04152025 BUSINESS

Labour’s flying probe on cruise island complaints

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

THE Government’s labour director yesterday said he wants to “make a statement” that all workers in The Bahamas are protected by law regardless of nationality amid an investigation into a private cruise island.

Howard Thompson told Tribune Business this was the first time during his leadership that the Department of Labour has “received so many complaints in bulk from expatriate employees” as he and his team prepare to fly to Norwegian Cruise Line’s (NCL) Great Stirrup

• Director confirms Great Stirrup Cay investigation

• ‘First time so many complaints in bulk’ from expats

• NCL ‘looking into’ claims; labour laws to protect all

Cay and probe whether the allegations are accurate. He spoke out after this newspaper was sent correspondence by employees at the private cruise port, located in the Berry Islands, claiming they are being

Electronics merchants escape 45% hike from tariffs - for now

• Bahamians had braced for reduced purchases, inventory

• But Trump’s exemption could only be temporary reprieve

• Retailer ‘holding off’, suspending hiring and cutting costs

By NEIL HARTNELL and ANNELIA NIXON Tribune Business Reporters

BAHAMIAN electronics retailers were bracing for 45 percent price increases until Donald Trump - temporarily at least - exempted smart phones and laptops from punishing 145 percent tariffs on Chinese imports.

Mark A Turnquest, founder of the 242 Small Business Association and Resource Centre, as well as a consultant to many companies of that size, told Tribune Business that merchant clients and members who retail electronic

goods had been preparing to “minimise their purchasing” and reduce the breadth of their inventory prior to the reprieve unveiled by the US administration late on Friday.

“Discussing it over the weekend with some of my electronics friends, clients and members, we are happy the US is not imposing any tariffs on Chinese cell phones, laptops and these types of electronics. They are exempted from these 145 percent tariffs,” Mr Turnquest said. “That’s good news.

“unfairly treated” and not paid in accordance with Bahamian labour laws. In particular, they allege that they are working 70-hour work weeks, in excess of the Employment Act’s 40-hour work week, without being

paid overtime or receiving holiday or vacation pay.

Norwegian Cruise Line, when contacted by Tribune Business seeking comment, asked for more time to reply as it was “just looking into” the situation based on the nature of this newspaper’s inquiries. It indicated a response would be forthcoming by midday today, but Mr Thompson confirmed the nature of the employees’ complaints had also been communicated to him and the Department of Labour.

“That’s correct. That’s accurate,” he said, when asked if Norwegian Cruise Line staff stationed on Great Stirrup Cay had contacted himself, Mr Curtis,

the assistant director and the Department over their concerns.

“I can’t say too much, but somebody at the ministry is organising a flight for me and my team members to fly down there; hopefully on Wednesday [tomorrow] but, if not, on Tuesday after the holidays,” Mr Thompson told Tribune Business.

“We’ve had a couple of whistleblowers and anonymous complaints... There’s somebody in management who kind of blew the whistle.

“I reached out to the human resources head down there, and arrangements are being made for my team to fly down there.” Mr Thompson also

confirmed that the complaints received by Tribune Business were the same as those submitted to the Department of Labour.

“Correct. It’s that they were not being paid in accordance with Bahamian labour laws, and haven’t been paid, and what they were paid was not in accordance with Bahamian labour laws,” he added.

“The bulk of them are expatriate employees but we do have Bahamians who are also complaining down there.

“The bulk of it is expatriates. We kind of want to make a statement that so long as you are a worker

Mixed-use PI towers eye 104 full-time jobs

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

A PARADISE Island project is planning to facilitate the creation of 104 jobs via a mixed-use development on the presently-vacant site opposite both Comfort Suites and the Atlantis employee parking lot.

Versani Properties Ltd, according to the project’s environmental baseline study and management plan, is proposing to construct two five-storey towers that will feature both retail and office space on the first two floors, plus amenities such as a gym, swimming pool and restaurant, with the upper floors containing two and threebedroom condominiums.

The project, which is now seeking its certificate of environmental clearance (CEC) and other related

approvals from the Department of Environmental Planning and Protection (DEPP), would be located on Paradise Island Drive at a site bordered on both sides by Flamingo Road and Harbour Ridge Road. To the west sits the Atlantis staff parking, while to

Water Corp now moving to monthly customer bills

By FAY SIMMONS Tribune Business Reporter jsimmons@tribunemedia.net

THE Water and Sewerage Corporation (WSC) plans to switch billing its customers to a monthly as opposed to quarterly basis during this 2025 second quarter, it was confirmed yesterday.

Montgomery Miller, its senior manager for strategic co-ordination, said the Corporation has replaced 4,000 mechanical meters with smart meters in New Providence to-date and is aiming to switch out a further 25,000 in the capital and another 10,000 on the Family Islands by the end of 2025.

“The Corporation has 65,000 residential accounts that are currently served by these devices, which is a mechanical meter. Our plan is to replace each and every one of these. We’ve replaced 4,000 of them so far with the smart metering device, which you will see as we continue to roll-out,” said Mr Miller.

“The objective of this plan for 2025 is to replace 25,000 of the mechanical meters in New Providence by the end of 2025, and an additional 10,000 of the same meters in the Family Islands by the end of 2025 with an overall goal at the end of 2026 to complete the project of replacing all 65,000 meters throughout the entire Bahamas.”

Mr Miller explained that the move to smart meters, which will facilitate the

the north and south are Comfort Suites and the Warwick, respectively.

The study, conducted by the Bahamian environmental consultancy, Bron, did not identify the developer’s principals or the likely investment Versani Properties will be making.

However, it appears to be linked to a West Bay Street project by a developer called Vistonian Development Group, which shares the same number with Versani Properties while both their websites are virtually

AML Foods: No jobs lost from fire-ravaged stores

By FAY SIMMONS and NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Reporters

A BISX-listed food retail and franchise group yesterday confirmed that no jobs will be lost as a result of the huge blaze that devastated its two East-West Highway stores.

Renea Bastian, AML Foods’ vice-president of marketing and communications, said that while the group is still waiting for an official update from fire officials to determine the extent of the damage to its Solomon’s Old Trail and Cost Right stores, it plans to deploy impacted staff to its other New Providence locations and activate its business continuity plan once the all-clear is obtained.

“We’re happy that we had no injuries. But we’re just waiting now, like everybody else, to see what’s going to happen, and then we will go from there,” said Ms Bastian. “I mean, the good thing about it is that we have other stores, so the plan will be to move staff to other locations so that they’re not impacted.

“A company this size always has a continuity plan, a disaster relief plan. So, we just basically have to enact that and go from there. We don’t know

anything official. They have told us to stand back, which we have, so we’re just waiting for an official update.”

Ms Bastian confirmed that AML Foods, and its stores are insured for fire damages and situations such as business interruption, and voiced relief that no staff members or customers were hurt during the blaze while firefighters only received minor injuries.

“Yes, we have insurance, but like I said, most importantly, we’re just happy that nobody was hurt, nobody was injured. We prepare for these things. Unfortunately, these things happen, but we were prepared,” she added.

“Our protocols and our policies that we have in place worked, so we’re most happy about that. You know, all of this stuff can be replaced. Nobody was injured. I know they, unfortunately, had a couple of firefighters, but those were, thank God, non-threatening injuries and they’re expected to be okay. Everybody is safe. Everybody’s accounted for. We had no injuries with our team members. That the most important thing.” The blaze, which is understood to have caused the roof to cave in

PM: ‘DAYS OF BAHAMIANS BEING DEVELOPMENT BYSTANDERS OVER’

By NEIL HARTNELL

THE Prime Minister yesterday pledged “the days of Bahamians being observers to our own development are over” as ground was broken for a resort project billed as creating 500 total full-time and construction jobs.

Speaking at the launch of Eleuthera’s $200m Cotton Bay Holdings development, Philip Davis KC said the Government has mandated that Bahamians “be involved from day one” in all investment projects - not just as workers, but in management posts as well as ownership.

The project, which will develop a Ritz-Carlton resort, is forecast to generate 200 construction jobs as well as 250 to 300 fulltime posts when operations begin. Cotton Bay Holdings, the developer, is an entity owned by Colombian billionaire, Dr Luis Carlos Sarmiento, and his family.

“I think it’s also important to say that growth cannot come at any cost. It must be responsible. It must be fair. It must include the people who call this island home,” Mr Davis said.

“This government has made it a requirement - across every major investment - that Bahamians be involved from day one. Not only in labour, but in management. Not only in service, but in ownership. The days of being observers to our own development are over.”

Noting that Cotton Bay Holdings has worked closely with the Bahamas

Investment Authority (BIA) to plan a project, which was first conceived more than 25 years ago in the late 1990s, the Prime Minister said plans to realign Chris Brown Boulevard - the former Coco Plum Road - to make way for the development have already been subject to consultation.

“But I say this: We will hold every developer accountable to these commitments. Because the future we are building demands more than ribbon cuttings. It demands results. It demands integrity,” Mr Davis said. “To the people of South Eleuthera, your patience has not gone unnoticed. Too often, you have seen grand promises without follow through. Today, you are seeing action. Real equipment. Real capital. Real momentum.”

Describing the project as a “turning point” for the area, Mr Davis said: “The Cotton Bay Holdings Project is a $200m investment into this island. It reflects the confidence international

COTTON BAY GROUNDBREAKING

investors have in our country, our economy and our people. It also reflects something more profound - the belief that growth should reach every corner of our nation, and that no island should be left behind.

“This first phase will see the development of 320 acres. It includes a 115-room luxury hotel, 40 private villas, a restored golf course, restaurants, a commercial centre, employee housing and infrastructure to support it all. A comprehensive development, planned with long-term sustainability in mind.

“During construction, 200 jobs will be created. Once the resort opens, 250 to 300 Bahamians will find stable employment. For many families, this will mean more security, more opportunities and the ability to plan ahead with confidence.”

Chester Cooper, deputy prime minister, told the recent south and central Eleuthera Business Outlook that Cotton Bay Holdings’ Ritz-Carlton

Bahamasair unveils new baggage fees

BAHAMASAIR will today introduce a new baggage fee structure designed to balance keeping fares competitive with the delivery of high quality services.

The national flag carrier, in a statement, said that with effect from April 15, 2025, the updated baggage fees for international flights will be as follows:

* First checked bag: $35

Reserve project was increasing its planned investment by $160m and expanding the number of residences by 35 percent.

“We anticipate that construction will begin in April,” Mr Cooper said recently, “and I’ll be back here real soon for the ground-breaking ceremony. And I’ve indicated to them I’m not much for ceremonies, so I hope that when we break ground we will be breaking ground with respect to the actual construction and they have given me their commitment so to do.

“So this is a real start. This marks a major milestone in the project. It’s expected to bring significant economic and tourism benefits not just to Eleuthera but the entire country. It will be great for the brand of The Bahamas and seals Eleuthera’s reputation as a premier destination.”

Conceding that the project has existed in various forms since 1997, when its backers obtained a Heads of Agreement with the-then

Ingraham administration, Mr Cooper added: “Cotton Bay Holdings has been a fixture here for 25 years and I am delighted that it is finally set to take-off. But you have seen and heard much about this development before, and I know you want to see the groundbreaking before you get too excited.

“They are currently employing 30 employees, and we expect the number in the construction phase to increase. At its peak, to 450, and during its operations to peak at 550 or 650.. during the height of construction. Already the plan is expanding, and we expect the proposed number of residences to increase from what was announced.

“Originally they had indicated 72 residences and that now increased to 97. They had originally forecasted overall investments of $200m, and I’m now reliably advised that has increased to $360m. So, ladies and gentlemen, this is real, and we want Eleutherans to be positioned to have first dibs at the jobs and the spin-off business opportunities in Eleuthera.”

Daniel Zuleta, project director for Cotton Bay Holdings, said yesterday: “This is more than just a ground-breaking for a luxury resort. It marks the beginning of a new chapter for Eleuthera - one defined by vision, partnership, and a commitment to sustainable, community-centred growth.

