valiantly for it.”

Even at the tender age of 21, Ruby Ann understood the assignment. She grew up in the fear of God, love for herself and humanity, and an attitude of service above self.

She was born on June 28, 1941, to the late Rev erend Reuben E Cooper and Florence Cooper. As a prominent Baptist minister and freedom fighter in the struggle for Majority Rule, Rev Cooper paved the way for his daughter to carry the baton for the people.

Ruby Ann praises the heroic acts of suffragists such as Dame Doris and Mrs Lockhart, as well as others, like Mabel Walker, Mary Ingraham, Georgiana Symonette, Althea Mor timer and Albertha Isaacs.

As The Bahamas gears up to celebrate its golden anni versary of Independence in 2023, let history record that trailblazing women like Roby Ann moved swiftly into action in nation building.

Independence occurred on July 10, 1973, and just a year later, Ruby Ann ran as an independent candidate in the St Barnabas con stituency. In 1982, she was

appointed a Senator and served in that capacity for five years.

By the 1987 General Elections, she was ready to vye for a seat again. She ran and was elected as the Member of Parliament for the George Town/Ragged Island constituency on the Progressive Liberal Party ticket.

But politics is just one aspect of Ruby Ann’s col ourful and ambitious life. After her days of break ing barriers at the hotel, she moved on to work for Oxyquip company in Oakes Field. Later, she became manager of the business department of Prince Wil liam High School.

Time has not slowed down her passion for people and country. She has selflessly served to help establish and maintain a number of national institu tions, including the Urban Renewal Commission and the Willie Mae Pratt Centre for Girls.

Ruby Ann even has a career in media that gives her a national voice on matters that are important to her. She once hosted the popular Radio Show “The Baptist Hour” that had a successful trek for many years. She has a long-stand ing column in The Nassau Guardian newspaper, which she still publishes to this day.

In 1995, Ruby Ann became an ordained Min ister of the Gospel and thereafter, she eventu ally became a Justice of the Peace and a marriage officer, allowing her to touch many lives and even bless unions.

In 2017, Ruby Ann received the Legacy Award from the prominent Women of Colour... Women on the Move celebrations, which highlight black women of excellence making a global impact.

Ruby has gained local and international awards and accolades; but she remains humble, stating that she simply remains a humble servant, listening to the Lord’s call to blaze her own trail in life, and impact others for the better.

Ruby Ann is the mother of three: twins Dwight and Dawn, and Odessa. She also has six grandchildren: Nia, Joshua, Ashley, and twins Faith and David.

Doris Johnson, and Sir Henry Milton Taylor in 1960 to present the case for uni versal adult suffrage to the Secretary of State to the Colonies. Sir Henry Taylor is a co-founder of the Pro gressive Liberal Party. He, along with Sir Lynden O Pindling and Sir Milo B Butler travelled to London in 1956 to discuss political conditions in the colony.

RUBY ANN COOPER-DARLING, the first Bahamian woman who reg istered to vote, was honoured on Saturday at a ball hosted by the Progressive Liberal Party. Mrs Cooper-Darling (right) is pictured with United States Congresswoman Frederica Wilson, who presented her with a copy of the Congressional Record showing her contributions and achievements which will be permanently placed in the United States Library of Congress.

Photo: Moise Amisial

RUBY ANN COOPER-DARLING, pic tured above and left.

Main photo: Rosemary Clarice Hanna

RUBY Ann Cooper-Darling with Dame Marguerite

Pindling, right, and Ann Marie Davis, left, at the ball on Saturday.

Photo: Moise Amisial

Back after a tumble - and with a thank you to Doctors Hospital

TO MY great regret, for the first time in some four years I have failed to produce this column for three successive weeks. This is because I have been laid up in hospital with a broken hip. I should like to write about it today in order to draw attention to the excellent treatment I received at Doctor’s Hospi tal here in Nassau.

Briefly, early on the morning of November 3, I stupidly and carelessly slipped over on our tiled kitchen floor at home. It was still slightly wet after my wife had dutifully just mopped it down. Nonethe less, it was entirely my own fault. I fell heavily, landing on my side. At first, I put up with the pain and discom fort in my hip, assum ing it would gradually go away. But on the third day the pain became excruciating and I had to be taken by ambu lance to Doctor’s Hospital. A fracture of the hip was diagnosed and I was suc cessfully operated on a few days later. I was told that walking on it for a couple of days had only made it worse. But I am now slowly recovering at home and the orthopaedic specialist and surgeon who carried out the operation, Dr Akin Minnis, assures me that, although this was classified as a major operation, in another few weeks I should be up and about and walking properly again. What a relief!

premiums for my wife and myself over many years.

In the past, one had often heard about Dr Dane Bowe at Doctor’s Hospital who has always enjoyed a stellar reputation for his expertise in orthopaedics. When I was admitted to casualty, he was said to be away. But Dr Minnis came to see me on the first evening, followed later by the consultant anaesthetist, Dr Mark Weech; and Dr Bowe was present for the operation and visited me later. One does not have to be a medi cal expert oneself to be able to appreciate that with these three men one was in the hands of consum mate medical professionals.

‘Without exception, all the nurses I encountered were unfailingly kind and courteous. They displayed a quiet composure with an air of calm proficiency which was so reassuring when, in advance of the operation, one was lying helplessly on one’s back barely able to move a muscle without an all-enveloping pain taking over.’

Listening to them inspired enormous confidence that I was going to receive first-class treatment – and so it turned out to be.

Dr Weech explained in detail the workings of gen eral anaesthesia and Dr Minnis went out of his way to describe exactly what the surgery would entail, including a hip replacement but complicated by the frac ture – indeed, we had so many interesting talks later about a variety of subjects that it felt we had known each other for years. Not only did his professionalism shine through but he also has a most pleasant bedside manner and even bothered to telephone my wife sev eral times to tell her how I was doing.

courteous. They displayed a quiet composure with an air of calm proficiency which was so reassur ing when, in advance of the operation, one was lying helplessly on one’s back barely able to move a muscle without an allenveloping pain taking over. I realise it might be invidious to name names. But I am indebted to one nurse, in particular, who was so kind in offering words of encouragement when I was at a low point during one notably long night. She will, of course, know who she is when I now offer her my eternal thanks and every good wish for the future as she

balances her commitment to nursing duties with looking after her new hus band and nine-month-old baby.

Now in rehabilitation mode and recovering well, I am fortunate to have a wonderful day carer who comes to the house early in the morning to get me up and in the evening to help me to bed. I am also lucky to have an understanding wife who, as a retired nurse herself, orchestrates things and knows all too well the realities of the human body.

Meanwhile, I have much appreciated numer ous telephone calls from friends and their various

visits at home as well as the support some have given in fulfilling a number of tasks that arose while I was in hospi tal. At such a time, all this has been so helpful and a real morale-booster!

I am so glad to have been able to write in positive terms about my experience at Doctor’s Hospital. It is, of course, not intended to be a general assessment of it as Nassau’s leading hospital but simply a brief account of my own impressions over the last few weeks. The care and treatment I received was excellent – and I should like to offer my heartfelt thanks and appreciation to all concerned.

The Peter Young column

With so much real suffer ing in the world, my minor misfortune is of little rela tive significance in the great scheme of things. But, being hospitalised and operated on has been a big deal for me individually since it has prevented my functioning at all these past few weeks.

The care and treatment I received at Doctor’s Hospi tal was very good indeed. I realise, of course, that other people may have had differ ent experiences, but I can only speak about my own wholly satisfactory one at the hands of Nassau’s lead ing hospital. It is also the case that such good medi cal treatment carries a hefty price tag, and this under lines the importance of health insurance for which I have been paying increasing

I much appreciated all this as well as the attention he has given me during the follow-up recovery period.

Doctor’s Hospital have also provided physiotherapy care to speed up the reha bilitation process by forcing me to do the required exer cises, and I am finding this to be most helpful.

The other aspect of my eight-day stay at Doctor’s Hospital that I should like to mention was the wonder ful nursing care I received – and it made me realise that good nursing as a pro fession is truly a calling.

There seemed to be a well-oiled rotation system so that faces came and went all too frequently. But, without exception, all the nurses I encountered were unfailingly kind and

FNM: GOVT SILENT AS BAHAMAS ATTACKED ON FTX

By

THE Free National Movement criticised the Davis administration’s delayed response to the collapse of FTX, adding that the reputation of The Bahamas is “under attack” due to the silence of the government.

In a press statement released on Sunday night, East Grand Bahama MP Kwasi Thompson, who is also the shadow minister for finance, said the Pro gressive Liberal Party has failed to protect the coun try’s financial sector. These comments came

after a national address by Attorney General Ryan Pinder on Sunday night. “We are saddened that the PLP government has squandered opportunity after opportunity. The approval to operate as a digital exchange and the fall of FTX was on their watch,” Mr Thompson said in the statement.

“Despite what the Attor ney General says many in the international com munity are using the fall of FTX to attack the good reputation of The Bahamas as a well regulated financial services jurisdiction.”

In agreement with the Attorney General, Mr

Thompson said the former FNM administration posi tioned the Bahamas as a world leader in fintech finan cial services through the passage of the Digital Assets Registration Exchange (DARE) Act, adding that the legislation is “innova tive, bold, and progressive”.

The East Grand Bahama MP acknowledged that during 2020, The Bahamas was “successful” in being one of the first in the world to provide a regime which was intended to attract the best in the world.

He also noted that the sector provided new “wellpaying” employment and “new wealth” opportunities

START A FARM IN YOUR OWN BACKYARD

By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

THE City of Freeport Council has been distribut ing backyard farming kits to encourage residents to grow and eat their own food.

Frazette Gibson, chief councillor, said the council is excited to reintroduce the initiative to help residents not only eat healthy, but also save money.

“We are happy about this initiative and that it is back on stream,” she said.

Mrs Gibson said the kits can be collected at the City of Freeport office in the

Pyfrom Manor Building on West Mall Drive.

She reported that response has been good and people throughout Free port have been coming in for the kit.

The kit includes fruit and vegetable seeds, some fertiliser, a hose, soil and a seedling planter tray.

“The City of Freeport Council wants to ensure that residents improve not only their health. And with the rising cost of grocer ies, one of the best ways to decrease spending is to har vest your own produce.

“And so, we are asking residents of the city who

are interested in backyard farming to come in and get a kit and begin producing your okras, onions, cucum bers, cabbages, and carrots, etc.”

Mrs Gibson indicated that there are benefits to backyard gardening.

“It is a good exercise for the outdoors, and a natural stress reliever,” she explained.

“Growing your own food has some health benefits. Vegetables grown in the garden have more nutrients than store bought vegeta bles which are picked early and are sprayed with pesti cides,” she added.

for Bahamians.

During his national address on Sunday, Mr Pinder took a hit at those who have criticised the gov ernment for being “silent” on matters regarding FTX’s implosion, explaining that due to ongoing investi gations, officials must be careful how they respond to questions related to the embattled crypto currency exchange.

“It is deeply misguided to conclude that reluc tance to communicate the details of an active investi gation means that nothing is happening; in fact, the government’s discretion stems from how seriously

we take our commitment to the rule of law and the inde pendence of the securities regulator,” Mr Pinder said.

Mr Thompson, however, urged the Davis administra tion to do more to protect the country’s international reputation.

He noted that “one state ment” on the FTX fallout is not sufficient from the government.

“The Bahamas’ reputa tion is under attack. We are a well-regulated and experi enced jurisdiction with the best talent in the world and in the interest of our coun try, we must act to protect our industry,” said the East Grand Bahama MP.

He continued: “I repeat my statements made in the House of Assembly. We are not saying enough to protect our industry, if we say we are leaders, then we should lead! Our leader warned that by leaving a vacuum our competitors and enemies of our coun try would fill it with their narrative. Where is the communication strategy?”

Meanwhile, as local and international investigations into FTX continue, Com missioner of Police Clayton Fernander told this news paper that police have not interviewed suspects in connection with the FTX probe.

PEOPLE WARNED TO PREPARE AS HAWAII’S MAUNA LOA ERUPTS

THE WORLD’S largest active volcano was erupting yes terday and wasn’t immediately threatening communities on Hawaii’s Big Island, but officials warned residents to be ready for worse.

Many current residents weren’t living there when Mauna Loa last erupted 38 years ago. The US Geological Survey warned the roughly 200,000 people on the Big Island that an eruption “can be very dynamic, and the location and advance of lava flows can change rapidly”.

The eruption began late Sunday night following a series of fairly large earthquakes, said Ken Hon, the scientist-incharge at the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory.

There’s been a surge of devel opment on the Big Island in recent decades — its population has more than doubled, from 92,000 in 1980.

Most of the people on the island live in the city of Kai lua-Kona to the west of the volcano, which has about 23,000 people, and Hilo to the east, with about 45,000. Offi cials were most worried about several subdivisions about 30

miles to the south of the vol cano, which are home to about 5,000 people.

A time-lapse video of the eruption from overnight showed lava lighting up one area, moving across it like waves on the ocean.

The US Geological Survey said that the eruption had migrated to a rift zone — a place where the mountain rock is cracked and relatively weak — making it easier for magma to emerge.

An eruption from the zone could send lava toward the county seat of Hilo or other towns in East Hawaii but it

could take the lava weeks or months to reach populated areas.

“We don’t want to try and second-guess the volcano,” Hon said. “We have to let it actually show us what it’s going to do and then we inform people of what is happening ASAP.”

Hawaii County Civil Defense announced that it had opened shelters because it had reports of people evacuating from along the coast on their own initiative.

The average Mauna Loa erup tion is not typically prolonged, lasting a couple of weeks, Hon said.

“Typically, Mauna Loa erup tions start off with the heaviest volume first,” Hon said. “After a few days, it starts to calm down a little bit.”

The USGS warned residents at risk from Mauna Loa lava flows to review their erup tion preparations. Scientists had been on alert because of a recent spike in earthquakes at the summit of the volcano, which last erupted in 1984.

Portions of the Big Island were under an ashfall advisory issued by the National Weather Service in Honolulu, which said up to a quarter-inch of ash could accumulate in some areas.

