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Volume: 121 No.12, December 6, 2023

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‘HATE CRIME’ ATTACK ON TRANS WOMAN American tells court ‘five or six men’ beat her at Bay Street club

By LYNAIRE MUNNINGS Tribune Staff Reporter lmunnings@tribunemedia.net A LAWYER claimed an American transgender woman was beaten “black and blue” during a “hate crime” at a club on West Bay Street on Saturday.

Attorney Mark Rolle Symonette said the woman, China Diamond, 26, intends to file a civil suit against the club after her birthday

‘Coral is calling’

‘Junkanoo parade has outgrown bay street’

vacation took a turn for the worst.

Deputy Commissioner of Police Leamond Deleveaux said yesterday he was unaware of the incident, but would look into it.

“We will not support any violence against anyone,” he told The Tribune. “Every human being has the right to coexist and to live, and the constitution is very clear

By EARYEL BOWLEG Tribune Staff Reporter ebowleg@tribunemedia.net JUNKANOO Corporation of New Providence Chairman Dion Miller said the annual parades have outgrown their Bay Street venue –– and Youth, Sports and Culture Minister Mario Bowleg agrees.

However, Mr Bowleg said moving Junkanoo parades to another location could only happen if various stakeholders push this.

Their comments came after frustrated residents complained about securing

SEE PAGE THREE

monetary donations are at all-time low, say charities

By JADE RUSSELL Tribune Staff Reporter jrussell@tribunemedia.net THE Good Samaritan Senior Citizens Home has received many donations this holiday season –– but the gifts have been smaller than in the past.

The Children’s Emergency Hostel has had numerous people reach out to give gifts to children and

host activities for them, but monetary donations have reportedly been lacking.

Donations to Families of All Murder Victims (FOAM) are also said to be at an all-time low.

The leaders of the non-profit organisations discussed the state of charity with The Tribune yesterday as Christmas SEE PAGE FIVE

SEE PAGE FOUR

THE PERRY Institute for Marine Sciences, the Reef Rescue Network and the Ministry of Tourism, Investments and Aviation aim to enocurage coral restoration and sustainable tourism in the Bahamas through new ‘Coral is Calling’ diving campaign. See Page TEN for more.

Photo: The Perry Institute

FNM files complaint with police on Johnson’s accusation over attack

By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net LEADERS of the Free National Movement party filed a complaint with police about Richard Johnson, the organisation’s vicechairman, saying he falsely accused them of orchestrating the physical attack he experienced last week.

FNM chairman Dr Duane Sands told The Tribune

FNM CHAIRMAN DUANE SANDS yesterday that party heads filed the defamation of character complaint with

Judge finds daxon claims ‘frivolous, vexatious’

By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune News Editor rrolle@tribunemedia.net

police on Monday and expect it to be investigated and taken seriously.

“We find his utterances most reckless and irresponsible and false to make such an incredible allegation with no factual basis and then to double down multiple times,” he said. “It’s just beyond the pale, and so we have asked the Royal Bahamas police force to conduct

A JUDGE tore apart and struck out two lawsuits Maria Daxon brought against police and other public bodies, finding her claims frivolous, vexatious and abusive of the judicial process with no real prospect of success.

In one case, Supreme Court Justice Lorien Klein said her pleadings were “embarrassing”.

“The pleadings are deficient in every which way, and no party should be

SEE PAGE THREE

SEE PAGE THREE

Nassau & Bahama Islands’ Leading Newspaper

PAGE 2, Wednesday, December 6, 2023

THE TRIBUNE

Carnival readies to open for the holidays

THE CARNIVAL is back for the holiday season with gates opened for business on Friday, December 1, 2023.

Photos: Moise Amisial

THE TRIBUNE

Wednesday, December 6, 2023, PAGE 3

‘Hate crime’ attack on trans woman from page one on that. We do not support people being attacked. We cannot. The police are very strongly against that.”

During a press conference, Mr Symonette claimed the club owner found Ms Diamond attractive, offered to buy her a drink and told her she would make a good bartender.

He said, according to his client, an employee told the owner Ms Diamond was “a man”, prompting the owner to demand she leave the place.

He claimed after the woman questioned why she should leave, a security guard snatched her from the chair and manhandled her while trying to remove her from the club.

A bottle of perfume she had in her bag reportedly fell out of her bag and broke in half. Mr Symonette said she picked up the bottle and threw it at the security guard, causing a scratch to his face.

He said “five or six men” then viciously beat the woman, punching, stomping and kicking her about her body.

Mr Symonette said

the Memphis, Tennessee, resident was arrested for causing harm and appeared before Magistrate Shaka Serville on Monday.

“That is the first time I’ve ever seen someone before the court literally beaten black and blue,” he said, adding the woman had purple wounds under her eyes. He said people in the court were shocked by her appearance.

He said her wig had been snatched off during the beating, which she showed the court.

“All because of what she described to the court as a hate crime, and I believe that it is a hate crime,” he added.

He said his client is traumatised, describing the incident as a black eye for the country’s tourism industry, which has been celebrating record arrival numbers.

“This, ladies and gentlemen, is a human being,” he said. “Transexual or transgender, she is still a human being. She is entitled to her rights under the constitution, all of which were violated. She was cast into a cell and actually spent her birthday in the cell –– over a day and a half in the cell.”

“As a transgender

person, whether we agree with the concept or the lifestyle of transgender is not the issue. This is a question of human rights, which were violated.”

Mr Symonette said the magistrate was sympathetic to the woman and merely warned her before discharging the matter.

He said the magistrate noted the men involved in the altercation were not present in court.

“We’re asking the commissioner of police to please investigate this incident fully so that those responsible for beating Ms Diamond can be brought before the courts just as she was brought before the court,” he said.

He called on the Bahamas Christian Council to condemn the attack.

“Shall The Bahamas be known as a nation that tolerates hate crimes against our visitors simply because we disagree with their lifestyle?” he asked.

“Surely it cannot be that.”

A review of the woman’s public social media accounts suggested she had not posted about the alleged incident. The most recent posts, including one of her at Baha Mar, posted yesterday, feature glamourous shots of her.

TRANSGENDER woman China Diamond was allegedly assaulted at a club on West Bay Street in what is being called a hate crime. Pictures below show a black eye and bruises and scrapes on her legs.

FNM files complaint with police on Johnson’s accusation over attack FNM leaders see Mr Johnson, a supporter of former Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis, as a nuisance.

In an internal memo leaked to the press on Monday, Dr Nigel Lewis, the FNM’s 2021 general election campaign coordinator, claimed Mr Johnson frequently disrupts meetings in vulgar ways.

Mr Johnson sued the FNM last year after executives unanimously barred him from council meetings.

Earlier this year, Supreme Court Justice Deborah Fraser instituted an injunction preventing the party’s leaders from barring him from council meetings until she addressed the substantive matter.

She ordered Mr Johnson and party leaders not to personally attack each other or other FNM members in public until she has

from page one a proper investigation and let the chips fall where they may.”

“But you ought not make such scurrilous allegations against any individual and there is absolutely no truth to his allegations, none whatsoever.”

A man reportedly assaulted Mr Johnson outside the party’s headquarters last week Thursday, disrupting the meeting inside.

Mr Johnson filed a complaint with the police, but no one has been arrested, police said on Monday.

Dr Sands declined to confirm that party officials have given police a video showing the alleged attack.

“Let’s simply say whatever was available was provided to the Royal Bahamas Police Force,” he said.

FNM CHAIRMAN DUANE SANDS

ruled on the lawsuit.

She later amended her injunction after finding that Mr Johnson failed to disclose how his alleged “bad behaviour” influenced the FNM executive committee’s actions.

In varying the injunction, Justice Fraser ordered that Mr Johnson remain the FNM’s vice chairman, but not exercise his powers and duties under the FNM constitution until the court rules on the substantive matter.

While she affirmed the FNM could not bar Mr Johnson from attending meetings, she restrained him from “formal participation” in the sessions.

She restrained the defendants from empanelling a disciplinary tribunal concerning Mr Johnson’s actions until she addressed the substantive case.

Judge finds daxon claims ‘frivolous, vexatious... and with no real prospect for success’ from page one vexed with having to plead to them nor any court saddled with having to discern what is the real case that is being put for determination,” he wrote in one of his two rulings, adding: “I am also of the view that the claims cannot be saved by amendment and would have to be essentially repleaded.”

Ms Daxon, the deputy leader of the Coalition of Independents, took legal action against the Royal Bahamas Police Force.

One action came after police interviewed, arrested and charged her with two counts of intentional libel after she, on August 26, 2016, wrote a Facebook post titled “STOP STEALING THE JUNIOR OFFICERS FUNDS.” The post made allegations against the police commissioner and his executive team, claiming they were not paying junior officers their entitlements.

Ms Daxon’s writ included multiple causes of action, including unlawful arrest, malicious prosecution, misfeasance in public office, defamation, and breaches of fundamental constitutional rights.

The defendants in the matter, including former Police Commissioner Ellison Greenslade, applied

to have her writ and statement of claim struck out.

Justice Klein said nothing in Ms Daxon’s claims could sustain her unlawful arrest claim.

“For example, there are no allegations that there was a lack of lawful authority or reasonable grounds for the arrest, or that the arresting officer could not and did not suspect, reasonably or at all, that the plaintiff was guilty of any offence, or that any of the procedural safeguards were not followed,” he wrote.

He added that the particulars of her malicious prosecution claim “are rather unorthodox and clearly lacking”.

Regarding her defamation claim, the judge said, “there is very little to detain this ruling”, adding there was no specific assertion of defamation.

“As to the breaches of fundamental rights, it is almost inescapable not to conclude that these have been tossed in as a kind of a ‘top-up’,” he wrote.

He added that her constitutional claims were pleaded in a “convoluted and incoherent manner”.

Ms Daxon, a former police officer, also sued the commissioner of police, the Department of Public Service, and others, claiming that during her police career, she was unfairly

denied study leave, denied promotion opportunities given to men and was treated unfairly and in a discriminatory manner based on her sex.

She alleged that her treatment breached her contractual, statutory and constitutional rights.

She further alleged that the defendants failed to employ competent employees and to supervise their employees.

“I accept the defendants’ submissions that the plaintiff has not pleaded any causes of action fit for trial,” Justice Klein wrote.

“The plaintiff might feel aggrieved at what she says is the treatment meted out to her by the police force and the other defendants, and it might be that there are matters there that might form the basis for a legal claim.

“They are not pleaded or properly pleaded in the statement of claim.”

He added that the pleadings “are embarrassing in that they contain vague and incoherent statements which would leave the defendants in considerable doubt as to the case they have to meet, and the court unsure of the issues it has to decide”.

He said: “The writ and statement of claim transgress virtually all of the rules and conventions of

MARIA Daxon outside court during a previous appearance. pleadings, and it does not require any painstaking analysis of the pleading to come to this conclusion.

Overall, the statement of claim is trot out in a most unusual form and structure.

The pleadings are discursive, disjointed, confusing and difficult to unravel.”

He said the pleadings “completely betray and subvert the basic requirement for pleadings” to be concise and clear enough for defendants to respond to.

CORRECTION IN A story published on December 1, The Tribune incorrectly reported that former prison officer Christopher Gomez, 24, was charged with two counts of sexually abusing a mentally ill woman in the Bahamas Department of Corrections between July 23 and August 1. In fact, the alleged incidents did not happen at the correctional facility. We apologise for the error.

‘Junkanoo parade has outgrown Bay Street’ PAGE 4, Wednesday, December 6, 2023

from page one Junkanoo tickets when they became available on the ALIV Events app on Monday.

Mr Miller said the demand for tickets exceeds the available seats, with interest in Junkanoo parades and the size of groups growing since the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The JCNP estimates that an additional 4,000 seats are required to comfortably satisfy the demand for seating,” he said in a statement. “In this vein, we have begun to have discussions with our partners in government to identify areas in the current venue where additional seats can be installed without taking away access to our parades from traditional bystanders.”

Mr Bowleg noted the

Thomas Robinson Stadium can hold 15,000 people, with this capacity expected to increase after renovations.

“If the stakeholders feel, you know, that is an idea that they all want to do as relates to moving it, then it shouldn’t be no big deal,” he said.

ALIV chief information officer Dwayne Davis suggested on Monday that many people struggled to get tickets because 37 per cent of seats in prime locations –– Rawson Square and in front of Scotiabank –– are reserved for government partners, groups and sponsors.

Mr Miller reiterated this yesterday.

“We acknowledge that without our stakeholders and the financial support that they extend to the various Junkanoo groups,

THE TRIBUNE

the parades would cease to exist,” his statement said.

“As the sole body responsible for parade ticketing, the JCNP takes this responsibility seriously. The decision to reserve these tickets was made to honour the contributions and support of our key stakeholders. The current seating capacity for each Junkanoo parade sits just under 8,000, with the premium seating in Rawson Square holding 1,728 and the section located in front of Scotiabank holding just 624.”

Yesterday, Free National Movement leader Michael Pintard said on Twitter that a multi-purpose Junkanoo stadium and several multipurpose Junkanoo shacks should be constructed.

Mr Bowleg said the Davis administration is not considering this.

SAXONS on Bay Street at the New Year’s Day Parade.

UNESCO adds Junkanoo to Intangible Cultural Heritage list

By EARYEL BOWLEG Tribune Staff Reporter ebowleg@tribunemedia.net JUNKANOO has been inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) of Humanity.

The list aims to raise awareness about the importance of intangible cultural heritage worldwide and includes practices, representations, expressions, knowledge and skills that people and communities recognise as part of their cultural heritage.

The Representative List was established in 2003 under the Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage.

Countries nominate elements, and an independent expert panel evaluates the submissions to determine if they meet the criteria.

Education Minister Glenys Hanna Martin, who addressed the intergovernmental committee yesterday, noted Junkanoo is the country’s first submission to be inscribed on the list.

She emphasised the cultural significance of Junkanoo.

“More than two centuries ago, the early awakening of the creative expression called Junkanoo was unleashed and it has since survived and thrived through eras of dramatic social, political, and economic change, proving to be an authentic, resilient, and enduring cultural manifestation of a proud people,” she said.

“While its rhythm fundamentally hearken to

JUNIOR Junkanoo participants 2019 parade on Eleuthera Island.

Photo: Eric Rose

mother Africa, its evolution has become a modern-day expression of the strength and rich character and triumphant spirit of the

Bahamian people.

“Junkanoo is a complex art form –– a rich fusion of brilliant colours, intricate craftwork and design,

towering pieces, rhythmic orchestral music of goatskin and cow skin drums, cowbells and brass instruments, choreographed dance.

“It is a merging cultural space for creatives from all walks of life, all ages, men and women in goodly numbers. It attracts spectators in

the thousands and because of its infectious energy incites the rocking participation and a pulsating oneness from the sidelines.”

SCOTIABANK DONATES TO JUNKANOO

THE National Junkanoo Committee has received sponsorship of $75,000 from Scotiabank as part of a partnership in conjunction with the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture .

As part of this sponsorship, during the National Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony, there was the launch of the Scotiabank People’s Choice Junkanoo Practice Parade.

The financial institution is the exclusive sponsor of this year’s Junior Junkanoo Parade.

Pictured are Kishlane S Smith, deputy co-chair, National Junkanoo Committee; Warren Andrew Pinder, chairman - NJC; Montez Williams, under secretary, Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture; Ellery Deveaux, cultural officer and Junkanoo coordinator, Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture; Minister Mario Bowleg; Dr Dwight Marshall, deputy co-chair - NJC; Roger Archer, managing director, Scotiabank Bahamas; and Na-Amah Barker, director of retail banking, Scotiabank Bahamas.

Monetary donations are at all-time low, say charities THE TRIBUNE

from page one nears.

“We don’t have the donations financially that we’ve been used to getting prior to COVID,” said Charlene Gibson, the business manager of the Children’s Emergency Hostel. “So what we’ve been doing is reaching out to international donors who also come on board and supported us for the initiative to help with our overhead, utilities, and the light.”

She said the hostel’s budget for food, cleaning supplies, and other items has decreased compared to previous years, with the organisation cutting back to stretch its funds.

She said the hostel needs $150,000, estimating that utilities, food, transportation, clothes, and other necessities cost $80,000 within three months.

Twenty-nine children live in the hostel.

Dr Sinymae Capron, head of the Good Samaritan Senior Citizens Home,

Wednesday, December 6, 2023, PAGE 5

also said the giving environment is unfavourable compared to the pre-pandemic era.

“I know things rough for some people, so it’s really not like how it used to be before the COVID pandemic because, you know, we used to have a lot of stuff coming in,” she said.

She said the home needs twin beds, food, bed pads, cleaning products, diapers, and money to help the 22 people living there.

She noted some of the residents are still dealing with the impact the pandemic had on their mental health.

For her part, FOAM leader Khandi Gibson asked for people to donate clothing, shoes, food items, and money.

“NGOs are often overlooked even though we’re out there doing the work,” she said. “When the government offices are closed, or persons feel like they’re not getting the help that they need from the government offices, they reach out to NGOs.”

THE CHILDREN’s Emergency Hostel has had numerous people reach out to give gifts to children and host activities for them, but monetary donations have reportedly been lacking.