“This project was born from bold ideas and brought to life by the resilience of many. We are building not just in Eleuthera - we are

building with Eleuthera.” Maria Claudia Sarmiento, speaking for the Sarmiento family, said: “For years, we have held the mystique of South Eleuthera close to our hearts.

“With the support of the Government of The Bahamas and our partnership with Marriott, the arrival of this Ritz-Carlton Reserve will establish South Eleuthera as a world class destination, welcoming visitors from around the globe and fostering a stronger, more sustainable local economy.”

Brian King, president of Marriott International in the Caribbean and Latin American region, added: “Today marks a momentous occasion as we break ground on the newest addition to our exclusive Ritz-Carlton Reserve collection here in The Bahamas.

“This extraordinary property will join our rare estates, set apart from the world, offering an exclusive sanctuary with personalised service and deeply personal experiences for each of our guests.

“Our Ritz-Carlton Reserve properties are renowned for their intimate luxury. This will be no exception, offering a unique location handpicked for its lush, unspoiled landscapes. Guests will have the opportunity to explore this beautiful destination and indulge in uncommon luxury.”

Current Ritz-Carlton Reserve properties are located in Saudi Arabia, Thailand, Japan, China,

* Second checked bag: $55

* Third checked bag: $95

* Fourth and additional bags: $125 each

“For domestic travel within The Bahamas, passengers will continue to enjoy one free checked bag, making inter-island travel even more convenient.

Fees for additional checked bags on domestic flights will match the international structure,” Bahamasair said.

“These changes will help ensure Bahamasair can continue to enhance the travel experience, invest in service improvements and maintain its role as the leading airline connecting Bahamians and visitors to and from the beauty and vibrancy of The Bahamas.”

WATER CORP STILL GRAPPLING WITH RANSOMWARE FALL-OUT

By FAY SIMMONS

THE Water and Sewerage Corporation’s general manager yesterday said it is still “actively addressing” the impact from a ransomware cyber attack that occurred last month.

Robert Deal said the state-owned water utility is working with the National Computer Incident Response Team of the Bahamas (CIRT-BS), as well as the Royal Bahamas Police Force and international partners, to ensure its operating systems and client information

is protected following the attack and moving forward.

“With respect to the recent cyber security event that occurred in midMarch, the Corporation is actively addressing it. We’re working with local and international partners and ensuring that the Corporation’s critical systems and critical data, both for our operations but also our customers’ information, is well protected and so that’s our ongoing process,” said Mr Deal.

“We’ve made tremendous strides with respect to resolution thus far, and there’s still some steps that remain outstanding. We are actively working on those with the National Computer Centre, and also with

NIB line staff secure doubledigit increase

By ANNELIA NIXON Tribune Business

UNIONISED National Insurance Board (NIB) line staff yesterday secured double-digit salary and bonus increases via the signing of a five-year industrial agreement.

Union of Public Officers (UPO) members will receive a signing bonus lump sum to be paid in this month’s payroll following the signing of the 2024-2028 industrial agreement with NIB. Nadia Vanderpool, the union’s president, said members will enjoy a 24 percent increase in salary and a 31 percent rise in bonuses.

“In terms of remuneration, we’ve negotiated a lump sum payment that totals some $4,000, which will be distributed in the first, third and fifth years of this agreement,” Ms Vanderpool said. “And today, I am elated to be able to notify our members that we have been advised that the signing bonus, which is the first lump sum payment, will be made to all members within the next few days on the April 2025 payroll.

“While we were not able to increase the dollar value of the standard increments, we were able to preserve the current salary increase structure, which is based on the performance management system. Additionally, we’ve negotiated for all salary scales to be opened by two above standard increments of $1,700 in both the first and third years of this agreement.

“This provision is especially significant for members who have long been at the top of their salary scale. For the first time in years, they will again be eligible to

benefit from the annual performance merit pay and salary increase.”

Ms Vanderpool added:

“Further to this, our agreement now includes a provision that allows all members who reach the maximum of their salary scale to now receive their annual increment as a onetime lump sum payment. “In addition to this, we have also made provision for members who reach the maximum of their salary scales but cannot receive the full increment because it would push their salary above the threshold. These individuals will still receive part of the increment as a salary increase, and the remaining balance of the increment that cannot be applied to their salary will be paid as a one-time lump sum payment.”

The union president revealed that support staff, including assistant property co-ordinators, technicians, security officers, janitorial staff and handymen will now receive monthly hazard pay for the first time. The UPO was also able to secure a promotion package that allows nonmanagerial members to

the Royal Bahamas Police Force, but also we have several international partners who are assisting us with resolution”

The Water & Sewerage Corporation revealed last month that a ransomware cyber attack resulted in “an unauthorised breach of our internal data systems”, and local and international partners were made aware as soon as the violation was discovered.

“At this stage, we have no evidence that any customer data has been accessed. However, as a precautionary measure, we are urging all customers to remain vigilant over the coming days and weeks. We encourage customers to exercise caution when clicking on

suspicious e-mail links or responding to messages requesting personal or financial information,” the Water & Sewerage Corporation said in a statement.

“Our team continues to monitor the situation closely, and we are taking all necessary steps to ensure our systems are fully secure. We remain committed to transparency, accountability and the safety of our customers’ information.”

Mr Deal also confirmed that the Water & Sewerage Corporation and the Government are in discussions with Aqua Design about “their future here in The Bahamas” after obtaining an injunction against the reverse osmosis plant operator to prevent it from

closing down and abandoning its San Salvador plant.

“There have been some stories in the media recently, and so the Corporation is working closely with the Government of the Bahamas, including the Ministry of Finance, the Office of the Attorney General. We are in very high-level discussions with Aqua Design regarding their future here in The Bahamas,” said Mr Deal.

Aqua Design supplies water to Water & Sewerage customers from seven Family Island reverse osmosis plants located in Exuma, Eleuthera, San Salvador and Inagua. Last year, Clay Sweeting, minister of works and Family Island affairs, and Leon Lundy, minister

receive a minimum salary increase of $3,400 despite the level or position they were promoted to.

Members will also see a dollar value increase in vehicle allowance, gas mileage allowance, tour of duty allowance, and daily per diem for both domestic and international travel. The agreement also allows for Christmas bonuses to transition from being performance-based to being“given as a goodwill gesture”.

The agreement, which spans from January 1, 2024, to December 31, 2028, also provides benefits outside of the financial, including adoption leave, an additional week off for members who have served for “10 and 25 years” and speed-up of confirmation.

“I am pleased to announce that moving forward, members appointed to acting positions will no

longer have to wait one full year to be confirmed in the role,” Ms Vanderpool said. “Through our negotiations, we have secured a provision that allows these members to be confirmed within six months of their appointment, provided they have received the performance evaluation of at least standard.”

NIB chairman, Philip McKenzie, added that with the industrial agreement signed, the social security system can place its focus on “service to the public, and the growth and sustainability and the effective

management of the assets of the fund”.

“I am indeed pleased that the Board has been able to uphold this commitment

of state in the Office of the Prime Minister, warned that the contract with Aqua Design Bahamas could be terminated if the latter did not improve.

“The level of service provided by Aqua Design Bahamas is unacceptable and does not meet the standards we expect in The Bahamas,” they said.

“The Government will thoroughly revisit the contractual arrangements with Aqua Design Bahamas. If the current arrangement proves inadequate to meet the needs of our people, we will take the necessary steps to seek alternative solutions that ensure consistent and reliable water services.”

in supporting our workers by providing the framework for strong industrial relations that supports the rights and well being of our staff,” Mr McKenzie said.

“Earlier this year, we alluded to the conclusion of these negotiations, and we are elated that NIB has successfully completed five year agreements between both the UPO and the Public Managers Union.

And so we think that at NIB, we’re in a good place now to focus our attention on some of the things that we need in terms of service to the public, and the growth and sustainability and the effective management of the assets of the fund.”

PUBLIC NOTICE

INTENT TO CHANGE NAME BY

The Public is hereby advised that I, ELIZABETH BENEBY of #10 Wilson Tract, New Providence, The Bamas Parents of DANEKO DEAUNDRE BENEBY A minor intend to change our child’s name to ELIJAH JEREMIAH NOAH BENEBY. If there are any objections to this change of name by Deed Poll, you may write such objections to the Deputy Chief Passport Officer, P.O. Box N-742, Nassau, Bahamas no later than thirty (30) days after the date of publication of this notice.

NIB AND UNION OF PUBLIC OFFICERS SIGN 5-YEAR INDUSTRIAL AGREEMENT

PM: ‘DAYS OF BAHAMIANS BEING DEVELOPMENT BYSTANDERS OVER’

Indonesia, Puerto Rico, Mexico and Costa Rica.

Mr Zuleta told the recent Business Outlook that the developer is now planning to supply 100 percent of its 10 mega watt (MW) energy needs from its own 47-acre solar farm following Eleuthera’s recent history of power outages and energy blackouts.

And, pledging that the Ritz-Carlton Reserve will seek to set “the gold standard” for environmental sustainability, he added that the project is targeting a 40 percent reduction in its

carbon footprint. Mr Zuleta asserted that asserted that “one of the biggest differences we are bringing to the island is an employee compound” for resort and construction staff to overcome Eleuthera’s residential housing shortage. He described the planned employee housing as “an iconic compound...not only in The Bahamas but the region”, and proceeded to detail the project’s environmental credentials. “One of the recent decisions we made, with the challenges Eleuthera is facing, is to go 100 percent solar,” Mr Zuleta said.

“We had a commitment with the Government to supply 30 percent clean energy. That being the case, we move a step ahead, a step forward, and we are creating a 47-acre solar farm that will supply 100 percent of the 10 MW we need for the resort.”

Pledging that the RitzCarlton Reserve will source 60 percent of its required supplies from local Bahamian businesses, he added that the resort project will be in compliance with international air quality and water standards and use rainwater it collects to

reduce water demand by 30 percent.

“From an environmental standpoint, the golf course will play a major role,” Mr Zuleta said. “We will use salt-resistant grass, which requires 50 percent less water, a sand-based soil system [to tackle] the run-off of water from the property, and we are not using any concrete paths or any major insecticides on the grounds to prevent damage to the flora and fauna.” Pesticide use, he added, would be cut by 70 percent.

“Sustainability is not a choice; it is a necessity,” Mr

Zuleta added. “And luxury doesn’t mean wastefulness; it means innovation. If we succeed here we can inspire other destinations, so I invite all of you today to be part of this journey and make The Bahamas the gold standard for responsible tourism and, more importantly, maintain Eleuthera as a world class destination.” CAPTION Pictured at the groundbreaking ceremony for the Ritz-Carlton Reserve at Cotton Bay, from L to R, are: Dr Luis Carlos Sarmiento; Luz Angela Sarmiento Gutierrez; Julio

Labour’s flying probe on cruise island complaints

FROM PAGE B1

in The Bahamas, whether a Bahamian or expatriate employee, the laws of The Bahamas protect and apply to you. That’s why I told my team to go down there, make a statement, discuss the matter with them and see the best way to move it forward.

“This is the first time in my tenure that I have received so many complaints from expatriate employees; there have been one or two, but this is in bulk and very concerning.” Tribune Business has received two separate letters from Great Stirrup Cay workers, the contents

of which Mr Thompson confirmed as genuine and authentic, in which they complain their contracts state they are ship-based staff and not private island employees.

Noting that the expatriate staff hold Bahamian government-issued work permits, one letter detailed a series of alleged grievances. “We are a group of expatriate employees currently working on Great Stirrup Cay, the private island owned by Norwegian Cruise Line in the Berry Islands, Bahamas,” it asserted. The letter claimed staff are “being issued contracts that do not comply with Bahamian labour

laws and, in many cases, these contracts fall below the minimum wage standards set by the Bahamian government. Many crew members are being issued contracts that state they are employed on a Norwegian Cruise Line vessel, yet we are working full-time on land at Great Stirrup Cay with no maritime duties or seafaring involvement.

