03142017 business

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TUESDAY, MARCH 14, 2017

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Island Luck eyes HQ at Montagu Hotel site

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

The Island Luck web shop chain is “contemplating” whether to construct a corporate headquarters for its expanding group on the site of the former Montagu Beach Hotel, Tribune Business can reveal.

Dirk Simmons, chief financial officer for Island Luck and Playtech Systems, which is headed by Sebas Bastian, confirmed that it was mulling possibilities for the site bordered by Higgs See pg b5

CFO confirms ‘contemplating’ use for property Would renovate site derelict for over two decades Web shop group moves into securities, insurance Cleared lot of the Montagu Hotel property. Photos: Terrel W. Carey/Tribune Staff

Chamber chief warns: ‘Don’t blow up nation for sake of election’

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net The Chamber of Commerce’s chairman yesterday warned all politicians to “not blow up the country for the sake of winning the election”, after the FNM’s leader threatened to reverse Baha Mar’s sale.

Gowon Bowe told Tribune Business that Dr Hubert Minnis’s comments, in a posting on his Facebook page, sent a potentially chilling message to investors while also threatening to undermine the Bahamas’ long-cherished reputation for political stability.

He added that ‘political stability’ was one positive repeatedly referred to by both international credit rating agencies, Moody’s and Standard & Poor’s (S&P), and given the Bahamas’ ‘junk’ creditworthiness this nation could ill-afford to jeopardise this now.

Mr Bowe spoke out after Dr Minnis suggested that the FNM, should it win the upcoming general election, would undo Baha Mar’s sale to Chow Tai Fook Enterprises (CTFE) and instead seek a different buyer for the $4.2 billion development.

The Chamber chairman suggested that the remarks were reminiscent of the many promised made by now-US president, Donald Trump, on the campaign trail, and that it was difficult to determine whether the FNM leader was being

Minnis remarks undermine ‘political stability’ Creating ‘uncertainty’ for CTFE, all investors Questions if evidence Baha Mar deal bad

Denied web shop slams 10-year bar

By NATARIO McKENZIE

Tribune Business Reporter

nmckenzie@tribunemedia.net

The only web shop operator denied a license yesterday slammed the 10-year block on new industry entrants, saying: “It makes no sense.”

Anthony Brown, Bet Vegas’s president, told Tribune Business that the 10-year moratorium announced by the Government was illogical “under the current circumstances” given his company’s ongoing Judicial Review action.

Anthony Brown, Bet Vegas’s president, told Tribune Business: “First and foremost, they haven’t really fully regulated the industry. How can a moratorium be issued with a matter pending before the courts?

“This doesn’t make any sense. You have to resolve the pending issues first and

Bet Vegas chief: ‘It makes no sense’ Says he will continue ‘expanding and hiring’ Questions: ‘What is the Gaming Board doing?’ then move on from there. If the moratorium is for eight, but you’re saying there are only seven licensed, then who is the eighth?”

Nine companies applied for gaming house licenses when the Government began the process to legalise, regulate and tax the sector.

Eight applicants were subsequently provided with provisional licenses,with See pg b3

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QC pledges battle against Freeport’s incentive regime

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net A prominent QC has promised to this week launch a legal action challenging Freeport’s new investment regime, describing the city’s business climate as “a lose-lose proposition for all concerned”.

Fred Smith QC, the Callenders & Co attorney and partner, told Tribune Business he planned to challenge “the unconstitutional deprivation” of Grand Bahama Port Authority (GBPA) licensees’ “vested rights” through the Grand Bahama (Port Area) Investment Incentives Act 2016.

And he reiterated that the legislation, which now requires the 3,500 GBPA licensees to apply to the Government for renewal of their real property tax, income tax and capital gains tax exemptions, had also imposed a “discriminatory See pg b4

Smith to launch Incentive Act litigation this week Says business in Freeport a ‘lose-lose proposition’ Govt confirms tax break ‘clawback’, penalties

FRED Smith QC

PHA merger ‘no magic wand’ for health efficiency

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net The Government cannot simply “wave a magic wand” and hope that merging the Public Hospitals Authority (PHA) with the Department of Public Health will cure all the public healthcare system’s woes, a well-known physician said yesterday.

Dr Duane Sands, the FNM’s Elizabeth candidate, told Tribune Business that the plan to merge

Sands: NHI rush may cause ‘disastrous implement’ Says only concern on reforms is: ‘Do it properly’ the two into a Bahamas Health Services Authority needed to be properly thought through to “avoid a See pg b2

www.mybafsolutions.com

Gowon Bowe serious or just seeking to pander to popular opinion to win votes.

“Unfortunately, the question remains as to how much of it is political jargon and political fodder versus a real likelihood that this is something to be done,” Mr Bowe told Tribune Business of Dr Minnis’s comments.

“There are many things you promise and commit to, but in reality there are rules See pg b4

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Marinas to ‘substantially increase’ boater visitors

Bahamians marinas believe they can “substantially grow the volume of boating traffic” to this nation, with visitors in this sector already accounting for 4 per cent of total stopover visitors.

The 31-strong Association of Bahamas Marinas (ABM) says marina visitors, including mixed-use accommodation boaters, are two-and-a-half times greater than the number of persons who visit the Bahamas to gamble, and almost twice as many as those who come to get married or attend a wedding.

The Association added

that research shows marina visitors to the Bahamas stay almost twice as long as persons staying in a hotel or on honeymoon, and even longer than people who come home to visit a friend or relative.

“We are confident that we will be able to grow – substantially – the volume of boating traffic to the several destinations of the Bahamas,” said ABM president, Stephen Kappeler.

“The Bahamian people are very experienced in maritime affairs, and highly skilled in marina management. We are therefore able to meet our personnel

requirements within the country.

“Combined with the long tradition of hospitality for which the country is known, we are satisfied that we have an unrivalled product.

We can meet, or beat, the competition for business in this important and lucrative market, and we’re going to make certain the world knows it.”

The ABM’s research shows marina visitors pump tens of millions of dollars into island economies through dining and entertainment, and by purchasing motor fuels and oil, groceries, other marina ser-

PHA merger ‘no magic wand’ for health efficiency From pg B1 disastrous implementation”.

He expressed concern, though, that with the Government pushing to create National Health Insurance’s (NHI) “single governance structure” prior to the imminent general election, the resulting politically-motivated rush could undermine patient care co-ordination.

Dr Sands said that while “in theory” an enlarged Bahamas Health Services Authority could generate improved efficiencies and economies of scale for the public healthcare system, there were likely numerous “kinks” that would result from the merger.

He added that the Government was effectively moving ‘full circle’ in respect to the PHA, which was created by the first Ingraham administration during the 1990s in a bid to reduce bureaucracy and ‘red tape’ within the public healthcare sector.

Now, the PHA is being brought back under the Ministry of Health, which will oversee the Bahamas Health Services Authority’s operations under the revised governance structure for NHI. “In principle, it’s an interesting approach,” Dr Sands told Tribune Business of the proposed merger. “If you know the history of the PHA, it was created to eliminate the bureaucracy at the Ministry of Health and the central government, and the challenges in making decisions, particularly as it related to procurement

and staff.

“The PHA has, unfortunately, not been as effective as intended, and it’s added another layer of bureaucracy on top of the Ministry of Health. While there have been some positives at the PHA, in the net it’s not lived up to expectations.”

Dr Sands said he sat on the first PHA Board, and added: “The idea of the PHA was to create a leaner, more efficient operation, and not be of the civil service mentality and inertia.

“Here we have the Government of the Bahamas going full circle again and moving the PHA back into one massive entity. The question is whether this will make it more or less efficient, and no one knows.”

The draft Bahamas Health Services Authority Bill, which has just been released for industry consultation and feedback, and obtained by Tribune Business, says the PHA’s merger with the Department of Public Health will help “accelerate” NHI’s implementation.

“The Cabinet of the Bahamas has approved a single governance model that will accelerate the implementation of Universal Health Coverage, while providing effective oversight of the programme,” the Bill’s ‘objects and reasons’ section states.

“The structure of the single governance regime will provide for quick and effective decision-making with transparency and accountability, as well as the alignment of health systems, and will result in greater effi-

Dr Duane Sands ciency, continuity of care and the seamless delivery of patient-centred services in the Government health sector.”

Proper implementation will be key to achieving these objectives, and Dr Sands expressed doubts as to whether this would occur, given the Christie administration’s desire to launch NHI before the general election is called within the next two months.

“The problem is we are trying to rush this thing,” he told Tribune Business. “The devil is in the detail.

“This is the type of thing that in theory might ease the trans-agency exchange of data and medical records, and make it easier to procure things because you have economies of scale and so forth.”

Dr Sands, though, warned that amalgamating two government agencies with different cultures and personnel would be far from easy, especially given the “entrenched fiefdoms” that exist at both the PHA and Department of Public Health.

“Trying to put them together is not something you can wave a magic wand at and it happens,” he told Tribune Business.

“This [NHI and the merger] is similar to the Repub-

vices, boat repair, fishing, boat supplies, jewellery, scuba/snorkelling, golfing and alcoholic beverages.

The ABM and individual Bahamas marinas will this year have booths at the Palm Beach Boat Show; Trawler Fest at Riviera Beach; Stuart Boat Show; and possibly the Yacht Brokers Show on Miami Beach.

The ABM also supports the Ministry of Tourism in manning booths at the Miami Boat Show and Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, and is a sponsor at the second annual Bahamas Yacht & Travel Show in Nassau.

lican ‘repeal and replace’ of Obamacare. In a couple of days, you’re going to take something that exists and replace it overnight without consulting; you’re just going to do it, and not expect chaos and confusion to result?

Come on.”

Dr Sands added that “last minute pieces of legislation”, such as the Interception of Communications Bill, which could impact the doctor-patient relationship and confidentiality of medical records, and the Bahamas Health Services Authority Bill, “have huge implications for the delivery of care and ought to be done carefully”.

“I know what the criticism will be; that the FNM says don’t do it now,” he told Tribune Business. “Fine.

The criticism is do it properly. Don’t rush it. Think it through carefully to avoid what is likely to be a disastrous implementation.

