05262023 NEWS, SPORT AND BUSINESS

CCA ‘SAbotAged’ bAhA mAr build

Major legal win for Izmirlian as judge rules in New York

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

SARKIS Izmirlian yesterday secured a major legal victory after a New York judge ruled “it is now clear” that China Construction America (CCA) sabotaged Baha Mar’s completion and orchestrated the developer’s removal.

Judge Andrew Borrok shredded the Chinese-state owned contractor’s bid to

obtain a summary judgment that would have dismissed Mr Izmirlian’s $2.25bn fraud claim, and instead found for the mega resort’s original developer on every legal issue raised.

The ruling paves the way for a two-week trial of Mr Izmirlian’s $2.25bn fraud and breach of contract claim against CCA, which is due to be heard by the New York court in August.

acting coP: Prosection of P olice officers in major trial uP to dPP

By LYNAIRE MUNNINGS Tribune Staff Reporter lmunnings@tribunemedia.net

ACTING Commissioner of Police Leamond Deleveaux yesterday declined to react to the Coroner’s Court ruling that Azario Major’s police-involved killing was a homicide by manslaughter, stressing that the matter will be addressed by the Office of the Director of

Public Prosecutions.

“We never like when anyone loses their life, no one, whether on the police side or the other side, but I will reserve comments until the DPP has forwarded her office findings to the commissioner of police,” he said yesterday.

Major was killed outside Woody’s Bar on Fire Trail Road on December 26, 2021.

more suPP ort needed for carni Val, say re V ellers

By LETRE SWEETING Tribune Staff Reporter lsweeting@tribunemedia.net

IN the aftermath of The Bahamas Carnival festivities, some groups are concerned about the level of financial support and foreign engagement the event attracted.

Alrene “Ann” Balfour, the owner of Xtasy Da Mas Band, said it was a challenging year.

“We had quite a bit of

Halkitis: not considering fuel retailers margin fix

By EARYEL BOWLEG Tribune Staff Reporter ebowleg@tribunemedia.net

ECONOMIC Affairs

Minister Michael Halkitis confirmed yesterday that the Davis administration is not considering adjusting price margins in favour of petroleum retailers despite some refusing to sell diesel amid complaints about high operating costs. Mr Halkitis’ comment came after Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis said retailers who withhold diesel are hurting themselves.

“They decided to do what they wanted to do,” Mr Davis said, “and it’s their business that they are

us VP V isiting ba H amas to meet leaders from region

By JADE RUSSELL Tribune Staff Reporter jrussell@tribunemedia.net

US Vice President Kamala Harris will be the highest ranking US government official to visit The Bahamas since 1973 when she arrives on June 8 to meet Caribbean leaders.

Press Secretary Clint Watson announced yesterday that, in his capacity as CARICOM chairman, Prime Minister Phillip “Brave” Davis will co-host the US Caribbean leaders meetings with Mrs Harris.

“This gathering will convene leaders from CARICOM and other key regional stakeholders,”

challenges leading up to carnival,” she said. “One of our main challenges was getting local sponsorship

and local support. But through it all we were able to still come out and a lot of support from past persons who have participated in the band. We were still able to get to the road.

“A lot of the bands dropped out the week of carnival. They said they couldn’t make it and that’s because of local sponsorship too. We don’t get the support like Junkanoo. I

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Halkitis: not considering fuel retailers margin fix

impacting. Hopefully, they will understand what it is to conduct business in environments such as this.”

Mr Halkitis said the administration is sympathetic to the plight of retailers. “Diesel is still available in the island,” he said. “The position of some of the retailers is that the profit they’re making on it currently is not sufficient for them to continue. We hope that they reconsider that.”

Mr Halkitis noted talks with retailers about solutions have been ongoing for many months. “The government last year provided tax rebates to the tune of six million dollars to the retail petroleum dealers; $5.5m in cash and $500k as an offset to some of the taxes that were owing. So we have made an effort to help to ease their burden and some support to give them some breathing room.”

In a statement yesterday, the Bahamas Petroleum Retailers Association said

retailers are in a “desperate place financially”. The association highlighted increasing expenses, noting the government implemented a 24 per cent increase in the minimum wage on January 1, 2023.

“This applied to virtually all employees in the retail fuel sector,” the association said. “This had a knock-on effect to services provided to retail stations; ie, security, etc.

“We need the government back at the table to conclude the deal that was presented. Despite

statements made, rest assured the petroleum dealers are united in this cause to obtain an increase in the fuel margins. We are quite aware of the importance of fuels to our customers and equally we are committed to provide that service and as such we have restarted diesel sales.”

“We are hopeful that we will hear from the government today. However, failing resolution to this matter we will have no choice but to take further action.”

more SUPPort needed for carni Val, S ay re V ellerS

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guess we tried to do carnival like the other Caribbean and ours got started late, of course, but it is what it is.”

Ms Balfour said insufficient early advertisements caused financial challenges.

“We had one sponsorship from Liquorland, a local company that came on board maybe a month before carnival. It wasn’t a lot of advertisement going on in terms of getting the bands out there,” she said. “The whole thing was not advertised like it usually is, so therefore, we didn’t have a lot of out-of-town persons participating. I

think we maybe had about four persons because we had persons calling saying, ‘hey, what’s happening with Bahamas Carnival? We don’t see any advertisements or anything being posted to say that carnival is here or it’s coming.”

Sean Burrows, owner of the Euphoria Madness band, said many participants signed up late due to financial constraints.

“This year, we didn’t have the number that we normally have, but we kind of expected that because a lot of persons are just coming out of that COVID situation,” he said. “So you know some persons still haven’t really caught themselves financially. I think

some persons really wanted to sit back and observe to see how 2023 would go.

“In terms of my revellers, everyone had a good time. The challenges we had, I would say, would be early sign-ups. We had a lot of late sign-ups, and, of course, you know the main factor is sponsorship. It assists with the cost of the road. I feel as though 2023 went off very well.”

“As you know only six bands participated this year. You know it isn’t cheap to bring a carnival group to the road so if persons could get some good sponsorship, that start-up money would be a great help to get things rocking and rolling until the time for persons

to start purchasing their costumes. We still had a good number of spectators observing and watching so it shows that persons are still interested in watching it. But other than that everything went well.”

Meanwhile, Island Rhythms Mas Band owner Dario Tirelli said careful planning and strategy starting in January had his band prepared for the challenges.

“To make a profit, you either have a big income or cut your expenses,” he said. “So from January, we realized that the local revellers did not want to pay what they normally pay for costumes, so we watched the trend and the market. We

went heavy with a t-shirt package, but we did have some costumes and that was a business decision by myself and our business partners. “After 12 months of planning, after testing out the market with this new route, it happened. What we decided was not to incur too much expense so we streamlined based on costume sales, which was horrendous this year. We decided that we can’t, you know, just take a big loss, so we decided to streamline our expenses and that’s what we did. And I must say, we were successful in that.” Mr Tirelli also spoke about sponsorship

challenges the band had this year.

“We did get some sponsors. Unfortunately, the two big sponsors normally only sponsor two to three companies and that’s it, which is unfortunate. I think they need to look at us as one big product.”

“Our business model is to bring in income for the country as it brings in income for us. So we’re pushing the orange economy. The expectation for the future is more foreign dollars in, more foreign revellers. That’s also where we took a hit, with foreign revellers, because that’s where the big revenue comes from. And the expectation is to continue to build the product,” he said.

Organisers hailed this year’s Carnival event a ‘suCCess’

By LETRE SWEETING Tribune Staff Reporter lsweeting@tribunemedia.net

POLANTRA Media, the organisers of the recent Bahamas carnival, hailed the event a success.

Four days of fetes, competitions, parties, and concerts happened from May 18-21, featuring local and international artistslike Buju Banton, Kes and the Band, Wendi, Patrice Murrell, DMAC, the Battle of the Bands, Tennyson John, Fadda Fox, Bunji Garlin, Fayann Lyons, Fresh, DJ Cannon, 1K Gaza and more.

Trevor Davis, a representative of Polantra Media, said although there were significant challenges this year, he is proud that the Bahamas Carnival Experience showcased many Bahamian talent.

Mr Davis highlighted Saturday’s road march, featuring six major bands and a concert series at the national stadium featuring reggae, socca and Bahamian artists.

“Saturday was the road march, and the road march went very well,” he said. “We were happy with the movement this year. The parade seemed to move on time this year, which is very good. It gave persons a chance to regenerate, go home and get ready to come out for the Saturday night event. And that featured Buju Banton, Kes the Band and others and the place was full to capacity. And so Saturday night was a success.

“Then Sunday was the cooldown, the cooler fete out on Arawak Cay Beach. The persons showed up a little late for this, but they did come and they showed up in numbers. So it was a little later than we expected, but it was a grand time.

