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TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2021
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VAT rate hike slashed consumption by $2bn By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net CONSUMER spending shrank by $2bn in the year after the Minnis administration hiked the VAT rate to 12 percent, the Auditor General’s Office calculated in a newly-released report. Assessing the rate increase’s impact on VAT performance in the 20182019 fiscal year, the report said total tax filings submitted to the Department of Inland Revenue showed that money spent on goods and services in the Bahamian economy nosedived by 34 percent year-over-year. The Auditor General’s Office said that comparing total filings by VAT registrants for 2017-2018, when the tax rate was 7.5 percent, with the following fiscal year’s returns showed
• Auditor General: Consumer spend nosedived by 34% • ‘Phenomenal’ drop-off but magnitude is questioned • Inland Revenue collected just $27m more at 12% rate that the “consumption value of VAT-able goods and services” fell from $5.945bn to $3.943bn in 2018-2019 after the 4.5 percentage point rate increase was introduced. Defining consumption value as “the amount of money injected into the economy”, the Auditor General’s Office said the “total” value - which combines the worth of imported goods with what consumers purchased in
the domestic economy fell by $1.6bn or 18 percent year-over-year to $7.47bn as compared to $9.07bn in 2017-2018. The more measured decline in that indicator resulted from Customs valuing VAT-able imports at $3.522bn for 2018-2019, which represented a 13 percent or $404.056m increase upon the prior fiscal year. Yet, despite the rate hike, the report by the
Auditor General’s Office showed that the Department of Inland Revenue (DIR) collected just over $27m more in VAT in 2018-2019 than it did the prior year when the rate was still at 7.5 percent. The DIR’s collections grew by 6 percent to $473.155m, which was only slightly ahead - by just over $50m - of the $422.587m gained by Bahamas Customs. The latter agency saw its VAT collection jump by 80.7 percent yearover-year, rising from $233.813m in 2017-2018 to $422.587m. “Overall, the importation value of goods increased while the consumption value of VAT-able goods and services declined in the domestic market,” the
SEE PAGE 4
Minnis: Cruise giant’s PI lease is too long By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net DR Hubert Minnis yesterday tacitly admitted that the effective 150-year Crown Land lease granted to Royal Caribbean on Paradise Island was too long as he sought to defend the deal. The former prime minister argued that “the
benefits certainly outweigh” the relatively minimal rental rates that the cruise giant agreed to pay his administration for the right to use seven Crown Land acres, plus three seabed acres, after the deals first exposed by Tribune Business came under attack in the House of Assembly. He spoke out after Leslia Miller-Brice, the
Sea Breeze MP and ambassador to CARICOM, slammed the two lease arrangements as “the height of irresponsibility and disrespect for the Bahamian people”. She likened the Royal Caribbean agreements to “selling our souls and selling our birthright”, and said: “There are many
SEE PAGE 5
DR HUBERT MINNIS
THE former prime minister yesterday slammed the Davis administration’s decision to eliminate VAT-free breadbasket food items and medicine as “heartless and disgraceful”. Dr Hubert Minnis, in his contribution to the supplemental Budget debate in the House of Assembly, launched the Opposition’s full-frontal assault on the proposed VAT reforms by asserting that lower income Bahamians will face an
increased tax burden while products such as “caviar and champagne” enjoy a 2 percent cut. Arguing that the end to tax breaks for foods such as milk, corn beer and grits will come at a price for many Bahamians, the exprime minister said the new administration’s return to a lower rate, broad-based model will have a “devastating effect on the inner city”. Asserting that he had “done my research” with ‘Mom and Pop’ stores in
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Ex-Parks chairman blasts PM’s ‘unfounded’ claims • Cartwright ‘resents’ charge of ‘reckless behavior’ • Says Authority ‘woefully underfunded’ from get-go • Calls for move away from ‘MPs’ recommendations’ By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net THE Bahamas Public Parks and Beaches Authority’s former executive chairman last night said he “resents” accusations levied against him by the Prime Minister and branded them “unfounded”. Shanendon Cartwright, the FNM’s St Barnabas MP, told Tribune Business that Philip Davis’ allegations
SEE PAGE 4
SHANENDON CARTWRIGHT
‘From headwinds to hurricanes’: Minnis denies 15% VAT increase By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net
Ex-PM slams ‘heartless’ VAT breadbasket return By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net
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THE former prime minister yesterday “categorically” denied that he planned to “turn headwinds into a hurricane” if re-elected by following the IMF’s recommendation to hike VAT to 15 percent. Dr Hubert Minnis was forced to assert “that was never the intention” after his successor, Philip Davis
QC, revealed that an International Monetary Fund (IMF) technical assessment suggested increasing VAT beyond the present 12 percent rate to maintain the zero rating and exemptions structure. The Prime Minister argued that the IMF report provides evidence to support the Progressive Liberal Party’s (PLP) election campaign assertion
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PAGE 2, Tuesday, November 30, 2021
MANGROVE RESTORERS PLANT 14,000 SEEDS A GROUP dedicated to restoring mangroves devastated by Hurricane Dorian says it has now planted 14,000 seedlings in the storm-ravaged islands of Grand Bahama and Abaco. The Bonefish & Tarpon Trust (BTT), and its partners, Bahamas National Trust, Friends of the Environment and MANG, have achieved this with the help of students, volunteers and local fishing guides. With a goal of planting 100,000 mangroves over five years, BTT is aiming for full restoration following the Category 5 storm that
turned one area of protective mangroves in Marsh Harbour into what looked like a sight from a horror film, with salt-water burned and wind-whipped flats as far as the eye could see. “Our first community planting event in May was a huge success,” said Justin Lewis, BTT’s Bahamas initiative manager, who is based in Freeport. “Dozens of students, volunteers, government officials and local bonefish guides came together to plant 4,000 mangrove seedlings in an impacted area in east Grand Bahama along with our
partners Bahamas National Trust and MANG.” The seedlings could grow into what are sometimes called “walking trees” because their spindling trunks sink into the flats, resembling legs marching in a body of water. “Fourteen thousand mangroves planted is a major milestone for the project, which is the largest of its kind in Bahamas history,” said Mr Lewis. “We could never have done it alone, without the community. We are so grateful to the students, volunteers and
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MANGROVES protect against storm surges but are also diverse ecosystems that provide wildlife habitats and foraging grounds for bonefish, tarpon, snook, snappers and spiny lobsters. This is vital to the $500m recreational and commercial fishing industries. Photos:Nick Roberts and Justin Lewis: bonefish guides who kept at it with us.” “Mangrove forests are extremely important to the environment as they store an enormous amount of carbon - more per acre than any other type of forest. Mangroves provide essential habitats for thousands of species, and are the ideal breeding grounds for much of the world’s fish, shrimp, crabs and other shellfish. “Many fish species, such as barracuda, tarpon and snook, find shelter among the mangrove roots as juveniles, head out to forage in the seagrass beds as they grow, and move into the open ocean as adults. Mangroves also stabilise shorelines and prevent erosion, protecting land and people from waves and storms.” For Mr Lewis, a flats angler and conservationist who is dedicated to ensuring the health of The Bahamas’ bonefish population, the planting was personal. As BTT’s Bahamas initiative co-ordinator, he earns his living leading conservation efforts, protecting the shallows and the life it holds in his native Grand Bahama. But nothing could have prepared him for the catastrophic environmental destruction, and the vast damage to the mangroves
that extended beyond the horizon, following Dorian. “It was beyond anything I could have ever imagined,” he said. “The impact was also devastating for bonefish guides in the area who depend on healthy flats and abundant bonefish to earn a living, as well as bonefish lodges which were forced to halt operations weeks before the prime fall season.” Mr Lewis immediately began to galvanise support from BTT and its partners, who had secured 70,000 mangrove seedlings from Florida early on for replanting in East End, Grand Bahama. Since then, he
and other volunteers have picked over 30,000 propagules (mangrove seeds) by hand from the mangroves to aid restoration. This is a back-bending process that includes over 15 hours trekking through damaged flats. Seedlings were transferred to plant nurseries, potted and have to reach about 12 inches tall before being transplanted into the flats amid decaying mangroves. Mr Lewis plans to integrate the mangrove growing process into the classroom setting by having students visit the plant nurseries and participate in the planting process, along with going on field trips to the flats with bonefish guides. “It’s critical now to teach our children about the importance of mangroves, not only for the natural environment and ecosystems, but also for human survival,” Mr Lewis said. “Mangroves help prevent coastal erosion and flooding from massive storms, which is especially important for small-island communities throughout the Bahamas which are going to be heavily impacted by climate change in the near future… if nothing changes.”
MILES EVANS
TODD BENEBY
NIEKIA HORTON
JUSTIN LEWIS, Bonefish Tarpon & Trust’s Bahamas initiative cordinator, picks mangrove seeds (propagules) by hand which will be transplanted later in the flats.