“NHI is going to be an utter disaster with this rollout and the waste of lots of money.”

Dr Sands said key unresolved issues surrounding the PHA and Department of Public Health merger included the reporting structure, where the decisionmaking authority lay, and what the Bahamas Health Services Authority’s priorities will be.

The structure proposed under the Bill mirrors that proposed in the September 2014 report by the National Health Systems Strengthening Committee, the contents of which were disclosed by Tribune Business last year.

That report called for politicians to “buy into” the healthcare system’s new governance structure and care delivery model, and “ensure standardisation and overall quality of care”.

Mick Holding

Photo/Keen i Media Ltd.

GB Chamber chief shares his optimism on economy revival The Grand Bahama Chamber of Commerce’s president has expressed optimism that the island’s economy can be revitalised, even though Freeport is much different from the days when it was named the “magic city”.

Mick Holding told the Grand Bahama Business Outlook conference that co-operation between the Chamber, Grand Bahama Port Authority (GBPA) and Ministry for Grand Bahama was vital if Bahamian

and foreign investors are to be attracted to the island.

Noting that Grand Bahama could sustain some 500,000 persons, Mr Holding emphasised the need to increase its population as a means of developing the economy.

He added that creating the “right environment” would play a key role in encouraging the kind of investments that would spur job creation and dozens of spin-off businesses. (Photo: Keen i Media Ltd.)

Stacy Cox

Bahamian native named as hotel society president A Bahamian native has been named as the Caribbean Society of Hotel Association Executives’ (CSHAE)new president.

Stacy Cox, a Turks & Caicos Islands citizen, was appointed during Board meetings that preceded the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association’s (CHTA) annual Caribbean Travel Marketplace event in the Bahamas.

CSHAE is an independent organisation aimed at advancing professional development, and strengthening networking, among Caribbean hotel and tourism association executives.

Ms Cox, who has served as executive director of the Turks and Caicos Hotel and Tourism Association (TCHTA) since September 2011, has more than 20 years of hospitality experience in both the Bahamas and Turks & Caicos.

“To be elected by my counterparts throughout the Caribbean for such a role speaks volumes and I am truly honoured,” said Ms Cox. She promised to continueher advocacy efforts for local members, while “taking our collective voice to CHTA, with the hope of having our issues addressed at the top

of the regional association’s agenda”.

“It is a blessing to have Stacy in this leadership role,” said Frank Comito, the CHTA’s director-general and chief executive.

“She has been a model member of this group for several years, and we always look forward to her wise counsel and enthusiastic, solutions-driven approach to addressing challenges for our members. She leads by example and has done outstanding work in her role with the TCHTA.” Ms Cox began her hospitality career as an activity co-ordinator in 1991 at the now-Atlantis resort on Paradise Island, before moving up the rank and receiving the coveted ‘Cacique’ award prior to leaving the Bahamas.

In 1997, she moved to the Turks and Caicos Islands, where she held general manager positions at Windsong Resort and Royal West Indies Resort.

“One of my first tasks as president of CSHAE is to meet with the team to determine how we can better raise the profile of the society, and to identify networking and developmental opportunities for all Associations,” Ms Cox said.

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Tuesday, March 14, 2017, PAGE 3

Minnis’s Baha Mar position ‘disgraceful’

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

A Cabinet Minister yesterday slammed Dr Hubert Minnis’s pledge to find a new purchaser for Baha Mar as “disgraceful”, arguing that it would disrupt employment for hundreds of Bahamians.

Jerome Fitzgerald, minister of education, science and technology, and who was a member of the Cabinet’s Baha Mar committee, argued that the FNM leader’s assertions showed he was not fit to become Prime Minister.

“Even as hundreds of Bahamians are being trained and hired, he is still denying that Baha Mar is now in the safe hands of a world-class operator that is investing

hundreds of millions in its success,” Mr Fitzgerald said in a statement, referring to prospective purchaser, Chow Tai Fook Enterprises (CTFE).

“Minnis is not equipped to understand the complexity of a development this size; he’s shown us over and over he would have blindly followed private instead of public interests.”

Mr Fitzgerald then accused Dr Minnis of parroting the arguments made by former Baha Mar developer, Sarkis Izmirlian, who the Christie administration helped to oust by opposing the Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection and then successfully petitioning for the project’s winding-up via the Supreme Court.

“He continues to mimic the lines of the original de-

veloper, who filed for bankruptcy in a US court, and where Bahamian employees and contractors would have received no special consideration and would still be waiting in a long line,” Mr Fitzgerald argued.

“The Government did not allow that to happen, instead bringing the proceedings back to the Bahamas, making sure contractors and employees were paid what they were owed, and making sure that an owner with success running high-end properties in the Caribbean and around the world was secured.”

Dr Minnis, in a posting on his Facebook page, effectively said that an FNM government, if elected, would seek a new buyer for Baha Mar, although he produced no evidence to show the current deal was egre-

giously bad for the Bahamas’ interests.

It is also unclear how an FNM administration could force a new sale of Baha Mar, given that the property is now owned by its secured creditor, the China ExportImport Bank, through its Perfect Luck special purpose vehicle (SPV).

The only real option for achieving this objective would be for an FNM government to nationalise Baha Mar, something that would be fraught with danger and difficulty, not least because of the chilling effect it might have on both Bahamian and foreign direct investment (FDI).

While it could seek to make life difficult for CTFE, a new government would probably find it has little choice but to work

with CTFE to grow the Bahamian economy and jobs, while seeking to improve the Baha Mar deal via renegotiation.

Still, Dr Minnis said: “Your Free National Movement government will engage and execute a real sale of Baha Mar to a qualified and respectable purchaser who believes in Bahamians; a purchaser who will utilise only Bahamian labour to complete the resort, and will put Bahamians back to work with real jobs as quickly as possible.

“All applicable taxes must be paid to the Treasury on this sale, including any VAT, Stamp tax, casino license fees, etc. In keeping with our mandate of accountability and transparency, your Free National Movement government will also make public all nego-

Denied web shop slams 10-year bar From pg B1

Baha Mar holds first casino dealer training Baha Mar yesterday held its first day of casino dealer training prior to the property’s ‘soft opening’ on April 21.

It said the 170 recentlyhired casino employees had been enrolled in a four-week gaming course to perfect their dealing skills and refine their customer service expertise.

“The most important qualities for our casino dealers are impeccable technical skills and seamless customer service,” said Theodora Cartwright, shift

manager at the Baha Mar Casino.

“In addition, possessing strong interpersonal skills and personality will truly set the dealer apart and enhance the gamer’s experience. Our casino dealers will have some of the most memorable interactions with Baha Mar guests, offering them the opportunity to bond directly and leave lasting impressions.”

Spencer Mackey, pit manager and trainer, started his career more than 28 years ago at the Crystal Palace Casino. He said

the main objective of the training programme was to ensure staff master the core casino games offered at Baha Mar, focusing on professional protocols.

“Everyone here is proud to see Baha Mar Casino open next month. The space looks fantastic and we’re looking forward to being the first dealers to bring this floor to life,” said Hugo Bethel, assistant shift manager at the Baha Mar Casino.

The Baha Mar Casino School features two daily four-hour classes, held in the morning and evening, five days a week.

Upon course completion, employees will start full work days, beginning on April 10.

Bet Vegas the only operator to have been denied. Bet Vegas has since mounted a legal challenge to that decision via Judicial Review.

Island Luck, Nassau Games, Percy’s Island Games, A Sure Win, Chances, Paradise Games, Bahama Dreams and Asue Draw were all awarded licenses.

However, Asue Draw + Spin later announced it would not renew its gaming house operator license for 2016-2017, and exited from the industry. And Island Luck also acquired the majority 65 per cent equity stake in Bahama Dreams, effectively reducing the number of licensed operators from eight to six.

Mr Brown yesterday said he was “not backing down” in his efforts to be licensed, while admitting that the company had not made a profit last year due to the negative publicity stemming from the Judicial Re-

view challenge.

“For me it’s about the principle,” he added. “If you’re talking about legitimising a process, then you can deny anyone who qualifies.

“I’m not closing down.

I’m going to be expanding, and that’s why I’m hiring.

They’re issuing a moratorium but you have operators expanding. Ever since the legislation was passed web shop locations have increased. What is the Gaming Board really doing?”

Obie Wilchcombe, who has ministerial responsibility for gaming, announced in a statement last week that the Government had decided to limit the number of gaming house operator

tiations in this regard and have them tabled in Parliament.

“When your Free National Movement comes to office, we will make public all deals by this government with the Chinese with respect to this and any other secret deal this administration may have entered into.”

However, Mr Fitzgerald hit back: “Minnis is trying to use bluster and deception to cover up just how little he knows or understands. His broken party is evidence of what happens when he’s put in charge.

“He should congratulate the many Bahamians who are receiving training and new opportunities. Baha Mar has been rescued from bankruptcy and will be a success for the whole country to be proud of.” licenses to eight until 2027.

However, this moratorium does not prevent the Minister from issuing a request for proposal (RFP) for a gaming house operator license in the event that its existing holder goes out of business or has it revoked.

And no such moratorium has been placed on the number of web shop houses that will be allowed to exist in the Bahamas, or on the number of locations each operator will be allowed to have.

Craig Flowers, the FML Group of Companies chief executive, recently told Tribune Business that there were “too many” outstanding issues facing the industry that have yet to be resolved, and questioned how many gaming licenses are in fact active at present.

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PAGE 4, Tuesday, March 14, 2017

Chamber chief warns: ‘Don’t blow up nation for sake of election’ From pg B1 of continuity that have to be adhered to. Government is continuous.”

Mr Bowe said that while administrations may change from FNM to PLP, the Bahamas had established a long tradition where the Government honoured investment agreements and deals made by its predecessor.

While governments have successfully renegotiated agreements, as the first Christie administration did with the former Bimini Bay developer, Gerardo Capo, and its successor, the last Ingraham regime, achieved with Sarkis Izmirlian for Baha Mar, they have never arbitrarily torn up such deals - as Dr Minnis’s statement seemed to imply.