“We’ve also experienced unexplained and unfair reductions in pay, as well as a severe lack of transparency regarding payroll deductions, entitlements and benefits,” the letter added. This was backed by a second document, also sent to Tribune Business, which

was addressed to Alfred Sears KC, the minister of Immigration and National Insurance.

It is unclear why the letter did not name Pia GloverRolle, who is the minister of labour, but it alleged that the grievances include both Norwegian Cruise Line and Great Stirrup Cay Management Company employees and extend all the way from management and supervisory staff right down to line workers.

“Norwegian Cruise Line employees have been working ten hours a day, seven days a week, including holidays without proper compensation for overtime, holiday pay or vacation pay. When we raised these concerns with Norwegian Cruise Line’s island-based human resources manager, she assured us that ‘everything is included in your salary per your contract’,” the letter claimed.

“However, after thorough calculations, we have discovered that this is incorrect. Employees are effectively earning between $2-$4 per hour, making it clear that our wages do not legally or fairly account for the required compensations.”

The letter claimed that, in January 2024, all Great Stirrup Cay Management employees were instructed to work the standard 40-hour, five-day week with no “explanations or contract adjustments”. Then, in December last year, Norwegian Cruise Line purportedly compensated all Great Stirrup Cay Management line staff from the Dominican Republic but excluded all others from this move.

“In January 2025, we formally sought assistance from the director of labour, Mr Thompson, providing all relevant details,” the letter added. “After the Labour Department reached out to Norwegian Cruise Line just a day before the ground breaking ceremony, the company issued a response. We forwarded this letter to the director, Mr Thompson, and Mr Curtis, the assistant director, for further guidance.

“We were advised to wait for the new contracts and submit it for review before signing. However, on February 3 ,2025, the company introduced a new contract, which was subsequently put on hold due to non-compliance with Bahamian labour laws. Since then, we have not signed any contract, yet our salaries were reduced below our usual earnings and no retroactive payments have been made.”

The “ground breaking” refers to the mid-January 2025 celebration for the start of construction on Norwegian Cruise Line’s new pier at Great Stirrup Cay. Meanwhile, the letter also questioned who qualifies for new contracts, while alleging that salaries have been reduced despite no employee signing them.

“Many employees fear retaliation, including contract nonrenewals for advocating for fair compensation and legal compliance,” it added.

“Despite working full-time hours and overtime, partially sixth/seventh day and holidays, our actual payments received do not match our hourly rate listed on our pay slips.”

Calling on the Government to intervene to ensure “employees are treated

fairly and compensated in accordance with Bahamian labour laws”, the letter purporting to represent all Great Stirrup Cay staff told Mr Sears: “Your guidance and support will be valuable, and we hope for immediate resolution that upholds the rights and dignity of all employees affected since this has come to a critical point.”

The labour-related concerns have emerged just as Norwegian Cruise Line’s has unveiled plans to expand the amenities and attractions available to its cruise passengers on Great Stirrup Cay. The upgrades include a welcome centre, pool area with swim-up bar, splash pad, poolside cabanas and an island-wide tram system. The Vibe Beach Club and Horizon Park recreation zone, previously only found on-ship, will also feature.

“This is one of our top-rated destinations,” said Norwegian Cruise Line’s chief executive, Harry Sommer. “These newly announced enhancements to Great Stirrup Cay will further improve the guest experience on the island. “As we anticipate annual guest visits to exceed one million by 2026, we are actively evaluating additional investments in the island to support that growth and expand the amenities our guests can enjoy.”

The accusations have also surfaced just as The Bahamas continues to promote itself to the cruise industry, with multiple lines investing hundreds of millions of dollars in their own private island destinations throughout the archipelago. Cruise passengers now account for between nine to ten million of The Bahamas’ annual visitors, having increased year-over-year by 20.3 percent in 2024.

Rojas Sarmiento; Clay Sweeting, minister of works and Family Island affairs; Chester Cooper, deputy prime minister and minister of tourism, investments and aviation; Fanny Gutierrez; Adriana Sarmiento Gutierrez; Luis Carlos Sarmiento senior; Prime Minister Philip Davis KC; Maria Claudia Sarmiento; Manuela Albir Sarmiento; Adelaide Albir Sarmiento; Brian King, president, Marriott International Caribbean and Latin America (CALA); and Daniel Zuleta, project director, Cotton Bay Holdings.

(Photo by Sophia Taylor)

Electronics merchants escape 45% hike from tariffs - for now

“My electronic clients and members were very concerned, and saying the faced a 45 percent increase in prices. If this tariff, the 145 percent, was implemented they’d have to minimise their purchasing, reduce the width of their inventory, and be selective with how much inventory they purchase. That’s good news in relation to that.”

However, confusion and uncertainty is never far away with Mr Trump’s back-and-forth, on again/ off again tariff policies. US Customs and Border Protection (CBP), in a late Friday notice, said products such as smart phones, laptops and computers would not only be exempt from the sky-high 145 percent levy on Chinese imports but also the 10 percent tariff imposed on all other nations and trading partners.

Exemptions were also included for components such as memory cards, solar cells and semi-conductors seemingly in a bid to ease the fears of US technology companies about a surge in imported input costs that would drastically impact the final product price for consumers. The Bahamas imports a significant amount of its electronic goods from the US which, in turn, sources multiple parts from tariff-hit economies.

However, no sooner had the exemptions for smart phones, laptops and computers been announced, Mr Trump and other officials suggested these waivers would be short-lived to immediately trigger fresh doubts for the sector. And the US is now launching an investigation into the semiconductor sector ahead of plans to impose tariffs on national security grounds.

Craig Pyfrom, D.C. Technology’s principal, yesterday told Tribune Business that the uncertainty triggered by US trade and tariff policies has left his business scrambling to cut costs where it can. He voiced “extreme concern” over a policy that has left both himself and his suppliers holding their breath.

Describing it as a wait and see situation, Mr Pyfrom said his suppliers - who are based in the US - are hesitant to purchase more product amid fears they will

be left with excess inventory should Mr Trump’s tariffs provoke a slowdown in consumer demand and potential economic recession.

“People are cutting back because they’re not buying ‘wants’, they’re buying ‘needs’,” Mr Pyfrom said. “That’s all their money. Everything is just getting so expensive already, and then when the tariffs really hit it’s going to be crazy. Some of my suppliers are also sceptical of ordering products because they don’t know with the tariffs if they’ll get stuck with it .

“So everything is up in the air right now, and I can see a big shortage of supplies. And to buy from China direct, the freight is crazy. So everything is wait and see. I mean, I do plan on seeing what I can get direct from wherever it’s made to avoid the tariffs. I think everyone is going to try that.”

Mr Pyfrom, who revealed that business has “been very slow”, added that he is selling electronics and electronic accessories, as well as providing technology services such as repairs, hoping to see a bigger profit. He said he is trying to cut costs where necessary, which has prevented him from hiring needed staffing and help.

“I’m extremely concerned,” Mr Pyfrom said. “Very concerned. The thing is, you just don’t know how bad it’s going to be. Is the Government going to reduce duties if this stuff goes up because they’d be making a lot more money.

“I’m shopping around better; trying to shop around to get a better price. And also turning off the air conditioning; anything to save electricity, anything I could do to cut costs - holding off on hiring. That’s another thing. I had plans to hire, and I’m holding off. I’ve got to cut back and wait and see if I could survive, as I think a lot of businesses would go out of business if this goes on.

“I know the computers and Apple iPhones, some are made in China. And they say they’re going to exempt them. I don’t know if it’s going to stay that way or what, but it’s just going to cost so much more for them to manufacture stuff in the United States. The labour cost is so much higher,” he added.

“So if they put this tariff on, that can hurt a lot of businesses, especially like my business. Toners and inks and printers, the majority of them, I’d say, 80 percent, I’m guessing, probably made in China. And it’s going to have a serious effect on everything.”

Mr Pyfrom also expressed concern over US plans to levy up to $1.5m per port call fee on Chinese-made ships. “And then there’s also the thing on Tropical Shipping, where the boat is made in China, and they want to charge $1m every time they touch the port. And they’ve got to pass it on to us, and that’s going to affect prices seriously,” he explained.

“Like the shipping cost is going to go sky high to a point where people aren’t going to buy it. It’s going to be so expensive. And then the thing is, I don’t know what the Bahamas government’s plan is, but some items are dutiable, like, say a speaker. If you buy a speaker, it’s 45 percent. You get some electronics at 35 [percent]. It’s just going to cost so much.

“So, for instance, something that was going to cost $100, first cost in the US. If they put this 145 percent on, that could end up being close to $300 first calls. Because when they put their margin on top of their tariff it’s going to increase more than just 145 percent. That might increase by maybe 200 percent. So it could be $300 first cost,” Mr Pyfrom continued.

“And then if I have to pay a tariff on that… unless the Government is going to make an adjustment to the tariffs because we pay tariffs on different things. I don’t know what’s the outcome of Tropical Shipping, and the owner, how his meeting went with them [the US government].

“But I understand they were going to make a decision on April 17 whether they’re going to charge this $1m to Tropical Shipping, and I don’t know how many other shipping companies. So it’s crazy, right now. Everything is chaos. It don’t look like China’s going to back down. I don’t know if Trump is going to back down. But I know the US dollar seems to be getting weaker.

Mixed-use PI towers eye 104 full-time jobs

identical in terms of design and content.

Vistonian Development Group, which is also seeking the same environmental and DEPP approvals as Versani Properties via a separate application, is targeting a five-acre site immediately west of the Ocean Terrace condominiums on West Bay Street for its own “mixed-use condominium complex” that will also feature office spaces, restaurants, a spa and 24 single family homes.

When Tribune Business contacted the phone number listed for both Versani and Vistonian, an unidentified woman said the developer’s representatives were not present, she did not know when they would be back, and said no further details on either project would be released until their public consultation hearings on May 6 and April 22, respectively.

The call then dropped, and when it was returned went to voice mail and gave a different number that did not work. However, both websites give identical descriptions of the Versani and Vistonian developer(s) involvement in creating sustainable mixed-use, high-end communities, with offices in The Bahamas as well as New York and Miami.

The Versani Properties study, though, did forecast that the project’s completion would increase

Paradise Island’s population by some 520 persons, broken down into 104 retail, office and other workers employed by its amenities plus some 416 residents in its condos.

“The total estimated waste for the 520 persons expected on site (104 staff and 416 in the condos) is 1,765 kg (kilograms) per year,” it said. “The proposed Versani Properties Ltd development consists of two multi-storey towers designed to incorporate a mix of residential and commercial elements, including retail spaces, a lobby area, a fully equipped

gym, a swimming pool and a restaurant with outdoor seating.

“The development will also feature a selection of two-bedroom and threebedroom residential units, and is situated on a previously disturbed site on Paradise Island, Bahamas. Collectively, these components are referred to as the development. The site is bounded by three main thoroughfares and adjacent to existing infrastructure such as power, water supply and a wastewater treatment facility.

“An ecological resource survey was conducted, identifying a total of 26 floral

Auditor’s Report

The Board of Directors Macro Bank Limited Report on the Audit of the Consolidated Financial Statements Opinion

We have audited the consolidated financial statements of Macro Bank Limited (the “Bank”), which comprise the consolidated statement of financial position as at December 31, 2024, and the consolidated income statement, consolidated statement of comprehensive income, consolidated statement of changes in equity and consolidated statement of cash flows for the year then ended, and notes to the consolidated financial statements, including material accounting policy information.

In our opinion, the accompanying consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of the Bank as at December 31, 2024, and its consolidated financial performance and its consolidated cash flows for the year then ended in accordance with IFRS Accounting Standards.

Basis for opinion

We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (ISAs). Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the consolidated financial statements section of our report. We are independent of the Bank in accordance with the International Ethics Standards Board for Accountants’ International Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants (including International Independence Standards) (IESBA Code), and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements and the IESBA Code. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.

species and 13 faunal species on site. Notably, the assessment indicated that 552 protected trees would be impacted by the proposed development. The removal of vegetation may lead to significant environmental consequences, without appropriate mitigation strategies.”