Ministry of Energy and Transport says BPL responded ‘swiftly’ after POLICE RELEASE IDENTITY OF criticism from Cartwright on Acklins and Eleuthera power outages VICTIM OF SHARK ATTACK

By LYNAIRE MUNNINGS Tribune Staff Reporter lmunnings@tribunemedia.net FREE National Movement deputy leader Shanendon Cartwright ripped the government’s “unreliable” electricity and water supply to Eleuthera and Acklins yesterday, drawing a response from the Ministry of Energy and Transport, which said electricity issues have been quickly addressed.

Mr Cartwright accused the Davis administration of being silent while residents sometimes go “as long as six hours” without electricity, “uprooting daily lives and forcing the closure of businesses”.

“Some residents of South Acklins had to endure five excruciating days in the dark,” he said in a statement. “The government’s inability to ensure consistent power generation on Acklins and Eleuthera is of major national concern, particularly as government decisions and policy have led to a 163 per cent increase in electricity bills nationwide.”

“To date, there has been no communication by the government outlining a strategy or plan to address these consistent outages and water shortages on Eleuthera and Acklins.”

The Ministry of Energy and Transport said in response that Bahamas Power and Light quickly addressed and fixed challenges on both islands.

“For instance, in Harbour Island, Eleuthera, the supply interruptions from generation challenges were due to damaged rental units affected by contaminated fuel,” the ministry said.

“Immediate action was taken, including bringing in the rental units’ manufacturer for repairs and engaging in discussions with the fuel supplier to prevent future occurrences.

Additionally, BPL is close to installing 5MW of owned assets in

By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net

FNM DEPU TY LEADER SHANENDON CARTWRIGHT Harbour Island, which is part of a more comprehensive plan for a long-term energy solution.

“In Salina Point, Acklins, after the existing unit

sustained major damage, a new unit was promptly procured, and the government expedited its transport with the help of the assistance of the

Royal Bahamas Defence Force. This swift action demonstrates our commitment to resolving these issues as quickly as possible.”

The ministry said it is committed to keeping Eleuthera and Acklins’ residents informed about strategies and developments.

POLICE have identified the woman killed in a shark attack on Monday as Lauren Erickson Van Wart, 44, of Massachusetts.

The woman was reportedly with a male relative nearly a mile from the shoreline when the shark attacked her in waters near Sandals Royal Bahamian resort.

Police said a lifeguard on duty rescued the couple and brought them to shore. The woman allegedly suffered injuries to the right side of her body, including the right hip region and right upper limb.

CPR was administered, but she was pronounced dead.

Director General of Tourism Latia Duncombe called the situation unfortunate.

“It is a concern,” she told reporters yesterday.

“And as an industry, and I think those in those specific tour areas can continue to review and to see if there’s anything we can do to improve, but we’re in the open waters, and we protect sharks here in The Bahamas, and for us, it’s important that we’re as responsive as we can be when these unfortunate incidents occur.”

The Bahamas has had several shark attacks this year.

Last month, a German tourist went missing after a shark attacked her in waters near West End, Grand Bahama.

In August, police found the body of a man floating at Saunders Beach with injuries they said were consistent with a shark attack.

In June, an American woman was attacked by a shark in waters south of Taino Beach, Grand Bahama. She was taken to the Rand Memorial Hospital, where she was said to be in serious condition.

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Online ‘likes’ for toxic posts prompt more hate THE rampant increase of hate messages on social media is a scourge in today’s technology-infused society.

Racism, homophobia, xenophobia and even personal attacks on people who have the audacity to disagree with someone else’s political opinion – these and other forms of online hate present an ugly side of humanity.

The derision on social media appears in vile and profane terms for all to see.

Obviously, the sole purpose of posting online hate is to harass and harm one’s victims, right?

Not necessarily, according to recent studies about hate messaging in social media. Although seeing hate comments is unquestionably upsetting, new research suggests there’s a different reason people post hate: to get attention and garner social approval from likeminded social media users. It’s a social activity. It’s exhilarating to be the nastiest or snarkiest and to get lots of thumbs-ups or hearts. Anecdotal evidence makes a good case for the social basis of online hate, and new empirical research backs it up.

In over 30 years of research about online interaction, I’ve documented how people make friends and form relationships online. It now appears that the same dynamics that can make some online relationships intensely positive can also fuel friendly feelings among those who join together online in expressing enmity toward identity groups and individual targets. It’s a “hate party,” more or less.

When you look at online hate messages, you start to notice clues that suggest, more often than not, that hatemongers are posting messages to each other, not to those their messages implicate and denigrate.

For instance, white supremacists and neo-Nazis often include codes and symbols that have shared meaning for the in-group but are opaque to outsiders, including the very people that their messages vilify. Including “88” in one’s message, hashtag or handle is one such code; the Anti-Defamation League’s lexicon of hate symbols explains that the 8th letter of the alphabet is H. And 88, therefore, is HH, or Heil Hitler.

Another clue that hate is for haters is the way it has shifted somewhat from mainstream social media to fringe sites that have gotten so hateful and disturbing that it’s hard to imagine any member of a targeted group wanting to peruse those spaces. The fringe sites say they promote unfettered free speech online. But in doing so, they attract users who write posts that are widely unacceptable and wouldn’t last a minute on mainstream sites with community standards and content moderation.

The kinds of messages that would quickly be flagged as hate speech in any offline setting come to dominate the threads and discussions in some of these spaces. Users curate meme repositories – for instance, the anti-Jewish, anti-LGBTQ

and “new (n-word)” collections – that are hideous to most people but funny to those who partake in these secluded virtual backrooms. They’re not spaces where the targets of these epithets are likely to wander.

Further research lends credence to the hypothesis that haters are in it for social approval from one another. Internet researchers Gianluca Stringhini, Jeremy Blackburn and their colleagues have been tracking what they call cross-platform “raids” for a decade.

Here’s how it works. A user on one platform recruits other users to target and harass someone on another platform – the creator of a specific video over on YouTube, for instance. The originator’s post contains a link to the YouTube video and a description of some race or gender issue to prey on, instilling the urge to act among prospective accomplices. Followers head to YouTube and pile on, filling the comments section with hate messages.

The attack looks like its purpose is to antagonize a victim rather than building ties among the antagonists. And, of course, the effects on the targeted person can be devastating.

But backstage, the attackers circle back to the platform where the plot was organized. They boast to one another about what they did. They post screen grabs from the YouTube page to show off their denigrating deeds. They congratulate each other. It was for getting attention and approval after all, consistent with the social approval theory of online hate.

More direct evidence of the effect of social approval on hate messaging is also emerging. Online behavior researcher Yotam Shmargad and his collaborators have studied newspapers’ online discussion websites. When people get “upvotes” on antisocial comments they’ve posted, they become more likely to post additional antisocial comments.

A recent study by my colleagues Julie Jiang, Luca Luceri and Emilio Ferrara looked at users of X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, and what happened when they received signs of social approval to their xenophobic tweets.

When posters’ toxic tweets got an unusually high number of “likes” from other users, their subsequent messages were even more toxic. The more their messages were retweeted by others, the more posters doubled down with more extreme hate.

These findings do nothing to diminish the real hurt and anger that justifiably arise when people see themselves or their identity groups disparaged online.

The social approval theory of online hate doesn’t explain how people come to hate others or become bigoted in the first place. It does provide a new account for the expression of hate on social media, though, and how social gratifications encourage the ebb and flow of this problematic practice.

Joseph B. Walther University of California, Santa Barbara

ALI SHADILOV, a former fisherman of the Aral Sea, sits on a dilapidated boat in Muynak, Uzbekistan, June 27, 2023.

Photo: Ebrahim Noroozi/AP

Pintard shows how not to lead EDITOR, The Tribune.

Free National Movement (FNM), once a symbol of political strength and progress in the Bahamas, now languishes under the lackluster leadership of Michael Pintard. This period in the party’s history will likely be remembered as a time of missed opportunities, strategic blunders, and a glaring disconnect from the Bahamian electorate.

The recent by-election was more than a defeat; it was a resounding repudiation of the FNM’s relevance and resonance with the people of the Bahamas.

This loss, in a constituency where success should have been well within reach, starkly highlights the party’s descent into political oblivion. The results were not just an indictment of their campaign strategy but a clear signal of the electorate’s growing disillusionment with a party that has lost its way.

Central to this decline is Michael Pintard’s leadership, or rather, the lack thereof. Pintard, who ought to have been a unifying and visionary figure, has proven to be anything but.

His tenure is marked by a conspicuous absence of any inspiring vision or coherent strategy, leaving the party rudderless and the electorate disenchanted.

In a political landscape that demands dynamism and foresight, Pintard’s

LETTERS letters@tribunemedia.net leadership is woefully inadequate, characterised by indecision, a lack of direction, and an inability to galvanize support.

The ‘Minnis factor’ only adds to the FNM’s woes.

The shadow of former Prime Minister Hubert Minnis looms large over Pintard’s leadership, creating a schism within the party that further undermines its unity and effectiveness. This internal power struggle is a distraction from the party’s core objectives and a testament to the current leadership’s inability to consolidate control and command respect within its own ranks.

Adding insult to injury is the FNM’s apparent crisis of accountability. Under Pintard’s leadership, there seems to be a refusal to confront the harsh realities of their political failings.

This denialism is not just a leadership failure; it is an abdication of the responsibility to learn from past mistakes and adapt. The party’s refusal to acknowledge and critically address its shortcomings is a stark departure from the accountability that once defined its leadership.

Pintard’s approach towards the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) has

been equally baffling. His perceived leniency and lack of assertive opposition are not just strategic missteps; they are betrayals of the party’s foundational principles of robust and principled opposition. This approach alienates the FNM’s base and emboldens a government that should be held to account.

The contrast between the FNM’s storied past and its present state under Pintard is not just disappointing; it is a tragic squandering of the party’s legacy. The current leadership has steered the party away from its historical ethos of transformation and effective governance, plunging it into a state of irrelevance and ineffectiveness.

In conclusion, the FNM’s current trajectory under Michael Pintard is a case study in how not to lead a political party. The party’s failure to adapt, its internal divisions, and a leadership devoid of vision and accountability, have collectively orchestrated its downfall. Without immediate and radical changes in leadership and strategy, the FNM risks becoming a footnote in the annals of Bahamian political history, a stark reminder of the consequences of political complacency and misdirection.

The GATEKEEPER December 4, 2023

Killing sharks is not the answer EDITOR, The Tribune.

ANOTHER fatal shark attack on a tourist has prompted calls again for culling sharks.

Some say there are more shark attacks because there are more sharks yet there are more visitors too: we’ve had eight million tourists before the end of the year, reported the news on Tuesday, 5th December.

We have a lucrative shark tourism industry. There are also more enterprising Bahamians captaining boat

charters for visitors.

Rather than killing sharks maybe it would be better to regulate this burgeoning industry. This would protect not only the captain and his crew but the visitors too.

Education should be a must. We — including tourists — should know the possible dangers if we are swimming in the sea, which is the shark’s home: don’t chum the water then go swimming nearby; don’t swim near where people have been cleaning fish or

feeding sharks; keep eye contact with a shark if you see one and slowly swim away without splashing; don’t panic.

Overfishing and reef damage must also be considered. The depletion of the fish could be leading them closer to the shores for food.

Let’s look at everything.

We are a threat to the sharks much more than they are to us.

JOLIKA BUCKNER Nassau, December 5, 2023.

‘Footage shows Saunders shot at police before killed’ THE TRIBUNE

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net

A POLICE inspector testified yesterday that security footage showed Ishido Saunders chasing and shooting at a police car before two officers fatally shot him near Golden Gates Assembly Church in 2022.

Acting Coroner Kara Turnquest-Deveaux presided as the inquest into the death of 38-year-old Ishido Saunders continued.

Police shot Saunders dead on April 28, 2022, outside 20 Antigua Street after the man allegedly threatened a pastor with a knife at Golden Gates Assembly Church.

The two officers who are the subject of the inquest, Corporal Dominique Bain and PC Calvino Jones, are represented by Bjorn Ferguson.

Angelo Whitfield is marshalling the evidence.

Inspector Arnold Strachan testified that on the day of the shooting, he went to the scene and saw the deceased’s body lying by the wall of house #20.

He observed that Saunders had apparent gunshot wounds to his chest and head and that the deceased was wearing a black shirt and pants.

The inspector said a

Wednesday, December 6, 2023, PAGE 7

black gun holster, a peach shirt, a cell phone and a silver colored wrench were near Saunders’ legs.

A black Glock Austria .45 pistol, which allegedly belonged to the deceased, was inches away from his hand.

Inspector Strachan told the court there was a police Nissan car marked 308 in the middle of the street with its left rear window shot out. Spent 9mm bullet cartridges were reportedly scattered along the street.

After the body of the deceased was collected and taken to the morgue, Inspector Strachan said he got two sets of security footage of the incident from two different residents in the area.

Describing the footage to the court, he said it corroborated the report of the two officers.

He said that Saunders, wearing a peach coloured shirt walked in a southern direction. He said as Corporal Bain and PC Jones passed Saunders in their police car, the deceased stopped, pulled out a gun and began to fire at the police car. The officers sped away as Saunders allegedly shot and chased after them.

Saunders then allegedly ran into the yard of house #20 on Antigua Street, where he stayed for about

MAN CHARGED WITH TWO COUNTS OF ATTEMPTED MURDER REMANDED

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net A MAN was sent to prison after allegedly trying to kill two people last week.

Magistrate Algernon Allen, Jr, charged Ricardo Richardson, 29, with two counts of attempted murder.

Richardson allegedly attempted to kill Emile Humes and Magnola Moxey in New Providence

on November 27.

The accused was told his matter would be moved to the Supreme Court through a voluntary bill of indictment (VBI). Richardson will be sent to the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services until the higher court grants him bail.

The defendant’s VBI is due for service on March 28, 2024.

Bjorn Ferguson represented the accused.

MAN ALLEGEDLY ROBBED WOMAN AT GUNPOINT ON CARMICHAEL RD

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net A MAN is behind bars after allegedly stealing a woman’s purse at gunpoint at a bus stop on Carmichael Road last week.

Two civilians reportedly detained the suspect before police arrested him.

Magistrate Kara Turnquest-Deveaux charged Presley Vildor, 40, with armed robbery.

Vildor, while armed with a black handgun, allegedly robbed Laleene Presume of her pink purse as she waited at a bus stop on Carmichael and Lazaretto

Roads around 6.20am on November 30.

Two male bystanders then reportedly caught the accused and held him until police arrived.

Ms Presume’s purse with $3 cash and a $350 black Samsung S-21 phone was returned to her.

Vildor was told that his matter would be transferred to the Supreme Court through a voluntary bill of indictment (VBI).

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

The VBI is set for service on February 23, 2024.

THREE MEN CHARGED WITH LOADED GUN POSSESSION

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net THREE men were granted bail after they were allegedly found with a loaded gun in their car on Cowpen Road last week.

Magistrate Lennox Coleby charged John Smith aka Wayne Demeritte, 23, Tariq Flowers, 22, and Thaddaeus Burrows, 27, with possession of an unlicensed firearm and possession of ammunition.

Smith faced four additional counts of deceit of a public officer.

Officers reportedly arrested the trio during a routine traffic stop on Cowpen Road after they found a brown Canik pistol along with 11 rounds of ammunition in their car on November 29.

During this incident, Smith allegedly gave false statements to officers PC Knowles, R/PC Dean, PC Wilson and D/SGT Sherman.

After entering a notguilty plea, the trio were each granted $8,000 bail with one or two sureties.

The trial is scheduled to begin on February 5, 2024.

three minutes, removing his shirt before trying to jump over the wall as the officers returned from another direction.

The officers then shot the suspect, causing him to fall down near the wall.

Ruth Cox, the deceased’s mother, asked the inspector questions yesterday because her son’s estate does not have a lawyer.

She asked if the footage would be shown in court.

The coroner responded that it would be shown later during the inquest.

Photos of the crime scene taken and exhibited by Sergeant Damian Burrows showed the deceased lying in a fetal position on his right side in a black shirt and pants with tan shoes.

Sgt Burrows said he saw

a gunshot wound to the deceased’s left cheek area.

Detective Sergeant Henrington Curry, a firearm analyst, read the report of fellow analyst Sgt Terria Thomas, which said that two Sig Sauer 9mm pistols belonging to the officers could fire the 9mm cartridge casings recovered at the scene.

These weapons, which

reportedly had six and nine unfired rounds of bullets left in their respective 15-round capacity magazines, were collected by Sgt Leonardo Dean after the shooting.

The .45 Glock recovered from the scene was also tested and found capable of firing bullets.

D/Sgt Curry said police do not issue .45 pistols.

Gender expression should not be a restriction but an opportunity PAGE 8, Wednesday, December 6, 2023

LAST week, there were reports of a man attempting to use a women’s restroom at a sports facility. This was later found to be false, and the original report was the result of hysteria. The person who was accused of trying to enter a women’s restroom said that they were merely accompanying someone to the general area of restrooms.

It was reported that the person was wearing a crop top. This was an important detail because it gives insight into what the person who made the false report was thinking.

Gender is a social construct. We have created and bought into specific ideas about what it means to be a woman and what it means to be a man. There are ideas that we regard as stringent rules and put considerable effort into following, and become offended when others do not.

Gender, being constructed by society, which is constantly changing, evolves over time.

