03082024 NEWS, SPORT AND BUSINESS

GOVT SEEKS TO EASE

FEARS OF 26.3% NIB

PM’s Office responds to concerns contributions ‘like income tax’ by 2044

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

THE

earlier by Alfred Sears KC, the minister with Cabinet responsibility for NIB, to raise the

By JADE RUSSELL Tribune Staff Reporter jrussell@tribunemedia.net

NATIONAL Insur-

1.5 per

total contribution rate by 1.5 percentage points every two years over the next two decades were not set in stone.

Asserting that Mr Sears was merely repeating recommendations contained in the latest actuarial review of NIB’s financial health, which called for similar phased-in increases of an even greater magnitude, the Prime Minister’s Office said such a glide path would be “a worst case scenario” and that no decision to raise contribution

However, last night, the Office of the Prime Minister said only the rise for July 1 this year was confirmedwith no decision yet taken on future years. The rate would be equally split between employers and workers and

‘rightfully outraged’ over Cruise l ine v ideo

By

RASHAD ROLLE

Tribune News Editor rrolle@tribunemedia.net

TOURISM Minis ter Chester Cooper said Bahamians are “rightfully outraged” at a viral video of purported Carnival cruise line guests saying tourists are scared to leave the ship and have been warned by cruise lines that they could be robbed, drugged and raped in The Bahamas. The Grand Bahama

visitors suggested that Carnival staff had given them written notice of the dangers of leaving the ship.

Mr Cooper said the video was sent to him 171 times.

“I’ve spoken directly with the CEO of Carnival on this matter, who indicated that it is not something he tolerated,”

‘homiCide by manslaughter’ ruled in PoliCe shooting C ase

TWO officers were stunned after a jury returned a homicide by manslaughter finding yesterday at the end of an inquest into the death of two men killed by police near Cowpen Road on January 23, 2018.

Police shot Roy Stubbs and Ernst Foreste near their green Honda Accord, with officers claiming the deceased aimed their weapons at them.

‘rbdf set to guard mass migration from h aiti‘

By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport

Reporter

dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

DEFENCE Force Commodore Raymond King said the Royal Bahamas Defence Force has established a blockade in the south-eastern Bahamas to guard the country’s borders against possible mass migration from Haiti. He said that resources dedicated to the blockade on the northern coast of the Haitian Windward Passage include six surface assets, one aircraft, and 120

Chinese Embassy makes donation to Sandilands Rehabilitation Centre

THE Public Hospitals Authority (PHA) Foundation and Sandilands Rehabilitation Centre (SRC) welcomed Ambassador, Dai Quingli and staff of the Chinese Embassy for the official handover to Sandilands Geriatric Hospital of ten wheelchairs, thirty walkers, and thirty walking canes yesterday.

The ambassador noted that the idea for the donation originated from a television programme about Sandilands where health professionals described the challenges faced at the institution, one of which was the lack of assistive equipment such as wheelchairs. She said: “I very much empathised

with the doctors and the patients here, so that was how our Embassy started to source this wonderful equipment from China.”

The ambassador noted that this donation was her third visit to SRC; noting that one of her previous visits concerned a Chinese citizen who had been admitted to Sandilands and received care. “So, we can repay your generosity to our Chinese citizens,” said the Ambassador.

PHA deputy managing director Dr Keva Thompson said: “The donation of these mobility aids will not only enhance their ability to move around safely but will also provide them with a sense of freedom and dignity. With these aids,

our clients will be able to participate more fully in daily activities, engage with others, and access the services they need.

“This donation serves as a testament to the compassion and generosity of the Chinese people and their support for those in need.”

THE Bahamas Red Cross Society has appointed Dr Trevor Johnson as the new chairman of the Disaster Risk Management Committee.

President of the Bahamas Red Cross Society Edison L Sumner said: “Dr Johnson is an exceptional choice for this vital position. His extensive experience and profound commitment to disaster risk management makes him the ideal leader to guide our efforts in protecting and supporting our communities during times of crisis. We are confident that under his chairmanship, the committee will achieve new heights in mitigating disaster risks and enhancing our readiness for any emergency.”

Dr Johnson, a valedictorian of the College of The Bahamas, holds a distinguished academic record, including a Master’s degree with distinction from the University of the West Indies and a PhD from North Dakota State University.

Dr Johnson is also recognised for his active participation in the Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, the Rotary Club of Old Fort, and the Holy Cross Anglican Church.

REPRESENTATIVES of Sandilands Rehabilitation Centre (SRC) and the Chinese Embassy including Ambassador Dai Quingli, Administrator Sandra Mortimer-Russell and Deputy Managing Director Dr Keva Thompson pose for a photo during a ceremony to mark the donation of wheelchairs, walkers and walking canes to the SRC by the Chinese Embassyyesterday.

Photos: Dante Carrer

CHINESE Ambassador Dai Quingli speaks during the donation ceremony.

Sears confirms 1.5% rate increase coming on July 1

Mr Sears said the increase is needed to prevent the fund from collapsing, noting there has been just one increase since the fund was established in 1974.

Mr Sears noted that, according to NIB’s 11th Actuarial Report by the International Labour Organization (ILO), the fund would become insolvent by 2028 absent action.

“We can no longer delay or ignore this issue, as it affects our present and future welfare,” Mr Sears said. “We have a collective responsibility to protect and preserve the National Insurance Board.”

“This gradual increase in the rate of contribution will enable NIB to continue providing its vital services and benefits to our citizens and workers. It is projected that from 2030 onwards, NIB will begin to experience a surplus when the total income will exceed the projected expenditure. It will help us maintain the sustainability and effectiveness of NIB, ensuring that it remains a reliable support system for everyone in our beloved nation.”

However, in a statement last night, the Office of the Prime Minister said: “An Actuarial Review of NIB recommended increasing the contribution rate not just this year but every two years, for years to come.

Those recommendations were repeated today by Minister Sears. These continued rate increases would be required in a worst-case scenario. A decision has yet to be made beyond the initial 1.5 percent announced

to commence on July 1, 2024.

“As we move forward with comprehensive reforms, policy-makers will continuously evaluate the efficiencies gained, and consider the best path to delivering sustainability.

“We advised last year that a rate increase would be implemented this July, in order to provide advance notice. We are aware of the burdens of the high cost of living, made worse by a global inflation crisis, and policy decisions will continue to reflect consideration of what is in the best interests of the Bahamian people.”

Mr Sears noted that The Bahamas offers more benefits than other countries in the region except Barbados. He added that pre-COVID, The Bahamas was the only CARICOM country, other than Barbados, to offer unemployment benefits.

“I assure you that every effort has been made to ensure that this increase is reasonable and proportionate,” he said. “The phased approach will allow for adjustments to be made gradually, giving each person time to plan and prepare accordingly.”

Mr Sears said the increases would be manageable for minimum wage workers. He said in the first year, among those paying the minimum weekly wage of $260, the employers’ portion would increase from $15.34 to $17.29, and the employees’ contribution would increase from $10.14 to $12.09.

He noted this represents a difference of $1.95 each week for the employer and

IMMIGRATION AND NATIONAL INSURANCE BOARD MINISTER ALFRED SEARS

employee. For monthly salaries at a minimum wage of $1,127, employers and employees will pay a difference of $8.45 each month.

Mr Sears said the increased contribution rates will be accompanied

by a comprehensive “programme of reform of NIB” and legislative amendments to the National Insurance Act to strengthen its financial sustainability. Later yesterday, Free National Movement Leader

Michael Pintard said people must now determine what they must do to access benefits even though “their spending power is not dramatically reduced”.

“Do we then, for example, bump up what they

were making so that they can continue to benefit from NIB without it having to come out of their salaries? That’s a very real consideration. That’s the first thing that went in my head first,” he said.

Bell: GB food assistance budget nearly exhausted due to high demand

By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Chief Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net

GRAND Bahama’s food assistance budget for this fiscal year has nearly been exhausted amid high demand, Social Services Minister Myles Laroda told

the House of Assembly. “I can, however, assure those individuals that it is the position of this government that no one in our country should go without something to eat,” he said during his contribution to the mid-year budget debate in the House.

Ministry of Housing looking to redevelop abandoned homes into affordable housing in GB

By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Chief Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net

HOUSING Minister

Keith Bell said his ministry wants to introduce a pilot programme to redevelop abandoned properties and transform them into affordable housing areas.

Mr Bell, who was delivering his mid-year budget contribution in the House of Assembly, said yesterday: “Our efforts are aimed not only at enhancing the urban landscape but also at fostering a nurturing environment where community members have ample opportunity to thrive without the fear of displacement.”

He did not say which areas the government is looking to redevelop.

He said development works are still ongoing with the Renaissance Carmichael project.

“In Grand Bahama,” he added, “we are at the forefront of what will perhaps become the most significant impact that any government will have on the people residing in the Freeport area of Grand Bahama. It is an eagerly anticipated rejuvenation project in an area called Garden Villas.”

“Let me say, Mr Deputy Speaker, in collaboration with the Ministry of Grand Bahama and the

honourable member for Pineridge and minister, this area, which is within the heart of Freeport, is on the cusp of a major transformation that will revitalise its landscape and enhance the safety and aesthetics of the community.” He said people are living in abandoned structures in the area, but pledged to get them out and create a new housing subdivision. “We are well on the way with the sessions of all of these owners of all of these abandoned and derelict buildings,” he said. As for Abaco, he said ten homes have already been built in the Central Pines area, with an additional 20 “on the horizon.”

In Spring City, he revealed plans to build 48 more homes in that community. Similar works are also in the pipeline for San Salvador, he added. “The launch of the Affordable Housing Programme in San Salvador marks a new dawn,” he said. “We have initiated the construction of affordable rent-to-own homes, ensuring that the dreams of homeownership are not just dreams but imminent realities. Contracts with six local contractors have been inked, and construction has started.”

He did not explain how the government would address the problem and could not be reached for comment up to press time.

“During the budget, we have seen where funds have been allocated and utilised indicating that there is an overwhelming need

in our country,” he told the House. “Although there has been progress, there still remains a need in our country to help those that are marginalised.

“Beyond food, we have an influx of requests for assistance in various forms –– medical aid, burial

support, rental assistance, basic appliances, electricity, water and travel for medical purposes. Matters pertaining to the most vulnerable among us are critical.”

He also highlighted another problem –– a staff shortage in the social services department, though

he said the ministry is working to fill positions. Regarding homelessness, he said the government has set up four rental facilities “to meet the urgent need for safe havens” while using Poinciana Inn for temporary housing.

Paul Thompson, former Assistant Commisioner of Police, dead at 96

FORMER Royal Bahamas Police Force Assistant Commissioner Paul Thompson has died, aged 96. Trinidad-born Mr Thompson was 23 years old when he saw an advert in The Trinidad Guardian recruiting young men for the police force in The Bahamas. He later said it was the best decision of his life to apply for it.

Described at his 95th birthday celebration in 2022 by Police Commissioner Clayton Fernander as a “hero to our country” and a “legend” who has “made a huge impact” on many police officers, Mr Thompson was widely regarded as a cornerstone of the Bahamian police force both during his years of service and in retirement.

Last night, police issued a statement, noting: “It is with great sadness that the Commissioner of Police, Mr Clayton Fernander CD, QPM, records the death of Mr Paul Rupert Thompson, Assistant Commissioner of Police (retired).”

The statement continued:

“Mr Thompson, a Trinidadian by birth, enlisted into the Royal Bahamas Police Force on March 24, 1951. He spent the majority of his 30 years of service in the Criminal Investigations Department. He diligently and meticulously investigated numerous serious crimes, which led to many prolific offenders being brought to justice.”

Throughout his career, Mr Thompson was awarded four Commissioner’s Commendations, the Colonial Police Medal in 1966, the Queen’s Silver Jubilee Medal in 1977, and the Queen’s Police Medal in 1978.

He was first promoted to corporal in 1955, then sergeant in 1958, inspector in 1961, chief inspector in 1962, assistant superintendent in 1965, deputy superintendent in 1968, superintendent in 1970 and then assistant commissioner in 1972.

The police statement continued: “Mr. Thompson has made significant contributions throughout his tenure,

which has assisted in the growth and transformation of the Royal Bahamas Police Force. On January 15, 1981 after a colourful and exuberant career, he retired from the organisation leaving an unparalleled legacy.

“Notwithstanding, he continued to support the men and women of the Royal Bahamas Police Force and security officers in the private sector as a mentor providing invaluable law enforcement strategies.

“Commissioner Fernander, along with members of his senior executive leadership team (SELT), senior officers, contracted officers, police reserves and civilians, extend heartfelt condolences to all members of his family during their time of bereavement.”

Among the changes Mr Thompson introduced was the ability for Bahamian officers to train overseas as part of efforts to improve the quality of the force, while he kept his

Following his years in the police, he ran a private security company, while continuing to contribute to the debate on how to fight crime, both as a regular writer for The Tribune and as a trusted adviser to currently serving officers.

He later published a book, A Policeman’s Story, which recounted many of the situations he encountered, particularly during the years in which drug use and smuggling soared in The Bahamas.

Mr Thompson often railed against those who would take bribes, while encouraging the support of honest officers. He long championed the police force, while calling for measures to help tackle crime, including night courts and improving the justice system.

Mr Thompson, described as “the quintessential police officer”, died on Wednesday, March 6, 2024.

By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Chief Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net

THOUSANDS are still waiting to be processed by the Department of Immigration because their applications were not transferred to the department’s digital system, Immigration Minister Alfred Sears revealed in the House of Assembly yesterday.

Mr Sears said nearly 300,000 files were not transferred to the agency’s online system when introduced in 2017, causing excessive processing delays and disadvantages. It is not clear what the applicants applied for, but Mr Sears said his ministry is working to eliminate challenges with delays and errors.