BANKING ASSOCIATION ELECTS NEW DIRECTORS THE Association of International Banks & Trust Companies (AIBT) has elected new a new slate of Directors and officers to help steer the sector through ongoing COVID-related challenges. Bruno Roberts, of The Private Trust Corporation, was elected to serve as AIBT’s chairman on October 21. The Association, which represents the interests of banks and trust companies in The Bahamas, said it remains focused on the international financial services sector’s continued growth, including promoting ongoing professional and human capital development. Also elected to the executive team are Niekia Norton of Lombard Odier & Cie (Bahamas) as one deputy chair; Miles Evans, of Clairmont Trust Company, as the other deputy chair; and Todd M.J. Beneby, of Sterling Bank & Trust, as treasurer. Anastacia Johnson, AIBT’s executive administrator, continues in her role as secretary. In addition to the officers, also elected to serve as AIBT directors were Ludovic Chechin
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BRUNO ROBERTS Laurans of Capital Union Bank; Perry Rolle of FirstCaribbean International Trust Company Bahamas; Christine Russell of Corner Bank (Overseas); Gowon Bowe of Fidelity Bank & Trust International; Laverne Thompson of MMG Bank; Shawn Forbes of Pictet Bank & Trust; Kimberly E. Strachan of Rhone Trustees (Bahamas); Peter Walker of The Winterbotham Trust Company; and Bernard Sechaud of UBS (Bahamas). Mr Roberts, who has previously served as an AIBT co-chair, said: “Our executive team, supported by an experienced and diverse group of professionals as directors, is focused on meeting both the historical and new challenges facing our sector, and we are committed to working collaboratively with all industry stakeholders to better position The Bahamas for the opportunities ahead.”
THE TRIBUNE
Tuesday, November 30, 2021, PAGE 3
PM: VAT REFUNDS WERE DISGUISED TO BLAME PLP By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net
generate VAT in the first place. In essence, Madam Speaker, the Government had to pay the VAT on these transshipment services. These foreign companies experienced a windfall of millions and millions of dollars on the backs of Bahamian families and companies. “This was a classic move by the previous administration. Tax breaks for themselves, their wealthy supporters and favoured foreigners; tax increases on the backs of ordinary Bahamians.” However, Mr Davis tabled no evidence to support his assertions or give figures for the sums involved. Several sources suggested the companies concerned are likely to be some of Grand Bahama’s major industrial conglomerates, with Buckeye Bahamas, owner of the former BORCO oil storage terminal, thought to be one. Other contenders cited by sources familiar with the situation were the Freeport Container Port, Freeport Harbour Company and the Statoil oil storage terminal. The Container Port is jointly owned by Hutchison Whampoa and Mediterranean Shipping Company
(MSC), while the Hong Kong-based conglomerate is partners with the Grand Bahama Port Authority (GBPA in the Harbour Company. However, Mr Davis added: “Stranger still was the decision to pay refunds for the period during which these service providers were not eligible. These refunds were casually put into the Budget as prior year arrears. “So, here you had the spectacle of the Government amending the VAT legislation to give refunds to non-Bahamian companies worth billions of dollars under the guise of an unpaid bill left by a PLP administration. This is indefensible; an absolute disgrace.” K Peter Turnquest, former deputy prime minister and minister of finance, who would likely have been in charge during that period did not return Tribune Business phone calls seeking comment before press time last night. The 2016-2017 fiscal deficit, the last year of the final Christie administration’s term in office, did balloon beyond projections to close at around $691m due to the discovery of what its
successor termed as unpaid arrears. Elsewhere, Mr Davis said of the VAT reforms: “The proposed Bill does not re-impose VAT on home insurance. Nor does it impose VAT on the rental of non-commercial properties. “What the proposed Bill does is make the purchase of fuel for private planes a VAT-able expense. That was not the case under the previous administration. They don’t like to talk about how they made the government pay the VAT on fuel for private planes.” The Prime Minister added that arrangements were also being made to refinance the $167m promissory note held by Bank of The Bahamas as part of its second government bail-out, which is due to be redeemed next year, meaning the Government has to replace it with an injection of cash into the BISX-listed institution. Revealing that this, as well as the $246m loan that the Government assumed from Bahamas Power & Light (BPL), are included in the $1bn “difference in liabilities” between the Government’s alleged true financial position and the
pre-election fiscal report, Mr Davis said the sum “contains debt maturities for which no refinancing arrangements have been made as of September 30, 2021”. He added: “This would include the $246m loan assumed by the Government on behalf of BPL, and the $167m promissory note issued by Bahamas Resolve for the purchase of the distressed assets of the Bank of The Bahamas. I can, at this time, say comfortably that refinancing arrangements for those obligations have now been put in place.’ The Prime Minister continued: “The $1bn difference in liabilities discovered upon taking office is perhaps the most visible risk but it is not the only fiscal risk before us. “We are awaiting the final report from a private sector accounting firm [Deloitte & Touche] on this matter, but I think I should be clear on a few things. The methodology used to derive this number is the same methodology which should have been used in the preelection report, as specified in the Fiscal Responsibility Act. “Hopefully, the accountant’s report will shed light
on why this methodology was not used in the pre-election report. The $1bn figure contains liabilities that were known and immediately payable. For example, there was the underfunding of pensions and gratuities for retired civil servants, which have now been incorporated into the Supplementary Budget,” he added. “The $1bn figure also includes contracts for which no funding was provided for in the May Budget. This includes over $100m in contracts executed by the Ministry of Works for which no funding was provided. A significant portion of the $1bn relates to contingent liabilities related to the Government’s breach of contracts, but this is not the lion’s share of the amount identified. “Rather, the lion’s share identified relates to obligations known to the Government that were simply ignored, in a seeming violation of the Fiscal Responsibility Act. This is an important distinction which may have escaped some who have made simplistic and disingenuous public comments about the comparison of apples and oranges.”
NIB reserves still ‘stable’ at $1.6bn
self-employed persons, and the National Insurance national unemployment benefit have ceased, with a final payout of 13 weeks of support provided through the National Insurance unemployment benefit. “Great measures were taken to enter some 25,000 unemployment benefits claims into NIB’s administrative system. This represents approximately 70 percent of COVID-19 related unemployment benefit claims for The Bahamas. “These claims were processed manually outside of National Insurance’s administrative system driven by necessity to expedite the massive number of COVID unemployment benefits claims submitted. That project is in the reconciliation phase. The estimated costs from October to December is $25m.” The last estimate on how much was spent on the unemployment benefit scheme was $263m at June 2021. Mr Laroda said: “The NIB unemployment
benefits for Dorian survivors, and the government-funded Dorian extension programmes and the government-funded unemployment assistance extension programme continues to support those workers who remain laid off.
“Today, the Governmentfunded unemployment assistance extension programme has paid out in excess of $190m to 34,319 persons.” NIB is also expected to absorb an additional $6.5m in social assistance costs to help finance a $500 lump sum payment to persons
still on unemployment assistance. Mr Laroda further warned: “It is important to stress that the only persons who are unemployed, or partially unemployed, earning less than $200 per cycle, that is every 10 days, are eligible for the continuation of funding.”
THE Prime Minister yesterday accused the former Minnis administration of disguising millions of dollars in VAT refunds as unpaid “arrears” that could be blamed on a former PLP administration. Philip Davis, leading-off the supplemental Budget debate in the House of Assembly, said these payments to foreign-owned corporate giants in the transhipment industry - who he did not name - were paid for a period in which the companies involved were “not eligible” to receive them. Explaining some of the more technical reforms to the VAT Act, which are due to be passed by Parliament imminently, he said: “VAT was originally exempt on transshipment services, which means they didn’t have to pay VAT and the Government, therefore, didn’t have to refund it. That is the international standard. “The previous administration changed this treatment so the Government had to give a refund on services that did not
By YOURI KEMP Tribune Business Reporter ykemp@tribunemedia.net A CABINET minister yesterday said the National Insurance Board’s (NIB) reserve fund “remains stable” at $1.6bn despite multi-million dollar COVID-related unemployment benefit payouts. Myles Laroda, minister of state in the Prime Minister’s Office with responsibility for NIB, told Parliament during the supplementary Budget debate: “Never in the history of our social security scheme has the personnel operations or stability of the fund been tested for such a prolonged period of time, and under such extreme circumstances during the COVID-19 pandemic. “Yet the Fund remains stable to meet shortterm obligation with a total reserve at some
$1.6bn. From the onset of the pandemic, NIB made unemployment benefits through four programmes: The unemployment benefit for Dorian survivors and the Government-funded Dorian extension programme; the NIB unemployment benefit; the Governmentfunded unemployment assistance programme for self-employed persons; and the government-funded unemployment extension programme.” Mr Laroda added: “The Government-funded unemployment assistance programme for
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PAGE 4, Tuesday, November 30, 2021
THE TRIBUNE
VAT RATE HIKE SLASHED CONSUMPTION BY $2BN FROM PAGE ONE
to buy more from Amazon and things like that? People buying online would indicate an increase in Customs collections. There’s any number of issues that impact that.” Meanwhile, the Auditor General’s report revealed that gross VAT revenue collections for 2018-2019 came in some $135.558m below forecast to stand at $1.045bn. This accounted for more than one-third of the revenue shortfall that year, which came in $369.41m or 13 percent below the total $2.79bn Budget forecast. Customs duties and Excises taxes were below Budget estimates by $51.715m and $54.88m, respectively, although real property taxes beat collections targets by $78.323m to come in at $247.619m compared to a $169.296m target.
The year-over-year comparisons, aided primarily by the VAT rate hike to 12 percent, were better. Total tax revenues were up by $467.38m or 28 percent compared to 2017-2018, although non-tax revenue dropped by $83.41m or 27.04 percent compared to the prior year’s $307.04m. “VAT, the highest source of government revenue, generated $896.56m (41 percent of the $2.42bn recurrent revenue),” the Auditor General’s Office said. “VAT revenue increased by $215.98m (32 percent over $680.58m in fiscal year 2017-2018). “It is important to note that the $422.58m VAT collected by the Customs Department accounted for 47 percent of the $896.56m. The importation VAT with the 12 percent standard rate accounted for an 81 percent increase over $233.81m in fiscal year 2017-2018.”