In moments of time, however, it is treated as though it is static.

There was a time when men generally did not wear earrings.

They did not have long hair outside of specific fashion eras. They did not drive certain kinds or sizes of cars. They did not work certain jobs. They did not have tattoos on certain body parts. Men continue to be constrained by narrow views of masculinity.

There are, however, men who do not conform to the unreasonable rules set out for them. There are men who wear crop tops, just as there are men who who are nurses, men who cook for their families, men who get manicures, men who dance, men who express emotions beyond anger.

Gender expression should not be a restriction, but an opportunity to have fun with sharing who we are with the world. We know that gender is socially constructed because it is

THE TRIBUNE

By Alicia Wallace

different in other parts of the world. Most people are familiar with the Scottish kilt, but completely opposed to men wearing skirts or dresses.

Many people may not be aware of the range of men’s attire, especially traditional dress, in the Pacific, for example.

It is

important for us to get beyond narrow thinking as a people. It is important for us to, even if we choose to be constrained and make our lives smaller, respect the rights of other people to live beyond the limitations of the ideas of a group of people.

It is critical that we do not make false accusations against people whose mere existence makes us question what we think we know. It is okay to be uncomfortable with a new experience

that causes no harm to us. It is fine to observe a person doing something outside of the norm, to recognise personal discomfort, and to seek help with unpacking it. It is a personal issue. It is not a com-

munity threat.

Far too much of the conversation about gender and gender expression devolves into a debate about restrooms.

Here is are a few simple facts: 1. Most people need to use the restroom. This is the way our bodies our made.

2. Restrooms do not need to be the way they are now. There are other ways to design and

maintain them.

3. Restrooms, at present, are often separated by gender.

4. The gender of another person is not always visible to others.

5. There are more than two genders.

6. Transgender people exist.

All of these facts remain, and they can be connected with one another. Look at the first point and the last point.

Most of us need to use the restroom at some point, and transgender people exist. This means transgender people also need to use the restroom.

Add to this

the second point.

Restrooms do not need to be there way they are now. There can be gender-neutral restrooms. They exist in many parts of the world.

Most of us have them at home. They are often single-stall and they work in the same way the other restrooms do.

It is telling that, when the conversation about restrooms comes up, the focus is on excluding transgender people rather than ensuring that everyone has access to public

restrooms. There are real issues that need to be addressed when it comes to public restrooms. Let’s talk about the need for family restrooms. There should be a separate facility for parents to take their children into the restroom and assist them.

What is a father to do when he needs to take his daughter to the restroom?

What is a mother to do when she needs to take her son? Does one have any easier time than the other? Why? Who is really affected by this?

People with disabilities need to have access to restrooms. To be truly accessible, these restrooms need to be designed differently.

It is not just about a bigger stall. It is about the height of the sink. It is about the entrance to the facility. It is about the direction the door swings. There is much to consider and to reconstruct.

Everyone should be able to use the restroom.

Everyone should be able to do so in peace.

Everyone should be able to express their gender in ways that are comfortable for them.

Everyone needs to be able to sit with their personal discomfort with existence of people who, without causing harm to anyone or posing any threats, are living beyond the nonsensical rules to which many subscribe. This is not difficult. This is necessary.

Gender is changing. It always has. Transgender and gender-fluid people may be the most visible signs of that, and this makes them particularly vulnerable to genderbased violence. This is one of many signs of the work that we need to do, and the failure of the government to fulfill its obligation to educate the public on human rights and eradicate gender stereotypes. The work that looms ahead is both substantial and possible.

UPCOMING 16 DAYS OF ACTIVISM AGAINST GENDER BASED VIOLENCE EVENTS: 1. Femicide: What’s in a Word with Megan Walker - On Wednesday, December 6 at 6pm, Equality Bahamas will be in conversation with Megan Walker, the Vice-Chair of the London Police Service Board, about her advocacy for femicide to be defined in the Canadian Criminal Code. Walker has worked with Myrna Dawson, the lead at the Canadian Femicide Observatory who spoke with us last year about the research and analysis of femicide cases. In this conversation, we will discuss the importance of naming the gender-based and sex-based killing of women and girls as femicide, counting them as femicide, and responding to them as a specific form of violence.

Register for this event at tiny. cc/16days23d.

2. Yoga Nidra with Monique Miller - On Thursday, December 7 at 6pm, Monique Miller will guide us through a meditation which is a conscious sleep. This is one of the community care components that is built into Equality Bahamas campaigns.

Register for this event at tiny. cc/16days23e.

3. Palestine: From 1948 to Now with Falastine Dwikat - On Sunday, December 10 at 10am, Equality Bahamas will be in conversation with Falastine Dwikat about the colonization and genocide taking place in Palestine. She will bring the historical context and personal experience, and she will give recommendations for building solidarity.

Register for this event at tiny.cc/16days23g

To advertise in The Tribune, contact 502-2394

THE TRIBUNE

Wednesday, December 6, 2023, PAGE 9

NEW TECHNOLOGY INSTALLED BENEATH STREET CAN CHARGE ELECTRIC VEHICLES AS THEY DRIVE

TECHTALK

IN THE SALT DESERTS BORDERING PAKISTAN, INDIA BUILDS ITS LARGEST RENEWABLE ENERGY PROJECT

By SIBI ARASU Associated Press A TABLET shows an electric van being charged as it drives down a street in Detroit. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)

By COREY WILLIAMS Associated Press DETROIT (AP) — Crews have installed what’s billed as the nation’s first wireless-charging public roadway for electric vehicles beneath a street just west of downtown Detroit.

Copper inductive charging coils allow vehicles equipped with receivers to charge up their batteries while driving, idling or parking above the coils.

The quarter-mile segment of 14th Street will be used to test and perfect the technology ahead of making it available to the public within a few years, according to the Michigan Department of Transportation.

Demonstrations were held last week Wednesday at Michigan Central innovation district, a hub for advancing technologies and programmes that address barriers to mobility. The district also is where Ford Motor Co. is restoring the old Michigan Central train station to develop self-driving vehicles.

The technology belongs to Electreon, an Israel-based developer of wireless charging solutions for electric vehicles. The company has contracts for similar roadways in Israel, Sweden, Italy and Germany.

The pilot initiative in Michigan was announced in 2021 by Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.

“Alongside Michigan’s automotive expertise, we’ll demonstrate how wireless charging unlocks widespread EV adoption, addressing limited range, grid limitations, and battery size and costs,” said Stefan Tongur, Electreon vice president of business development. “This project

AN ELECTRIC van drives past a visible in-road wireless charging coil to be installed in a street in Detroit. A demonstration of the first electric vehicle charging road in the U.S. took place Wednesday on a quarter-mile stretch of a Motor City street.

(AP Photo/Paul Sancya) paves the way for a zero-emission mobility future, where EVs are the norm, not the exception.”

When a vehicle with a receiver nears the charging segments, the coils beneath the road transfer electricity through a magnetic field, charging the vehicle’s battery. The coils only activate when a vehicle with a receiver passes over them.

Tongur told reporters the roadway is safe for pedestrians, motorists and animals.

The state Department of

Transportation and Electreon made a five-year commitment to develop the electric road system. The DOT is expected to seek bids to rebuild part of busy Michigan Avenue, where inductive charging will also be installed.

As electric vehicles increase in popularity in the United States, the Biden administration has made its plan for half a million EV charging stations a signature piece of its infrastructure goals.

The wireless-charging roadway

helps puts Michigan and Detroit at the forefront of electric vehicle technology, officials said.

“In Michigan, we want to stay ahead of the curve. We want to lead the curve,” Michigan DOT Director Bradley C. Wieferich said.

No decisions have been made on revenue models in Michigan, Tongur said.

“The technology is smart,” he said.

“The technology knows who you are — you’re a verified and authentic user — you can get a charge.”

TESLA DELIVERS FIRST DOZEN STAINLESS STEEL CYBERTRUCK PICKUPS

By TOM KRISHER AP Auto Writer DETROIT (AP) — With manufacturing kinks still to be worked out, Tesla delivered the first dozen or so of its futuristic Cybertruck pickups to customers Thursday, two years behind the original schedule amid uncertainty over when large-scale production will begin.

CEO Elon Musk showed off the angular electric trucks with an event at the company’s factory outside of Austin, Texas, that was broadcast on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter that he bought last year.

The ceremony started with Musk driving the truck on a stage in darkness and hopping into the bed to talk about it.

“It’s the most unique thing on the road,” he said. “Finally the future will look like the future.”

The truck is aimed at the most profitable part of the U.S. auto market that’s now controlled mainly by Ford, General Motors and Ram truck maker Stellantis. But since Musk unveiled it four years ago, all three Detroit automakers have shown electric trucks of their own. Ford and GM and upstart Rivian already have trucks on sale, and the electric Ram is due out early next year.

A TESLA Cybertruck is on display at the Tesla showroom in Buena Park, California. (AP Photo/Richard Vogel) Ford’s F-Series pickups are the top-selling vehicles in the nation, followed by GM’s Chevrolet Silverado and Stellantis Ram pickup. Combined, the Detroit automakers sold nearly 1.7 million big pickups through October at prices that can reach more than $100,000 per vehicle.

Musk said the Cybertruck’s body is made of a stainless steel alloy developed by Tesla.

The body panels had to be angular because they can’t be stamped by a conventional press, he said. Stainless steel, he said, has no corrosion and doesn’t need paint, but can still be mass produced.

The truck, he said, has 17 inches (43 centimetres) of ground clearance to drive off

the road, and it can go from zero to 60 mph (97 kilometres per hour) in 2.6 seconds. It has four-wheel steering, with steering effort that changes based on the truck’s speed. It can carry more than one ton in its bed and tow over 11,000 pounds (5,000 kilogrammes), Musk told the crowd.

Musk showed videos of the truck beating a Porsche 911 in the quarter mile, while the Cybertruck was towing another Porsche on a trailer.

Another video showed it outtowing a Ford Super Duty pickup.

When Musk unveiled the truck four years ago, he said production would start in 2021.

But on the company’s

earnings conference call in October, Musk lamented how hard it has been to produce the innovative truck with a body made of hard-to-bend stainless steel.

“We dug our own grave with Cybertruck,” said Musk, who added that he didn’t think the company would reach its production target of 250,000 per year until 2025.

On the call, he told investors he wanted to temper expectations for the new trucks, citing “enormous challenges” to mass producing them. It also will be hard to generate cash flow while selling the trucks at a price people can afford, Musk said. He estimated it would take 18 months to a year before the truck produced significant positive cash flow.

“We have over 1 million people who have reserved the car, so it’s not a demand issue,” he said. “But we have to make it and we need to make it at a price people can afford.

Insanely difficult things.”

Tesla, Musk said, could easily have produced trucks similar to those already on the market, but he wanted to make something innovative and special.

“Special products that come along once in a long while are just incredibly difficult to bring to market to reach volume, to be prosperous,” he said.

He expects an upcoming lower-cost Tesla car to be more conventional and thus much easier to build.

On its website, Tesla said the a rear-wheel-drive version of the truck would start at an estimated $60,990. The topline “Cyberbeast” would start at an estimated $99,990. Reservations can be made with a refundable $250 deposit. The trucks will have a single charge estimated range of 250 to 340 miles (400 to 550 kilometres).

When the truck was unveiled in 2019, Tesla said the base version would start at $39,900, with a tri-motor, longrange model costing $69,900.

The truck was to have a range of 250 to 500 miles (400 to 800 kilometres) per electric charge.

During the ceremony, Musk repeated a stunt that went awry at the Cybertruck unveiling in 2019 when a Tesla executive hurled a softball-sized metal ball at a prototype’s supposedly shatterproof windows. The glass spider-cracked.

On Thursday an executive threw a baseball at the windows and they didn’t crack.

At the delivery ceremony, a line of trucks drove to a stage, where buyers met Musk for pictures, and he escorted them to the vehicles. In most cases, they got into the passenger side.

KHAVDA, India (AP) — Rising from the bare expanse of the large salt desert that separates India from Pakistan is what will likely be the world’s largest renewable energy project when completed three years from now.

The solar and wind energy project will be so big that it will be visible from space, according to developers of what is called the Khavda renewable energy park, named after the village nearest to the project site.

At the site, thousands of laborers install pillars on which solar panels will be mounted. The pillars rise like perfectly aligned concrete cactuses that stretch as far as the eye can see. Other workers are building foundations for enormous wind turbines to be installed; they also are transporting construction material, building substations and laying wires for miles.

When completed, the project will be about as large as Singapore, spreading out over 726 square kilometres (280 square miles). The Indian government estimates it will cost at least $2.26 billion.

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Apple TV App of the Year: MUBI, from MUBI, Inc. Apple Watch App of the Year: SmartGym, from Mateus Abras.

GAMES: iPhone Game of the Year: Honkai: Star Rail, from COGNOSPHERE PTE. LTD. iPad Game of the Year: Lost in Play, from Snapbreak Games.

Mac Game of the Year: Lies of P, from NEOWIZ. Apple Arcade Game of the Year: Hello Kitty Island Adventure, from Sunblink.

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PAGE 10, Wednesday, December 6, 2023

THE TRIBUNE

‘Coral is calling’

THE LAUNCH of the Perry Institute for Marine Sciences, the Reef Rescue Network and the Ministry of Tourism, Investments and Aviation’s ‘Coral is Calling’ diving campaign aimed at bolstering coral restoration and sustainable tourism in the Bahamas.

Photos: The Perry Institute

GOVT INVESTS $37K IN NATIONAL SCHOOL FARMING INITIATIVE

By JADE RUSSELL Tribune Staff Reporter jrussell@tribunemedia.net THE Ministry of Agriculture and Marine Resources has invested over $37,000 to launch a national school farming initiative.

Minister of Agriculture and Marine Resources Jomo Campbell said on Monday that 15 schools nationwide will receive farming materials, seedlings, and equipment through the programme, each receiving $2,500.

“We hope that this will help to educate students about agriculture, promote self-sustainability, and foster an overall connection to the environment,” he said at a press conference.

“Because agriculture is an ageing profession in The Bahamas, school farming programmes are vital to the cause of our ministry as it promotes hands-on learning experiences for students, teaching them about food production and environmental stewardship.”

Mr Campbell noted the programme could also assist with the country’s food security by encouraging local food production

that reduces reliance on imported goods.

Mr Campbell said more schools would be added to the programme in the future.

“We will be seeking in the very near future to add another 15 and perhaps more if the funding allows us to do so,” he said. “But as soon as we can accommodate the remainder of the schools, we definitely look forward for that. We want to grow this, and we want to make sure that this initiative isn’t Nassau-centric. We want to touch the Family Islands. We want to get everyone involved.”

David Cates, permanent secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture and Marine Resources, encouraged students to grow their own plants as a business. He said agriculture is an industry that can be informative and lucrative.

Some schools in the programme include DW Davis Junior High, Anatol Rodgers High School, CV Bethel Senior High School, Central Eleuthera High School, Long Island High School, Arthur’s Town High School and Eight Mile Rock High School.

THE TRIBUNE

To phase out or phase down fossil fuels?

That is the question at COP28 climate talks DUBAI Associated Press AFTER days of shaving off the edges of key warming issues, climate negotiators Tuesday zeroed in on the tough job of dealing with the main cause of what’s overheating the planet: fossil fuels.

As scientists, activists and United Nations officials repeatedly detailed how the world needs to phase-out the use of coal, oil and natural gas, the United Arab Emirateshosted conference opened “energy transition day” with a session headlined by top officials of two oil companies.

Negotiators produced a new draft of what’s expected to be the core document of the UN talks, something called the Global Stocktake, but it had so many possibilities in its 24-pages that it didn’t give too much of a hint of what will be agreed upon when the session ends next week.

Whatever is adopted has to be agreed on by consensus so it has to be near unanimous.

“It’s pretty comprehensive,” COP28 CEO Adnan Amin told The Associated Press Tuesday. “I think it provides a very good basis for moving forward. And what we’re particularly pleased about it is that it’s this early in the process.”

That will give time for a lot of give-and-take, Amin said, particularly over the area of the future of fossil fuels, “where there’s going to be a very intensive engagement process.”

Climate scientist Bill Hare, CEO of Climate Analytics, said the central issue of the meeting “is to reach a conclusion about the phasing out of fossil fuels. And unless we do that, I doubt whether we’re going to see an improvement in temperature.”

The options in the draft on the future of fossil fuels range from a lessstringent “phasedown of unabated coal power” to a simple but dramatic “an orderly and just phase out of fossil fuels.”

Amin said since September there’s been quite a bit of “momentum and clarity” for a phase-out of fossil fuels.

Two-and-a-half months ago he thought the requirement for all countries to agree would likely doom “phase-out” language.

But that could still change.

Amin said because some countries, particularly poorer ones may see phase-out as too restrictive, negotiators could even hit their thesauruses for alternatives to the much discussed phase-out or phase-down wording.

“Several parties have talked about this, including proponents of the phase-out idea,” Amin said in a sit-down interview in his office Tuesday.

“I think whatever the language, there needs to be clarity and the sense of comfort that what whatever language we actually get to begins to take us in the direction we need to be going in.”

“Everybody’s going through it with a fine tooth comb right now to see whether their issues are identified or not,” Amin said.

Scientists who track climate action said it’s crucial to watch the language for loopholes.