BUFFALO GUNMAN PLEADS GUILTY IN RACIST SUPERMARKET MASSACRE

BUFFALO, New York Associated Press

THE white gunman who massacred ten black shoppers and workers at a Buffalo supermarket pleaded guilty yesterday to murder and hate-motivated terrorism charges, guaran teeing he will spend the rest of his life in prison.

Payton Gendron, 19, entered the plea in a court house roughly two miles from the grocery store where he used a semiauto matic rifle and body armor to carry out a racist assault he hoped would help pre serve white power in the US.

Gendron, who was hand cuffed and wore an orange jumpsuit, occasionally licked and clenched his lips as he pleaded guilty to all of the most serious charges in the grand jury indict ment, including murder, murder as a hate crime and hate-motivated domestic terrorism, which carries an automatic sentence of life without parole.

He answered “yes” and

“guilty” as Judge Susan Eagan referred to each victim by name and asked whether he killed them because of their race. Gend ron also pleaded guilty to wounding three people who survived the May attack.

Many of the relatives of those victims sat and watched, some dabbing their eyes and sniffling.

Speaking to reporters later, several said the plea left them cold. It didn’t address the bigger problem, which they said is racism in America.

“His voice made me feel sick, but it showed me I was right,” said Zeneta Ever hart, whose 20-year-old

son was shot in the neck but survived. “This country has a problem. This coun try is inherently violent. It is racist. And his voice showed that to me.”

After the roughly 45-minute proceeding ended, Gendron’s law yers suggested that he now regrets his crimes, but they didn’t elaborate or take questions.

“This critical step rep resents a condemnation of the racist ideology that fueled his horrific actions on May 14,” said Gendron’s lawyer, Brian Parker. “It is our hope that a final reso lution of the state charges will help in some small way to keep the focus on the needs of the victims and the community.”

Gendron has pleaded not guilty to separate fed eral hate crime charges that could result in a death sentence if he is convicted. The US Justice Depart ment has not said whether it will seek capital punish ment. Acknowledgement of guilt and a claim of repent ance could potentially help

Gendron in a penalty phase of a death penalty trial.

The plea comes at a time when many Ameri cans have become nearly desensitized to mass shoot ings. In recent weeks, there have been deadly attacks at a Walmart in Virginia, at a gay club in Colorado and at the University of Virginia.

Just days after Gend ron’s rampage in Buffalo, a gunman killed 19 children and two teachers at a school in Uvalde, Texas.

Gendron wore body armor and used a legally purchased AR-15 style rifle in his attack on the Tops Friendly Market in Buf falo. Those killed ranged in age from 32 to 86 and included an armed security guard died trying to protect customers, a church deacon and the mother of a former Buffalo fire commissioner. Gendron surrendered when police confronted him as he emerged from the store.

Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown, who was in the courtroom for Gendron’s guilty plea, told report ers afterwards that “It was

important to hear why these precious lives were snatched from us for no other reason than the color of their skin.”

The mayor, a Democrat, called for a ban on assault weapons, as did Police Commissioner Joseph Gramaglia. Relatives of the victims reiterated their calls for Congress and the FBI to address white supremacy and gun violence. “We are literally begging for those in power to do something about it,” said Garnell Whitfield, whose 86-yearold mother, Ruth Whitfield, was killed.”

White supremacy was Gendron’s motive. He said in documents posted online just before the attack that he’d picked the store, about a three-hour drive from his home in Conklin, New York, because it was in a predominantly black neigh borhood. He said he was motivated by a belief in a massive conspiracy to dilute the power of white people by “replacing” them in the US with people of colour.

“Swift justice,” is how

Erie County District Attor ney John Flynn described yesterday’s result, noting that it’s the first time anyone in the state of New York has been convicted of the hate-motivated terror ism charge. His sentencing is scheduled for February 15.

Attorney Benjamin Crump, who represents sev eral of the victims’ families, said they remain baffled that the gunman survived. They want harsh punish ment, he said: “We want him to be treated as the hei nous, cold blooded vicious murderer that he was for killing all these innocent black people. It is emo tional and we are angry.”

Mark Talley, the son of Geraldine Talley, who was killed, called on authorities to incarcerate him in Erie County, in the same com munity where he caused so much pain, so that he might face the same horror experienced by his victims.

“I want that pain to eat at him every second of every day for the rest of his life,” Talley said.

HONOLULU Associated Press

PAYTON GENDRON

THE CITY of Freeport Council with some of the farming kits.

The question of paternity leave

Bahamian mothers advocate

for more time off for fathers

By CARA HUNT Tribune Features Writer cbrennen@tribunemedia.net

The birth of a child can be the most exciting yet stressful and tiring time of a woman’s life.

And while the father of the child does not experience the physical recovery associated with childbirth, most people agree that it is equally important that he is given the necessary time off work to not only help his partner in her recovery, perhaps take care of their other kids, but to also bond with his new offspring.

Many countries around the world have recognised the impor tance of paternity leave if you want to have a society that pro motes and assists healthy family units.

In the European country of Lithuania, fathers can get 30 days of paternity leave paid at a rate of 77.58 percent of regular earnings.

Sweden offers both parents access to 480 days of shared leave with partial pay. Meanwhile, Japan offers one full year of paid paren tal leave exclusively for fathers.

The Jamaican government recently announced changes their Family Leave Act. The proposed amendment for public service workers will allow paternity leave for fathers of newborns and family leave for adoptive parents bring ing a new child into the home. It is slated to come into effect on January 1, 2023.

But here in the Bahamas, it is not always possible for fathers to take any significant time off from work during this momentous occasion in their lives.

However, Tribune readers agree that men deserve better rights and benefits when it comes to the birth of their children.

Tara said: “When I had my third child it was by C-section and

we had two older children, aged four and six, at home in addition to our new baby. I could barely get out of bed for the first few weeks, but even when I was feel ing a bit better, there was so much we needed to do: cleaning the house and school drop-off plus homework. I had three months maternity leave, but my husband

A special dance show to celebrate confident women

By ALESHA CADET Tribune Features Writer acadet@tribunemedia.net

Supporting women through dance and movement, the Girl on Pole Studio is celebrating its holiday season ‘Sexy Pole Dance Show’ on December 16.

Taking place at the BCPOU Hall, Farrington Road, begin ning at 7.30pm, it promises to be a night of pure entertainment.

The Girl on Pole Studio, located on Dowdeswell Street, is a local dance studio that offers lessons in pole dancing, twerking, dancing in heels, and workshops, but it best known for its pole dance parties.

“We’ve been at it for almost eight years now and we are still keeping it hype here on Dow deswell Street. Girl on Pole is still doing what we do best after all these years: dancing, teaching and supporting women the best way we know – through dance and movement. We’ve always been a place where women can learn, celebrate and be themselves in an environment that was created specifically for us,” said the stu dio’s founder, Raphy Adderley. “As we push forward in the dance and entertainment indus try, we will continue to support women through their dance jour neys and challenges from all walks of life.”

She said the dance parties are a service that keep the studio busy and in the minds of of Bahamians and visitors.

“Women just know they are guaranteed a good time when they party with us. So, to every one who has taken the time to write us those heartfelt reviews on Facebook or Google, truly we appreciate you all,” said Raphy.

“Pole Dance Parties are a unique experience, offering them puts us in our own lane when it comes to business. Over the years we’ve branched out on an inter national level, being featured in popular reality TV shows, or run ning into random women around the world who have visited our studio or who intend to visit when they come to the Bahamas. Like we Bahamians say, ‘We outchea’, and we are definitely growing in many ways and seeing more opportunities day by day.”

When it comes to the upcom ing show, Raphy said her students

were her biggest motivators in her decision to stage it.

She said she looked at their consistency, strength, talent, tenacity and most of all their

growth as “polerinas.”

Raphy said there was no way she could deny them the opportunity to showcase what they’ve learned at Girl on Pole.

only got two weeks and it was so rough for us.

“I wish he had been off for the entire time or that his job was a bit more flexible, because I really needed him for much longer.”

Vanessa added that her hus band had no available vacation time and was only able to take a few days off.

“His boss allowed him to take the day that I went into labour off and the day I came out the hos pital, that was it, because he had no more vacation time. I mean, they told him, that he could take time off without pay, but that was not an option. I mean, really, who can afford to get a salary cut right when you have baby?”

Jeanette added that in her case, even though her partner’s com pany had very progressive family leave policies, he did not qualify because they were not married.

“Apparently, they were flex ible if your spouse had to have assistance for surgery, which tech nically my C- section was, but I am not his spouse so that didn’t apply to us. That really seems so unfair to me,” she said.

Raven echoed these sentiments.

“A mother may be the one who brings the child, but the father needs just as much time to bond with the child as well. My hus band and I had to be creative with our time, because we wanted to ensure that one parent was home with the child for as long as possible.

“So, I took my four months maternity leave and then my hus band took all his vacation and some unpaid leave so that instead of having to send her to nursery at three months, we were able to send her at almost eight months. My husband loved having that time to be with her and I believe that is why our daughter is such a daddy’s girl today.”

“I’ve seen student dancers during my world travels and I’ve never been impressed by their performances.

I’m not being biased at all, but I’ve definitely taught some strong and talented dancers over the years, so why not showcase them? Our last dance show was held in February of 2016 and I thought it was time to showcase my new breed of dancers,” said Raphy.

She said the first question women often ask about pole dancing is “So where would I ever perform these skills when I learn them?” Raphy is happy to pro vide the platform to do just that.

“It is important to host an event like this so that everyday women can show off their new skills, hobby, or passion. There are so many moving parts in the dance industry when it comes to pole dancing so we have to give the general public a viewing space to enjoy the many genres, modes and styles of pole dancing. But as for genres, we have only selected one mode for this show, and that is sexy. I often hear my students speak about family and friends who seem to be so inquisitive about what they do here on Dow deswell Street, even after seeing videos, snippets, or photos,” she said.

“Most people think that if you are pole dancing then some how you have this desire to pole dance in a club. Our show is here to squash that notion and give student dancers a safe space to display their new talent. My danc ers have sacrificed hours of their free time learning their routines and overcoming so much of what comes with performing for an audience. They have been profes sionally trained by myself and my team so now it is time to put on a ‘Sexy Pole Dance Show’.”

She predicts the highlight of the event will be the group dance movement, which is a segment where all dancers perform at the same time. Raphy said it’s going to be a visually stimulating expe rience for the audience, so be prepared to be wowed by danc ers of all sizes and performance levels.

“Be prepared to be blown away by our performances. Just a heads up that this is an interactive show, so you might be touched or asked to be a small part of the show,” she said.

(Photo_Pixabay_Anna Shvets)

RAPHY Adderley has been teaching women from all walks of life at The Girl on Pole Studio for the past eight years.

Five wardrobe essentials for the holiday season

By CARA HUNT Tribune Features Writer cbrennen@tribunemedia.net

1. A “cute” ugly sweater

Whether it’s a holiday romcom marathon with the girls or attending your child’s Christmas production, dress for the occasion

2

. A sequined black top

It’s the season to sparkle, even at more casual events. Adding a dressier top to a great pair of jeans can affect just the right mix of casual glam for a fun night out during the holiday season.

3. A pop of red

Whether it be a little red skirt, a cute top or a killer pair of heels, you have to have at least one article of clothing in the sea son’s signature colour.

4

. Something metallic

Just like red is huge part of the Christmas look, so are all the metallic shades, whether it be gold, silver or bronze. Be sure to grab accessories in these colours to provide that perfect finishing touch to your look.

Or if you are really feeling it this season, go all out with a headto-toe metallic look.

December is right around the corner, which means that you can expect those holiday party invites to start flooding your inbox.

And of course, you will want to look your very festive best no matter the occasion. To achieve that, be sure to include these five items in your festive wardrobe:

5. A killer New Year’s Eve ‘fit

It will be your first Instagramworthy pic of 2023, so make sure it sets the tone for a fashionable year. Anything goes, but really when it comes to a New Year’s Eve outfit more is always more. Think sparkly, sexy and chic. Don’t be afraid to be bold and daring.

Sweet potato pie makes an easy, pretty holiday dessert

By KATIE WORKMAN Associated Press

In some areas of the United States, especially the South, sweet potatoes make regular appear ances at the end of the meal, yet for many of us elsewhere, it’s a surprise to encounter them in des sert form.

But they are called sweet pota toes for a reason!

This comforting, pretty and very simple pie makes a nice alternative to the more traditional pumpkin pie.

It’s made even easier if you take the shortcut of using a refrig erated crust — one of the best inventions ever, in this casual pie maker’s opinion. But if you have a pie crust recipe you like, please feel free to use it here.

And while I tout the marvels of refrigerated pie crust, I should also mention that homemade whipped cream is simple to make, and few things delight more than a hefty billow of sweet whipped cream on a pie.

Although their names are sometimes used interchangeably, there are differences between a sweet potato and a yam. Yams are from a different botanical family, and are generally larger, starchier and drier than sweet potatoes. Save yams for the savory dishes.

The best sweet potatoes are the small to medium ones, which are sweet and creamy. Larger ones tend to be starchier. They should be firm and free of bruises or breaks, and their skin should be smooth.

Sweet potatoes are an excellent source of the antioxidant beta car otene (choose ones with darker skins for more of it), and also con tain high levels of Vitamin C and potassium.

Making the filling of this pie is simple, once you bake and mash the sweet potatoes.

Oh, and if you are lucky to have any leftovers, be sure to tuck a piece in a secret spot in the fridge – I can’t think of a better postChristmas breakfast.

EASY SWEET POTATO PIE

Serves 8

3 medium sweet potatoes, about 1 1/2 pounds

1 refrigerated pie crust for a 9-inch pie

3 large eggs Grated zest of 1 orange 2/3 cup sugar

½ teaspoon ground cinnamon ½ teaspoon ground ginger ½ teaspoon salt 1 cup heavy cream Sweetened Whipped Cream to serve

Preheat the oven to 350° F. Prick the sweet potatoes in several places with a fork, and bake them right on the rack for 1 1/2 hours, until very soft. Leave the oven on. Remove and cool the potatoes until they are just slightly warm, then peel the skins off, and puree in a food processor or blender, or pass them through a ricer, and place in a large bowl. You should have about 1 ¼ to 1 ½ cups puree.