EX-PARKS CHAIRMAN BLASTS PM’S ‘UNFOUNDED’ CLAIMS
Beaches Authority has been woefully underfunded. It’s been underfunded from when it was created. There’s no maintenance department there. Fixing park lights, those large scale obligations we have, was a challenge and quite frankly - from a service standpoint to the public - we couldn’t necessarily meet those obligations.” Calling for “a larger conversation” on the Authority’s funding, Mr Cartwright said he was “not sure” about the numbers quoted by the Prime Minister and needed to check more. However, he described Mr Davis’ calling into question of contracts awarded for park maintenance in Blair and Westridge as disingenuous. The MP said both areas were covered under contracts awarded by the last Christie administration, and added: “There’s nothing sinister or improper about those areas being covered. They were always part of the inventory. “This idea that there was some arbitrary and reckless action, it’s unfounded. This is unfortunately politics in The Bahamas and this is a new government that has just come in and is in the first throes of the administration trying to discredit the former administration. “From a political standpoint, this is par for the course and something I feel we need to move away from.” Mr Cartwright also called for the Authority to move away from a “system weighted heavily on the recommendations of MPs”. He added that, while executive chairman, the Authority did its best to de-politicise contract awards and ensure they were equitably distributed among Bahamian contractors capable of doing the job regardless of party affiliation.
Auditor General’s Office report concluded. The “incredible” findings are likely to stoke fresh debate, and controversy, about the merits of the former administration’s VAT rate hike and whether it choked-off potential economic growth just prior to Hurricane Dorian and then COVID-19. It also raises questions as to whether the Public Treasury will see diminished yields once the VAT rate is increased beyond a certain point. The timing of the report’s release coincides with a fresh back-and-forth on the newly-elected Davis administration’s move to slash the VAT rate to 10 percent, and return to the original broad-based, exemption and zero-rating free model, which is coming under intense attack from Opposition accusations that the
FROM PAGE ONE that he had engaged in “reckless and irresponsible behaviour” involving taxpayer monies while heading the Authority were “laughable” and reflected more on the adversarial nature of Bahamian politics than himself. Hitting back after the Prime Minister, in kickingoff the supplemental Budget debate, said the Authority would require a near-150 percent increase in its original Budget allocation for 2021-2022, he argued that the situation requires “a larger conversation” about how much funding it should receive. Asserting that the Authority has been “woefully under-funded” since its creation in 2014 under the last Christie administration, and does not even have a maintenance department to enable it to fulfill its obligations to the Bahamian people, Mr Cartwright
move will “harm” lower income Bahamians (see other articles on Page 1B). Gowon Bowe, who headed the private sector’s Coalition for Responsible Taxation (CRT) prior to VAT’s introduction in January 2015, told Tribune Business yesterday it was little surprise consumer spending fell as a result of the rate increase although he questioned the magnitude of the decline as stated by the Auditor General’s Office. Suggesting that there may not be “a linear relationship” between the VAT rate increase and plunge in Bahamian consumer consumption, he explained that “there are other factors that may contribute” to reduced spending such as oil price increases. “The gist is one I wouldn’t dispute, but the assessment in terms of percentages may be exaggerated,” Mr
again dismissed Mr Davis’ allegations that contracts had been handed out as part of “electioneering” in the months prior to the election. Reiterating that the Authority often took until September/October each year to finalise contracts with all its vendors and contractors, he added that it would have been “poorlyled electioneering” if true given that many deals were given to Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) supporters. Mr Cartwright, conceding that much still needs to change at the Authority, also called for an alternative to the present system were contract awards were “weighted heavily on the recommendation of MPs” as to who should get work in their constituencies. He added that, during his tenure, the agency did its best to ensure it was “fair and equitable” in spreading work to all. The St Barnabas MP spoke out after Mr Davis,
NOTICE NOTICE is hereby given that NANA JOSEPH of, Firetrail Road Nassau, Bahamas, is applying to the Minister responsible for Nationality and Citizenship, for Registration Naturalization as a citizen of The Bahamas, and that any person who knows any reason why registration/naturalization should not be granted, should send a written and signed statement of the facts within twenty-eight days from the 30th day of November, 2021 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, New Providence, The Bahamas.
NOTICE NOTICE is hereby given that ROBENS ALTIDORT of, East Street North P.O.Box N9426 Nassau, Bahamas, is applying to the Minister responsible for Nationality and Citizenship, for Registration Naturalization as a citizen of The Bahamas, and that any person who knows any reason why registration/naturalization should not be granted, should send a written and signed statement of the facts within twenty-eight days from the 30th day of November, 2021 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, New Providence, The Bahamas.
Bowe said, speaking after the report was tabled in the House of Assembly yesterday. “The truth is that where tax rates are increased, and this is not done on elasticity, there will be a natural decline in consumption because you’re taking tax money out of the purchasing power of individuals and putting it into the Government’s coffers. If government consumption is not commensurate with that of citizens, there will always be a reduction... “To increase the tax rate, although you have introduced multiple exemptions, leads to people reducing consumption - particularly when there are other cost pressures taking place, like oil.” Adding that he has “great respect” for the Auditor General, Mr Bowe said there was sometimes a
in addressing the House of Assembly, singled him out after asserting that the Authority’s spending needs had more than doubled from an initial Budget allocation of $15.2m to $37m for the 2021-2022 fiscal year. “I would be remiss if I do not speak about the Bahamas Public Parks and Beaches Authority. In the 2021-2022 fiscal year, it had an approved budget of $15.2m. After contingencies, its total budget was around $28m, an increase of 86 percent against budget. An increase that coincided with electioneering,” Mr Davis charged. “I am now told that because of new contracts issued in the months of July, August and September of this year, the projected expenditure of the Authority for this fiscal year is $37m. That’s an increase of almost 150 percent against the budgeted amount and, in dollars, it’s an increase of
tendency to “over simplify” analysis. “The thrust of that message is correct, but the specifics are something we have to look at in more detail because there are other contributory factors,” he concluded of the “$2bn” finding. Basing the calculations on filings by VAT registrants and taxpayers also meant they were exposed to the errors, omissions and evasion associated with such returns. Meanwhile Rick Lowe, an executive with the Nassau Institute think-tank, said of the Auditor General’s Office findings: “That’s incredible. That’s phenomenal. I’m speechless. That’s very intriguing and is a drastic decrease. What could contribute to a $2bn year-over-year reduction? “I wonder if people were doing cash business and not invoicing, or if people had stopped buying locally
$22m. I want that to sink in for a moment. “I also want it to sink in that a number of these contracts were awarded to clean middle and high-end subdivisions, like Blair and Westridge, to name a few. The member for St Barnabas will undoubtedly have a lot of explaining to do,” the Prime Minister continued. “As a result of this reckless and irresponsible behaviour by the member, as of September 30, 2021, after only four months into the fiscal budget the authority had already utilised almost 60 percent of its budget for the entire year with eight months still remaining. The roadside contracts in Killarney [Dr Hubert Minnis’ constituency] alone had risen to almost $400,000.” Mr Cartwright, describing Tribune Business’ question on whether he thought he was being targeted by the governing party as “very interesting” and
NOTICE NOTICE is hereby given that SHARANO SHAVON WILSON of Murphy Town, Abaco, 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 30th day of November, 2021 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, New Providence, The Bahamas.
NOTICE NOTICE is hereby given that MILAN DORVILUS of Governors Harbour, Eleuthera, 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 23rd day of November 2021 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, New Providence, The Bahamas.
“profound”, but declining to be drawn further, replied: “There was no attempt at electioneering. “As I said in Parliament before, the issuance of contracts started in July. This happened prior to the calling of the election on August 19 when we were completing that process. Under normal circumstances, in any given year this process can go into September/October. It has in prior years. It’s just that snap election was called.” Further refuting the “electioneering” allegation, Mr Cartwright described the charge as “quite ridiculous and laughable for the record” given his assertion that many such contracts were awarded to PLP supporters. He added that every request for additional funding for the Authority was, during his tenure, made through the appropriate channels and processes via the Ministry of Finance. “The appropriate authorities would have been aware of every request that we made,” Mr Cartwright said, with the Authority adhering to processes first set-up when it was created by the Christie administration. “There were no arbitrary decisions taken as relates to the process that was followed,” he added. “There’s an overall discussion that needs to be had about how to improve things. There’s no doubt about that... more stringent and more rigid protocols. “We made a decision to be as fair and equitable as possible in the distribution of these opportunities to persons of the opposite [political] side and, more importantly, Bahamians had access to opportunities that arise from public funds. “Historically, the Bahamas Public Parks and
NOTICE NOTICE is hereby given that JOHN BEADNELL of, Nassau, The Bahamas, is applying to the Minister responsible for Nationality and Citizenship, for Registration Naturalization as a citizen of The Bahamas, and that any person who knows any reason why registration/naturalization should not be granted, should send a written and signed statement of the facts within twenty-eight days from the 23rd day of November, 2021 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, New Providence, The Bahamas.
NOTICE NOTICE is hereby given that ANNIE BEADNELL of, Nassau, The Bahamas, is applying to the Minister responsible for Nationality and Citizenship, for Registration Naturalization as a citizen of The Bahamas, and that any person who knows any reason why registration/naturalization should not be granted, should send a written and signed statement of the facts within twenty-eight days from the 23rd day of November, 2021 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, New Providence, The Bahamas.