“We need to phase out of fossil fuels completely without a back door,” said New Climate Institute’s Niklas Hohne. “At this conference, there’s actually many back doors

being proposed at the briefing table ... mainly for prolonging the life of fossil fuels, and one is to talk about ‘unabated’ fossil fuels.”

Including “unabated” means allowing the burning of fossil fuels if their emissions can be captured and stored, a technology that’s much talked about but really hasn’t proven to work well, Hohne and other scientists have said.

Hohne and Hare’s organizations on Tuesday released an updated version of the Climate Action Tracker, which looks at pledges, policies and actions by nations and tries to calculate what kind of temperature increases that means. It found, based on pledges, the world is going in the wrong direction.

A year ago the world’s pledges, if fulfilled, would lead to 2.4 degrees Celsius (4.3 degrees Fahrenheit) of warming over pre-industrial times, but now it’s up to 2.5 degrees (4.5 Fahrenheit). That’s because several nations with weak pledges — especially Indonesia and Iran — have increased emissions so much that the world is heading more on a warmer track, said report lead author Claire Stockwell of Climate Analytics.

“We haven’t really seen any action from governments,” Stockwell said.

“Many, many countries still fund significant fossil fuel expansion,” said New Climate Institute analyst Ana Missirliu. “And in the last year since the previous COP, we’ve seen quite a cascade of worrying announcements actually starting with the (host country) UAE, whose $150 billion investment plan to expand its oil and gas industry largely — very largely — overshadows its recent renewable energy investment plans.”

The Abu Dhabi National Oil Company — run by COP28 President Sultan al-Jaber — signed a memo of understanding Monday evening with Morocco’s state-owned mining company OCP. Morocco’s state-owned news agency announced the deal, which did not include details, as one part of a broad agreement to deepen partnerships and trade ties between the North African country and the United Arab Emirates.

Missirliu also pointed to fossil fuel production expansion in the United States, United Kingdom and Saudi Arabia.

However, one bright spot is that China, the world’s biggest carbon polluter, is now set to hit peak emissions in 2025, years earlier than pledged, and by 2035 will be down to about 2017 levels, Stockwell said.

Activists had a series of events and actions lined up Tuesday at the summit seeking to amp up pressure on conference participants to agree to phase out — not down — coal, oil and gas, responsible for most of the world’s emissions, and move to clean energy in a fair way.

A team of scientists reported Tuesday that the world pumped 1.1% more heat-trapping carbon dioxide into the air than last year, largely due to increased pollution from China and India.

Protests — which are limited to “action zones” around the UN site — centred on phasing out fossil fuels and calling for finance to ramp up the move to clean energy.

Over 100 countries have pledged to triple their

renewable capacity and double energy efficiency by the end of the decade.

Francesco La Camera, director general of the International Renewable Energy Agency, said it’s possible to meet the renewable energy goal and welcome the commitment from the international community.

He urged that the transition to clean energy should “be in line with scientific UN studies that look at limiting warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius.”

Wednesday, December 6, 2023, PAGE 11

VANESSA NAKATE, center, poses for a photo with Lisa Goeldner with a sign that reads “end fossil fuels” at the COP28 UN Climate Summit yesterday in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

Photo: Peter Dejong /AP

SPORTS Don’t Blink PAGE 12

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2023

NBA,

Page 13

Stage set for baseball extravaganza this week

By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

T

he stage is set for the Don’t Blink Baseball extravaganza this week. It all begins 4pm today at the Andre Rodgers Baseball Stadium with a kid’s clinic, organised by the MLBPA. Immediately following that at 7pm will be the celebrity softball game at the stadium as well.

Among those participating in the Celebrity game are Callix C, Jason Bourgeoi, Quintin Berry, Vincent Blue, Daryl Boston, Michael Bourn, Edwin Jackson, CC Sabathia, Natasha Watley, Curtis Granderson, Tim Beckham and Christopher Young on one team. The other team will include DJ Collie, Lewis Brinson, Donye Evans, Lucius Fox, Todd Isaacs Jr, Triston McKenzie, DeShawn

Knowles, BJ Murray, Lawerence Butler, Dan Starwalt and Brennan Davis.

On Thursday at 5pm, there will be the inaugural high school showcase back at the stadium.

The climax will come on Saturday on Montagu Bay with the Don’t Blink Home Run Derby, starting at 1pm. The gates open at noon.

For the Home Run Derby, each of the 20

participating players will get 15 swings at hitting a home run into the water on Montagu Bay. Out of that field, the top four hitters will advance to the semifinal and then it will wrap up with the final round for the title.

BJ Murray is the defending champion.

The list of Major League players expected to participate are Jasrado “Jazz” Chisholm - Miami Marlins; Lucius Fox – Washington

Nationals; Will Benson – Cincinnati Reds; Nick Gordon – Minnesota Twins; Triston Mckenzie – Cleveland Guardians; Josh Palacios – Pittsburgh Pirates; Richie Palacios – St Louis Cardinals; Dany Touki Toussaint – Chicago White Sox; Akil Baddoo – Detroit Tigers; Lawrence Butler – Oakland Athletics and Lewis Brinson – Yomiuri Giant. The minor

SEE PAGE 15

Repping the 242 at ‘Little Mo’

CATHOLIC PRIMARY SCHOOLS FINALS: SHOCKERS GO UP 1-0

By TENAJH SWEETING Tribune Sports Reporter tsweeting@tribunemedia.net THE Sts Francis and Joseph School Shockers boys and girls advanced to a 1-0 series lead after game one of the Catholic Board of Education Primary Schools Championships yesterday at Loyola Hall.

The girls landed the first blow against the Xavier’s Lower School Giants with a 14-9 victory.

The Shockers’ boys won a competitive game 21-13 against the Giants to emerge one step closer to the championship trophy and remain undefeated.

Boys The Shockers and Giants both struggled with offence in the opening quarter.

The undefeated team was locked at three apiece with the Giants.

The Giants then split a pair of free throws at the

SEE PAGE 13

MINGOES IN 1-1 DRAW WITH THE WESTERN WARRIORS

GO TEAM BAHAMAS: Players from The Bahamas are competing in the Little Mo Internationals in Palm Beach, Florida. The participants include Oliver van Onselen, Jasleen Salkey, Reeves Mahelis, Stavros Mousis, Alec Hooper, Chase Newbold, Cohen Knowles, Manuel Ruiz, Pano Mousis and Patrick Mactaggart. This is the biggest ever Little Mo event with 700 players from 65 countries participating. The Little Mo tournaments feature the youngest and brightest stars in junior tennis. Seven out of the 10 players recently competed in the Cotecc Under-14 tournament at the BLTA National Tennis Centre with Patrick Mactaggart and Alec Hooper earning runner-up trophies in doubles and Patrick Mactaggart being awarded the boys’ champion. “We know that the group of talented players will play strong. The Bahamas Lawn Tennis Association wishes our junior players all the best in the tournament,” according to a BLTA press release.

THE University of The Bahamas men’s soccer team came into the Bahamas Football Association match against The Western Warriors looking for a win and a shot to move up the standings.

In a very defensive match, The Mingoes and Warriors had to settle for a 1-1 tie Sunday at The Roscow A.L. Davies Field.

Peter Julmis scored the lone goal for The Mingoes.

The Mingoes now have eight points in league play for fourth spot over four matches (2-0-2 win-lossdraw) and The Warriors have 10 points over four matches (3-0-1).

The IM Bears lead the league with 13 points over five matches (4-0-1).

SEE PAGE 15

MAJOR JR EXCITED TO BE BACK HOME DUNKIN’ DONUTS BASEBALL TREAT

By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net BACK home among family and friends after completing his first semester as a freshman for the Bison men’s tennis team at Howard University, Michael Major Jr is looking forward to displaying his skills at both the Mark Knowles Tennis Cup and the Baldacci Tennis Open.

Major Jr, 17, will be joining Jacobi Bain as two local players who are lined up to compete with a group of international tennis players who will be putting on a show at the Mark Knowles Tennis Cup from Friday to Sunday at the Baha Mar Tennis Club.

A week later, beginning on December 18, Major Jr and Bain are expected to line up to compete in the Bahamas Lawn Tennis Association’s year-ending Giorgio Baldacci Tennis Open at the National Tennis Center.

For Major Jr, there’s no greater feeling than being back home, nothing compared to what he went through at school at Howard University.

“I’ve had a good experience so far at school. It’s a lot of nice people, a lot of people encouraging you and a lot of people who are not showing you any hatred, or talking down on your dreams. In terms of tennis, I have a great team around me with a lot of great guys, good coaching staff, good fitness coaches and school wise it’s been going good. I have some really good professors, so I have really been engaging in my classes. It’s been good so far.”

When he returns in January, Major Jr said he’s looking forward to getting on the court and playing in his first official match as a Bison. He spent the past four months just going through the formalities and getting used to his new environment.

MICHAEL Major Jr “I’m looking forward to going back and competing,” he said. “I’m looking forward to playing with my team.”

But now that he’s back home, Major, the son of Bernadette ‘Chips’ and Michael Major Sr, admitted that there’s no place like home.

“While I’m here, I will be training and working out

SEE PAGE 14

ON Monday, Dunkin’ Donuts on East Street was transformed into the epicentre of baseball and Dunkin’ delights, as local baseball players from the highly anticipated Don’t Blink Home Run Derby took a break from knocking balls out of the park to serve customers not only coffee and donuts, but lots of smiles.

In a fusion of sports, caffeine and community, Dunkin’ Bahamas proudly announces its partnership with the 2023 Don’t Blink Home Run Derby, a dynamic event created by esteemed Bahamian international major league baseball prospects Todd Isaacs Jr and Lucius Fox, with the Washington Nationals.

Katherine Nelson, operations manager for Dunkin’ Bahamas, said: “As an official MVP sponsor of the Don’t Blink Home Run Derby, we are honoured to be a part of this event.

MAJOR League Baseball player Lucius Fox helps out at the Dunkin’ Donuts drive-thru.

“The Don’t Blink Home Run Derby is a celebration of baseball, community and the vibrant spirit of The Bahamas.

“Our collaboration goes beyond coffee, it’s about creating memorable experiences for our customers and supporting initiatives that uplift our young people and our community.

“Today, we brought the excitement of the Derby right to our Dunkin’ store.

We are truly grateful to our talented young Bahamian baseball stars who will be participating in the Derby for taking a break from the field, swapping bats for Dunkin’ aprons and serving our customers while promoting this weekend’s Home Run Derby.”

“This week, we are also providing Dunkin’ Donuts and goodie bags to the Kids Baseball and Softball

SEE PAGE 15

THE TRIBUNE

Wednesday, December 6, 2023, PAGE 13

‘Buddy’ Hield thriving in starting role for Pacers

By TENAJH SWEETING Tribune Sports Reporter tsweeting@tribunemedia.net SINCE being added to the Indiana Pacers’ starting unit in late November, Bahamian guard Chavano “Buddy” Hield has thrived in his starting role.

In addition to Hield’s success, the Pacers are rolling not only in the Eastern Conference but also in the inaugural National Basketball Association (NBA) In-Season tournament.

The Grand Bahama native’s team currently sits at the sixth position in the respective conference with an 11-8 (win/loss record) and earned an undefeated 4-0 record in the group stage of the NBA’s newest tourney.

The Pacers’ most recent victory came against the Boston Celtics, the Eastern Conference’s first-seeded team, on Monday night in the quarterfinals of the InSeason Tournament.

The Pacers ousted the Celtics 122-112 in a crowdthriller at the Gainbridge Fieldhouse.

The former no. 6 pick played an instrumental role for the Pacers to help the team advance to Thursday’s semifinals.

He was the team’s second highest scorer, behind point guard Tyrese Haliburton, with 21 points in 32 minutes of action.

Additionally, he collected two rebounds, two assists and two steals.

Offensively he was in top form, knocking down 7-for11 field goals on 63.6 per cent shooting and from behind the arc shot 4-for-6 on a 66.7 per cent shooting clip.

After a quiet first quarter, Hield got it going in the following period when he scored a driving layup on an assist from Benedict Mathurin at the 9:33 mark.

Less than two minutes later, the senior national team player splashed one of his four three-pointers on the night to give the Pacers a 33-30 lead.

The Bahamian threepoint marksman garnered some momentum after he dropped yet another three followed by a dunk to give him 10 points in the knockout game.

In the fourth quarter alone, Hield scored 11 points to push his team to yet another tourney win.

During the 30-year-old’s seven games as a starter this season, he has averaged 17.4 points per game (ppg), pulled down 2.4 rebounds and dished out 2.6 assists. He has been a prolific scorer with a 53.6 per cent average for field

GIANNIS AND BUCKS BREEZE PAST KNICKS 146-122, INTO SEMIFINALS OF IN-SEASON TOURNAMENT

By RICH ROVITO Associated Press

INDIANA Pacers’ Tyrese Haliburton (0) and Buddy Hield, right, celebrate during the second half of an NBA basketball In-Season Tournament game against the Boston Celtics on Monday night in Indianapolis.

PACERS’ Buddy Hield (7) goes to the basket against Celtics’ Derrick White (9) during the second half of their NBA basketball InSeason Tournament game.

(AP Photos/Darron Cummings) goals and 47.1 percentage from behind the threepoint line.

At the charity stripe, his efficiency remains up to par with 88.9 per cent.

Over the last seven games Hield has started, the Pacers have a 4-3 record which translates to a .571 win percentage.

The Bahamian guard has turned in some dominant games recently, particularly

against the Atlanta Hawks and Toronto Raptors.

In his first game back in the team’s starting lineup, Hield dropped a then season-high 24 points on a scorching 81.8 shooting percentage.

In the game, Hield canned 6-for-6 three pointers which was the first time in his career he made that amount of threes without a miss. If that performance

was not enough, in the Pacers’ next game against the Raptors, the Grand Bahama native put up a season-high 31 points.

The points were paired with five assists and two steals.

He upped the ante with scoring in this game, making 7-for-12 shots from behind the arc for 58 per cent while shooting 70.6 per cent on field goals.

After rejoining the team’s starting lineup, Hield has been nothing short of productive for the Pacers.

Indiana hopes this continues as the team remains in contention for the NBA Cup. The Pacers are scheduled to play again in the NBA In-Season Tournament semifinals at 5pm on Thursday, December 7.

MILWAUKEE (AP) — Giannis Antetokounmpo had 35 points and 10 assists, Damian Lillard added 28 points, and the Milwaukee Bucks beat the New York Knicks 146-122 last night to reach the semifinals of the NBA’s inaugural In-Season Tournament.

The Bucks posted a season high in scoring, shooting 60.5% (23 of 38) from 3-point range and 60.4% overall to set up a matchup with Indiana in Las Vegas on Thursday.

Milwaukee is 5-0 in tournament play and extended its home winning streak to nine games. The Bucks (15-6) have won 10 of 12 overall.

Julius Randle scored a season-high 41 points for the Knicks, whose threegame winning streak was snapped.

Jalen Brunson added 24 points and R.J. Barrett scored 23 for New York, which earned a wild-card berth in the knockout round through a point-differential tiebreaker.

Antetokounmpo had an injury scare less than two minutes into the game.

After tipping in a missed shot, he landed on Randle’s foot and rolled his left ankle.

Antetokounmpo fell to the floor in pain. He eventually limped up the court but stayed in the game and tallied 10 of the Bucks’ first 13 points.

After a tightly contested first half, the Bucks pulled ahead by as many as 18 points in the third quarter. Milwaukee led by as many as 27 in the fourth and coach Adrian Griffin emptied his bench, giving rare playing time to Antetokounmpo’s brother, Thanasis, and Robin Lopez, the twin brother of starting centre Brook Lopez.

Lillard swished three step-back 3-pointers in the waning stages of the second quarter to give the Bucks at 75-72 lead at halftime.

It was the highest-scoring first half this season for Milwaukee.

The Knicks had gone 10-3 since losing to the Bucks in Milwaukee on November 3 in the opener of tournament group play.

UP NEXT Knicks: At Boston on Friday.

Bucks: Will seek to avenge a 126-124 loss to the host Pacers in the teams’ only meeting this season.

IN THE BOOKS: The Sts Francis and Joseph Lower School Shockers boys and girls advanced to a 1-0 lead in their respective series in the Catholic Board of Education Primary Schools championships.

Photos: Tenajh Sweeting/Tribune Staff half where the Shockers got Nkomo Ferguson, the game and they closed it The Shockers got on know that we are here and CATHOLIC out to a 7-1 run after tying head coach of the Shock- out,” Ferguson said. the scoreboard early and we basically came to win. the score at six to lead the ers, shared the difference With a chance to sweep charged out to a 7-3 advan- “Everybody did their job PRIMARY game 13-7. between the first and the series today, the head tage. The Giants got within and handled their assignthis juncture in second half for his team in coach is confident in the three to make the score ments today,” he said.

BASKETBALL theAfter game, the Giants were game one. team’s ability to get it done. 10-7 but the Shockers never He added that the expec-

FROM PAGE 12

charity stripe to change the score to 4-3.

They had the Shockers on the ropes as they went into the halftime break leading 6-3. However, the tides turned in the second

unable to regain their footing in the contest and went down 0-1 in the best-ofthree championships series.