“For years, the department has relied on physical offices, trailers, and rented spaces to store the vast amount of paperwork and files required for immigration administration,” Mr Sears said during his midyear budget contribution in the House of Assembly. “However, this approach is no longer sustainable or practical in today’s digital age.”

“That is why I am pleased to announce that the

department is implementing a robust file digitisation programme.”

He said the initiative would streamline the department’s operations, free up much-needed space and financial resources, and facilitate more timely application processing.

Mr Sears also highlighted plans to establish safe house and detention facilities in Grand Bahama and construct a purpose built facility in Inagua.

This comes after the United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention (WGAD) raised concerns about the country’s detention systems in a report last year.

“The committee identified certain issues regarding the Safe House for Women and Children and the Detention Centre at Golden Isle Road, Nassau,” Mr Sears noted. “Capital improvement to both of these facilities were underway before the visit.

It is important to note that all of the concerns raised by WGAD are being addressed.”

As for the facility in Inagua, Mr Sears said it has been designed to serve as a hurricane shelter to provide a safe haven for residents ahead of impending storms.

By JADE RUSSELL Tribune Staff Reporter jrussell@tribunemedia.net

NINETY-TWO people were detained in New Providence and Abaco as authorities looked to demolish shanty towns, Immigration Minister Alfred Sears said yesterday.

“These were persons who had overstayed their time had no papers, so to speak, no official sanction, to be within the country,” he said during his contribution to the mid-year budget debate in the House of Assembly yesterday.

“So, the demolition has

really indicated pockets of people within these communities who ought not to be in the Commonwealth of The Bahamas. Those persons have been brought to the courts, and some of them have been repatriated if they were not able to get themselves regularised.”

Works Minister Clay Sweeting, head of government’s Unregulated Communities Task Force, has repeatedly said only Bahamians living in shanty towns would be provided accommodations as authorities evict residents. On Wednesday, he said this applies to permanent residents as well.

Trinidadian connections alive by bringing musical artists from there to The Bahamas to perform.

FORMER Royal Bahamas Police Force Assistant Commissioner Paul Thompson at his 90th birthday celebration.

Bahamians ‘rightfully outraged’ over Carnival Cruise Line Video

from page one

he said. “He’s confirmed and affirmed our partnership and he has indicated that it is not something endorsed by Carnival and it is not the standard notice of Carnival. He’s provided me with those notices.”

Central Grand Bahama MP Iram Lewis later said in the House of Assembly yesterday that Carnival should issue a press statement distancing itself from what the tourists said.

This is not the first time Carnival has been accused of discouraging its passengers from engaging in certain activities in The Bahamas.

Last year, Port Lucaya Marketplace vendors said Carnival passengers were told vendors are unfriendly and visitors could be robbed of cash and jewellery.

Chris Chiames, Carnival’s chief communications officer, denied the claim.

“As a standard practice, we advise guests visiting destinations to follow well-cited travel advice and stay in main tourist areas, not carry large sums of cash they don’t intend to spend, and not wear lots of jewellery,” he said. “Our guests love visiting Freeport.”

POLICE KILLING OF TWO MEN ON COW PEN ROAD IN 2018 RULED HOMICIDE BY MANSLAUGHTER

from page one

This is the second finding of homicide by manslaughter against the police this year. Once rare, adverse findings against the police have been more common in the last year than justified homicide findings. Last week, Prime Minister Phillip “Brave” Davis said that he would have a conversation with the commissioner of police if the pattern of such findings continues. Coroner’s Court inquests do not determine criminal liability, but adverse findings against the police could spark criminal prosecutions. Acting Director

of Public Prosecutions Cordell Frazier has not yet said whether she will charge officers in the previous cases.

Dr Caryn Sands, a pathologist, testified earlier this week that Roy Stubbs’ cause of death was gunshot wounds to the torso and extremities, while Ernst Foreste had gunshot wounds to the head, torso and lower left extremity. Before the five jurors reached their conclusion about the shooting yesterday, Inspector Hervin Curtis, one of the two officers in the inquest, testified about what happened. He said he and Inspector

Akeem Wilson received information that a green Honda Accord was involved in an armed robbery at KFC in Oakes Field and that the vehicle was last seen on Cowpen Road. He said while Inspector Wilson was driving, they encountered a green vehicle on Cowpen Road and tried to get the deceased to stop by using their sirens.

He said he used the foghorn to shout, “police, stop the vehicle”, but the deceased ignored the command and sped away.

After a brief pursuit, the men’s vehicle stopped near the juncture of Leabert Close and Crispin Street.

Inspector Curry said officers then told the deceased to exit the vehicle as he approached with his Colt M4 Rifle pointed downwards while Inspector Wilson had a 9mm handgun. He said he recognised Stubbs when he got out of the driver’s side of the vehicle and immediately became in fear because he identified him as a suspect in several murders.

“I was scared,” he said. “I was in fear just from seeing him because I know the kind of person he is and the crimes he was accused of.”

Inspector Curry further said Stubbs was wearing an ankle monitor for a pending

murder trial. He said when Stubbs got out of the car, he had his weapon drawn and fired at them, causing him and his partner to engage the deceased. Inspector Curry said seconds later, Foreste also got out of the vehicle with a gun but couldn’t recall if he fired at them. He said events unfolded quickly and that he and his partner had to defend themselves.

After saying Foreste was a suspect in a prior murder and armed robbery incident, Inspector Curry said that if he had faced the same situation again, he would do the same thing.

He told the jury he did nothing wrong and followed his training and the law.

In addition to noting that he had previously received gunshot injuries in the line of duty, Inspector Curry said he engaged the deceased to preserve not only the officers’ lives but those of civilians.

However, when a juror asked why the gun recovered near Foreste’s body was found in the car, he could not say if the deceased went back to the vehicle at any point.

Acting Coroner Kara Turnquest Deveaux presided over the inquest. Angelo Whitfield marshalled the evidence.

TOURISM MINISTER CHESTER COOPER

THE SCENE on Cowpen Road where two men were shot and killed by police in 2018.

RT

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C.M.G., M.S., B.A., LL.B.

Publisher/Editor 1972-

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Remembering a hero and guardian angel

PAUL Thompson was a guardian angel.

His passing late on Wednesday evening at the age of 96 leaves The Bahamas without a man who stood strong in the dark drug days of The Bahamas, and who fought hard to support and advance his fellow police officers.

I do not just say that from reputation, I write it from experience.

Many Bahamians are familiar with the famous report in 1982 on NBC called “The Bahamas: A Nation For Sale”. The Bahamas was being used by drug smugglers such as Carlos Lehder, with Norman’s Cay serving as a base for smuggling cocaine into the United States.

There were allegations of bribes being taken to allow such a trade, with the 1984 Royal Commission into drug trafficking and government corruption leading to resignations and sackings, and questioning the origin of some of the amounts of cash received by Prime Minister Lynden Pindling, with explanations for where some of the deposits came from unable to be verified.

That is how it is recorded in history, but history does not record as easily how it was on the streets at that time.

Had Paul Thompson not been so strong in service at the time, I myself might not have survived those years.

It was the job of The Tribune to report on what was happening on those streets – it still is – but perhaps that led to some foolhardy moments. It is one thing saying one has to be fearless to go and find the story, but another thing to actually put oneself in more than one dangerous spot to do so.

I wouldn’t move without Paul Thompson at that time. I was young and in the profession of journalism and taking risks in pursuing stories relating to drugs.

He was an ever-present whenever there was danger. He had my back.

Over the years, we grew very close. We shared an understanding of how important it was to try to stem the tide of drugs in The Bahamas – and of the crime that went with it.

Protecting a member of the press going about their duties was, I think, another way of protecting The Bahamas for Paul. He knew that there could be no room for crime to be swept under the carpet, or ignored, or, worse, for money to change hands to make people look the other way.

Getting the story out about the fight against crime was, and remains, another way of fighting crime itself. Indeed, he said as much himself, saying in 1999: “Law enforcement and journalism are locked (or should be) arm-in-arm by mutual obligation to improve society and protect the dignity and security of the community and nation.”

Paul also became a regular writer to

The Tribune in later years – and did so with passion on the subject of the police force. He championed honest police officers – including suggesting such things as paying honest officers more who turn down bribes. The integrity of the police force was as important to him as his own personal integrity.

He was a regular defender of officers, citing what it is that officers have to experience as they go about their duties. These days, that includes attending murder scenes every few days at times. It is hard for those who have never or rarely seen a dead body to appreciate what it must be like to go through that time after time, to see the anguish of relatives, to deal with the anger at the scenes of such crimes and to try to stop things escalating, even in cases of gang killings where reprisals are already being plotted out.

Paul survived gunfights himself – including one night when officers sought to tackle a numbers boss, Talbot Thompson. As officers arrested a man carrying records of the number sales from various outlets, Talbot Thompson was alerted and fled. Paul and his fellow officers pursued the numbers man into his garage, who walked towards them with his hand behind his back. He pulled out a gun and shot the bag man, then turned his gun on the officers, including Paul’s colleague Sergeant Courtney Strachan. The numbers man pulled the trigger, but the gun misfired. A gunfight ensued that ended when tear gas was used to flush out the fugitive, who was arrested. The numbers man tried to protest that it was the police who had shot the bag man, but the bullet came from the criminal’s gun. A gun that could so easily have cost an officer his life if not for that misfire. It was through all of those kinds of horrors that Paul Thompson endured and sought to protect others.

The current Police Commissioner, Clayton Fernander, has called Paul a “hero to our country”.

That is true. But on a personal note, he was a hero to me. And there are many others for whom he was a personal hero.

Paul Thompson, born in the village of Cunupia in Trinidad, became one of The Bahamas’ most outstanding officers, a hero to its citizens, and an honoured colleague to his fellow officers.

He went above and beyond for those he knew, and those he did not, and took a firm stance when it was needed most. Collectively, we should honour him in his passing – while personally, I thank him for all he did. He was a man who made a difference, to me, and to all of us.

You served gallantly, Paul. May you rest in peace.

EDITOR, The Tribune.

EVER since, if not before, it successfully declared its independence in 1804 following her defeat of a contingent of the Napoleonic army, Haiti has been and remains to this very day, the classical case of a ‘failed state’. Throughout its modern history, Haiti, at different times have been controlled or led by assorted coup leaders; military despots; tin horned dictators and rag tagged criminal gangs. There was even a time when an alleged Bahamian born dictator, Papa Doc Duvalier held absolute sway down there for almost Thirty (30) years and was succeeded by his son, Baby Doc Duvalier.

In my opinion none of the Haitian ‘rulers’ have ever done enough to set that troubled nation on an even keel. The rulers come and they go, provided that they are lucky enough to escape assassination or being necklaced with a burning car tire. Routine chopping up of political rivals by cutlasses is the order of the day. The assassination of its last elected President, Jovenal Mosie, was the straw that broke the camel’s back, in my view, in 2021. Haiti has spiraled into an economic and political morass.

To put it pure and simple, Haiti, urgently needs an internal political solution.

In 2021 the current Prime Minister (and Acting President) Ariel Henry was able to become de faco ‘leader’ of that troubled nation and promised free and fair national and local elections no later than February of this year. He now says that that will occur sometime

in August, 2025 The Lord willing!! He recently flew over to Kenya to sign off on a purported bilateral agreement with that nation to deploy a 1,000 member strong police, not military, contingent, to assist with the restoration of law and order. Another African nation, Benin, has pledged to send 2,000 police officers. The Bahamas and several other Caricom nations have almost committed to sending police officers as Peace Keepers. Will these contingents ever get to Haiti and how would they be received by the feared gangs and their leaders. God forbid that a single foreign police officer, especially a Bahamian, should be captured and tortured. What is remarkable is that neither France, the original occupying power or the USA, the largest nation and most powerful, military wise, have both consistently and stridently declared that they will NOT put booths on the ground in Haiti. Why The USA is prepared to raise funds for any foreign deployment NUT no American blood will be spilled in Haiti. The French wants to send military forces into the Ukraine, a ‘white’ based nation BUT not a single police or military contingent over into ‘black’ Haiti!!??

I am not suggesting that the USA; the UK; Canada or some European nations may be racially prejudiced

towards Haiti but look at the optics…In the UK for instance, the Tory administration, led by a man of color, has proposed that All illegal asylum seekers should be sent to resettlement camps in Rawanda, an African nation famous for its civil wars and ethnic cleansing!! Even the Dominican Republic, which shares the Island of Hispaniola with Haiti has sealed its borders and place their military on full alert.

Haiti is a failed state by any yard stick, I am a Junior Prophet and I predict NOW that Henry will NEVER be allowed by the gangs to publicly return to Haiti any time soon. In fact, like former President Aristide, he may well be forced to seek domicile elsewhere in the African diaspora. The world really needs to simply step back and allow the Haitians to work out their own salvation.

To protect our own borders here in the nation and to avoid as much as possible the unfettered migration of Haitians we Must set up a sea borne blockade immediately. Is our Royal Bahamas Defense Force up to scratch? No one is able to offer a sensible and workable solution To This Long Festering DILEMMA. With an almost 10 million strong population you mean to tell me that after more than 219 years of ‘independence’ Haiti is consigned to remain on its knees, literally. Is Haiti the land of the damned To God then, in all things, be the glory.

ORTLAND H BODIE, Jr Nassau, March 7, 2024.

EDITOR, The Tribune.

