12222021 BUSINESS

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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2021

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New grading puts fuel into recovery

By YOURI KEMP Tribune Business Reporter ykemp@tribunemedia.net A TOP hotelier said “tourism momentum will increase” with the Centres for Disease Control lowering the country’s travel advisory to Level 2 from Level 3.

Robert Sands, Bahamas Hotel and Tourism Association’s (BHTA) president, told Tribune Business the reduced alert level will “help with the momentum of tourism moving forward. As a direct result of that we want to encourage all Bahamians to pay attention to the protocols and get vaccinated because as we do these things we

will get a further reduction and we will see an increase momentum in our tourism trajectory.”

The CDC confirmed the new grading yesterday saying there is only a “moderate level of COVID-19” in the country.

Since August The Bahamas has moved from a Level 4 “do not travel,” to a Level 3 “Reconsider travel” in November to now the CDC just asking travellers to “exercise increased caution”.

However, with the Omicron COVID-19 variant surging in US with the variant comprising 80 percent of all new infections in the Miami-Dade, Florida area, Mr Sands is “concerned” not just with the Omicron variant but with any strain

of the COVID-19 and further warns Bahamians to “play their part” in terms of ensuring that protocols are followed and that you and your colleagues are adhering to them.

Dr Michael Darville, Minister for Health and Wellness, speaking to reporters ahead of the weekly cabinet meeting, said: “To go from Level 3 to Level 2 requires a lot of strategic planning and work.... We believe we did our part and we’re pleased that we’re now at Level 2.”

He added: “We are concerned because the Omicron virus is roaming wild in many countries where our tourists come from and when we look at the state of Florida, we see the cases going up there.

We are concerned and we are now in deep discussions to adjust some of our protocols to ensure that we are able to deal with issues at our borders, while at the same time prevent community spread within the country.”

The government is monitoring the risk Omicron poses and is prepared to make “adjustments” to the COVID-19 health and safety rules “very shortly” to pre-empt a fourth wave in the country, however Dr Darville stopped short of calling for lockdowns or border closures for the country.

Chester Cooper, Minister for Tourism and Investments, added in a

SEE PAGE 2

ROBERT SANDS

Failure to get Lucayan deal over the line not unexpected

By YOURI KEMP Tribune Business Reporter ykemp@tribunemedia.net

Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines (RCCL) deal for the Grand Lucayan to fall through after it was left lingering for the past 24 A LACK of “commit- months.

The deal was first ment” to complete by Royal Caribbean Cruise Line for announced as “completed” the purchase of the Grand by the former MinisLucayan Hotel was behind ter of Tourism Dionisio government’s decision to D’Aguilar in late 2019, pull the plug on the deal however it was found that it and one Freeport business- was not actually completed as the keys for the property man agrees. had not officially changed The government says it hands. RCCL then began is now looking to move for- asking for additional conward with other investors cessions from the Grand they feel have “significant Bahama Port Authority resources” that are aligned as a condition for them to with the government’s take full ownership of the vision for Grand Bahama. property.

James Rolle, Dolly MadiMr Rolle added: “Withson’s general manager, told out having an information Tribune Business yester- as to what the tenet of day that he “expected” the that Memorandum of

CHESTER COOPER

Kovats emerges as potential buyer for Treasure Cay

By YOURI KEMP Tribune Business Reporter ykemp@tribunemedia.net THE government will “look into” the concerns raised about the investor seeking to buy the Treasure Cay resort.

Chester Cooper, Minister for Tourism and Investments, speaking to reporters before the weekly cabinet meeting, said that “one of our objectives as the government is to make sure that there are harmonious relationships between existing investors, new investors, and the community and that’s what we will endeavour to do”.

The investor involved is Austrian Dr Mirko Kovats who has been involved in a number of development projects in The Bahamas

which have attracted controversy.

Tribune Business understands Mr Kovats has already made an offer to the current owner of the Treasure Cay hotel. However, some residents feel there are better investors who are interested.

Dr Kovats, no stranger to controversy in The Bahamas, was involved in a deal to buy the old South Ocean resort in 2014. However, that was met with sharp criticism as people questioned his sincerity to buying the property so close to the Albany resort.

He was also involved in another controversial property deal in the Love Beach area in 2019 called “The View Love Beach,” which was also met with

SEE PAGE 2

Understanding between RCCL and the government was, we don’t know what was agreed between the parties or what RCCL had indicated they would do.

“Sitting on this side of the table in The Bahamas you really would have to see something that was going to show some beneficial effect for Grand Bahama in particular. At least the government would have to see that it was not just a give away, so I really don’t know what the tenet of that MoU was, but if the government is saying that there wasn’t any commitment then obviously RCCL didn’t indicate that they were prepared to do certain things that the government thought that they should have committed to.”