“We have to be very careful where we make what I would call cavalier state-

ments about things we will do, as that causes worry for one of the Bahamas’ greatest strengths, which is political stability,” Mr Bowe told Tribune Business. “We have to be very careful about using that language now. We have to be mature.”

Pointing out that the Bahamas could not afford to undermine its standing with the rating agencies on this issue, given the recent downgrades, the Chamber chairman added that this nation’s tradition was of changing “seamlessly from one administration to another”.

Dr Minnis’s Facebook posting, though, hinted that the FNM may buck this trend, as he promised that if elected to government the party would “engage and execute a real sale” of Baha Mar. He added that his ad-

QC pledges battle against Freeport’s incentive regime From pg B1 regime” on Freeport.

Mr Smith spoke out after the Government released documents confirming that, via the new Act, it will seek to impose financial penalties on Freeport-based businesses who fail to live up to the commitments they make in return for receiving the renewed tax breaks.

Promotional literature from the Office of the Prime Minister, praising the new Act, states: “Licensees who fail to meet obligations can

have concessions revoked, or will be made to pay the value.”

This warning, which was placed under the heading of ‘accountability’, appears to confirm GBPA licensees’ worst fears, namely that the Government could demand that they pay retroactive, or ‘back’ taxes, if they fail to maintain existing employment levels at their companies for five years.

In effect, when the Act is analysed together with the accompanying regulations and incentive application

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ministration would seek “a qualified and respectable purchaser who believes in Bahamians”, implying that an FNM government would overturn the sale - which has yet to close - to CTFE, the multi-billion dollar Hong Kong conglomerate.

Mr Bowe, though, questioned whether the FNM or any Opposition party possessed, or had seen, sufficient evidence to suggest that the Baha Mar deal was so egregiously corrupt or bad for the Bahamas’ national interests that it warranted overturning.

This is especially since the details of the Government’s agreement with the China Export-Import Bank for Baha Mar’s construction completion remain sealed by Order of the Supreme Court, meaning that there is no information to determine whether the deal is good or bad.

The same applies to the Heads of Agreement between the Government and CTFE, which has also not been made public, and may not even have been completed given that the latter’s

Baha Mar purchase has yet to close. That will only happen when China Construction America (CCA) completes the project’s construction.

Dr Minnis’s strategy, should an elected FNM government follow through on it without sufficient evidence, would only further delay Baha Mar’s opening and the creation of jobs for 5,000-plus Bahamians.

Its much-needed boost for economic growth and GDP would also be subject to further delay.

Mr Bowe asked the politicians: “The businessman in the middle, which is now CTFE, are they really interested in your squabbling?

“We are creating uncertainty for the investor that is taking over a multi-billion dollar project, will be making millions available until it is stable, and is negotiating marketing commitments to promote the destination.”

The Chamber chairman said Dr Minnis’s comments sent a potentially chilling, negative message to all in-

vestors - foreign and Bahamian - at a time when this nation needed every capital dollar it can get.

“When we talk about investment, what does this say to Bahamian investor groups coming together?”

Mr Bowe said. “If you’re not in favour with a political party, whatever you do can be a target of their victimisation. That will be a concern for Bahamian investors wanting to invest in their economy.”

He emphasised, though, that he had been “concerned for a long time with both political parties when they get up and make salacious comments in the House of Assembly just to rouse their political base”.

“It’s not just Hubert Minnis. It’s Branville McCartney and this administration, too,” Mr Bowe added. The Christie administration, too, has employed language to scare away investors and their capital, especially the suggestion that they undergo psychological evaluations.

“Don’t blow up the coun-

try for the sake of winning an election. Governments do continue, countries must continue. Don’t do something to damage our future simply for the sake of one day,” Mr Bowe told Tribune Business.

“If they want to be considered credible leaders by discerning voters, they have to stop their outlandish comments and tell me what they’d do. Tell me your plan.”

Mr Bowe said a better approach by Dr Minnis would be to “sit down” with CTFE, understand all details surrounding the project, take the necessary legal, economic and tourism advice, and only then based on credible evidence - seek to negotiate an improved deal.

He also warned that governments needed to be “very careful who we pick fights with”, suggesting that multinational companies such as CTFE had more assets, and stronger balance sheets, than the Government and Bahamian economy as a whole.”

form, the Government is tying the granting of investment incentives to the preservation of all existing jobs.

Mr Smith told Tribune Business that this represented an unwarranted intrusion into how the private sector works, adding that it would cause “untold confusion” in the employer/employee relationship.

“I consider that to be highly oppressive and discriminatory against the licensees of Freeport and the Hawksbill Creek Agreement regime,” Mr Smith said of the tax breaks revocation/’clawback’ threat.

“I don’t believe we’ve seen any Heads of Agreement where the Government has given far more concessions to developers outside Freeport than in Freeport, and with that kind of incentives clawback.”

The veteran QC again pointed to the Hawksbill Creek Agreement’s own anti-discrimination provisions contained in section 26 (2), which stipulates that Freeport be treated no less favourably than anywhere else in the Bahamas for investment purposes.

Suggesting that this was now being violated by the Grand Bahama (Port Area) Investment Incentives

Act, Mr Smith said: “The Hawksbill Creek Agreement provides that we are not to be discriminated against as licensees.”

Taking on the retroactive ‘tax break’ clawback, and tying it to maintaining employment levels, Mr Smith added that this concept was totally alien and contrary to the way private sectors work in capitalist societies.

“It is also a very superficial and artificial perception of how business is run,” he told Tribune Business. “It’s impossible to impose conditions such as guaranteed employment, etc, which in effect is an interference with the employer-employee contractual relationship.

“It will cause untold confusion in the business relationship between licensees and business employers.”

While acknowledging the Government’s desire to incentivise growth in Freeport’s moribund economy, Mr Smith asked: “Why should Freeport be treated any differently from the rest of the Bahamas when the Hawksbill Creek Agreement says it should not be discriminated against?

“Why is it thought appropriate that these new conditions be imposed on thousands of licensees that have been able to eke out,

and survive, the most oppressive and repressive economic environment in the Bahamas?

“Freeport gets the short end of the stick in terms of having multiple layers of bureaucracy and red tape, instead of being the ‘one stop shop’ it was intended to be under the Hawksbill Creek Agreement.”

Mr Smith said the Grand Bahama (Port Area) Investment Incentives Act was merely the latest example of what appeared to be a competition between successive FNM and PLP regimes to see who could best undermine the Hawksbill Creek Agreement, and Freeport’s investment and governance regimes.

As evidence, he pointed to the regular Customs Department “invention of new mechanisms” to extract more taxes from the Port area, most of which had been defeated at the Supreme Court.

Turning to the latest imposition in the form of the Grand Bahama (Port Area) Investment Incentives Act, Mr Smith confirmed: “I can also say that, as a licensee, I will be launching litigation this week challenging this unconstitutional deprivation of our vested property rights as a licensee, and also the discriminatory regime

and treatment imposed by the Act. “It appears that, for decades now, each administration competes, as between the PLP and FNM, to see who can create the most obstacles for business in Freeport, and who can best deconstruct the Hawksbill Creek Agreement.”

Describing the consequences, Mr Smith told Tribune Business: “The reality is that the business environment has continued to go from bad to worse, and the claim by Dr Darville [minister for Grand Bahama] that there has been an upsurge in the Freeport economy is, with respect, completely imaginary. People are suffering.”

With the jobless numbers further increased by both the Memories pullout, and closure of most of the Grand Lucayan resort, Mr Smith said Prime Minister Perry Christie and his ministers were continually making “promises and holding out hope” while simultaneously undermining Freeport’s business climate.

“At the same time they are creating obstacles for what little business can be conducted by licensees,” he told Tribune Business.

“Business in Freeport is a lose-lose proposition for all concerned.”

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PUBLIC NOTICE

INTENT TO CHANGE NAME BY DEED POLL

NOTICE is hereby given that RITA PETIT-FRERE of Augusta Street, Nassau, Bahamas is applying to the Minister responsible for Nationality and Citizenship, for registration/naturalization as a citizen of The Bahamas, and that any person who knows any reason why registration/ naturalization should not be granted, should send a written and signed statement of the facts within twenty-eight days from the 14th day of March, 2017 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, Bahamas.

The public is hereby advised that I, CHERITA COOPER of Perpall Tract, P.O.Box CR-54132, New Providence, The Bahamas, mother of XAVIER CHEA McKINNEY, intend to change my son’s name to XAVIER CHEA COOPER. If there are any objections to the change of name by deed poll, you may write such objections to the Chief Passport Officer, P.O. Box N-742, Nassau, Bahamas no later than thirty (30) days after the date of the publication of this notice.

NOTICE

NOTICE

NOTICE is hereby given that KATHLEEN VIQUERIE WHITE of Old Fort Bay, P.O.Box N4820, Nassau, Bahamas is applying to the Minister responsible for

NOTICE is hereby given that RUFUS RUDY DEAN of Rock Crusher Road, P.O. SP-61176 Nassau, Bahamas is applying to the Minister responsible for Nationality and Citizenship, for registration/ naturalization as a citizen of The Bahamas, and that any person who knows any reason why registration/naturalization should not be granted, should send a written and signed statement of the facts within twenty-eight days from the 7th day of March, 2017 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, Bahamas.

Nationality and Citizenship, for registration/naturalization as a citizen of The Bahamas, and that any person who knows any reason why registration/naturalization should not be granted, should send a written and signed statement of the facts within twenty-eight days from the 14th day of March, 2017 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, Bahamas.

CAREER OPPORTUNITY

NOTICE

AUDITOR Primary Responsibilities: • Assist with the conduct of financial audits, compliant with international audit standards • Assess compliance of audit clients with laws, regulations and best practice in business financial controls.

• Prepare audit working papers.

• Review financial statements for compliance with accounting and reporting standards.

Skills and Qualifications: • Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting or Finance • 3+ years external audit experience • Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite • Strong written and verbal communication Interested person should apply by March 31st, 2017 and forward your resumes to AccountantCareer@yahoo.com

CIT (BAHAMAS) LIMITED (In Voluntary Liquidation) Pursuant to section 138 (4) of the International Business Companies Act, 2000 (Chapter 309) notice is hereby given that the above-named company is in dissolution. The date of commencement of the dissolution is 14 March 2017. Articles of Dissolution have been duly registered with the Registrar General’s Department. Mark E. Munnings of Deloitte & Touche, 2nd Terrace West, Centreville, P. O. Box N-7526, Nassau, Bahamas is the Liquidator.