Emery Sturrup, who poured in 10 points in the last game, scored 13 of the Shockers’ 21 total points in the contest.

“We were sluggish in the first half.

“Our point guard got three early fouls so we had to sit him out for a whole quarter but the secondary team stepped up and in the third quarter we got our starting five back in

“We are planning on closing it out tomorrow and that’s it,” the head coach said.

Girls Grace Smith led the way for the Shockers with a game-high eight points en route to a game one win.

let up and secured the first victory of the series.

Coach Ferguson was pleased with the team’s chemistry and execution with game one now in the books. “They played well today. We beat them convincingly and let them

tations are the same for both teams to close out their respective championship series today at Loyola Hall.

Game two of the Catholic Board of Education Primary Schools championships begins at 3:45pm.

PAGE 14, Wednesday, December 6, 2023

THE TRIBUNE

ISLAND TENNIS BAHAMAS CHALLEGE @ THE BAHA MAR TENNIS CLUB

Barracuda team wins the title THE Island Tennis Bahamas Challege took place at the Baha Mar Tennis Club with the Barracuda team winning the title over the weekend.

The Barracuda, consisting of Kevaughn Ferguson, Brezile Hamilton, Rasheed Carey, Bryce Carrol, Bjorn Ferguson, Alejandro Mesples and Bobby Chen, won the title 60-55 over the Stingrays, which included Dentry Mortimer Jr, Justyn Thompson, Joshua Turnquest, Virgil Godfrey, Jeffery Thompon and Jeremy Stuby.

This was the second such tournament organised

by Island Tennis Bahamas. The first tournament was won by the Grouper, which featured Philip Major Jr, O’Neil Mortimer, Justin Lunn, Ken Kerr, Larry Rolle and Patrick Fernander.

The Blue Marlins were the other team making up the field. They comprised of Marvin Rolle, Jamal Adderley, Hyles Turnquest, Alex Murbach, Ivan Hooper and Jermy Stuby.

The teams played a series of doubles matches to determine the winner.

Philip Major Jr, one of the organisers, said they were thrilled with the success of the tournament.

“We had a great turnout.

It was a lot of fun bringing the adult community together for a lot of fun and festivities,” Major Jr said.

“These are the kinds of things that we need to see more of in our tennis community, so hats off to the coaches for being untied to pull off such a beautiful event.”

Major Jr said they hope to put on another tournament in a few weeks.

he stated. “So it’s forward to it and I’m just “He’s already been at the I know there’s going to be MICHAEL home,” just nice to be surrounded going to go out there and top of the game and now some strong competition, and friends.” do what I always do and he’s helping us out. It’s good but I feel as though I’m MAJOR JR byAsmyhefamily prepares to get on that is play tennis.” to have someone like him ready,” he said. “With the

FROM PAGE 12

and spending time with my family and friends,” said Major Jr, who will take his final exam here at home online.

The 6-foot-two-inch Major Jr said if there’s anything he missed about home, it was the food.

“Being away from home for about four months, being back around my family and friends, you get to appreciate the small little things that you took for granted when you were at

the court here this weekend, Major Jr said he’s delighted to have been afforded another opportunity by Bahamian tennis icon Mark Knowles to participate in his international event.

“Being able to play with such huge figures in the game of tennis is a great feeling,” Major Jr said.

“Just being able to step on the court and be around such great people is just an amazing feat.

“I think it’s going to be a lot of fun. I’m looking

Major Jr, who benefitted from the Mark Knowles Foundation, allowing him to complete his final two years in high school at the Windsor High School as a part of the Albany Tennis Academy, said he will forever be grateful to Knowles.

“It feels great to have someone like him recognise the talent for such a long time. They have been helping us out as long as I could remember,” Major Jr pointed out. “It’s just a great feeling to have someone like him helping out.

who believes in you. I’m just happy for the experience and the exposure that I got from him.”

Hopefully, Major Jr said he would like to follow in Knowles’ footsteps, representing the country at the prestigious Davis Cup. He first has to go through the qualifying process that starts with the Giorgio Baldacci National Open where he will compete against some of the top players in the country.

“I’m looking forward to competing with the guys,

college tennis I’ve experienced so far, it has taught me how to adapt and to find a way when there’s no way.

“So I am looking forward to competing and to see how far I can go. I just have to use all of my skills mentally and physically, but I think I can get it done.”

The Bisons, coached by Nicholas Askew, will begin their season on Major Jr’s return to Howard University in January. They play out of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC).

MICHAEL Major Jr in action.

THE TRIBUNE

Wednesday, December 6, 2023, PAGE 15

UB MINGOES IN 1-1 DRAW WITH WESTERN WARRIORS FROM PAGE 12 The Renegades sit in third spot with nine points over three matches.

In the first half, The Mingoes had several missed opportunities to score.

At about the 28th minute mark a very close shot on goal seemed to reverberate around the goal line but was not scored.

The Mingoes captain Marlon Barnes also had a penalty kick outside of the box as well in the 37th minute. The half ended in a 0-0 tie.

Mingoes midfielder Peter Julmis in the 46th minute came out on a long pass from Junior Kelly and controlled the ball deep in the box.

Julmis fired the shot through the legs of Warrior’s keepers Tahjae Sharpe for the goal.

“I guess my striker’s instinct just kicked in,” he said. “I saw the pass in the air and I went for it and it was a 50-50. I won the ball and I just wanted to get a shot on target. I got that and lucky it went through the keeper’s legs and I scored a goal.”

The Warriors would answer back with a goal of their own in the 51st minute to tie the match.

The Mingoes had a total of three shots on goal for the afternoon compared to the 10 shots on goal for The Warriors.

Mingoes goalie Antonio Beckford had three saves on the afternoon.

Both sides had several opportunities to score after that but the match ended in a 1-1 draw. The Mingoes wanted all three points for a win though.

DON’T BLINK

FROM PAGE 12 league’s list include Brennen Davis – Chicago Cubs; James Wood – Washington Nationals; Termarr Johnson – Pittsburgh Pirates; Sebastian Walcott – Texas Rangers; BJ Murray – Chicago Cubs; D’Shawn Knowles – Los Angeles Angels; Chavez Young – Toronto Blue Jays; Tahnaj Thomas

By STEVE DOUGLAS AP Sports Writer

UB midfielder Peter Julmis celebrates his goal against Western Warriors at The Roscow A.L. Davies Field.

UB midfielder O’Bryan Hinds (blue 18) and a Western Photos: UB ATHLETICS Warriors player battle for a ball.

UB midfielder O’Bryan Hinds (blue 18) and a Western Warriors player battle for the ball.

“It was a disappointing result,” head coach Alex Thompson said. “We had our chances to win it today but we just didn’t finish well. We had six players coming off of the flu and I believe that played a role in our up and down energy levels today.”

UB midfielder Stanley Grand Pierre (blue 10) moves the ball against The Western Warriors.

“Unfortunate tonight Julmis agreed.

“I In the overall standings, think the boys know that we were not able to get all a team is awarded three between us and The West- three. It was a great oppo- points for a win and one ern Warriors we are the nent but I guess it was just point for a draw. best teams in the league,” the boys not coming out to The University of the practices - myself included. Bahamas Mingoes are he said.

“We just need to go back scheduled to play Inter “Going against any opponent, we look forward to the training ground, FC-17 (1-2-1) 5:30pm to get all three points from go to practice and follow Sunday at The Roscow coach’s plan.” a win.

A.L. Davies Field.

– Pittsburgh Pirates; Ian Lewis – Miami Marlins; Jon Flowers – Pittsburgh Pirates; Kristin Munroe – Los Angeles Angels; Ryan Reckley – San Francisco Giants; Parris Johnson – Los Angeles Dodgers; Adari Grant – Los Angeles Angels; Toby Simmons – Miami Marlins; Cheriff Neymour – Miami Marlins; Daniel Gaitor – Miami Marlins; Breyias Dean – Miami Marlins; Andru Arthur – St Louis Cardinals; Chad Delancey – Boston Red Sox and

Janero Miller – Miami Marlin.

Team Bahamas will be made up of Lucius Fox – Washington Nationals; BJ Murray – Chicago Cubs; Sebas Walcott – Texas Rangers; D’Shawn Knowles – Los Angeles Angels; Ryan Reckley – San Francisco Giants; Kristin Munroe – Los Angeles Angels; Toby Simmons - Miami Marlins; Adari Grant - St Louis Cardinals; Chavez Young - Pittsburgh Pirates; Breyias Dean – Miami Marlins

DUNKIN’ DONUTS FROM PAGE 12

Skills Clinic and more donuts with our signature refreshers for the Future’s Showcase scheduled for Wednesday at the Andre Rodgers Stadium.”

In 2017, event cofounders, Isaacs and Fox recognised the need for inclusive baseball experiences in The Bahamas, inspiring them to establish the Don’t Blink Home Run Derby. This extraordinary event provides a unique opportunity for young baseball enthusiasts to watch and play with international league players at home. Now in its sixth instalment of the event, it has grown to a full week of activities, including the Kids Clinic, a Celebrity Game, Golf Tournament and main event, the Home Run Derby scheduled for Saturday, December 9 at Montagu Beach.

Isaacs expressed gratitude to Dunkin’ Bahamas.

“Having Dunkin’ on board as a sponsor for this year’s event is significant and we are appreciative.

Our partners allow us to bring baseball to the kids in our local communities and to bring our vision for this year’s event to life, to showcase The Bahamas while we advance the game of baseball. We are very grateful! Today was a really cool experience here at Dunkin’ and we are thrilled to have had the opportunity to interact with customers, fans and the Dunkin’ employees and to put smiles on faces as we start the week.”

About the main events, Isaacs added: “This week we will be bringing some

ARSENAL MOVES FIVE POINTS CLEAR IN PREMIER LEAGUE

MAJOR League Baseball player Deshawn Knowles hard at work at the Dunkin’ Donuts drive-thru. of the best players to play the game alongside today’s top talent and the future stars of baseball in a high number of energy events. Not only is this a baseball showcase, but we are opening the doors of The Bahamas to showcase the beauty of our country while highlighting the depth of our sports talent and creating opportunities for future generations.”

Lucius Fox, co-founder for the event, also expressed gratitude for the support offered to the event over the years but noted that there is stillmore work to do.

“Our vision is to take the event to the Family Islands, there are so many Bahamians that have never had the opportunity to experience what we do so we want to take the show to them.”

Fox, who also donned a Dunkin’ apron, said: “We are super grateful to Dunkin’ for allowing us to come into the store and help serve customers,

make drinks and even learn how to frost donuts.

This was a unique, fun experience for us and we look forward to building on this partnership in years to come.”

At the heart of the Don’t Blink Home Run Derby is a thrilling competition where players vie to hit the most balls the furthest into the water, scheduled this Saturday, December 9 at Montagu Beach.

Aptly named ‘The Greatest Show on Sand,’ this event not only entertains but also serves as a catalyst for increased tourism, community engagement and economic opportunities.

About Dunkin’ Bahamas: Dunkin’ Bahamas, proud MVP Sponsor of the Don’t Blink Home Run Derby, is dedicated to blending the joy of Dunkin’ with the passion for community and sportsmanship. There are nine Dunkin’ locations across the island of New Providence.

and Paris Johnson- LA Dodgers.

Team World will be made up of Will Benson - Cincinnati Reds; James Wood – Washington Nationals; Josh Palacios – Pittsburgh Pirates; Richie Palacios - St Louis Cardinals; Akil Baddoo - Detroit Tigers; Lawrence Butler – Oakland Athletics; Nick Gordon – Minnesota Twins; Lewis Brinson Yomiuri Giants; Brennen Davis – Chicago Cubs and Termarr Johnson – Pittsburgh Pirates.

“Everything looks great.

We’re looking forward to it,” said Todd Isaacs Jr, who along with fellow Bahamian professional baseball player Lucius Fox started the event six years ago to give Bahamians a chance to watch the internationally based players in a unique event on Montagu Bay. “We have a great group of guys coming down to participate in all of the events.”

The high school showcase is an added feature and will feature 25 of the top high school baseball players from around the United States of America, which are coming here through Minority Baseball Prospects.

They will be in a showcase with some of the top local players from the Bahamas.

Of course, the highlight of the weekend will be the Home Run Derby, which will also take on a new format when the Bahamas players will be matched against a host of foreign pro players coming to the Bahamas.

“We hope to showcase our top players against these minor and major leaguers as we try to take the title right here in the Bahamas,” Fox Jr said.

“So we’re looking forward to a really good showing as we continue to push the baseball narrative in the Bahamas.”

SPORTS CALENDAR MACEDONIA BAPTIST CHURCH FAMILY FUN WALK THE Men’s Department of Macedonia Baptist Church is scheduled to hold a Family Fun Walk Race to kick off the new year and the beginning of its Men’s Anniversary at 6am on Saturday, January 6 with a Family Fun Walk Race.

The event will honour the late Minister Charles Albury, who passed away this year. It starts at the church on Bernard Road, Fox Hill, and heads west on Bernard Road to the Village Road round-a-bout and returns on Bernard Road to the church. Awards will be presented to the first three finishers in each category for men and women.

There will be an award for the church with the most finishers. T-shirts will be provided, as well as a bowl of souse.

The registration fee is $20 per person.

For those not participating in the walk, souse will be sold at $10. Interested persons are urged to contact Brent Stubbs at 426-7265 or stubbobs@gmail.com for further information.

AS soon as the ball hit the back of the net, Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya sprinted the length of the field to celebrate the last-gasp winner with his jubilant teammates.

No player will have been more relieved than Raya to see Declan Rice’s glancing header creep into the corner and seal a chaotic 4-3 victory over Luton in the Premier League yesterday.

While Rice is proving value for money after his club-record signing in July, Raya — another offseason recruit — remains an issue for Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta as the team bids to win the league title after last season’s near miss.

Arsenal moved five points clear with its fourth straight victory in the league, overcoming errors from Raya that led to two goals for Luton by netting in the seventh minute of stoppage time through Rice at Kenilworth Road.

“The spirit of the team — how we fought, showed our quality in the right moments and never gave up,” Arteta said. “We went for it and got our rewards.”

Arteta chose not to talk about the mistakes by Raya, which looked like they’d be costly for Arsenal.

The team was leading 2-1 in the 49th minute when the Spanish goalkeeper was beaten in the air at a corner

by Elijah Adebayo, who powered in a header for an equalizer.

Eight minutes later, Raya allowed a shot by Ross Barkley to go under his body as he dived to his left.

Luton, a promoted team likely to be battling relegation this season, was suddenly 3-2 ahead and Raya didn’t know where to look.

Kai Havertz scored an equaliser almost immediately, though, and incessant pressure in the final minutes ended with Martin Odegaard whipping in a cross and Rice rising to flick a header into the bottom corner, sparking wild celebrations in the away end and jeers from Luton fans.

The goal came after the six allotted minutes of stoppage time had expired.

Arsenal has won nine points from goals in the last five minutes of games this season, a good sign for a club looking to win the league for the first time since 2004.

Arteta now has to decide what to do with Raya, who has taken the place of Aaron Ramsdale since arriving from Brentford.

Dec 2023

NPVA VOLLEYBALL NEW Providence Volleyball Association continues its regular season this week with the following games on tap: Wednesday - 8pm - Lady Techs vs.

Panthers (L).

Friday - 7:30pm - Spikers vs.

Poppers (L). 9pm - Lady Techs vs.

UB Mingoes (L).

Sunday - 3:30pm - UB Mingoes vs.

Lady Warhawks (L) 5pm - Panthers vs. Spikers (L).

A BASEBALL CHRISTMAS THE National Sports Authority is slated to host a Baseball Christmas at the Andre Rodgers Baseball Stadium from December 22-23.

The public is invited to come out and get signed autographs from the Bahamian professional baseball players, who will also complete in a series of games.

There will also be an over-40 exhibition game between some of the former players. Tickets are priced at $5.

THE TRIBUNE

Wednesday, December 6, 2023, PAGE 17

STOCK MARKET TODAY

Most of Wall Street slips following mixed data on the economy

By STAN CHOE AP Business Writer MOST stocks slipped on Wall Street Tuesday, but the market hung near its best level in 20 months following mixed reports that kept alive questions about whether the U.S. economy can pull off a perfect landing where it snuffs out high inflation but avoids a recession.

The S&P 500 edged down by 2.60 points, or 0.1%, to 4,567.18 for its first backto-back loss since October.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped 79.88, or 0.2%, to 36,124.56, and the Nasdaq composite rose 44.42, or 0.3%, to 14,229.91.

Stocks were down more sharply in Asia amid worries about the health of China's economy, the world's second largest.

On Wall Street, KeyCorp fell 3.7% and led a slump for bank stocks after it cut its forecast for income from fees and other noninterest income. But gains of more than 2% for Apple

and Nvidia, two of the market's most influential stocks, helped to blunt the losses.

U.S. stocks and Treasury yields wavered after reports showed that employers advertised far fewer job openings at the end of October than expected, while growth for services businesses accelerated more last month than expected.

Hope has been rising on Wall Street recently that the U.S. economy is slowing from its recently hot pace by just the right amount.

Too much strength would give inflation more fuel, but too little would mean a recession.

With inflation down from its peak two summers ago, Wall Street is hopeful the Federal Reserve may finally be done with its marketshaking hikes to interest rates and could soon turn to cutting rates. That could help the economy avoid a recession and give a boost to all kinds of investment prices.