JUNKANOO in Paradise: Having seen the subject musical, I would surmise that the naming convention of this Bahamian production is not quite appropriate. The musical may have been more appropriately called “Drums”. I must say the production was an excellent display of Bahamian talent, both acting, dancing, junkanoo and singing. My observation that the musical should be called Drums and NOT Junkanoo in Paradise is because I can see how drums are deemed associated which each aspect of practices and norms depicted ie Church, Junkanoo and apparently obeah. What I cannot fathom is how Junkanoo in Paradise is tied to obeah – what is the relevance. I was surprised to

be attending a show called “Junkanoo in Paradise” and be assaulted with what is alluded to in the production as “Bahamian culture” – ie, obeah. As a Christian, I feel this production’s insinuation that obeah is a cultural norm for Bahamians is a fallacy. I hear that a small segment of people in the Bahamas do practice obeah – however obeah is witchcraft and witchcraft is an abomination and should not be aligned with “cultural behavior” of a nation whose constitution speaks to Christian values, and obeah is prohibited in our penal code. If obeah is prohibited in our penal code – why are we “advertising“ to the tourist that obeah is our culture. Shall we say because murders are happening, will we call this a

cultural norm? We the Bahamian people must know and be cognizant of the spiritual implication of dabbling and determining certain practices as cultural norms. Be careful O Bahamas and watch other nations that make obeah their cultural norm. I recommend that the Minister of Tourism and every God-fearing leader in this country review this production – for its duplicitous naming convention as well as for the insinuation that Bahamians for the most part are lawless – this is the inference when you depict a known violation of the penal code as being a “cultural norm”.

MINISTER of Education, Technical and Vocational Training Glenys Hanna Martin during the midyear budget in the House of Assembly on Wednesday.

Photo: Dante Carrer

‘RBDF Set to guard mass migration from Haiti‘

Defence Force personnel.

He added that overlapping sea patrols are being conducted on the northern coast of the Haitian Windward Passage and the Old Bahama Channel.

He said aerial intelligence surveillance and reconnaissance patrols would assist in detecting any early movement of migrant activity toward The Bahamas.

Commodore King said the mass displacement of some 400,000 Haitians in the capital and metropolitan areas of that country and the recent jailbreak of 4,500 prison inmates present a national security concern for The Bahamas and other neighbouring

countries. Haiti is in a state of emergency after gangs attacked two prisons in the capital and two airports on that island over the last week.

According to Commodore King, the 3,500 prisoners who remain at large include people accused of the assassination of President Jovenel Moise in 2021, dangerous criminals, and gang members.

He said the escapees could flee Haiti for The Bahamas, Turks and Caicos, Cuba, Jamaica, Dominican Republic, and Puerto Rico. He believes these people are inclined to become involved in gang violence, homicides, and transnational criminal

activities, including illicit weapons smuggling, drug trafficking, and human trafficking and smuggling as sources to fund their activities.

He noted that there are collaborative vessel patrols in conjunction with the Turks and Caicos Islands. TCI Coast Guard personnel will be on board Bahamian vessels as ship-riders. The US Coast Guard vessels are also being deployed in the area as part of the overall effort.

“There is intelligence information sharing between regional partners, including OPBAT, TCI, the USCG, and the Cuban Border Patrol,” he added during an Office of the Prime Minister press briefing yesterday.

BAMSI acquires $400,000 feed mill in first phase of Golden Yolk Project

By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport

BAHAMAS Agricultural Industrial Corporation executive chairman Leroy Major said the government acquired a $400,000 animal feed mill for the first phase of its Golden Yolk Project and the development of the Bahamian egg industry.

“That mill is on

in

he said during an Office of Prime

Minister press briefing yesterday. He said BAIC has also invested in a steel structure to house the feed mill, noting the mill on Soldier Road is more than 50 years old and can only produce ten tons in an eight-hour shift.

According to Smith, the government would like Bahamian farmers nationwide to increase their livestock. “The problem we have is that there is not enough feed, and the feed mill we have now cannot produce enough to feed the animals,

so the government, in its wisdom, decided that the first step is to ensure food for these animals,” he said.

“We purchased a building, and in short order, we will be laying the foundation for the construction of a brand new state-of-the-art animal feed mill.”

Mr Smith said the government is also launching the Golden Yolk Project, a new initiative to end the country’s importation of millions of eggs.

He said it would be the only industry that would be totally owned, operated, and run by Bahamians in

The Bahamas. “I think it is a great empowerment tool for Bahamian people,” Mr Smith said.

“It is about the Bahamas being self-sufficient in egg production. We import millions of dollars of eggs in the country.”

According to the BAIC chairman, The Bahamas has signed an agreement by

2025 to reduce its importation of food by 25 per cent.

“When we look at it, we realise egg production is one of the low-hanging fruits that can help achieve that goal,” he said.

Mr Smith said the quality of the eggs being imported into the country is about three to eight months old.

established

PARTS MANAGER

for

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net

A 51-YEAR-OLD man was granted $9,500 bail after allegedly being found with an unlicensed gun in his home last Sunday.

Magistrate Lennox

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net

A 20-YEAR-OLD man was ordered to serve 250 hours of community service after admitting to stealing $1,833.75 from Starbucks at Cable Cottage over a period of three months.

Magistrate Kendra Kelly

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net

AN American tourist was fined $800 yesterday after admitting to having marijuana and amphetamines at the airport earlier this week.

Magistrate Raquel Whyms charged Derrick Marbrough, 30, with two counts of possession of dangerous drugs.

Coleby charged Moses Ferguson with possession of an unlicensed firearm, possession of ammunition with intent to supply and possession of a part of a firearm. Ferguson was allegedly found with a black Glock Austria 19 pistol, a black 9mm magazine and 30

charged Javardo Bain with stealing by way of employment. While working as a server at the Starbucks Coffee Shop on West Bay Street, Bain reportedly stole $1,833.75 from his employers between November 17, 2023 and February 17.

After Bain pleaded guilty to the charge, the

Marbrough was arrested at LPIA on March 6 after he was found with six grams of marijuana and three amphetamine pills. Following his guilty plea, the defendant was told that failing to pay his fine would result in a two-month prison term. A Bahamian was placed on one years probation after he admitted to a separate drug charge. Magistrate Whyms

rounds of 9mm ammunition on Palmetto Road on March 3.

After pleading not guilty to the charges, Ferguson was told that two sureties could post his bail.

His trial begins on May 29.

Levan Johnson represented the accused.

magistrate granted him a conditional discharge. He was ordered to fully reimburse his former employer and perform community service.

Failing these conditions would result in a threemonth prison term.

Bain will report to the court on his community service on May 24.

charged Antonio Johnson, 40, with possession of dangerous drugs.

Johnson was arrested on March 6 in New Providence after he was found with three grams of marijuana.

After his guilty plea, Johnson was told that breaching his probation would carry a one-month prison term.

The defendant must return to court for a report on March 20.

DUTIES AND

providing fresh table eggs,” he said. “The price will be below $4. Once we start that, we will stop the importation of eggs in this country. Because, if the truth be told from statistics, we don’t import eggs; eggs are dumped in this country, and so, that is going to stop when you, the Bahamians, start your industry with the Golden Yolk.”

The wreck of the HMS Lowstoffe

Great Inagua and Little Inagua boast some of the oldest and most enigmatic shipwrecks in The Bahamas, as they sit across the entrance to the Windward Passage.

The two Inagua islands’ 150-nautical-miles of reef-strewn coast are scoured by strong currents, which aside from Matthew Town are essentially uninhabited. One of the wrecks was the first ship that Lord Horatio Nelson, who died defeating Napoleon’s navy at Trafalgar in 1805. That ship was HMS Lowestoffe, which grounded at Little Inagua, and the man who commanded her “regularly visited and had numerous conversations with Napoleon” later while in command of Saint Helena. Napoleon’s spouse, Josephine, was from Martinique, and his nemesis Nelson’s wife, Frances Herbert Wool-

By Eric Wiberg

indigo, and ambergris”. Salvors from Bermuda “managed to fend off an armed French ship protecting the site, and recovered” so much “more than 12,000 pieces of eight”. The frigate HMS Statira wrecked at Little Inagua en route from Bermuda in convoy. The 38-gun ship was under the command of Captain Spelman Swaine on February 26, 1815 when the ship struck “a sunken rock, near the Island of Little Inague. By the greatest exertions, she swung off in half an hour, but she was found

ward, was from Nevis.

The Spanish 18-gun brig Infanta “was sailing in a fresh northeast wind and heavy seas in the Caicos Channel, when she was caught in a storm [and] collided with the reef north of Little Inagua, and was tipped over” in November 1788. The ship sank as survivors scrambled off. They managed to use “two launches and a boat to reach a deserted island, two miles from the reef they had struck”, which has to have been Great Inagua. After a few days, some English ships “under the pretext of providing assistance to take them to Baracoa, Cuba, robbed them of their belongings”.

In 1715, the Le Compte de Paix of the Royal French Senegal Company, “fell victim to the reefs surrounding the Bahamian island of Great Inagua losing a valuable cargo consisting of currency, gold dust, sugar,

so leaky, that all hopes of saving her was abandoned, and soon after the crew was distributed in the different transports, she sunk”. They landed at Port Royal a week later.

HMS Lowestoffe was built in 1761 as a 32-gun fifth-rate frigate, 131 feet long, 35 feet wide and 9.5 feet deep. Under the command of Captain William Locker, leader of the West Indies Station in 1777, HMS Lowestoffe sailed from the UK to the Caribbean “with a convoy of 18 sail of merchantmen, arriving at Port Royal, Jamaica, in July. The young Horatio Nelson was her Second Lieutenant [and] had passed his examination on 9 April”. Impressed by Nelson, Locker appointed the 19-year-old “captain of the schooner Little Lucy, an American prize re-fitted as Lowestoffe ‘s tender. For some weeks, the two ships worked in tandem hunting prizes in the waters of the Caribbean, [then], in July 1778, Nelson was transferred to HMS Bristol”. Lowestoffe sailed from Kingston on 22 July 1801, and met a convoy including the ships Acasta, sloop Bonetta, schooners Musquito and Sting, and others, which sailed from Port Antonio on after 27 July. The frigate was carrying a large quantity of specie, was 717 tons, had three masts, and was armed with 32 cannons: 26 12-pounders on the gun deck, four 6-pounders on the quarter deck, two others on the forecastle plus a dozen half-poundshot swivel guns. They cleared the Windward Passage, and were sailing through the Caicos passage late on 10 August. Then, just 50 miles from clearing The Bahamas, “Pamplin realised that the strong currents known to

run through the channel had reversed direction and Lowestoffe was running into shallow waters. He attempted to avoid grounding, but to no avail.” At night, the ship ran broadside onto Little Inagua, probably on her port side at the northeast corner of the island. In desperation, “the crew threw stores and equipment [cannons] overboard to lighten the ship, and boats came from other ships in the convoy to try to pull her off. The attempts to refloat her failed, and her crew abandoned her by midafternoon”. Sadly, five men were escaping in a small boat when it was overwhelmed in the surf and they were drowned when it capsized. “The change in currents also caused the wreck of five or six merchantmen.”

Plampin “summoned

HMS Bonetta and successfully transferred the money and all of the frigates crew into the tiny vessel.”

Usually losing command of a treasure-filled naval ship from apparent navigational error would set back a naval officer’s career. But Robert Plamplin was of a naval family, and went to sea at 13, and had been shipwrecked already. Plamplin took charge, effectively and quickly salvaged the many thousands of coins, and placed HMS Acasta in charge. Plampin and his officers returned to Jamaica and were tried. The court-martial at Port Royal on 3 September ruled that “Pamplin had sailed in a judicious manner, and exonerated him and his officers from blame”. In April of 1803, Plamplin was paid the reward he had originally been promised for bringing it safely to Britain and was subsequently cleared of any wrongdoing.

In exchanges with salvors, it would seem that folks have located and salvaged a number of cannons from this wreck. After all, to lighten ship in distress, the heavy cannons placed conveniently in front of gates were often thrown over, not retrieved, and relatively easy to find, and hard to pull out. In a bit of irony, the Royal Navy sank a modern Rothesay-Class frigate built in 1960 and with the similar name HMS Lowestoft as a target ship. It was scuttled on June, 16, 1986. Where, one might ask?

Off Inagua. Nelson and Plamplin would have appreciated that.

ADMIRAL Lord Horatio Nelson, whose career aged 18 to 19 leapt forward as Second Lieutenant of HMS Lowestoffe in 1777 and 1788 when he experienced his first command of the captured American merchantman Little Lucy.

“HMS Lowestoffe in Kingston Harbour with Port Royal, Jamaica beyond, with attendant schooners, one almost certain to be the Little Lucy, the first command of Lieutenant Horatio Nelson; A Brig and other boats at anchor off the coast in Jamaica.”

VICE Admiral Robert Plampin, commander of HMS Lowestoffe, which sank at Little Inagua in 1801 after three years under his command.

A CHART of the southwest anchorage of Great Inagua, now Matthew Town, from the 1700s.

Can Nassau harbour learn from Exuma before it’s too late?

By Diane Phillips

that the Defense Force is always stretched, trying to stop poaching, human trafficking, drug smuggling and right now, preparing a southern border defense against a massive influx of Haitian nationals who may try to flee the, the raging anarchy and crime of their homeland, finding their way to safe havens like The Bahamas. Who should monitor is way above my pay grade. If not RBDF, Environment? Environmental Health?

Agriculture and Marine Resources?

The next step is to set out mooring buoys. And here we can learn from Exuma. After years of vessels taking up winter residency in the once majestic Elizabeth Harbour, calling Elizabeth Harbour majestic would have been more of a memory than a description. Underwater damage was evident even without bacteria studies. Anchors dragged. Once vibrant coral reefs were mashed. The nearest fish was in a restaurant.

the buoys, boaters changed their tune, accepting the new reality that they would be part of preserving what was left while protecting the vast area for the future.

“They were proud to be part of a sustainable movement in a place they felt was their second home,” said the source, who preferred not to be named. Several organizations helped to pay for the environmentally-friendly, specially-built buoys, and the installation, which was managed without the usual chain that can drag in high winds and rough water.