THE TRIBUNE
Tuesday, November 30, 2021, PAGE 5
MINNIS: CRUISE GIANT’S PI LEASE IS TOO LONG
FROM PAGE ONE
Bahamians that are livid about these land deals.” “When we see deals such as this we have to be angry,” Mrs Brice-Miller continued, adding that the lease terms had “robbed the Bahamian people blind”. Royal Caribbean is paying $14,000 per annum (VAT exclusive) to lease seven acres of Crown Land on Paradise Island, a rate of $20,000 per acre. Yet the seabed rental rate is equal to $1,000 per acre per annum, or $3,000 total. The terms for both include an original 25-year lease; an initial 25-year renewal and “no less than four additional options” for further renewals - each up to 25 years. This gives Royal Caribbean effective possession of both the land and seabed Crown Land parcels for a 150-year term if it so desires, with the only stipulation being that it must comply with all conditions and renewal deadlines.” Hinting that he was having second thoughts about the length of both leases, which he signed as then-minister responsible for Crown Lands, Dr Minnis said: “I agree that the standard lease time is 100 years. I accept that, and I am certain Royal Caribbean will have no problem reverting from 150 to 100 years”. That, effectively, is an invitation for the new administration to renegotiate. However, he argued that the Crown Land leases to Royal Caribbean were in The Bahamas’ economic interests because of the additional jobs and investment its proposed Royal Beach Club project will trigger, as well as an increase in cruise passengers visiting Nassau and the wider country. “It has always been the Government’s policy that we do not sell Crown Land to foreigners or grant Crown Land to foreigners,” Dr Minnis said in response to Mrs Miller-Brice during yesterday’s supplemental Budget debate in the House of Assembly. “We look at the global picture as to the advantage of leasing Crown Land to foreign nationals. Rather than one or two
LIGHTHOUSE POINT, PARADISE ISLAND individuals benefiting, the Government looks at the global picture to ensure that the whole nation benefits.” Confirming the lease details revealed by Tribune Business, the ex-prime minister argued: “The benefits certainly outweigh the leasing of the property. Royal Caribbean would embark on a $55m investment on that particular property and, in fact, they are even increasing that. There will be many jobs created for Bahamians, and all investment on that property will be run by Bahamians. “Royal Caribbean will assist with funding to help Bahamians get involved.” Dr Minnis said the project was forecast to create 80 Bahamian construction jobs, and between 150-200 full-time posts with an average salary of $30,000 to $40,000 per annum. “Most importantly, Royal Caribbean presently brings about 1.2m tourists to The Bahamas,” he added. “With this project, the numbers will increase to the benefit of all Bahamians, especially in the hospitality and tourism industry.” Dr Minnis said the cruise giant will also engage with Bahamians so that the latter could operate, “and possibly own”, the water taxis/ferry that will transport its passengers between the Nassau Cruise Port and Royal Beach Club.
He added that Royal Caribbean will ensure that the ferry boats involved are brought up to International Maritime Organisation (IMO) standards and certification, and said: “This would create vast entrepreneurship and wealth for Bahamians as opposed to one individual, and I won’t get into that at this particular time, but the decision was Bahamians at large would be involved as opposed to one or two individuals.” James Boink, Royal Caribbean’s vice-president of private destinations, told a virtual meeting held by the Department of Environmental Planning and Protection (DEPP) earlier this year that just one-third of its passengers will go to the Royal Beach Club, which is designed to drive additional visitors to this nation and get them off the ship to spend more money in the destination. This will in theory leave two-thirds of Royal Caribbean’s passengers free to patronise local businesses, but those sectors that rely on the cruise industry especially Bay Street and downtown Nassau - will likely be deeply sceptical about this. A well-placed source familiar with the Minnis administration’s Crown Land dealings on Paradise Island, speaking on
condition of anonymity, backed the former prime minister by arguing that Bahamians needed to focus on the bigger picture - and increased future tax earnings and economic impact - rather than just the pure lease terms. Asserting that too many were missing the forest for the trees, they said of current debate: “You’re all missing the point. It’s not taking into consideration the most attractive thing about all this, which is that it anchors Royal Caribbean
in the port of Nassau. It gives them a major incentive to bring hundreds of thousands of people to this destination.” Pointing out that “not every single person is going to go to that attraction”, the source said that, based on 3,000 passengers being charged $150 to go to the Royal Beach Club on 300 days per year, the Government would earn $13.5m per annum in VAT at 10 percent on $135m in sales revenue. “You’re going to have recurring revenue
ever year just for the Treasury,” they added. “I agree that the 150year lease is too long and should be negotiated down, but don’t get locked into the $140,000..... There’s no argument that 150 years is outrageous, but it locks them into coming into the destination.” But Toby Smith, the Bahamian entrepreneur behind the neighbouring $2m Paradise Island Lighthouse & Beach Club project, who is asserting his claim to three of the seven Crown Land acres subject to Royal Caribbean’s lease, yesterday blasted the former prime minister for agreeing terms that “give away the kitchen sink”. Arguing that Bahamians “again will only receive a pittance of bread crumbs”, Mr Smith slammed: “The Bahamian public have demonstrated that the ex-prime minister does not represent right-thinking Bahamians looking out for the better good of the country. “He’s lost the leadership of the country, the leadership of his party, and he should read the sign on the walls by stepping down.... Lions don’t listen to the voice of sheep. Bahamians should be appalled that we had such a weak negotiator giving away the country and the kitchen sink, demonstrating again that he’s throwing the baby with the bath water.”
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‘FROM HEADWINDS TO HURRICANES’: MINNIS DENIES 15% VAT INCREASE FROM PAGE ONE that the Minnis administration planned to increase taxes if re-elected, although there is nothing to suggest it planned to adopt the 15 percent advice - especially as any immediate tax hike would likely kill-off postCOVID recovery prospects. Acknowledging that this was one scenario among several, Mr Davis described it as “raising the overall VAT rate to 15 percent while keeping the existing VAT exemptions and leaving in place the scenario where the Government was paying VAT for wealthy foreign companies”. He added: “I want the Bahamian people to hear me very clearly. When we came to office, analysis performed by the IMF
indicated that if the Government didn’t change its VAT structure, VAT would have to be raised to 15 percent. Imagine that. “Now, I know you all remember that the member for Killarney told the Bahamian people that he went to election eight months early because the country faced ‘headwinds’ and ‘tough decisions’. We said at the time that he wanted Bahamians to vote before he increased their taxes, and this major tax increase appears to be what he had in mind. “Raising VAT to 15 percent would have turned headwinds into a hurricane. Raising VAT to 15 percent wouldn’t have been just a tough decision, it would have been a terrible decision that would have plunged our economy back
into a downward spiral, from which there would be no return.” This prompted Dr Minnis to intervene, saying: “I want to say categorically there was no intent on the FNM’s” part to raise the VAT rate “at all” had it won the general election. Just because the IMF recommends something does not mean the Government has to follow it. However, Mr Davis persisted, saying: “The IMF told them they need to do something with the VAT regime and raise taxes to 15 percent. They never told us that during the course of the campaign. There are a lot of flies on walls, and they fly around a lot and land on walls. Flies talk, too.” Returning to the former prime minister’s language in the election run-up,
and the then-Opposition’s claims of tax increases if the Minnis administration was re-elected, Mr Davis argued: “There is now a basis for that belief. That was the IMF telling them to raise it to 15 percent.” However, he conceded: “Whether they wanted to do it was another matter. That was taken away from them by the Bahamian people. We are pointing out what was recommended. They talked about headwinds and tough decisions, and if you thought about headwinds with a 15 percent increase, that’s no headwind. That would be a hurricane. “That would not be a tough decision; that would be a terrible decision that would plunge our economy into a downward spiral from which it would never return. That’s all we’re talking about; from headwinds to hurricanes, from tough decisions to terrible
decisions. Thankfully, the Bahamian people took care of that.” Pointing out that the Government had elected to go in the opposite direction by cutting the VAT rate to 10 percent, and returning to the broad-based model with few to no exemptions and zero ratings, Mr Davis said: “We looked at the fiscal reality before us and realised that there was simply no way that increasing the VAT rate to 15 percent just to keep a few exemptions, and for the government to pay VAT for wealthy foreign companies, was a good idea. “As Bahamians say, we just couldn’t make it make sense. The IMF review of the Bahamian tax system implemented by the previous administration described the kind of exemption-riddled VAT regime, with the Government paying VAT for wealthy foreign companies,
as reducing efficiency, lowering revenue and increasing administrative and compliance costs. “To retain that approach would have been counterproductive and wrong. Making matters worse, the report indicated that exemption and zero ratings are an ‘inefficient way of achieving redistribution objectives’, which is another way of saying that paying VAT for rich foreign companies on select items is detrimental to working class and low-income households,” he added. “The former Member for St Anne’s was on the news the other day, proudly proclaiming they ignored the experts in setting their VAT policy. But, Madam Speaker, ignoring experts in order to implement a less efficient, more costly system that brings in less revenue is nothing to boast about.”
EX-PM SLAMS ‘HEARTLESS’ VAT BREADBASKET RETURN FROM PAGE ONE such areas, Dr Minnis said reimposing VAT on breadbasket food items will add $48 per month to a low income family’s food bill. He based this on persons spending $20 per day, six days per week, on food, which adds up to $120 per week or $480 per month. A 10 percent VAT figure on the latter gave him his increase. “VAT comes down across the board, but taxable items go up,” he said. “How will that affect the lives of Bahamians that are paying more for certain things? We call on the Government to come clean, and tell the whole story. To finance their promise [of a VAT cut] they are adding VAT to breadbasket items and medicine.