Persons having a claim against the company are required on or before 14 April 2017, to send their names, addresses and particulars of their claims to the Company’s Liquidator, or in default thereof, they may be excluded from the benefit of any distribution made before such claim is proved.

Dated this 14 day of March 2017 Mark E. Munnings Liquidator

THE TRIBUNE

Tuesday, March 14, 2017, PAGE 5

Island Luck eyes HQ at Montagu Hotel site From pg B1 & Johnson and the Chinese embassy.

“That is something that is being contemplated,” Mr Simmons responded, when contacted by Tribune Business, after this newspaper was tipped to Island Luck’s plans.

He did not confirm, though, whether Island Luck already owned the site or was in the process of acquiring it, saying: “I’ll have to check the records.” Although stating that he would call Tribune Business back, no response was received prior to press time last night.

Several sources, speaking on condition of anonymity, suggested that Island Luck had already acquired the property, noting that one of its billboard advertisements had been located there.

The site is the last remaining piece of the historic Montagu Beach Hotel property, which was demolished in 1993.

The rest of the location is now home to corporate office buildings which, apart from Higgs & Johnson, are also home to the likes of the KPMG accounting firm.

The property now eyed for development by the Island Luck group has been overgrown and derelict for more than two decades, and its redevelopment would likely be welcomed by neighbours.

A corporate head office would fit in well with other real estate in the area, which includes the head office of Family Guardian, the BISXlisted insurer, and several realty firms such as Morley Realty and Coldwell Banker Lightbourn Realty.

It is also a prime location, sitting at the junction of Eastern and Village Roads, plus Shirley Street, with ample room for parking lots and office space.

The corporate headquarters plan is also another indication of the continuing wealth of web shop operators, especially Island Luck, which recently expanded by acquiring a majority 65 per cent equity stake in rival, Bahama Dreams.

Mr Bastian and Island Luck have also expanded into numerous other sec-

tors of the Bahamian economy, including construction, property development and management (Brickell Management Group), and now into investment banking, securities and insurance.

Investar Securities, a newly-created broker/dealer and investment house, lists Mr Bastian as a director, while Paul Major, head of Brickell Management group, also sits on Investar’s Board as vicepresident and secretary.

Investar’s website lists Hillary Deveaux, the former Securities Commission executive director who is now a consultant at the Ministry of Financial Services, as chairman.

Other directors include Scott Godet, principal of Scottdale Bedding and National Fence Company, who is a major landlord to the Government and heads the Post Office public-private partnership at the Independence Drive Shopping Centre; Jane Siebels, principal of Green Cay Private Client; and attorney Lowell Mortimer.

Management has been left to Investar’s president and managing director, Kevin Burrows, the former senior vice-president at CFAL. Another group entity is understood to be BMG Insurance Agents and Brokers, which shares the same initials as Brickell Management Group, and is chaired by Mr Major, who is also head of the Bahamas National Festival Commission (Junkanoo Carnival).

BMG Insurance Agents and Brokers’ website lists Keith Major, the former Imperial Life insurance executive, as its managing director.

Brickell Management Group and BMG Insurance Agents and Brokers share the same address at 601 East Bay Street, while Investar Securities is based at 443 East Bay Street on property owned by Bethell Estates.

With Island Luck’s head office based at Collins Avenue, the attraction of bringing all these connected group entities together on one site will likely be a key consideration in plans for the former Montagu Beach Hotel site.

On behalf of the Board of Directors, I am pleased to report the second quarter results for FOCOL Holdings Limited. The net income for the two quarters ended January 31, 2017 was $13.30 million compared to $12.95 million for the same period last year.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION (B $000)

Management is working diligently to restore our distribution infrastructures that were damaged during Hurricane Matthew. During the restoration process, Management is also taking advantage of opportunities to make strategic capital investments in additional fuel distribution infrastructure.

On January 23, 2017, Sun Oil Aviation Limited, a subsidiary of FOCOL Holdings Limited, purchased one half of Sol Petroleum Bahamas Limited interest in all the assets comprised in the Joint Operating Agreement for the joint storage and into-plane operations at the Lynden Pindling International Airport.

As a result of the purchase, Sun Oil Aviation Limited has increased its ownership in the Joint Operating Agreement to 50% and the remaining interest is owned by Rubis Bahamas Limited.

The Board of Directors wishes to thank our loyal customers, dedicated staff and shareholders for their continued confidence in FOCOL Holdings Limited.

Sir Franklyn Wilson, KCMG Chairman.

Copies of a full set of the unaudited financial statements can be obtained from Stephen Adderley (sadderley@focol.com), at the Freeport Oil Company located on Queens Highway, Freeport, Grand Bahama, Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM TO 5:00 PM.

PAGE 6, Tuesday, March 14, 2017

Congress’ analyst: Millions to lose coverage under GOP bill WASHINGTON (AP) — Fourteen million Americans would lose coverage next year under House Republican legislation remaking the nation’s health care system, and that number would balloon to 24 million by 2026, Congress’ budget analysts projected Monday.

Their report deals a stiff blow to a GOP drive already under fire from both parties and large segments of the medical industry.

The Congressional Budget Office report undercuts a central argument President Donald Trump and Republicans have cited for swiftly rolling back the 2010 health care overhaul: that the insurance markets created under that statute are “a disaster” and about to implode.

The congressional experts said the market for individual policies “would probably be stable in most areas under either current law or the (GOP) legislation.”

The report also flies in the face of Trump’s talk of “insurance for everybody,” which he stated in January. He has since embraced a less expansive goal — to “increase access” — advanced by House Speaker Paul Ryan and other Republicans.

Health secretary Tom Price told reporters at the White House the report was “simply wrong” and he disagreed “strenuously,” saying it omitted the impact of additional GOP legislation and regulatory changes the Trump administration plans.

In a signal of trouble, Rep. Mark Walker, R-N.C., leader of a large group of House conservatives, said the report “does little to alleviate” concerns about the bill including tax credits considered too costly.

The budget office’s estimates provide a detailed, credible appraisal of the Republican effort to unravel former President Barack Obama’s 2010 overhaul.

The office has a four-decade history of even-handedness

House Speaker Paul Ryan of Wis. uses charts and graphs to make his case for the GOP’s longawaited plan to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act during a news conference on Capitol Hill in Washington. Republicans pushing a plan to dismantle Barack Obama’s health care law are bracing for a Congressional Budget Office analysis widely expected to conclude that fewer Americans will have health coverage under the proposal, despite President Donald Trump’s promise of “insurance for everybody.” (AP Photo) and is currently headed by an appointee recommended by Price when he was a congressman. Trump has repeatedly attacked the agency’s credibility, citing its significant underestimate of the number of people who would buy insurance on state and federal exchanges under “Obamacare.”

On the plus side for Republicans, the budget office said the GOP measure would reduce federal deficits by $337 billion over the coming decade. That’s largely because it would cut the federal-state Medicaid program for low-income Americans and eliminate subsidies that Obama’s law provides to millions of people who buy coverage.

The report also said that while the legislation would push premiums upward before 2020 by an average of 15 to 20 percent compared to current law, premiums would move lower after that.

By 2026, average premiums for individuals would be 10 percent lower than under

Obama’s statute, it said.

The GOP bill would obliterate the tax penalties Obama’s law imposes on people who don’t buy coverage, and it would eliminate the federal subsidies reflecting people’s income and premium costs for millions.

It would instead provide tax credits based largely on recipients’ ages, let insurers charge more for older people and boost premiums for those who let coverage lapse.

It would phase out Obama’s expansion of Medicaid to 11 million additional low earners, cap federal spending for the entire program, repeal taxes the statute imposes and halt federal payments to Planned Parenthood for a year.

Administration officials took strong issue with the budget office’s projections of lost coverage.

“We believe that our plan will cover more individuals and at a lower cost and give them the choices that they want,” Price said.

Ryan, R-Wis., said the GOP legislation “is not about forcing people to buy expensive, one-sizefits-all coverage. It is about giving people more choices and better access to a plan they want and can afford.”

In fact, he said on Fox News Channel that the CBO report “exceeded my expectations.”

Not in a good way, Democrats said. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York said the projections show “just how empty the president’s promises, that everyone will be covered and costs will go down, have been.”

“I hope they would pull the bill. It’s really the only decent thing to do,” said House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi of California.

The American Medical Association, which has opposed the Republican bill because it would reduce coverage, said the report shows the legislation would cause “unacceptable consequences.”