This week someone counted 410 boats in the harbour. Those who booked mooring buoys ahead of time were not complaining about the cost, $300 a month or a daily fee. They reported they felt more secure knowing they had a place of their own.

wheel and both are imminently achievable.

First, we must make the use of holding tanks and pump-out facilities mandatory. Pumping overboard is illegal in other places. Why in the world would we allow it in The Bahamas where not only our souls depend on the water, our economy does. We say that we are a tourism-based economy but we really are is a waterbased economy. Take away those multi-hued turquoise waters and see how many of those same visitors who fill resorts, Family Island small hotels, short-term rentals and book cruises would still be interested in The Bahamas.

How do you enforce a no flushing overboard policy? First, you must provide an alternative, adequate pump-out facilities whether on land or via a mobile unit so vessels that choose not to go into a marina can empty their holding tank. This is not a free service. Boats need to pay. The service can be set up by a private company licensed to operate either through a government contract or independently as a for-profit enterprise. There is nothing to stop a young entrepreneur from doing it right now, except for the fact that no one is watching to see if anyone is flushing.

Once pump-out facilities are available, random monitoring must take place to guarantee enforcement.

That duty would appear to fall to Nassau Harbour Patrol, a unit of the Royal Bahamas Defense Force, but we also respect the fact

But thanks in large part to Friends of Exuma and the Bahamas National Trust, a partnership was formed between Elizabeth Harbour and Moriah Harbour National Park, creating a non-government management enterprise with a full-time director.

Since November, 98 mooring buoys have been installed, 34 in Moriah Harbour National Park and 64 in Elizabeth Harbour near Stocking Island.

According to one source, the initial pushback was strong. Boaters were upset that their favourite parking spot was not available, as if they had material rights to something they never owned. But as the weeks wore on, and as the management team of qualified environmentalists presented the case for

Some were heard bragging about which number mooring they had as if the address had sudden prestige. The rules are clear – moorings are for a single vessel, up to 60 feet, no rafting up. Mast lights have to be on after dark. Absolutely no black or gray water flushing in the harbour.

Like many good deeds prompted by a need that could no longer be denied, the conservation partnership had a champion. That champion was Friends of Exuma, an organization created to provide a means for Americans like its cofounder Bob Coughlin to donate to the betterment of Exuma. Through its partnership with the Bahamas National Trust, it attracted others to the cause and in less time than anything predicted, it changed the future of Great Exuma, taking the first steps toward making Elizabeth Harbour great again.

The next step is to set out mooring buoys. And here we can learn from Exuma.

LAST week’s column in The Tribune

EDUKARTING BAHAMAS

EDUKARTING Bahamas held karting sprints and slalom racing at the BHRA Motorsports Park off Sport Centre Road on March 2-3.

Edukarting’s activities continue on Saturday in the lobby of Fusion cinema from 2-4pm with a chance to race against the Edukart Racers on arcade racing games.

ETA PSI OMEGA CHAPTER OF ALPHA KAPPA ALPHA SORORITY INC

Members of the Eta Psi Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated had the honor of paying a courtesy call to Cynthia Pratt, Governor-General of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas.

During the visit, a concise history of the sorority along with an overview of the Chapter, highlighting the programs and initiatives carried out by the Eta Psi Omega chapter. Also discussed were future program plans in Nassau, The Bahamas and the chapter’s upcoming 46th Honours Day & Scholarship Programme.

The 2024 Honours Day and Scholarship Programme will be held April 4-7, and will honour the best and brightest high school 12th grade female students.

The charge given by Her Excellency was to continue the work within our community - Andrea E Institute, Willamae Pratt school for girls, working with young men and finding scholarships for students that do not meet a 3.0 GPA requirement and assisting our seniors with their technology needs.

GIRL GUIDES

Hundreds of Sunflowers, Brownies, Guides, Rangers and leaders from around The Bahamas spent the week of February 18-24 exploring the theme: Our

World, Our Bahamas, Our Thriving Future.

In keeping with the mandate of the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts, our members examined, celebrated and made recommendations for a better world and country, while pledging to do their best to sustain our pristine environment and eliminate poverty. They learned, made friends and had fun in their frolic, revels, rally, Leadership Seminar and World Centres Progressive meal.

Gratitude is extended to Bishop Hulan Hanna, Shenique Smith, Nature Conservancy; Principal and staff of Nassau Christian Schools, and Dr Monique Hinsey; Principals of Xavier’s Lower School and Stapledon School; Principals of schools, Dr Jacqui Bend; President, Council, Commissioners, leaders, friends of Guiding; and parents for their support of our Association. Special gratitude is extended to CIBC and SuperClubs Breezes for their significant contributions to the CIBC/BGGA Delaney Leadership Seminar for Girls.

KIWANIS CLUB OF OVER-THE-HILL

On Sunday, February 25, the Kiwanis Club of OverThe-Hill led by president Dominique Gaitor, visited the historic Mission Baptist Church on Hay Street to celebrate our 49th annivesary of the organisation of our club.

Back in 1975, led by

charter president David Bullard, members attended his church, Mission Baptist, with its senior pastor at that time the ledgendary Rev Dr RE Cooper Sr.

Although our charter states September 24, 1975, it is traditionally celeberated in February since that was the date the actual charter certificate and meeting paraphernalia arrived in Nassau.

From that date to now, the Kiwanis Club of OverThe-Hill has continued this tradition of celebrating our annivesary by visiting Mission Baptist Church. We also continue to concentrate our outreach in the Over-The-Hill community signified by our logo, St. Gregory’s Arch which represented Over-The-Hill community south of the arch.

We are also fortunate to still have one of our remaining charter members, Diamond Secretary Kevin Hanna, who has been active in our club for the past fortynine years. We recently bid farewell to two charter members who died, namely Past Lieutenant Governor Nesbitt Higgins and Distinguish Lieutenant Governor Bertram Knowles.

The Kiwanis Club of OverThe-Hill was organised on September 24th, 1975, and remains the only all men’s Kiwanis club in Sunshine Division 22, Bahamas, under the Eastern Cananda & Caribbean District of Kiwanis International.

ROTARY CLUB OF NASSAU

Members of the Disaster

Management Committee of the Rotary Club of Nassau recently presented officials at the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) with emergency grab-and-go-bags and sleeping bags to help mitigate the negative impacts of natural disasters such as hurricanes.

Club officials say the donation to NEMA was indicative of the high level of importance they place on preparedness, mitigation, response and recovery to natural disasters such as hurricanes. The donation took place at NEMA’s Headquarters, Gladstone Road and NEMA Way.

NEMA’s director, Captain Stephen Russell, accepted the donation on behalf of the country’s disaster risk management team that presently comprises personnel from the Ministry of Disaster Risk Management, the National Emergency Management Agency and the Disaster Risk Management Authority. The entities will merge to form the Disaster Risk Management Authority.

Also referred to as emergency supply kits, or ready-to-go kits, the donated bags contained tools and wellness equipment including flashlights, whistles, SOS Lights, compasses, first aid kits, emergency blankets, ponchos, hygiene kits and 10 feet of durable paracord rope, in addition to food bars, water purification tablets, and water pouches.

The bags are an essential component in the event a quick getaway may be needed. Disaster Risk Managers and Planners say a

backpack or other small bag is best for these kits so that they can be easily carried in an island evacuation or if there is a need to seek public shelter, and should be kept where they can easily be reached -- at home, in the car, at work, or school.

Officials further advise that each family member should have their own Go-Bag containing 72 hours-worth of essential supplies. Kits should contain food that comes in easy to open cans or pop-top containers, bottled water, a first aid kit, tools, portable phone charger, walking shoes, rain coat, copies of important documents such as identification papers, insurance cards, medical information for dependents and/or minors, warm/ dry clothing and bedding, a 3-7-day supply of life-saving medications as well as copies of prescriptions, pain relievers, and pet supplies for persons with pets.

Anti-bacterial wipes, masks/face coverings, hand sanitizer, emergency cash and work and/or medical gloves are also recommended, along with an AM/FM Radio with batteries, a list of emergency

JOIN THE CLUB

OUR Clubs and Societies page is a chance for you to share your group’s activities with our readers.

To feature on our Clubs and Societies page, submit your report to clubs@tribunemedia.net, with “Clubs Page” written in the subject line. For more information about the page, contact Stephen Hunt on 826-2242.

phone contact numbers and “comfort items” such as toys/games/books for young children.

In applauding the Rotary Club of Nassau for their partnership, Captain Russell took the opportunity to reiterate the need for preparedness ahead of the 2024 Atlantic Hurricane Season which begins June 1 and ends November, 30. Tropical cyclone activity has been recorded as early as May in recent years, however.

“On behalf of Minister of State with responsibility for Disaster Risk Management, the Hon. Leon Lundy, and the management team at the Ministry of Disaster Risk Management, the National Emergency Management Agency and the Disaster Reconstruction Authority (DRA), I applaud your organization for this kind gesture,” Captain Russell said.

“Disasters such as hurricanes will come and they are expected to come more frequently and with more intensity. This is the reason why we continue to ensure, year-round, that our message of preparedness is heard across our archipelago. Grab and go bags are essential in the event citizens have to evacuate their homes and go into a shelter, or if we have to evacuate them from one island to another and into a shelter. This is a good start. We encourage citizens and residents who haven’t already done so, to not wait until the start of the hurricane season, or during the season, to prepare their bags,” Captain Russell added.

FROM left, Mia Nottage - Chapter Protocol chairman; Alana Major - former president and rituals chairman; Shayne Sweeting - educational advancement foundation co-chairman - Shayne Sweeting; Samantha Anderson - Chapter nominations chairman; Gabrielle Conliffe - second vice president and Honours Day chairman; Phylicia Ferguson - president of the Eta Psi Omega Chapter; Cynthia Pratt; Ramona Wells - first vice president and programme chairman; Kim Johnson - Chapter Sargent-At-Arms; Melissa Hanna - Chapter hostess; Yasmin Williams Robinson - Chapter membership chairman; D’Asante Small - Chapter strategic planning chairman and Honours Day co-chairman

Photo: Letisha Henderson/BI

ROTARIAN Danny Rahming presents NEMA director Captain Stephen Russell with one of the sleeping bags donated by the Disaster Management Committee of the Rotary Club of Nassau during a presentation at NEMA’s Headquarters, Gladstone Road and NEMA Way. Also pictured (from left) are Rotarians Francina Beneby and Monique Palmisano.

Photo: Patrick Hanna/BIS

KIWANIS Club of Over-The-Hill: Standing from left - Mrs Cooper, charter member diamond secretary Kevin Hanna, past president Berry Sweeting, past president Marcian Dorsett, wife of our charter president Mrs. Bullard, president Dominique Gaitor, president-elect Jovon Woodside, co-chair Heath Campbell, daughter of our charter president Jalna Bullard, pastor of Mission Baptist Church the Rev Dr RE Cooper Jr.

EDUKARTING Bahamas attendees at the BHRA Motorsports Park at the weekend. Right, Wilfried Haslauer Schauff and Naja Rolle at the weekend event.

SPORTS

FRIDAY, MARCH 8, 2024

BAISS TRACK & FIELD CHAMPIONSHIPS

Queen’s College Comets take the lead on day two

By TENAJH SWEETING Tribune Sports Reporter tsweeting@tribunemedia.net

The intensity levels rose on day two of the Bahamas Association of Independent Secondary Schools (BAiSS) Track and Field Championships as the Queen’s College Comets gained some ground in the team standings to take the lead yesterday at the original Thomas A Robinson Stadium.

After trailing by a margin of less than 10 points on day one, the Comets swapped spots with the defending champions St Augustine’s College (SAC) to lead the pack with 699 points. The Big Red Machine will go into the final day of competition in the second position with a total of 675 points. The Temple Christian School Suns clung to the third spot with a score of 258.50.

On day one, QC head coach Everette Fraser told reporters that he was expecting great things from the school on day two and the athletes delivered to help the Comets push atop the team standings.

“We knew we had to come out and execute and, for the most part, we executed. We still had some things we could’ve cleaned up. Our senior boys got disqualified so that was 20 points.

“Even though we are leading by 24 points I would say we are only leading by four. It is still going to be a dog fight. It’s who wants it and as coaches all

we could do is put the kids in the right position to win and succeed and it is up to the kids. If they want it we could get it,” he said. The Comets did most of their damage in the 100m finals, winning five out of the eight sprints yesterday. Fraser felt that his athletes performed well.

“I was a little impressed. I still feel like we should

have gotten a couple more points. It wasn’t perfect but they still did an excellent job. The kids came out and they performed but like I said, they have to execute,” coach Fraser said. With the BAISS Track and Field Championship up for grabs, Fraser acknowledged it will be a stiff battle today for bragging rights.

Paul Thompson will be remembered for his contribution to cricket

By BRENT STUBBS Chief Sports Editor bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

BAHAMAS Cricket Association president Gregory Taylor Sr said they will always remember the late Paul Thompson for his contribution to the sport over the years.

The 90-year-old Thompson, who was a former long-time cricket player, coach and executive, passed away on Wednesday night. Taylor Sr called Thompson a mentor who helped him to establish himself in the same footsteps over the years. “I came into the Bahamas Cricket Association in 1989 and although I knew of him as being the president of the Commonwealth Wanderers Cricket Club, aside from being the assistant commissioner of police,” Taylor Sr said.

“I served under him also as he served as the assistant commissioner. He organised the Commonwealth Wanderers, who travelled the world representing the Bahamas.” Taylor Sr, however, noted that in addition to being a policeman and cricketer, Thompson also played tennis and other

sports. But his heart and soul was dedicated to cricket.