DR HUBERT MINNIS I think this is heartless and disgraceful...... “Adding a 10 percent tax to these foods will have a devastating impact on the poor. Adding a 10 percent tax on medicines will have a devastating impact on the poor. These inconsiderate policy comes at a time when there are inflationary pressures throughout the world.” Dr Minnis said he had been told by “major food chains”, who he did not name, that food-related living costs are projected to rise by 15 percent between “now and December”, and by “and additional 20 percent” between January and March. These estimates, though, are far in excess of what has been projected by the likes of Super Value. “The VAT policy is an attack on the poor. It is a terrible lack of compassion and empathy. We in the Opposition stand fully against adding VAT to breadbasket items and medicines. It is shameful that the new administration would start its term in office by harming the poor,” the former prime minister continued. However, what he did not mention is that virtually all VAT-related modelling, research and consultant studies have suggested that a low-rate, broad-based VAT is the best taxation solution for The Bahamas. And the same papers have all argued that the zero ratings and exemptions introduced by the Minnis administration complicated administration, reduced
VAT’s efficiency and raised costs. Dr Minnis also made no mention of the Government’s plans to increase social security assistance to relieve the burden of a 10 percent VAT on society’s most vulnerable. That, too, is regarded as a more efficient form of targeted assistance as opposed to providing tax breaks that benefit rich taxpayers who can afford to pay as well. Still, not to be deterred, Dr Minnis argued: “The Government’s VAT policy means that VAT on caviar and champagne will decrease from 12 percent to 10 percent, but VAT on rice, tuna and grits is going up from zero, going from VAT free to 10 percent. “This will have a devastating effect on the inner city. Most homes in the inner city don’t have refrigerators. I’ve done my research with Mom and Pop stores in the inner city. They informed me that the average individual will spend $20 per day because they don’t have a refrigerator and electricity. They do that for six days a week. They will now spend an additional $48 per month. “They also point out that 60-70 percent of the purchases within Mom and Pop stores are breadbasket items. This will have a great impact on Mom and Pop stores. Their costs will have gone up and they will experience great stress in terms of the economy.”
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PAGE 8, Tuesday, November 30, 2021
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BODY AND MIND
Bahamas hitting ‘bull’s eye on HIV/AIDS global targets’
HIV/AIDS Foundation hosts candlelight vigil on December 1 By JEFFARAH GIBSON Tribune Features Writer jgibson@tribunemedia.net
TOMORROW the world re-commits to the fight against HIV/AIDS. World AIDS Day, observed annually on December 1, is more than an opportunity to raise awareness. It has become a major global event that is designed to expand and strengthen the worldwide effort to stop the spread of HIV and AIDS. The Bahamas has been going head-to-head in the fight and has reached its own milestones since committing to the global initiative to end AIDS, also called the Fast Track Strategy, aimed at bold, ambitious targets to be reached by the year 2020. While some of those goals have yet to be realised, they include identifying 90 percent of people living with HIV, place 90 percent of positively identified individuals on antiretroviral therapy, to ensure that 90 percent of those on therapy are able to achieve undetectable viral loads, indicative of treatment success. According to a statement by the Ministry of Health and Wellness, the Bahamas has been making strides
towards hitting the bull’s eye on the global targets. The ministry highlighted these milestones, including newly diagnosed HIV infections have decreased by 53 percent between 2010 and 2019, with 133 new diagnoses in 2019; AIDS related deaths have decreased by 52 percent from 146 in 2010 to 70 in 2019. There were no reported cases of motherto-child transmission of
HIV in the years 2015, 2019 and 2020; treatment for HIV positive individuals is and has been available free of charge, and 63 percent of people living with HIV in 2020 were on treatment. This number of individuals in treatment represents an increase by 33 percent from the year 2013. The gap between treatment and prevention has ended. Treatment is
prevention with a person with undetectable viral load (the gold standard) being HIV untransmittable. In 2020, 72 percent of people on treatment achieved viral suppression. “The year, 2021, has been a year of collective action, resilience and of courage despite the COVID-19 pandemic. The National HIV/ AIDS Programme (NAP) is grateful for the lives that
have been saved, as HIV treatment and prevention efforts continued throughout the pandemic where all services remained open to the public. Through strategic partnership with civil society, the NAP ensured the delivering of life saving medication to those living with HIV and has sustained access to HIV services,” the statement by the ministry said.
In spite of all the strides made, there is still more to be done. These are also the sentiments echoed by President of the HIV/AIDS Foundation, Lady Camille Barnett. During these difficult times, Lady Barnett said they have continued to provide support to its clients through a number of initiatives, including donating groceries and hot meals on a weekly basis. Clients of the foundation also have access to counselling as well and food and clothing, and assistance with clinic visits and medications. Access to a social worker also helps clients to find jobs and prepare them for the work place. The foundation also ensures young people a part of the programme have access to academic support through essential tools. In order to continue the vital work it carries out, the foundation needs the continued support of the public. As part of its initiative to raise awareness, the foundation will be hosting a candlelight vigil tonight at 6pm. The foundation continues to blaze a trail by providing continuous education and awareness while also assisting in the prevention of HIV/AIDS.
What we know and don’t know about omicron variant By JAMEY KEATEN and MARIA CHENG Associated Press
percent of sequences submitted to the world’s biggest public database.
GENEVA (AP) — The World Health Organisation says it could still take some time to get a full picture of the threat posed by omicron, a new variant of the coronavirus as scientists worldwide scramble to assess its multiple mutations. Stock markets swooned, some public gatherings got cancelled, and countries across the globe suspended incoming flights after scientists in South Africa last week identified the new version that appears to have been behind a recent spike in COVID-19 infections in the country’s most populous province. Over the weekend, the list of countries that have spotted the new variant in travelers grew. Portugal detected 13 cases linked to the new variant among members of a single soccer club — only one of whom had recently traveled to South Africa. On Friday, WHO designated it as a “variant of concern,” its most serious designation of a COVID-19 variant, and called it “omicron” as the latest entry into its Greek alphabet classification system designed to avoid stigmatizing countries of origin and simplify understanding.
What do we about omicron?
know
By Sunday, UN health agency issued a statement on omicron that boiled down to: We don’t know much yet. It said it wasn’t clear whether omicron is more transmissible — more easily spread between people — compared to other variants like the highly transmissible delta variant. It said it wasn’t clear if infection with omicron causes more severe disease, even as it cited data from South Africa showing rising rates of hospitalization there — but that could just be because more people are getting infected with COVID-19, not specifically omicron. From just over 200 new confirmed cases per day in recent
How did this new variant arise? The coronavirus mutates as it spreads and many new variants, including those with worrying genetic changes, often just die out. Scientists monitor COVID19 sequences for mutations that could make the disease more transmissible or deadly, but they can’t determine that simply by looking at the virus. Peacock said the variant “may have evolved in someone who was infected but could then not clear the virus, giving the virus the chance to genetically evolve,” in a scenario similar to how experts think the alpha variant — which was first identified in England — also emerged, by mutating in an immune-compromised person. weeks, South Africa saw the number of new daily cases rocket to more than 3,200 on Saturday, most in Gauteng, the country’s most populous province. Now, up to 90 percent of the new cases in Gauteng are caused by it, according to Tulio de Oliveira, director of the KwaZulu-Natal Research Innovation and Sequencing Platform. “There is currently no information to suggest that symptoms associated with omicron are different from those from other variants,” WHO said. It said there’s no evidence — yet — that COVID vaccines, tests and treatments are any less effective against the new version.
Why are scientists worried about this new variant? So far, the main difference with other variants appears to be that there may be an increased risk of reinfection with omicron — in other words, that people who’ve already had COVID-19 could get reinfected more easily.
The variant appears to have a high number of mutations — about 30 — in the coronavirus’ spike protein, which could affect how easily it spreads to people. Some experts say that could mean that vaccine makers may have to adapt their products at some point. Sharon Peacock, who has led genetic sequencing of COVID19 in Britain at the University of Cambridge, said the data so far suggests the new variant has mutations “consistent with enhanced transmissibility,” but said that “the significance of many of the mutations is still not known.” Lawrence Young, a virologist at the University of Warwick, described omicron as “the most heavily mutated version of the virus we have seen,” including potentially worrying changes never before seen all in the same virus.
What apart?
sets
omicron
Scientists know that omicron is genetically distinct from previous variants including the beta and delta variants, but don’t know if
these genetic changes make it any more transmissible or dangerous. So far, there is no indication the variant causes more severe disease. It will likely take weeks to sort out if omicron is more infectious and if vaccines are still effective against it. Peter Openshaw, a professor of experimental medicine at Imperial College London said it was “extremely unlikely” that current vaccines wouldn’t work, noting they are effective against numerous other variants. Even though some of the genetic changes in omicron appear worrying, it’s still unclear if they will pose a public health threat. Some previous variants, like the beta variant, initially alarmed scientists but didn’t end up spreading very far. “We don’t know if this new variant could get a toehold in regions where delta is,” said Peacock of the University of Cambridge. “The jury is out on how well this variant will do where there are other variants circulating.” To date, delta is by far the most predominant form of COVID19, accounting for more than 99
Are travel restrictions justified? Depends on who you ask. Israel is banning foreigners from entering the country and Morocco stopped all incoming international air travel. Scores of countries in Europe, North America, Africa and beyond restricted flights from southern Africa. Given the recent rapid rise in COVID-19 in South Africa, restricting travel from the region is “prudent” and would buy authorities more time, said Neil Ferguson, an infectious diseases expert at Imperial College London. But WHO noted that such restrictions are often limited in their effect and urged countries to keep borders open. South Africa’s government said the country was being treated unfairly because it has advanced genomic sequencing and could detect the variant quicker and asked other countries to reconsider the travel bans. • AP Medical Writer Maria Cheng reported from London.