MARKET REPORT MONDAY, 13 MARCH 2017

t. 242.323.2330 | f. 242.323.2320 | www.bisxbahamas.com

BISX ALL SHARE INDEX: CLOSE 1,916.50 | CHG -0.01 | %CHG 0.00 | YTD -21.71 | YTD% -1.12 BISX LISTED & TRADED SECURITIES 52WK HI 4.38 17.43 9.09 3.56 4.70 0.12 7.20 8.50 6.10 10.60 15.27 2.72 1.60 5.83 9.75 11.00 9.25 6.90 12.01 11.00

52WK LOW 2.70 17.43 8.19 3.50 1.77 0.12 3.80 8.15 5.56 7.72 11.00 2.18 1.31 5.80 6.78 8.56 7.00 6.35 11.92 10.00

1000.00 1000.00 1000.00 1000.00

900.00 1000.00 1000.00 1000.00

PREFERENCE SHARES

1.00 106.00 100.00 106.00 105.00 105.00 100.00 10.00 1.01

1.00 105.50 100.00 100.00 105.00 100.00 100.00 10.00 1.01

SECURITY AML Foods Limited APD Limited Bahamas Property Fund Bahamas Waste Bank of Bahamas Benchmark Cable Bahamas CIBC FirstCaribbean Bank Colina Holdings Commonwealth Bank Commonwealth Brewery Consolidated Water BDRs Doctor's Hospital Famguard Fidelity Bank Finco Focol ICD Utilities J. S. Johnson Premier Real Estate Cable Bahamas Series 6 Cable Bahamas Series 8 Cable Bahamas Series 9 Cable Bahamas Series 10 Colina Holdings Class A Commonwealth Bank Class E Commonwealth Bank Class J Commonwealth Bank Class K Commonwealth Bank Class L Commonwealth Bank Class M Commonwealth Bank Class N Fidelity Bank Class A Focol Class B

CORPORATE DEBT - (percentage pricing) 52WK HI 100.00 100.00 100.00

52WK LOW 100.00 100.00 100.00

SYMBOL AML APD BPF BWL BOB BBL CAB CIB CHL CBL CBB CWCB DHS FAM FBB FIN FCL ICD JSJ PRE CAB6 CAB8 CAB9 CAB10 CHLA CBLE CBLJ CBLK CBLL CBLM CBLN FBBA FCLB

SECURITY Fidelity Bank Note 17 (Series A) + Fidelity Bank Note 18 (Series E) + Fidelity Bank Note 22 (Series B) +

SYMBOL FBB17 FBB18 FBB22

Bahamas Note 6.95 (2029) BGS: 2014-12-3Y BGS: 2015-1-3Y BGS: 2014-12-5Y BGS: 2015-1-5Y BGS: 2014-12-7Y BGS: 2015-1-7Y BGS: 2014-12-30Y BGS: 2015-1-30Y BGS: 2015-6-3Y BGS: 2015-6-5Y BGS: 2015-6-7Y BGS: 2015-6-30Y BGS: 2015-10-3Y BGS: 2015-10-5Y BGS: 2015-10-7Y

BAH29 BG0103 BG0203 BG0105 BG0205 BG0107 BG0207 BG0130 BG0230 BG0303 BG0305 BG0307 BG0330 BG0403 BG0405 BG0407

BAHAMAS GOVERNMENT STOCK - (percentage pricing) 115.92 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00

113.70 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00

MUTUAL FUNDS 52WK HI 2.03 3.92 1.94 169.70 141.76 1.47 1.67 1.57 1.10 6.96 8.50 6.30 9.94 11.21 10.46

52WK LOW 1.67 3.04 1.68 164.74 116.70 1.41 1.61 1.52 1.03 6.41 7.62 5.66 8.65 10.54 9.57

LAST CLOSE 4.38 15.85 9.09 3.54 1.77 0.12 4.50 8.50 6.00 10.48 11.86 2.07 1.55 5.83 9.75 10.90 9.25 6.90 12.01 10.00 1000.00 1000.00 1000.00 1000.00 1.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 10.00 1.01 LAST SALE 100.00 100.00 100.00 105.31 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00

CLOSE 4.38 15.85 9.09 3.54 1.77 0.12 4.50 8.50 6.00 10.48 11.86 2.06 1.55 5.83 9.75 10.90 9.25 6.90 12.01 10.00

CHANGE 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 -0.01 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

1000.00 1000.00 1000.00 1000.00 1.00 100.00 100.00 100.11 100.00 100.00 100.00 10.00 1.01

0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

CLOSE 100.00 100.00 100.00

CHANGE 0.00 0.00 0.00

106.03 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00 100.00

0.72 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00

FUND CFAL Bond Fund CFAL Balanced Fund CFAL Money Market Fund CFAL Global Bond Fund CFAL Global Equity Fund FG Financial Preferred Income Fund FG Financial Growth Fund FG Financial Diversified Fund FG Financial Global USD Bond Fund Royal Fidelity Bahamas Opportunities Fund - Secured Balanced Fund Royal Fidelity Bahamas Opportunities Fund - Targeted Equity Fund Royal Fidelity Bahamas Opportunities Fund - Prime Income Fund Royal Fidelity Int'l Fund - Equities Sub Fund Royal Fidelity Int'l Fund - High Yield Fund Royal Fidelity Int'l Fund - Alternative Strategies Fund

VOLUME

2,000

400

2,000

VOLUME

NAV 2.03 3.92 1.94 168.44 141.76 1.47 1.64 1.56 1.04 6.96 8.50 6.30 9.80 11.13 9.63

EPS$ 0.029 1.002 -0.144 0.170 -0.130 0.000 -0.030 0.607 0.430 0.450 0.110 0.102 0.080 0.300 0.520 0.960 0.820 0.294 0.610 0.000

DIV$ 0.080 1.000 0.000 0.210 0.000 0.000 0.090 0.300 0.220 0.360 0.490 0.060 0.060 0.240 0.400 0.000 0.330 0.140 0.640 0.000

0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000

0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000

P/E 151.0 15.8 N/M 20.8 N/M N/M -150.0 14.0 14.0 23.3 107.8 20.2 19.4 19.4 18.8 11.4 11.3 23.5 19.7 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 6.25% 6.25% 6.25% 6.25% 6.25% 6.25% 6.25% 7.00% 6.50%

INTEREST 7.00% 6.00% Prime + 1.75%

MATURITY 19-Oct-2017 31-May-2018 19-Oct-2022

6.95% 4.00% 4.00% 4.25% 4.25% 4.50% 4.50% 6.25% 6.25% 4.00% 4.25% 4.50% 6.25% 3.50% 3.88% 4.25%

20-Nov-2029 15-Dec-2017 30-Jul-2018 16-Dec-2019 30-Jul-2020 15-Dec-2021 30-Jul-2022 15-Dec-2044 30-Jul-2045 26-Jun-2018 26-Jun-2020 26-Jun-2022 26-Jun-2045 15-Oct-2018 15-Oct-2020 15-Oct-2022

YTD% 12 MTH% 4.30% 4.30% 3.82% 3.82% 2.73% 2.73% 3.95% 3.95% 6.77% 6.77% 0.40% 4.04% -1.76% 1.06% -0.34% 2.70% -0.95% 1.55% 4.35% 4.69% 4.13% 4.28% 4.22% 4.64% 6.19% 3.43% 2.77% 2.98% -3.66% -3.90%

NAV Date 31-Dec-2016 31-Dec-2016 31-Dec-2016 31-Dec-2016 31-Dec-2016 31-Jan-2017 31-Jan-2017 31-Jan-2017 31-Jan-2017 30-Nov-2016 30-Nov-2016 30-Nov-2016 30-Nov-2016 30-Nov-2016 30-Nov-2016

MARKET TERMS BISX ALL SHARE INDEX - 19 Dec 02 = 1,000.00 52wk-Hi - Highest closing price in last 52 weeks 52wk-Low - Lowest closing price in last 52 weeks Previous Close - Previous day's weighted price for daily volume Today's Close - Current day's weighted price for daily volume Change - Change in closing price from day to day Daily Vol. - Number of total shares traded today DIV $ - Dividends per share paid in the last 12 months P/E - Closing price divided by the last 12 month earnings

YIELD 1.83% 6.31% 0.00% 5.93% 0.00% 0.00% 2.00% 3.53% 3.67% 3.44% 4.13% 2.91% 3.87% 4.12% 4.10% 0.00% 3.57% 2.03% 5.33% 0.00%

YIELD - last 12 month dividends divided by closing price Bid $ - Buying price of Colina and Fidelity Ask $ - Selling price of Colina and fidelity Last Price - Last traded over-the-counter price Weekly Vol. - Trading volume of the prior week EPS $ - A company's reported earnings per share for the last 12 mths NAV - Net Asset Value N/M - Not Meaningful

TO TRADE CALL: CFAL 242-502-7010 | ROYALFIDELITY 242-356-7764 | FG CAPITAL MARKETS 242-396-4000 | COLONIAL 242-502-7525 | LENO 242-396-3225

THE TRIBUNE

Board to Puerto Rico: Cut pension system, impose furloughs SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP) — A federal control board on Monday said Puerto Rico’s government needs to cut its public pension system by 10 percent, furlough tens of thousands of its workers and eliminate Christmas bonuses if it cannot generate other types of savings amid a nearly decade-long recession.

The seven-member board created by Congress last year to oversee the U.S. territory’s finances voted unanimously to add those measures to a 10-year fiscal plan presented by the island’s governor that the panel approved Monday. The measures will be implemented if the government fails to find other ways to cut spending and increase revenue.

Board members said the spending cuts will be necessary so the government will have enough funds to pay for essential services such as education, health and public safety.

“Puerto Rico is about to capsize,” said board member David Skeel. “The island is overwhelmed by debt. Puerto Rico is in real danger of running out of money for even the most basic essential services.”

Skeel and other board members who met in New York said the plan calls for everyone on the U.S. territory of 3.4 million people to make sacrifices.

Gov. Ricardo Rossello,

still disagree about cuts to the island’s public pension system that would hit hundreds of thousands of government workers. The system faces $50 billion in liabilities and is expected to run out of money by year’s end. Board members said they will protect the most vulnerable retirees and ensure no one is pushed into poverty.

The board will make recommendations by next month on what kind of pension changes will be implemented, but it said that the system will switch to a payas-you-go funding method and that teachers and public safety workers will be enrolled in Social Security by 2020. Currently, teachers and police officers in Puerto Rico do not receive Social Security.

The board demanded furloughs of two days a month for teachers and four days a month for other government workers, saying the step would save up to $40 million a month. The furloughs will take effect July 1 unless the government proposes other cost-saving measures. In addition, all Christmas bonuses could be eliminated by fiscal year 2018.

“This is barely the end of the beginning of a long process to get Puerto Rico on the road to economic growth again,” said board member Jose Ramon Gonzalez. “There are no simple,

“We’re taking bold steps to making sure the economy gets jumpstarted. We’re very much well on our way.” whose government is struggling with nearly $70 billion in public debt that it is seeking to restructure, had resisted some of the board’s cuts, arguing they would fall too heavily on many living in Puerto Rico. He told The Associated Press that he was pleased with the plan and is confident his administration will find ways to head off the furloughs and the elimination of Christmas bonuses.

“That’s my goal,” he said by phone. “We’re taking bold steps to making sure the economy gets jumpstarted. We’re very much well on our way.”