“During the latter part of his life, I got closer to him. When I became the president of the association in 2007, he became the manager of our under-19 cricket team that toured Canada,” Taylor Sr said.

“Up until his heyday and COVID-19, Mr Thompson would be on the pavilion porch at the Bahamas Cricket Club (at Haynes Oval), playing his music and playing dominoes. He was someone who was good to have around cricket.”

In return, cricket was also good to Thompson. The BCA, under the direction of Taylor Sr, recommended Thompson for the International Cricket Council’s award, which

“It is going to be competitive. It is going to be SAC, then it is going to be QC. It is going to go back and forth. They are gonna win some, we are gonna win some. The name of the game is who is gonna win the most.

“I am hoping to win the most. I feel comfortable but it is up to the kids now, it is not up to me anymore,

if they want it they gotta fight for it and we will win it,” he said. SAC head coach Jason Edwards is looking forward to a good showing from the Big Red Machine today. “Today was okay. I thought we should have done better in certain areas but track meets are up and

SEE PAGE 14

THE SPORTS CALENDAR

By BRENT STUBBS Chief Sports Editor bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

MINNESOTA State University Moorhead (MSU) Dragons’ senior Shyrone Kemp heads into the National Collegiate Athletic Association’s Division II track and field championships this weekend as the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC) Male Field Indoor Athlete of the Year.

The 24-year-old Grand Bahamian long, triple and high jumper turned in one of the most historic performances in recent memory at the NSIC Indoor Championships where he earned All-NSIC distinction in the long jump with a top mark of 24-11.75 (7.61m), a new personal best for the standout.

“I won’t say it was an easy process, but my coach (Barry) installed a programme that enabled me to get these accomplishments,” Kemp said. “With him being a part of it, I would say that is the reason why I got it.

“He has a plan, so I just trust him, trust God to see it through and I just put in the work that he gives me and stay focused as I do what I have to do.”

During the NSIC Championships, Kemp had a top clearance of 6-10 3/4 (2.10m) to win the high jump and mark a new personal best. He concluded his meet with his fifth straight NSIC indoor title in the triple jump, winning with a mark of 51-10 1/2 (15.81m), which is currently the second-best in Division II.

“My best event that I compete in is the triple jump because it requires a lot and being the type of athlete that I am, I would overdo the work that my coach gives me because I just want to make myself better,” Kemp said.

“But I was very pleased with my high jump at the indoor conference. I didn’t know what to expect, but

SEE PAGE 13

Mar. 2024

LAST CHANCE SWIM MEET

WITH the Betty Kelly Kenning Aquatic Centre still under repairs, Bahamas Aquatics will hold its Last Chance Meet this weekend at the King’s College.

The meet, designed for swimmers nine years and older, will begin today at 6pm and continue on Saturday with two sessions at 9am and 4:30pm. It will serve as the final trials for the CARIFTA Games, scheduled for the Easter holiday weekend when the Bahamas will be going after its sixth consecutive victory at the newly renovated swimming complex. Swimmers will also get a chance to qualify for Bahamas Aquatics’ National Championships scheduled for June.

UB BASKETBALL

TRYOUT

THE University of the Bahamas will hold open tryouts for all young men interested in playing for the Mingoes basketball team. The trials will take

place at the Anatol Rodgers Gymnasium, starting at noon on Saturday. The team, coached by Baccus Rolle, currently competes in the New Providence Basketball Association and they travel to compete against various college teams in Florida.

SPARTANS TRACK CLASSIC

THE Noble Preparatory Academy Spartans will hold their annual Track and Field Classic on Saturday, March 16 at the original Thomas A. Robinson Track and Field Stadium.

The event will run from 9am to 2pm. The registration fee is $15 per athlete. The entry fee will be $15 for adults in the VIP stand and $8 for children. The general admission will be $10 for adults and $6 for children.

BAAA FINAL CARIFTA TRIALS

THE Bahamas Association of Athletic Associations is scheduled to hold its final CARIFTA trials at the original

SEE PAGE 13

PAUL THOMPSON

STEADY ON: Private school students (Queen’s College Comets) compete yesterday on day 2 of the Bahamas Association of Independent Secondary Schools (BAISS) Track and Field Championships at the original Thomas A Robinson Stadium.

Photo: Dante Carrer

GET READY FOR NPBA ALL-STAR WEEKEND

NPBA All-Star

Selections

THE New Providence Basketball Association (NPBA) is scheduled to take a brief hiatus from regular season play for the league’s All-Star Weekend.

The star-studded weekend will bring out the old and new generation of night league ballers.

The festivities begin around noon on Saturday at the Kendal GL Isaacs Gymnasium. It will be a trio of events on Saturday starting with a slam dunk contest followed by a three-point shot contest.

The Michael “Boshang” Cooper and Derrick “Bats” Ferguson division two teams square off at 2pm.

Michael Cooper Division Two

All-Stars: Brandon Strachan, Matthew Saunders, Sirmar Rolle (YES Giants), Johnacy Augustin, Jarad Richardson (Heat Wave), Ronie Pierre, Javon Adderley (Mekadish Millionaires), Keith Rolle, Tereze Basden (Discount Distributors Rockets), Zachary Sweeting, Amary Thompson (Javon Medical) and Javon Vil (Island Development Rebels).

The team will be coached by Mark Hanna, Abel Joseph and Ricky Moxey.

Derrick Ferguson Division

Two All-Stars: Samuel Gibson, Cedron Cummings, Paul Carridie (Cyber Tech Blue Marlin), Anton Williams, Christian Manace, Breshawn Minns (Produce Express

Rockets), Dieunel Joseph, Schakeem Fleurimond (Sand Dollar High Flyers), Cornelius Rigby, Alexio Frances (BIBT Great Whites), Ishad Rolle and Nathan Pratt (Rhythm Rebels).

The team will be coached by Barrington Carter, Spurgeon Johnson and Dayton Turnquest.

The basketball extravaganza will get underway on Sunday with a president vs vice president legends All-Star Game.

The teams will be captained by Kenny “Hart to Hart” Wilkinson and Mario Pickstock respectively.

Team Kenny includes honourable Bacchus Rolle, Kerry Baker, Derrick Ferguson, Julian “Swish” Coakley, Stephen “Skinny” McKenzie, Sean “Buckie”

Taylor, Kermit Williams, Oratio Whylly, Drexel Smith, Dwaling Dean, Marcellus Hall, Eugene Horton, David “Doc” Moss, Keith “Moulas” Seymour, Gary “Super” Johnson and Lorenzo Carter.

Team Pickstock includes Nipsey Jones, Nelson Joseph, Jeremy Hutchinson, Breston Rolle, Honoursble Mario Bowleg, Dony Culmer, Kevin Smith, Rodney Rolle, Clayton Miller, Sterling Pratt, Edgar Pickstock, Leonardo Lightbourne, Tyrone Sands and Kevin McPhee.

The division one All-Star game will be played on Sunday at 6pm.

Derrick Ferguson Division One All-Stars: Roosevelt Whylly, Kemsey Sylvestre, Christoff

Stuart (Discount Liquors Rockets), Dario McKenzie, William Rigby (Caro Contractors Shockers), Donovan Dean, Ujamaa Johnson (TMT Giants), Erquante Edgecobe, Theo Grant (UB Mingoes), Betrum Minns, Jonaldo Joseph (Zulu Media Symphony) and Camron Strachan (Sunlight Stampers).

Michael Cooper Division One

All-Stars: Michael “Furly” Bain, Jackson Jacob, Dylan Musgrove, Adam Johnson (CB Giants), Jeremy Neely, Van Hutchinson, Dave Davis (Sand Dollar High Flyers), Clayton Tucker, Leon Bain (Tucker Boyz Mambas), Alexander Rolle (Leno Regulators) and Martin Conliff (Island Development Rebels).

Michael Major Jr had a busy week for Howard

By TENAJH SWEETING Tribune Sports Reporter tsweeting@tribunemedia.net

FRESHMAN Michael

Major Jr and the Howard University Bison had a tough week in men’s tennis.

Collectively, the Bison struggled, suffering their third straight loss against Keiser University at the Cocoa Beach Racquet Club in Cocoa, Florida, on Wednesday.

Individually, Major had some memorable moments in his singles and doubles matchups.

Playing out the number two singles position against Keiser’s Yassir Kilani on Wednesday, Major came up short in the match 2-6, 5-7.

He teamed up with his partner Justin Cadeau to take on Didrik Liljekvist and Soufiane El Meshabi but they were defeated 4-6. The team’s record dropped to 1-6 while Keiser remained undefeated after a 7-0 victory.

On Tuesday, Major had a much better performance against the North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University at the USTA National Campus in Orlando, Florida.

He knocked off Lucas Coupo-Moison, playing in the number two singles position, in straight sets 6-2, 6-4. Cadeau and Major then played against Esteban Lopez and CoupoMoison in doubles action and won comfortably

6-0. His team finished 2-5 against the Aggies. The freshman said it was good to play outside of DC and described his most recent matches.

“First day we played North Carolina A&T. We lost 5-2 but it was a good experience. I played no. 2 singles, I won my match 6-2, 6-4 against a really good player so that gave me a lot of confidence. My partner and I played no. 1 doubles against a really tough team and we won 6-0. Yesterday, we played Keiser University. It was tough, they were a tough team and I lost my doubles with my partner 6-4 and in singles I had a really tough match and lost 6-2, 7-5 but I fought really hard. I feel like my teammates were really pushing me which I appreciate. Strategically, I just go out with the mindset to keep pushing,” he said. The 6-foot-2 tennis player was awarded the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) men’s Rookie of the Week honours last month. He is grateful to be progressing in the collegiate sporting ranks in only his first season with the team and is hoping to attain the Rookie of the Year honours for the conference.

“I was really excited when I got Rookie of the Week. Being able to see myself on the MEAC sports page and just getting recognised for doing good

in my sport was really nice. It was a really good experience to know that I am doing the right things and things that I need to do and it is getting recognised. It is a stride to hopefully getting Rookie of the Year for my conference,” the freshman said.

Although Howard University owns a 1-6 win/loss record with an 0-4 record on the road, Major is still

making the experience a positive one in his freshman year. “It is going good. I really like the school. I think the hardest part is probably adjusting to balancing school and what comes with tennis and being a part of a sports team. I cannot really complain. We play a lot of tough schools but I feel like we always compete no matter what and I just try

my best to look at the positive side of things and just do what I could do. Even though I am a freshman I try to always voice my opinion, especially when I know something is off or when I know I need to give it and I feel like they always listen,” he said. Next up for the Bison Nation will be Loyola University at 3pm on March 13.

my coach told me to just go out there and get it over with. At the end of the day, I ended up winning the competition with my personal best.”

As a result of his performances, Kemp was the NSIC’s high point scorer at the conference meet, tallying 26 points by himself. He was also the indoor high point scorer at the 2022 conference meet.

Kemp is competing for the Dragons, which features several other Bahamians in Grand Bahamian juniors Latrell Taylor (sprints/jumps) and junior Tyler Missick (jumps) along with Nassau’s sophomore Elkan Johnson and Shavantae Roberts, both sprinters.

Former national high jumper Trevor Barry, who heads the Bahamian

connection in Moorhead, Minneapolis, claimed that Kemp deserves the recognition and more.

“It was a good performance, great, excellent,” was how Barry summed up Kemp’s achievements.

“Right now he is ranked at number two in the triple and number three in the long jump, so we’re expecting some great things from him this weekend.”

Kemp will contest the long jump today and the triple jump on Saturday. He will be among a list of Bahamians whom Barry helped to recruit to MSUM since he’s been a member of the athletic coaching staff for about five years.

“I think it’s just special to have these Bahamian athletes competing here together. “I’m proud to be able to pass down some of my knowledge to them.”

Kemp, who is in his final year, said he’s been pleased with the relationship he’s developed with Barry and the rest of the Bahamian connection.

“It’s comfortable, it’s great to have people around you who come from the same culture that you come from,” Kemp said. “Just being around them makes you feel like you are back home.”

For this weekend, Kemp said he’s hoping to jump at least 53-9 3/4 (16.40m) or better in the triple jump and 26-3 (8m) for the long jump and, in the process, end up in the top two positions in both events.

Kemp, a graduate of Tabernacle Baptist Academy in Grand Bahama, is the son of Tyrone and Cora Kemp. He’s completing his new major in psychology, having already finished his degree in exercise science.

he received, one of the highest honours in the sport. “One of his last events, he ran the Kentucky 6-a-side tournament, which was an exciting tournament filled with fun,” Taylor Sr said. “He also organised the Caricom Tournament, which he ran for the association.

“He ran a number of projects for the association over the years. When it came to cricket, there wasn’t anything that he was not willing to do for the enhancement of the sport.” In collaboration with his family, led by his devoted wife Everlyn Thompson, Taylor said the BSA will come up with some type of memorial at Haynes Oval to reflect on the life and times of the late Paul Thompson.

THE SPORTS CALENDAR

FROM PAGE 11

Thomas A Robinson National Stadium March 15-17.

The BAAA will be looking at athletes who qualify in both the under-17 and under-20 divisions for boys and girls to represent the country at CARIFTA in Grenada over the Easter holiday weekend.

A number of athletes have already attained the qualifying standards set by the BAAA.

However, that does not guarantee a spot on the team unless nobody betters their performances at the trials.

VOLLEYBALL BBSF TOURNAMENT

THE newly formed Bahamas Baptist Sports Federation is inviting all churches interested in participating in their volleyball tournament to attend a meeting at 6pm on Saturday, March 9 at the William Thompson Auditorium, Jean Street.

At the meeting, plans will be revealed for the staging of the tournament April 24-27. All churches interested in participating are urged to have at least two members present.