GRAND LUCAYAN HOTEL Brent Collins, chief executive of Freeport-based Power Equipment, who has existing contracts with the Grand Lucayan for several generators, said: “This sucks man. We were looking forward to that tourism at least because I know the

hotel right now is putting in their all to get everything functional to make sure the place has generators, air conditioners and food equipment in place now.

“We’ve been doing the generator work up there, mostly the engineering

department we work with the general manager they have there too, but other than that our company is doing okay and hopefully going into next year we can be in a much better position financially. But this is disappointing to hear.”

PAGE 2, Wednesday, December 22, 2021

THE TRIBUNE

KOVATS EMERGES AS POTENTIAL BUYER FOR TREASURE CAY

FROM PAGE ONE

sharp criticism by the residents of Love Beach with them arguing the development would destroy their community.

It seems that Dr Kovats is running into opposition again in his Treasure Cay resort ambitions as several residents have contacted Tribune Business questioning his intentions and

voicing their opposition to his acquiring the hotel.

The problem gets trickier as the power to veto the deal rests with The Bahamas Investment Authority (BIA) as the current owner of the resort, Robert Miester, has reportedly agreed in principle to sell the property to Dr Kovats and it is now just pending approval from the BIA.

Another concerned resident said Dr Kovats is just “bad news” and they wish his project is not given approval to move forward.

However, not everyone on Treasure Cay is vehemently opposed Dr Kovats acquiring the resort.

Francine Ojalvo Delarosa, purporting to be a member of the Treasure Cay Property Owners Association (TCPOA), wrote an

open letter on February 22 to the Facebook page of the TCPOA about Dr Kovats potentially acquiring the resort and said that: “It is very encouraging to see progress and continued enthusiasm for our beloved Treasure Cay. We are all counting the days until we can make new memories here. There is a reason why this place is so magical

and we all need to come together to keep it that way.

“The potential sale of TC Resort is not a new concept and is undoubtedly what our community needs and wants. The future of TC depends on new ownership. We must ensure that their vision is aligned with the vision of TC residents - no massive resorts/hotels, certainly no casinos, etc.

I urge each and everyone

of you to do your due diligence and learn about the potential new owner, Mr Mirko Kovats, and whether the vision for the resort will be in our community’s best interest.

“Our community deserves better and we must stand up and be vocal about our dreams and expectations of this community.”

UK TO GIVE $1.3 BILLION IN AID TO BUSINESSES HURT BY OMICRON

By DANICA KIRKA Associated Press

DR MICHAEL DARVILLE

NEW GRADING PUTS FUEL INTO RECOVERY FROM PAGE ONE statement to the media: “This welcomed (CDC) news comes at a time when The Bahamas is experiencing its strongest visitor arrivals and hotel occupancy numbers since the onset of the COVID19 pandemic and serves as affirmation of the government’s commitment to ensuring the safety of both its visitors and residents.

“The Bahamas has experienced impressive visitor arrivals and forward booking trends that reflect pent up demand for the

destination from all key source markets. I remain confident that we will continue to experience positive growth across all sectors of our industry”.

Mr Cooper warned, however: “We ought not be lulled to sleep by the improvement of our grading by the CDC, we should stay vigilant, we should follow the protocols, we should avoid large parties and large gatherings.

Because now that we have Level 2 that doesn’t mean we are completely out of the woods.”

LONDON (AP) — Britain announced 1 billion pounds ($1.3 billion) in grants and other aid to help the hospitality industry survive the onslaught of the omicron variant of COVID-19, bowing to days of pressure from pubs, restaurants and other businesses that complain public health warnings have torpedoed the vital Christmas season.

Businesses in the hospitality and leisure sectors in England will be eligible for one-time grants of up to 6,000 pounds ($7,954) each.

An additional 100 million pounds ($133 million) will be given to local governments to support businesses in their areas hit by the sudden spike in COVID19 infections driven by the highly transmissible new variant.

While industry groups welcomed the funding, many said it was too narrowly focused and more assistance would be needed if the surge in infections continues or the government imposes more restrictions.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced

CHRISTMAS shoppers make their way along the High Street in Winchester, England, Tuesday, Dec. 21, 2021. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Monday that his government reserves the “possibility of taking further action” to protect public health as Omicron spreads across the country.

Photo:Andrew Matthews/AP

“With the surge in omicron cases, people are rightly exercising more caution as they go about their lives, which is impacting our hospitality, leisure and cultural sectors at what is typically the busiest time of the year.”

Boris Johnson Tuesday that he wouldn’t impose any new coronavirus restrictions before Christmas — but new measures could be coming after the holiday if omicron continues to surge.

“We continue to monitor omicron very closely and if the situation deteriorates we will be ready to take action if needed,” he said in a video statement.