“At the end of the weekend, we couldn’t end it in no better style and fashion, than seeing all those young persons coming out and enjoying themselves.”

Mr Davis said organisers are already working to improve next year’s event.

US VP V iSiting bahama S to meet leaderS from region

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Mr Watson said during an Office of the Prime Minister press briefing. The agenda for the discussion comprises pressing global concerns including climate change, energy management, food security, and the process of rebuilding in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic.”

Building on the foundation of previous meetings, the dialogue will continue to highlight the importance of climate change and mitigation and will address the region’s energy crisis, Mr Watson said. He noted strategies will also be discussed to reduce the region’s reliance on fossil fuels.

Mrs Harris previously met Caribbean leaders at the June 2022 Summit of the Americas in Los Angeles.

The prime minister also met with Mrs Harris at the White House in January to discuss several issues facing The Bahamas and the wider region.

“The vice president’s trip delivers on the BidenHarris Administration’s commitment to advance cooperation with the Caribbean, pursue shared prosperity and security,

and celebrate the common bonds between our nations,” a U.S. Embassy statement said. “The vice president is traveling to The Bahamas during Caribbean-American Heritage Month and will celebrate the longstanding peopleto-people ties between the Caribbean and the United States.”

US Embassy Nassau’s Chargé d’Affaires, Usha Pitts, applauded the timing of Mrs Harris’ visit.

“Vice President Harris will be the highest-ranking U.S. government official to visit The Bahamas since Independence in 1973,” she said. “Her visit commemorates not just 50 years of Bahamian independence, but also and 50 years of enduring partnership between our two nations.”

“Next year, the embassy team will move into our new $310 million-dollar complex in downtown Nassau. From this base of operations, we look forward to strengthening our bilateral ties for the next 50 years and beyond. Vice President Harris’ visit demonstrates the value of our friendship and solidifies our commitment to address climate change and advance our shared democratic principles.”

“I think, personally, that we as a country need to realise what we have here in the Bahamas. And once we realise what we have here in The Bahamas, the overall experience will exceed everybody’s expectations, because we will have those persons flying down to the Bahamas in droves.

“I think part of the reason we’re not getting the numbers that we ought to be getting, or we need to be getting is just because we tend to put our product into market too late.”

Mr Davis said: “So going into next year’s carnival, we all understand this. So we plan to do our launches earlier this year: October, November and get out the gate early.”

“I definitely think we will start to see our visitors numbers start to trend up. The locals are doing a pretty good job with coming out and supporting. But again, the whole idea of carnival is to put heads in beds.

“It’s not just for the local person to participate, but

for international people to come and be a part because it’s such a large travel community that

follows carnivals all over the world. All we have been trying to do is get a piece of that pie.”

Mr Davis could not provide cost and expense details for this year’s carnival event.

Fuel retailers temporarily closed diesel pump sales as they hope to get government back to the table to increase margins on fuel sales. Photo: Moise Amisial

Four days of fetes, competitions, parties, and concerts happened from May 18-21, featuring local and international artists and several groups in feathered costumes revelled in this year’s Carnival event. Organisers Polantra Media touted the event as a success.

Photo: Austin Fernander

National Trade Policy looks to diversify the Bahamian economy

By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net

THE Ministry of Economic Affairs launched the country’s national trade policy yesterday, with Minister Michael Halkitis hailing the document as an important component of the government’s plans to diversify the Bahamian economy.

“Today is a monumental day as we officially introduce the national trade policy to the public,” Mr Halkitis said during a press conference at the prime minister’s office yesterday.

“It cannot be overstated how important having a comprehensive and cohesive trade policy is to our national development. This policy is a key component of a wider development strategy to diversify the economy and power Bahamian businesses domestically and internationally, and lower the trade deficit.”

“Key areas that are being targeted by the government, such as niche agricultural and fisheries products, uniquely Bahamian craft, food and goods and other green blue and orange economy products and services, will all benefit from this policy. “

Mr Halkitis said the national trade policy was the product of continuous stakeholder engagement, adding: “We have incorporated much of that engagement to ensure that the policy before us today is as strong and comprehensive and inclusive as possible.”

“We must ensure that our policies allow the Bahamians to tap into global markets without unnecessarily long processes and exorbitant expenses. Our trade policy should make business owners feel like we are helping them to reach an international client base.

Instead of jumping through hoops, they should feel like the government is giving them a boost. And that is what we hope to achieve through this policy.”

As he lamented the country’s economic vulnerabilities to natural disasters, he said trade would play a significant role in how

The Bahamas builds a new, diverse and more resilient economy.

“There are many more steps to take in this journey as we explore The Bahamas’ true potential for trade,” Mr Halkitis said. “What matters most where this policy is concerned is its impact. Ultimately, the true measure of the effectiveness of this policy lies in its ability to empower Bahamian businesses, know the trade deficit and contribute to the creation of a more resilient and diverse economy. “

“And just as more emphasis will be placed on effective implementation as was placed on the development of the policy and with practical application, we anticipate that we will continue to work hand in hand with Bahamians to ensure that we are moving towards a future where Bahamian businesses can effortlessly export their products to the world.”

The newly released policy has four themes: reducing imports, expanding exports, diversifying exports, and strengthening domestic competitiveness.

The National Trade Policy report says: “Action areas to expand domestic production of goods for the Bahamian market include a review of the tariff structure with a view to enhancing the level of effective protection granted to domestic producers, measures to reduce the imports of mineral fuels, as well as a number of support measures for the domestic industry.”

Regarding expanding exports, the report says the main focus is to remove market access barriers abroad, expand export promotion and provide targets for making exporting easier and cheaper through export financing and insurance schemes, etc.

For export diversification,

the report adds: “The focus will be on products and sectors that are based on locally available raw materials (also in the figurative sense) such as further marine products, selected agriculture products such as cascarilla, or the creative industries (including services).”

THE Ministry of Economic Affairs launched the country’s national trade policy yesterday, with Minister Michael Halkitis hailing the document as an important component of the government’s plans to diversify the Bahamian economy.

The report also notes that upgrading the quality of infrastructure is the main contribution of the national trade policy under the theme of strengthening domestic competitiveness.

“We have been extremely busy working assiduously to understand the importance of trade to educate

and promote what trade has to offer to The Bahamas as well as to look for new opportunities for Bahamian businesses to grow both domestically and internationally, particularly with respect to export opportunities,” said Phillip Galanis, chairman of The Bahamas Trade Commission.

Bahamas s triping working to improve eleuthera and long island roads

By JADE RUSSELL Tribune Staff Reporter jrussell@tribunemdia.net

BAHAMAS Striping Group of Companies (BSGC) general manager Melanie Roach said the company is working to improve roads on Eleuthera and Long Island.

The former works director spoke yesterday during the Office of the Prime Minister’s weekly press briefing.

She said an Eleuthera Public Private Partnership (PPP) road work project would result in the reconstruction and paving of 93 miles of highway and 50 miles of settlement roads.

She said the work would start in the south and move northward.

“The works will commence in the south and move progressively northward,” she said. “It includes the milling and the paving of the majority

of the Queen’s Highway. There will be some areas that will need to be reconfigured, realigned, raised, in order to address some flooding areas. She said additional work would include installing required traffic lights and drainage infrastructure. She said two local Eleuthera contractors, Quick-Fix Construction and NuView Construction, will do the base work for 50 miles of settlement roads.

For Long Island, 119 miles of road is expected to be improved, including 90 miles of the island’s main highway and 29 miles of settlement roads.

“Rowdy Boys Construction, a locally based company in Long Island will be responsible for all of the base works on that project for the 119 miles,” Ms Roach said. “There

are some additional water works that need to be taken care of in Eleuthera and in Long Island and so we have included for that in the project funding.”

t hree primary school students hit By vehicle, one in serious condition

By LYNAIRE MUNNINGS Tribune Staff Reporter lmunnings@tribunemedia.net

THREE students of Ridgeland Primary School were hit by a vehicle while trying to cross the road yesterday, with one of them listed in serious condition in hospital.

The students are siblings and were in grades one, four and six, according to the Acting Director of Education Dominique McCartney-Russell.

In a press statement, the Ministry of Education and Technical and Vocational Training said the students were crossing the road in the area opposite the Teachers and Salaried Workers Cooperative Credit Union on the EastWest Highway.

“Yesterday, three primary school children were hit by

a vehicle whilst seeking to cross the road in the area opposite the Teachers and Salaried Workers Cooperative Credit Union on the East-West Highway. Our current information is that one of the children is listed in a serious condition.

“It is imperative that road users exercise due care and caution as it relates to pedestrians and in particular school children in and outside of school hours and in and around schools.”