FAST TRACK INVITATIONAL FAST Track Athletics announced that its third annual Spring Invitational will take place over the weekend of May 10 and May 11 at the Grand Bahama Sports Complex.

The entry fee will be $10 for adults and $5 for children.

The entry fee will be $10 for adults and $5 for children.

For more information, persons are asked to contact 242-727-6826 or fasttrackmanagamentoo@ gmail.com

RED-LINE YOUTH TRACK CLASSIC THE Red-Line Athletics Track Club’s third annual Red-Line Youth Track Classic is set for 9am to 5pm May 25-26 at the original Thomas A Robinson Track and Field Stadium.

The entry deadline is May 15 with a fee of $19 per athlete and $10 per relay team.

NEX-GEN CAMP THE Nex-Gen Camp is scheduled to be held at the Teleos Basketball Gymnasium on Carmichael Road. Space is limited so persons are asked to book their reservations as soon as possible.

JRC Basketball Academy will stage the third annual elite training camp June 24 to July 13 each day from 9am to noon.

FRESHMAN Michael Major Jr and the Howard University Bison suffered their third straight loss against Keiser University on Wednesday.

FROM PAGE 11

COACH TREVOR BARRY, left, gives some instructions to Shyrone Kemp.

Photos by Dante Carrer

Queen’s College Comets gain ground, take lead on day two

down and you gotta take the wins with the losses. I think Friday will be a much better day for us,” coach Edwards said.

He didn’t mince words when asked about the team’s expectations for day three.

“My expectation is for us to come out here as champions tomorrow and show exactly who we are and the kids know what our expectations are as well,” he said.

ON THE TRACK

The 100m finals were the races to watch yesterday at the original Thomas A Robinson Stadium. The QC Comets prevailed in the U17 girls and boys finals, U15 boys and U20 girls and boys 100m.

Jamiah Nabbie, representing QC, cruised into a win for the U20 girls’ event with a time of 12.25 seconds. Placing second was Windsor School’s Morgan Komolafe with 12.63 seconds. QC’s Rache Pantry was 0.01 seconds behind for third with 12.64 seconds.

Making a return from injury has been rough for Nabbie this season but she was grateful for the win.

“It feels great. It shows that hard work pays off. Coming back from an injury is not always easy but I choose not to give up and maybe coming into next year I might try a new event,” she said.

The CARIFTA gold medallist is hoping that when the time is right she will make the CARIFTA qualifying standard.

“It has been slow progress but progress [nonetheless] so I am satisfied with it. I know when God is ready he will make it happen for me. Hopefully, I can PB in the 100m, if not then so be it. The 200m is my favourite race so I am hoping to dominate in that,” she said.

Johnathan Harris won the U20 boys’ event for QC in 10.84 seconds.

QC newcomer Ishmael Rolle, along with fellow teammate Everette Fraser, took the first two positions in the U17 boys’ 100m finals. Rolle ran a time of 10.86 seconds, just shy of Keanu Pennerman’s meet record of 10.83 seconds established in 2013. Fraser settled for second, stopping the clock at 11.07 seconds.

Kion Burrows brought SAC a third-place finish in 11.35 seconds. The U17 boys’ 100m champion was satisfied with his performance. “I feel like I could have done better but I am satisfied with what I did so far.

As the season progresses, I know I will be able to run faster than what I am running right now but I just want to show everyone what I could do and show everybody else who ain’t from The Bahamas I am still here,” he said. He added that it felt great to get the win for QC.

K’Leigh Davis outran the field in the U17 girls’ 100m finals with a time of 12.60 seconds. The Big Red Machine’s Khylee Wallace

came second in 12.70 seconds and QC’s Shekinah Johnson crossed the line in third. The Comets, Kingsway Academy and SAC completed the top three in the U15 boys’ division. Kamron Henfield blitzed competitors with a time of 11.67 seconds for the victory.

Isaiah Wilson trailed behind for second and Jireh Woodside collected a thirdplace finish.

Burrows gave the Big Red Machine two out of three podium spots in the U13 girls’ 100m finals. Fisher notched a time of 13.72 seconds while her teammate clocked 14.49.

Sumayyah Bain placed third for Aquinas College.

The Big Red Machine came up big in the U15 girls’ 100m finals with a first and third position. Brianna Bootle placed first for SAC. Brion Ward got the Comets

second place and Khyla Smith secured the third position. ON THE FIELD

The Comets were also competitive in the field events, hauling away eight victories on day two. They were on top for the U13 and U17 boys shot put, U15 girls and U20 boys javelin, U15 boys and U17 girls triple jump, U17 boys long jump and U20 girls shot put.

of

Meanwhile, SAC collected wins in the U13 girls’ shot put and long jump, U15 boys and U17 girls discus throw and U20 girls long jump.

This chapter of the BAISS Track and Field Championships will climax today at the original Thomas A Robinson Stadium beginning at 9am. Will SAC make it their fourth straight track and field title or will QC earn their first title since 2019?

Charlee Fisher and Shafarri

QUEEN’s College Comets gained some ground in the team standings to take the lead yesterday on day two

the BAISS Track and Field Championships at the original Thomas A Robinson Stadium.

PRIVATE school students compete yesterday on day 2 of the Bahamas Association of Independent Secondary Schools (BAISS) Track and Field Championships at the original Thomas A Robinson Stadium.

Bran blasts ‘disrespectful’ Gov’t on $250k damages

And, with no progress made on his claim, Mr McCartney told this newspaper that “foolishness like this is causing me to want to get back into the arena” as he hinted that a potential return to front-line politics could occur as a result.

“Let me tell you something. It is so frustrating,” the Halsbury Chambers principal said of his firm’s claim, which is separate and distinct from the collective compensation that Village Road businesses are seeking over the loss of business, and property damage, they sustained from roadworks that lasted well over a year and were extended several times beyond their completion date before ending early last year.

“I’ve written numerous letters to this government,” Mr McCartney added.

“We had a meeting back in August 2023 with the permanent secretary, Luther Smith, at the Ministry of Works. Damian Francis (deputy director of public works) and a couple of other people were there.

“This was back in August 2023. We persisted and, after numerous letters, they offered us a meeting - me and Shelly Nairn from my office. I thought we came

to some understanding that we would have some type of resolution. I thought that after the meeting we would have come to some type of resolution and look at certain things, and they would revert to us with some kind of settlement. “Since that meeting I have written to the minister [of works] and the Prime Minister at least five times. I’ve tried calling the permanent secretary five times to no avail. I’ve expressed my disappointment in them in not responding,” the ex-DNA leader continued.

“We were looking at $250,000 altogether for loss of business, loss equipment. I’ve even written letters to the Prime Minister, copied letters to the Prime Minister, and he has not even responded.” Mr McCartney previously told this newspaper his law firm was shut down for around two weeks during summer 2022 due to a power outage that appeared to be linked to ongoing roadworks in the Village Road area. This knocked out all electronic equipment, ranging from computers to alarm systems, cameras, the Internet and phones. The Halsbury Chambers principal said he was eventually able to speak to new minister of works and Family

Island affairs, Clay Sweeting, who informed him the matter had been passed to Jobeth Coleby-Davis, minister of energy and transport.

“The bottom line is I have called these people over and repeatedly since August 2023,” Mr McCartney said, “and they have not responded. I have had some conversations with the new minister, who came on after the fact, and he said it is in the hands of the minister of energy, who is looking at it.

“I ain’t heard anything yet. I am frustrated to no end. I am going to have to seek legal counsel on moving forward on this one. I will seek that through the KC in my firm as to what to do, Carl Bethel. Let’s negotiate, let’s talk. They did not answer my calls again. It’s causing me to want to get back in the arena for doing foolishness like this. This could happen.”

Hitting out at politicians who fail to reply when in government, but readily do so when in Opposition or outside politics, Mr McCartney said of Mr Davis: “Before this prime minister came into office I used to speak to him on a regular basis. Since he took office he has not acknowledged one e-mail, one message, one What’s App from me. Mr Big Timer.

“I remember when he was in Opposition he would call me regularly. Since he came to power, I saw him at a restaurant and he put his finger up and said he would call me. I’ve not heard from him since. All these people get into power and it goes to their heads but, when they come out, they begin calling you again.

“When in Opposition you could call me on a regular basis to discuss certain things, and when you become Prime Minister not even a return call. Shame on you. I look at it as a typical politician.”

Village Road businesses, having formed a Collective to press the Government for financial relief due to the roadworks’ significant impact on trade, have met with the likes of Alfred Sears KC, then minister of works and utilities, and Michael Halkitis, minister of economic affairs, several times to make their case.

The prospect of tax relief, or some other form of compensation, was mentioned in passing during the 2023-2024 Budget debate but nothing concrete has yet come forth from the Government.

Some 15 companies, including Halsbury Chambers, previously signed their names to a letter authored

INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS COMPANIES ACT, 2000 Stably Digital Opportunities Fund Ltd. (IN VOLUNTARY LIQUIDATION)

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that in accordance with section 138(4) of the International Business Companies Act, 2000, as amended, Stably Digital Opportunities Fund Ltd. is in dissolution.

The dissolution of the said Company commenced on 26 February 2024 when the Articles of Dissolution were submitted to and registered with the Registrar General in Nassau, The Bahamas.

The Sole Liquidator of the said Company is L. Michael Dean of Equity Trust House, Caves Village, West Bay Street, P. O. Box N-10697, Nassau, Bahamas.

L. Michael Dean Sole Liquidator

by the Village Road Collective, where it was suggested the Government provide “refurbishment grants” for residents and business owners to repair damaged premises, vehicles and other facilities impacted by the project.

It also called for Bahamas Power & Light (BPL) bill discounts, and “full sponsorship” of a collaborative marketing campaign to entice consumers back to the Village Road area.

VAT credits, plus Business Licence and real property tax waivers, were also suggested as

mechanisms to compensate for the damage inflicted by roadworks that have caused consumers to avoid the area “like the plague” and resulted in up to a 46 percent income losses for businesses.

It is not unheard of, though, for the Government to provide tax breaks and other concessions for businesses impacted by long-running roadworks projects. The last Christie administration did so for the New Providence Road Improvement Project that impacted multiple businesses in numerous areas of the island more than one decade ago.

Cable urges industry unity on URCA ‘budget travesty’

To cover these costs, it is relying on a similar-sized 19.5 percent jump in fee income obtained via statutory levies on its licensees, such as the Bahamas Telecommunications Company (BTC), Cable Bahamas/ Aliv and Bahamas Power & Light (BPL). It is forecasting that total fee income will also rise by $1.5m to $9.517m in 2024 as opposed to 2023’s projected $7.967m.

However, Cable Bahamas, describing URCA’s Frederick Street headquarters as a financial drain on the industry, said: “The time worn justification of usability for future growth and rental spaces to offset costs of operations should be abandoned by URCA.

“Indeed, the Cable Bahamas group notes that in 2023 the rationale was that the expenditure for capital projects at Frederick House was to include ‘replacement of the elevator and generator’, and those two items were budgeted for in 2023.

“We note, however, that yet again the elevator and generator are in the draft budget for 2024 having been ‘deferred’ from 2023, and so we ask the question: ‘Where did the money budgeted for these items in the 2023 Budget go which now requires duplicate budgeting in the draft 2024 budget?”

And, seeking to gain support from industry rivals, Cable Bahamas added: “The Cable Bahamas group will lobby relentlessly for this travesty in budget increases to be corrected for the benefit of the industry and we invite all other licensees to join this lobby....

“We again repeat that URCA’s excessive budget flies in the face of government’s efforts to lessen fees and taxes in a concerted effort to enable the necessary investments by licensees in emerging technologies and modern infrastructure and Family Island projects.

“The Government has further provided for the sector in the new draft electronic communications sector policy (2024-2027) with a percentage of the communications licence fee going into a Universal Service Fund equivalent.

Surely this is not lost on URCA?

“An 80 percent increase in capital expenditure for the Frederick Street albatross must be curtailed and, indeed, at this juncture it would be more advantageous for URCA to move to rental premises. The overall budget increase of over $1.5m year over year on operational spending, and the 80 percent increase on Frederick House maintenance and repairs are an ongoing concern to major licensees and we call for an itemized budget for allocations to specific headings including generator and elevator replacements.”

Similar concerns were echoed by BTC in its response to URCA’s 2024 annual plan. “According to the draft budget for 2024, URCA’s operational expenditiure in 2024 is expected to increase very significantly - by 20 percent for its overall operations and 12 percent for its electronic communications segment operations relative to 2023,” BTC noted.

“While these growth rates on their own are substantial, they follow even larger increases in the preceding year of 23 percent and 22 percent, respectively. Consequently, over the last two years, URCA’s operational expenditure is projected to increase by 48 percent for its overall operations and 36 percent for its electronic communications segment operations.

“BTC considers the brief explanations for such

extraordinary cost increases in URCA’s budget insufficient. There appears to be no effort to control costs, as is reinforced by the absence of any reliance on costrelated key performance indicators.” BTC continued: “As well, according to the draft budget 2024, URCA’s electronic communications staff, non-executive and executive compensation costs are projected to increase over the two-year period 2022 to 2024 by 23 percent, 85 percent and 25 percent, respectively.

“There is no indication of any change in electronic communications sector staff levels in the draft budget 2024. Therefore, they appear to be solely related to salary and benefit compensation increases. According to the Government of The Bahamas’ Department of Statistics, inflation as measured by consumer price index (CPI) increased over the last two years by 8.7 percent.

“The salary and benefit compensation increases to be provided to URCA electronic communications sector staff are roughly three times or even greater than this amount. Similar compensation increases apply at the overall budgetary level. Again, no satisfactory explanation was provided in the draft budget 2024 for such generous compensation increases,” BTC continued.