Pubs and restaurants have reported a wave of cancellations during the crucial Christmas season as people shun public events and workers are forced to self-isolate, leaving venues short of staff. Many theaters and museums also have closed their doors.

“With the surge in omicron cases, people are rightly exercising more caution as they go about their lives, which is impacting our hospitality, leisure and cultural sectors at what is typically the busiest time of the year,’’ Johnson said in a statement. “That’s why we’re taking immediate action.”

The plunge in business came after England’s

chief medical officer told the public to limit their social contacts and prioritize the events they most want to attend this holiday season. The message came as COVID-19 infections surged to the highest levels ever, raising concerns that hospitals and other emergency services may be overwhelmed.

Business groups including the British Chamber of Commerce, the Federation of Small Business and UKHospitality have demanded government help.

“The decline in trade at this critical period for the hospitality sector has been catastrophic, so we are extremely grateful that the chancellor has recognized this and come forward with a generous package of support,” said Kate Nicholls, chief executive of UKHospitality. “This will help businesses to stay afloat and preserve jobs.”

While several organizations welcomed the government aid, some big interest groups said so much damage had already

been done that the support offered Tuesday was inadequate.

“The open/close strategy is crucifying businesses,” Michael Kill, chief executive of the Night Time Industries Association.

“Every pound of help is much needed. But this package is far too little and borders on the insulting.”

Others pointed to major gaps in the package. The aviation industry and companies in the food and drink supply chain, for example, won’t be eligible for help, said Stephen Phipson, chief executive of Make UK, an industry group for manufacturers.

“Hospitality is not the only sector being severely impacted,’’ he said. “Government must now consider targeted support for the aerospace sector in particular, which has taken one step forward and now two steps back as travel has once again subsided.”

The government’s scientific advisers have recommended further restrictions to slow the spread of omicron, but Johnson has been reluctant to order a lockdown in part because of the cost to the public purse. The U.K. has already spent more than 350 billion pounds ($464 billion) fighting the pandemic, pushing public debt to 96% of gross domestic product, the highest since 1963.

THE TRIBUNE

Wednesday, December 22, 2021, PAGE 3

OMICRON CASTS A NEW SHADOW OVER ECONOMY’S PANDEMIC RECOVERY

By PAUL WISEMAN AND ANNE D’INNOCENZIO AP Business Writers JUST as Americans and Europeans were eagerly awaiting their most normal holiday season in a couple of years, the omicron variant has unleashed a fresh round of fear and uncertainty — for travelers, shoppers, party-goers and their economies as a whole.

The Rockettes have canceled their Christmas show in New York. Some London restaurants have emptied out as commuters avoid the downtown.

Broadway shows are canceling some performances.

The National Hockey League suspended its games until after Christmas.

Boston plans to require diners, revelers and shoppers to show proof of vaccination to enter restaurants, bars and stores.

A heightened sense of anxiety has begun to erode the willingness of some people and some businesses to carry on as usual in the face of the extraordinarily contagious omicron variant, which has fast become the dominant version of the virus in the United States.

Other people are still traveling, spending and congregating as they normally do, though often with more caution. Holiday air travel remains robust.

Many stores and restaurants are still enjoying solid sales. And omicron has yet to keep audiences away from movie theaters in significant numbers. This past weekend, record audiences across all demographics flocked to theaters for the new “Spider-Man” movie.

“The movie theater has not yet been hindered by omicron,” said Steve Buck, the chief strategy officer of EntTelligence.

At the same time, no one knows yet what omicron will ultimately mean for the

A FAMILY and their pets walk through Miami International Airport, Monday, Dec. 20, 2021, in Miami. Public health officials are urging caution as the new omicron variant might become the dominant strain in the U.S. during the holiday break.

Photo:Marta Lavandier/AP health of the Western economies, which have endured a wild ride of downturns and recoveries since early 2020.

“These mutations keep coming,’’ said Robin Brooks, chief economist at the Institute of International Finance. “What is the probability that sometime we get a really nasty one?

No one has any idea. This thing is mutating, and it’s very, very hard to say.’’

Will omicron cause outbreaks at factories and ports, disrupt operations and worsen supply chain bottlenecks that have forced up prices and contributed to the hottest U.S. inflation in decades?

Will it mean people will hunker down at home again and spend less on services — restaurant meals, concerts, hotel stays — which could weaken the economy but potentially defuse inflationary pressures?

Will return-to-office plans for white collar

workers be put on hold indefinitely, deepening the hit to many cities’ downtown businesses?

Or will omicron prove a blip that scarcely slows what has become a surprisingly strong recovery from the short but intense pandemic recession?

Spooked by uncertainty and fear of the worst-case scenarios, stock markets around the world sold off for three days before rebounding Tuesday.