“The safety and wellbeing of our children is paramount and we ask all road users to collaborate in ensuring the safety of pedestrians, especially younger pedestrians on our streets.”

Ms McCartney-Russell said the students are shaken up by the incident, therefore the ministry is seeking to offer them

psychological support.

“I can’t imagine what that parent or those parents felt having heard about the accident and so we certainly are praying for them,” he said.

“We are going to continue to sensitise our children as well as our team members on road safety.

“We believe too that Road Traffic will continue to sensitize the general public to look out for children because at that age, in primary school, they are developing, some of them are very short and sometimes you can’t even see them over cars. We just need to pay greater attention on the road, particularly when children are in the midst.”

The ministry is aiming to focus on training students on road safety and relaunching the Junior Road Safety Programme.

three armed roBerries take place within 24 hours on new providence

By LYNAIRE MUNNINGS Tribune Staff Reporter lmunnings@tribunemedia.net

THREE-armed robbery incidents happened less than 24 hours apart in New Providence on Wednesday. The first incident occurred around 11.30am on East Bay Street and Mackey Street. According to reports,

three armed male occupants of a white Nissan Cube approached a man while he waited for public transportation.

The victim was robbed of an undisclosed amount of cash. The suspects fled east on East Bay Street, making good their escape.

Around 5pm, a woman and her acquaintance were robbed of an undisclosed amount of cash

while in the area of Bernard Road and Rose Street after they were approached by two men, one of whom produced a firearm.

In the final incident, a man at a residence in the Kennedy Subdivision was approached by two masked and armed men around 11pm. The victim was robbed of his grey 2012 Nissan March, license plate #AY2321.

Photo: Moise Amisial

Downtown needs improvement as ‘historic city has been rotting in front of us’ Maura says

By EaryEl BowlEg Tribune Staff reporter ebowleg@tribunemedia.net

NASSAU Cruise Port

CEO Mike Maura said when the port opens, officials will meet members of the Downtown Nassau Partnership to determine how to beautify Downtown with an $8m investment.

According to an agreement the port has with the government, the $8m must be spent no later than 12 months after the port is open.

“Over a million of it has been spent already in terms of renovating the tourism building that sits to the north end of Rawson Square, converting that into a tourism

police station,” he said, adding money was also spent moving vendors into Rawson Square and demolishing old shacks in the vicinity.

Mr Maura admitted that Downtown needs much improvement.

He noted that surveys show Nassau has been ranked second to last in terms of cruise passenger

Acting cop: prosection of police officers in MA jor tri A l up to dpp

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The Coroner’s Court inquest does not determine criminal liability. Acting Director of Public Prosecutions Cordell Frazier will decide whether to charge any or all officers with a crime.

“The matter will now go to the DPP, who will review the matter and then

make her recommendations to the commissioner of police,” ACP Deleveaux said. “We will see where it goes from there.”

After the verdict on Wednesday, Azano Major, brother of the deceased, reacted to the ruling, telling The Tribune: “It’s been a long time coming. I’m just happy that, at least for tonight, my family can have peace. We will see what the

future holds.”

Fredia Major said she felt vindicated by the ruling and hoped that her brother’s death would spur reform.

“I feel like Azario’s name is going to live on and it’s going to create hope for so many people in The Bahamas for so many years to come,” she said. “And we’re looking for the justice system to be revamped and changed.

Missing A M eric A n teen ‘juM ped off’ boAt ne A r Athol isl A nd At night

By lyNaIrE MUNNIN gS Tribune Staff reporter lmunnings@tribunemedia.net

AN American teen who reportedly jumped overboard from a vessel has been declared missing.

The 18-year-old Texas resident has been identified as Cameron Robbins.

According to international reports, Mr Robbins recently graduated from University Lab School and was on a graduation trip.

Fellow students gathered at his school to pray for him as they waited for news.

Police said the missing teen jumped from a pleasure vessel around 9.40pm on Wednesday near Athol Island.

Members of the Royal

CameroN robbiNs

Bahamas Police Force Marine Unit, along with officers from the Royal Bahamas Defence Force Harbour Patrol Unit, the

United States Coast Guard and private vessels, immediately searched the area for the teen, with negative results.

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satisfaction. He said in many cases, the “historic city” has been “rotting in front of us”.

“I mean, I’m sorry to say like that, but we have to have more investment coming into the Downtown area,” he said.

“I can tell you this: the fact that the cruise port development exists today there’s going to be

a lot more legs in terms of opportunity in terms of what can happen east of East Street.”

“But when you’ve got 4.5 million people landing at the cruise port, it makes the investment justification much better.

Mr Maura addressed concerns some vendors have lacking a spot in the port.

“The government in effect was the landlord so the government had contractual relationships with a number of people,” he said. “We had to rely on government to tell us who these people were. Those are the people that we have engaged.

The port officially opens today.

The Nassau Cruise Port officially opens today, though CEO Mike Maura says Downtown Nassau needs much improvement.

Photo: austin Fernander

The Tribune Limited

Rulings give glimpse into Baha Mar debacle

THE latest in the courtroom battles over Baha Mar has proven to be a resounding legal victory for Sarkis Izmirlian.

Mr Izmirlian had been fighting it out in court with China Construction America (CCA) – and the latter had sought to have Mr Izmirlian’s $2.25bn fraud claim dismissed. They failed. Spectacularly.

Instead, the latest court rulings, from Judge Andrew Borrok in New York, saw CCA ruled against across the board.

Court matters are still proceeding –with a two-week trial of Mr Izmirlian’s fraud claim against CCA still to come next year, but the latest rulings clear the way for that to take place.

The findings included that 700 Chinese construction workers were sent home with the approval of the CCA executive vice-president “despite knowing that those workers may have helped the project reach the substantial completion date on time”. That led to then Prime Minister Perry Christie being “disingenuously” informed that the resort would meet its completion date.

Worse, that vice-president, Tiger Wu, apparently allowed the workers to leave “with the express purpose of causing CCA to stop work” so the contractor could have leverage to demand more money. Resources were instead diverted to the British Colonial resort in downtown Nassau.

There is much more to the rulings, including seeking to remove Mr Izmirlian from the project.

The rulings give a glimpse inside the process by which the Baha Mar development ran into problems, in contrast with the stories being told of completion dates being on target.

It is worth reading every word in today’s Tribune Business – even as the legal process now continues to the next stage. This is the kind of transparency and clarity we should strive for in our nation – even if it has all emerged in a courtroom far away, and with another year to go before the final outcome.

Gas impasse

When it comes to the debate between the gas retailers and the government, we seem to have reached an impasse.

The gas retailers say they will not sell diesel until matters are resolved –and they want an adjustment in price margins.

Economic Affairs Minister Michael Halkitis says the government is not considering adjusting price margins in their favour.

Are we seeing an unstoppable force meeting an immovable object? If so, prepare for a crunch.

Whatever the outcome, the rest of us do not want to get caught in the middle.

Bright spots for The Bahamas

EDITOR, The Tribune.

INFORMED observers have long understood the persistence of regressive tax policies to be one of our biggest development challenges since independence.

In this regard, the two recent news events indicating a shift towards a tax regime focused on income and property, rather than consumption, were very encouraging developments.

Of course, in my opinion, both matters could very easily have been approached better in terms of communication. Only PLP chairman Fred Mitchell appears to have struck the right tone publicly.

Government could and should have been clearer in highlighting that the move to exercise powers of sale for tax delinquent properties is aimed essentially at foreign owners. In this, they are aided by the work of earlier governments, which already exempted Bahamian-owned properties from taxation in the family islands, where most of the abuse occurs.

(Why this was so difficult to point out is a mystery, considering that foreigners don’t even vote!)

In terms of corporate income tax, government should also not have shied away from the fact that it will never work without personal income tax also – for the reasons that the ever-thoughtful and informed Mr Gowon

Swimmers face jet ski dangers

EDITOR, The Tribune.

Bowe has already spoken to (ie greedy shareholders could otherwise simply pay themselves huge directors’ fees in place of taxable dividends).

But there are two additional current issues making the news in much of the Caribbean in recent weeks (though, typically, not here), both of which paint The Bahamas in an encouraging light.

One is our outperformance of virtually all of our regional peers in recovering the wealth per capita lost over the years of pandemic and lockdown.

While leaders of the tourism industry point to pent up demand for international travel in the United States and the resulting strong recovery of tourist numbers, this is something shared with other regional countries, none of which experienced so sharp a rebound in their domestic economies. Jamaica (with a similarly strong recovery in tourism numbers) grew its domestic economy by four percent in 2022. The Bahamas’ grew by more than 12 percent.