Elias Sanchez, the governor’s representative to the board, told the AP that the territory’s government hopes to avoid at least the first round of furloughs by proving it will have $200 million in cash reserves by June 30.

Sanchez praised the board’s approval, saying: “It’s a well thought-out plan that doesn’t hide the fact that we face great challenges.”

However, the board and Puerto Rico’s government

no easy, no painless solutions to the problems that have built up over 20 years.”

Puerto Rico racked up debt in recent decades by borrowing to balance its budget even as the economy was sputtering. In June 2015, the then governor announced that public debt totaling more than $70 billion was unpayable, and the island has defaulted on millions of dollars owed since then, forcing U.S. Congress to step in and sparking a barrage of lawsuits by creditors. The plan sets aside $800 million a year for debt payments, a fraction of the $35 billion due in interest and payments over the next decade.

Many believe the measures in the fiscal plan will provoke a further exodus from Puerto Ricans, which has seen a half million residents move to the U.S. mainland since 2005. Those who remain have faced new taxes, higher utility bills and a 12 percent unemployment rate on an island where food is 22 percent more expensive than the U.S. mainland and public services are 64 percent more expensive.

NOTICE

NOTICE is hereby given that HAROLD HUNTER WHITE III of Old Fort Bay, P.O.Box N4820, Nassau, Bahamas is applying to the Minister responsible for Nationality and Citizenship, for registration/naturalization as a citizen of The Bahamas, and that any person who knows any reason why registration/naturalization should not be granted, should send a written and signed statement of the facts within twentyeight days from the 14th day of March, 2017 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, Bahamas.

PUBLIC NOTICE

INTENT TO CHANGE NAME BY DEED POLL The public is hereby advised that I, CHARLES THEOPHILIS DEAN of Cottonwood Street, Pinewood Gardens, P.O.Box SS-5858, Nassau, Bahamas intend to change my name to CHARLES THEOPHILIS SMITH. If there are any objections to the change of name by deed poll, you may write such objections to the Chief Passport Officer, P.O. Box N-742, Nassau, Bahamas no later than thirty (30) days after the date of the publication of this notice.

NOTICE

NOTICE is hereby given that CORESHA KENDRICKA MORLEY of Bamboo Blvd., P.O.Box CR-56100, Bahamas is applying to the Minister responsible for Nationality and Citizenship, for registration/naturalization as a citizen of The Bahamas, and that any person who knows any reason why registration/naturalization should not be granted, should send a written and signed statement of the facts within twenty-eight days from the 14th day of March, 2017 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, Bahamas.

THE TRIBUNE

Tuesday, March 14, 2017, PAGE 9

b o dy an d min d

Cancer survivors celebrate at Eleuthera’s Hope Ball

By JEFFARAH GIBSON Tribune Features Writer jgibson@tribunemedia.net The Cancer Society of Eleuthera’s fourth annual Hope Ball, while certainly a night of glamorous fundraising for the island, was also an event designed to bring attention to important topic – colorectal cancer.

The ball which has grown tremendously over the years was held last Saturday at the Wellness Centre in Palmetto Point, Eleuthera.

The master of ceremony was Matthew Rolle, alongside his son Matthew Rolle II, who played the trumpet.

The cocktail hour was hosted by Eleuthera’s very own Freedom Marching Band.

The night kicked off with spoken word poetry from artist AurumShell, while Malikah Pinder serenaded the guests with a beautiful selection.

As the annual Hope Ball is the Cancer Society of Eleuthera’s biggest fundraising event for the year, its purpose is two-fold.

“Our main objective is to raise the much needed funds that will continue to assist the many residents

of Eleuthera. As we are a non-profit organisation, our goal is to be in a position where we are able to assist any resident on the island of Eleuthera as they walk through our doors. Should they need mammograms, ultrasounds, or plane tickets to get these services, our aim is to help those in need,” Chinnici McDonald, Administrator of CSE, told Tribune Health.

The second objective for the event was to highlight Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, which is recognised worldwide throughout March. The organisation hopes its continued awareness propels people to take action towards prevention.

“There were many highlights from the night. The first and most significant was the amount of cancer survivors that attended the event,” said Ms McDonald.

“Some of those that were unable to attend sent family support in their absence.

The event is all about them, so it warmed our hearts to see such a large number of cancer survivors. We also had a few visitors from Canada that came and supported the cause. The evening was filled with laughter

The fourth annual Hope Ball served to both raise funds for Eleuthera’s Cancer Society and highlight Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. and dancing.

“The event was greatly attended. However, there is always room for more support from locals and businesses. This work that we do is never-ending, and until cancer has been completely eradicated from the face of the earth we will always need the support of every-

“This work that we do is never-ending, and until cancer has been completely eradicated from the face of the earth we will always need the support of everyone.”

one. Therefore, in all that we do, we give thanks and pray for continuous success for our future events.”

The CSE hope to raise $15,000 from the event that will go towards assisting with travel and testing, such as mammograms, ultrasounds or PET scans, which can range from $1,200 to $1,500.

“We have many other events planned throughout the year. Because Eleuthera is such a long island, many of our events will be spread out to incorporate as many residents as possible,” explained Ms McDonald.

“We have the Tea & Hat Show slotted for April to be held North Eleuthera and a spoken word monologue in May. This is new to our calendar of events.

It is our hope that we will use this platform to continue to bring awareness and educate the public on the cancers that plague our community. October (Breast Cancer Awareness) month continues to be our busiest of all months with ‘Boob Talk’, ‘Pink Fridays’, and our annual ‘Walk for a Cure’. Our year ends with our Christmas production of ‘Music in the Gardens’.”

Spinal problems can be inherited Your children inherit many physical characteristics and traits from you, including strengths and weaknesses of their spinal columns. Just as the shape of their noses, colour of their eyes, or size of their skeletal frames can be inherited, so can curvatures or weak areas in their spines.

When I tell patients they have arthritis many will say, “Arthritis runs in my family”.

The same holds true for heart disease, high cholesterol, diabetes, etcetera. So your children may have a tendency to inherit the same or corresponding problems, just as you may have similarly inherited your spinal weaknesses from your parents or the accumulated weaknesses of several generations.

If you suffer from headaches, backaches, nervousness, constipation, stomach trouble or a much longer list of physical complaints: your own children may certainly be subject to these same conditions. Natural parental concern compels you to prevent your children from experiencing the same

Doctor of Chiropractic

Dr Susan Donald distressing health problems you have known.

As chiropractic has grown, it has continued to place greater emphasis on the prevention of spinal problems which can cause any number of other health problems due to spinal nerve pressure.

The prevention is most effective

A regular spinal examination at least once a year during a child’s growing years is a great physical health insurance procedure. in childhood. A regular spinal examination at least once a year during your child’s growing years is one of the best physical health insurance procedures you can obtain for him or her.

If chiropractic corrective adjustment is indicated, you will have the great satisfaction that you have taken the proper step to assure your child of a healthy body, and therefore, a nervous system free from nerve pressure

or irritation.

May serious health condition in youth, as well as later in life, can be prevented by this precautionary procedure. Remember, “As the twig is bent, so grows the tree.”

PAGE 10, Tuesday, March 14, 2017

THE TRIBUNE

What’s in your diaper bag?

I remember being a firsttime mom and not having a clue about what I needed to put in my diaper bag. There were times when I had packed way too much or too little. And nothing’s worse than not having exactly what you need. Needless to say, with everything I was learning as a new mom I picked up very quickly on what I needed to bring. Here are a few things you may want to consider packing in your diaper bag:

Wet wipes

I know you’re thinking this one is a no-brainer, but I can’t tell you how many times I forgot to pack the wipes. I know you’re wondering how anyone could forget this most important item, but you will realize that for some reason, just before you are ready to leave the house, you need to do a diaper change, and there you go – now you’ve left them on the couch. I really think babies know when you’re leaving the house and plan a giant mess just when you think you’ve gotten it all together, which by the way takes forever. I started hiding a small wipes-togo in my bag so this would never happen.

Hand sanitiser

You never know when you’ll need to use it or lend it. I didn’t like people picking up my baby without having clean hands, especially when they were really young, so I was always prepared.

Also, another thing I hated was

Zip lock baggies

Bun In The Oven

I recommend keeping a couple of sealable clear bags hidden away in your diaper bag. The diaper blow-out is a real thing, and most of the time you’ll need to do a wardrobe change. Zip lock bags are great for dirty stuff that you don’t want touching anything else or smelling up the place. They’re also good to keep old pacifiers in.

You know, the ones that fall on the floor and you have to replace them with a clean one. Yes, you have to bring two pacifiers everywhere you go; one will fall always on the floor!

Bianca Carter

Medicine kit

Calpol, Ovol, gripe water, diaper cream – the essentials. When you’re out and about, the last thing you want is a fussy baby.

Although babies can be fussy in general, you don’t want them to be uncomfortable. If you pack it, you’ll always have it if you need it.

not having a decent place to wash your own hands, and a lot of times public rest rooms don’t have any soap!

Tide to Go pen

Some people swear by the power of the wet wipe to remove stains, but I always preferred the stain removing sticks. No idea why I became so clumsy while pregnant, but everything got on me for some reason. I don’t think I realised where my belly was, because I would always get stuff on it, and I hate getting dirt or food on my clothes. I’m the same way with my kids. I especially hate it when they brush their teeth with their clothes on. Toothpaste doesn’t come off that easy; it always leaves a white stain.

Love and hugs!

• Bianca Carter is a certified lactation counsellor and founder of Bun in the Oven.

For more information, e-mail her at info@ babybunintheoven. com. Follow BITO on Facebook at babybunintheoven, and check out the BITO Blog every Monday and Thursday at http://babybunintheoven.com.

What’s in your diaper bag?

Simple tips for recreating red carpet looks at home (BPT) - Whether you’re looking to enhance your daily beauty routine or for tips to add glam to your style for an upcoming special occasion, Hollywood’s red carpet is the best source for trends and inspiration.

Fortunately, many of today’s hottest looks are easy to create at home. Celebrity makeup artist Matin Maulawizada has tips to help you recreate your favourite red carpet looks in less time than you’d think.