“There are other operational expenditure categories with

Gov’t’s $2.5m elevator cost ‘quite exceptional’

FROM PAGE A20

on his experience the work could be carried out for around one-quarter or 25 percent of this sum - around $600,000. “Let me give you some education on the cost of an elevator, which I’ve done,” he said.

“You don’t move the shaft, the core of the elevator. That is the hydraulic lift part if it is an elevator shaft, or it can be an elevator on rails. The main mechanism for how the elevator moves up and down doesn’t change. You can repair and replace those parts at a nominal cost.”

As for the cab, which carries persons up and down through various levels of the building, Mr Sands said these can be replaced if suffering from “wear and tear” or a fresh look is desired.

“They can be replaced for anywhere between $200,000 and $300,000 per cab ,” the BCA president said, adding that two cabs should cost no more than $600,000.

“For $2.5m, that is quite exceptional as a cost,” Mr Sands said of the price tag detailed in the mid-year Budget book. “Some questions have to be asked.

The line item we’re talking about, the elevator, it’s questionable that you can spend $2.5m refitting or refurbishing the elevator in the building. That’s not in line with what’s reasonable.

“We have to question what we are spending money on. That’s almost $3m on the elevator. You can build a building, put an elevator in it, and not spend $3m. Why are we spending $2.5m on an elevator?

That’s not the best use of public funds. That’s my

view. If I were to analyse the basic construction cost for an elevator that’s not what it would cost.”

Asserting that he “can certainly help them spend less on it”, Mr Sands continued: “Two-and-a-half million dollars is not in keeping with the best pricing. Maybe, just maybe, it stands to reason that the Government procurement process needs to be looked at. There could be substantial savings from having this process outsourced.

“That [$2.5m cost] is certainly not acceptable. Let’s hope they don’t do the same exercise across the board as they will be spending tons of money that they do not need to.” A former public servant, familiar with the Cecil Wallace Whitfield building, also voiced surprise at the publicised cost. “It’s a one-shaft elevator that goes up three storeys. There’s no way in hell it could cost $2.5m,” they argued.

The issue was also seized upon by Adrian White, the Opposition MP for St Ann’s, during the mid-year Budget debate in the House of Assembly as he suggested the project could be accomplished for $600,000 rather than the $2.5m price tag. Tribune Business reached out to the Prime Minister’s

spokesperson to inquire about the elevator project and the justification for the $2.5m cost. Although receipt of this newspaper’s inquiry was confirmed, no response was received before press deadline last night despite a follow-up reminder being sent.

alarming year-over-year cost increases as well. Electronic communications sector premises costs and utilities are projected to increase 50 percent bin 2024, after increasing by 56 percent in the previous year. Electronic communications sector general and administrative expenses are projected to increase by 51 percent in 2024....

“Overall, BTC is extremely concerned with

the absence of adequate explanations of such enormous increases in URCA costs and, moreover, the apparent lack of effort to limit cost increases which ultimately are passed on to the industry licensees.”

URCA, though, has defended its plans to recover some $5.315m in operating costs from its electronic communications licensees - chiefly Cable Bahamas and BTC - in 2024 as “a balanced approach to financial management”.

“There is a notable decreasing trend in the total operating budget recovered from 2017 to 2022. In 2017, the recovered amount was the highest at $8.199m due to purchasing Frederick House on Frederick Street, which serves as URCA’s main office. The following two years, 2018 and 2019, show a slight decrease in the recovered budget to $6.979m and $6.654m, respectively,” URCA added.

“The year 2020 shows a more significant drop to $6.518m. The downward trend continued with a sharper decrease in 2021 to $6.218m and then a substantial drop in 2022 to $4.147m, reflecting URCA’s decision to cut

budget acknowledging the financial challenges faced by licensees because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“However, in 2023 there was a minor increase to $4.844m as URCA gradually transitioned to its pre-COVID operating budget. The trend continued in 2024 with a recovery of $5.315m, which is still significantly lower than the 2017 peak,” the regulator continued.

“URCA stresses that the 2024 budget is below the pre-pandemic levels and remains below the average of $5.911m for the 15 years of URCA’s life......URCA reminds licensees that URCA is an independent regulator and URCA fees are a significant source of URCA’s operating budget.

“The respondents should appreciate that the substantial drop in 2022 to $4.147m in response to financial realities during the pandemic is not sustainable and, if not addressed, could adversely impact the organisation’s financial health and regulatory effectiveness. We advised that increases in 2023 and 2024 reflect the necessary recovery to preCOVID operational costs.”

CABLE

PM moves to dampen 26.3% NIB rate fears

Maynard also confirmed that, under this strategy, the contribution rate paid by workers will more than triple - rising from the current 3.9 percent of insurable wages to 12.15 percent.

Bahamian businesses, who presently face a 5.9 percent contribution rate, would see this jump to 14.15 percent by 2044 based on the series of 1.5 percentage point increases all being split evenly between employer and employeemeaning their respective shares will rise by 0.75 percentage points every two years.

“That is correct,” Ms Maynard said when presented with this newspaper’s calculations, which were originally forwarded to Mr Sears. “At July 2044, it will be at 26.3 percent, split 14.15 percent by the employer and 12.15 percent by the employee.”

She added that these figures were confirmed by the actuaries.

She spoke after Mr Sears, in his House of Assembly address, certainly gave the impression that the full two-decade strategy had been approved by the Davis Cabinet. “NIB reform is not a matter of choice but a matter of necessity. We can no longer delay or ignore this issue, as it affects our present and future welfare. We have a collective responsibility to protect and preserve the National Insurance Board,” he argued.

“Therefore, effective the first Monday of July 2024, the contribution rate for NIB will be increased by 1.5 percent [percentage points] to be shared equally between the employer and the employee, and thereafter a 1.5 percent increase every two years from July 1, 2024 to July 1, 2044. Similarly, the same increase will be applied to self-employed persons and voluntarily insured persons.”

The Prime Minister’s Office’s statement, and the contrast with the nature and tone of the minister’s comments, will likely raise questions as to whether Mr Davis and Mr Sears are on the same page, and if the Government - having realised the potential backlash once the full magnitude of the planned NIB increases became known - has moved swiftly to contain any fallout through proactive public relations.

Reaction, though, was quick. Peter Goudie, the Bahamas Chamber of Commerce and Employers Confederation’s (BCCEC) labour division head, and the private sector’s National Tripartite Council representative, branded the projected “long-term” NIB contribution rate of 26.3 percent - and respective employer and employee contributions - as “beyond my imagination” and “ridiculous”.

Suggesting that NIB should “look in their own back field”, instead of “ramming down our throats” huge contribution rate increases, he argued that the national social security system must do its part to reform by cutting expenses, potentially reducing the

workforce and also potentially raising the retirement age.

Agreeing that July’s imminent 1.5 percent increase is needed to “keep NIB from the brink”, and prevent its $1.5bn reserve fund from becoming exhausted by 2028, Mr Goudie nevertheless told Tribune Business: “I didn’t think they need that much money.

“Maybe they want to have a look at their expenses, and maybe they want to look and see if they have too large a workforce. Maybe they could look at computerisation and modernisation instead of ramming this down our throats. Why don’t they stop hiring all the people they’ve been hiring at NIB for years? They have been bloated for years and the auditors have told them that.

“Why don’t they look in their own back field before passing it on to someone else?” Mr Goudie continued. “With that much of an increase, they need to cut back on their expenses. It’s as simple as that. There’s a lot of things they can look at.

“A lot of people have not saved money, so it would be a good idea to raise the retirement age. NIB needs to look in its own building. We need the [initial] 1.5 percent to keep us off the brink, but they need to have a hard look at themselves before they start passing the buck on to everyone else.

“Going to that percentage in the long-term is beyond my imagination, and they need to have a look at their own employment numbers and cost functions and reduce them. It’s ridiculous. That’s a ton of an increase, and they should have been doing smaller ones for years but nobody made the move.”

On July’s rise, Mr Goudie added: “We have to do it because we don’t want to lose NIB, so we’re going to have to live with it.”

The Bahamas Chamber of Commerce and Employers Confederation, in its own statement, echoed Mr Goudie by saying it was “regrettable” action was not taken earlier to ensure NIB’s continued solvency as this has made the magnitude of the required correction even greater.

The business advocacy group, noting the strategy unveiled by Mr Sears, said: “We are concerned that this will possibly increase the cost of doing business in the country but recognise that it is required to ensure survival of the fund, which so many Bahamians depend on.

“It is regrettable that action was not taken earlier to prevent such sharp increases since the potential financial deficit of the fund has been discussed in the past. We urge the Government and NIB to explore all other means which may be employed to ensure the viability of the fund.

“We are also hopeful that increased economic activity can cause the projected rate to be reduced sooner than the current timeline suggests. We will be engaging our members in the coming

days to obtain their reaction to the increase.”

NIB’s present reality was predicted more than two decades by its seventh actuarial review, completed in 2001, which forecast that “reserves are projected to become exhausted” by 2029 if comprehensive reforms are not implemented to address the fundamental problem of benefit payouts exceeding contribution income.

The recipient of that review, which was only one year out in its depletion estimate, on September 11, 2002, was then-NIB chairman and now-prime minister, Mr Davis. Now, with just four years left to the NIB Fund’s total depletion in 2028, the magnitude of the correction is much more severe for firms and workers still grappling with COVID recovery, the high cost of living, and multiple other challenges.

However, the strategy unveiled by Mr Sears is not markedly different than that outlined in NIB’s last actuarial review by the International Labour Organisation (ILO) that was delivered in 2022. While the proposed 1.5 percentage point rate increases are less than the 2 percent called for in that report, they are spread out over a longer time period to presumably make it easier for companies and workers to adjust.

NIB’s 11th actuarial report called for a two percentage point increase in contribution rates to be implemented by July 1, 2022, with subsequent further hikes enacted every two years until 2036 to secure the social security system’s long-term financial sustainability. If implemented, that would have taken NIB’s total contribution rate to 25.8 percent by 2036 - a figure not dissimilar to the now 26.3 percent.

“An increase of the contribution rate by 2 percent (over the existing 9.8 percent) every two years starting on July 1, 2022, and ending on July 1, 2036, could restore the short and medium-term financial sustainability of the scheme,” the last actuarial report said.

“Starting in 2029, the required annual contribution rate to pay for all expenditures becomes the pay-as-you-go (PAYG) rate.

As an illustration, the contribution rate will have to increase from 9.8 per cent to 16.9 per cent in 2029, and will reach 32.3 per cent in 2078.” Based on the glide path unveiled by Mr Sears, the total NIB contribution rate will be 14.3 percent in 2029.

The Prime Minister’s Office, in its statement last night, said NIB reforms will extend beyond mere contribution rate increases. “The July 2024 rate increase announced earlier today by Minister Sears will be accompanied by comprehensive reforms, to improve customer service, reduce fraud and inefficiencies, strengthen financial accountability, transform the digital infrastructure, reduce administrative costs, improve the investment strategy, and make sure NIB is there for Bahamians when they need it,” it said.

“Social security and insurance funds such as NIB in countries the world over are facing the same challenges we are due to changing demographics, with fewer workers making contributions.... As we move forward with comprehensive reforms, policymakers will continuously evaluate the efficiencies gained and consider the best path to delivering sustainability.

“We advised last year that a rate increase would be implemented this July in order to provide advance notice. We are aware of the burdens of the high cost of living, made worse by a global inflation crisis, and policy decisions will

continue to reflect consideration of what is in the best interests of the Bahamian people.” The Prime Minister’s Office last night sought to quell fears that the total National Insurance Board (NIB) contribution rate will hit 26.3 percent in 2044 and become “equivalent to an income tax”.

Philip Davis KC and his officials, in a statement, said plans unveiled just hours earlier by Alfred Sears KC, the minister with Cabinet responsibility for NIB, to raise the total contribution rate by 1.5 percentage points every two years over the next two decades were not set in stone.

Asserting that Mr Sears was merely repeating recommendations contained in the latest actuarial review of NIB’s financial health, which called for similar phased-in increases of an even greater magnitude, the Prime Minister’s Office said such a glide path would be “a worst case scenario” and that no decision to raise contribution rates has been taken beyond the initial 1.5 percentage point increase set for July 1.

“An actuarial review of NIB recommended increasing the contribution rate not just this year, but every two years, for years to come,” Mr Davis’ office said. “Those recommendations were repeated today by Minister Sears. These continued rate increases would be required in a worst-case scenario. A decision has yet to be made beyond the initial 1.5 percent announced to commence on July 1, 2024.”

The Prime Minister’s Office release came shortly after Heather Maynard, NIB’s acting director, confirmed to Tribune Business that the series of 11 increases unveiled by Mr Sears in his midyear Budget presentation would ultimately more than double NIB’s total contribution rate from the present 9.8 percent to 26.3 percent after July 1, 2044.

That would represent a 168.4 percent increase in the contribution rate - spread over a 20-year period - in a bid to ease the financial burden and strain this may impose on both businesses and working Bahamians. Ms Maynard also confirmed that, under this strategy, the contribution rate paid by workers will more than triple - rising from the current 3.9 percent of insurable wages to 12.15 percent.

Bahamian businesses, who presently face a 5.9 percent contribution rate, would see this jump to 14.15 percent by 2044 based on the series of 1.5 percentage point increases all being split evenly between employer and employeemeaning their respective shares will rise by 0.75 percentage points every two years.

“That is correct,” Ms Maynard said when presented with this newspaper’s calculations, which were originally forwarded to Mr Sears. “At July 2044, it will be at 26.3 percent, split 14.15 percent by the employer and 12.15 percent by the employee.” She added that these figures were confirmed by the actuaries.

She spoke after Mr Sears, in his House of Assembly address, certainly gave the impression that the full two-decade strategy had been approved by the Davis Cabinet. “NIB reform is not a matter of choice but a matter of necessity. We can no longer delay or ignore this issue, as it affects our present and future welfare. We have a collective responsibility to protect and preserve the National Insurance Board,” he argued.