A STREET sign is seen in front of the New York Stock Exchange in New York, Tuesday, June 14, 2022. Wall Street headed lower early Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2023, after Moody’s Investor Service downgraded China’s sovereign debt rating as the country’s real estate crisis seeps into its local government and private financing.

Photo:Seth Wenig/AP

Investors have been looking for a slowdown in the job market in particular.

The hope is that it can cool more through employers cutting back on open positions than on employers laying off lots of workers.

Tuesday's report showed that employers advertised just 8.7 million jobs on the last day of October, down by 617,000 from a month earlier. It's the lowest level since 2021, and the "data support our view that rates

are at a peak and the Fed's next move will be a rate cut" in the spring of 2024, said Rubeela Farooqi, chief U.S. economist at High Frequency Economics.

A separate report said that activity for U.S. services industries expanded for the 41st time in the last 42 months, with growth reported by everything from agriculture to wholesale trade. Strength there has been offsetting weakness in manufacturing.

In the bond market, Treasury yields continued to sag further from the heights they reached during late October.

The yield on the 10-year Treasury fell to 4.17% from 4.26% late Monday, offering more breathing space for stocks and other markets. It had been above 5% and at its highest level in more than a decade during October.

The yield on the twoyear Treasury, which more closely tracks expectations for the Fed, went on a jagged run following the economic reports. It fell from 4.61% just before the reports' release to 4.57% and then yo-yoed before easing back to 4.55%.

Traders widely expect the Federal Reserve to hold its key interest rate steady at

its next meeting next week, before potentially cutting rates in March, according to data from CME Group.

Fed officials have recently hinted that the federal funds rate may indeed already be at its peak. It's above 5.25%, up from nearly zero early last year. But Fed Chair Jerome Powell and others have also warned Wall Street about being overzealous in its predictions about how early a cut could happen.

Lower yields have been one reason prices for cryptocurrencies have been rising recently. Excitement about a possible exchangetraded fund tied to bitcoin, which would open it to new kinds of investors, has also helped send it above $43,000 recently.

PAGE 18, Wednesday, December 6, 2023

THE TRIBUNE

SUPREME COURT SIGNALS IT WILL UPHOLD A TAX ON FOREIGN INCOME AND LEAVE A WEALTH TAX FOR ANOTHER DAY THE U.S. Supreme Court is seen at near sunset in Washington, on Oct. 18, 2018. The Supreme Court is hearing arguments in a challenge to the Securities and Exchange Commission’s ability to fight fraud, part of a broader attack on regulatory agencies led by conservative and business interests.

Photo:Manuel Balce Ceneta/AP

By MARK SHERMAN Associated Press THE Supreme Court on Tuesday seemed inclined to uphold a tax on foreign income while leaving questions about a broader, never-enacted tax on wealth for another day.

On the first issue, conservative and liberal justices voiced concerns that ruling for a Washington state couple challenging a provision of the 2017 tax bill would threaten other provisions of the tax code.

After two hours of arguments, there seemed to be a consensus on the court that “there is room for some narrow ground” to decide the case, as Justice Neil Gorsuch said. Such an outcome would avoid what Solicitor General Elizabeth Prelogar said would be “several trillion dollars in lost revenues.”

At the same time, the court would not address the bigger question of Congress’ ability to enact taxes based on wealth, instead of income.

The case argued Tuesday was brought by Charles and Kathleen Moore of

KisanKraft Machine Tools Private Limited.

The 2017 tax law that was passed by a Republican Congress and signed by then-President Donald Trump includes a provision that applies to companies that are owned by Americans, but do their business in foreign countries. It imposes a one-time tax on investors’ shares of profits that have not been passed along to them, in order to offset other tax benefits.

The provision is expected to generate $340 billion, mainly from the foreign subsidiaries of domestic corporations that parked money abroad to shield it from U.S. taxes.

The case attracted outsize attention because some groups allied with the Moores argue that the challenged provision is similar to a wealth tax, which would apply not to the incomes of the very richest Americans but to their

Federal Trade Commission is investigating ExxonMobil's $60B deal to acquire a Texas oil company

The FTC, which shares antitrust authority with the Justice Department, can sue in court to block a merger or decline to take action, effectively clearing the deal. A spokesman for the commission declined to comment Tuesday.

Chevron, Exxon and other oil companies have announced huge profits from strong energy prices and demand since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Exxon reported $9.1 billion in profits in the quarter that ended Sept.

30, while Chevron reported $6.5 billion in profits.

Exxon has said the proposed deal with Texasbased Pioneer Resources would enhance U.S. energy security and benefit the

By MATTHEW DALY Associated Press FEDERAL regulators are investigating ExxonMobil's $60 billion deal to acquire a Texas oil company in what would be one the largest mergers in the energy industry in two decades, according to securities filings.

The Federal Trade Commission, which enforces federal antitrust law, has asked for additional information from the companies about Exxon's proposed

Redmond, Washington.

They challenged a $15,000 tax bill based on Charles Moore’s investment in an Indian company.

Backed by anti-regulatory and business interests, they contend that the tax violates the 16th Amendment, which allows the federal government to impose an income tax on Americans. Moore said in a sworn statement that he never received any money from the company,

acquisition of Pioneer Natural Resources. The request is a step the agency takes when reviewing whether a merger could be anticompetitive under U.S. law. Pioneer disclosed the request in a filing Tuesday.

The investigation comes after Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and 22 other Democratic senators urged the FTC to investigate the ExxonPioneer deal and a separate acquisition by oil giant Chevron, a proposed $53 billion purchase of Hess

Corporation. Both deals are among the largest petroleum deals in U.S. history and could violate antitrust law, the Democrats said.

There's no public indication of a federal inquiry into the Chevron merger.

Schumer said Tuesday he asked the FTC to "take a hard look at Exxon's blockbuster merger and block it if it would lead to higher prices, hurt competition or force families to pay more at the pump. I'm glad the FTC is taking this step.''

assets, like stock holdings, that now only get taxed when they are sold.

Paul Ryan, the Wisconsin Republican who was speaker of the House when the tax bill was passed by a Republican Congress and signed into law by thenPresident Donald Trump, has called the challenge misguided and has said “a lot of the tax code would be unconstitutional if that thing prevailed.”

Democratic Sen. Ron Wyden of Oregon said a court ruling for the Moores could stymie legislation like the Billionaires Income Tax he introduced last week.

“The Moore case could make it impossible to close those loopholes,” Wyden said.

Some conservative justices seemed to have a wealth tax in mind when they asked Prelogar, the Biden administration’s top Supreme Court lawyer, about the “far-reaching

consequences,” in Justice Samuel Alito’s words, of her arguments.

But Justice Brett Kavanaugh chimed in to say “we don’t have to agree with you on that for you to prevail.” Even Alito at one point acknowledged he “was quite concerned by the potential implications” of the Moores’ arguments.

The case also has kicked up ethical concerns and raised questions about the story the Moores’ lawyers told in court filings.

Public documents show that Charles Moore’s involvement with the company, including serving as a director for five years, is far more extensive than court filings indicate.

Alito rejected calls from Senate Democrats to step away from the case because of his ties to David Rivkin, a lawyer who is representing the Moores.

American economy and consumers.

Chevron said its proposed deal with New York-based Hess would strengthen long-term performance while "delivering higher returns and lower carbon" dioxide emissions that contribute to global warming.

Both deals must be approved by federal regulators.

Environmental groups have denounced what some called "merger mania" in

the oil industry that threatens competition.

"Exxon publicly promised to reduce emissions, yet subsequently spent $60 billion acquiring another fossil fuel company – doubling down on their commitment to oil and gas and putting profits over people,'' said Alex Witt of Climate Power, a leftleaning advocacy group founded by the Center for American Progress Action Fund, League of Conservation Voters and Sierra Club.

THE TRIBUNE

Wednesday, December 6, 2023, PAGE 19

Business Licence full audit ‘screams you don’t trust us’ FROM PAGE A24 The Government is close to agreeing “built-in flexibility” over the deadline for submitting the audited financials in a bid to ease the strain on companies, with end-June set to be selected as the cut-off point. And Simon Wilson, the Ministry of Finance’s financial secretary, yesterday further clarified that the audit “does not have to be aligned to the Government’s tax year”, which closes at June 30.

While the Business Licence is based on the calendar year, he added that in “instances where it is different there is a reconciliation process agreed” with the Bahamas Institute of Chartered Accountants (BICA) and its members. However, Mr Albury said he and his members are still seeking an audience with the Government in a bid to address their concerns.

“It’s cost prohibitive,” he told Tribune Business, pointing to the expense associated with undergoing a full audit.

“It’s far-reaching in our opinion, and I guess in a lot of the opinions being expressed elsewhere. We have sent a letter to the Government requesting we have some consultation to discuss it.

“It’s going to put a big expense on us, especially at this time when we’re trying to regain our footing after COVID and supply shortages. We’re also dealing with price controls. We cannot pass the increase associated with these additional accounting fees on to the consumer, which means we have to absorb them along with a lot of other cost increases when it comes to doing business.”

Pointing out that price controls force Bahamian auto dealers to “work on very slim profit margins”, Mr Albury said just two BMDA members’ have financial

year-ends on December 31. All other dealers are “spread out throughout the year”, which he added would result in additional Business Licence-related audit costs, although Mr Wilson yesterday stressed this issue has been addressed with BICA. The BMDA president, though, argued that the Department of Inland Revenue’s ability to conduct audit inspections of companies suspected of evading or under-reporting taxes, as well as the more robust sanctions regime contained in the Business Licence Act, should provide sufficient deterrent to potential wrongdoers and make a full audit - especially when the fee is based solely on turnover - unnecessary.

“The bottom line is they trust us to collect VAT,” Mr Albury added of the Government. “We’re compliant with the Department of Inland Revenue and the National Insurance Board (NIB), every aspect of what

they deal with, and if they feel there are people doing things illegally they should go after those individuals.

“They probably have a good idea of who is and who isn’t, and need to go after those companies rather than use a blanket approach...

I think what this screams is that we don’t trust you.

That’s what we and other businesses are being told.

“I think there are already safeguards and provisions in place to control that behaviour and, to the best of my knowledge no member of our Association has been accused of having fallen at any point or found to have done anything illegal.”

Mr Albury said auto dealers are “already mandated” by their manufacturers and creditors to undergo a financial review by a licensed BICA accountant annually, adding that this should suffice for the Government’s Business Licence purposes.

“It’s not like we’ve just

dotted these documents on a piece of paper and have handed them over,” he added.

Mr Wilson earlier this week said he is hopeful that the Government, accounting industry and private sector will shortly finalise and publish an agreed framework that has “built-in flexibility” over the deadlines by when companies with annual turnover exceeding $5m must submit their audited financial statements.

The proposed agreement focuses on end-April 2024 as the deadline for $5mplus businesses to provide audited financials. Those unable to meet that timeline, and who have valid and good reasons for not doing so, will get an extension to endJune 2024 once they apply.

Those going beyond June, he added, could be deemed non-compliant and subject to financial penalties.

Mr Albury yesterday said he was encouraged by the

Government’s willingness to talk to the private sector, and added: “I just hope at some point we can get the floor to express our concerns and, hopefully at some point, get some resolution.

“In speaking to our members, there’s a great deal of concern, and speaking to other people in other industries they’re echoing the same sentiments. I’ve even spoken to accountants who are expressing concern as to whether this will even be feasible.

“The minute things start to get a bit better or start to turn, this comes up. I hope some thought is given to it, and there is some understanding of the effects it will have on us, and hopefully adjustments will be made.

Hopefully they’ll respond soon and we can have a discussion. I appreciate the fact this government is interested in what people have to say, so hopefully this counts for something.”

Banks see 30% profits increase NATIONAL DEBT SHRINKS $77M IN THIRD QUARTER FROM PAGE A24 interest income expanded by $22.9m (17.1 percent) to $156.8m, while interest expense fell by $0.2m (2.6 percent) to $9.1m. Further, income from commission and foreign exchange fees rose by $1.2m (7.7 percent), resulting in a $24.4m (17.4 percent) growth in the gross earnings margin to $164.2m.”

Growth in the industry’s interest income and the net interest margin outpaced that of expenses for the three months to end-June 2023. “As it relates to noninterest expense, banks’ operating costs advanced by $15m (15.2 percent) to $114m. Underlying this outcome, non-staff related operating costs, inclusive of professional and rental expenses, increased by $10.9m (18.5 percent) to $69.4m.

“In addition, staff costs grew by $5m (13.4 percent) to $42.1m. However, occupancy costs fell by $0.8m (25.6 percent) to $2.4m.

Further, banks’ other net earnings on their ‘non-core’ activities strengthened to $58.9m from $43m in 2022 as depreciation costs decreased by 4.4 percent.

“In addition, other noninterest earnings moved higher by $8.3m (15.5 percent) to $62m. Providing some offset, provisions for bad debt rose by 61 percent to $7.7m.” As a consequence of all this, the Centra; Bank said the commercial banking sector’s profit ratio strengthened during the 2023 second quarter.

“As a percentage of average assets, the gross earnings margin rose by 99 basis points to 5.62 percent, as the

interest margin ratio grew by 94 basis points to 5.06 percent and the commission and foreign exchange income ratio firmed by six basis points to 0.56 percent,” the Central Bank added.

“Further, banks’ net earnings margin ratio moved higher by 38 basis points to 1.72 percent despite the 62 basis points rise in the operating costs ratio to 3.9 percent. Moreover after allowing increased contribution from other income sources, net of depreciation and bad debt expenses, the net income ratio expanded by 96 basis points to 3.74% percent.”

Mortgage lending, though, remained sluggish during the 2023 third quarter. “Data obtained from domestic banks, insurance companies and the Bahamas Mortgage Corporation showed that the total value of outstanding mortgages fell further by $16.8m (0.6 percent) to $2.866bn during the third quarter after the $0.6m decline in the comparable period of 2022.

“The residential component, which comprised 93.8 percent of the total, decreased at a tempered pace of $1.2m vis-à-vis $9.9m (0.4 percent) a year earlier for an ending balance of $2.687bn. However, the commercial segment recorded a $15.6m (7.5 percent) reduction to $179.1m, a downturn from a $9.3m (5.6 percent) growth in the previous year.

“At end-September, domestic banks held the majority of outstanding mortgages (86.5 percent), followed by the Bahamas Mortgage Corporation (7 percent) and insurance companies (6.5 percent).”

As for The Bahamas’ foreign currency reserves, which support the one:one exchange rate peg with the US dollar, the Central Bank said the third quarter reduction was over three times’ greater than the prior year comparison.

“The external reserves seasonal reduction widened to $121m (4.5 percent) from a $36.2m (1.1 percent) falloff in the same period of the previous year,” the Central Bank said. “Contributing to this development, the bank’s net foreign currency sales increased to $97.8m from $23.5m in the comparable period of 2022.

“The position with commercial banks reversed to a net sale of $32.3m from a net purchase of $2.4m in the preceding year, while net purchases from the Government decreased to $12.8m from $73m in the year prior.

In an offset, the [Central] Bank’s net foreign currency sales to public corporations - mainly for fuel purchases - declined moderately to $78.4m from $98.9m in the previous year.

“At end-September, the stock of external reserves, at $2.577bn, was equivalent to an estimated 30.5 weeks of the current year’s total merchandise imports (including oil purchases), as compared to 43.3 weeks in the same period of 2022,” the Central Bank report added.

“After adjusting for the 50 percent statutory requirement on the bank’s demand liabilities, ‘useable’ reserves decreased by $73.7m (5.9 percent) to $1.172bn visà-vis the corresponding quarter in 2022.”

FROM PAGE A24 “With the recovery in the GDP estimates, the ratio of the direct charge to GDP decreased by an estimated 5.5 percentage points on a yearly basis to 80.4 percent at September-end. In addition, the national debt-to-GDP declined to an estimated 80.1 percent compared to 89.1 percent in the third quarter of 2022,” the Central Bank added.

“The public sector foreign currency debt reduced by $182.6m (3.2 percent) to $5.598bn during the September quarter but grew by $28.4m (0.5 percent) relative to the same period last year. Specifically, amortisation payments amounted to $170.8m, while new drawings were negligible.

“A breakdown by components showed that the Government’s outstanding liabilities, at 92 percent of the total, fell by $171.8m (3.2 percent) to $5.152bn on a quarterly basis. The public corporations’ debt stock also decreased by $10.8m (2.4 percent) to $446.5m vis-à-vis the prior quarter,” the regulator continued.

“Relative to the same quarter of 2022, total foreign currency debt service payments were higher by $127.5m (131.6 percent) at $224.4m. In particular, government’s debt

service payments expanded by $126.7m (158.8 percent) to $206.5m as amortisation payments rose to $160m from $43.1m same period last year, while interest charges increased by $9.8m (26.6 percent) to $46.5m.

“Likewise, the public corporations’ debt service payments firmed by $0.8m (4.5 percent) to $17.9m primarily due to a rise in amortisation payments by $2m (22.9 percent) to $10.8m while interest charges declined by $1.2m (14.8 percent) to $7.1m. As a consequence of these developments, the debt service ratio firmed to 16.3 percent at end-September from 7.2 percent in 2022.”