Brighten your holidays with some Christmas romances

Amongst all the pre- and actual holiday stress coming your way, take some time out to relax with a good book.

And as it’s the season be jolly, why not check out the following must-reads to get you in the mood for some Yuletide romance:

Wishing on a Star

By Mandy Baggot

A single mum. A superstar ath lete. A Christmas like no other.

Anna Heath is divorced, a single mum and trying desper ately to keep her life in order. Despite her friends’ best efforts, Anna has stopped looking for love and is determined to give her daughter, Ruthie, a Christmas to remember.

Sam Jackman has just been dealt with life-altering news, and all he could think to do was run. He’s left his American football team back in the US, stuck a pin in a map, and landed in Rich mond, London.

When Anna and Ruthie lit erally bump into Sam on the snow-speckled streets, he finds himself being welcomed into their lives. But what begins as a night on the sofa turns into the start of something special.

Just Like Magic

By Sarah Hogle Bettie Hughes once knew the comfort of luxury, flaunting a ridiculous collection of designer shoes and a stealthy addiction to

CBD oils. That is, until her par ents snipped her purse strings. Long obsessed with her public image, Bettie boasts an extrava gant lifestyle on social media. But the reality is: Bettie is broke and squatting in Colorado, and her family has no idea.

Christmas, with its pressure to meet familial expectations, is looming when a drunk Bettie plays a vinyl record of “All I Want for Christmas Is You” backwards and accidentally conjures Hall, an unexpectedly charming Holiday Spirit in the form of a man. Once the shock wears off, Bettie knows she’s stumbled upon the great est gift: a chance to make all her holiday wishes come true, plus a ready-made fiancé.

Meet Me Under the Mistletoe

By Jenny Bayliss

A city bookshop owner heads to the English countryside for a holiday reunion— only to face her childhood enemy.

Elinor Noel—Nory for short— is quite content running her secondhand bookshop in London. Forever torn between her work ing-class upbringing and her classmates’ extravagant lifestyles at the posh private school she attended on scholarship, Nory has finally figured out how to keep both at equal distance. So, when two of her oldest friends invite their whole gang to spend the time leading up to their wedding

together at the castle near their old school, Nory must prepare herself for an emo tionally complicated few days.

The reunion brings back fond memories, but also requires Nory to dodge an ill-advised former fling. When she falls quite literally into the arms of Isaac, the castle’s head gardener, who has nothing but contempt for the “snobby prep school kids,” the attraction between them is undeniable.

All I Want for Christmas

By Maggie Knox

True love wasn’t on their holiday wish list.

When Sadie and Max are selected as contestants on the famed reality singing show Starmaker, each thinks they’ve finally gotten their big Nashville break. But then they’re paired up for duet week and stun the world with their romantic onstage chemistry. With fans going wild for #Saxie the net work demands that they remain a duo on and offstage, or exit the competition. Faking a relation ship until their final performance in the Starmaker holiday special shouldn’t be too hard, except for one small problem--Sadie and Max can’t stand each other.

But with their dreams just within reach, they agree to the

Unroll the prepared pie crust and fit it into a 9-inch pie plate. Attractively crimp the edges of the crust. (Or if you’ve purchased a pre-made pie crust already in the pan, skip this step).

For the filling, in a large bowl, whisk together the eggs and orange zest. Whisk in the pureed sweet potatoes, and then add the sugar, cinnamon, ginger and salt, and whisk into the sweet potato mixture until blended. Slowly whisk in the cream until well com bined. Pour the filling into the prepared pie crust.

Bake the pie for about 50 to 60 minutes, until the filling is set. You can test this by inserting a sharp knife near the centre; when it comes out clean, the pie is done. The pie will be a bit puffed up when it comes out of the oven, and then sink slightly as it cools.

Cool the pie completely on a wire rack. You can serve immediately, or cover and refrigerate for up to 2 days.

Oh, and while the pie is cool ing, whip that cream!

Serve the pie sliced, with whipped cream if desired.

• Katie Workman writes regularly about food for The Associated Press. She has writ ten two cookbooks focused on family-friendly cooking, “Dinner Solved!” and “The Mom 100 Cookbook.” She blogs at http://www.themom100.com/ about-katie-workman.

Prince

By Timothy Janovsky

Bring a little joy to the world? Not today, Santa. Matthew Prince is young, rich, and thor oughly spoiled. So, what if his parents barely remember he exists and the press is totally obsessed with him? He’s on top of the world. But one major PR misstep later, and Matthew is cut off and shipped away to spend the holidays in his grand parents’ charming small town hellscape. Population: who cares?

It’s bad enough he’s stuck in some festive winter wonderland— it’s even worse that he has to share space with Hector Martinez, an obnox iously attractive local who’s unim pressed with anything and everything Mat thew does.

You’re a Mean One,

Just when it looks like the holiday season is bringing nothing but heated squabbles, the charity gala loses its coordina tor and Matthew steps in as a saintly act to get home early on good behavior…with Hector as his madden ing plus-one.

ruse. Will their fake relationship be exposed before they can win? Or will an unex pected trip to Banff spark real feelings by the Christmas finale?

Matthew

BLACK cocktail dress from Revolve for New Year’s Eve

BOOHOO sequinned wrap top FASHION Nova red platform heels METALLIC party dress by Shein

TIPSY Elves sweater

Trouble with ‘round two’

At some point in their lives, almost all men deal with the prob lem of not being able to achieve an erection quick enough after experiencing the first ejaculation.

Many men dread the second round of sexual intercourse as they feel that their male member fails them and is not up to the task of engaging again in sexual activ ity. There is often a great deal of anxiety and stress that men face when facing the task of repeating the performance of the first sexual performance. This anxiety often makes getting an erection for the second round, even more difficult to attain.

What is the refrac tory period?

The refractory period is the scientific physiological term that describes the interval after the first ejaculation during which a man is unable to attain and main tain another erection.

The refractory period cannot be eliminated completely as it is a normal physiological process but there are ways to shorten the refractory period so that a man can respond more quickly for that second round.

Why is there a refractory period?

After a man has an orgasm, the penis becomes flaccid as neural signals are transmitted that causes the contraction of smooth muscle of the penis, that releases the blood in the penis that had caused it to become erect.

The levels of the hormones tes tosterone and dopamine fall post orgasm and the pituitary gland produced hormone prolactin rises.

Lowered testosterone and elevated prolactin makes it more difficult to achieve an erection. After an orgasm, the brain also releases a surge in serotonin that makes a man feel like he wants to sleep after sex.

Post-sex brain scans have sci entifically proven that ejaculation causes reduced prefrontal brain cortex activity and the release of serotonin and oxytocin that makes men less alert and atten tive and less likely to have sexual desire.

A 2006 study demonstrated that the key hormone prolactin, causing the refractory period, is

400 percent higher after penile vaginal intercourse than after self masturbation.

The refractory period is therefore longer after sexual intercourse with a partner than after solo masturbation.

Women also often experience a refractory period but it is often very short. Many women however experience ultrasensitvity post intercourse and require a break after the first orgasm.

The refractory period for men is often age related, with teenagers usually requiring a few minutes and a thirty-year-old requiring on average a thirty-minute refractory period and a fifty-year-old man requiring as long as one day.

allow for a quicker response time for a second round of sexual inter course. Most studies have shown some benefit in hastening the sexual recovery time but the level of effectiveness is debatable.

Pelvic floor exercises are ben eficial in lowering the refractory time.

The stress associated with the demand to achieve a second erec tion can be self-defeating. A relaxed, tension-free environment with an understanding partner could aid in limiting the refractory period.

Less frequent sex could also improve the recovery response time in achieving a second erection.

• Increase dopamine levels

• Vasodilator foods

Natural vasodilators such as found in spinach, dark chocolate, and watermelon improve the blood flow to the penis, and an erection is achieved faster.

• Lower prolactin levels

The increased prolactin levels after orgasm are strongly linked to longer refractory periods. Vita min intake of B6 and vitamin E could potentially lower body prol actin levels in men in general.

A healthy lifestyle is important with routine exercise and a wellbalanced diet with lowering of cholesterol and good blood pres sure control. Limit alcohol intake as alcohol can limit sexual arousal.

There are varying scientific study results regarding the effec tiveness of medications such as Viagra, Cialis and Levitra in reducing the refractory period to

Low dopamine levels con tribute to a longer refractory period after ejaculation. Men can increase their dopamine levels by eating foods such as tuna, chick peas and asparagus that are rich in vitamins B6, B12 and folate.

Sexual difficulties for both men and women can be potentially embarrassing topics.

Seek compassionate and confi dential care from a urologist and regain a healthy and happy sexual life again.

• Dr Greggory Pinto is a board-certified Bahamian urolo gist and laparoscopic surgeon. He can be contacted at OakTree Medical Center #2 Fifth Ter race and Mount Royal Avenue, Nassau, Bahamas; Telephone – (242) 322-1145-7; email: wel come@urologycarebahamas.com or visit the website:www.urology carebahamas.com

The power of light therapy

A treatment that is gaining popularity due to its high suc cess rates with a high proportion of patients is polychromatic light therapy, or simply PLT.

Polychromatic light therapy is a unique therapy that harnesses the power of light of different wave lengths Each colour penetrates the skin at different depths.

• Blue light affects the upper most layer of your skin

• Red light travels further into your skin

• Near-infrared light pen etrates deepest

Unlike normal blue, red or yellow light, near-infrared (also known as NIR) light is invisible to the human eye. It emits special wavelengths of light energy that dramatically increase circulation to areas of chronic pain. The NIR light has been reported to dilate blood vessels at the site of treat ment. The result tends to be a more rapid relief of discomfort, improvement in sensation, and regeneration of damaged tissues.

There are many benefits to this type of therapy but I will men tion just a few. It stimulates the production of collagen, the most common protein found in the body. Collagen is the essential protein used to repair damaged tissue and to replace old tissue. It is the substance that holds cells together and has a high degree of elasticity. By increasing colla gen production less scar tissue is formed at the damaged site.

It stimulates the release of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), a major carrier of energy to all cells. Increases in ATP allow cells to accept nutrients faster and get rid of waste products faster by increasing the energy level in the cell. Food turns into ATP before the cells utilise it and provides the chemical energy that drives the chemical reactions of the cell.

PLT increases lymphatic system activity. The swelling or natu ral splinting process of the body, called Edema, has two basic com ponents: First, the liquid part, which can be evacuated by the

blood system. Second, the pro teins, which have to be evacuated by the lymphatic system.

Research has shown that the lymph vessel diameter and the flow of the lymph system can be doubled with the use of light therapy. The venous and arterial diameters can also be increased. Both parts of edema (liquid and protein) can be evacuated much faster to relieve swelling.

The process of scaveng ing or ingesting dead or degenerated cells by phagocyte cells for the purpose of cleanup is called phagocytosis and is an important part of the infection fighting process. Destruction of the infection and cleanup must occur before the healing process can take place.

The light raises the temperature of the cells through a photochemi cal reaction to induce a pleasant heating sensation. Also, the pho tons of light energy entering the body as negative ions call upon the body to send positive ions,

such as calcium, to the area being treated. These ions assist in firing the nerves, thereby relieving pain.

Polychromatic light therapy has been established as a useful tool to increase the formation of new capillaries, which are additional blood vessels that replace dam aged ones. New capillaries speed up the healing process by carry ing more oxygen and nutrients needed for healing, as well as car rying more waste products away.

Studies have demonstrated that cells exposed to LED light ther apy have exhibited a 150 percent increase in cellular metabolism. This increase suggests enhanced cellular repair and vitality.

The light treatment is given by placing pads on the area to be treated. It can be used very effec tively for a variety of conditions with sometimes astonishingly fast results.

Pain management is probably the number one reason someone would seek this type of treatment as the therapy is so versatile with

different pad sizes with differ ent arrangements of lights it can be used to treat pain and muscle spasm almost anywhere in the body.

I have used it to treat head inju ries. A young man who fractured his skull in a car accident was left with very slurred speech and diffi culty finding words. He completed seven treatments and with such a profound improvement in his speech he was able to return to work.

In cases of fractures, it has speeded up healing times even through a cast.

Neuropathy, which is numb ness in the legs and feet often due to diabetes, has been reduced, resulting in less pain. Bed sores and other skin conditions have also been effectively treated.

Light therapy has been effec tively used as a non- medical intervention for reducing recov ery time for athletes:

• Running faster and longer with less fatigue

• Lifting heavier weights

•Recovering more quickly from injuries especially Achilles tendonitis

As a non-medical intervention for musculoskeletal conditions such as:

•Arthritis

• Muscle soreness

• Joint pain and stiffness

As a non-medical intervention for inflammatory conditions such as:

• Fibromyalgia

• Chronic fatigue

• Rheumatoid arthritis

• Psoriatic arthritis

As a non-medical intervention for other painful conditions such as:

• Neuropathy

• Shingles

• Poor circulation

Unlike drugs and surgery, PLT is safe and effectively promotes cell regeneration and reduces inflammation and pain. Polychro matic light therapy is non-toxic, is non-invasive and has no side effects.

• For questions and comments, call Hannah Foster-Middleton at 356 4806, e-mail genesisphysi otherapy@gmail.com, or visit www.physiotherapybahamas. com.

Hannah Foster Middleton

BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy, MCSP, SRP

How does a man shorten the refractory period?

POLYCHROMATIC light therapy has many beneficial uses (Photo_Inlight Therapy)

Dr Greggory Pinto

Image by wavebreak media_mi cro on Freepik

An inclusive event to celebrate all men and focus on their well-being

By ALESHA CADET Tribune Features Writer acadet@tribunemedia.net

Local health and wellness com panies, organisations and other groups are coming together this December to celebrate the Baha mas’ edition of International Men’s Day.

Under the theme “Helping Men and Boys”, Caribbean Well ness Bahamas has partnered with several other entities to increase equity in health and the well-being of marginalised communities.