“We don’t know whether this is good or bad for growth or inflation in the medium term,’’ said Megan Greene, global chief economist at the Kroll Institute.

“We just don’t have enough data yet.’’

Unable to assess its longer-term consequences, businesses, consumers and policymakers have struggled to respond to the omicron threat.

Danielle Ballantyne, a Chicago dietitian, had planned to visit some stores

and seek inspiration for holiday gifts. But as omicron spread, she scrapped that idea in favor of staying home and shopping online.

“From what I have been hearing in the news,” Ballantyne said, “omicron is more contagious. So I am trying to be more selective in where I go in terms of big public spaces.’’

At its stores in big cities like New York and Chicago, the clothier Untuckit is reporting a 15% drop in traffic, similar to what it experienced when the delta variant started spreading last summer.

“It impacts people’s perception of comfort and safety and their willingness to go out,’’ said Aaron Sanandres, CEO of the company.

As infections have spread, European countries

have so far gone further than the United States, with restrictions ranging from a full lockdown in the Netherlands to indoor mask mandates in the United Kingdom.

A theater in western England refunded $240,000 in tickets. The Advantage Travel Group, which represents U.K. travel agents, said that business — flights, cruises and package holidays — plummeted fell 40% in mid-December from a month earlier. A diner in central Madrid absorbed cancellations for about half its booked space one week recently.

In London, downtown restaurants are suffering as office workers stay home.

“As soon as they said work from home, it’s completely emptied,’’ said Sally Abe, a chef at the Conrad Hotel in central London.

On Tuesday, Britain announced that it would provide 1 billion pounds ($1.3 billion) in grants and other aid to help the hospitality industry survive omicron. The government bowed to pressure from pubs, restaurants and other businesses whose income has plunged in the aftermath of public health warnings.

Since the pandemic hit nearly two years ago, it has imposed one economic challenge after another.

Economies all but shut down when the virus struck early last year. More than 22 million people in the United States alone lost jobs. Bars, restaurants and hotels were particularly devastated.

But record-high infusions of government spending and, eventually, the rollout of vaccines triggered

“These mutations keep coming. What is the probability that sometime we get a really nasty one? No one has any idea. This thing is mutating, and it’s very, very hard to say.’’

Robin Brooks

an unexpectedly powerful recovery, giving many households the confidence and financial wherewithal to resume shopping. And it sparked optimism for the 2021 holiday season: In an updated forecast shortly before omicron emerged as a serious threat, the National Retail Federation said U.S. holiday sales were on track for a record-breaking year.

One fear now is that omicron infections will further disrupt manufacturing and shipping, worsen the supply chain backlogs and keep inflation simmering.

It could also increase consumers’ already intensified demand for goods, which would magnify the supply shortages.

“If everybody is freaked out that going to a bar or restaurant is going to land them in a hospital, they may continue to buy goods,’’ said Greene, the Kroll Institute economist. “So that could exacerbate the short-term trend and make inflation worse.’’

On the other hand, she said, “if growth is really dampened (by omicron), that should take the heat off inflation.’’

There are other reasons to think the recovery could decelerate. In the United States, economic aid from federal spending and relief checks is fading. The Federal Reserve is reducing its economic support. China’s economy, the world’s second-biggest after the United States, is slowing.

For now, the U.S. bond market is signaling more concern about economic weakness than about runaway inflation: The yield on the benchmark 10-year Treasury note remains at historically low levels, below 1.5%.

Citing omicron and other factors, Oxford Economics has downgraded its estimate of U.S. economic growth for the October-December quarter to a 7.3% annual pace, down from an earlier 7.8% estimate.

Public Notice

Please be advised that all persons or entities holding valid contracts with

Bahamas Public Parks and Public Beaches Authority

are asked to present themselves at the National Sports Authority on Wednesday and Thursday, December 22nd & 23rd respectively between the hours of 9am and 5pm, to provide documents necessary to ensure payment of any arrears owed on the contracts.

The following documents are required: • Copy of contract • Government issued id or if a corporate entity evidence that you can act on behalf of the corporate entity (Power of Attorney) along with the

government issued ID. • Tax Compliance Certificate • NIB Company Registration Certificate • A copy of a Valid Business License • VAT Certificate, if the annual valule of the contracts with the authority was in excess of $80,000.00 • Bank accout information as no termination payment would be made to third party accounts on behalf of terminated contractors.

PAGE 4, Wednesday, December 22, 2021

THE TRIBUNE

STOCKS END HIGHER ON WALL STREET, BREAKING A 3-DAY SLUMP

By DAMIAN J. TROISE AND ALEX VEIGA AP Business Writers ENERGY and technology companies led stocks broadly higher on Wall Street Tuesday, ending the market’s three-day losing streak.