Expressing optimism that any adverse environmental impacts can be mitigated, the Versani Properties study gave more detail on the proposed layout. “The towers will collectively include a gym and pool on the ground floor along with four retail spaces, two lobbies and a restaurant with an outdoor space,” it added.

“The mezzanine will include more retail and office space and another restaurant, and floors two to five will be designated for three-bedroom and twobedroom residences with varying layouts.” Versani Properties pledged that its project will generate 30 percent of needed energy from solar power, and the Bron study argued that it will have “significant positive economic impacts’.

“The construction of two multi-purpose towers on Paradise Island is expected to increase the island’s electrical demand due to the addition of residential units, commercial spaces and public amenities. To mitigate this impact, the development aims to incorporate renewable energy solutions and energy-efficient design strategies,” the

Versani Properties study said.

“A key feature of the development is the inclusion of a solar power generation system, which will supply at least 30 percent of the development’s energy requirements. This renewable energy source will be utilised to power portions of the development, such as common areas, lighting and potentially heating or cooling systems, thereby reducing the reliance on the local electrical grid....

“The development is expected to generate significant positive economic effects. The inclusion of commercial spaces, such as retail outlets, restaurants and gyms, will create new business opportunities and enhance access to amenities for residents and visitors. These features are anticipated to contribute to the local economy by attracting patrons and supporting small businesses,” the study continued.

“Additionally, the development will provide socio-economic benefits through job creation both during the construction phase and in the longterm operation of the development. Construction activities will generate employment opportunities for a range of skilled and unskilled workers, while the completed development will support jobs in retail, hospitality, building maintenance and property management.”

As for the Vistonian Development project, its separate study disclosed:

“The proposed development consists of a mixed-use condominium complex, including restaurants, office spaces, a lobby, a spa and 24 single-family homes....

“The development will provide a range of benefits to the local community, which include the creation of much-needed residential and commercial spaces, job opportunities during both the construction and operation phases, and improved infrastructure along West Bay Street.

“The proposed project is situated between West Bay Street and Atlantic Drive on New Providence. The site is immediately west of the Ocean Terrace condominiums and can be accessed via West Bay Street or Atlantic Drive. The land is previously disturbed and adjacent to existing infrastructure such as power and water supply structures,” the study, also conducted by Bron, affirms.

“The Vistonian site is located near the Southwest New Providence Marine Managed Area. Although the site is across the road from this marine protected area (MPA), the development will incorporate robust storm water management and sediment control measures during construction to prevent adverse impacts on the MPA.

“Additionally, comprehensive waste management strategies will be implemented throughout both the construction and operational phases to help safeguard the marine environment.”

Evaluate the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of accounting estimates and related disclosures made by management.

Conclude on the appropriateness of management’s use of the going concern basis of accounting and, based on the audit evidence obtained, whether a material uncertainty exists related to events or conditions that may cast significant doubt on the Bank’s ability to continue as a going concern. If we conclude that a material uncertainty exists, we are required to draw attention in our auditor’s report to the related disclosures in the consolidated financial statements or, if such disclosures are inadequate, to modify our opinion. Our conclusions are based on the audit evidence obtained up to the date of our auditor’s report. However, future events or conditions may cause the Bank to cease to continue as a going concern.

• Evaluate the overall presentation, structure and content of the consolidated financial statements, including the disclosures, and whether the consolidated financial statements represent the underlying transactions and events in a manner that achieves fair presentation. We communicate with the Board of Directors regarding, among other matters, the planned scope and timing of the audit and significant audit findings, including any significant deficiencies in internal control that we identify during our audit.

April 4, 2025

MACRO BANK LIMITED

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION (Expressed in United Stated Dollars)

Responsibilities of Management and the Board of Directors for the Consolidated Financial

Management is responsible for the preparation and fair presentation of the consolidated financial statements in accordance with IFRS Accounting Standards, and for such internal control as management determines is necessary to enable the preparation of consolidated financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.

In preparing the consolidated financial statements, management is responsible for assessing the Bank’s ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless management either intends to liquidate the Bank or to cease operations, or has no realistic alternative but to do so.

The Board of Directors are responsible for overseeing the Bank’s financial reporting process. Auditor’s responsibilities for the Audit of the Consolidated Financial Statements

This report is made solely to the Board of Directors, as a body. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the Board of Directors those matters we are required to state to them in an auditor’s report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the Bank and the Board of Directors as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinion we have formed.

Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor’s report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAs will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these consolidated financial statements.

As part of an audit in accordance with ISAs, we exercise professional judgment and maintain professional skepticism throughout the audit. We also:

Identify and assess the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to fraud or error, design and perform audit procedures responsive to those risks, and obtain audit evidence that is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion. The risk of not detecting a material misstatement resulting from fraud is higher than for one resulting from error, as fraud may involve collusion, forgery, intentional omissions, misrepresentations, or the override of internal control.

• Obtain an understanding of internal control relevant to the audit in order to design audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Bank’s internal control.

WATER CORP NOW MOVING TO MONTHLY CUSTOMER BILLS

FROM PAGE B1

monthly billing move, will improve efficiency, ensure greater meter reading accuracy and allow consumers to manage their water usage more effectively.

He explained that a monthly billing cycle will also allow clients to detect leaks on their property in a timely manner by monitoring spikes in their bills instead of receiving a large quarterly bill.

“We are providing our customers with better access to the information you would need to manage your own resources and usage of water. It also supports accurate remote readings. So, ultimately, we

will move away from the challenges of locked gates, bad dogs and other issues that prevent us from being able to access customer premises with a remote reading capability,” Mr Miller explained.

“Also, it’s a tremendous benefit to customers with respect to timely leak detection. Coupled with the monthly billing process, the smart metering allows us to gather the information almost instantly in its ultimate installation.

“So, therefore, this issue of high bills as a result of leakage should be a thing of the past. And, finally, there will be an increased trust in our customer billing, and we will eliminate

the challenge that we face where customers have very large bills and they’re inexplicable.”

Mr Miller said $16m has been allocated for the transition from mechanical meters to smart meters, but the transition to monthly billing will be an internally generated process that will not require any “significant expenditures”.

He added: “We budgeted $16m for the entire process that is expected to be expended through to the end of 2026. The monthly billing transition is an internally generated process, because it’s really just a change of our process as opposed to significant expenditures.”

WATER AND SEWERAGE CORPORATION (WSC) HEADQUARTERS

AML Foods: No jobs lost from fire-ravaged stores

at both the Solomon’s and Cost Right stores, comes after AML Foods just invested $22m in acquiring

the 80,000 square feet that both retail formats occupy. Solomon’s Old Trail was opened last July following its conversion from Solomon’s SuperCentre into

AML Foods’ neighbourhood food store format, while Cost Right only just relocated to the site in November 2024 following

NOTICE

ZANOWAN LTD. In Voluntary Liquidation

Notice is hereby given that in accordance with Section 138(4) of the International Business Companies Act. 2000, ZANOWAN LTD. is in dissolution as of April 2, 2025

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

LIQUIDATOR

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN as follows:

(a) Drake Hub Limited is in dissolution under the provisions of the International Business Companies Act, 2000.

(b) The dissolution of the said Company commenced on the 11 April 2025 when its Articles of Dissolution were submitted to and registered by the Registrar General.

(c) The Liquidator of the said Company is Brian Selvadurai.

Dated the 14th day of April 2025.

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

its exit from the Town Centre Mall.

The fire, which tore through the entire Hyacinth Stuart Building apart from Solomon’s Old Trail and Cost Right, has also disrupted and delayed, at the very least, the Department of Labour’s planned relocation into its office space in that building on May 1, 2025.

Howard Thompson, director of labour, yesterday confirmed that had been the planned move-in day with the Department just waiting on completion of contracts with security and cleaning providers prior to the fire. Besides the Department of Labour, other government agencies supposed to move into that property are the Department of Immigration and Disaster Risk Management Authority.

Multiple Tribune Business sources have suggested that the Hyacinth Stuart Building, apart from the Solomon’s and Cost Right space, is owned by Island Luck co-founder, Adrian Fox, and his Fox Group of Companies. This newspaper’s staff saw multiple trucks bearing the Fox Group of Companies logo on-site frequently during the renovation of the building.

Several attempts were made to contact to contact Fox Group of Companies representatives but no response was received by press time. They would be the Government’s landlord, leasing space in the building to its various agencies.

Mr Thompson, in a previ-

ous interview, said the move to that location would have combined the Department of Labour’s Rosetta Street and Robinson Road offices into one, while leaving the Carmichael Road site as a standalone. The building was also due to house the National Tripartite Council, the body responsible for all labour matters in The Bahamas, and the National Apprenticeship Programme.

The labour director said the benefits of such a move would have been “a better facility, being able to combine those offices, so lower rent and accommodation for the National Apprenticeship Programme”. Mr Thompson said the Department of Labour was due to occupy a “sliver”, or just one-quarter, of the building with the rest allocated to Immigration and, somewhat ironically, Disaster Risk Management.

This was confirmed by Pia Glover-Rolle, minister of labour and the public service, who said the building was newly-renovated but employees had not officially moved into the space. She added that the Department of Labour was set to move in first, and had already installed furniture and relocated some files.

“The Ministry of Labour and Public Service serves as the landlord for the Government. So my ministry has responsibility for all buildings. The Department of Labour was one of the ministries that would have been moving into this building, along with the Department

of Immigration, DRM, the Disaster Authority. None of the ministries have moved in officially yet,” said Mrs Glover-Rolle.

“The Department of Labour was in closer proximity to moving in. We have had furniture installed, and there are some files in the building. But, fortunately, there are no staff that occupy the building. Those staff that were present were on our final walk through this morning in preparation for moving, and that was about ten persons and, of course, they were able to evacuate safely and remove themselves from the building.”

Mrs Glover-Rolle said the Government was leasing the space, and had already began paying rent, but that agreement would be “reviewed” as the building is restored.

“The ministry doesn’t make an investment. This is a building that would be rented by the Government, which would be leased and that would be a rental agreement, and we have started paying the rent because, of course, we were beginning to occupy the building. So now that would need to be reviewed as the building is brought back to its full state,” she added.

Although the cause of the fire has not been revealed by law enforcement, reporters were advised that it broke out behind the Department of Labour’s new building and staff and customers were evacuated from Solomon’s and Cost Right after 11am.

LEDWARD PARTICIPATION CORP. In Voluntary Liquidation

Notice is hereby given that in accordance with Section 138(4) of the International Business Companies Act. 2000, LEDWARD PARTICIPATION CORP. is in dissolution as of April 1, 2025

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

T I C E

Inter Caribbean Shipping (Bahamas) Ltd.

Pursuant to the Provisions of Section 138 (8) of the International Business Companies Act 2000 notice is hereby given that the abovenamed Company has been dissolved and struck off the Register pursuant to a Certificate of Dissolution issued by the Registrar General on the 1st day of April 2025

Brian Selvadurai Liquidator of Inter Caribbean Shipping (Bahamas) Ltd.

DANBURRY INTERNATIONAL LTD. In Voluntary Liquidation

Notice is hereby given that in accordance with Section 138(4) of the International Business Companies Act. 2000, DANBURRY INTERNATIONAL LTD. is in dissolution as of April 7, 2025

Ms. LOK Lai Yee with address at 22nd Floor, Hang Lung Centre, 2-20 Paterson Street, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong is the Liquidator.

LIQUIDATOR NOTICE

NOTICE SICUREZZA LTD. Incorporated under the International Business Companies Act, 2000 of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas. Registration number 211533 B (In Voluntary Liquidation)

Notice is hereby given that the above-named Company is in dissolution, commencing on the 14th day of April A.D. 2025.

Articles of Dissolution have been duly registered by the Registrar. The Liquidator is Mr. Guillermo Zanon, whose address is Rua Engenheiro Olavo Nunes 100/401, Porto Alegre, CEP: 90440- 170, Brazil. Any Persons having a Claim against the above-named Company are required on or before the 15th day of May A.D. 2025 to send their names, addresses and particulars of their debts or claims to the Liquidator of the Company, or in default thereof they may be excluded from the benefit of any distribution made before such claim is proved.