International Men’s Day is normally celebrated worldwide on November 19, but here in the Bahamas, a group of local organisations had to postpone their celebratory activities until December.

With a new date, soon to be announced, Caribbean Wellness Bahamas, Handling Your Health Wellness and Rehab, Sideline Sports Entertainment, Bionic Brown ParaTriathlete, Glass Foundation, Active Fitness, and Healthy Bahamas Coalition will host an inclusive community event designed to engage young boys, men and their families.

This free event will provide entertainment, food, drinks, infor mational sessions and physical activities for the entire family.

“The theme ‘Helping Men and Boys’ led to an opportunity for Caribbean Wellness to join people of goodwill to appreciate and cel ebrate the men in their lives and the contribution they make to society for the greater good of all,” said Erin Brown of Bionic Brown ParaTriathlete.

She said all entities also rec ognise this as a chance to engage community members while increasing access, inclusion and

opportunities for young boys and men with disabilities.

Therefore, they invited the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities to attend the event and encourage registration opportunities.

“Diversity, equity, inclusion and access are very important for any sustainable and produc tive space to grow. This event has been planned to be the model of how inclusion benefits the

development of a whole person and their contributions,” said Erin.

“With a goal to create, encour age and empower more disability allies, non-disabled or disabled young men, boys and their fami lies, communities, organisations and agencies will learn ‘Better Health For Men and Boys’ strate gies through physical movement, male cancer prevalence aware ness and social inclusion.”

Entertainment for the event will be provided by DJ Root Beer, a wheelchair user, because to the team of organisers, representation matters, said Erin.

Presenters will include Jerome Smith of Sideline Sports Enter tainment; Dr Kitiboni Rolle Adderley of Handling Your Health Wellness and Rehab; Pat rick Smith of Active Fitness; and Melissa Major, Healthy Bahamas Coalition Cancer awareness lead and advocate.

Why does night shift increase the risk of cancer, diabetes and heart disease? Here’s what we

By FREDERIC GACHON Associate Professor, Physiology of Circadian Rhythms, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland

(THE CONVERSATION) –

Shift work means businesses and organisations can be productive for 24-hours a day. It was initially adopted to protect camps or cities against predators, enemies or disasters.

Since the industrial revolution and the development of artificial lighting, manufacturing, service and retail sectors have used shift work to increase productivity and profitability, and provide continu ous health care and emergency services.

But working when you’re sup posed to sleep and rest disrupts your normal physiology.

More cancer, heart attacks and diabetes

Before the 1990s, little was known about the impact of shift work on health.

Then a landmark study using clinical data from the mid-1990s found nurses working at night had an increased risk of breast cancer. This risk increased with the number of years spent performing shift work.

This and other studies led the International Agency for Research on Cancer to conclude in 2007 that night shift work should be classified as “probably carcinogenic to humans” (Group 2A), meaning experts suspect it increases the chance of cancer. This statement was confirmed in 2019.

Since then, studies have shown shift work, particularly rotating shift work, also increases the risk of heart disease, obesity and type 2 diabetes, dementia, and overall premature death.

It is also associated with decreased alertness and a higher risk of accidents.

What’s behind the increased risk?

Growing evidence points to the disruption of the circadian clock caused by being active or awake at night when we are supposed to sleep.

During evolution, living spe cies – from bacteria and plants to humans – have acquired a cir cadian clock to optimise bodily processes in an environment that changes throughout the day.

Consequently, almost all aspects of behaviour, physiology and metabolism are rhythmically organised to anticipate these daily changes.

Read more: Should we eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince, and dinner like a pauper?

Muscle strength, the immune system, and cognitive perfor mances, for example, are higher during the day when the body is also storing nutrients from food.

These functions decrease in the night when the body starts to use the stored nutrients during this period of fasting.

These circadian clocks are present in almost every cell of our organism. The central clock in the brain acts as a kind of conductor of an orchestra that synchronises all these clocks and is synchronised every day by the environmental light.

If these clocks now get input from other sources like food at night, or if the conductor gets dis tracted with something like light during the night, this synchrony gets lost.

This leads to increased weight gain, type 2 diabetes, increased blood pressure, and compromised immune response. This is seen even in cases of low-intensity light in the bedroom such as a TV screen.

In studies using animal models, this lost synchronicity leads to an increased incidence of breast

cancer and faster tumour growth. It also exacerbates the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease in studies of mice.

“Our goal is to encourage more inclusive allies. We invite the community to invite and join nondisabled and disabled young men, boys and their families in your community, organisations and governmental agencies to come out,” said Erin.

For additional information, contact erinbrownconects@gmail. com

The new date for the event will be announced on Facebook at CaribbeanWellness242.

There is no simple explanation, and it likely involves multiple components.

Like in animal models, the disruption of the well-organised physiology caused by light at night or feeding at the wrong time disturbs the organs’ natural func tion, particularly the capacity to store and use nutrients during the proper period.

Circadian disruption is also associated with a disturbance of the autonomous nervous system that orchestrates our basic func tions like breathing or keeping our heart beating. This impacts the connection between the brain

and surrounding tissues, and their proper function.

Finally, shift-work simulation in humans showed an impact on the immune system. This contrib utes to a higher risk of infection among shift workers, notably COVID, and could also play a role in cancer progression.

Altogether, this contributes to a globally increased predisposi tion to several illnesses, including cancer diabetes and heart disease.

The circadian clock also plays a critical role in the efficacy and toxicity of most drugs, including cancer chemotherapy. And a sus tained circadian rhythm impacts the response to treatments.

What can we do about it?

The first step should be to limit rotating shift work as much as possible. While people can adapt to work at the “wrong” time to some extent, it’s impossible to adapt to schedules that constantly change.

Several trials studying the impact of lighting showed bright light increases alertness during the night and help the organisms to adapt to night work by shifting the phase of the circadian clock. However, the long-term impact on health is still to be determined.

Controlling and limiting the time during which people are eating (for example ten hours during the day and not eating overnight) appears to be a prom ising approach that could be beneficial for heart and metabolic health, and seems compatible with shift work. It also reduces tumour growth in animal studies of breast cancer.

However, there is no optimal solution. A reasonable approach would be to limit shift work to essential services (hospital, emer gency services, and so on) and reverse the global trend towards a 24-hour society to decrease shift work for better health.

Why does the circa dian disruption wreak so much havoc?

know so far

Strikers Boxing Club hits CR Walker

By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

With a renewed focus on getting more young people involved in sports, Strikers Boxing Club intro duced the sport to a group of students at the CR Walker Second ary High School.

During a special session in the T. Nicola McKay Auditorium, Strikers Boxing Club founder Ronn Rodgers talked about his

introduction to the sport by his uncle Ray Minus Sr at the Poin ciana Arena and how the sport afforded him the opportunity to travel around the world.

Rodgers, however, said that if young men and women are look ing for a more disciplined sport to get into and to learn very quickly, it would be boxing.

He noted that the Strikers Boxing Club is inviting persons to join them at their training site on Marshall Road or wait until they announce when they will be

bringing their training programmes into the inner-city next year.

Rodgers was originally sched uled to conduct the session with Bahamian heavyweight Amron Sands. But Sands, who is prepar ing for his return to the ring after recuperating from an injury, had to fly back to Florida yesterday to get back in training for his next fight.

“The presentation was excellent. It was actually a larger turnout than I expected,” Rodgers said. “I didn’t realise that this school had so many kids that were interested

in boxing. I knew they had a lot of troubled youths and that was why I was asked to come and speak to them, but we had some of the good kids too.”

Based on what he saw, Rodg ers said they are planning to stage a regional programme where the potential boxers can train in camps situated in their regions and then eventually compete in a national amateur boxing tournament. While there is no programme of

Mt Carmel senior boys rout Greenville 43-25

KAI JONES

HORNETS’ JONES: ‘MY CONFIDENCE LEVEL HAS ALWAYS BEEN REALLY HIGH’

By RENALDO DORSETT Tribune Sports Reporter rdorsett@tribunemedia.net

KAI Jones has taken full advantage of his increased opportunities recently in the rotation for the Char lotte Hornets.

Jones tallied nine points, 12 rebounds and one block across 28 minutes in Fri day’s 110-108 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves and followed with nine points and six rebounds in 22 minutes of last night’s 140-105 loss to the Boston Celtics.

“My confidence level has always been really high, just believing in myself and the work that I put in over the summer to develop into a complete player so I’m just going to continue to have faith in God.

IT was an excellent start to the Bahamas Scholas tic Athletic Association’s (Small Schools) 2022/2023 basketball season.

In their regular season opener yesterday, the Mt Carmel Preparatory Acad emy senior boys cruised to a 43-25 win over Greenville Preparatory Academy on The Hope Center courts at University Commons.

For Mt Carmel, Dorien LaRoda led the scoring with 24 points and Romin St Rose added 12 points in the opening victory.

Adam Goodman led Greenville with 13.

• Results of games played yesterday in the other divisions are as follows:

Mini Division Temple Christian School - 15 Teleos Christian School - 1 Gianno Coakley (no.20) of Temple led the game in scoring with 13.

Primary Boys Freedom Baptist Academy - 24

Temple Christian School - 7

Deyton Albury and Paul Greene help Chipola move up in NJCAA rankings

By RENALDO DORSETT Tribune Sports Reporter rdorsett@tribunemedia.net

DEYTON Albury and Paul Greene continue to lead Chipola’s ascent up the national rankings while Emmanuel Alexandre and Colin Storr’s production continue to lead the group of Bahamians at Northeast Community College.

Chipola moved up two spots and is now ranked no.4 in the NJCAA rank ings and remain undefeated with a 10-0 record after they hosted the Thanksgiv ing Classic in Marianna, Florida.

Chipola opened with a 70-62 win over the LSU Eunice Bengals.

Albury nearly posted a double double with a team high 17 points and nine rebounds. It was his fourth game this season leading

the team in scoring. Greene finished with a team high 10 rebounds. In game two, Chipola won 94-50 over Southern Union Com munity College. Greene recorded his third double double of the season with 10 points and 10 rebounds.

Albury added seven points and seven rebounds.

Albury has increased his numbers in his sophomore campaign to average 14 points and 6.4 rebounds per game. In his first year with the programme, Greene is averaging 8.6 points and 7.3 rebounds per game.

Chipola opens a fivegame home stretch tonight when they face South Geor gia Tech.

Alexandre had his sev enth 20-point game of the season to lead the North east CC Hawks to a 71-69 win over Marshalltown CC on November 26.

Alexandre was just shy of a triple double with 22 points, 12 rebounds and seven assists. Storr had eight points and 10 rebounds, Bryan Rolle got his first start of the season and scored seven points.

The Hawks began the week with an 80-79 loss to Southeast CC. Alexandre

scored 21 with four steals while Storr had 14 points and a game high 17 points.

Alexandre is averaging 19.4 points, 6.3 rebounds and 3.6 assists per game while shooting 47 per cent from the field and 44 percent from three-point

“My confidence comes from God really and believ ing he can take me where I’m destined to be,” Jones said. “I’m going to try to stay even keel, continue to work on my game, get my shots up and work on all my stuff.”

The second year forward said earning increased opportunities will come from a trust developed with Hornets head coach Steve Clifford.

“Trust is huge for me. Talking with [Clifford] in his office saying things like ‘coach I’m going to do this this and that’ and then go out and executing those things, for me it’s huge because I gain the trust of him and the organisation,” Jones said.

“l can believe in him and he can say ‘ok you listened so you can get your oppor tunity’ the trust goes both ways and that’s huge for any coach player relationship. It’s big for the team because togetherness and synergy is huge in winning.”

The Hornets exercised the team option on Jones earlier this season and the extension on his rookie deal through the 2023-24 campaign.

The 6’11 forward has appeared in 12 games this season after a rookie season where he appeared in just 21.

Miller Jr, Harvey win tournaments on Thanksgiving

By RENALDO DORSETT Tribune Sports Reporter rdorsett@tribunemedia.net

Harvey and his High Point Panthers defeated Tennessee State 77-72 in the finale of the SoCal Challenge Sand Divi sion Championship

San Juan Capistrano, California.

Harvey finished with five points and a game high eight rebounds.

The 6’7” junior for ward’s effort on the glass came through in critical

moments, half of which came on the offensive side.

The Panthers trailed by seven midway through the first half, when Harvey’s rebound and putback ignited a run to get them

into the game.

He had another influ ential play in the second half, when his three pointer gave the Panthers a 55-51 lead with just under 12 minutes left to play.

Within the last two minutes, Harvey came up with two rebounds that led to fastbreak opportu nities to seal the win.

Harvey is averaging 4.5 points and a team

Christopher Strachan (no. 2) led Freedom with 10 pts.

Aiden Romer (no. 30) led Temple with four.

TODAY Tuesday, November 29

MD – Jordan Prince Wil liam vs Kingsway Academy

PB – Kingsway Academy vs Genesis Academy

PB – Jordan Prince Wil liam vs Freedom Baptist Academy

JB – Freedom Baptist A vs Greenville SB – New Horizon Christian Academy vs Genesis Academy

AHMARD Harvey and Franco Miller Jr saw their respective pro grammes win early season tournaments over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend.

in

back

DEYTON ALBURY PAUL GREENE

OPENING WIN: The Mt Carmel Preparatory Academy senior boys’ basketball team come together following their 43-25 win over Greenville Preparatory Academy in their opener at The Hope Center courts at University Commons.

Portugal advances to last 16, beats Uruguay 2-0 at World Cup

By STEVE DOUGLAS AP Sports Writer

LUSAIL, Qatar (AP) —

Cristiano Ronaldo wheeled away in celebration, acting as though he had scored once again at the World Cup. Not this time.

Instead, it was Bruno Fernandes eventually credited with the goal that set up Portugal’s 2-0 win over Uruguay yesterday, advancing the team into the last 16.

Fernandes curled in a cross from the left that barely went over the head of the leaping Ronaldo and bounced into the far corner of the net in the 54th minute to give Portugal a 1-0 lead.

A grinning Ronaldo threw his arms in the air, suggesting he got the final touch, and was embrac ing Fernandes as multiple close-up replays were being shown on the big screens in Lusail Stadium.