The obvious reason is that, uniquely in the region, Bahamians enjoyed National Insurance unemployment payments throughout the pandemic. This permitted Bahamian consumers to end the period of inactivity with substantial (albeit reduced) spending power still in their hands.

This, in turn, translated immediately into a resurgence of domestic demand, which ultimately dovetailed with and complemented the more explicitly observed rebound in tourist numbers. This fact should not be lost on policymakers when it comes to other opportunities to deepen social benefits – like universal healthcare.

The other current regional matter relates to the Jamaican government’s incredible decision to raise their own parliamentary and ministerial salaries by as much as three hundred percent.

Numerous Jamaican and Caribbean critics of the move quickly pointed out that the Bahamas, with average salaries that are seven times higher than those in Jamaica, actually has the lowest paid Prime Minister among a sampling of five major CARICOM countries, while Jamaica has the highest.

In fact, our Prime Minister takes home only 2.6 times our GDP per capita in income, while Trinidad’s makes 5.3 times as much as theirs and Jamaica’s makes an incredible 40 times theirs.

This should make thinking Bahamians both proud and determined not to follow our regional peers in such matters.

ANDREW ALLEN Nassau, May 25, 2023.

I AM an avid swimmer, as are many Bahamians and visitors who utilise Goodman’s Bay. For many years, I have used Goodman’s Bay for my form of exercise, swimming the equivalent length of the beach from the eastern parking lot to the western parking lot. Afterward doing water exercises that require not touching the sea bottom. The total exercise routine may take up to two hours. The area becomes a potential killing zone when frequent storms destroy the buoy line that is supposed to protect swimmers from the apparently maniacal, mindless, careless, insolent, etc... profit-driven operators of jet skis and some other watersport equipment, including large inflatable watercraft. Jet ski operators routinely outrageously speed up and down the shoreline, performing tricks on the machines that may include standing on one foot, holding on with one hand, standing backwards, etc. I can only surmise to show-off. These all in the swimming zone so as to be seen. The now non-existent buoy line effectively separated swimmers from watercraft. Swimming along or within the buoy line is effortless once it is in place. Without the line, a swimmer has to constantly stop

and pick your head up out of the water to see where approaching engine noises are located, and if necessary swim for your life.

Just In the past few weeks, I have had jet ski operators come so close to me as to spray me with their wake, as they hurl insults to me as to why I am in their way while speeding up and down at breakneck speed very close in along the shoreline, shouting out to prospective tourists walking the beach in an attempt to secure business.

Frequently, the jet ski operators will speed all the way onto the beach sand, while first weaving in between persons in the water, as they either proposition business on the beach, or pick up friends for joy rides. This should never happen in the swim zone!

I recently witnessed and overheard one jet ski operator tell a tourist longdistance swimmer to get out of the way and go into the shore or else risk being run over — this while the swimmer would clearly have been within the buoy line had it been there. This poor swimmer was harassed several times as she swam all the way to the Goldwynn Resort and back up the

beach. Beachgoers, including tourists, and Bahamians with children and babies just wading in the water also complain about the carelessness and indifference which characterise the behaviour of these jet ski operators.

Goldwynn Resort has a fabulous buoy line which they obviously maintain through weather conditions as it’s always intact, with guests operating various non-motorised watercraft within the area. This line extends well into the ocean so that guests have freedom to operate. As a beachgoer, I should be able to operate a non-motorised watercraft with a protected buoy line as well. The buoy line should extend from the jet ski ramp to the west of the beach all the way to Goldwynn Resort.

I am begging the relevant authorities... whether that’s the Port Department or the police marine division - to restore and maintain the Goodman’s Bay buoy line so that it is always in place. Additionally, a police marine patrol should be stationed to patrol up and down the beach to ensure compliance by the watercraft operators.

Swimming for your life during a recreational activity is no fun.

GREG MUNNING

Nassau, May 25, 2023

Minister travel

EDITOR, The Tribune.

YES, Ministers have to travel especially the Foreign Minister, his/her title is obvious ‘Foreign Minister’, but every trip needs to be evaluated as to its success and re-appraisement as to future travel to a similar event must be taken. How large was the delegation going to the Coronation and other meets in London recently? Any subscriber to Facebook and now linked in

sees the constant flow of official releases — photos, etc, but interesting is looking at the number of views … or even reading … regret Ministers don’t seem too many are interested.

Conclusion — what is actually being achieved from this costly travel? How much has been spent?

In Budget there was an horrific allocation and we still have seasonal to NY/UN and IMF then in November another six-nine days in expensive Dubai for COP28

(soap box event).

Achievements Ministers none certainly suggest cut back.

Is there a linked in account in the name of the Prime Minister? A friend thought this might be a good access point to get a hearing has not received a single response to a series of suggestions...not even his handlers respond.

JEROME WILSON Nassau, May 11, 2023

A POIGNANT message from one graduate at the University of The Bahamas yesterday, with a board reading “I know you’re looking down from heaven and you’re proud. This one’s for you Mummy!”

Photo: Austin Fernander

Heroic Concrete and Concrete Products breaks ground on $6.4m plant in GB

By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@Tribunemedia.net

A new $6.4m concrete manufacturing plant, the first to be operated by a Grand Bahama woman, will be fully operational by January 1, 2024.

The new venture that will create 70 full-time jobs will also provide sustainable and environment-friendly concrete products in the construction industry.

The groundbreaking for Heroic Concrete and Concrete Products (HCCP) was held yesterday in the civic-industrial area off Queen’s Highway.

The first phase of the construction will include a ready-mix plant, which will open within three to four months.

After four years of research and planning, Bahamian entrepreneur Glenett Fowler took the bold, heroic step into the male-dominated concrete business.

She secured capital financing with RF Bank & Trust for the new business venture.

The plant will manufacture 24,000 blocks per day, and 120 yards of concrete

per hour. HCCP, equipped with cloud-based technology and automated features, will employ a highly skilled and trained workforce certified by the American Concrete Institute.

To promote efficiency, productivity, and environmental responsibility, the company will use an innovative additive called Seamix, through supplier Ray Rubio, of the MeP Group.

Fowler said the additive not only strengthens and shortens the curing time of cement but reduces water consumption. It is also non-toxic, marine friendly, and neutralizes the rusting effect.

we want to ensure we are not being negative contributors to the environment,” said Ms Fowler. She believes the benefit of the Seamix additive is it could be used with nonpotable, brackish, and reclaimed water in the concrete mix.

“So, all of our contractors can understand how important that additive mixture is going to be to the market; we recall how Hurricane Dorian had

impacted our water table, and we had lots of salty water for a very long time,” she recalled.

In 2017, the businesswoman opened Fowlco Maritime and Logistics Management. She has rebranded it to Fowlco Maritime and Project Services, which now falls under the newly incorporated Heroic Group Limited.

Some $3.5m was invested in the purchase and renovation of the former Fenestration Glass facility that serves as the permanent location of Fowlco Maritime and Project Services.

The property houses the administration office of the company and 46,000 square feet of warehouse space.

Senator Kirkland Russell spoke on behalf of the Minister for Grand Bahama Ginger Moxey.

He said the new venture represents a significant milestone in the development of Grand Bahama and the advancement of Bahamians. Senator Russell said there is a huge market and demand that exist for concrete and concrete

products.

“This achievement truly reflects the collective commitment to embrace new opportunities and foster economic growth here on the island of Grand Bahama,” he said.

Ian Rolle, president of the Grand Bahama Port Authority, said more than $1bn worth of investments are underway or in the pipeline in Freeport.

He mentioned the Carnival Cruise Port, the wells Development and Six Sense Resort and Residences; Lucaya Solar Power facility, now under construction; Xquisite Yachts Catamaran centre; western Atlantic University School of Medicine Phase Two expansion, and the expansion of ernst and Young, and more.

Mr Rolle said new

businesses are also popping up in downtown Freeport, as well as new construction of domestic investments by confident entrepreneurs. He commended the Fowlers on their latest investment. “Today is a proud day... as we celebrate yet another achievement by a local power couple, Curtis and Glenett Fowler,” he said.

Man on bail charged with death of 10-year-old, fined for failing to charge ankle bracelet

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net

A MAn on bail for his alleged involvement in the death of ten-yearold Lorencia walkes was fined $3,500 yesterday for failing to charge his court-ordered electronic monitoring device (eMD).

Donald Cox, 26, appeared before Magistrate Samuel McKinney on four counts of violating

bail conditions.

Cox was accused of the fatal shootings of 5th grader Lorencia walkes and Perron Bain in Belville Circle in 2020. while on release for these charges between May 14 and 18, Cox failed to charge his eMD on four occasions.

He pleaded guilty to the offence. He will have to spend six months in prison if he defaults.