In the real economy, the Central Bank said mortgage-financed construction activity in the domestic sector remained relatively flat as growth continued to be driven by foreign direct investment (FDI) financed projects.

“Bank-financed domestic private sector activity remained subdued,” the Central Bank said. “In domestic financing developments, total mortgage disbursements for new construction and repairs, as reported by banks, insurance companies and the Bahamas Mortgage Corporation, rose by 3.3 percent ($0.7m) to $22m - a

turnaround from the 2.1 percent decline a year earlier.

“Contributing to this development, residential disbursements expanded by 6.3 percent ($1.2m) to $20.7m, a switch from an 8.4 percent contraction in the prior year.

Conversely, commercial disbursements reduced by 29 percent ($0.5m) to $1.3m, a reversal from the three-fold increase in 2022.

“Total mortgage commitments for new buildings and repairs - a forward-looking indicator of domestic activity - grew by six to 53 relative to the same period in 2022, while the associated value rose by 13.5 percent to $18.7m,” the Central Bank added.

“Categorized by loan type, the number of undisbursed residential commitments firmed by four to 50. However, the associated value declined by $2.8m (17 percent) to $13.6m. Further, commercial commitments for new construction and repairs increased by two to three, with the accompanying value higher at $5.1m vis-à-vis a muted $0.1m in the same period in the preceding year.

“In terms of interest rates, the average financing costs for residential mortgages narrowed by 39 basis points to 5.94 percent.”

PAGE 20, Wednesday, December 6, 2023

THE TRIBUNE

IMF REPORT RESPONSE BLASTED AS ‘EMBARRASSING IF NOT SO SERIOUS’ FROM PAGE A24 with the Hurricane Dorian and COVID-induced expansion of its debt burden plus inflation and the ongoing ‘cost of living’ crisis.

And, while the economy has bounced back and reflated more rapidly than expected in the pandemic’s aftermath, that return to pre-COVID economic output is now complete.

And, while the IMF is projecting higher-thanexpected GDP growth for 2024, its forecasts show this is only likely to delay the return to long-term average expansion rates by a year, with 2025 pegged at 1.8 percent.

“The commentary around the IMF report, if not such a serious matter, would be embarrassing,” Mr Bowe told Tribune Business. “You cannot approbate and reprobate. You cannot choose the parts of the IMF statement that you agree with and dismiss those you disagree with.

“On the governing side, you cannot say that we agree with you on inflation being contained and low unemployment, but we don’t give any credence to our deficit target being too optimistic. The Government and Opposition both

showed ignorance in not speaking to the report in full but approbating and reprobating.” The latter expression means persons cannot both accept and reject the same thing, or have their cake and eat it.

He added that the IMF statement needs to be read and interpreted in its entirety, rather than the Government and Opposition picking over it and merely selecting the best bits to support the views they want to push. The former, especially, is giving Bahamians the contradictory message that they “cannot rely” on the IMF’s deficit forecast but they can do so with the GDP growth projections.

The Davis administration has focused on talking up, and extolling, the IMF’s upward revision to Bahamian economic growth projection as signalling that its policies are bearing fruit.

However, it has sought to brush off, downplay and outright dismiss the Fund’s forecast that the 2023-2024 fiscal deficit will be nearly triple the Government’s 0.9 percent of GDP projection by coming in at 2.6 percent.

Should the IMF’s forecast be proven right, 2.6 percent of GDP is equal to a $379m deficit as opposed to the

$131.1m that the Government is forecasting. That represents a $248m difference in how much the Government’s spending will likely exceed revenue income and, should this scenario come true, it could create major credibility and trust issues over The Bahamas’ future economic and fiscal forecasts.

Michael Halkitis, minister of economic affairs, last week said the Government is “betting on our ability” to hit its fiscal targets while predicting that the Opposition and other critics will “be wrong again”. He also reiterated that the Davis administration has “met or exceeded all of our projections” when it comes to managing the Government’s financial affairs since taking office in September 2021.

Mr Bowe, though, agreed with Tribune Business that the accuracy of this assertion was open to challenge.

“Part of your response is that you have always met or bettered your targets, but two days later you say you missed your deficit target, although you did not miss it by much,” he added.

The Government’s June 2023 monthly fiscal report, released one day after the IMF statement came out,

showed a $533m fiscal deficit for the full 2022-2023 Budget year. While this was lower than the original $575.4m, it exceeded the revised $520.6m target that was unveiled in May, albeit the sum involved in the overshoot - just over $13m - is not material in the context of a $3bn Budget.

There were also suggestions from the Government that the country’s debt has reduced, which is also incorrect. This was confirmed by yesterday’s 2023 third quarter review from the Central Bank, which revealed that the national debt had risen by “$404.2m (3.6 percent) on an annual basis to $11.573bn as at endSeptember 2023” despite a $77m drop in the last three months.

However, it is likely that the Government misspoke in referring to “debt”, and instead meant the debtto-GDP ratio, which has reduced significantly since peaking at just over 100 percent in mid-2021 thanks to the economy’s post-COVID reflation and rebound to normal output levels.

“Sadly, and don’t take offence to this, but the PR personnel on the Government and Opposition side have been left unchecked and simply left to issue

statements to stimulate emotions and not intelligent debate,” Mr Bowe charged.

“It would be wholly embarrassing, and one to castigate them for, if it was not so serious because the external world is watching.”

Rather than simply seeking to prove the IMF and others wrong, he argued that The Bahamas instead needs to ensure it produces the economic models it is using so that projections can be “validated and challenged” by observers, as well as having the policies and initiatives in place to justify the deficit and other fiscal estimates.

“What they said in fullness was we don’t see the policies necessary to achieve the recurrent expenditure constraints necessary to hit your targets,” Mr Bowe said of the IMF’s fiscal assessment and projections. “It’s not a matter of proving projections right or wrong. We should be in position with policies or initiatives to be able to do so.

“No one is speaking to the fact, which is telling and reiterated in Fiscal Responsibility Council reports, that we need to produce our models so that they can be validated and challenged.

If the IMF has a model

BRILAND ‘WON’T HAVE A PRODUCT TO SELL’ IF ENERGY WOES PERSIST FROM PAGE A24 Christmas rush happens in a couple of weeks.

“This is the lull. Not a lot is going on. Things will start cracking from December 17-18. They’ve got ten to 12 days to get this solved, the shortfall, and get back to full capacity.

Everyone is concerned. All the hotels, and most of the rental homes and marinas, have generators and have been OK. There’s very low occupancies. It’s the quiet before the holiday rush.

“What is the concern is that they have ten to 12 days to get this solved. We have ten to 12 days to get

back to full BPL capacity. That’s what people are concerned about - when the hair dryers come on, the ovens come on, the water pumps and water heaters come on.”

The Ministry of Transport and Energy, in a statement issued yesterday, blamed the Harbour Island energy disruption on contaminated fuel that was supplied to BPL’s plant. The latter, though, has already warned that it may take an unspecified “several days” for all four impacted generation units to be restored to service while promising a “major investigation” into

what has happened to prevent future occurrences.

BPL also confirmed this is the second Harbour Island energy interruption to result from contaminated fuel supplies within the past month. Tribune Business previously reported on a four-day outage that occurred over the weekend prior to the Thanksgiving holiday, which promoted Briland residents to hold an “emergency meeting” over the power and water woes, although BPL did not then provide the cause.

“It’s a major inconvenience when they shed power,” Mr Malcolm added.

“Cable Bahamas’ nodes

go out. We lose Internet access, which is frustrating, because there is a lot of reliance on power from the poles. It affects the water.

The locals are unhappy. My landlord has their ice cream in my freezer because they don’t have any power.

“This island has been, and will be, the golden egg.

Spend per capita per visitor will be the highest in The Bahamas. It contributes so much funds to the Public Treasury. Just give us back what we need to keep us going. It’s embarrassing.

Harbour Island is where my family has been in the hospitality business for 72 years. It’s embarrassing to have this lack of infrastructure and have visitors coming here and having to worry about power.”

Mr Malcolm said all residents were keeping “yellow jugs in the back of their cars” to ensure they have a sufficient supply of diesel fuel for their generators.

“It’s a scramble for diesel,” he added. “The island ran out a little while ago and we had to wait for the barge to come. Everyone’s hoarding diesel and protecting it. No diesel means no power, no Internet and no water.”

Briland residents, he confirmed, are also openly talking about reaching out to Spanish Wells to see if that settlement’s St George’s Power Company would “come in and build a new power plant” for Harbour Island.

Meanwhile Ben Simmons, proprietor of the Ocean View and The Other Side properties on Harbour

TO ADVERTISE TODAY IN THE TRIBUNE CALL @ 502-2394

Island and mainland Eleuthera, respectively, told Tribune Business the power outages have forced him to give two guests a full refund and facilitate their move to a larger property in the destination.

“I’m just off the phone with the front desk at the Ocean View,” he disclosed. “It’s just the noise.

The guests have said they cannot stay in our property because of the generator noise. We’ve a very small property, and the generator that powers it is close to a couple of rooms. Because of the ambient noise they cannot stay on our premises.”

Noting that this is the “third week in a row” that Briland’s energy supply has suffered major disruption, Mr Simmons said water had also been out for ten hours on Monday night as he added: “To put it bluntly, it’s intolerable and if it continues we won’t have a product to sell.

“People come here for relaxation; this is a sanctuary. A vacation, a hotel is a sanctuary away from the stress of life. They’re here to recuperate, rejuvenate and it’s impossible to do that if they’re unable to enjoy the basic necessities of life. It makes it impossible if this is going to be the norm. I’m not going to try and sell people a product that does not meet expectations.

“The management of our infrastructure seems to be a continual struggle. I get it: We live in a small country. There’s 27 power plants that need to be serviced and managed, and it’s very hard to do that with limited resources. But at some point it has to change,” Mr Simmons argued.

“I’m not sure if BPL should let go on the monopoly of power and let private entities come in like Grand Bahama and Spanish Wells to run these services. We

presented to them, they can say we see your assumptions and we differ, and we see your estimates and we differ.

“In the absence of a model, they’re left to use the Government’s numbers and run them through their models. We cannot say their numbers are too pessimistic or not, or take into account all factors, unless we’ve given them the model that can be validated and challenged,” he added.

“We have to stop this truly embarrassing ignorance we demonstrate when we ‘approbate and reprobate’. We need to focus on having all these facts in place to do projections on GDP growth, employment and the deficit.”

Calling on all sides of the political divide to “stop over-reacting”, Mr Bowe said that “in a way” the IMF report was positive in that it showed there was “no retrogression but, equally, no significant progress”.

He added: “We have to accept criticisms, especially if they are objective. I don’t see anything in the IMF’s report that is biased. It provides commendation for the good things that have been done, and provides areas for improvement.” cannot continue with this concept, not to mention the hit to assets when breaker boxes catch on fire because of surge overheating.”

Urging the Prime Minister to intervene, Mr Simmons urged Prime Minister Philip Davis KC to intervene. “I hope our highest power in office, he can do something about it,” he added. “We need his assistance; something has got to change. It’s not a new day; it feels like yesterday. It’s a worry that we’re experiencing this and the island is not even full.

“Do we trust the excuses?

I don’t know. I really hope and pray it gets better. I would hope there’s protocols in place to check the fuel before it’s delivered.

You would imagine there’s simple protocols to deal with this. The question in my mind is: Is this really a supply issue where generators are under-sized for the demand. They say they brought in new generators for the regatta but that is not typically peak demand for Harbour Island.”

Mr Simmons said the power woes have not yet become “a destination issue” in terms of reputational damage through news of the difficulties spreading via social media and wordof-mouth. The Ministry of Transport and Energy, in its statement, said: “In Harbour Island, Eleuthera, the supply interruptions from generation challenges were due to damaged rental units affected by contaminated fuel.

“Immediate action was taken, including bringing in the rental units’ manufacturer for repairs and engaging in discussions with the fuel supplier to prevent future occurrences.

Additionally, BPL is close to installing 5 MW (mega watts) of owned assets in Harbour Island, which is part of a more comprehensive plan for a long-term energy solution.”

THE TRIBUNE

Wednesday, December 6, 2023, PAGE 21

BAHAMIAN FIRMS URGED TO EMBRACE AI BENEFITS

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net BAHAMIAN companies are being urged by the head of a local technology firm to embrace the advantages of using artificial intelligence (AI) in their day-to-day operations.

Duran Humes, Plato Alpha Design’s chief executive, said multiple public and private sector industries can benefit from AI implementation only if their owners and executives see the importance of incorporating it into their business operations.

“AI revolutionises business economics by automating routine tasks, transforming them from labour-intensive

DURAN HUMES to effortlessly efficient, drastically reducing human error and operational costs,” Mr Humes said.

“It’s predictive prowess streamlines decision-making, optimises supply chains and pre-empts maintenance needs, ensuring a seamless

synergy of foresight and functionality.

“In the intricate dance of modern commerce, AI emerges as the maestro, orchestrating resource allocation with unparalleled precision, thereby elevating businesses to new heights of efficiency and cost-effectiveness.”

He added: “In the Bahamas, the tourism industry stands to gain a lot from AI, as it can create personalised experiences for visitors, making their trips unforgettable. Agriculture can also benefit greatly, using AI to grow more with less and tackle the unique challenges of island farming.

“One concept would be making farming smarter with data-driven insights into seasonal demand and crop yields, so that the

farmer can know when and by how much to sow to have the best possible reaping of their work.

“In addition, AI can be a game changer in disaster management, giving people vital information and support when facing hurricanes and other natural threats. By embracing AI, Bahamian businesses can work smarter, offer better services and tackle local challenges more effectively,” Mr Humes continued.

“One of the most significant advantages of using AI in the workplace is the potential for cost savings and increased efficiency.

According to a recent survey by McKinsey, AI can improve business efficiency by up to 40 percent and reduce operational costs

by up to 30 percent. When automating repetitive tasks and streamlining business processes, AI can free up employees’ time to focus on more strategic and creative tasks.”

Mr Humes said there is a gradual increase in Bahamian businesses investing in digital transformation, which he described as critical for any company to survive in a post-COVID world. However, the Plato chief executive said there is much apprehension across the Bahamian business community when it comes to AI and what it can do because of global fears.

“Lack of understanding and the perceived cost-tobenefit ratio play a huge role in the level of fear and apprehension a number of business owners have

towards AI,” Mr Humes insisted. “Once a business anywhere in the world concludes that they need to improve their operations, AI is one very useful tool in their tool-belt to make their business even better than it already is.

“Think of how people initially brushed off cyber or information security prior to 2010. Fast forward to where we are now. With all of the benefits and the ease of accessibility of the tools needed, AI will be the same way. It has been around for decades but only very recently started to go mainstream. I’d say give it five to ten more years before its integral to our every day lives.”

EX-BNT CHIEF JOINS GUY HARVEY BOARD THE Bahamas National Trust’s (BNT) immediate past executive director has been named to the Board of a non-profit organisation that promotes marine conservation.

Eric Carey has been named as a director of the Guy Harvey Foundation (GHF), which also funds innovative scientific research and develops cutting-edge educational programmes for students.

A former 15-year BNT executive director, he is now president and chief executive of ONE Consultants. During his BNT tenure, it expanded from a 10-person organisation to an operation with more than 75 employees spread across seven islands.

Mr Carey engineered operational improvements at key national parks and, in 2018, the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park was awarded the Platinum Blue Park Award, which recognises marine protected areas that meet rigorous scientific standards for effectiveness.

The Guy Harvey Foundation said funding for the national park system increased at least three-fold under his watch.

“We’ve known Eric for many years and have followed his incredible work,” said Dr Guy Harvey, the foundation’s founder and chair emeritus. “His experience and leadership in environmental consulting, environmental policy and wildlife conservation align with our mission

of conserving the ocean environment.”

Like Dr Harvey, Mr Carey is a graduate of the University of The West Indies in Jamaica. He began his career as a wildlife conservation officer at the Ministry of Agriculture, and has held positions as the BNT’s Parks Partnership co-ordinator and The Nature Conservancy, and as the director of parks and science for the BNT. As a specialist in conservation and nonprofit management, he represented The Bahamas at numerous international meetings and spoke at various conferences across the Caribbean, Europe and the US, including at the United Nations (UN) headquarters in New York.

“I’m deeply honoured to join this incredible organisation focused on important research, conservation and education,” said Mr Carey.

“Aside from being famous for his art and first-rate fishing apparel, Guy also uses his star power and impeccable reputation to influence and support the important work that the Foundation is focused on, which I’m really excited to be a part of now.”

“On behalf of the Foundation, I welcome Eric to our board,” said Guy Harvey Foundation chief

executive, Jessica Harvey.

“Eric is a great leader. Over the years he has mentored so many young people who are now respected leaders in the conservation field.

Like the GHF, he understands the importance of fostering the next era of marine conservationists.

We are thrilled to have him.”

Mr Carey is also a coauthor of peer-reviewed publications on the Kirtland’s Warbler and Plant Conservation in The Bahamas. He has been awarded the Partners-In-Flight International Conservation Award in 1999; Wings Across the Americas National Award for Outstanding Achievement in Bird Conservation in 2005; and the College of The Bahamas Alumni Hall of Fame Award in 2015.

(From L to R): Dr. Guy Harvey, Eric Carey and Guy Harvey Foundation chief executive, Jessica Harvey.