THE TRIBUNE
Tuesday, November 30, 2021, PAGE 9
November was Movember: Men’s Heath Awareness Month Movember is an annual worldwide event in the month of November that is geared towards the health awareness of men. Men throughout the world are encouraged to not shave during November and grow a moustache as a sign of solidarity and unity in the effort to emphasis the importance of men’s health awareness. The heath issues of prostate cancer and testicular cancer as well as male mental health and suicide prevention are emphasised. One in seven Bahamian men suffer from diabetes or are pre-diabetic. One in five Bahamian men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime, and more than 90 men in the Bahamas die often needlessly every year from prostate cancer that has a 99 percent cure rate if diagnosed at an early stage. Hundreds more Bahamian men are diagnosed every year with advanced prostate cancer that is beyond the curative stage. Knowledge is key in the fight against needless prostate cancer deaths in our Bahama land. Being of African ancestry is one of the greatest risk factors for prostate cancer. Men of African ancestry often develop a more aggressive form of prostate cancer that afflicts them six to seven years earlier than prostate cancer typically afflicts their other racial counterparts. Prostate cancer is the most common cancer that afflicts Bahamian men, but the wonderful news is that prostate cancer can have an excellent cure rate when diagnosed early and many treatment options are available, including non-surgical curative treatments such as external beam radiation therapy, brachytherapy which involves placing low dose or high dose radioactive seeds into the prostate that kills only the prostate cancer cells or high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) therapy. The other prostate problem, benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH), affects even larger numbers of Bahamian men, with urinary symptoms of a weak urinary stream, incomplete bladder emptying, frequent and urgent urination and even urinary incontinence/leak. BPH can be successfully managed with medications or minimally invasive procedures if necessary.
THE UROLOGY DOCTOR IS IN...
Dr Greggory Pinto
Men are very reluctant to seek medical help for depression or psychiatric issues and unfortunately many Bahamian men live their lives in silent distress when confidential and highly effective professional mental health care is readily available. Men represent eight out of every 10 suicides. Men die on average six years earlier than women and often from preventable illnesses. Movember tries to emphasise the importance of health care for men so that men can live happier, healthier and longer lives. We need to get men to eat healthier, get routine exercise and seek help from their doctors. We need to change the culture of silence among Bahamian men, who far too often suffer for years with various health issues and never seek medical help. Confidential, compassionate and comprehensive health care is readily available. Bahamian men and residents November is coming to an end but let us all collectively improve the quality of the lives of men in this beautiful country every single month of every year.
Erectile dysfunction affects every man at some point in their lives. Most Bahamian men are reluctant to seek a urologist’s consult for their erectile dysfunction. You can always rise again.
The cause of the erectile dysfunction must be addressed and not just taking medications to counteract the symptoms. The causes may be related to heart disease, undiagnosed or poorly
controlled high blood pressure and/or diabetes, high cholesterol, low testosterone, among a multitude of varying causes that need to be investigated and treated.
• Dr Greggory Pinto is a boardcertified Bahamian urologist and laparoscopic surgeon. He can be contacted at OakTree Medical Center, #2 Fifth Terrace & Mount Royal Avenue, Nassau, Telephone (242) 322-1145-7; email: welcome@urologycarebahamas.com, or visit the website:www.urologycarebahamas.com
Endometriosis: targeting a different type of pain may be key in improving treatment – new research By LYDIA COXON Postdoctoral Researcher, Pain in Women Group, University of Oxford
lesions in the hope of relieving symptoms.
Looking forward
Katy Vincent Associate Professor, Pain in Women Group, University of Oxford (THE CONVERSATION) - Around one in ten women worldwide suffer from endometriosis. The condition is characterised by chronic pelvic pain, which is not only extremely painful but can also result in infertility. It is caused by tissue that resembles the lining of the uterus (known as the endometrium) growing outside of the uterus. There’s currently no cure for endometriosis. And though there are treatments available for managing symptoms and pain, these often have limited effectiveness – with some trials showing between 11 percent and 19 percent of women have no reduction in their pain. Most current pain treatments for endometriosis have focused on targeting what’s known as “nociceptive pain”. This is pain that’s associated with potential or actual tissue damage. Generally, nociceptive pain responds well to standard painkillers, so most endometriosis treatments contain ibuprofen or paracetamol. But given that only some women with endometriosis respond to these types of pain treatments, researchers are now beginning to investigate a different type of treatment based around what is called neuropathic pain. This is pain that happens because of damage to the nerves themselves – and it often doesn’t respond to painkillers like ibuprofen. Neuropathic pain conditions can cause great psychological distress and intense pain.
We wanted to know whether neuropathic pain could explain why some women weren’t responding to traditional endometriosis pain treatments. And we found that 40 percent of people with the condition can be classified as experiencing this kind of pain.
Nerve pain Until recently, no research had looked into whether people with endometriosis actually have neuropathic pain. But there are a couple of theories why sufferers can experience this kind of pain. First, the bits of tissue which begin growing outside the uterus – called “endometriotic lesions” – have new nerves inside them. These new nerves could be more sensitive, or they could be being
squashed by other tissue, both of which can cause neuropathic pain. Second, the only definitive way to diagnose endometriosis is through laparoscopy (where a small camera is inserted into the pelvis through a small incision in the belly button). This naturally involves cutting through nerves, which can lead to post-surgical neuropathic pain. We carried out an online survey of 1,417 people who had reported having endometriosis that had been diagnosed by laparoscopic surgery. We used a screening tool for neuropathic pain called painDETECT, which is made up of nine questions that ask about the characteristics of pain – such as whether the pain is “burning” or “like electric shocks”. It also asks about how the pain varies over time and whether it radiates to other areas of the body. Depending on the answers the person
provided, we were able to categorise people into having either nociceptive pain or neuropathic pain – or a mixture of both. We found that 40 percent of respondents had neuropathic pain. A further 35 percent had a mixture of neuropathic and nociceptive pain. We also found that those with neuropathic pain experience greater pain in general (both during their period, throughout their menstrual cycle or during sex), greater anxiety and depression, and greater fatigue and cognitive dysfunction (such as having trouble thinking and remembering things). We also found that the greater the number of endometriosis or other abdominal surgeries a person had had, the more likely they were to have neuropathic pain. Surgery is not only used to diagnose endometriosis, but to cut or burn away endometriotic
Our finding about the prevalence of neuropathic pain highlights the importance of investigating how to treat and manage it in relation to endometriosis. But what we can’t tell from our study is what’s causing this neuropathic pain – and whether repeated surgery for patients is helpful or harmful. Going forward, it will be important to carry out studies looking at better diagnosing neuropathic pain and looking at how it is experienced from person to person, which may help them determine the underlying mechanisms of pain in endometriosis. Ultimately the better we understand these mechanisms, the better we’ll be able to develop drugs to treat endometriosis pain. It may also be worth investigating whether treatments for other neuropathic pain conditions – such as postherpetic neuralgia, a complication of shingles which causes burning pain – work equally as well for people with endometriosis. These studies will also need to investigate how to identify those who are most likely to benefit from these treatments, potentially using screening tools such as questionnaires. This is especially important as we move from the one-size-fits-all approach currently widely implemented to a personalised treatment plan which is chosen based on the patient’s pain symptoms. • This article is republished from The Conversation, an independent and nonprofit source of news, analysis and commentary from academic experts. Read the original article here: https://theconversation.com
PAGE 10, Tuesday, November 30, 2021
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Gift ideas from the heart (that don’t break the bank) inexpensive to print a photo and frames come in all budgets. We all have something that we can do that the people in our lives can appreciate.” Thelma said she had to get creative last year because she had lost her job during the pandemic. “I offered to clean my mom’s house several times and cook dinner for my sister and her family because she loves my crab and rice and baked stuffed fish, so I told her pick a day and I would make her and family that,” she said. Here are a few other suggestions for gifts of time and service: offering to clean the car or yard for an elderly relative. This could also include painting or repairing something in their home, particularity if it is a service that otherwise would be costly. Hair or make-up can also be expensive and so if you can do either, offering to help someone get glammed up for the season can be a great gift. The gift of time can also be invaluable, whether it be running errands for someone or taking them out for Sunday drive and a beach picnic. The best gift is really the gift of yourself.
By CARA HUNT Tribune Features Writer cbrennen@tribunemedia.net
Christmas can be a stressful time, especially if finances make it difficult to gift those special people in your life with a lovely present like you would wish to. But it’s important not to focus on price tags, and instead remember that Christmas is a season for giving of yourself. And with that in mind, a little creativity can go a long way in finding gifts from the heart that cost little to nothing. Three of our Tribune Woman readers share with us presents that they have either given or received that spoke volumes and which came with a small price tag. “This isn’t a Christmas present, but it’s a great idea. I love my grandmother’s cooking, and at my bridal shower last month she had given me this cookbook that she wrote herself with little notes beside each recipe to help me because I can’t cook. It was the best gift ever. I love it,” said Tia. Lynette, meanwhile, likes taking the photographic route. “I love the idea of enlarging a favourite photo, framing it, and
giving it to people as a special keepsake,” she said. “A lot of times people have a photo on their phone that they
love, that maybe they say, ‘Oh, I want to print that’ , and they never do. Or maybe it’s like last year when we found a photo of
my mother and her sisters from like 30 years ago and we printed it and gave it to the surviving sisters. It was nice. It is very
Tiya Miles wins US National Book Award for uncovering poignant antebellum story of three Black women With her unique and poignant exploration of the lived Black experience in the antebellum period, historian and author Tiya Miles has won this year’s US National Book Award in the nonfiction category. Miles describes her book as a story of generations of Black women and the love that binds them. The book was inspired by a simple cotton sack, which today can be seen in a display case in the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture. This rough cotton bag, officially called Ashley’s Sack, is embroidered with just a handful of words that evoke a sweeping family story of loss and of love, passed down through generations. Research led Miles all the way back to 1850s South Carolina, where an enslaved woman named Rose gave this sack filled with a few precious items to her daughter, Ashley, as a token of love and to try to ensure Ashley’s survival as well. Soon after, the nine-yearold girl was separated from her mother and sold. Decades later, Ashley’s granddaughter Ruth embroidered this family history on the bag in spare yet haunting language—including Rose’s wish that “It be filled with my Love always.” Inspired by Rose’s gift to Ashley, Miles carefully unearths these women’s faint presence in
HISTORIAN and author Tiya Miles
THE SACK that inspired the book reads: ‘My great grandmother Rose, mother of Ashley, gave her this sack when she was sold at age 9 in South Carolina. It held a tattered dress, 3 handfuls of pecans, a braid of Rose’s hair. Told her, It be filled with my Love always. She never saw her again. Ashley is my grandmother. Ruth Middleton, 1921.’ (Credit: Middleton Place Foundation) archival records to follow the paths of their lives—and the lives of so many women like them—to write a singular and revelatory history of the experience of slavery,
and the uncertain freedom afterward, in the United States. The search to uncover this history is part of the story itself. For where the historical record falls short of capturing Rose’s,
Ashley’s, and Ruth’s full lives, Miles turns to objects and to art as equally important sources, assembling a chorus of women’s and families’ stories and critiquing the scant archives that for
decades have overlooked so many. As she follows Ashley’s journey, Miles metaphorically “unpacks” the sack, deepening its emotional resonance and exploring the meanings and significance of everything it contained. The contents of Ashley’s sack—a tattered dress, handfuls of pecans, a braid of hair, “my Love always”— are eloquent evidence of the lives these women lived. They open up a window on Rose and Ashley’s world.