• A man was sentenced to one year in prison after

admitting to robbing a tourist on Montagu Beach of $500 worth of items, including her passport. wallis Rolle, 34, appeared before Assistant Chief Magistrate Subusola Swain on charges of stealing, receiving and deceit of a public officer.

Around noon on May

2, Rolle stole a white slang bag belonging to an American woman tourist on Montagu Beach.

The bag contained $100 cash, the woman’s

passport, two cruise boat passes and one portable charge.

Later that day, while trying to evade arrest, the accused gave an officer a fake name: warren Rolle. Rolle pleaded guilty to the stealing and deceit charges. The receiving charge was withdrawn.

• A woman and juvenile boy were granted bail after they were charged with having an unlicensed firearm in their home

earlier this month.

Lakeisha Higgs, 37, and a 16-year-old male defendant, represented by Bjorn Ferguson and Levan Johnson, appeared before Chief Magistrate Joyann Ferguson-Pratt to face charges of possession of an unlicensed firearm and possession of ammunition.

Police searched their west Bay Street home on May 15 around 10.22pm and allegedly found a black CPX-1

9mm pistol with the serial number C433823. The gun allegedly had four unfired rounds of 9mm ammunition. Bail was granted to them at $7,500 each with one or two sureties. Higgs is expected to sign in to the Cable Beach Police Station every Monday and Thursday by 6pm, while the juvenile defendant is expected to obey a daily 9pm to 7am curfew.

Bahamian entrepreneur Glenett Fowler breaks ground along with other officials for her $6.4m concrete plant in Grand Bahama. Heroic Concrete and Concrete Products (HCCP) plant will manufacture 24,000 blocks per day, and 120 yards of concrete per hour.

Photo: Vandyke hepburn

Eliminating food waste - why it matters and ways we can fix it

IN previous articles, I have written about the importance of growing our own food as individuals and as a nation. I still firmly believe that this is something we must continue pursuing and developing; however, today, I want to look at a different but related problem, food waste.

The amount of food wasted daily by our current globalised food system is shocking. We are wasting vast amounts of food, which comes at a price economically and environmentally. When we consider the amount of debt most individuals, as well as our nation, currently carries, I think we can all agree that any amount of waste should be eliminated simply on the basis of economics; however, when we dig in and understand that this food waste is directly contributing to global environmental destruction, we can no longer sit back and allow this problem to continue.

What is food waste? For the purpose of this article, I will refer to food waste as all food that is grown but never eaten. The USDA estimates that 30-40 percent of food that is grown in the US is never eaten. According to the website, Our World in Data, this figure is fairly consistent with other developed countries around the globe, including The Bahamas. This means that 1/3 of all the food we work so hard to grow is never eaten! For me personally, as a farmer, this number is hurtful.

Imagine that at the end of your day or year, you take 1/3 of everything you have accomplished and destroy it or negate it. It is shocking and almost unheard of in so many other fields of business, yet it occurs daily in the food industry.

This wastage occurs at five major points of the process: the farm, food processing, food service, retail, and home.

The first step where food waste happens is on the farm; in fact, this is where 15 percent of the total food waste occurs. Often, perfectly good crops are rejected due to them not meeting arbitrary cosmetic specifications put in place by marketing boards or grocery stores. We as consumers need to find ways to vocalise that we do not mind eating a banana that does not have the perfect angle or a tomato that is a bit smaller than normal. As a farmer, I have personally thrown out thousands

By Tim Hauber

of pounds of tomatoes and peppers in Nassau that I could not sell because the grocery store insisted on a specific minimum size. Yet these same tomatoes and peppers would sell like hotcakes at the local farmers market or to local chefs.

The next step where 15 percent of food wastage occurs is during food processing. Many of our modern food processing factories have significant waste streams from trimming and by-products. These excess items are still very edible but not the main money maker for the factory, so they are discarded.

20 percent of food wastage occurs in retail shops and food service establishments.

Retailers, particularly in The Bahamas, where we import most of our fresh produce, face a daily struggle of managing inventories in such a way that keeps products constantly stocked but minimises spoilage. As consumers, we can help with this problem by buying products that might not look perfect or by purchasing items from the ‘reduced’ rack in the produce aisle. One factor causing a lot of good food to be wasted is the ‘best before date’ listed on many foods. This date is not related to food safety but is merely a suggestion regarding the date of peak flavour. It is estimated that up to 50 percent of food wastage in retail shops is related to this best-before date, even though it is not a food safety issue.

A lot of food is wasted in grocery stores, but way more, in fact, triple to be exact, is wasted in

restaurants and food service operations. Some of this can be attributed to restaurants cooking more food than they can manage to sell on any particular day, but the majority of the wastage happens when you and I leave food on the plate to be discarded. 70 percent of food wastage in restaurants is due to us ordering more than we need or can actually eat. We have become accustomed to seeing huge portions of food served to us as normal, but I challenge you to order only what you know you can eat and then order more if you are still hungry. This is an easy way for all of us to reduce food wastage.

And finally, the biggest culprit for food wastage is our individual homes. It is estimated that 50 percent of all food waste happens right at home! Research suggests that in the US, approximately 229 billion dollars worth of food is wasted in households every year!

The good news is that food wastage is a problem we can quickly react to and take positive steps toward a solution. Here are six quick tips to get you started.

Shop strategically: Plan your menu for the week and only buy the necessary ingredients. You will reduce purchasing items that don’t get used and typically end up in the trash due to mold or rotting.

Understand date labels: Do your own research into the use of date labeling. Then, moving forward, you will throw out much less food due to an arbitrary best-before date.

Get creative with your cooking: When you see something starting to wilt in your fridge, find a dish that you can incorporate it into before it spoils. You can fit almost any vegetable, including lettuce and leafy greens, into delicious soups and stews.

Become friends with your freezer: By freezing food items, you extend their shelf life by many months. For example, if you do not use the entire piece of meat or portions of baked goods in the first meal, consider immediately freezing the rest to be used at another time instead of tucking it

into the back corner of your fridge to spoil over time.

Share with your neighbours: If you have a lot of any items, share them with your friends and neighbours. Some items are cheaper when you buy in bulk, but spoilage is inevitable if you cannot use perishables fast enough, so share them with your friends and family before they spoil.

Become friends with leftovers: It is very common to put leftovers in the fridge and forget about them until they become a nightmare of mold and rot. However, we have found in our home that if we pack dinner leftovers into single servingsized containers and take these containers to work for lunch the next day, we not only eliminate food wastage but save lots of money from not buying lunch every day! We purchased some great glass containers with sealable lids just for this purpose that have served us well for many years.

We must also consider the broader implications. Food wastage contributes to food shortages and food insecurity for many people worldwide. While one-third of global food production is wasted, millions suffer from hunger and malnutrition, which is a travesty. Food production also requires a considerable amount of energy related to the operation of machinery, transportation of goods, and refrigeration of perishables.

When food is wasted, the energy used to produce it becomes wasted energy, contributing to unnecessary carbon emissions and resource depletion. This negatively impacts the environment and the planet while exacerbating global warming.

As the world changes around us and food production becomes more and more challenging due to our changing climate, we should all make an effort to reduce food wastage wherever possible. Look carefully at how you shop, order food in

restaurants, and especially how you handle food in your own home, and you will be able to positively impact this complicated problem. Remember that making small personal changes can lead to profound and lasting positive results globally.

• Tim Hauber is the farm and growhouse operations officer at CTI & OEF. Established in 2012, the One Eleuthera Foundation (OEF) is a non-profit organisation located in Rock Sound, Eleuthera. For more information, visit www.oneeleuthera.org or email info@oneeleuthera. org. The Centre for Training and Innovation (CTI) is the first and only postsecondary, non-profit education and training institution and social enterprise on Eleuthera. CTI operates a student training campus in Rock Sound, Eleuthera, with a 16-room training hotel, restaurant and farm. For more information about CTI’s programmes email: info@oneeleuthera.org.

Food wastage contributes to food shortages and food insecurity for many people worldwide.

Tim Hauber

Bahamas’ biggest export – Bahamians

Brain drain growing, 56,000+ Bahamians living in US and more being lured

AT a press conference this week announcing a $250,000 tourism leadership scholarship provided by the Nassau Paradise Island Promotion Board and managed by the Lyford Cay Foundations, there was a seismic shift in the tone.

Recipients would “intend to” return home following studies.

The words “intend to” might have escaped notice except for one small detail.

I may not remember what I had for breakfast, but I clearly remember a time when scholarship recipients did not just “intend to” come home following studies, they “pledged to” return to The Bahamas. They happily signed their name, went off to study and with degree in hand, returned to the land of warm blue waters, family gatherings, conch salad and a well-earned Kalik.