Alas for Ronaldo, the goal wound up being awarded to Fernandes, who added a second from the penalty spot in stop page time after a handball by Jose Maria Gimenez as he slid in to challenge the Manchester United play maker. “I don’t really think it matters who scored,” Fernandes said about the first goal. “The feel ing at the time was that he (Ronaldo) touched the ball — I was crossing it to him — but what’s impor tant was we moved into the next round and beat a very big opponent.”

Fernandes was denied a hat trick with virtually the

last kick of the game, his shot from outside the area hitting the post and bounc ing wide.

Portugal, which opened with a 3-2 win over Ghana, became the third team to reach the last 16 after France and Brazil.

Uruguay has one point from two matches and needs to beat Ghana on Friday to stand a chance of advancing. The 2010 semi finalists have yet to score a goal at this tournament, with coach Diego Alonso even putting 35-year-old striker Luis Suarez on the bench in search of the right combination up front.

Portugal has no such worries. The team has scored five goals in two games and Fernandes has had a hand in four of them as he dictates play in his role as the team’s No. 10.

Ronaldo was unable to add to the penalty he scored against Ghana, which took his World Cup tally to eight goals from five tournaments and his men’s record of interna tional goals to 118.

He still was the centre of attention, though, illu minating a lacklustre first half with tricks and flicks that brought gasps from the crowd inside the World Cup’s largest venue, where Ronaldo will hope to return for the final on December 18.

There was a booming layoff with his right shoul der for teammate William Carvalho to volley over in the opening minutes.

There was a double ste pover and no-look pass that was nothing more than showboating.

Then came an impressive chest control as he leapt to receive a cross toward the far post.

Ronaldo is now assured of at least two more matches in what is likely his final World Cup, and will play in the knockout stage for the fourth time in his career.

A draw against South Korea in its final Group H match will secure first place for Portugal, and likely avoid a last-16 meeting with Brazil.

As for Uruguay, a mustwin game awaits against Ghana — a repeat of the 2010 quarterfinal match won by the South Ameri can team in a penalty shootout after Suarez was sent off for a handball on

the line in stoppage time of extra time.

Suarez might be recalled for that game after making an impact off the bench against Portugal, shooting just wide from close range after fellow substitute Maxi Gomez curled a shot against the post.

“We’ll need to gamble more. We need to be a bold team,” Alonso said.

Portugal avenged its loss to Uruguay in the last 16 at the 2018 tournament.

FIELD INVASION

The match was briefly interrupted just before the goal by a protestor car rying a rainbow flag and wearing a blue Superman T-shirt that said “SAVE UKRAINE” on the front and “RESPECT FOR

IRANIAN WOMAN” on the back. Security officials chased the protestor down and the flag was dropped on the field.

PEPE’S FEAT

Portugal defender Pepe became the second oldest outfield player to feature at a World Cup, at the age of 39. The oldest is Roger Milla, who was 42 when he played for Cameroon at the 1994 tournament.

MENDES INJURED

Portugal left back Nuno Mendes dropped to the ground in the 40th minute and was soon in tears after sustaining a match-ending injury. He was able to walk off the field unassisted and was replaced by Raphael Guerreiro, the other left back in Portugal’s squad.

Brazil advances with 1-0 win over Switzerland

By TALES AZZONI AP Sports Writer

DOHA, Qatar (AP)

— Struggling and uncon vincing without Neymar on the field, Brazil still played well enough to secure a spot in the next round of the World Cup.

The five-time champions overcame the absence of their injured star to beat Switzerland 1-0 with a late goal yesterday and make it to the round of 16 with a match to spare in Group G.

“Of course we miss a player like Neymar,” Brazil coach Tite said. “The team loses a lot without him. But we also have other players who can get the job done, as we saw it today.”

Casemiro got the only goal in the 83rd minute of a game in which Brazil had difficulties creating scoring chances without its main playmaker. The defensive midfielder scored with a one-timer into the far corner, using the outside of his right foot for a shot that deflected slightly off defender Manuel Akanji.

“We knew that it wasn’t going to be easy. We had to be patient,” Casemiro said. “Out first objective was to

advance and we achieved that.”

Neymar stayed at the team’s hotel to treat a right ankle injury sustained in the opener in Qatar. He posted an Instagram story showing him watching the match on television while undergoing treatment on his foot.

“Casemiro has been the best defensive midfielder in the world for a long time,” Neymar wrote on Twitter.

Team doctors have not yet given a timetable for Neymar’s return — or said if he will return at all. Vinícius Júnior said Neymar also had a fever on Monday, though the team had not officially said any thing about it.

“We know that Neymar is a great player and that he makes a difference,” Brazil defender Marquinhos said.

“In difficult moments he takes on the responsibility and creates the opportuni ties, but we showed once again that we have quality players to make up for his absence.”

The win gave Brazil six points from two matches, leaving Switzerland with three. Serbia and Cam eroon, which drew 3-3

earlier Monday, have one point each.

Switzerland, which had no attempts on target, needs a win in the last match against Serbia to guarantee its spot in the next stage. A draw may be enough depending on the match between Brazil and Cameroon. The result extended Brazil’s unbeaten run in the group stage to 17 matches, with 14 wins and three draws. It has lost only one of its last 29 group games, with the last defeat coming against Norway in 1998 in France.

Switzerland had lost only two of its last 13 group matches at the World Cup.

“I can’t really blame the team, it did a good job for quite some time,” Switzer land coach Murat Yakin said through a translator. “I don’t think it’s a disap pointment. We have a lot of good takeaways here. The next game is something we have control over.”

It was an even match early on, with both teams trying to control the game but not creating many sig nificant chances. Without Neymar, Brazil struggled to

get near Switzerland’s area until Casemiro’s goal. The assists came from Vinícius Junios and Rodrygo, the Real Madrid players who until recent had Casem iro as their teammate. Casemiro now plays for Manchester United.

Tite replaced Neymar with Fred, Casemiro’s teammate at Man United, freeing up Lucas Paquetá to play closer to the attack.

Éder Militão, who plays as a central defender at Real Madrid, came in for Danilo in the right back position, instead of veteran Dani Alves.

With Paquetá not being able to create much for Brazil, Tite began the second half with Rodrygo in the team. Richarlison, who scored both of Brazil’s goals in the opener, was not as effective and was substi tuted in the second half.

Vinícius Júnior thought he had given Brazil the lead with a shot from inside the area after a pass by Casemiro in the 64th, but video review deter mined there was offside in the buildup.

Few had noticed it until the VAR call was announced at Stadium 974.

CAMEROON STAGES WORLD CUP COMEBACK AFTER DROPPING GOALKEEPER

By JEROME PUGMIRE AP Sports Writer

AL WAKRAH, Qatar (AP) — Cameroon staged an impressive comeback in a 3-3 draw against Serbia at the World Cup despite replacing its goalkeeper at the last minute.

Andre Onana, who plays for Italian club Inter Milan, wasn’t in Cameroon’s lineup or even at the stadium to watch the Group G match. Coach Rigobert Song said he dropped his starting goalkeeper for “disciplinary reasons,” but didn’t give any specifics.

“In a group you need to respect the rules that apply to everybody, and I prefer to ensure that the team takes precedence over individuals,” Song said. “If you can’t fit in with what’s required to be part of a squad, then I do think that you need to step up to the plate and accept responsi bility for that.”

Song replaced Onana with Devis Epassy, who made only his sixth interna tional appearance.

“I took a risk, I realise that,” Song said. “Maybe we’re going to have to explain what happened later.”

Song said Onana hasn’t been kicked out of the squad and didn’t rule him out of Cameroon’s last group stage match against Brazil on Friday.

“For the time being I’ve asked him to wait and we’ll see if he’s going to stay with us,” Song said. “It’s up to him as well to a certain extent. He’s going to have to agree to respect the rules to perhaps come into the squad.”

Onana, who has 34 inter national caps, made no comment on the decision except posting the start ing lineup, with his notable absence, on Instagram.

Epassy said he found out Sunday night he would replace Onana, who offered him encouragement.

“We don’t have any prob lem together,” Epassy said. “It’s my role to be ready.”

Cameroon was down 3-1 but second-half substitute Vincent Aboubakar turned the game with a goal and an assist. He lobbed Serbia goalkeeper Vanja Milinko vic-Savic in the 64th minute to score his 34th goal for the Indomitable Lions, and set up striker Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting two min utes later for the equaliser.

“The lion roared today,” Aboubakar said. “I dedi cate this result to the squad, and to the people of Cameroon.”

The thrilling draw was the first game at the World Cup in Qatar in which both teams gave up a lead.

But the result suited nei ther side. They each have one point after two Group G matches, two points behind Switzerland.

Kudus scores 2, Ghana defeats South Korea 3-2

By ANNE M PETERSON AP Sports Writer

AL RAYYAN, Qatar (AP) — Mohammed Kudus said there wasn’t much dif ference between the way Ghana played in its opening World Cup match against Portugal or its second game against South Korea.

Except the result, of course. Kudus scored twice, including the go-ahead goal after the South Koreans evened the match in the second half, and Ghana staved off elimination with a 3-2 victory yesterday.

Mohammed Salisu also scored for the Black Stars, who were disappointed after a close 3-2 opening

loss to Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal and were in need of points against South Korea for a chance to reach the knockout round in Qatar.

“I think the game against Portugal was one of the best games you can have. The energy and the commitment from the whole team was good. So we approached this game the same way,” Kudus said. “We have the same mentality game after game after game, so we are going in the same direction with the same energy no matter who we play.”

Down 2-0, Cho Guesung scored both of South Korea’s goals about three minutes apart early in the

second half to even the game at 2-2.

But Kudus’ low leftfooted goal in the 68th minute sailed out of the reach of goalkeeper Kim Seung-gyu to give the Black Stars back the lead. Ghana goalkeeper Lawrence AtiZigi preserved the victory with a leaping save off Cho’s attempt in stoppage time.

“We conceded goals a bit early in the game, and that forced us to play a chas ing-style game that wasn’t easy. After the first half, we vowed to keep trying until the end,” Cho said. “We never gave up and eventu ally caught up (to them), but the last goal we con ceded was regrettable. We

kept pounding for an equal izer but couldn’t break through.”

South Korea forward Son Heung-min remained without a goal in Qatar. The Tottenham forward wore a mask to protect a broken left eye socket he sustained in a Champions League game against Marseille ear lier this month.

South Korea coach Paulo Bento was handed a red card in the moments follow ing the match after a heated exchange with English ref eree Anthony Taylor.

The Portuguese coach was furious when South Korea won a corner at the end of 10 minutes of stop page time but the whistle

was blown before it could be taken. The red card means that Bento will not be on the sideline for South Korea’s final match against Portugal on Friday.

Assistant coach Sergio Costa said “the result at the end was totally unfair” and added that he did not hear Bento say anything “inappropriate.”

South Korea played to a 0-0 draw in its opener with Uruguay. The team was making its sixth straight World Cup appearance. But now the South Koreans are in danger of elimination.

Costa suggested the anger of Bento would unite the team. “Count on us for the next match,” he said.

Ghana became the third African nation to make it to the World Cup quarterfinals at the 2010 tournament. Black Stars captain Andre Ayew was also on that squad.

No African team has reached the World Cup semifinals.

Now Ghana turns to its Group H finale on Friday against Uruguay.

“It feels good, but it feels even better because we got the whole three points. That was the most impor tant thing,” Kudus said.

“The whole team played their part and I think the energy is very good now in Ghana and it’s a good boost for our next game.”

BRAZIL’S RICHARLISON, centre, and Switzerland’s Nico Elvedi challenge for the ball during their World Cup group G soccer match at the Stadium 974 in Doha, Qatar, yesterday. (AP Photo/Hassan Ammar)

PORTUGAL’S CRISTIANO RONALDO, left, celebrates , in front of his teammate Joao Felix the opening goal of his team against Uruguay during the World Cup group H soccer match between Portugal and Uruguay, at the Lusail Stadium in Lusail, Qatar, Monday, Nov. 28, 2022.

(AP Photo/Martin Meissner)

It’s official: Father Marcian Peters Invitational tourney returns December 9-13

By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

MINISTER of Youth, Sports and Culture Mario Bowleg officially launched the return of the Father Marcian Peters Invitational Basketball Tournament.

Geared for primary boys and girls, junior boys and senior girls’ teams, the 34th edition of the invitational with a double elimina tion format will take place December 9-13 at the Kendal Isaacs Gymnasium.

“It is our hope that teams participating in the tournament will give their players on their registered rosters at least five minutes of playing time for us to showcase the growth and development of the game of basketball,” Bowleg said.

“That means that if you bring a roster of 12 or 15 players, it is hoped that you will play all of your players.”

Bowleg, a former player/ coach and president of the Bahamas Basketball Federation, said Father Marcian Peters spent 45 years in the country devel oping the game and they hope to continue the legacy left behind by the ‘Sporting Priest.’

“We are happy that we can give our young people the exposure through the game of basketball through

this basketball tourna ment,” Bowleg said. “We hope that we will have some Family Island teams participate as well.”

Clarke said in the past, Family Island teams were given a stipend of $250 to assist in getting their teams to the tournament, but this year they have increased the funding to $1,000. Hopefully, that will inspire more of the Family Islands to bring their teams into the tournament.

According to Bowleg, Father Marcian Peters was

a gentleman in the growth and development of the game of basketball here in this country in his 45 years of giving back.

Legendary coach and former player James ‘Jimmy’ Clarke, a consult ant in the ministry and the tournament director, revealed that a total of eight senior girls’ teams, six junior girls, 10 junior boys, three primary girls and six primary boys.

Clarke noted that they have decided to eliminate the intermediate boys’

division because of the number of tournaments held in the country for the boys. He said they hope to host a nationally televised game for the senior girls.

“We are trying to develop more Jonquel Jones to play in the NBA and more girls to get into college,” Clarke said. “The boys are doing okay, but we want to highlight more of the girls.”

At the end of the tour nament, Clarke said the top senior girls from each school will be selected to

participate in a develop mental programme on Saturdays where he will be working with them on their shooting game.