1. Get glowing with toner

Celebrities always seem to have a special “glow” on the red carpet with dewy, fresh skin. This effect is intentional and it all starts with proper hydration.

To achieve luminous skin, Matin starts by spraying the face with a toner or rose water to balance the skin.

He likes to pair this glowing look with dramatic eyes and a soft pink lip.

2. Apply foundation

Get flawless skin thanks to perfectly blended foun-

dation. For better application, Matin’s quick tip is to always warm the foundation first.

“To get a sheer wash of foundation, I warm the foundation up in my hands before evenly distributing it on the brush and then I wipe the excess off the back of my hand,” he said. “This helps it blend seamlessly into the skin.”

Matin. “Not only do they provide alluring color to the lips, but it is also easy to maintain throughout the night.”

6. Use soft shades for a dramatic eye

3. Prime the lips

Whether you’re going for a nude lip or a bold hue, oftentimes, all eyes are on the perfect pout. Before applying any product to the lips, it’s important to ensure they are prepped and smooth.

Matin starts with ChapStick Total Hydration Conditioning Lip Scrub to gently exfoliate the lips and remove any dead skin cells.

“I love this scrub because it is made from naturally sourced ingredients, including sugar crystals, maracuja and coconut oils, shea butter and vitamin E,” he says.

“It leaves the lips soft and smooth and turns them into a perfect canvas for any other products I will apply.”

An isolated studio shot of a beautiful young woman putting on makeup

4. Swap lip liner for concealer

Matin recommends shaping the lip line with concealer rather than a lip liner to add definition. Contouring around the lip creates a natural-looking full pout. The

bonus is that it prevents any colour from bleeding, just as a liner would.

5. Bring out your natural beauty

Tinted lip balms are great for a beautiful, subtle lip.

Matin’s go-to is ChapStick

Total Hydration Moisture + Tint because it adds a hint of colour to enhance the lips’ natural colour, while providing moisturizing benefits the lips need.

“Tinted lip balms are perfect for creating a naturally beautiful lip look,” said

One of Matin’s favourite trends seen on this year’s red carpets is the pairing of a sheer lip and strong eye.

This classic look is ideal for any age because it lets your true beauty shine while drawing the focus to the eyes. Matin recommends using a lighter pencil to get started and then smudging with a brush. You can use a powder shadow to fill in space and add definition.

“For a dramatic eye, start with softer shades until you get the hang of it,” he says.

“Use beige, taupe or grey to get a smoky effect that adds depth and drama.”

With these simple tips, anyone can recreate popular trends and add some glam to their daily look.

You may not be walking down a red carpet, but you’re sure to get noticed and feel beautiful.

Think like a girl!

In recognition of International Women’s Day and to help celebrate Bahamas Girl Guides Week, Nassau Airport Development Company (NAD) officials recently invited members of the Bahamas Girl Guides Association (BGGA) to tour Lynden Pindling International Airport (LPIA).

The tour was designed to encourage the girls to consider careers in the field of aviation and to expose them to vocations in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), where women are often under-represented.

In addition to the tour, NAD presented the association with a donation collected from passengers in special collection boxes positioned at LPIA to assist local non-profit organisations.

The funds will go towards the construction of the group’s new headquarters, which will include meeting rooms, office spaces, training areas, accommodations for girl guides visiting from other countries and other essential work areas.

“We applaud the Bahamas Girl Guides Association for the positive work that they continue to do with girls and young women in our community, and we are happy to be able to contribute to their efforts to shape and mould girls and young women,” said Jan Knowles, Vice President of Marketing and Communications at NAD. “By exposing the guides to the fields of technology

LPIA tour encourages Girl Guides to soar in science and technology careers

Sunflowers, Brownies, Guides, Rangers and their leaders toured LPIA to explore careers in the fields of science and technology. Pictured in the centre is Anita Bernard, President of the Bahamas Girl Guide Association accepting a cheque from Elizabeth Ferguson, Duty Supervisor and tour guide at NAD.

Dr Mitchell Lockhart, Director of Oral Health at the Ministry of Health. that are found here at the airport, we are hoping to spark an interest in careers where women are typically under-represented.”

The Guides visited the IT communications rooms, nurses’ station, Bahamas Customs, various terminals and saw the baggage handling systems up close.

Careers as engineers, IT technicians, air traffic controllers, pilots and entrepreneurs are just a few of the possible occupations currently available at LPIA. As a part of the airport’s community outreach programme, NAD conducts regular tours for students from pre-school up to the college level. The Guides described their trip to the airport as an “awesome”

experience.

Anita Bernard, President of BGGA, thanked the team at NAD and LPIA for showing the girls another side of the airport and for their financial support.

“We appreciate NAD’s generous support of the Bahamas Girl Guides Association, which will help to make our goal for a new space a reality,” she said.

The BGGA began operating in the Bahamas in 1915. It is for girls aged five and up. Groups include the Sunflowers, Brownies, Guides and Rangers.

The recent tour is a part of NAD’s ongoing anniversary celebrations. The company is counting down to April 1, 2017, its 10th anniversary as operator at LPIA.

NAD IT technician Theotis Taylor shows Sunflowers, Brownies, Guides and Rangers the communications room at LPIA.

THE TRIBUNE

Tuesday, March 14, 2017, PAGE 11

A healthy sex life helps employees stay happy and engaged in their work.

For better job satisfaction, look to an active sex life An Oregon State University study has found that a healthy sex life at home improves workers’ job satisfaction. The study of married workers found that those who prioritised sex at home had an advantage the next workday. They were more likely engaged in their tasks and enjoying their work lives, according to Keith Leavitt, an associate professor in OSU’s College of Business.

“We make jokes about people having a ‘spring in their step’, but it turns out this is actually a real thing and we should pay attention to it,” said Mr Leavitt, an expert in organisational behaviour and management.

“Maintaining a healthy

relationship that includes a healthy sex life will help employees stay happy and engaged in their work, which benefits the employees and the organisations they work for.”

In contrast, the study revealed that work-related stress has a negative impact on employees’ sex lives.

At a time when we are always connected with our smart devices, responding to work-related messages is often expected. This highlights the importance of leaving work at the office.

When work impacts on an employee to the point that it affects things like their sex life, it has a negative impact on work performance.

The work of the co-au-

thors Christopher Barnes and Trevor Watkins of the University of Washington, and David Wagner of the University of Oregon, was published in the Journal of Management.

Dopamine is a neurotransmitter associated with the reward centers of the brain. Oxytocin is a neuropeptide associated with social bonding. Sexual intercourse triggers the release of both, making it a natural mood elevator. The benefits extend well into the next day, Mr Leavitt said.

The researchers studied 159 married employees over a two-week period. They asked the participants to complete two short surveys each day. They found that

those who reported having sex were in more positive moods the next day.

The elevated mood levels led to more sustained work engagement and job satisfaction. The effect appears to last for at least 24 hours and was similar for men and women. It was present even after the researchers accounted for other mood predictors, such as marital satisfaction and sleep quality.

“This is a reminder that sex has social, emotional and physiological benefits, and it’s important to make it a priority,” Mr Leavitt said.

“Just make time for it.”

Practicing meditation, monitoring sleep or daily step counts may have seemed odd two decades ago. But these days people

World Oral Heath Day World Oral Health Day is celebrated every year on March 20. It is an international day put aside to highlight the benefits of a healthy mouth, to bring awareness of issues surrounding oral health, and to promote oral hygiene for all people.

Like other areas of health, “awareness” through promotion continues to be an important approach to health.

What are the benefits of a healthy mouth?

A healthy mouth is one where there is the absence of,or the control of mouth diseases. Mouth diseases basically fall into two main categories. One might say that a person either has disease of the teeth, or disease of the gums.

In many instances, persons have diseases of both. The good news

Dr Sparkman Ferguson Registrar of the Bahamas Dental Council is that no matter the category, there is appropriate treatment to eliminate some disease states, and maintenance treatments available that control others.

The benefits of a healthy mouth

are numerous. It is generally accepted that a healthy mouth is one that looks great outwardly with a beautiful smile. It is one that functions optimally, one that is able to chew comfortably. It is also one that smells good and allows people to interact comfortably in a social setting.

It further is one that retains our ability to speak phonetically well.

To most people however,the number one benefit of a healthy mouth is that they are assured of not enduring mouth pains.

What are the issues surrounding oral health?

Oral health is deeply affected worldwide, and especially in the Bahamas, by three key components; these are: 1. A population’s dental IQ

practice these things to help them lead healthier, more productive lives.

“Making a more intentional effort to maintain a healthy sex life should be considered an issue of human sustainability, and as a result, a potential career advantage,” he said.

Employers are unlikely to follow the lead of a Swedish town councilman who proposed using an hour of their employees’ work week for sex. He hopes to boost both productivity and the declining population of the town. And, of course, improve the workers’ moods and productivity. But employers here can steer their employee engagement efforts more broadly toward

2. A population’s economic status 3. A population prioritising oral health A population’s low dental IQ and little understanding of oral health matters continues to be a global dilemma. Measures are constantly being created which are geared toward bringing knowledge to the masses.

A population’s economic status is perhaps the biggest issue surrounding oral health. Most people with low incomes simply cannot afford private oral health services.

This is particularly where groups and organization that sponsor oral health can assist.

A population prioritising oral health is another important matter. Most people do not have a yearly dental budget. However, the same people keep an annual budget for their personal choices. It is notable that a professional dental visit is not one of the priorities.

Why promote oral hygiene?

Keeping the mouth clean is the

work-life balance policies that encourage workers to disconnect from the office, Mr Leavitt said. France recently enacted a “right to disconnect” law that bars after-hours work e-mail.

“Technology offers a temptation to stay plugged in, but it’s probably better to unplug if you can,” he said.

“And employers should encourage their employees to completely disengage from work after hours.”

• Bettyjoe Cooper is a selfpublished author and the founder of Brand New Mattress Company, a retailer of bedding products located in the Hummingway Plaza, Coral Harbour Road. Call 698 4609.

singular need that all people have.