The S&P 500 rose 1.8%, more than making up for the ground it lost a day earlier. The tech-heavy Nasdaq rose 2.4%, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 1.6%.

Small-company stocks rose even more than the rest of the market, a signal that investors were feeling a more optimistic about the economy. The Russell 2000 rose 2.9%.

The rapidly spreading omicron variant of the COVID-19 virus has been weighing on the market in recent weeks, adding to concerns about how the pandemic, rising inflation and persistent global supply chain issues will affect the economy.

Tuesday’s gains marked a reversal for the market after its recent pullback, but it doesn’t necessarily mean investors are now in a buying mood.

“The market was oversold, and so it got like a stretched rubber band and we had a sharp snapback today,” said Sam Stovall, chief investment strategist at CFRA. “I need to see follow-through. We could just as easily see a giveback of some of these gains tomorrow.”

The S&P 500 rose 81.21 points to 4,649.23. The benchmark index is within 1.4% of the all-time high it set Dec. 10.

The Dow climbed 560.54 points to 35,492.70. Nike, one of the 30 stocks in the blue chip index jumped

6.1% after turning in strong quarterly results.

The Nasdaq rose 360.14 points to 15,341.09 and the Russell 2000 gained 63.07 points to 2,202.95. Nearly five stocks rose for every one that fell on the New York Stock Exchange.

The gains follow several weak days for major indexes as investors assess the impact from skyrocketing omicron cases. Nations in Europe and Asia have implemented a variety of restrictions aimed at curtailing the spread and that has investors worried about the impact to the global economy.

The latest coronavirus wave adds to lingering worries about rising inflation’s impact on economic growth.

Supply chain shortages and higher raw material costs

“The market was oversold, and so it got like a stretched rubber band and we had a sharp snapback today.”

Sam Stovall

THE NEW York Stock Exchange operates during normal business hours in the Financial District, Oct. 13, 2021, in New York. Wall Street is getting off to a solid start Tuesday, Dec. 21, 2021 after three days of losses. The S&P 500 is up 0.9% in the early going, the Nasdaq is up 1% and the Dow Jones Industrial Average climbed 1.1%. Small-company stocks rose more than the rest of the market, a signal that investors were feeling a bit more optimistic about the economy.

Photo:John Minchillo/AP have been hitting businesses, which have passed the higher costs off to consumers. U.S. consumer prices rose 6.8% in November from a year earlier, which marks the fastest rise in inflation in nearly four decades.

Rising inflation has also prompted the Federal Reserve to hasten its withdrawal of aid to the markets

and economy and put interest rate increases on the radar for investors in 2022.

The prospect of higher interest rates has added some choppiness to the broader market as investors shift money around, particularly from high-value technology stocks.

“We’re not out of the woods yet and we’re likely going to see more

volatility through the end of the year,” said Megan Horneman, director of portfolio strategy at Verdence Capital Advisors.

About 85% of the stocks in the S&P 500 rose.

Technology companies accounted for a big share of the gains. Citrix Systems climbed 13.6% for the biggest gain in the index.

Micron Technology jumped 10.5% after the chipmaker gave investors an encouraging profit forecast.

A mix of retailers. restaurant chains and other companies that rely on consumer spending also notched solid gains. Tesla climbed 4.3%, Amazon.com rose 2% and Starbucks rose 2.1%.

Bank stocks got help from rising bond yields. The yield on the 10-year Treasury rose to 1.47% from 1.42% late Monday. Citigroup gained 1.9%.

U.S. crude oil prices rose 4.2% and helped send energy stocks higher. Chevron rose 1.6%.

THE TRIBUNE

Wednesday, December 22, 2021, PAGE 5

BIDEN ADMINISTRATION MOVES TO EXPAND SOLAR POWER ON US LAND

By MATTHEW BROWN Associated Press BILLINGS, Mont. (AP) — U.S. officials announced approval Tuesday of two large-scale solar projects in California and moved to open up public lands in other Western states to potential solar power development, as part of the Biden administration’s effort to counter climate change by shifting from fossil fuels.

The Interior Department approved the Arica and Victory Pass solar projects on federal land in Riverside County east of Los Angeles. Combined they would generate up to 465 megawatts of electricity, or enough to power about 132,000 homes, according to San Francisco-based developer Clearway Energy.

Approval of a third solar farm planned for 500 megawatts is expected in coming days, officials said.

The Interior Department also Tuesday issued a call to nominate land for development within “solar energy zones” in Colorado, Nevada and New Mexico that combined cover about 140 square miles (360 square kilometers).

The invitation to developers comes as officials under Democratic President Joe Biden promote renewable wind and solar power on public lands and offshore to reduce greenhouse gas emissions that are warming the planet.

That’s a pronounced change from Republican President Donald Trump’s emphasis

on coal mining and oil and gas drilling.