A new age of fashion – Digital designers celebrated for their creations in the metaverse LONDON (BUSINESS WIRE) - The British Fashion Council (BFC) has announced a brand-new category as part of The Fashion Awards 2021—the first ever Fashion Award for Metaverse Design exclusively with Roblox and its first winner, cSapphire. This new award recognises a digital designer who pushes the boundaries and showcases excellence in digital fashion design within the metaverse. Five digital fashion creators from the Roblox community were shortlisted for the Award by Roblox’s developers and creators. Alessandro Michele, creative director of Gucci, will make an appearance as an avatar to present the award in the Fashion Awards experience on Roblox. The five nominees were: cSapphire, GENKROCO, inkwaves, Reverse_Polarity and Sparklings. cSapphire was chosen by a judging panel made up of BFC Chief Executive Caroline Rush, supermodel and entrepreneur Karlie Kloss, Highsnobiety Editorial Director Christopher Morency, Dazed Fashion Features Director Emma Davidson, and W Magazine
ALESSANDRO MICHELE, Creative Director of Gucci (here in Avatar form), presents the first ever Fashion Award for Metaverse Design in The Fashion Awards experience on Roblox. (Photo- Business Wire) Editor-in-Chief Sara Moonves. To celebrate the launch of the award, the BFC has created an immersive experience on Roblox which offers fashion fans from all over the world the opportunity to be part of its iconic annual event that gathers some of the most influential fashion insiders, designers, innovators and celebrities. The experience instantly transports visitors into the iconic Royal Albert Hall where they can enjoy one of the world’s biggest celebrations of fashion in a new and unique way, walking the virtual red carpet together
with their friends, exploring nominees’ displays and trying on their virtual items, as well as watching Awards video footage. The Fashion Awards immersive experience on Roblox is available on the platform until December 7. Visitors to The Fashion Awards experience on Roblox will also be able to purchase a range of digital items created exclusively for this event by Gucci. Proceeds from these items’ sales will be donated to the BFC Foundation, the charity that supports the future growth and success of the British fashion industry
by focusing on education, grant-giving and mentoring. Christina Wootton, vice president of Global Brand Partnerships at Roblox said: “The next generation of designers are dressing avatars, and they are doing it on Roblox where anyone can be a creator, starting with their own digital identity. Fashion is about what’s next and finding new voices with clear visions, and this talent is emerging in the metaverse. It is the global creative space for designers who are bringing limitless self-expression opportunities to people around the world, setting new trends
that are starting to move into real life, and sharing their expertise with top brands. This recognition from a powerful fashion institution declares loud and clear that this is the space to watch for future fashion trends and talent.” The Fashion Awards is a fundraiser for the BFC Foundation which supports the future growth and success of the British fashion industry. In 2020/21, the BFC raised £1.7 million for the BFC Foundation, and its talent support initiatives and this year the charity supported 33 designers. About the nominees • cSapphire is a 2D designer who started creating designs on the platform aged 12. They were one of the first designers to work with a physical clothing brand on the platform with their Gucci collaboration. • GENKROCO is a creator who specialises in virtual accessories and hairstyles for avatars, particularly known for stylised hairstyles. Their most purchased hairstyle has over 2 million sales alone, with
their full store accumulating over 30 million sales. • inkwaves is a 3D designer who uses creativity to inspire their digital fashion creations, mixing modern trends with enchanted and mystical themes. They’ve created one of the most favourited UGC items in the Roblox Marketplace and describe the opportunity to work as a designer in the metaverse as “infinite imagination.” • Reverse_Polarity is a 3D designer with over 17 million combined sales of their creations on the platform, making them one of the top sellers of virtual items on Roblox. Having discovered Roblox just two weeks after its public release in 2006, they are one of the longest active users of the platform. • Sparklings Sparklings is a 2D designer and joined the platform in 2009. Their design aesthetic is everchanging with recent collections ranging in inspiration from high end designs to the fairy kei aesthetic.
THE TRIBUNE
Tuesday, November 30, 2021, PAGE 11
Chantel O’Brian sets out for Israel to win Miss Universe crown From pg B12 prepare to go to Eilat, Israel, this coming December to compete. So you have to get the most prepared young woman in order to compete, and obviously she demonstrated her experience and (showed) that she is prepared, and she is ready to represent this country to the fullest extent of her skills and ability.” Chantel is a first-generation college graduate in her family,
a motivational speaker, model, entrepreneur, and a Christian. She considers charity and mentorship to be at the core of her identity, having been born into humble beginnings in the community of Englerston. She obtained a Bachelor of Administration in Business Enterprise from the Edinburgh Napier University, Scotland. While obtaining her degree, she founded PS O’Brian Consulting, a pageant, etiquette,
runway coaching and consultation agency. Via her marketing and branding business, Chantel has contributed to the success of Miss Universe, Miss World and Miss Earth Bahamas, NAM, IJM, Miss Black International Ambassador, and other institutions. Chantel has continued actively building her personal brand within the Bahamas as a spokesperson and print ad
model for local companies. She is the co-founder of The Leading Ladies Project and the creator of “The Final Crown”, a faith-based pageantry vlog developed from her mantra “Perfection is a Myth”. Through her work, Chantel advocates for underprivileged youth, fostering self-confidence and a feeling of self-worth in them which they need to both realise and achieve their dreams.
MISS Bahamas Teen and Miss Hopeland Bahamas Kayla Culmer (left) sees her pageant coach Miss Bahamas Universe Chantel O’Brian off
THE WEATHER REPORT
5-Day Forecast
TODAY
ORLANDO
High: 73° F/23° C Low: 52° F/11° C
TAMPA
TONIGHT
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
Partly sunny and pleasant
Mainly clear
Comfortable with plenty of sunshine
Partly sunny and nice
Mostly sunny and pleasant
Partly sunny
High: 78°
Low: 69°
High: 81° Low: 72°
High: 82° Low: 71°
High: 81° Low: 72°
High: 82° Low: 71°
AccuWeather RealFeel
AccuWeather RealFeel
AccuWeather RealFeel
AccuWeather RealFeel
AccuWeather RealFeel
AccuWeather RealFeel
80° F
67° F
83°-71° F
87°-71° F
85°-74° F
86°-74° F
High: 73° F/23° C Low: 54° F/12° C
almanac
E
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ABACO
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High: 74° F/23° C Low: 69° F/21° C
6-12 knots
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WEST PALM BEACH High: 75° F/24° C Low: 61° F/16° C
4-8 knots
FT. LAUDERDALE
FREEPORT
High: 76° F/24° C Low: 64° F/18° C
E
W S
E
W
High: 74° F/23° C Low: 65° F/18° C
MIAMI
High: 76° F/24° C Low: 63° F/17° C
6-12 knots
KEY WEST
High: 74° F/23° C Low: 68° F/20° C
ELEUTHERA
NASSAU
High: 78° F/26° C Low: 69° F/21° C
Forecasts and graphics provided by AccuWeather, Inc. ©2021
N E
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tiDes For nassau High Today
Ht.(ft.)
Low
Ht.(ft.)
3:47 a.m. 4:02 p.m.
2.8 2.7
10:06 a.m. 0.3 10:19 p.m. -0.2
Wednesday 4:41 a.m. 4:56 p.m.
3.1 2.7
11:04 a.m. 0.0 11:09 p.m. -0.4
Thursday
5:33 a.m. 5:50 p.m.
3.4 2.7
11:59 a.m. -0.2 11:59 p.m. -0.7
Friday
6:25 a.m. 6:42 p.m.
3.6 2.8
12:53 p.m. -0.4 ---------
Saturday
7:16 a.m. 7:35 p.m.
3.7 2.7
12:50 a.m. -0.8 1:47 p.m. -0.6
Sunday
8:09 a.m. 8:29 p.m.
3.7 2.7
1:42 a.m. -0.9 2:40 p.m. -0.6
Monday
9:02 a.m. 9:25 p.m.
3.6 2.7
2:35 a.m. -0.8 3:34 p.m. -0.5
sun anD moon Sunrise Sunset
6:37 a.m. 5:20 p.m.