Some teams, accord ing to Clarke, will be involved in their examina tions and won’t be able to participate.

For those teams wishing to enter, Clarke said they can still contact the minis try to register.

No team will be turned away from registering before the tournament starts on December 9.

Miller Jr, Harvey in win column

leading seven rebounds per game. He made his debut with eight points and seven rebounds followed by back to back 10 rebound performances.. HPU was picked to finish fifth over all in the preseason poll Big South Preseason poll after they finished 14-18 last season, 7-9 in the Big South.

Harvey transferred from the Coastal Carolina Chan ticleers of the Sun Belt Conference, where he spent the previous three seasons of his collegiate basketball career.

Miller and the Florida Gulf Coast Eagles captured the Gulf Coast Showcase title with a 73-59 win over Kansas City in Estero, Florida.

It completed a run of three wins in three days with wins over North ern Kentucky, 82-61, and Drexel, 67-59.

“I’m proud of these guys,” said FGCU head men’s basketball coach Pat Chambers. “It’s not easy with a new coach and some new players. We came in and they just wanted to please me, please our staff and get better. That’s what we are seeing. We won these games in July, with our strength program and staff buying in from the start. I kept saying from June and all summer long ‘back-to-back-to-back’ – to get ready for it, to have the mental toughness for it. We just went out and proved we did.”

.

Miller is in his third season as a member of the Eagles. Last season, he had just 15 appearances with just one start. This season he has appeared in all seven games but is just averaging 9.9 minutes per contest.

The FGCU men’s basket ball team was picked fourth in the ASUN Preseason Coaches’ Poll as well as the Preseason Media Poll.

Albury, Greene help Chipola move up two spots in NJCAA rankings

range. Storr is averaging 16 points and 10.8 rebounds per game on 67 percent shooting from the field.

Jaden Strachan has been a key contributor off the bench with 7.3 points and 4.3 rebounds per game.

Oswald Meadows led the Butte Community College Roadrunners in scoring for the first time this season and Rolontae Knowles nearly posted another double double.

Strikers Boxing Club hits CR Walker

FROM PAGE 15

such in the federation, Rodgers said that they intend to provide the pro gramme from the Strikers Boxing Club.

Jihan Knowles, the 10th grade head and a geo graphic teacher, said he liked what he saw Rodg ers was doing with the Strikers Boxing Club and so he reached out to him to speak to the youngsters at CR Walker with the view of getting them into some positive sporting activities where they are not involved in any pro gramme at all.

“The boys are very inter ested and I’m glad to see that we have some girls who are also interested,”

Knowles said. “The boys have a lot of energy and some of the sports are not physical enough for them and so it was decided to garner some interest from the students.”

Knowles said he was pleased to see how the boxers were able to inter act with Rodgers as he demonstrated how to use the boxing equipment he brought along. He also noted that the boxers were very enthused by the number of questions that they asked.

Jesse Johnson, a 12-yearold 11th grader at CR Walker, was one of those students.

“I watched boxing and I like it,” he said. “I learn that street fighting and ring

fighting is not the same. I liked how he told us how we can get involved in training to become proper fighters. I think it’s something that I am

willing to take on when ever it is introduced to us in training.”

Meadows scored 21 points and added six rebounds and a team-high five assists in an 88-82 vic tory over Diablo Valley.

Knowles finished with 19 points and a team high eight rebounds.

The Roadrunners scored 52-points in the second half to overcome a 14 point deficit.

Knowles is averag ing 15.4 points and 7.4 rebounds per game, leading the team in both categories.

Meadows is averaging 12.1 points, 5.4 rebounds and 2.4 assists per game.

SHOWN, from left to right, are coach Oswaldo Taylor, Kelsie Johnson, acting director of sports, Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Mario Bowleg and consultants Rev Harrison Thompson and James “Jimmy” Clarke.

SHOWN, from left to right, are Kelsie Johnson, acting director of sports, Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Mario Bowleg and consultants Rev Harrison Thompson and James “Jimmy” Clarke.

STRIKERS Boxing Club founder Ronn Rodgers talks to students of CR Walker Secondary High School during a special session in the T Nicola McKay Auditorium.

Photos: Austin Fernander/Tribune Staff

BAHAMAS ROADMASTERS RUNNING CLUB’S 10TH ANNUAL BAHAMAS HALF ROAD RACE SERIES SOLD-OUT EVENT

BAHAMAS Roadmas ters Running Club’s 10th annual Bahamas Half Road Race Series was a sold-out event with over 400 runners and walkers participating.

The race, which included a 5K, 10K, Half Marathon individual and three-person relay, started at the Western Esplanade and went west along the coastline, turning at Go-Slow Bend for the 5k, Baha Mar Blvd (10K) and at Sun Fun Resort (Half Marathon).

Anastasia Turnquest, BRRC president, praised their sponsors, saying: “We could not expedite an event of this magnitude without the backing of the corpo rate community, and we are grateful to all of them, in particular, Platinum Spon sor Cancer Treatment Centers of Americas who came through in a very big way!”

She also highlighted the invaluable support of additional sponsors, The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Caribbean Bot tling Company, BWF, Cabinet World, Carpet World, Colina, FYP Build ing Supplies, Insurance Co. of The Bahamas, Lignum Advisors, Suntee, Summit Insurance, Veritas and a host of other “in-kind” supporters.

Winning the half mar athon female overall category were Cecelia Mobuchon of Martinique in a time of 1:19:48, Baha mian residents, Angarard Smith was 2nd (1:36:33) and Tracey Echerd was 3rd (1:37:17). In the half marathon male category, all three overall winners were

Bahamian residents: Chris topher Saintos, 1st Place (1:26:18), Dexter Adder ley, 2nd Place (1:29:09) and 3rd Place, Keithrell Hanna (1:29:09).

Said Tony Longley, public relations officer for BRRC: “We are elated about the success of this year’s race

after a two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic.”

“This challenge is being actively worked on and we apologise to our supporters for any inconvenience,” he said.

The race drew runners from Jamaica, Cayman

Islands, The U.K., Canada and the United States.

Part proceeds from this year’s race will go to assist Families of Murdered All Murdered Victims (F.O.A.M.) headed by Ms. Candy Gibson and Way of Life Organization, led by Mr. William Lunn.

Founded in 1990, Baha mas Roadmasters Running Club is the premier ath letic club in The Bahamas dedicated to promoting a healthy and wholesome lifestyle through the sport of long-distance running.

Members train weekly to prepare for local road

races and international Marathons.

• For more information, contact BRRC C/0 email address:

bahamasroadmasters@ gmail.com and on Facebook: Bahamas Road Masters

AND they’re off! - Runners at the start of the half marathon. INSET - Encouraging words from a young cheerleader.

winners show

medals.

MALE 5K Winners with their medals.

UB MINGOES 1st Place relay team crosses the finish line.

WOMEN’s half marathon winners on the medal podium.

MEN’s half marathon winners.

any client information, and as such we are unable to confirm banking relation ships or comment on any specific clients - or transac tions- that take place during the normal course of tradi tional business banking,” they said.

The Lyford Cay-based institution, which has aggressively embraced the digital assets evolution by setting up its Delchain sub sidiary to target this area, has fought hard to distance itself from FTX and Mr Bankman-Fried since the crypto currency exchange imploded. It has vigorously denied that its purchase of Ansbacher (Bahamas), which closed at end-March 2022, was funded at least in part with financing from FTX.

“We have been made aware of the rumors related to the acquisition of Ans bacher (Bahamas) by Deltec Bank & Trust that are unfounded and unsub stantiated,” it responded, when Tribune Business first raised the issue. “ Firstly, we would like to make it clear that this rumor is malicious and completely baseless. The latest independent auditor’s report shows that Deltec Bank is well capital ised. Additionally, the bank

carries no debt and is not a creditor to FTX.

“While we are all saddened by the news sur rounding FTX, we urge the financial services commu nity to act responsibly and not spread rumors that are frivolous and attempt to damage the reputation of financial institutions in the jurisdiction. During such a fragile point in our industry, we must focus on facts and actual events.”

Deltec then doubled down on this position with a November 14, 2022, state ment that remains posted to its website. “FTX did not provide any services to or hold any assets for the bank,” it reiterated. “Deltec Bank does not hold or trade any digital assets for its own account or on behalf of its clients. Therefore, there is no credit or asset exposure by the bank to FTX.

“Deltec Bank has designed a business model that adheres to strin gent regulations, can withstand the pressure of an ever-changing financial environment, and ensure the protection of our cli ents. With this, we have prioritised forward-thinking financial solutions that are aligned with a rigorous risk framework and meet highly prudent standards.

“Additionally, we are well-capitalised and main tain a conservative balance sheet. These prudent prac tices ensure that there is no threat to the bank’s sustainability, safety and soundness.”

Meanwhile, the Deltec Bank & Trust spokesperson also denied that the Baha mian institution has any links or ties to the $11.5m investment earlier this year by Mr Bankman-Fried’s Alameda Research into the 26th smallest bank in the US.

US and crypto media have over the past several days repeatedly questioned why the FTX chief’s trad ing arm would invest several times more than what Farmington State Bank, an entity located in rural Washington state in a town with just over 100 resi dents, was actually worth. The investment, which was formally unveiled on March 7, 2022, came just two years after the bank was acquired by a parent entity called FBH Corporation.

FBH Corporation’s chairman was named as Jean Chalopin, creator of the well-known Inspec tor Gadget cartoons, and who also happens to be chairman of Deltec Bank & Trust. The Deltec spokesperson told this

newspaper: “Deltec Bank has no business or banking relationships with Farm ington State Bank (doing business as Moonstone Bank).

“The only reason Deltec Bank has been mentioned in recent media is due to common shareholdings through businessman Jean Chalopin.” While Deltec has vehemently denied any FTX involvement in its Ansbacher purchase, the connections between the former’s chairman and Alameda Research were yesterday causing some to ask whether it was Mr Bankman-Fried’s trading arm - rather than the crypto exchange - that helped fund that acquisition.

The announcement of Alameda Research’s Farm ington investment made clear Mr Chalopin’s ambi tions to turn the bank from a relatively staid institution, focused on loans to small community farmers and businesses, into a razzledazzle financier of crypto currencies, blockchain and digital assets.

“Alameda Research’s investment into FBH Corp and Moonstone Bank sig nifies the recognition, by one of the world’s most innovative financial lead ers, of the value of what we are aiming to achieve. This marks a new step into build ing the future of banking,” Mr Chalopin was quoted as saying.

Moonstone was described as “a robust financial

platform to empower fastgrowing innovative and disruptive sectors. Its new chief executive, Ronald Oliveira, was charged with “leading the digital transfor mation of the organisation into a top provider of inno vative financial services to fast-growing industries such as blockchain, cryptocur rencies and cannabis”.

Saturday Sunday Monday

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1:51 a.m. 2.6 8:02 a.m. 0.4 2:11 p.m. 2.8 8:41 p.m. 0.1 2:56 a.m. 2.7 9:11 a.m. 0.4 3:12 p.m. 2.7 9:36 p.m. 0.0

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4:48 a.m. 2.9 11:12 a.m. 0.2 5:01 p.m. 2.5 11:12 p.m. ‑0.1 5:36 a.m. 3.0 12:02 p.m. 0.1 5:49 p.m. 2.4 11:56 p.m. ‑0.1

Central Bank holding steady as reserves drawdown gains pace

the economy’s monetary soundness since these ulti mately provide the key support for the one:one exchange rate peg with the US dollar.

The Central Bank, though, reiterated its pre vious forecast that the external reserves will close 2022 at a higher level than 12 months previously. “External reserve balances

are forecasted to stay above the 2021 levels, notwith standing some anticipated seasonal drawdowns over the remainder of 2022. As a result, external balances should remain more than adequate to sustain the Bahamian dollar currency peg,” it said.

“In light of the prevailing outlook, the Central Bank will maintain its accommo dative stance for private

sector credit and continue to pursue policies that ensure a favourable out turn for external reserves, and mitigate financial sector disruptions. Further, the bank will remain diligent in its monitoring of foreign exchange developments and, if necessary, adopt appropriate measures to support a positive outcome for the foreign reserves.”

Foreign currency outflows related to current account transactions increased by $265.2m or 56 percent to $737.8m in October com pared to the same period in 2021. Credit and debit card transactions increased by $135.6m, while further outflows for non-oil and oil imports grew by $73.5m and $42.6m, respectively. Transfer payments grew by $6.9m, factor income

Legal Notice

NOTICE

remittances by $3.9m, and travel-related transactions by $2.7m.

As for the commercial banking system’s credit quality, the Central Bank said total private sector loan arrears declined by $7.4m or 1.2 percent to $629.6m in October. As a portion of total outstanding credit, loans in arrears fell by 12 basis points to 11.7 percent of the total.

attributed to reductions in both the non-accruals and short-term segments by $4.2m (1.6 percent) and by $2.7m (2 percent), respectively.

LIMITED

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN as follows:

(a) Azalea Company Limited is in voluntary dissolution under the provisions of Section 138 (4) of the International Business Companies Act 2000.

(b) The dissolution of the said Company commenced on the 28th day of November 2022.

(c) The Liquidator of the said Company is Baird One Limited of Deltec House, Lyford Cay, P.O. Box N-3229, Nassau, Bahamas.

Dated this 29th day of November A.D. 2022

Baird One Limited Liquidator

Legal Notice

NOTICE

BELLADONNA COMPANY LIMITED

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN as follows:

(a) Belladonna Company Limited is in voluntary dissolution under the provisions of Section 138 (4) of the International Business Companies Act 2000.

(b) The dissolution of the said Company commenced on the 28th day of November 2022.

(c) The Liquidator of the said Company is Baird One Limited of Deltec House, Lyford Cay, P.O. Box N-3229, Nassau, Bahamas.

Dated this 29th day of November A.D. 2022

Baird One Limited Liquidator

BENTLEY ASSET MANAGEMENT LTD.

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN as follows:

(a) Bentley Asset Management Ltd. is in voluntary dissolution under the provisions of Section 138 (4) of the International Business Companies Act 2000.