Dated this 14th day of April A.D. 2025.

GUILLERMO ZANON LIQUIDATOR

SMOKE rises from a fire yesterday at the Hyacith Staurt building. The fire threatened numerous businesses located at the property incuding Solomon’s, Cost Right and the new Ministry of Labour headquarters.

Photo:Nikia Charlton

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg takes the stand in historic antitrust trial

By BRIAN WITTE and BARBARA ORTUTAY AP Technology Writer

META CEO Mark Zuckerberg took to the witness stand on the first day of a historic antitrust trial to defend his company against allegations it illegally monopolized the social media market.

The trial could force the tech giant to break off Instagram and WhatsApp, startups Meta bought more than a decade ago that have since grown into social media powerhouses.

FTC attorney Daniel Matheson called Zuckerberg as the first witness, as it seeks to prove that Meta acquired Instagram and WhatsApp to preserve its monopoly in the social networking space. At the trial, Matheson focused on a communication sent to colleagues that illustrated Zuckerberg's frustration with a lack of progress on developing a photo-sharing app to compete with Instagram's.

"The way I read this message is that I'm not happy about how we're executing on that project," Zuckerberg said.

Matheson followed up by asking if that was because of Instagram's rapid growth.

"That does seem to be what I'm highlighting," Zuckerberg said, adding that he's always urging his teams to do better.

Later in the day, Zuckerberg appeared frustrated when Matheson asked him about his concerns expressed about how fast Instagram was growing.

"I don't have the full timeline of Instagram's development in my head," Zuckerberg said, when Matheson asked him about his mention of its growth. "You could probably get that better from somebody else."

Matheson also asked about comments of plans to keep Instagram running, while focusing on Facebook and not investing in Instagram. Zuckerberg said he wouldn't characterize it as a plan, and he insisted that Instagram wasn't neglected.

"In practice, we ended up investing a ton in it after we acquired it," Zuckerberg, who testified most of the afternoon, said. In opening statements, Matheson said Meta has used its position to generate enormous profits even as consumer satisfaction has dropped. He said Meta was "erecting a moat" to protect its interests by buying the two startups. Mark Hansen, an attorney for Meta, said the FTC was making a "grab bag" of arguments that were wrong. He said Meta has plenty of competition and has made improvements to the startups it acquired.

"This lawsuit, in summary, is misguided," Hansen said, adding: "anyway you look at it, consumers have been the big winners."

The trial will be the first big test of President Donald Trump's Federal Trade Commission's ability to challenge Big Tech. The lawsuit was filed against Meta — then called Facebook — in 2020, during Trump's first term. It claims the company bought Instagram and WhatsApp to squash competition and establish an illegal monopoly in the social media market.

Meta, the FTC argues, has maintained a monopoly by pursuing Zuckerberg's strategy, "expressed in 2008: 'It is better to buy than compete.' True to that maxim, Facebook has systematically tracked potential rivals and acquired companies that it viewed as serious competitive threats."

Facebook also enacted policies designed to make

NOTICE

NOTICE is hereby given that MANISE DAMEUS of Joe Farrington Road, New Providence, Grand Bahama, The Bahamas is applying to the Minister responsible for Nationality and Citizenship, for registration/ naturalization as a citizen of The Bahamas, and that any person who knows any reason why registration/ naturalization should not be granted, should send a written and signed statement of the facts within twenty-eight days from the 15th day of April, 2025 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, Bahamas.

NOTICE

NOTICE is hereby given that ELIZABETH RENEE McTAGGART CAESAR of General Delivery, Fox Hill, New Providence, 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 8th day of April, 2025 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, Bahamas.

NOTICE

NOTICE is hereby given that EDWIN BILLY DUCLOS of John Road West, New Providence, 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 8th day of April, 2025 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, Bahamas.

it difficult for smaller rivals to enter the market and "neutralize perceived competitive threats," the FTC says in its complaint, just as the world shifted its attention to mobile devices from desktop computers.

Facebook bought Instagram — then a scrappy photo-sharing app with no ads and a small cult following — in 2012. The $1 billion cash and stock purchase price was eye-popping at the time, though the deal's value fell to $750 million after Facebook's stock price dipped following its initial public offering in May 2012.

Instagram was the first company Facebook bought and kept running as a separate app. Up until then, Facebook was known for smaller "acqui-hires" — a type of popular Silicon Valley deal in which a company purchases a startup as a way to hire its talented workers, then shuts the acquired company down. Two years later, it did it again with the messaging app WhatsApp, which it purchased for $22 billion.

WhatsApp and Instagram helped Facebook move its business from desktop computers to mobile devices, and to remain popular with younger generations as rivals like Snapchat (which it also tried, but failed, to buy) and TikTok emerged. However, the FTC has a narrow definition of Meta's competitive market, excluding companies like TikTok, YouTube and Apple's messaging service from being considered rivals to Instagram and WhatsApp.

NOTICE

NOTICE is hereby given that FRISNEL DESROSIERS of Ritchville Subdivision, #10 Malcolm Road West, Nassau, The Bahamas, applying to the Minister responsible for Nationality and Citizenship, for Registration Naturalization as a citizen of The Bahamas, and that any person who knows any reason why registration/naturalization should not be granted, should send a written and signed statement of the facts within twenty-eight days from the 15th day of April, 2025 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, New Providence, The Bahamas.

NOTICE

NOTICE is hereby given that JULINE LETIS DOUGLAS of Flamingo Gardens, Nassau, The Bahamas is applying to the Minister responsible for Nationality and Citizenship, for registration/naturalization as a citizen of The Bahamas, and that any person who knows any reason why registration/ naturalization should not be granted, should send a written and signed statement of the facts within twenty-eight days from the 8th day of April, 2025 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, Bahamas.

NOTICE

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 8th day of April, 2025 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, Bahamas.

NOTICE

NOTICE is hereby given that MERLENE ADASSA ARMBRISTER of Godet Close off Carmichael Road, New Providence, The Bahamas is applying to the Minister responsible for Nationality and Citizenship, for registration/ naturalization as a citizen of The Bahamas, and that any person who knows any reason why registration/ naturalization should not be granted, should send a written and signed statement of the facts within twenty-eight days from the 8th day of April, 2025 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, Bahamas.

NOTICE

NOTICE is hereby given that GARYANN FOLKES of East Street South, Nassau, The Bahamas is applying to the Minister responsible for Nationality and Citizenship, for registration/naturalization as a citizen of The Bahamas, and that any person who knows any reason why registration/naturalization should not be granted, should send a written and signed statement of the facts within twenty-eight days from the 8th day of April, 2025 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, Bahamas.

THE META logo is seen at the Vivatech show in Paris, June 14, 2023.

Photo:Thibault Camus/AP

Trump considers pausing his auto tariffs as the world economy endures whiplash

By JOSH BOAK and MICHAEL LIEDTKE Associated Press

PRESIDENT Donald Trump on Monday suggested that he might temporarily exempt the auto industry from tariffs he previously imposed on the sector, to give carmakers time to adjust their supply chains.

"I'm looking at something to help some of the car companies with it," Trump told reporters gathered in the Oval Office. The Republican president said automakers needed time to relocate production from Canada, Mexico and other places, "And they need a little bit of time because they're going to make them here, but they need a little bit of time. So I'm talking about things like that."

Matt Blunt, president of American Automotive Policy Council, an association representing Ford, General Motors and Stellantis, said the group shared Trump's goals of increased domestic production.

"There is increasing awareness that broad tariffs on parts could undermine our shared goal of building a thriving and growing American auto industry, and that many of these supply chain transitions will take time," Blunt said.

Trump's statement hinted at yet another round of reversals on tariffs as Trump's onslaught of import taxes has panicked financial markets and raised deep concerns from Wall Street economists about a possible recession.

When Trump announced the 25% auto tariffs on March 27, he described them as "permanent." His hard lines on trade have become increasingly blurred as he has sought to limit the possible economic

/AP

and political blowback from his policies.

Last week, after a bond market sell-off pushed up interest rates on U.S. debt, Trump announced that for 90 days his broader tariffs against dozens of countries would instead be set at a baseline 10% to give time for negotiations.

At the same time, Trump increased the import taxes on China to 145%, only to temporarily exempt electronics from some of those tariffs by having those goods charged at a 20% rate.

"I don't change my mind, but I'm flexible," Trump said Monday. Trump's flexibility has also fueled a sense of uncertainty and confusion about his intentions and end goals. The S&P 500 stock index was up 0.8% Monday, but it's still down nearly 8% this year. Interest rates on 10-year U.S. Treasury notes were elevated at roughly 4.4%.

Carl Tannenbaum, chief economist for the Northern Trust global financial firm, said the whiplash had been so great that he might have

to "get fitted for a neck brace."

Tannenbaum warned in an analysis: "Damage to consumer, business, and market confidence may already be irreversible."

Maroš Šefčovič, the European commissioner for trade and economic security, posted on X on Monday that on behalf of the European Union he engaged in trade negotiations with Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer.

"The EU remains constructive and ready for a fair deal — including reciprocity through our 0-for-0 tariff offer on industrial goods and the work on non-tariff barriers," Šefčovič said.

The U.S. president also said that he spoke with Apple CEO Tim Cook and "helped" him recently. Many Apple products, including its popular iPhone, are assembled in China.

Apple didn't respond to a Monday request for comment about the latest swings in the Trump administration's tariff pendulum.

Even if the exemptions granted on electronics last week turn out to be short-lived, the temporary reprieve gives Apple some breathing room to figure out ways to minimize the trade war's impact on its iPhone sales in the U.S.

That prospect helped lift Apple's stock price 2% on Monday. Still, the stock gave up some of its earlier 7% increase as investors processed the possibility that the iPhone could still be jolted by more tariffs on Chinese-made products in the weeks ahead.

Wedbush Securities analyst Dan Ives said Apple is clearly in a far better position than it was a week ago, but he warned there's still "mass uncertainty, chaos, and confusion about the next steps ahead."

One possible workaround Apple may be examining during the current tariff reprieve is how to shift even more of its iPhone production from its longtime hubs in China to India, where it began expanding its manufacturing while Trump waged a trade war during his first term as president.

The Trump administration has suggested that its tariffs had isolated China as the U.S. engaged in talks with other countries.

But China is also seeking to build tighter relationships in Asia with nations stung by Trump's tariffs. China's leader, Xi Jinping, on Monday met in Hanoi with Vietnam's Communist Party General Secretary To Lam with the message that no one wins in trade wars.

Asked about the meeting, Trump suggested the two nations were conspiring to do economic harm to the U.S. by "trying to figure out how do we screw the United States of America."

GETTING THE IRS ON THE PHONE IS MORE DIFFICULT THIS TAX FILING SEASON, EXPERTS SAY

By FATIMA HUSSEIN Associated Press

TAXPAYERS calling the IRS for help processing their taxes this filing season may find it harder than normal to get someone on the phone, experts say, a problem that is only expected to get worse next year with staffing cuts that could slash the workforce considerably.

For this year, data of tax return processing times shows numbers largely in line with those from last year. IRS employees involved in the 2025 tax season were not allowed to accept a buyout offer from the Trump administration until after the taxpayer filing deadline of April 15, though thousands of probationary workers were laid off earlier this year. Legal experts in tax compliance say the long wait times are going to increase as more buyouts and layoffs take effect.

Eric Santos, the executive director of the Georgia Tax Clinic, which provides free tax law services to lowincome taxpayers, says wait times for the IRS' phone line are markedly longer than usual and IRS staff are overwhelmed with the increase in work. The IRS staff "basically tell us they don't have time to look at certain cases," Santos said. "The work is getting spread across fewer and fewer people."

The reduction in workers — which may end up

being nearly half the entire IRS workforce — is part of the Trump administration's efforts to shrink the size of the federal workforce through billionaire Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency by closing agencies, laying off nearly all probationary employees who have not yet gained civil service protection and offering buyouts to almost all federal employees through a "deferred resignation program."