Biden suffered a huge blow to his climate agenda this week, as opposition from West Virginia Democrat Sen. Joe Manchin tanked the administration’s centerpiece climate and social services legislation.

The administration also has been forced to resume oil and natural gas lease sales in the Gulf of Mexico and numerous western states, after a federal judge sided with Republican-led states that sued when Biden suspended the sales.

During a Tuesday conference call with reporters, Interior Secretary Deb Haaland did not directly address a question about the faltering climate bill and instead pointed to clean energy provisions in the bipartisan infrastructure bill signed into law last month.

“We fully intend to meet our clean energy goals,” Haaland said. She said the Trump administration stalled clean energy by shuttering renewable energy offices at the Bureau of Land Management and undermining long-term agreements, such as a conservation plan tied to solar development in the California desert.

“We are rebuilding that capacity,” Haaland said.

But without the climate bill, tax incentives to build large-scale solar will drop to 10% of a developer’s total capital costs by 2024, instead of rising to 30%, said Xiaojing Sun, head solar researcher at industry

NOTICE NOTICE is hereby given that ANGELO RENE of 2nd Street Grove, P.O. Box AP59223, Nassau, Bahamas, is applying to the Minister responsible for Nationality and Citizenship, for Registration Naturalization as a citizen of The Bahamas, and that any person who knows any reason why registration/naturalization should not be granted, should send a written and signed statement of the facts within twenty-eight days from the 15th day of December, 2021 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, New Providence, The Bahamas.

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE Pursuant to the provisions of Section 138 (4) of the International Business Companies Act, 2000, notice is hereby given that:(a) Pebble Cay 1983 Ltd. is in dissolution; (b) The date of commencement of the dissolution is the 18th day of November, 2021. (c) The Liquidator is Terence R.H Gape, Esq. of Dupuch & Turnquest, Chancery House, Freeport, Grand Bahama LIQUIDATOR, _____________________________ LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE

ASH INVESTMENTS INC. In Voluntary Liquidation

Notice is hereby given that in accordance with Section 138(4) of the International Business Companies Act. 2000, ASH INVESTMENTS INC. is in dissolution as of December 7, 2021.

International Liquidator Services Limited situated at 3rd Floor Withfield Tower, 4792 Coney Drive, Belize City, Belize is the Liquidator.

LIQUIDATOR ______________________

consulting firm Wood Mackenzie.

Incentives for residentialscale solar would go away completely by 2024, she said.

“It will significantly slow down the growth of solar,” Sun said.

However, she added that streamlining access to federal land could help the industry, as large solar farms on non-federal lands face growing local opposition and cumbersome zoning laws.

The Bureau of Land Management oversees almost a quarter-billion acres of land, primarily in Western states. Agency director Tracy-Stone Manning said boosting renewable energy is now one of its top priorities.

Forty large-scale solar proposals in the West are under consideration, she said.

The agency in early December issued a draft plan to reduce rents and other fees paid by companies authorized to build wind and solar projects on public lands. Officials were unable to provide an estimate of how much money that could save developers.

In Nevada, where the federal government owns and manages more than 80% of the state’s land, large-scale solar projects have faced opposition from

IN this Dec. 11, 2017, file photo, solar arrays line the desert floor of the Dry Lake Solar Energy Zone as part of the 179 megawatt Switch Station 1 and Switch Station 2 Solar Projects north of Las Vegas. The Biden administration on Tuesday, Dec. 21, 2021, issued a solicitation for interest in developing solar power on public lands in Nevada, New Mexico and Colorado.

Photo:Michael Quine/AP environmentalists concerned about harm to plants and animals in the sun- and windswept deserts.

Developers abandoned plans for what would have been the country’s largest solar panel installation earlier this year north of Las Vegas amid concerns from local residents. Environmentalists are fighting another solar project near the Nevada-California border that they claim could harm birds and desert tortoises.

Stone-Manning said solar projects on public lands are being sited to take environmental concerns into account.

The solar development zones were first proposed under the Obama administration, which in 2012 adopted plans to bring utility-scale solar energy projects to public lands in

PUBLIC NOTICE

INTENT TO CHANGE NAME BY DEED POLL

The public is hereby advised that I, ABIGAIL CHRISTINE MAURINE BABB of Cox Way, New Providence, Bahamas intend to change my name to CHRISTINE MARIE LEE. If there are any objections to this change of name by Deed Poll, you may write such objections to the Chief Passport Officer, P.O. Box N-742, Nassau, Bahamas no later than thirty (30) days after the date of the publication of this notice.