(b) The dissolution of the said Company commenced on the 28th day of November 2022.

(c) The Liquidator of the said Company is Delco Investments Limited of Deltec Bank & Trust Limited, Deltec House, Lyford Cay, P.O. Box N-3229, Nassau, Bahamas.

Dated this 29th day of November A.D. 2022

Delco Investments Limited Liquidator

Legal Notice NOTICE HARVEST TIME COMPANY LIMITED

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN as follows:

(a) Harvest Time Company Limited is in voluntary dissolution under the provisions of Section 138 (4) of the International Business Companies Act 2000.

(b) The dissolution of the said Company commenced on the 28th day of November 2022.

(c) The Liquidator of the said Company is Baird One Limited of Deltec House, Lyford Cay, P.O. Box N-3229, Nassau, Bahamas.

Dated this 29th day of November A.D. 2022

Baird One Limited Liquidator

“Disaggregated by average age of delin quency, non-performing loans (NPLs) contracted by $13.2m (3 percent) to $423.2m, lowering the asso ciated ratio by 23 basis points to 7.9 percent,” it added. The Central Bank reported declines in nonperforming consumer loans, which fell by 30 basis points to 6.5 percent of outstand ing credit; mortgages by 13 basis points to 10.1 percent; and commercial loans by 32 basis points to 4.9 percent.

“In contrast, short-term arrears (31-90 days) grew by $5.8m (2.9 percent) to $206.4m, with the corre sponding ratio higher by 11 basis points at 3.8 percent,” the regulator continued. “A breakdown by loan type revealed that mortgage arrears contracted by $6.9m (1.8 percent) to $385.6m,

“Similarly, consumer loan delinquencies fell by $0.7m (0.4 percent) to $183.7m, as the $6.3m (4.8 percent) decrease in the non-accru als component outstripped the $5.7m (11 percent) growth in the short-term category. Conversely, com mercial arrears edged up by $0.2m (0.4 percent) to $60.3m, owing to a $2.9m (22.7 percent) uptick in short-term arrears, which overshadowed the $2.7m (5.6 percent) decline in the long-term component.

“In line with these devel opments, banks reduced their total provisions for loan losses by $41.8m (9.7 percent) to $387.7m in October. Consequently, the ratio of total provisions to arrears narrowed by 5.9 percentage points to 61.6 percent. Further, the ratio for total provisions to nonperforming loans declined by 6.8 percentage points to 91.6 percent. During the review month, banks wroteoff an estimated $14.2m in bad loans and recovered approximately $4.9m.”

NOTICE is hereby given that DARLINE JESSICA DENIS of P.O Box SP-60533 Deveaux Street, New Providence, The Bahamas is applying to the Minister responsible for Nationality and Citizenship, for registration/naturalization as a citizen of The Bahamas, and that any person who knows any reason why registration/ naturalization should not be granted, should send a written and signed statement of the facts within twenty-eight days from the 22nd day of November, 2022 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, Bahamas.

NOTICE

NOTICE is hereby given that NORRIS GEORGE WILLIAMS of P. O. Box CR-55873, Carmichael Road, New Providence, The Bahamas is applying to the Minister responsible for Nationality and Citizenship, for registration/naturalization as a citizen of The Bahamas, and that any person who knows any reason why registration/naturalization should not be granted, should send a written and signed statement of the facts within twenty-eight days from the 29th day of November, 2022 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, Bahamas.

0.00% 10.657.50Commonwealth

0.4490.22019.02.58% 17.5010.25CIBC

0.7220.72022.24.50%

0.1020.43428.315.02%

0.0000.0000.0000.00%

0.0000.0000.0006.25%

0.0000.0000.0007.00%

0.0000.0000.0006.50%

Serenity Cottage Ltd.

Registration Number: 198938 B (In Voluntary Liquidation)

Notice is hereby given that in accordance with Section 138 (4) of the International Business Companies Act (No. 45 of 2000) Serenity Cottage Ltd., commenced voluntary liquidation on the 29th day of November, 2022.

Any person having any claim against Serenity Cottage Ltd. is required on or before the 14th day of December, 2022 to send their name, address and particulars of the debt or claim to the Liquidator of the company, or in default thereof they may have excluded from the benefit of any distribution made before such claim is approved.

GSO Corporate Services Ltd., of 303 Shirley Street, Nassau, The Bahamas is the Liquidator of Serenity Cottage Ltd.

GSO Corporate Services Ltd. Liquidator

Cable to appeal URCA fines over TV ‘quality’

to certain matters relating to its compliance with quality of service standards in the provision of its pay television services during the period January to December 2021,” Cable Bahamas conceded in note 16, which deals with “commitments and contin gent liabilities”.

“The group intends to appeal the matter. No pro vision has been accounted for in these consolidated financial statements on the basis that management con sidered the penalties were immaterial to the consoli dated financial statements as a whole.”

Carlton Smith, URCA’s chief executive, did not return Tribune Business phone calls or e-mails before press time last night. The electronic communications regulator has yet to release the “final determination and order” made against Cable Bahamas, although these are normally made public at some stage, so the specifics of the complaints and findings made against the BISX-listed provider remain undisclosed as does the size of the fines.

Mr Butler, when contacted by this newspaper, said: “I don’t have any comment on it given that we’re going to appeal it. I don’t thing it’s helpful to comment on it because of that. The only thing I will say is we don’t quite understand how they did their investigation, but I

don’t have any real comment on it.”

URCA served notice in July 2021 that it planned to investigate the service quality offered by Cable Bahamas when it approved the restructuring of its Rev pay-TV package. The reg ulator said at the time it was “majorly concerned” by the length and frequency of outages suffered by cus tomers, adding that it was unable to ignore “recurring complaints” from Bahamians about service interruptions and other issues.

Reporting on con sumer responses to the REV TV restructuring consul tation, URCA said then: “Complaints regarding Cable Bahamas’ service quality were a recurring theme in the responses. In addition to public complaints, URCA is aware of persistent and widescale service interruptions in the form of error mes sages consistently appearing on screen, regular service outages at 2am, pixelated channels and other issues.

“Although comments concerning service qual ity are out of scope for the current application, URCA is majorly concerned with the level and frequency of service interruptions and will open an independent investigation following the publication of URCA’s final decision to better understand these and other matters sur rounding Cable Bahamas’ service quality.”

The communications industry regulator had urged Cable Bahamas custom ers to bring such issues to its attention via its “com plaint handling process”, and added that its “quality of service” regulations may be able to redress some of the problems. However, URCA did not do what many had urged in their feedback, and require that service quality issues be addressed before it approved Cable Baha mas’ REV channel package restructuring and any associ ated price increases.

“Many respondents were unhappy with Cable Baha mas’ television service quality due to recurring outages, error messages, pixelated channels, an incor rect TV guide (what was stated on the TV guide did not match what was shown on TV), and dissatisfaction with DVR boxes,” URCA said last year.

“Respondents felt that Cable Bahamas should cor rect its service quality issues before restructuring its pack ages or increasing its prices. Respondents were unhappy that they did not receive any reimbursement for Cable Bahamas’ outages or service disruptions.

“In their view, Cable Bahamas did not practice any leniency when apply ing late fees or sending bill reminders despite regular disruptions. Some blamed Cable Bahamas’ reduction in subscribers on the poor

quality of service instead of the advent of competing streaming services which Cable Bahamas attributed the subscriber attrition to in its applications,” URCA continued.

“Others claimed they would be willing to spend more on pay TV if Cable Bahamas improved the qual ity of service. Respondents felt that Cable Bahamas should improve its service quality before applying for any type of price increase or restructuring of its packages.

“On a similar note, some respondents felt the repack aging changes were not enough to improve their level of satisfaction with Cable Bahamas. In addition, for those who no longer sub scribe to Cable Bahamas’ TV services, some stated the repackaging would not make them resubscribe.”

Meanwhile, Cable Baha mas’ financials reveal that the company’s $11.257m net loss for the year to end-June 2022 was driven entirely by the $31.448m worth of ‘red ink’ incurred by its Aliv mobile subsidiary. Aliv’s were slashed by 23.1 percent compared to the prior year’s $40.921m, while Cable Baha mas’ own losses were cut by more than half - down some 60 percent - compared to the $28.09m suffered in its 2021 financial year.

Besides Aliv’s improved performance, Cable Baha mas was able to stem the financial bleeding by through

BAHAMAS BEATS PRE-COVID TOURISM VOLUMES BY 25.8%

FROM PAGE A24

In particular, the domi nant sea component grew to 397,303 compared to 115,312 visitors in the previous year.

“In addition, air traffic strengthened to 68,038 from 43,348 in the prior yearexceeding pre-pandemic levels [and] representing 125.8 percent of air arrivals

SAND DOLLAR MANAGEMENT LTD. LIQUIDATOR’S NOTICE

Pursuant to Section 138(6) of the International Business Companies Act

NOTICE is hereby given that SAND DOLLAR MANAGEMENT LTD., a company registered under the International Business Companies Act, has been dissolved and struck off the Register as of the 14th day of November 2022.

Dated this 25th day of November 2022

Sterling (Bahamas) Limited Liquidator

recorded in 2019.” This is the first indication that The Bahamas has matched, and surpassed, pre-COVID numbers since the pandemic struck more than two-and-ahalf years ago in March 2020.

“Disaggregated by major port of entry, total arrivals to New Providence more than doubled to 198,806 in September from 79,880 in the comparative 2021 period. Contributing to this outturn, air and sea traffic measured 57,037 and 141,769 visitors, respectively,” the Central Bank added.

“Similarly, the Family Islands attracted 237,570 visitors, exceeding the 72,878 recorded in the previous year, attributed to gains in both the air and sea compo nents of 9,072 and 228,498, respectively. Foreign arrivals to Grand Bahama totalled 28,965 compared to just 5,902 a year earlier, owing to increases in the air and sea components to 1,929 and 27,036, respectively.”

With COVID restric tions now lifted, total visitor arrivals were said to be up 403 percent year-over-year

largely due to the cruise industry’s resumption. That sector was completely shut down until June-July 2021 and, as a result, 2022 sea arrivals to The Bahamas for the nine months to end-Sep tember were some 1,033.2 percent up on last year. Air arrivals are 73.4 percent ahead.

“For the nine months to September, total arrivals recovered to 4.758m vis-à-vis 954,859 in the comparative 2021 period, when a 45.6 per cent decline was registered,” the Central Bank said. “Air arrivals rose to 1,076,736 visitors, extending the 67.1 percent gain a year earlier, bolstered by growth in all major source markets. Like wise, sea arrivals increased to 3,681,388 passengers, a reversal from a 76.3 percent fall-off in 2021.”

Meanwhile, visitor depar tures for the first nine months of 2022 were some 83.7 percent ahead of the prior year. Those to the US were up 69.3 percent, while departures to other destinations rose 301.6 per cent. “The most recent data

more than doubling profits from its core TV and Inter net business lines, which increased by 112.8 percent from $6.911m to $14.706m year-over-year.

The nine-figure costs asso ciated with Aliv’s nationwide infrastructure build-out, which last year resulted in $21.882m in interest (debt servicing) expenses, coupled with continued deprecia tion and amortisation write-downs on the value of this network to the tune of $26.431m, remain a drag on the mobile operator’s contribution to Cable Baha mas’ bottom line in the short-term.

However, the $2.8m net profit generated by Cable Bahamas for its 2023 first quarter hints at better times ahead. This was was aided by a more than $2m, or near50 percent, year-over-year decline in interest expenses which fell from $4.31m to $2.173m.

Revenues rose slightly, improving by 4 percent from $53.402m in the prior year to $55.579m, while operat ing expenses narrowed by 2.6 percent from $35.589m to $34.654m. As a result, operating income before depreciation and amortisa tion jumped by more than $3m, rising by 17.5 percent from $17.813m to $20.925m.

Cable Bahamas’ 2022 financials, meanwhile, reveal that the Government has incurred total losses of $86.765m on its 51.75 percent

provided by the Nassau Air port Development Company (NAD) revealed that for the month of October, total departures - net of domes tic passengers - increased to 85,434 compared to 58,857 in the same month of 2021,” the Central Bank said.

“In particular, US depar tures expanded to 72,662 from 51,941 in the prior year. Further, non-US departures advanced to 12,772, from 6,916 a year earlier. On a year-to-date basis, total outbound traffic grew to 1,067,727 from 581,345 pas sengers in the corresponding 2021 period, following a 48.8 percent growth in the previ ous year.

“Specifically, US depar tures recovered to 923,179 visitors, extending the 67.2 percent expansion in the comparative 2021 period. Correspondingly, non-US departures rose to 144,548, a turnaround from a 44.3 per cent decrease in 2021.”

As for The Bahamas’ short-term vacation rental market, the Central Bank said: “In the short-term vacation rental market, data provided by AirDNA revealed ongoing gains during the month of Octo ber. Specifically, total room

NOTICE is hereby given that ANGIE CHARLES of Montell Heights, New Providence, The Bahamas is applying to the Minister responsible for Nationality and Citizenship, for registration/naturalization as a citizen of The Bahamas, and that any person who knows any reason why registration/naturalization should not be granted, should send a written and signed statement of the facts within twenty-eight days from the 22nd day of November, 2022 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, Bahamas.

majority share in Aliv since mid-2016. The Government’s interest is held through HoldingCo.

“As of June 30, 2022, Be Aliv Ltd is not in compli ance with certain terms and conditions of contractual agreements between Be Aliv and the company (Cable Bahamas), which impacts the obligations of HoldingCo pursuant to the shareholders agreement,” the financials said.

“Accordingly, the group has taken the necessary actions to have the obliga tions of HoldingCo met, which will ultimately result in Be Aliv Ltd being in com pliance with all terms and conditions of the referenced contractual agreements.”

Mr Butler said this related to the extra $50m in capital raised when Cable Bahamas refinanced some of its exist ing preference shares classes in mid-2022. It has offered to use this surplus to assist Aliv with repaying some of its long-term debt, and is now talking to HoldingCo and the Government to determine if this is an option they wish to take.