That changed over the decades as the pull of local lifestyle, friendly environs and Sunday family lunches began losing the race against the lure of enticing job opportunities, the promise of career advancement, an urban way of life abroad that looked a lot different from the life the graduate left behind.

Slowly at first, then with increased regularity, more of those who could have made a difference leading the country, left the country. It was dubbed brain drain. I’m not sure when the words first appeared but I do know it’s been like a cancer eating away at the health of The Bahamas. And it is only getting worse.

In 2019, there were 56,797 Bahamians living in the US, 21,000 in Florida alone.

And that was before COVID when nurses and other medical and healthrelated personnel were being offered the equivalent of a year’s salary as a signing bonus and even fast-food restaurants were posting larger-than-life offers for recruits to slap together burgers and fries, tacos and beans.

The internet has made it easy to lure citizens of one country to move to another. It’s so blatant that when I googled Bahamas exports, the first thing that popped up was an ad: WORK AS A NURSE IN USA.

That’s when I realised the Bahamas’ biggest export is Bahamians and what a sad state of affairs that is. But there is no sense complaining if we

By Diane Phillips

don’t offer solutions to bring Bahamians home. So here goes: One of the main reasons Bahamians who go abroad to study stay abroad to live is because they fall in love with someone in the US or Canada. It happens. No one plans it. They are in class together or at the Student Union or on a sports team. But if that person comes to The Bahamas, he or she may not be able to work. There is a better chance as a spouse though no easy, clear path so staying abroad seems more financially responsible as there is a better chance that the Bahamian college grad will find employment, especially in health, engineering and tech fields, in the US or Canada than the American or Canadian partner in The Bahamas where the right to work is treated as something so special you almost need to be blessed by a deity to acquire it if you don’t have relatives in a Family Island.

If you think the impact a partner’s ability to earn a living in his or her field of specialty is not all that big a deal, think back a few years to a Bahamian doctor who, after rejecting numerous offers from leading hospitals abroad because he wanted to practice at home, finally packed his bag and accepted one of those offers because his foreignborn wife, also a doctor, could not open a practice here. If you look them up at the major institution where they are now, she is rated top tier. We lost two highly trained and hugely respected specialists who could have saved or improved the quality of Bahamian lives instead of American lives.

But we let them go. Facilitating the partner’s right to work or practice medicine or law is one possible solution worthy of consideration.

Secondly, we could entice college grads or those with technical and vocational certifications to return by offering suitable living accommodations. This could be a great opportunity for investment for a business group who want to finance a young

‘...there is a better chance that the Bahamian college grad will find employment, especially in health, engineering and tech fields, in the US or Canada than the American or Canadian partner in The Bahamas.’

professionals’ contemporary square, much like a college apartment complex but finer, more square footage, more accommodating with vast amenities, including a jogging trail, cycling path, fitness centre, pool, dining and entertainment options. Coffee shops, med-spas, small cinema could make the move-in process even more attractive.

The government could also parse out half acre lots of Crown Land in Family Islands with the ability to lease or buy more.

We must find a way to end the practice of a college degree being a ticket out of The Bahamas instead of an express pathway back home for the rewards and welcome it can earn on home turf.

If we don’t put a stop to the brain drain, there will be more families like folks we will just call Bill and Shenique (not their real names). Bill and Shenique come from a long line of Bahamians, sons and daughters of the soil, each contributing in their own way, active in their churches and communities. Bill and Shenique worked hard, both with highly responsible professions, allowing them despite strained finance to put all four children through college.

Three of those offspring now have medical degrees. None of them is returning home.

America is now home to Bill and Shenique’s brilliant kids, Bahamians under 35 each with so much to give, but not to where they were born.

They are making a life for themselves, a few of them raising families, others interning or practising medicine as patients wait in long lines at PMH and Bill and Shenique plan their next trip to another country to visit the family that left.

Right to work and reasonably priced living accommodations or land – two of many possibilities to up the chances of those packing a bag to go off to school getting a two-way ticket back home.

The internet has made it easy to lure citizens of one country to move to another.

Zonta Club of Nassau

PRESIDENT Sonia Brown (Zonta Club of Nassau) and president Yvette Ingraham (Zonta Club of New Providence) attended a meeting with Commissioner of Police Clayton Fernander and his senior executive leadership team on April 5 at Police Headquarters to discuss matters of domestic violence and other concerns that affect women, girls, young men and disabled community.

Also in attendance were Mrs Ann Marie DavisOffice of the Spouse of The Prime Minister, Loretta Butler-Turner - consultant, representatives from InterAmerican Development Bank (IDB), members of the Bahamas Christian Council and other members of the clergy, community leaders, leaders of civic

organisations and NGOs. Following the meeting, the group was transported to the Domestic Violence Unit via bus and given a tour of the facility.

• The Zonta Club of Nassau (ZCN) ensured hot cross buns were distributed to senior citizens’ homes.

This year, in observance of the club’s 40th Anniversary, Zontian Ruthann Rolle and her team delivered 40 dozen buns to

the wards of Willie-Mae Pratt Center for Girls, the children of the Elizabeth Home, the elderly residents of Persis Rodgers, Pat’s Senior Citizen’s, Good Samaritan, Nurse Naomi Christie Centre, Unity House, Demetrius A&A Comfort and Twilight Home. Just over 250 wards and their caregivers were able to enjoy hot cross buns.

• Zonta charter member

Funeral Services for

MARCO MARVIN

NEELY Jr., 19

will be held on Saturday, May 27th, 2023, 11:00 a.m. at Pilgrim Baptist Church, St. James Road off Kemp Road, Nassau, Bahamas. Officiating will be Pastor Leroy Major and assisted by other Ministers of the Gospel.

INTERMENT WILL FOLLOW IN WOODLAWN

GARDENS CEMETERY.

Precious memories will forever linger in the hearts of his Parents: Nola McKenzie and Marco Neely; Sister: Angel Neely; Brother; Tamari Lockhart; Adopted brother; Malik Adderly; Grandmother: Linda Palmer (Collin); Grandfathers: Shelton McKenzie (Sonia), & Randolph Neilly; Adopted Grandmother: Sharmine Knowles; Aunts: Latoya, Gabrielle, Delshama, Kerryann & Sheltonique McKenzie, Shantel Clarke, Lakisha Maxinvil (James), Cleo Hepburn (Valentino), Theresa & Lynae Neilly, Azaria Minnis; Uncles: Carlton Williams (Sonia), Lacindo Wilson, Teron Sweeting, Nathaniel Neilly (Darileysis), Ryan Neilly, & Collin Palmer Jr.; Grandaunts: Eulamae Buttefield, Avis McKenzie, Dellerice Gibson, Taneka Bain, Barbara Bain (Cedric), Jacquein Campbell (Michael), Evangelist Elizabeth Ferguson (Rev. Dwayne), Chanel Sweeting, Movena McKenzie, Maxine Sonia, Nicola, Stephanie, Thora, Rhunda MD & Antonia McKenzie, Rose, Mourine, & Marty Scott, Pauline Watson, & Colleen Taylor; Granduncles: Anson & Rico Bain, Keith Ferguson Leon Kelly, Michael Pierre (Petunia), Brian Pierre (Evelyn), Clayton Sweeting, Joshua, Jaden, Aaron & Angelo McKenzie; Great Grandmother: Beryl Johnson Loriston (George) Greatgrandaunts: Idamae Lockhart, Marion Miller (Victor) & Florina Wring (Michael); Greatgranduncle: Berkley Williamson (Sarah); Great-great-Grandaunts: Myrthlyn Gilcud, Alma Rolle & Alice Moncur; Great-great grand uncles: Rev Freddie McKenzie and Emanuel Rolle (Exuma); Uncles: Rev. Freddie McKenzie & Emmanuel Rolle (Exuma); Cousins: Jamiah & Jamal Hepburn, Alyssa Brown, Teron Jr. & Terzaria Sweeting, Carlton & Somaya Williams, Al’laja Ferguson, Sidney Stubbs, Samantha & Ivan Forbes, Alonzo, Chanderella & Dakota Butterfield, Raphael & Travis Weise, Hello CJ, you don’t go will reply Forbes, Alonzo, Chanderella & Dakota Butterfield, Raphael & Travis Weise, Alesha Pinder, Gleniese, Glenroy, Glevina & Glendira McKenzie, Tekera Curtis, Theron & Dyanza Gibson, Anola King, Anishka Bodie, Candice Ferguson, Allicia Ferguson, Eugene Rolle Marvin & Marvinique McCoy, Ashnell’ & Jayden Bain, Jatequa Bain, Antoineka Williams, Rashae, Rico, Rio, & Rickeya Bain, Justin Todd, Delano Miller, Travis Rolle, Kenaz Bethel, Shakara Rahming, Leonardo Newman, Michaela Ferguson, Erica Marriott, Michaella Saunders, Naldo Pierre, Brian Jr., Brianna & Evernique Pierre, Michael Jr. & Gabriel Pierre, Aniyja Bullard, Shania Sturrup, Dnard Jr. Russell, Nathaniel Jr., Nathan, Noel, Nathalie, & Nicole Neilly, Janae, Tori & Terell Hepburn; Eureia & Eureika Rolle, Precious Curry and Nakesha Noel; Special Friend: Ayana Lyle; Godparents: Sanovia Evans, Ladecia Mackey, Kananga Francis, Veronique Nottage & Lakelle Ferguson. A Host of other relatives and friends including: Anthony Lightbourne & Family, Rosetta Brennen, Judy Strachan, Ella Davis, Elaine Wilchombe, Glenda Gilcud, Denise Maydorn Lightbourne, Lethera Rolle, Supt. James Moss, The Gilcud Family, Carlene Moss & Family, Wendy Rolle & Family, Dominique Rolle & Family, Renville McQuay, Joshua Pinder, Audley Forbes Jr., Destiny Morgan, Travis Hepburn, Lizzian Rolle & Family, Reco Clarke, Shavaun Bryan, Deanza Stubbs, Raquel Mackey Sands; Preston Johnson, Pakera Turnquest, Jhadai Jean Kiara. Johnson, Oshawn Turnquest, George Pratt, Shelton Daxon, Eric Smith, Harrison Davis, Kaido Kemp, Robertho Clairvius, The Francis Family, Elvis Anderson & Family, Algie and Elsie Brown of Delray Beach, Florida, Kennyetta Bain & family Joann Bethel, Vernay Mills & family Florence Johnson & family, Paulette Mackey & family Renee Butler & Family Ruby Saunders & family, Vision of Hope, Mt. Ararat, Ettienne Dupuch Publications, G.H.S.