PUBLIC NOTICE

INTENT TO CHANGE NAME BY DEED POLL The Public is hereby advised that I, NICOLE NEWBOLD of Twynom Heights, P.O Box CR55918 Nassau, The Bahamas, Parent of PEYTON DARIELLI TERRELLI A minor intend to change my child’s name to PEYTON DARIELLE TIRELLI If there are any objections to this change of name by Deed Poll, you may write such objections to the Deputy Chief Passport Officer, P.O. Box N-742, Nassau, Bahamas no later than thirty (30) days after the date of publication of this notice.

Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico and Utah. Officials have identified almost 1,400 square miles (3,500 square kilometers) of public land for potential leasing for solar power.

If all that land were developed, the bureau says it could support more than 100 gigawatts of solar power, or enough for 29 million homes.

PAGE 6, Wednesday, December 22, 2021 PRESIDENT Joe Biden speaks about the COVID-19 response and vaccinations, Tuesday, Dec. 21, 2021, in the State Dining Room of the White House in Washington.

Photo:Patrick Semansky/AP

THE TRIBUNE

BIDEN VOWS HE, MANCHIN WILL ‘GET SOMETHING DONE’ ON $2T BILL

By LISA MASCARO AND FARNOUSH AMIRI Associated Press WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden appeared determined Tuesday to return to the negotiating table with Sen. Joe Manchin, the holdout

NOTICE

NOTICE

Rockwell Holdings Limited

Centag Limited

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN in accordance with Section 138(4) of the International Business Companies Act, (no. 45 of 2000) as follows:

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN in accordance with Section 138(4) of the International Business Companies Act, (no. 45 of 2000) as follows:

(a) Rockwell Holdings Limited (the “Company”) is in dissolution under the provisions of the International Business Companies Act, 2000.

(a) Centag Limited (the “Company”) is in dissolution under the provisions of the International Business Companies Act, 2000.

(b) The dissolution of the said Company commenced on the 21st day of December, 2021 when its Articles of Dissolution were submitted to and registered by the Registrar General.

(b) The dissolution of the said Company commenced on the 21st day of December, 2021 when its Articles of Dissolution were submitted to and registered by the Registrar General.

(c) The Liquidator of the said Company is Ms. Jonell Rolle.

(c) The Liquidator of the said Company is Ms. Jonell Rolle.

Dated the 21st day of December, 2021.

Dated the 21st day of December, 2021.

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

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

NOTICE

NOTICE

Ombgro Limited

Omsea Limited

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN in accordance with Section 138(4) of the International Business Companies Act, (no. 45 of 2000) as follows:

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN in accordance with Section 138(4) of the International Business Companies Act, (no. 45 of 2000) as follows:

(a) Ombgro Limited (the “Company”) is in dissolution under the provisions of the International Business Companies Act, 2000.

(a) Omsea Limited (the “Company”) is in dissolution under the provisions of the International Business Companies Act, 2000.

(b) The dissolution of the said Company commenced on the 21st day of December, 2021 when its Articles of Dissolution were submitted to and registered by the Registrar General.

(b) The dissolution of the said Company commenced on the 21st day of December, 2021 when its Articles of Dissolution were submitted to and registered by the Registrar General.

(c) The Liquidator of the said Company is Ms. Jonell Rolle.

(c) The Liquidator of the said Company is Ms. Jonell Rolle.

Dated the 21st day of December, 2021.

Dated the 21st day of December, 2021.

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

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

Democrat who effectively tanked the party’s signature $2 trillion domestic policy initiative with his own jarring year-end announcement.

Biden, responding to reporters’ questions at the White House, joked that he holds no grudges against the conservative West Virginia senator whose rejection of the social services and climate change bill stunned Washington just days ago.

Instead, the president spoke passionately about the families that would benefit from the Democrats’ ambitious, if now highly uncertain, plan to pour billions of dollars into child care, health care and other services.

“Sen. Manchin and I are going to get something done,” Biden said.

The president’s off-thecuff remarks constitute his first public statement as Democrats struggle to pick up the pieces from Manchin’s announcement over the weekend that he would not support the bill, as is. Manchin essentially crushed Biden’s sweeping policy measure in the 50-50 Senate, siding with all Republicans who oppose the bill.

Biden spoke forcefully of the economic pressures that strip away the “dignity of a parent” trying to pay the bills, and the assistance millions could receive from the federal government with the legislation.

He also said his package would help ease inflationary pressures and pointed

to analyses suggesting it would boost the economy.

“I want to get things done,” Biden said. “I still think there’s a possibility of getting Build Back Better done.”

But the Democrats face serious questions over whether the $2 trillion initiative can be refashioned to win his crucial vote or the party will be saddled with a devastating defeat.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer was set to assemble Senate Democrats later Tuesday for a private virtual caucus meeting to discuss next steps.

Schumer vowed Monday that the chamber would vote early in the new year on Biden’s “Build Back Better Act” as it now stands so every senator “has the opportunity to make their position known on the Senate floor, not just on television.” That was a biting reference to Manchin’s sudden TV announcement against the bill on Sunday.