Earlier this month, the IRS began layoffs that could end up cutting as many as 20,000 staffers — up to 25% of the total workforce. The roughly 7,000 probationary IRS workers who were laid off beginning in February were recently ordered to be reinstated by a federal judge, though it's unclear whether those workers have been called back into work.

Comparing figures through the first week of April from 2024 and 2025, 101.4 million returns were processed this year compared to 101.8 million tax returns last year. Refunds are up, with 67.7 million issued this year compared with 66.7 million in 2024. But Santos and others worry that the 2026 filing season could be negatively impacted by the loss of thousands of additional tax collection workers who are expected to exit the agency through planned layoffs and buyouts.

NOTICE

NOTICE is hereby given that LOUDELINE DERNIER of St Michael Road off Solider Road, The Bahamas, applying to the Minister responsible for Nationality and Citizenship, for Registration Naturalization as a citizen of The Bahamas, and that any person who knows any reason why registration/naturalization should not be granted, should send a written and signed statement of the facts within twenty-eight days from the 15th day of April, 2025 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, New Providence, The Bahamas.

NOTICE

NOTICE is hereby given that BARRY SILIEN of Marsh Harbour, The Bahamas, applying to the Minister responsible for Nationality and Citizenship, for Registration Naturalization as a citizen of The Bahamas, and that any person who knows any reason why registration/ naturalization should not be granted, should send a written and signed statement of the facts within twenty-eight days from the 15th day of April, 2025 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, New Providence, The Bahamas.

NOTICE

NOTICE is hereby given that MRS. MEANAWATTIE RAMNARINE–SAMAROO of #2 Glen Court, South Beach, Nassau, The Bahamas, applying to the Minister responsible for Nationality and Citizenship, for Registration Naturalization as a citizen of The Bahamas, and that any person who knows any reason why registration/naturalization should not be granted, should send a written and signed statement of the facts within twenty-eight days from the 15th day of April, 2025 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, New Providence, The Bahamas.

NOTICE

NOTICE is hereby given that MR. ERRIE RICHARDO SAMAROO of #2 Glen Court, South Beach, Nassau, The Bahamas, applying to the Minister responsible for Nationality and Citizenship, for Registration Naturalization as a citizen of The Bahamas, and that any person who knows any reason why registration/ naturalization should not be granted, should send a written and signed statement of the facts within twenty-eight days from the 15th day of April, 2025 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, New Providence, The Bahamas.

PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP, left, greets El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele as Bukele arrives at the White House, Monday, April 14, 2025, in Washington.

Photo:Manuel Balce Ceneta

Where power meets pulse

The mother-daughter duo behind Benz Bodies Fitness

By ALESHA CADET Tribune Features Reporter acadet@tribunemedia.net

THE bassis usually thumping, VybzKartel is morethanlikelyplayinginthe background, anda groupof womenareexercisingthrough reps with laughter, strength, andsweat.

Thisiswhatyouwillfindat BenzBodies,aworkoutatmosphere where fitness meets

Caribbeanflavour, andempowerment isjust asimportantas thegains. Atthe helm ofit allis apowerhouse pair: CamilleCartwright and herdaughter BlayreCatalyn, the dynamic duobehind the popular fitnessbrand basedin PalmdaleNassau.

“Benz Bodies was inspired byourshared passionforfitness, health, and female empowerment. Wewanted to

create a safe, empowering spacefor womentotransform their bodiesand minds,” said Camille,who proudlygoesby thename‘MamaBenz’ Blayre, she said,brings the energyand creativitywhile Camille herself brings the structure andexperience. Together, they havecreated a vibrant community that celebratesstrong women,good music, and intentional move-

ment. The mother-daughterdynamic brings a unique balance.We challengeanduplift each other every step of the way,”Camilleshared.

Benz Bodies specializes in strengthtraining, weightloss, weight gain, andBBL maintenance. Every sessionis designed withintention. Whether yourgoal isto tone up, build muscle,or maintain results,thereis aguidedpath foryou.

Bahamian mother and daughter travel to US for lifesaving care

In May2015, Sherrin Brownfoundherself inarace againsttime, rushingher21year-olddaughter,Sherdell,to the hospital amidst crippling stomach pain.Sherdell's medicalhistorywasmarkedbyintricate gastrointestinal complications,a resultofearlylifesurgery forduodenalatresia - acondition where her intestines were misaligned, necessitatingthe removalofa portionofthebowel.

Over theyears, Sherrinbecamealltoofamiliarwithhospital visits, asSherdell battled recurring symptomssuch as nausea, vomiting, dehydration,and difficultyingaining weight.

Sherdell, given her history of complex stomachand intestineissues, wasdealing with anintestinal perforation.

As a result, her local hospital escalatedher caretoClevelandClinicinOhio. There, anemergency room physician recommendedDr MatthewKroh,asurgeonwith expertise in complex gastrointestinal reconstruction and Vice Chair of Innovation and Technology at Cleveland Clinic,OH. Acomprehensive evaluation by a multidisciplinaryteam ledto thedecision tooperate. The meticulous 2.5-hour procedure involved opening herabdomen, removingscar tissue, reshaping and excising partsof hersmallintestine, and placingtubes forfeeding and drainage.Post-surgery, Sherdell received attentive careand painmanagement, gradually resuming her eating habitsandregainingasenseof

normalcy.

In 2019, during a routine checkup at her local hospital, a lump wasdiscovered on Sherrin's breast, leading to a mammogram, ultrasound,and ultimately, a cancer diagnosis. Sherrinsoughtadvicefroman oncologist in The Bahamas but decidedto seeka second opinionin theU.S.,facilitated byher internationalinsurance. Remembering her daughter s positive experiencewith Dr.Kroh,she reached outto himfor guidance. Shelearned thatshe could receive careat one of the Cleveland Clinic locations inOhio orFlorida.Sherrin promptlycontactedtheGlobal Patient Services team,and a team ofspecialists wasassembledfor hercare.Fol-

lowing her mastectomy, she underwent successful reconstruction surgery under Dr Risal Djohan’s care, experienced surgeon and Vice Chair of PlasticSurgery atCleveland Clinic, OH.After a month inOhio, shereturned home.

Post-reconstruction surgery, Sherrinreceived radiation therapyat Cleveland Clinic Weston in Florida, under diagnosticradiologist, Dr Dustin Thompson. Genetic testing revealeda positiveBRCA1 genemutation. Her doctors recommended a preventive hysterectomy, whichwas performedbyone of Cleveland Clinic s gynecologic oncologistsDr Adria Suarez-Mora, to mitigate her heightened risk of gynecologicalcancer.

withplenty ofsweatingand smilingalongtheway. We re Caribbean baddies tothecore,andmusicisapart ofourDNA. FromSocato Dancehall, it onlymade sense tobring thatsame energyinto our sessions.We especially love VybzKartel duringa workout and thevibe just hits differently. Who needs the club whenyou haveBenz Bodies. It s apartyeveryday, literally,”saidtheowners.

Butbeyond thefunand vibes,CamilleandBlayrealso focuson educatingclients. They arepassionate about breakingfitnessmythsandencouraging womento embrace amoreholisticjourney.

“One bigmisconception is that lifting weightswill make women bulky. That’snot true, strength trainingactually tones, sculpts, and speeds up fat loss,” said Camille. She said another myth is that you have tostarve yourselfto lose weight.Wheninreality,eating enough of theright foods especiallyprotein iskeyto seeingresults.

“Fitness isn’t punishment, it’spower,”shesaid.

Andwhen itcomesto stayingconsistent,theduoencourageswomen tofindtheir tribeandstaycommitted.

“Find agroup oflikeminded womenwho havethe same goals as yourself. Make fitnessyour mainpriorityand makenoapologiesforit.Most importantly, enjoy your journeyandtrusttheprocess, theysaid.

The movement is growing and BenzBodies isready for thenextphase.

“Every day ofthe week we focuson differentaspectsof training. Once we know your goals, we steer you to the specificdaysneededforyou.Our program is also unique in that you can benefitfrom it whetheryour goalisweight loss orgain. Yourdiet willgo hand in hand to achieve your goals,”saidtheladies.

What really setstheir sessions apart is the energy. A Benz Bodies workout feels like a Caribbeandance floor,

Weare currentlyworking on expandingour classofferings.We nowoffer an8am class.Wealso havesomeexciting collaborations lined up with localfemale owned brands. We willalso be hostingour SaturdayBooty CallclassesonvariousFamily Islands,” saidCamille who noted that the visions remains clear, whichis tokeep buildingacommunitythatuplifts, empowers,and transformsfromtheinsideout.

Reflecting onher journey, Sherrinexpressed, "Theteam at Cleveland Clinicwas incredibly supportivefrom the moment ofmy diagnosis. Their seamless communicationacross differentlocations ensured Ireceived thebest

possible care."Despite the challenges of being away from home,Sherrin found strength inthe unwavering support of her daughter, Sherdell, duringthis lifesaving journey.

BLAYRE Calatyn and Camille Cartwight

Tackling the stress

By JEFFARAH GIBSON Tribune Features Writer jgibson@tribunemedia.net

APRILis StressAwareness

Month, a timededicated to spotlightingtheimpactofstress and promotingtools andhabits thathelppeoplecope.

In a world that’s constantly rushing emails to answer, bills to pay, andfamily to care for stressoften becomesasilent companion, lurking beneaththesurface.

For manyBahamians, recognising theirstress andfinding healthy ways tomanage it has beenlife-changing.

“Stressusedtoeatmealive,” saidSamantha Dean. I wasalwaysonedge,losingsleep,and snappingatthepeopleIlove.It wasn’tuntilIstartedjournaling everymorning andgoingon tech-free walks thatI realised howmuch betterI couldfeel. Now, my day starts with intentioninsteadofanxiety.

While stressis auniversal experience, theways people cope areas diverseas their lives.

For Andre Rolle, a father of two, stressmanagement means creatingboundaries.

“I hadto stopfeeling guilty forsaying no,” he toldTribune Health.

“Iusedtotakeoneveryextra taskat work,every favorfor

friends, and I was burning out.Now,Imaketimeformyself even ifit s just30 minutes alone in my car listeningto jazzbefore heading home. That peace is sacred.”

According to the American Institute of Stress, long-term stress can contributeto high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity, anddiabetes. But small, consistentpractices like breathing exercises,daily movement,or even laughter can lower cortisollevels andpromote overallhealth.

Christina Ingraham,a creativeentrepreneur, hasturned her stress reliefinto a daily ritual. Every evening, I light a candle,put onsomemusic, and dosomething withmy hands likepaintingorarranging flowers,” she said. There s something grounding about getting out of my head and into the presentmoment. It s therapy withoutthecouch.”

Others findhealing in movement. Dario Knowles, said hitting the gym is more about mentalhealth than physical appearance. “I lift weights notjust toget stronger, but toclear my mind.It’slikepressingareset button after a tough day.

Sleep is essential

By the American Heart Association

Whenit comestohealthy sleep, it'snot just howlong a personisat restthatmatters. Otherfactors, suchashow long ittakes tofall asleep, keepinga regularsleep schedule and the overall satisfaction withsleep, canall affectheartandbrainhealth,accordingtoa newsciencereport. The reportsummarises the latest evidenceon therelationship betweenmultiple componentsof sleepandcardiometabolic health factors, such asbody fat,blood sugar, cholesterol and blood pressure, as well as how healthy

sleepaffects physicalhealth and mentalwell-being. The scientificstatement fromthe American HeartAssociation waspublished Mondayinthe journal Circulation:Cardiovascular Qualityand Outcomes. "There isincreasing evidence that sleep health is about more than thenumber of hours you sleep each night," Dr Marie-Pierre St-Onge, chairof thestatement's writing group, saidin a news release. She is an associate professor of nutritional medicine inthe departmentof medicine anddirector ofthe Center ofExcellence for Sleepand CircadianRe-

Pfizer ends development of potential pill obesity treatment

By TOM MURPHY

AP Health Writer

Pfizer isending thedevelopmentof itspotentialoncedailypill treatmentfor obesity before venturing into thebiggest andmostexpensivelevel ofclinical testing. The drugmakersaid Tuesday that it would stop studying danuglipron after a participantinone ofitstrials experienced a possible druginduced liver injury that ended once the person stopped taking the treatment.