Some persons realise this fact more than others. Dental communities promote oral hygiene because a clean mouth is the foundation of oral health. Many persons have a hard time connecting the mouth with the heart, or Type 2 Diabetes with a higher incidence of gum disease. However, we do know that without any other consideration, that if we manage to keep the mouth clean with meticulous home care, and regular professional cleanings, that our oral health remains relatively stable.

Conclusion Every community wins when oral health gets the important attention that it deserves. I invite you to engage in an oral health conversation with a family member or a friend. Just talking about the subject might just motivate someone who has never considered seeing a dentist before.

University of Florida partnership brings dental care to Andros students A team of 20 dentists and dental students from the University of Florida, in partnership with the Ministry of Health, the Public Hospitals Authority and the Ministry of Education, is bringing oral healthcare to students in North and Central Andros. The initiative is part of the Adopt an Island programme spearheaded

by Dr Mitchell Lockhart, Director of Oral Health at the Ministry of Health, which began in 2014.

According to Mr Lockhart, “what we have done is recruit tertiary dental institutions to assist us in each of the Family Islands.

This project in particular was the first one, and it’s been on-going for the last three years.”

The team, which began seeing students in Andros on Sunday, March 5, is comprised of six professors, 10 students and a few Bahamian dentists who maintain practices in the United States, and has al-

ready seen 300 students.

Dr Lockhart expects that they will see and serve more than 500 students in North and Central Andros by the end of the week.

According to Michelle Bowleg, Chief District Education Officer, this would account for about 50 per cent of the current student population in the district.

The team focuses on oral hygiene education, cleanings and general dentistry for primary school and high school students. The estimated value of the dental services provided total roughly $400,000.

Dr Ronda Moore, faculty member at the University of Florida and practicing paediatric dentist in Gainesville, said the team is very happy with the progress they have seen over the last three years of visiting Andros.

“We are very happy that the community has invited us back so that we can treat the children and serve the community. We

have seen a progression between 2014 all the way down to 2017, there’s been a great improvement in the oral health of the kids, we’re very happy,” said Dr Moore.

The Adopt an Island initiative has also run successful programmes on Eleuthera and Bimini.

Dr Lockhart forecasted that based on the success of these programmes to date, he would hope that by next year the initiative would provide up to $1 million in treatment through tertiary

A partnership between the Ministry of Health and the University of Florida saw hundreds of students in North and Central Andros get dental examinations last week.

partnerships. He stated that the goal of the programme is to partner each Family Island with a tertiary dental institution going forward. He noted that talks are already on-going with Harvard University and with Nova Southeastern University.

Dr Lockhart also acknowledged the partnership and support of the Ministry of Local Government and the administrator, Ivan Ferguson, the Ministry of Tourism and the Ministry of Finance, which authorised the import of the team’s equipment and supplies duty free.

Western Air was singled out by Dr Lockhart for their contribution.

“Western Air has been so key for us as well, because they allowed us bring in all the overweight equipment and supplies at no charge, so they have been an excellent corporate partner,” he said.

SECTION B

Tuesday, march 14, 2017

A historic crowning Nyisha Tilus is named first Miss University of the Bahamas

By JEFFARAH GIBSON Tribune Features Writer jgibson@tribunemedia.net

N

YISHA Tilus has her heart set on one day entering the Miss World Bahamas pageant. So when she found that the winner of the first Miss University of the Bahamas Leadership pageant is granted automatic entry into Miss World, her decision was made.

And last Thursday the first part of her dream came true as she was crowned the first Miss University of the Bahamas.

Supporters, family, friends and students packed the 400-seat Performing Arts Theatre to watch the historic crowning of the university’s first queen.

Nyisha, a 24-year-old psychology major who hails from Abaco, walked the stage gracefully, with tears streaming down her face after she was announced as the winner.

She competed against contestants Pedronique Saunders, Jessika Christophe, Brittany Saunders, Shakala McIntosh, Rotalya Williams, Keaneirha Smith, and Galy Joseph.

Once her tertiary education is completed, Nyisha hopes to become a clinical child psychologist.

Throughout the pageant, her platform was focused on mental health awareness, as she believes that people too often focus only on their physical needs without considering their psychological needs.

The subject is of particular importance to Nyisha’s because her grandmother suffered with a mental health disorder but refused to get help due to her lack of knowledge.

Nyisha believes her new Miss University of the Bahamas title and platform will go a long way in promoting and changing the way people view mental health.

Contestants pose for a photo with the newest Miss Univeristy of the Bahamas Leadership Pageant winner.

“My mother inspired me to participate in the Miss University of the Bahamas pageant. I was a participant in the Miss Abaco pageant in 2011, and due to certain circumstances she wasn’t able to attend any of the events. So when I presented it to her she said, ‘Go for it, and I will be there’,” Nyisha told Tribune Woman.

“With the transition from college to university status I wanted to be that individual that embraces the transition and change so that my fellow colleagues can embrace the journey with me. I am still trying to come to grips with it, but it is just a start and I am excited about what the future holds.”

According to Joe Stubbs, director of Student Leadership, the pageant’s goal is to provide a positive opportunity for well-rounded young students who aspire to enrich and develop themselves through pageantry.

The pageant committee plans to promote strong leadership skills and social consciousness among young women; as well as reward academic achievement, encourage selfexpression and challenge students to effect positive change at the University of the Bahamas and the world around them with a philanthropic heart.

“There was a pageant held many years ago, but it was never a consistent thing,” said Mr Stubbs.

“It wasn’t to the point where it was reputable or respected. So when we transitioned to university we started thinking about things that we can do that other universities are doing. We said let’s think of things that we can do for students to be engaged. So we this time we decided on a University of the Bahamas pageant. We wanted to make sure it is done right and at a level that when anyone sees that sash know that it is respected.”

Initial news of the pageant’s launch received heavy criticism from many on social media, Mr Stubbs said. However, he was very encouraged by how successful the showcase was.

“We were nervous because we got a lot of negative comments on social media. We honestly felt like no one was going to come to this event. But to turn around and see a 400-seat auditorium nearly filled felt really good. It was a breath of fresh air. And (they) were not just family members, but they were students of the university supporting each other,” he said.

Prizes for the pageant included tuition and books for one year, full sponsor-

ship to Miss World Bahamas, wardrobe and gym package.

As it relates to the partnership with Miss World Bahamas, Mr Stubbs said the pageant’s committee sought out other organisations that share similar principles with the university.

“We pulled out all three major pageants: Miss World Bahamas, Miss Universe Bahamas and Miss Earth Bahamas.

We were looking for the organisation whose values align with our values as a university. Miss World’s ‘Beauty With a Purpose’ really spoke volumes (and was) in keeping with our pageant,” he said.

Mr Stubbs also commended Nyisha for her hard work and dedication to the pageant. Training for Miss World Bahamas will commence immediately, he said.

“There were three ladies that were always on time, never missed a practice, never missed a training or development programme, and Nyisha was always one of them. When we gave critiques, she perfected those critiques. We are humbled and I am excited to work with her. She is like a sponge who takes in everything,” he said.

Nyisha Tilus is crowned Miss University Bahamas by reigning Miss World Bahamas Ashley Hamilton

(From l-r) Rotalya Williams, Miss University of the Bahamas Nyisha Tilus, and Pedronique Saunders.

Miss University of the Bahamas Nyisha Tilus

Girls party with a purpose

By ALESHA CADET

Tribune Features Reporter

acadet@tribunemedia.net

THE demand for women’s empowerment events is increasing in the Bahamas, with more organisations and individuals becoming aware of the importance of promoting women’s issues and helping young girls find their path in life.

One such individual is Katherine Rolle. She established “Purpose Made Me Do It”, a faithbased organisation, when she took a leap of faith and left her job without a backup plan.

“I know it sounds insane, but faith does not make sense to our senses. Some of the people around me started questioning my reasoning, and the Holy Spirit told me to tell them, ‘Purpose made you do it!’. From that day I hung on to that reason because I knew it had more for me. It is my hope that through making others aware of the existence of a pecu-

liar purpose inside of them, that we will collectively make the impact and be the lights that we are meant to be in this world,” said Katherine.

She is thrilled to present her very first event, ‘Girl Bosses – Party On Purpose’, this Sunday at the Pinewood Gardens Park, from 2pm to 5pm. The afternoon event promises to be filled fun, encouragement and engaging activities for girls ages nine to 16.

“I believe the two most important days in a person’s life are the day they were born and the day they find out why. Lots of us live our entire lives not knowing what we were created to do and that’s sad and painful. I think the younger we are when we are made aware of the existence of purpose, the better. It is my hope that these young women are exposed to an aspect of themselves that they’ve probably never considered before, and through this exposure I hope to help lead them in the direction of their unique calling,” said Katherine.

Highlights of the ‘Girl Bosses – Party On Purpose’ event will include five guest speakers who will share their testimonies on various topics: Tiffany Brennen will speak on hair care and styling; Daniah Miller on self-esteem, self-awareness and identity; LaToya Fernander will share her heartfelt story of transformation and growth through faith and forgiveness, Shantera Brown will touch on fashion, and Nurse Beverly Boyd will present on crises affecting young girls and abuse.

“We wanted professional women who are grounded in their identities and also relatable and knowledgeable in their fields. We wanted women who we felt could impact and be honest about their journey, and are willing to share the lessons they learned with the girls. We are aware that we can’t help people discover their purposes with one event, but the goal is to really help these girls believe that they do have a purpose, that they were created on purpose with gifts and talents that are spe-

Katherine Rolle, founder of “Purpose Made Me Do It”

cific to them, that what they do and who they are matter, and that there is a community of women willing to help shape, mold, support, empower and encourage them on their journeys,” said Katherine.

She said she is grateful and humbled to be able to start the “Purpose Made Me Do It” journey off with a charity event for girls.

“We do not take the resources that have been extended to us lightly, and we are grateful to know that there are people who are willing to invest in this undertaking. Purpose is very important to me, and I feel a specific pull to reinforce its importance in young girls and women like myself. I am most looking forward to seeing their faces. I know it sounds bizarre, but I can’t wait to see their expressions when they see the different girls from different communities all gathered together in this pink explosion planted in Pinewood Park. I believe that this will be the space where it all begins and I am just so humbled and honour to be a part of it,” said Katherine.