But Manchin and his party are so far apart, his relationships so bruised after months of failed talks, it’s unclear how they even get back to the negotiating table, let alone revive the sprawling more than 2,100page social services and climate change bill.

Biden and Manchin spoke later Sunday, according to a person familiar with the call, first reported

by Politico. It was cordial and respectful, said the person who spoke only on condition of anonymity.

NOTICE CHALICE INTERNATIONAL HOLDINGS LIMITED (in Voluntary Liquidation)

TAKE NOTICE that the above-named Company was put into liquidation on the 8th day of December, 2021 by a resolution passed by the members of the Company on the 12th day of October, 2021.

AND FURTHER TAKE NOTICE that Scott William Rudmann of 4a Pembridge Mews, London W11 3EQ, United Kingdom has been appointed voluntary Liquidator of the Company.

Dated the 16th day of December, 2021.

HIGGS & JOHNSON Lyford Crescent, Western Road Lyford Cay, The Bahamas Attorneys for the Voluntary Liquidator

NOTICE Walzsolid Limited

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN in accordance with Section 138(4) of the International Business Companies Act, (no. 45 of 2000) as follows: (a) Walzsolid Limited (the “Company”) is in dissolution under the provisions of the International Business Companies Act, 2000. (b) The dissolution of the said Company commenced on the 21st day of December, 2021 when its Articles of Dissolution were submitted to and registered by the Registrar General. (c) The Liquidator of the said Company is Ms. Jonell Rolle.

Dated the 21st day of December, 2021.

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

NOTICE INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS COMPANIES ACT, 2000 KABOD INVEST LIMITED (IN VOLUNTARY LIQUIDATION) NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that in accordance with section 138(6) of the International Business Companies Act, 2000, as amended, the winding up and dissolution of KABOD INVEST LIMITED is complete.

Kim D. Thompson Sole Liquidator Address: Equity Trust House Caves Village West Bay Street P O Box N-10697 Nassau, Bahamas

PAGE 8, Wednesday, December 22, 2021

THE TRIBUNE

FEDERAL WATCHDOG: TRUMP’S USDA OVERPAID CORN FARMERS BY $3B

By DAVID PITT Associated Press DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — The Trump administration overpaid corn farmers by about $3 billion in federal aid in 2019 and farmers in the South were paid more for the same crops than those elsewhere in the country, a federal watchdog agency has found.

The Government Accountability Office said in a report released Monday that international disputes resulting from tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump hurt farmers but that the U.S.

Department of Agriculture's county-by-county methodology for computing the extent of damage was flawed, leading to overpayment and inconsistent compensation.

"Though corn yields are higher in the Midwest and West, corn producers received an estimated average of $69 per acre in the South, $61 in the Midwest, $34 in the Northeast, and $29 in the West," the report said.

GAO also estimated that payments to corn producers were approximately $3 billion more than USDA's estimate of trade damage to corn, while payments

to soybeans, sorghum, and cotton producers were lower than their estimated trade damages.

National Corn Growers Association CEO Jon Doggett said the USDA's higher compensation for corn farmers in 2019 included items the GAO did not consider in its analysis, including the trade damage value for corn ethanol and a high protein livestock feed byproduct of ethanol production.

"Both 2018 and 2019 were terrible years for farmers who experienced net losses due to decisions in Washington and adverse weather conditions. In fact,

farmers suffered a $6.3 billion loss in 2018 alone during that time because of the tariffs."

The GAO report was requested by the Senate Agriculture Committee chaired by Michigan Democratic Sen. Debbie Stabenow.

"This report confirms that the Trump USDA picked winners and losers in their trade aid programs and left everyone else behind," Stabenow said in a statement. "Making larger payments to farmers in the South than farmers in the Midwest or elsewhere, regardless of whether those farmers actually

experienced a larger loss, undermines our future ability to support farmers when real disasters occur."

GAO said it audited the UDSA's Market Facilitation Program.

GAO recommended that the USDA Office of the Chief Economist revise its internal review process to ensure transparency of its documentation and that the agency conduct a review to ensure proper baseline methods are used in analysis.

Dr. Seth Meyer, the USDA chief economist, responded to the report in an Oct. 21 letter. He said the USDA analysis was

based on a widely accepted trade model and methodology that the USDA's Office of Inspector General found to be reasonable, and was applied consistently across a range of commodities for the 2018 and 2019 trade mitigation packages.

He said the USDA Office of the Chief Economist did not make the policy decision, and it provided options to policy makers.

"The policy decisions to select between a variety of alternatives that GAO has flagged as problematic were made by senior USDA leaders under the previous administration and not OCE," he said.