Class of 2021, B.T.V.I. Jump Start Program (2019), Fox Hill Community, Kemp Road Community, National Plumbing, R.I.U. Housekeeping Department, Cabbage Beach

Family, Rev. Diane Francis & First Baptist Church Family, Rev. Dr. Philip McPhee & Mt. Calvary Baptist Cathedral Family, The McKenzie Family, The Hepburn Family, The Rolle Family, The Clarke Family, The McPhee Family, The Davis Family, Family from Forest, Moss Town, Mt. Thompson & Farmer’s Hill, Exuma, The Bluff & Cove Cat Island Family and others too numerous to mention

There will be NO PUBLIC VIEWING

Funeral arrangement are entrusted to Legacy Memorial Mortuary, Claridge Road

CHARLES ALEXANDER “Scoop” ROLLE, 57

will be held on Saturday, May 27th, 2023, 10:00 a.m. at Church of God of Prophecy, Englerston, East Street and Prophecy Way, Nassau, Bahamas. Officiating will be Bishop Ghaly Swann and assisted by Elder Sherman Stevens and other Ministers of the Gospel. INTERMENT WILL FOLLOW IN OLD TRAIL CEMETERY.

Left to cherish his life are his Wife: Mrs. Gloria Rolle; Sons: Charles Rolle Jr. and Prince Poitier; Daughters: Shakera, Shaneka Rolle and Charlene Poitier; Grand Children: Jayden and Chanel Rolle, Amaya, Shaniya Rolle, Johnny Baptist Rolle, Aaliyah and Kimora Harris; Step Children: Simone, Kimone, and Leon Vidal; Brother: GodfreyRolle; Sisters: Patsy Rahming, Ivy Weise, Marina Adderley, Cynthia Rolle, and Denzella Sands; Brothers-in-law: Gordon Rahming, Raphael Weise and Arthur Sands. (1) Sister-in-law: Naomi Rolle. (1) Aunt Dorothy Bethel; Nephews: Alexander, Michael, Leroy, Elroy, Paul, Valentino, Dario Nesbitt, Don, Nahassah, Kyle, and Stephon Sands; Nieces: Latoya, Tamico, Nathaly Gibson, Allison Gibson, Valarie, Shonell and Alexis; Grand nephews and Nieces: Norvian, Amelio, Nefen, Adaiah Thompson, Jayla, Armani, Ashlee, Athaleyah, Amalea, Aryah-lee Weise, Hayley, Alisha, Theo, Marvin, Rayjah, Paul Jr. Kianna, Tiara, Robert, Jermaine, Jermairi, Atara. Other relatives and friends include: Virginia, Genevieve, Tonia, Nataniel, Cleo, Monique, Ollie, Minister Lulamae Johnson, Evangelist Gwendolyn Brown, Theresa Rolle, Dr. Conville Brown, Pentecostal Church of Faith in God Family, Coco Plum Street Family, The Management and Staff of Super Wash, The Housekeeping Department of Atlantis, Fanta C Gym Family and P.M.H. Please accept our apology if any name was not mentioned. Viewing will be held on Friday, 26th May, 2023 at Legacy Memorial Mortuary, Claridge Roads between the hours of 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and at the church on Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until service time.

the late Marjorie Davis was laid to rest in a beautiful homegoing service at St Francis Cathedral, West Street, on Tuesday April 11 at 3pm. She gave a full life of service to the Bahamian community. May her soul rest in peace.

President Sonia, Area 3 director LaToya Johnson, District 11 board secretary Bernadette Gibson and charter president Judy Munroe along with other charter members Patricia Francis, Claire Hepburn, Iris Dillet-Knowles attended the service.

Condolences are extended to her family on behalf of the presidents, boards and members of the Zonta Clubs of The Bahamas and Zonta International.

• The club held its monthly meeting on April 27 at 12.30pm at Ichiban Restaurant, West Bay Street. The club’s special guest was Cleopatra Christie of The Crisis Centre; she presented opportunities for ZCN to partner and support students in the schools. President Sonia Brown and past president Patricia Francis presented a donation to Mrs Christie.

Zontian Dr Detra Bethell and the Golden Z Club also donated care packages to Mrs Christie in the month.

• The Zonta Club of Nassau hosted its White Elephant Booth at the Red Cross Fair. The White Elephant Booth is one of the major fundraiser events for the club. Throughout the day, there were a number of special guests who visited the booth to support and donate toward the mission of Zonta; namely Governor General Cornelius Smith, Commissioner of Police Clayton Fernander, Minister of National Security Wayne Munroe, Parliamentary Secretary Jamahl Strachan and other members of the community. Special thank you to our patrons and donors.

• During The Bahamas@ Sunrise Show on Friday, May 5, president Sonia, past president Patricia Francis (honoree) and past president Ruthann Rolle (honoree) appeared to raise awareness on the work of the Zonta Club of Nassau and the 40th Anniversary Awards and Luncheon Ceremony on May 7.

• The Zonta Club of Nassau celebrated its 40th anniversary in grand style. Eleven Zontians along with 11 emerging leaders were honoured for their dedication toward empowering women and girls!! The event was held at Balmoral Club on Sunday, May 7. There were lots of prizes and surprises! Thank you to our sponsors and donors!

Congratulations to Zontian honorees and emerging leaders:

• Joan Albury and Anastarcia Palacious.

• Lady Camille Barnett and Dr Carlyne Smith-McKenzie.

• Karen Carey and Nyisha Tilus.

• Bridget Murray –Ferguson and Stacey Butler-Dean.

• Patricia Francis and

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FROM top, Zonta members on Bahamas@ Sunrise, meeting Commissioner of Police Clayton Fernander, enjoying the 40th anniversary celerations and honouring members, at the White Elephant stall at the Red Cross Fair, and delivering hot cross buns.

Aysia Brittany Cartwright.

• Tonya Bastian-Galanis and Deane Adderley.

• Bernadette Gibson and Toni BE Seymour.

• LaToya Johnson and Nathalie A Bethel.

• Ruthann Rolle and Xavia Ann Rolle-Higgs.

• Stephanie Unwala and Reverend Allison Dean.

• Dr Mildred HallWatson and Dr Nikechia Hall-Dennis.

Continue to build a better world for women and girls!

• A memorial service for Orinthia “Rinty’ Nesbethcharter member (ZCN) was held at St Matthew’s Anglican Church on Thursday,

May 11, at 5pm.

Charter member Stephanie Unwala gave a heartfelt tribute to the life and service of Orinthia. She served her family, God, Zonta Club and community well. The Rev Angela Palacious admonished Orinthia’s friends and family attending the service to model the life of service that Orinthia lived.

Condolences are extended to her family on behalf of president Sonia Brown and the board and members of Zonta Club of Nassau and Zonta International.

ZONTA members at, left, a homegoing service for Marjorie Davis and, right, a memorial service for Orinthia “Rinty” Nesbeth.

ZONTA members at Ichiban.