(Picture Courtesy – Guy Harvey Foundation)

ADVERTISE TODAY! CALL THE TRIBUNE TODAY @ 502-2394 LEGAL NOTICE

N O T I C E

International Business Companies Act (No. 45 of 2000)

KERZNER INVESTMENTS MOROCCO LIMITED

Palm Tree Investment Fund Ltd. (the “Company”) In Voluntary Liquidation

Creditors having debts or claims against the above-named Company are required to send particulars thereof to the undersigned c/o P.O. Box N-624, Nassau, Bahamas on or before 19th day of December, A.D., 2023. In default thereof they will be excluded from the benefit of any distribution made by the Liquidator.

Notice is hereby given that, in accordance with Section 138 (4) of the International Business Companies Act, (No.45 of 2000), Palm Tree Investment Fund Ltd. (the “Company”) is in Dissolution. The date of commencement of the Dissolution is the 1st day of December, 2023 .

Gustavo Dos Santos Vaz is the Liquidator and can be contacted at Rua Vieira de Almeida, 550, apto 274, Torre Paineira, Ipiranga, São Paulo, SP, 04268-040, Brazil. All persons having claims against the above-named Company are required to send their names, addresses and particulars of their debts or claims to the Liquidator before the 29th day of December, 2023 .

Dated the 6th day of December, A.D., 2023.

Kirvy Ferguson Liquidator Caves Village Professional Centre West Bay Street, Nassau, The Bahamas LEGAL NOTICE

N O T I C E KEZNER INVESTMENTS MOROCCO LIMITED N O T I C E IS HEREBY GIVEN as follows: (a) KERZNER INVESTMENTS MOROCCO LIMITED is in dissolution under the provisions of the International Business Companies Act 2000. (b) The dissolution of the said Company commenced on the 4th day of December 2023 when its Articles of Dissolution were submitted to and registered by the Registrar General. (c) The Liquidator of the said Company is Kirvy Ferguson, Caves Village Professional Centre, Nassau, The Bahamas.

Dated the 6th day of December 2023.

HARRY B. SANDS, LOBOSKY MANAGEMENT CO. LTD. Registered Agent for the above-named Company

Gustavo Dos Santos Vaz Liquidator

NOTICE

NOTICE

TMM LTD.

MN Investments Ltd.

Incorporated under the International Business Companies Act, 2000 of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas.

Registration Number 210976 B (In Voluntary Liquidation)

Incorporated under the International Business Companies Act, 2000 of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas.

Registration Number 206407 B (In Voluntary Liquidation)

Notice is hereby given that the above-named Company is in dissolution, commencing on the 4th day of December A.D. 2023.

Notice is hereby given that the above-named Company is in dissolution, commencing on the 4th day of December A.D. 2023.

Articles of Dissolution have been duly registered by the Registrar. The Liquidator is Mr. Júlio Cézar Fonseca De Melo, whose address is Rua Levy Ferreira Martins 89 CS, Santa Terezinha, CEP: 35960-000, Santa Barbara, MG, Brazil. Any Persons having a Claim against the above-named Company are required on or before the 20th day of December A.D. 2023 to send their names, addresses and particulars of their debts or claims to the Liquidator of the Company, or in default thereof they may be e cluded from the benefit of any distribution made before such claim is proved.

Articles of Dissolution have been duly registered by the Registrar. The Liquidator is Mr. Joao Mauricio Magalhaes Moreira, whose address is R CD De Porto Alegre 944 BL A AP 172, Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil. Any Persons having a Claim against the above-named Company are required on or before the 20th day of December A.D. 2023 to send their names, addresses and particulars of their debts or claims to the Liquidator of the Company, or in default thereof they may be excluded from the benefit of any distribution made before such claim is proved.

Dated this 4th day of December, A.D. 2023.

Dated this 4th day of December, A.D. 2023.

Júlio Cézar Fonseca De Melo Liquidator

Joao Mauricio Magalhaes Moreira Liquidator

PAGE 22, Wednesday, December 6, 2023

THE TRIBUNE

‘END FISHING BLOCK TO CURB SHARK EXPLOSION’

By YOURI KEMP Tribune Business Reporter ykemp@tribunemedia.net A BAHAMIAN fisherman yesterday called for the ban on shark fishing to be lifted so as to control a population that has been allowed to “explode” over the past 30 years.

Keith Carroll, the National Fisheries Association’s (NFA) president, told Tribune Business the prohibition should be removed

following Monday’s attack that left a 44 year-old American female tourist dead.

“How it is now, it is illegal to kill sharks in The Bahamas and it has been going on for almost over 30 years.

I don’t want to just go there and just kill the sharks, but you have to find a market because, in China, they eat sharks. We have to start culling some of these sharks,” Mr Carroll argued.

Sharks have been fully protected in The Bahamas since July 2011 when the

Coral restoration drive to boost ‘blue’ economy

By FAY SIMMONS Tribune Business Reporter jsimmons@tribunemedia.net THE Ministry of Tourism yesterday partnered for a coral reef restoration drive that aims to boost sustainable tourism and the 23 percent of Bahamian economic output generated by the ocean economy.

Latia Duncombe, the ministry’s director-general, said teaming with the Perry Institute for Marine Sciences (PIMS) and the Reef Rescue network on the Coral is Calling campaign will help develop a new tourism product and help to protect the marine environment.

She said: “The launch of the Coral Is Calling campaign, which invites divers to take part in coral restoration in The Bahamas, brings about the creation of an exciting, new, immersive tourism product for our dive market, which is a significant niche market in our tourism portfolio.

“The Blue Economy is undoubtedly a critical pillar of our nation’s economic

growth and sustainable development, contributing approximately 23 percent to our GDP. Therefore, I cannot underscore enough how important it is that we do everything in our power to protect and preserve our coral reefs, as we owe our success in tourism, in large measure, to our pristine marine environment.”

Mrs Duncombe added that nature-based tourism activities such as fishing, swimming and scuba diving attract about 25 percent of The Bahamas’ visitors annually. This means that millions of dollars in annual economic impact are dependent on the health of this nation’s oceans.

She said: “The exquisitely beautiful coral that is the centerpiece of The Bahamas’ underwater wonderland plays a significant role in maintaining the health of our marine ecosystems and our pristine environment. It is known that 95 percent of the Exclusive Economic Zone of The Bahamas is ocean, from which are derived ecosystem services, such as fishing, swimming, birding,

country was declared a shark sanctuary. This, though, is the second fatal shark attack in Bahamian waters in the past six months.

Mr Carroll added: “There was also a woman that was attacked in Grand Bahama, and right now, again we have a woman being killed half a mile off of the beach from the Sandals resort.

“Something has to be done. I have been fishing for over 40 years now and you wouldn’t be able to get me to swim more than 50 feet

offshore in Nassau because I know how dangerous it is.

“Sometimes when I drive around New Providence and I see tourists swimming, I feel like stopping my truck and blowing my horn and telling them to come to shore because they don’t know how dangerous it is. There is no sign in the airports warning them to be careful of how they swim in The Bahamas.”

Shark conservation does not have to mean a total ban on shark meat because “we

have to start thinning them out”, Mr Carroll continued.

“We have allowed them to breed and breed and breed until they have exploded.

Not only that; they also have to eat. So fish like snappers, groupers and turbots and Margaret fish, they are eating those, too.

Mr Carroll is adamant that allowing the shark population to multiply is the main reason why so many fatal attacks are happening in Bahamian waters. “If you go to any basin where

recreational boating and scuba diving.

“These activities represent a major source of sustenance for Bahamians and constitute annually 25 percent of our international visitations, which accounts for millions of dollars in visitor expenditures and trade.”

Mrs Duncombe said tourists know the importance of ocean conservation and would like to participate in initiatives that preserve The Bahamas’ pristine waters.

She added that the blue economy extends to all Bahamian islands and is responsible for more than 70 percent of the country’s employment, so driving initiatives such as Coral is Calling will boost the economy while protecting vital resources.

“From the perspective of why visitors want to travel, we’ve done quite a bit in the ocean conservation space as a government, as a ministry, with protection, sharks, and all the other initiatives, and visitors want to bond with countries. They want to bond with islands,” Mrs Duncombe said.

“And as they bond, we’re creating opportunities and initiatives where we preserve and protect our country, but also give our visitors a meaningful reason to want to return.

They know, and they understand, the importance of our ocean, of the reef and they want to participate and do good.

“Based on some of the recent reports we’re seeing from the blue economy perspective, that constitutes up to 70 percent of our employment. And so looking at this touching all 16 islands within the destination, we’re creating activities, we’re creating things to do, we’re creating more economic activities within the destination, while preserving and conserving our oceans.”

Mrs Duncombe added that ensuring conservation efforts are integrated with the tourism product is an essential part of securing the industry’s future.

She said: “Recognising the vital role our coral ecosystems play in maintaining the health of our surrounding seas and supporting our citizens’ economic wellbeing, it is imperative to continue the strong partnerships between our tourism industry, specifically our dive sector, and our conservation communities.

“By collaboratively working together, we can significantly enhance coral preservation and regeneration efforts in our destination. So we’re very excited about the partnership. We’ve seen the results of not doing anything at all.

We’ve seen the potential that exists if we all participate, and certainly at the ministry all of our stakeholders are on board, and we encourage each and every one of you to do the same.”

Cement maker hails 2023 as ‘amazing year’ in construction

By YOURI KEMP Tribune Business Reporter ykemp@tribunemedia.net A CEMENT manufacturer yesterday branded 2023 an “amazing year” for construction as it focuses on expansion to the Family Islands in 2024.

Alejandra Rivas, country manager for CEMEX Bahamas, told Tribune Business that the company’s increased Family Islands interest is being driven by the multiple construction-related projects planned to take place outside of Nassau.

“We have the big bags in Freeport, so Freeport is producing the big bags of cement,” she said. “So we are trying to get into the Family Islands and have everybody with these big bags of cement for the construction projects. Before we used to call the US, or call the Dominican Republic or Panama, but right now we have it [cement] at home.”

CEMEX’s factory in Freeport has helped Grand Bahama rebound from Hurricane Dorian in 2019. “We want to protect the Bahamian market and all of the Family Islands, because when they import the cement they are motivated by the

fishermen pull up and go with your cameras, ask any of the fishermen to show you where the sharks are and you will see the amount of sharks swimming up to shore,” he added.

Mr Carroll said the Fisheries Department also needs to be more “strict” with managing the grouper offseason following its close on December 1. “There were no complaints from the fishermen this season about the grouper catch,” he added.

level of investment in the country,” she added.

“Because of the tourism industry we are receiving the cruise ships and 100 percent [hotel] occupancy. We are very busy building commercial centres, building parking lots along with hotels and restaurants, so this year has been really, really good.”

Next year will be a “continuation” of projects already underway that have engaged CEMEX, such as the new US Embassy in downtown Nassau as well as Albany and, potentially, the GoldWynn development. There are three CEMEX plants in The Bahamas where the company produces and bags cement.

All cement bags are reusable and, when used, are given to Junkanoo groups to assist with making their costumes for the Boxing Day and New Year’s Day parades.

Ms Rivas added: “CEMEX, in the whole Caribbean, has the green cement. It is environmentally friendly. The process of production of cement is different. So we are one of the first countries in the Caribbean that we are fully with a green cement. So we try to take care about the environment.”

business@tribunemedia.net

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2023

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IMF report response blasted as ‘embarrassing if not so serious’ t (PW U BOE 0QQPTJUJPO BDDVTFE PG AJHOPSBODF t 'PSNFS XBOUT DBLF BOE FBU JU PO HSPXUI EFmDJU t '/. AnJOHJOH NVE BOE IPQJOH TPNFUIJOH TUJDLT

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net THE Government and Opposition responses to the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) report on The Bahamas “would be embarrassing if it wasn’t such a serious matter,” a financial observer has blasted.

Gowon Bowe, who headed the private sector’s Coalition for Responsible Taxation when VAT was implemented, accused both

the Davis administration and Free National Movement (FNM) of cherry-picking those sections of the Article IV statement that best fit the respective narratives they are seeking to push while either dismissing, or ignoring, those inconvenient to their causes.

In particular, he told Tribune Business that the Government was attempting to “approbate and reprobate”. While lauding the IMF’s upward revision to The Bahamas’ 2024 economic growth projections, which the latter has increased to 2.3 percent from 1.8

Briland ‘won’t have a product to sell’ if energy woes persist

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net BRILAND resorts and property managers yesterday warned “we won’t have a product to sell if this continues” after the high-end tourism destination was hit by a third successive week of power and utility outages.

James Malcolm, a former Ministry of Tourism executive who is a realtor, and now runs a vacation rental/property management business on Harbour Island, told Tribune Business that Bahamas Power & Light (BPL) has just 12 days to restore full generation capacity before the “Christmas rush” kicks-in

percent, it is at the same time dismissing the credibility of warnings that this year’s fiscal deficit will be nearly three times’ higher than the Government’s own estimates.

As for the Opposition, Mr Bowe said its “continued ignorance is to fling mud and hope something sticks”. He argued that there was nothing to prevent the FNM from accessing the necessary data, and running its own economic and fiscal models, to validate the Government’s projections and come up with its own forecasts, noting that the Coalition had conducted

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HARBOUR ISLAND after four of its rental units failed.

The state-owned energy monopoly is blaming contaminated fuel for causing “significant damage” to its Harbour Island plant, resulting in “widespread

outage” that have lasted for days including into yesterday. Mr Malcolm argued that, given the island’s contributions to the Public Treasury via tourism and real estate sales, the least “the golden egg” deserves

is the provision of a new power plant and other infrastructure.

Confirming that load shedding was impacting Harbour Island throughout Tuesday, with power at his office already cut on and off twice at his office by mid-afternoon, he told this newspaper: “It’s unfortunate. I hope that they can get it sorted before the

SEE PAGE A20

Banks see 30% profits increase

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net BAHAMIAN commercial banks collectively enjoyed a 30 percent yearover-year profit increase to $109.2m during the 2023 second quarter due to rising interest income, it was revealed yesterday.

The Central Bank, unveiling its quarterly review for the three months to end-September, said the industry’s net interest margin for the second quarter expanded as a result by $23.2m to almost $148m in comparison to the same period in 2022.

“During the second quarter of 2023, the latest period for which data is available, banks’ net income grew by $25.2m (30.1 percent) to $109.2m vis-à-vis the comparative 2022 period, owing primarily to an increase in interest income,” the industry regulator said.

“The net interest margin widened by $23.2m (18.6 percent) to $147.7m as

SEE PAGE A19

CENTRAL BANK OF THE BAHAMAS

National debt shrinks $77m in third quarter

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net THE Bahamas’ national debt shrank by almost $77m during the 2023 third quarter but this proved insufficient to reverse the total $400m-plus growth incurred over the prior 12 months, it was revealed yesterday.

The Central Bank, unveiling its quarterly review for the three months to end-September 2023, disclosed that the Government had managed to contain - and partially reverse - the continued build-up in the national debt that now exceeds more than $11.5bn.

“The direct charge on government fell by $45.6m (0.4 percent) over the

June quarter, but rose by $437.8m (4.1 percent), on an annual basis to $11.215bn. The end-September disaggregation by currency revealed that Bahamian dollar debt represented 54.1 percent of the total, while foreign currency liabilities accounted for the remaining 45.9 percent,” the regulator said “The Government’s contingent liabilities declined by $31.3m (8 percent) over the September quarter, and by $33.6m (8.6 percent) year-on-year to $358.4m. As a result, the national debt inclusive of contingent liabilities contracted by $76.8m (0.7 percent) over the three-month period but rose by $404.2m (3.6 percent) on an annual basis to $11.573bn as at end-September 2023.”

The Central Bank report affirmed that the decline in The Bahamas’ debtto-gross domestic product (GDP) ratio, which measures the size of the country’s debts relative to that of the economy and its output, had resulted from postCOVID reflation rather than any cut to the debt itself.

SEE PAGE A19

GOWON BOWE this same exercise in assessing VAT’s impact.

The Fidelity Bank (Bahamas) chief told this newspaper that, in effect, the IMF’s recently-disclosed Article IV report described a Bahamian economy where there has been “no regression but, equally, no significant progress” as this nation continues to grapple

SEE PAGE A20

Business Licence full audit ‘screams you don’t trust us’

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net THE Government’s enhanced Business Licence verification regime “screams that you don’t trust us” to pay all due fees, the Bahamas Motor Dealers Association’s (BMDA) president argued yesterday.

Ben Albury, also Bahamas Bus and Truck’s general manager, told Tribune Business this was the message being sent to tax-compliant businesses that have never failed to pay what is owing through the requirement all firms with annual turnovers of $5m and above submit full audited financial statements to validate their Business Licence filings.

Revealing that the BMDA and auto industry have written a formal letter to the Government, requesting a meeting over reforms due to be implemented from the start of 2024, he added that auto dealers viewed the move

BEN ALBURY as “cost prohibitive” given their status as high turnover, low margin businesses due to the existence of price controls.

Mr Albury told this newspaper there are already sufficient “safeguards” in place to guard against tax evasion and turnover under-reporting, including in the new Business Licence Act, where fines of up to $150,000 can be levied for the submission of false declarations. As a result, he signalled that the full audit requirement was unnecessary.

SEE PAGE A19