Moonrise Moonset
2:29 a.m. 2:40 p.m.
New
First
Full
Last
Dec. 4
Dec. 10
Dec. 18
Dec. 26
CAT ISLAND
High: 79° F/26° C Low: 72° F/22° C
N
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6-12 knots
S
6-12 knots Shown is today’s weather. Temperatures are today’s highs and tonight’s lows.
Statistics are for Nassau through 1 p.m. yesterday Temperature High ................................................... 77° F/25° C Low .................................................... 59° F/15° C Normal high ....................................... 80° F/27° C Normal low ........................................ 69° F/20° C Last year’s high ................................. 83° F/28° C Last year’s low ................................... 63° F/17° C Precipitation As of 1 p.m. yesterday ................................. 0.00” Year to date ............................................... 33.37” Normal year to date ................................... 38.37”
High: 77° F/25° C Low: 71° F/22° C
uV inDex toDay
The higher the AccuWeather UV IndexTM number, the greater the need for eye and skin protection.
The exclusive AccuWeather RealFeel Temperature® is an index that combines the effects of temperature, wind, humidity, sunshine intensity, cloudiness, precipitation, pressure and elevation on the human body—everything that affects how warm or cold a person feels. Temperatures reflect the high and the low for the day.
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| Go to AccuWeather.com
ANDROS
SAN SALVADOR
GREAT EXUMA
High: 79° F/26° C Low: 73° F/23° C
High: 80° F/27° C Low: 75° F/24° C
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High: 77° F/25° C Low: 72° F/22° C
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LONG ISLAND
tracking map
High: 79° F/26° C Low: 74° F/23° C
6-12 knots
MAYAGUANA High: 82° F/28° C Low: 77° F/25° C
Shown is today’s weather. Temperatures are today’s highs and tonight’s lows.
CROOKED ISLAND / ACKLINS RAGGED ISLAND High: 81° F/27° C Low: 76° F/24° C
H
High: 80° F/27° C Low: 76° F/24° C
GREAT INAGUA High: 83° F/28° C Low: 76° F/24° C
N
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W
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7-14 knots
7-14 knots
marine Forecast ABACO ANDROS CAT ISLAND CROOKED ISLAND ELEUTHERA FREEPORT GREAT EXUMA GREAT INAGUA LONG ISLAND MAYAGUANA NASSAU RAGGED ISLAND SAN SALVADOR
Today: Wednesday: Today: Wednesday: Today: Wednesday: Today: Wednesday: Today: Wednesday: Today: Wednesday: Today: Wednesday: Today: Wednesday: Today: Wednesday: Today: Wednesday: Today: Wednesday: Today: Wednesday: Today: Wednesday:
WINDS NW at 4-8 Knots E at 6-12 Knots NE at 6-12 Knots ENE at 6-12 Knots NNE at 6-12 Knots ENE at 7-14 Knots NE at 7-14 Knots NE at 8-16 Knots NNE at 4-8 Knots ENE at 8-16 Knots NNE at 4-8 Knots ESE at 6-12 Knots NE at 6-12 Knots ENE at 6-12 Knots NE at 7-14 Knots ENE at 8-16 Knots NE at 7-14 Knots NE at 8-16 Knots NE at 7-14 Knots NE at 8-16 Knots NNE at 4-8 Knots E at 6-12 Knots NE at 7-14 Knots NE at 8-16 Knots NE at 6-12 Knots E at 7-14 Knots
WAVES 3-5 Feet 3-5 Feet 0-1 Feet 0-1 Feet 3-5 Feet 3-5 Feet 2-4 Feet 3-5 Feet 3-5 Feet 3-6 Feet 1-3 Feet 1-3 Feet 0-1 Feet 1-2 Feet 2-4 Feet 3-5 Feet 1-3 Feet 2-4 Feet 3-6 Feet 3-6 Feet 1-2 Feet 1-3 Feet 1-3 Feet 3-5 Feet 1-2 Feet 1-3 Feet
VISIBILITY 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 6 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles 10 Miles
WATER TEMPS. 79° F 79° F 78° F 78° F 82° F 82° F 83° F 83° F 81° F 81° F 78° F 77° F 81° F 81° F 84° F 83° F 83° F 83° F 82° F 82° F 80° F 80° F 83° F 83° F 82° F 82° F
PAGE 12
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2021
Chantel O’Brian sets out for Israel to win Miss Universe crown By JEFFARAH GIBSON Tribune Features Writer jgibson@tribunemedia.net
The new Miss Bahamas Universe Chantel O’Brian is hoping an international title may just be her early Christmas gift this year. A dream that has been in the making for several years will now be realised, as Chantel gets ready take on the runway in the front of millions of viewers at the 70th annual Miss Universe pageant in Eilat, Israel on December 12. While Israel has imposed restrictions on foreign travel to stop the spread of the new omicron coronavirus variant, Chantel will still be able to attend in person. The country recently announced it would lengthen quarantines for citizens and residents returning from abroad and reinstate controversial cellphone surveillance designed to track infections. Miss Universe participants, however, are be granted waivers while possibly undergoing PCR testing every 48 hours and other precautionary measures. Nevertheless, the Bahamian beauty queen is brimming with enthusiasm and excitement to hopefully win the title for the Bahamas for the first time ever. Since being crowned Miss Bahamas Universe last month, she has been prepararing for the international pageant. She has given lots of interviews on local and international platforms, including Missology. She also joined together with four of her fellow contestants to host a sustainability discussion on the environment. She has been busy at work and making her mark in the community. And now all of her hard work will be put on display on the world stage. In a glamorous pageant such as Miss Universe, all delegates and fans are eager to know the details about the gowns and the costumes.
CHANTEL embraces her mom “We were happy to close an agreement with international designer Gerimon, who facilitated the evening gown,” said Miss Bahamas National Director Anthony Smith. “The three-piece interview suit was done locally, and the national costume was designed by Javotte Bethel and painting genius Preston Hanna painted on a part of the costume that reflects its overall Lucayan theme.”
Chantel is no stranger to pageantry. Those who are true pageant fans and have followed her journey, are aware of her remarkable experience and her perseverance. “Chantel was a former Miss World, so this isnt’t her first rodeo,” said Mr Smith. :And I think that is one of the things that was considered in the judging. The young lady that would be chosen would have little time to See PG B11 CHANTEL is on her way to Israel
Bahamian attorney publishes book about tragic deaths of her sons
New author gets candid about a life rife with poverty and abuse If you had placed a wager that newly published author and attorney-at-;aw Agatha D Bethel would have collapsed under the seemingly insurmountable pressures of her life and the immeasurable grief she has experienced, you would have lost the bet. In her recently released book, “Against the Odds - A Mother’s Story of Hope: Rising from the Ashes of Abuse, Betrayal and the Tragic Death of her Children”, published by Inspire Publishing, Mrs Bethel shares her story of loss, love and restoration. The last of her mother’s 17 children, Mrs Bethel grew up in an Over-the-Hill community in New Providence in a four-room clapboard structure, in a financially poor family who was, however, rich in love. Mrs Bethel was a teenage mother who escaped domestic violence only to lose not one, but two sons. But that didn’t stop her from lifting herself up and becoming a practicing attorney-at-law. Though it was extremely painful to relive her life’s most tragic events while writing her book, Mrs Bethel believes it is important to share her story to help others who may have found themselves on a similar path. Mrs Bethel has several reasons for writing and publishing her book at this point in time. “Firstly, I had to do it for my sons,” she said, “They didn’t deserve to die as they did.” Mrs Bethel said her children had a good life despite their tumultuous start. She worked hard to provide for them, giving them every opportunity to dream big and pursue those dreams. Their opportunities, Mrs Bethel noted, were terrific, but they did nothing to heal the emotional trauma experienced coming from a home rampant with domestic abuse.
The second reason for writing the book, she added, was to help others. “There are so many people suffering quietly through the same trauma I experienced. Like me, they may not know that they can receive help for themselves and their children,” she said. Mrs Bethel is grateful to have been rescued by the Bahamas Crisis Centre when she was at one of the lowest points in her early life. Her third reason to write the book was to allow herself to finally talk about her experiences candidly and own up to her actions. “The entire process of expressing myself through this book was cathartic. It allowed me to release emotions I thought were long gone,” she said. The one thing that got Mrs Bethel through the darkest times in her life, she said, was forgiveness. It is a common thread throughout the book. Mrs Bethel said during her life she was confronted with many extreme challenges that made her feel more like a villain than a victim. Because of this, she chose to forgive. She forgave the perpetrators and herself for the part she played knowingly or unknowingly that may have contributed to any of the tragedies in her life. “My peace came when I ran to God rather than running from Him,” she said. Speaking about the book’s message, Pastor Martin Kemp of Gateway Kingdom Ministries in Eleuthera said: “Mrs. Bethel should be commended for her boldness and willingness to be responsibly transparent in relaying her story, which I believe will aid in breaking chains from many lives to bring healing to our families.”
AGATHA D. Bethel Lay minister Brenda Bethel (no relation to the author), director of Women in Bloom at the Salem Union Baptist Church, called “Against the Odds” a book about hope and resilience, and described the author as a “purpose-driven woman with fire in her belly.” Mrs Bethel said that “women of all ages can learn, apply and grow” from Agatha Bethel’s life experiences. After having read her story, Bahamas Faith Ministries Fellowships’ Pastor Kersch Darville said, “I particularly love the fact that despite being a teen mother, Agatha could still pursue her education. I believe ‘Against the Odds’ will especially heal women who have silently suffered for too long.” “Against the Odds” can be purchased in paperback or Kindle (ebook) version from Amazon, in Eleuthera, and at Logos Bookstore in New Providence.