WhenIwalkout,Ifeellike

Ican handlewhatever s next.”

StressAwarenessMonth alsoserves asareminder that asking for help is okay.

“Therapy changed everything for me,” said JessicaTaylor.

“I thought Ihad to power througheverything alone.But talkingto someone whocould help me untangle my thoughts wasfreeing. Itgaveme tools I neverknew I needed.”

In workplaces,schools, and homes,more people arebeginning tonormalize conversations around stress. Employers are offering mental health days. Parents are teaching kids howto nametheiremotions.And friendsare checking inwith each other not just to talk but totrulylisten.

“We are not robots. We’re human,” Jessica added. And humansneed rest,joy,andsupport.”

faction, regularity,sleep-related daytime functioning and sleep architecture. Sleep continuityincludes how longit takesa personto fallasleep, howoftenthey wake duringthe night,how long they'reawake duringthe night, unplannedearly awakeningand sleepapnea. Poor sleep continuity has been linkedto ahigher risk for AFib,heart attack,high bloodpressure andgreaterinsulin resistance.

Thereisless dataonsleep timing, which refers to the time aperson typicallygoes to sleep andwhether they are sleeping during theday or night. However,some studies suggest going to sleep at midnight or later, compared to earlier, mayraise therisk of overweight orobesity, insulin resistance andhigh blood pressure.

the cycle that gets disrupted. The statementalso addresses theimpact ofsocial drivers of health – such as socioeconomic status,pollution and safety – on sleep health. More than 300studies show consistent associations betweenlowersocioeconomic status and suboptimal sleep health. Otherresearch has shownpeople inhistorically underrepresented racial and ethnic groupssleep lessand are more likelyto experience worsesleep continuityand sleep satisfaction, later bedtimes, more irregular sleep patterns, higher daytime drowsiness and a greater number of sleep disorders.

The once-dailyversion of thepill wasinearly-stage testing, withresearchers tryingtofigure outthebest dose for patients,a spokeswomansaid.Thecompanyintendedto movethe druginto late-stagetesting, whichis generally the last phase of development before a company submits the potential treatment to government regulators for approval. A company officialsaid in a statement that Pfizer still plans todevelop otherpotentialobesity treatmentsin

search,bothatColumbiaUniversity Irving Medical Center in New York City.

"Suboptimal sleepraises therisk forcardiovascular disease,along withriskof cognitive decline,depression, obesity, as wellas high blood pressure,blood sugarand cholesterol levels," she said.

The American Heart Associationincludes sleepdurationinits eightmetricsfor good heart andbrain health. Most adults need seven to nine hoursof sleepeach night. Studies show that not gettingenough increasesthe risk ofatrial fibrillation,or AFib, a type of irregular heartbeat; cardiometabolic

syndrome,a groupofconditionsthat raisethe riskfor Type 2 diabetes, heart disease and stroke;and bloodpressure that doesn'tdecrease as much as it should during sleep.Getting toomuchsleep alsohas beenlinked toa higher risk for cardiometabolic syndrome, along with stiffened arteries,stroke or death from heartdisease or stroke.

However, sleepduration is justonefacetofagoodnight's rest. According to the report, no singlecomponent captures people's sleepexperiences or how theirbody respondsto it. Other sleep components includecontinuity,timing,satis-

Lower satisfaction with one's sleepquality hasbeen linked to higherblood pressure,stiffer arteries,coronary heart diseaseand bloodpressurethat doesn'tdecrease during the night. Not havinga consistent sleep patternhas beenlinked to a higherrisk for obesity, cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, inflammation and blood pressure that doesn'tdrop duringthenight. Greater consistencyhas been shown to lower the risk for cardiovascular death.

Sleep-related daytime functioning, orhow alerta person feelsduringthe day,alsoaffects heart health. Excessive daytime sleepiness has been linkedto heartdiseaseand stroke and related deaths.

Sleeparchitecture – or the cyclingbetween stagesof light anddeep sleep – may also play arole in heart health. Somestudies suggest disruptions tosleep affect people differentlybased on

"It's important to know that every individualhas different sleepexperiences, andthese differences may contribute to other healthinequities," StOngesaid. "Includingdifferent components ofsleep in discussions withpatients providesessentialinformation that can helphealth care professionals improve care."

The statementconcludes that advances areneeded in how to measure and analyze the fullrange ofsleep componentsaffecting healthso they can be better addressed and improved.

St-Ongesaid peopleshould pay close attentionto how theyaresleeping justasthey do other aspectsof health and well-being.

"Some changes in sleep acrossthelife coursearenatural," she said."However, individuals should not accept pooror worseningsleep asa 'fact oflife' orunavoidable consequence of the aging process. Ifthey notenew difficulties falling or staying asleep, orexcessive daytime sleepiness, theyshould discussthis withtheir doctorfor furtherevaluation andpotential treatment."

earlier stages of testing. Obesity treatmentshave become one ofthe more promisingand lucrativesectors of drugdevelopment for pharmaceutical companies. EliLilly andCo.'sZepbound, forinstance,broughtinnearly $5billion insalesin 2024,its first full year on the market. But leadingtreatments like Zepbound andNovo Nordisk'sWegovy areinjectable.

Drugmakers areeager todevelop an easier-to-take pill version forpatients whodon't wantto dealwith needlesand daily injections. Lilly researchersexpect to seedatathisyearfromstudies of a couplepotential oral treatments it has developed. Whilethe drugshavebecometop-sellers, manypatients havehad ahard time gettingthem eitherdue tore-

cently concluded shortages or patchy insurancecoverage. BothLillyand Novohaverecentlyannounced pricecuts, butthe treatmentscanstill cost hundreds ofdollars a month, putting themout of reach for some people without coverage. Pfizer said in late 2023 that it wouldabandon atwicedaily version of danuglipron that hadadavnced tomid-

stage testing aftermore than half thepatients ina clinical trial stopped taking it.

A company spokeswoman saidthe decisionannounced Monday meant Pfizer would alsostop testingdanuglipron in combinationwith other drugs to treat obesity. Shares ofNew York-based PfizerInc. advanced12cents to $22.03 inmorning trading Monday.

Tanya is baking her way into Bahamian hearts

By ALESHA CADET Tribune Features Reporter acadet@tribunemedia.net

IT BEGAN witha craving. Locked indoors during the height ofthe COVID-19 global pandemic, Tanya Wemyss reached for her mixing bowl,unknowingly settingthe foundationfor whatwouldbecomeoneofthe sweetest businesses in Nassau.

From that moment of homemade comfortcame Craving a Cookie, a brand now known forits soft, freshbaked cookiesthat satisfy eventhe moststubbornsweet tooth. It wasduring COVID,and my familyand Iwanted something sweet whilst in lockdown, Tanya recalled. The entrepreneursaid shealwayshadapassionforbaking, so atthe time shemade a batchof chocolatechip cookies, posting theresults to her social media status' when theyweredone.

Thepost didn t just get likes, it got laughs, compli-

ments, and cookie threats. “ Peoplewere jokinglythreatening to breakcurfew to purchase a few. One of my cousins,messagedtosaythatI shouldconsider sellingthem forhownicetheylooked, she said. After aquick chatwith her mother,who toldher tojust “do it”, Tanya turned a simple craving intoa full-fledged business. Today, Craving a Cookie offers a pillowy, soft cookie experiencelike noother,including hersignature cheesecake cookies thatmelt in your mouth.“Techniqueisveryimportant in craftinga tasty cookie. The blendof cream cheeseandtherightamountof sugar canbring thesoftest, cloudlikemeltinyourmouth, cookie, sheexplained. What setsTanya’s cookies apart isn t justthe taste, it s thepassion,patience,andpersistence behindevery batch. Her journey has included moments of trial,like the time shespent monthsperfectinga singlecookie.

“There wasa cookieI

worked on for3 months, not getting the resultsthat I wanted. Therewere tears, there werewasted batchesof cookiedough, therewas alot of‘Ishouldleavethisalone’” sheadmitted. Buteventually, all theeffort paidoff withthe creationof hernow-popular Walnut andCran cookie,a sweetandsaltyfavorite.

As a female entrepreneur in TheBahamas, Tanyahas facedher shareofchallenges. From longwaits forlicensing to skyrocketing ingredient prices andinconsistent stock, she’s had tolearn to navigate thebumpswithgraceandgrit.

The inconsistenciescanbe verydiscouraging, attimes, but I have learnedhow to organiseand planmoreeffectively toensure Ihave everything Ineed tokeep my business running,” said Tanya.

TheCravingaCookiemenu isalwaysexpanding,andsois Tanya s heart forher customers. “I have been challenged by some of my customerswith allergyintolerance,to createmoregluten

Domestic violence unit opens

Prime MinisterPhilip Davis, as he officially opened the Royal Bahamas Police Force DomesticViolence Unit, declared it is part of a broader strategy inthe fight againstsuchincidents. Theunitisoutfittedwithoffice spaces for administrative and counseling services, livingquarters, kitchen,and children’s playroom, among otheramenities. This unit ispart of a broaderstrategy. Itlinks tolegislativereform, toincreased support forshelters andsafe housing, and toeducation that helps us prevent violence beforeitstarts,”saidMrDavis.

MrDavis said: Today, we takeastepforward notafix, not afinish line, buta real step in sayingto thepeople whoare hurting:we’re here, and we re doing something aboutit.

Headded:“Thisunitwasn’t created forstatistics orfor press releases. Itwas created for that woman who has packed and unpackedher bag

a dozen times,trying to find therightmomenttoleave. It was created for the child who flinches at raised voices, because they velearned what comes next. Itwas created for theneighbourwho’sheardthe yelling through thewall and wonderedwhethertoknockor stayquiet.

Headded: “But we are saying thatthis isa country where your safety matters, your voice matters, and your painwillnolongerbeignored. Thisunitwillbestaffedbyofficers whohave receivedspecialist training training not only in handling sensitive cases,butin howtorespond with empathy, urgency, and care.”

He said officers would workhand-in-handwithsocial workers,shelters, andother partnerssuchasTheBahamas Crisis Centre,so survivors don t have to repeat their stories, orfeel likethey’re navigatingthesystemalone. Andthey willbeheld toa high standard because the

free andvegan options,” she said.

Keto-friendly cookieswith add-inslike chocolatechips, craisins, orraisins arenow available. And when the Fall season rollsaround, supporters eagerlyawait thedecadent Apple Caramel Crisp bar,a seasonalfavoritefeaturing cookie crust, caramelised appleslices, anoatmeal cinnamon crumble,and acarameldrizzle.

Moreover,in additionto cookies, the brandnow includesspecialty lemonadesin flavorslike OleFashioned, Passion Fruit, Tropical, Cucumber, Strawberry, and Ginger.Tanya alsoofferscatering optionswith awide varietyof cookieflavorsand sizesforevents.

To stay up to date with CravingaCookie,readersare askedtocall242535-7632to placeordersor visitTanyaat the Yamacraw Farmer’s Market at Nassau East South Park every two weeks. The next market willbe held this coming Saturday,April 19, from8amto4pm.

trust ofsurvivors is something wemust earn,and never takefor granted,” the primeministersaid. He added: I ve spokento survivors. I’vesat with womenwho vetoldmeabout the yearsthey spenttrying to smile through their pain whostayed, notbecause theydidn’t wantto leave,butbecausetheydidn’t know if anyone would help them when they did. And I’ve heardfromofficers goodofficers who saidthey wanted to help butweren’t always sure what stepsto take, or whetherthe supportsystem wasinplaceforthemtoact.