“Therefore, effective the first Monday of July 2024, the contribution rate for NIB will be increased by 1.5 percent [percentage points] to be shared equally between the employer and the employee, and thereafter a 1.5 percent increase every two years from July 1, 2024 to July 1, 2044. Similarly, the same increase will be applied to self-employed persons and voluntarily insured persons.”

The Prime Minister’s Office’s statement, and the contrast with the nature and tone of the minister’s comments, will likely raise questions as to whether Mr

Davis and Mr Sears are on the same page, and if the Government - having realised the potential backlash once the full magnitude of the planned NIB increases became known - has moved swiftly to contain any fallout through proactive public relations.

Reaction, though, was quick. Peter Goudie, the Bahamas Chamber of Commerce and Employers Confederation’s (BCCEC) labour division head, and the private sector’s National Tripartite Council representative, branded the projected “long-term” NIB contribution rate of 26.3 percent - and respective employer and employee contributions - as “beyond my imagination” and “ridiculous”.

Suggesting that NIB should “look in their own back field”, instead of “ramming down our throats” huge contribution rate increases, he argued that the national social security system must do its part to reform by cutting expenses, potentially reducing the workforce and also potentially raising the retirement age.

Agreeing that July’s imminent 1.5 percent increase is needed to “keep NIB from the brink”, and prevent its $1.5bn reserve fund from becoming exhausted by 2028, Mr Goudie nevertheless told Tribune Business: “I didn’t think they need that much money.

“Maybe they want to have a look at their expenses, and maybe they want to look and see if they have too large a workforce. Maybe they could look at computerisation and modernisation instead of ramming this down our throats. Why don’t they stop hiring all the people they’ve been hiring at NIB for years? They have been bloated for years and the auditors have told them that.

“Why don’t they look in their own back field before passing it on to someone else?” Mr Goudie continued. “With that much of an increase, they need to cut back on their expenses. It’s as simple as that. There’s a lot of things they can look at.

“A lot of people have not saved money, so it would be a good idea to raise the retirement age. NIB needs to look in its own building. We need the [initial] 1.5 percent to keep us off the brink, but they need to have a hard look at themselves before they start passing the buck on to everyone else.

“Going to that percentage in the long-term is beyond my imagination, and they need to have a look at their own employment numbers and cost functions and reduce them. It’s ridiculous. That’s a ton of an increase, and they should have been doing smaller ones for years but nobody made the move.”

On July’s rise, Mr Goudie added: “We have to do it because we don’t want to lose NIB, so we’re going to have to live with it.”

The Bahamas Chamber of Commerce and Employers Confederation, in its own statement, echoed Mr Goudie by saying it was “regrettable” action was not taken earlier to ensure NIB’s continued solvency as this has made the magnitude of the required correction even greater.

The business advocacy group, noting the strategy unveiled by Mr Sears, said: “We are concerned that this will possibly increase the cost of doing business in the country but recognise that it is required to ensure survival of the fund, which so many Bahamians depend on.

“It is regrettable that action was not taken earlier to prevent such sharp increases since the potential financial deficit of the fund has been discussed in the past. We urge the Government and NIB to explore all other means which may be employed to ensure the viability of the fund.

“We are also hopeful that increased economic activity can cause the projected rate to be reduced sooner than the current timeline suggests. We will be engaging our members in the coming days to obtain their reaction to the increase.”

NIB’s present reality was predicted more than two decades by its seventh actuarial review, completed in 2001, which forecast that “reserves are projected to become exhausted” by 2029 if comprehensive reforms are not implemented to address the fundamental problem of benefit payouts exceeding contribution income.

The recipient of that review, which was only one year out in its depletion estimate, on September 11, 2002, was then-NIB chairman and now-prime minister, Mr Davis. Now, with just four years left to the NIB Fund’s total depletion in 2028, the magnitude of the correction is much more severe for firms and workers still grappling with COVID recovery, the high cost of living, and multiple other challenges.

However, the strategy unveiled by Mr Sears is not markedly different than that outlined in NIB’s last actuarial review by the International Labour Organisation (ILO) that was delivered in 2022. While the proposed 1.5 percentage point rate increases are less than the 2 percent called for in that report, they are spread out over a longer time period to presumably make it easier for companies and workers to adjust.

NIB’s 11th actuarial report called for a two percentage point increase in contribution rates to be implemented by July 1, 2022, with subsequent further hikes enacted every two years until 2036 to secure the social security system’s long-term financial sustainability. If implemented, that would have taken NIB’s total contribution rate to 25.8 percent by 2036 - a figure not dissimilar to the now 26.3 percent.

“An increase of the contribution rate by 2 percent (over the existing 9.8 percent) every two years starting on July 1, 2022, and ending on July 1, 2036, could restore the short and medium-term financial sustainability of the scheme,” the last actuarial report said.

“Starting in 2029, the required annual contribution rate to pay for all expenditures becomes the pay-as-you-go (PAYG) rate. As an illustration, the contribution rate will have to increase from 9.8 per cent to 16.9 per cent in 2029, and will reach 32.3 per cent in 2078.” Based on the glide path unveiled by Mr Sears, the total NIB contribution rate will be 14.3 percent in 2029.

The Prime Minister’s Office, in its statement last night, said NIB reforms will extend beyond mere contribution rate increases. “The July 2024 rate increase announced earlier today by Minister Sears will be accompanied by comprehensive reforms, to improve customer service, reduce fraud and inefficiencies, strengthen financial accountability, transform the digital infrastructure, reduce administrative costs, improve the investment strategy, and make sure NIB is there for Bahamians when they need it,” it said.

“Social security and insurance funds such as NIB in countries the world over are facing the same challenges we are due to changing demographics, with fewer workers making contributions.... As we move forward with comprehensive reforms, policymakers will continuously evaluate the efficiencies gained and consider the best path to delivering sustainability.

“We advised last year that a rate increase would be implemented this July in order to provide advance notice. We are aware of the burdens of the high cost of living, made worse by a global inflation crisis, and policy decisions will continue to reflect consideration of what is in the best interests of the Bahamian people.”

Sears unveils plan for NIB rate increase

NIB will be increased by 1.5%, to be shared equally between the employer and the employee, and thereafter a 1.5% increase Every

Two Years from July 1, 2024 to July 1, 2044. Similarly, the same increase will be applied to self-employed persons and voluntarily insured persons. This gradual increase in the rate of contribution will enable NIB to continue providing its vital services and benefits to our citizens and workers”

Mr Sears cited a NIB actuarial report that projected that the fund would become insolvent by 2028 if an increase on contribution rates was not implemented.

He said that NIBs current annual income does not cover its expenses, notably to maintain its long-term pension benefit distributions.

He said: “The Actuarial Report recommended that an increase in the contribution rate for the Pension Branch and the actuarial valuation clearly establishes that an increase in contribution is necessary to make the Fund sustainable.

“The 11th Actuarial Review of NIB highlights the importance

of implementing reforms to ensure the long-term sustainability of NIB. The Review recommended that a significant increase in the contribution rate is required to pay the full benefits in 2028.”

Mr Sears said that the increase is ‘reasonable and proportionate’ and the phased implementation will allow businesses and employees to plan ahead.

He explained that the rate increase will present a $1.95 increase for minimum wage workers earning $260 weekly. He said : “I understand that any increase in contributions can cause concern among citizens. However, I assure you that every effort has been made to ensure that this increase is reasonable and proportionate. The phased approach will allow for adjustments to be

made gradually, giving each person time to plan and prepare accordingly

“For example, care was taken to ensure that the impact on minimum wage earners was reasonable. In the first year, if paying on the minimum weekly wage of $260.00, the employers’ portion will increase from $15.34 to $17.29. Employees’ contribution payments on the minimum weekly wage

will increase from $10.14 to $12.09. For both the employer and employee, this represents a difference of $1.95 each week. For monthly salaries on the minimum wage of $1,127.00, employers and employees will pay a difference of $8.45 each month.”

He said that NIB will begin to see a surplus from 2030 onwards and the rate increase will be joined with a reformation of the agency including amendments to the regulations to ‘strengthen financial sustainability and accountability’ and improvements in customer relations and human resources.

He said: “It is projected that from 2030 onwards, NIB will begin to experience a surplus when the total income will exceed the projected expenditure. It will help us maintain the sustainability and effectiveness of NIB, ensuring that it remains a reliable support system for everyone in our beloved nation.

“The increase in the contribution rate will be accompanied by a comprehensive programme of reform of NIB, including legislative amendments to the National Insurance Act, the National Insurance (Chronic Diseases

Prescription Drug Fund) Act, the National Insurance (Benefit and Assistance) (Amendment) Regulations, and the National Insurance (Contributions)(Amendment) Regulations to strengthen financial sustainability and accountability.

“Other reforms will include a global and internal recruitment of qualified Bahamian professionals into the executive management of NIB to execute a transformational improvement in its digital and IT infrastructure, better customer relations, more efficient and effective Human Resource management, reduce administrative costs and improve the investment strategy to produce a better rate of return. We will ensure that NIB better serves beneficiaries to access their benefits and receive timely assistance. The reform measures will not only enhance efficiency but also offer greater accessibility and transparency for all.

PM moves to dampen 26.3% NIB rate fears

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

THE Prime Minister’s Office last night sought to quell fears that the total National Insurance Board (NIB) contribution rate will hit 26.3 percent in 2044 and become “equivalent to an income tax”.

Philip Davis KC and his officials, in a statement, said plans unveiled just hours earlier by Alfred Sears KC, the minister with Cabinet responsibility for NIB, to raise the total contribution rate by 1.5 percentage points every two years over the next two decades were not set in stone.

Asserting that Mr Sears was merely repeating recommendations contained in the latest actuarial review of NIB’s financial health, which called for similar phased-in increases of an even greater magnitude, the Prime Minister’s Office said such a glide

path would be “a worst case scenario” and that no decision to raise contribution rates has been taken beyond the initial 1.5 percentage point increase set for July 1. “An actuarial review of NIB recommended increasing the contribution rate not just this year, but every two years, for years to come,” Mr Davis’ office said. “Those recommendations were repeated today by Minister Sears. These continued rate

increases would be required in a worst-case scenario. A decision has yet to be made beyond the initial 1.5 percent announced to commence on July 1, 2024.”

The Prime Minister’s Office release came shortly after Heather Maynard, NIB’s acting director, confirmed to Tribune Business that the series of 11 increases unveiled by Mr Sears in his mid-year Budget presentation would ultimately more than double

NIB’s total contribution rate from the present 9.8 percent to 26.3 percent after July 1, 2044. That would represent a 168.4 percent increase in the contribution rate - spread over a 20-year period - in a bid to ease the financial burden and strain this may impose on both businesses and working Bahamians. Ms

SEE PAGE A18

Bran blasts ‘disrespectful’ Gov’t on $250k damages

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

AN ex-Democratic National Alliance (DNA) leader yesterday blasted it is “so disrespectful” for the Government to ignore repeated requests to settle his $250,000 Village Road roadworks damages claim.

Branville McCartney told Tribune Business that none of the Prime Minister, Cabinet ministers or senior Ministry of Works officials have responded to the “at least five letters” sent to all of them following an August 2023 meeting which gave hope his Halsbury Chambers law firm might receive compensation for a power “outage” that destroyed all its electrical equipment.

Affirming that he was beyond “frustrated”, and is now consulting his firm’s KC, former attorney general Carl Bethel, on initiating legal action, he also hit out at politicians who do not even acknowledge “one message” when in government but frequently called him while in Opposition.

SEE PAGE A16

Gov’t’s $2.5m elevator cost ‘quite exceptional’

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

However, Mr Sands told this newspaper that based

By FAY SIMMONS Tribune Business Reporter jsimmons@tribunemedia.net

ALFRED

Cable urges industry unity on URCA ‘budget travesty’

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

CABLE Bahamas is urging its rivals to join the battle against “this travesty in budget increases” for the sector’s regulator whose downtown Nassau headquarters it branded an “albatross”.

The BISX-listed communications provider, in its response to the Utilities Regulation and Competition Authority’s (URCA) 20204 annual plan, urged the communications supervisor to “stop the bleed” and abandon its plans to rent out spaces to help finance the cost of its Frederick House head office.

Blasting what it labelled an “outrageous” 80 percent increase in capital spending on URCA’s head office in 2024, Cable Bahamas, in a February 2, 2024, missive that has just been publicly disclosed, also slammed the regulator for raising licence fees on itself and other operators to finance extra spending at a time when “profits are under siege”.

“URCA’s draft annual budgets continue to increase significantly year-over-year with complete disregard to the pleas and complaints of all major licensees,” it argued. “It cannot be that all major licensees year after year, without prior reference to each other, echo similar criticisms to unconscionable and fiscally irresponsible budget increases by a regulator who appears to be impervious to the realities of the costs incurred by licensees in seeking to provide state-of-the-art emerging technologies( including 5G, AI and quality infrastructure to the country), and the new expense of managing cyber security.

“Profits are under siege from the grey markets and robust competition in our relatively small markets.” Cable Bahamas urged the Government, and especially the Cabinet ministers with responsibility for communications and relations with URCA, “to use their respective influences and prevail on URCA to adjust its draft budget closer to realistic norms prior to its finalisation for 2024”.

Tribune Business reported previously how URCA was for the second consecutive year proposing a major hike in its operating budget via a near-20 percent increase for 2024. It produced a budget showing a more than $1.5m increase in planned operational spending to $9.221m as opposed to $7.692m for 2023.

PHILIP DAVIS KC

BRANVILLE MCCARTNEY

LEONARD SANDS

ALFRED SEARS