“All of that is tied to the refinancing,” he explained of the reference to non-compli ance. “What is happening is that we are starting to make provisions to pay Aliv’s longterm debt, and if they don’t pay Cable under the man agement services agreement, it’s a breach of the manage ment services agreement. We’re trying to refinance so that we do not have any breach in that regard.”

nights sold increased to 115,152 from 71,234 in the same period last year.

“Reflecting this outturn, the occupancy rates for both entire place and hotel com parable listings grew to 51.7 percent and 51.1 percent, respectively, compared to 44.7 percent and 42.4 percent in the prior year. Further, price indicators rose yearover-year, as the average daily room rate (ADR) for entire place moved higher by 10.2 percent to $509.82, and hotel comparable listings by 11.8 percent to $188.59.”

Meanwhile, acknowl edging that The Bahamas remains caught in an infla tionary spiral, the Central Bank nevertheless produced figures lower than those released recently by the National Statistical Insti tute. “Average domestic consumer price inflation - as measured by the All Bahamas Retail Price Index - increased to 5.1 percent during the 12 months to Sep tember from 2 percent in the same period of 2021,” it said.

Suggesting that this largely reflected the impact of higher global oil prices, the Central Bank added: “In particular, average costs rose for com munication (10.5 percent); recreation and culture (7.4 percent) and education (2.1 percent) after posting reduc tions in the prior year.

“Further, the aver age inflation for transport accelerated to 15 percent vis-à-vis 2 percent in the pre vious year. In addition, the rise in average costs quick ened for restaurants and hotels (10.5 percent), food and non-alcoholic beverages (10.3 percent), health (4.9 percent), clothing and foot wear (4.1 percent), housing, water, gas, electricity and other fuels (2.7 percent), furnishing, household equip ment and maintenance (2.1 percent and alcohol bever ages, tobacco and narcotics (1.2 percent).”

CBS SEES 41% BLACK FRIDAY SALES INCREASE

By YOURI KEMP Tribune Business Reporter ykemp@tribunemedia.net

CBS Bahamas yester day said Black Friday sales increased by 41 percent compared to pre-pandemic 2019 as Bahamians moved to beat supply chain back logs through acquiring Christmas gifts early.

Brent Burrows Jr, CBS Bahamas’ manager of e-commerce and online shopping, told Tribune Business that the traditional start to the Christmas shop ping season was “fantastic” with sales stronger than

those seen in both 2019 and 2021. “For this year we are 12 percent higher than sales for 2021,” he added. “We don’t count 2020 because that was a year we did most of our sales online or by curbside.

“This year was great. We had lots of customers, lots of happy customers and they were very orderly. The biggest challenge was get ting the products through the supply chain because it’s still a little bit of a mess, but we managed to make the most of it.”

CBS Bahamas (Com monwealth Building Supplies) sought to over come supply chain backlogs

and associated delays by ordering most of their Black Friday and Christ mas inventories months in advance - from February this year.

“We managed to make the most of if, obviously wishing we had more if we could, but we did have enough product to make it through the three-day weekend. Most things we stocked throughout the end of Saturday and even Sunday,” Mr Burrows said.

“We had a strong Black Friday sales period. As said, we did better than 2019 and also better than 2021. I think people were looking for good Christmas deals on

good Christmas gift ideas. They were looking for the quantity, and they were looking for the good pric ing, and we were able to supply both of those things.

“When you looked at our Black Friday sale, some of our items were cheaper than what you saw Amazon was having on special. Like I said, we started looking for these products in Febru ary. So we really nitpicked what we can find and what we can get the best value on; what we can get the best quantities on, and we accumulated over the last nine or 10 months to make sure we have everything

in place,” Mr Burrows continued.

“So I think people were just excited to know they could come here, they can get what they’re looking for, and they get the best prices shopping for Christmas.”

Sameer Bhatti, BTC’s chief executive, added: “A lot of exciting things are happening at BTC. On the mobile front, sales were strong on Black Friday and continue to be quite posi tive during Cyber Monday. We were happy to give back to our customers by pro viding deep discounts on a range of devices just before the holidays. In many instances, customers were

able to receive devices for free.

“On home broadband, we are continuing our fibre build-out, and we’ve just completed upgrades in two major communities which we are excited to announce in the coming days. These customers will benefit from a huge Internet speed bump-up, bundled with dig ital television, landline and mobile services just in time for Christmas. We thank all of our customers for their support and the oppor tunity to serve as their provider of choice.”

‘Stellar 2023’: Crowdfunding platform targets $26m raises

and other standards required of entities that offer shares to the public.

Confirming that ArawakX has been invited to expand its platform and business model to other Caribbean jurisdictions, Mr Rahming said it was also working on a mechanism that will allow non-profit organisations (NPOs) to “raise money in a more transparent way while still being compliant with their rules”.

Besides the ongoing Nassau Gas & Tanks offer ing, which is shown as having exceeded its $150,000 minimum by 63 percent at $244,600, ArawakX’s website is advertising mul tiple potential new issues as “coming soon”. While no names are mentioned, they are said to include a Nassau-based liquor dis tillery seeking up to $1.8m to finance the expansion of “local production and dis tribution” to it can export to the US and Europe while also enhancing local tours.

Two transportation com panies, one in Nassau and the other in the Family Islands, with the former focusing on a “ride share” model using electric vehi cles, are each set to approach investors for $1m. A 20,000 square foot movie, bowl ing and restaurant complex is eyeing the raise of $1.5m, while a medical manufactur ing company “in prototype development stage”, and said to hold two US pat ents and four international ones, is targeting the same amount.

Other potential crowd fund issuers are an air conditioning manufacturing company, which is aiming to attract $2m from investors;

an ophthalmology company seeking $1.8m to finance a “proven glaucoma treatment solution in The Bahamas and UK”; beverage manufactur ing and seafood processing entities each focused on $1m raises; an established payday and corporate lender eyeing $4.5m; and a Family Island resort development set to approach investors for $2.5m.

“We’re hopeful that there will be two in December, but we’re still going through the regulatory work with them,” Mr Rahming told Tribune Business of upcoming issues.

“For certain we have at least three lined up for each of January, February and March. It’s $26m in total. 2023 is about to be a stellar year for investment.”

He added, though, that ArawakX executives are finding it typically takes between three to six months before crowdfund ing prospects “realise their obligations” to investors and are ready to approach the market for equity financ ing. “People want to invest, people want to be issuers. This is a market,” Mr Rah ming said.

“There’s a need for busi ness financing, and there’s also a need for quality investments. We’re really hopeful that the market, the investors, will meet the issu ers because there’s a lot of really great businesses out there trying to get financ ing and just need a fair opportunity.”

Explaining the process that businesses must go through, Mr Rahming said: “Obviously compliance. There’s all the background checks, making sure they are properly incorporated, but also the business owner has to understand this

is more than just taking people’s money. It’s a fidu ciary responsibility you are embarking on.

“They have to build in layers of corporate govern ance. They must remain accountable to people. Even if you remain the majority shareholder, you’re account able to your minority shareholders. The Securities Industries Act is completely about protecting minority shareholders. You have to be educated about that and understand what it means.

Chef Culmer [at Tropical Gyros, an earlier crowdfund raise] gets it.

“It’s like a child. You are responsible for the child, take care of it and every body benefits. It takes time for people to get used to that. It’s a new business cul ture, one that is a win-win. The truth is that nobody is born knowing how to do any of this stuff. It has to be learned, it has to be nur tured, and we’re hopeful

that’s what ArawakX can become.”

With one eye to the future beyond The Bahamas’ 50th anniversary celebrations next year, Mr Rahming added: “I’ve been think ing a lot about this road to 50, what are we going to be like in 2073? I would like to see The Bahamas be a place where people with good, honest, legitimate businesses grow their busi nesses and live the dream of independence.”

ArawakX is not confin ing its ambitions to The Bahamas. “We have been invited to move into other jurisdictions as well,” he added. “People from the outside are recognising what we’re doing at ArawakX is special, and they want us to duplicate that in other jurisdictions.

“We’re close. I have to have a conversation with a regulator in one of those jurisdictions in December, so I don’t want to say too

much. Our plan is to help grow their local businesses and investment community. We don’t want to tell people how to run their own coun try. We want to work with them to help them grow capital and returns. Business is about relationships, and exchanges more so.”

Besides ArawakX’s pre viously announced plans to develop new products, such as a savings bond and real estate investment trust (REIT), for Bahamian investors, Mr Rahming said it is also seeking to help local non-profits. “One thing we’re working on making happen is that different types

of non-profits have been asking what we’ve learned,” he told Tribune Business, “and are discussing helping them to be more transparent in their financing.

“We’re working on devel oping a similar type of product for non-profits. We think there’s some things we’ve learned that translate over to the non-profit space so we’re doing a product to help them raise money in a more transparent way while being compliant with their rules. We believe our non-profit ideas should be funded properly and run in a transparent way.”

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

A BAHAMIAN crowd funding platform yesterday predicted 2023 “will be a stel lar year” for capital raises with investors seeking a col lective $26m set to approach the market between now and end-March.

D’Arcy Rahming Jr, ArawakX’s chief technology officer, told Tribune Business he was “hopeful” that a further

two crowdfunding issuers will launch their offerings to inves tors before year-end with a further three “lined up” for each month of the 2023 first quarter.

He revealed that it typi cally takes between three to six months to prepare businesses and entrepreneurs to come to market, adding that “they have to understand this is more than just taking people’s money”. Mr Rahming explained that issuers needed to be sensitised to, and fully aware of, their fiduciary

responsibilities to investors, the need to act fairly towards the minority at all times and implement rigorous corporate governance practices.

Telling this newspaper that such work was akin to developing “a new business culture” that results in a “win-win” for companies and inves tors, he added “nobody is born knowing” how to meet timely disclosures

Deltec tight-lipped over 17 accounts tied to FTX, SBF

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

CABLE Bahamas is pledging to appeal the adverse findings and fines levied against it following a probe into the “quality of service” provided to its pay-TV customers during the 2021 calendar year.

Franklyn Butler, the BISX-listed commu nications provider’s president and chief execu tive, declined to comment on the Utilities Regulation and Competition Author ity’s (URCA) action beyond saying the com pany “doesn’t understand

how they did their investigation”.

The results of the probe were revealed in Cable Bahamas’ just-released financial statements for

the year to end-June 2022 as part of its necessary dis closures to shareholders as a publicly-listed com pany. It reassured investors that the fines imposed by

were “immate rial” when set against a balance sheet featuring almost $542m in assets, and $$36.5m in net equity, indicating that penalties are not significant. “On November 21, 2022,

issued a final deter mination and order against the company with respect

Bahamas beats pre-COVID tourism volumes by 25.8%

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

THE BAHAMAS has finally beaten preCOVID tourism volumes as higher-spending stopo ver visitor arrivals for September exceeded 2019 numbers by almost 26 percent, it was revealed yesterday.

The Central Bank, unveiling its October monthly economic devel opments report, also suggested that the postpandemic tourism rebound was maintained through what is traditionally the industry’ slowest month of the year as air arriv als rose by 57 percent year-over-year.

Aided by the removal of COVID-related restric tions that still impacted 2021’s performance, and continued pent-up travel demand in the US, the Central Bank said: “Tour ism sector output remained buoyant, bolstered by healthy growth in the high value-added air seg ment and recovered sea traffic given the relaxed

pandemic restrictions and pent-up demand for travel in the key source market.

“The latest official data provided by the Ministry of Tourism showed that total visitor arrivals by first port of entry rose to 465,341 in September from 158,660 passengers during the same period in 2021.

Central Bank holding steady as reserves drawdown gains pace

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

THE CENTRAL Bank yesterday maintained its prediction that The Baha mas’ external reserves will end 2022 ahead of prior year levels even though October’s decline exceeded 2021 by some $58.3m.

The regulator, in its monthly economic devel opments report, signalled that the Bahamian econ omy has maintained its post-COVID recovery momentum as the tra ditional pre-Christmas drawdown on the reserves by retailers and others

to finance festive season imports increased by 45 percent year-over-year.

“In line with the sea sonal rise in foreign currency demand, exter nal reserves decreased by

$187.6m to $3.018bn in October, exceeding the $129.3m reduction in the same period last year,” the Central Bank said.

“Underlying this devel opment, the Central

Bank’s net sales to com mercial banks widened to $96.1m from $57.4m in the preceding year. Likewise, the bank’s net foreign cur rency sales to the public sector expanded to $95m from $71.9m in 2021. Fur ther, commercial banks net sales to their customers extended to $99.7m from $51.6 m in the prior year.”

All these are signs of a rebounding economy fol lowing the trauma inflicted by COVID-19. While the pre-Christmas drawdown on the external reserves is not surprising or unex pected, maintaining a healthy level is vital to

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

A BAHAMIAN bank and trust company was yesterday tight-lipped over court documents show ing that FTX and entities controlled by its besieged founder, Sam BankmanFried, held no fewer than 17 accounts with it.

Deltec Bank & Trust nei ther confirmed nor denied whether it had any bank ing relationships with the collapsed crypto exchange, its affiliates or Mr Bank man-Fried when contacted by Tribune Business over filings in the Delaware fed eral bankruptcy courts. Documents produced by John Ray, the newlyappointed chief executive for FTX Trading, disclosed that the latter entity held just one account at Deltec. However, a further nine were said to be in the name of Alameda Research, the trading/hedge fund entity

controlled by Mr BankmanFried, and which is thought to have played a central role in the crypto exchange’s week-long implosion.

The remaining seven Deltec accounts were in the name of West Realm Shires Services, a Del aware-based entity also majority-controlled by Mr Bankman-Fried together with fellow FTX cofounder, Gary Wang, and the crypto exchange’s engi neering head, Nishad Singh. The 17 Deltec accounts were held in a variety of currencies, including US dollars, euros, Swiss francs, Canadian and Australian dollars, and the UK pound sterling.

A Deltec spokesper son, responding to Tribune Business inquiries on the accounts, declined to con firm their existence or purpose. “The Banks and Trust Companies Regula tion Act rules prohibit the bank from the disclosure of