“So we’refixing that. Quietly. Carefully.Deliberately.Becauseweoweittothe people whotrusted us once andwere letdown to make surethat neverhappens again.”

Photos: Patrice Johnson/BIS

TANYA WEMYSS

By Breanne Hayes Haney West Virginia University

Aretwins allergictothe samethings? – Ella, age7, Philadelphia

Allergies, whetherspring sneezes due topollen or trouble breathing triggered by acertainfood,arecausedbya combination ofsomeone's genesand theenvironment they live in.

The morethings two people share, thehigher their chancesof beingallergicto thesame things.Twinsare more likely toshare allergies because ofeverything they have in common,but the story doesn't end there.

I'm an allergist and immunologist,andpart ofmyjobis treatingpatientswhohaveenvironmental, foodor drugallergies. Allergies are really complex,and alot offactors play arole in whogets them and who doesn't.

What is an allergy?

Your immunesystem makes defense proteins called antibodies. Their job is to keep watch and attack any invading germs orother dangerous substances thatget insideyour bodybeforethey can make you sick.

Anallergy happenswhen your bodymistakes some usually harmless substance fora harmfulintruder.These triggermolecules arecalled allergens.

The antibodies stick like suctioncups totheallergens, settingoff animmunesystem

Are twins allergic to the same things?

reaction. Thatprocess leads to common allergy symptoms: sneezing, a runny or stuffy nose, itchy, watery eyes, a cough. These symptoms can beannoying but minor.

Allergies can alsocause a life-threatening reaction called anaphylaxis that requires immediate medical attention.For example,if someone ate a food they were allergicto, andthenhad throat swellingand arash, that would be considered anaphylaxis.

The traditionaltreatment for anaphylaxisis ashot of thehormone epinephrineinto theleg muscle.Allergysuffererscanalso carryanauto-

injector to give themselves an emergency shot in case of a life-threatening case of anaphylaxis. An epinephrine nasal sprayis nowavailable, too, whichalso worksvery quickly.

A person canbe allergic to things outdoors, like grass or treepollenand beestings,or indoors, like pets and tiny bugscalled dustmitesthat hangoutin carpetsandmattresses.

Aperson canalso beallergic to foods. Food allergies affect 4%to 5%of thepopulation. Themost commonare to cow's milk,eggs, wheat, soy,peanuts, treenuts,fish, shellfishand sesame.Sometimespeople growout ofal-

lergies,and sometimesthey are lifelong.

Who gets allergies?

Each antibodyhas aspecific target, whichis why somepeople mayonly beallergic to one thing.

The antibodies responsible for allergies also take care of cleaning upany parasitesthat your body encounters. Thanks tomodern medicine, people in the United States rarely deal with parasites. Those antibodies are still ready to fight,though, and sometimes they misfire at silly things,like pollenor food.

Hygiene and the environmentaround youcanalso play a role in how likely it is

you'll developallergies. Basically, themore different kinds of bacteria that you're exposed to earlierin life, the less likely youare to develop allergies. Studieshave even shownthat kidswho growup on farms, kids who have pets before the age of 5, and kids whohavea lotofsiblingsare less likelyto developallergies.Being breastfedasa baby can alsoprotect against having allergies.

Childrenwho growupin cities aremore likelyto developallergies, probablydue to airpollution, asare childrenwho arearoundpeople who smoke.

Kidsareless likelytodevelopfoodallergiesiftheytry foods early in life rather than waiting untilthey areolder. Sometimes a certain job can contribute toan adultdeveloping environmental allergies. For example, hairdressers, bakers and car mechanics can develop allergies due tochemicals they work with.

Genetics canalso playa huge role in why some people develop allergies. If a mom or dad has environmental or food allergies, theirchild is more likely to have allergies. Specifically forpeanut allergies,if yourparent orsibling is allergic topeanuts, you are seven times morelikely to be allergic to peanuts!

Identical in allergies?

Back to the idea of twins: Yes,theycan beallergicto thesame things,but notal-

ways. Researchers inAustralia found that 60% to 70% of twinsin onestudy bothhad environmental allergies, and identical twinswere more likely to share allergies than fraternal (nonidentical)twins. Identical twins share 100% of their genes, while fraternal twins only share about 50% of their genes,the same as any pair of siblings.

A lot moreresearch has been done onthe genetics of food allergies. Onepeanut allergystudy foundthat identical twinswere more likely toboth beallergic to peanutsthan fraternaltwins were.

So,twinscan beallergicto the same things, and it's more likelythat theywill be,based on theirshared geneticsand growing uptogether. But twins aren't automatically allergic tothe exactsame things.

Imagine if two twins are separatedat birthandraised in different homes: one on a farmwith petsandone inthe inner city. What if one's parentssmoke, andtheothers don't? What ifone lives with a lotof siblings andthe other isan onlychild? Theycertainly coulddevelop different allergies,or maybenotdevelop allergies at all. Scientists likeme arecontinuingto researchallergies, and we hope to have more answers in the future.

Originally published on www.theconversation.com

MARINE FORECAST

Ten confident queensMiss Universe Bahamas 2025 contestants unveiled

By JEFFARAH GIBSON Tribune Features Writer jgibson@tribunemedia.net

A NEWera ofelegance, empowerment, andevolution beginsas theMissUniverse Bahamas Organizationofficially unveiled the ten contestants vying forthe coveted 2025 crownthis past weekend.

The unveilingand sashing ceremonywas heldatThe Rosewood BahaMar on Sunday.

Fans were able to see the contestants fully styled and sashed, marking their official introduction to the national stage.

Representing theislands with “styleand strength” are this year’s topten:Halle Bowe, Vanya Cartwright, Buronka Verneus, Timiah Forbes, MarissaCoakley, Nyisha Tilus,Maliqué Bowe, Laura Smith, Trinae Thompson, andBeyonce Forbes.

With boldchanges thatreflect themodern faceof pageantry,this year’s competitionisset tobreakbarriers andraisethebar.

The journey began just three weeksago, whenthe contestants gatheredat the historicBritishColonialHotel

forthe2025orientation.

Thegrand finalewillbe heldonMay 25that8pmat theiconic AtlantisShowroom on Paradise Island where one exceptional woman will be crowned Miss Universe Bahamas2025.

Amongthemostsignificant updates to the national competitionare expandedeligibility requirements a move thatmirrors globalprogress within the Miss Universe brand. This year,there is no agelimit,and forthefirst time,the pageantwelcomes marriedwomenandmothers.

“Thisis aboutcelebrating the woman, nota version of her,” saidnational director Anthony Smith. “Whether she sa businessowner,a mom, astudent, orall three Miss Universe Bahamasis redefiningwhatit meanstobeconfidentlybeautiful.

This shift is also reflected in the competition s new digital-forward format.Audiences canengage likenever before,with ticketpurchases and voting forthe People’s Choiceawardtakingplaceentirely online.The contestant who secures themost votes will earnan automaticspot in theTop Six a groundbreaking opportunity that

places power directlyin the handsofthepublic.

Atthe heartof thepageant lies the Miss Universe Bahamas EmpowermentProgram,nowin itsthirdyear. This ten-week journey goes far beyondbeauty, offeringa transformative experience throughtwodynamicpillars: Professional Development: Highlights include the prestigious Business Symposium, where contestantssit inon panel discussions led by top Bahamian CEOs, entrepreneurs, andinnovators. It sa standout featureof theprogram,” Mr Smithsaid. “It inspires ambitionand often sparks mentorshipconnections that last far beyond the pageant.

Aspartoftheprogramcontestants receive personal empowerment: contestants receiveimmersive trainingin essential life and career skills from public speaking and etiquette to media handling, personal branding, and poiseunderpressure.

Contestantswilltakepartin editorial-style photoshoots, brand partnerships, sponsor receptions, anda signature “girls day out” to a secluded cay areminder thatthe journey is justas important as thecrown.

Books to inspire children to follow astronaut Aisha

By CARA HUNT Tribune Features Writer

cbrennen@tribunemedia.net

WHEN Aisha Bowe

blasted offto spaceyesterday morning she tooka page from thebookRun RebelRunby Peter Matkiwsky inside her flightbag-the bookisaninspirational guide to help person achieve their wildest dreams. Her experience may have only lasteda fewminutes, but itrepresented theculmination ofalife-longdreamcometrue and muchhard work.Aisha wasapartofanhistoricall-femalecrew thatincluded journalist GayleKing, singer KatyPerry, LaurenSanchez, KerianneFlynn, andactivist AmandaNguyen.

Itwas thefirst fullyfemale crewed mission since the 1963soloflightofSovietcosmonaut Valentina Tereshkova.

Aisha isan aerospaceengineer STEMadvocate, and entrepreneur. Sheis the founder and CEO of STEMBoard,atechnologycompany, and LINGO, an educational tech companyfeaturing tu-

torialsand onlineresources featuring NASCARdriver BubbaWallace. Formanymothers,thiswas a moment to inspire their own littlesto chasetheirown dreams.

Sonia, a mom of two, says she willbe purchasingthe book Run Rebel Run and has alreadydiscussed theimportanceofyesterday sflight.

"AsthemomoftwodaughtersIamsothrilledthatAisha had the chance to go and do this.Iwatchedthelaunchwith my girlsand for me Iwas the most excited for her to go becauseof courseherBahamian heritage, but also because she issoinspiring asaSTEM leader and thishas been her lifelongdream.AndIfeellike ofthegroupshereallyhadthe experience and background thatshedeservedit,andthatis not to take away from the otherwomen, butI wasso proudofherandIwilladmitI criedabit.

Leana also saysthat she watchedwith hereight-yearolddaughter.

“I used thisan opportunity to talkto mydaughter about theimportance ofmathand

HubbleSpacetelescope.

science andthe factthat this wasa littlegirl whosefamily camefrom TheBahamasand youknowwhatthatmakesita lot more relatable to her than some of the others, it also has madeher wantto visitthe Kennedy Space Centre when wego toOrlandothis summer. If yesterday’sevents has captured theimagination of yourown children,youmay wantto considerpurchasing thesebooks aboutpioneering space females to inspire the next generation of Bahamian womenastronauts

Baby loves Aerospace by RuthSpiro- it s never too earlytofoster aloveofspace and thisboard bookhelps littlesunderstand howbirds and planesfly inthe skyand not space – thatis until a rockethelpsbabybirdout.

Alwayslookingup–Nancy Grace RomanAstronomer by Laura Gehl -Enourage your kids to reach forthe stars by reading about someone who made it acareer. Nancy Roman was apioneer in the fieldofastronomy andachief of astronomy atNASA and is nicknamedthe motherofthe

Margaretand themoon: How MargaretHamilton saved the firstLunar landing by DeanRobbins. Thisbiography isabout Margaret Hamiliton a pioneering softwareengineer whohelped writethecodeusedforthehistoric first moon landing. The movieHidden Figuresissimilartothiswith afocusonthe role African American played inthespace programmeinthe early 1960s. It is based on the bookof thesame nameby MargotLeeShetterly.

Counting onKatherine: HowKatherineJohnsonsaved

Apollo 13 byHelaine Becker tells the storyof Katherine Johnson, oneof thehuman computers at NASA featured inHiddenFigures. Mae amongthe starsby RodaAhmed –This book encourages youngwomen especially tofollow theirdreams by takinginspiration from MaeJemison whobecamethe First AfricanAmerican womantotravelinspace. Howtohear theUniverseGabyGonzalezandthesearch forEinstein’sRipplesinSpace Time by PatriciaValdez. Gabriela Gonzalez piggybacked off Einstein’s initial theories

aboutsound wavesinspace andwasabletoactuallyprove it100 yearsafter hisinitial theory.

Caroline’sComet – A true story by EmilyArnold McQully – Thisbook provesthat a girlwho was bornduring a time when girls where not expected toachieve muchdefinitelycould changetheworld. Caroline and herbrother both had a loveof astronomy and built the greatest telescope of their age. Shediscovered 14 nebulae and twogalaxies and was the firstwoman to discover a comet and be officiallyemployedasascientist.

AISHA Bowe