SPORTS

Semi-finals battle on Roscow Davies field

By TENAJH SWEETING tsweeting@tribunemedia.net

This week has been an active one at the Roscow A L Davies national soccer field. Since Tuesday, various matchups have gotten underway between the Government Secondary Schools Sports Association (GSSSA) and Bahamas Association of Independent Secondary Schools (BAISS) teams in the return of the Samuel P Haven Jr High Schools Soccer Nationals.

After three successful days of competitive soccer action beginning in Grand Bahama, the teams will now fight to be crowned victorious on Saturday.

Today at the national soccer field, the semi-finals will get underway.

Game one will feature the girls of the Bishop Michael Eldon (BMES) Warriors matching up against the Lyford Cay International School (LCIS) Dragons.

The Warriors secured their spot in the semi-finals after defeating the girls of the Patrick J Bethel Mighty Marlins.

Meanwhile, the Dragons punched their ticket to today’s showdown after toppling the Anatol Rodgers Timberwolves 5-0 on Tuesday.

The senior girls of the CR Walker Knights will look to carry this week’s momentum into today’s matchup against the Queen’s College Comets.

The undefeated Lady Knights claimed the 2023 GSSSA soccer hardware on Wednesday behind a masterclass performance from Valtinique Simmons to defeat the RM Bailey Pacers.

Also, the team solidified their semi-finals spot just one day before after ousting the Big Red Machine 3-0.

Simmons pulled off a hat trick in back-to-back games and will look to be in top form as the team is on a mission.

The Comets also took down the Pacers after capping off the team 1-0 in their match on Tuesday evening. With the Knights as poised as ever and the

SEE PAGE 14

Samuel P Haven Jr High Schools Soccer Nationals continues today

BLTA RETURNS TO HOSTING INTERNATIONAL TOURNEYS

THE Bahamas Lawn Tennis Association (BLTA) is pleased to announce its return to hosting international tournaments.

The J30 International Tennis Federation (ITF) Junkanoo Bowl will see players from all over the world converging at the National Tennis Centre June 24 to July 1.

The qualifying rounds are scheduled for June 24-25 and the main draw starts on Monday, June 26.

The BLTA anticipates that some local players will have the opportunity to play in their first ITF tournament on home soil.

Players are eligible to compete on the ITF World Tennis Tour Juniors in the year they turn 13, if they have reached their 13th birthday on or before the start of the singles main

draw of the tournament they are competing in, until the end of the year in which the player turns 18 years of age.

BLTA President Perry Newton expressed his

pleasure on the BLTA being able to put on this international tournament once again post-COVID, and to offer this opportunity to locals as well as international juniors.

“Tournament travel is expensive and if we can host this tournament in our country, it provides an avenue for our talented juniors to get exposure and match play,” Newton said.

The tournament normally features juniors from the United States, Canada, Europe, Italy, the Caribbean and Central and South America. The association expects athletes from over 20 countries, and the tournament will be great for the country and for tennis in The Bahamas.

The tournament is being sponsored by RMS Insurance Agents and Brokers.

WE ARE THE CHAMPIONS: The CR Walker Lady Knights (above) and Government High School Magic (top) both picked up championship wins for the Government Secondary Schools Sports Association soccer championships on Wednesday at the Roscow A L Davies national soccer field. Both senior teams will now turn their attention to the Samuel P Haven Jr High Schools Nationals semifinals today where they will look to capitalise on this week’s momentum.

Photos: Tenajh Sweeting

PERRY NEWTON

Manchester United secures Champions League return with 4-1 rout of Chelsea

By JAMES ROBSON AP Soccer Writer

MANCHESTER, England (AP) — It has not always gone smoothly for Erik ten Hag in his first year in charge at Manchester United.

There is still much work to be done if the 20-time league champion is to be restored to its former glories.

But last night, in front of a packed Old Trafford, Ten Hag achieved what he called his “main objective” of securing a return to the Champions League with a 4-1 win against Chelsea.

“It is a successful season but the season is not finished,” he said.

“This club belongs in the Champions League so you have to qualify in the first four. We played a good season in the Premier League. I think a very good season.”

Goals from Casemiro, Anthony Martial, Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford fired United to a victory that means a topfour finish is now certain.

United moved up to third and two points above Newcastle going into the season finale.

It could get better still for Ten Hag, who has already lifted his first trophy — the League Cup in February. United faces Manchester City in the FA Cup final on June 3 at Wembley.

While silverware adds sparkle to an encouraging debut season under the Dutch coach, qualification for the Champions League has been the ultimate measure by which his predecessors have been judged during a turbulent 10 years since iconic former manager Alex Ferguson

retired. David Moyes and Louis van Gaal were fired after failing to qualify for European soccer’s elite competition.

Jose Mourinho and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer departed when the team’s form meant qualification was in serious doubt.

Ten Hag was hired last year to turn United’s fortunes around, and while he has had his difficulties in an eventful first year in English soccer, he has done just that.

Needing just a point from its last two games of the season, first half goals from Casemiro and Martial put United on course for the win against Chelsea that ensured there would be no late slip up to let in archrival Liverpool.

United’s win assures Liverpool will finish fifth with a Europa League spot, which Mohamed Salah said is not good enough.

The Liverpool forward tweeted that he’s “devastated.”

The jubilant scenes at Old Trafford were a world away significant setbacks — a 6-3 loss to Manchester City and a humiliating 7-0 rout by Liverpool as recently as March.

Ten Hag had to cope the disruption caused by Cristiano Ronaldo, who publicly criticised the club ahead of his acrimonious departure in November, as well as injuries to key players like Martial, Christian Eriksen and Lisandro Martinez.

Through it all, the former Ajax coach has remained focused on the target of top four and his long-term vision of rebuilding a club that has been in decline since Ferguson’s departure. And Ten Hag

took the opportunity to remind United that it is still some way from challenging City’s Premier League dominance after Pep Guardiola’s team won a fifth title in six years this season.

He wants backing in the transfer market in the summer when a top striker will be his priority.

“It’s a good base to build on, but the standards have to go up, the demands have to rise,” he said.

“We have to work in the summer with this squad, but also in the window. See if you can strengthen the squad.

“Now we are far away so we have a lot of work to do. We make progress in this team in this squad, but we need better players if we want to compete for the highest.”

United was too good for Chelsea yesterday.

Needing a point from its final two games to secure qualification to the Champions League, it went ahead in the sixth minute when Casemiro headed in Christian Eriksen’s free kick.

Mykhaylo Mudryk should have put Chelsea ahead before that, but the $108-million signing completely misfired with only goalkeeper David de Gea to beat.

Martial doubled United’s lead in first-half stoppage time and Fernandes added a third from the penalty spot in the 73rd after being brought down by Wesley Fofana.

It got worse for Fofana and Chelsea when the defender’s misplaced pass

EPL relegation battle goes down to the wire on final day

By JAMES ROBSON AP Soccer Writer

MANCHESTER, England (AP) — One way or another, the Premier League will lose two teams with rich histories when the fight for survival reaches its conclusion on Sunday.

Everton, Leicester and Leeds all face a nervous final day of the season when their places in English soccer’s top division will be at stake.

Everton has spent 69 years in the top-flight and is hoping for another dramatic rescue act, having narrowly avoided relegation last season.

Leicester was the architect of arguably the most unlikely title triumph — winning the Premier League as a 5000-1 underdog in 2016 — but has to hope Everton drops points at home against Bournemouth to stand any chance of climbing out of the relegation zone.

Leeds, meanwhile, has only been back among England’s elite for the past three years, but has a storied past, with its team of the late 1960s and 70s winning multiple trophies during that era. At the turn of the century it was a Champions League semifinalist.

Two of the three will join last-place Southampton in relegation to the second-tier Championship.

Everton goes into the last day in the strongest position largely due to its shock 5-1 win against highflying Brighton this month,

ENGLAND ADVANCES AT UNDER-20 WORLD CUP, FRANCE LOSES TO GAMBIA

BUENOS AIRES, Argentina (AP) — England, one of the favorites at the Under-20 World Cup, reached the knockout stage of the tournament with a 3-2 win over Uruguay on Thursday.

France, however, is in desperation mode after its 2-1 loss to Gambia — the team’s second defeat in two Group F matches.

England opened the scoring in rainy La Plata in the 22nd minute with a header by Bashir Humphreys. Alfie Devine added a second in first-half stoppage time.

Uruguay netted its first in the 49th minute through Franco González, but England held on. Darko Gyabi scored in stoppage time to keep England atop Group E. The Uruguayans scored their second with Matias Abaldo just before the final whistle.

Later on Thursday, Iraq and Tunisia will face off.

was seized on and substitute Rashford added a fourth five minutes later.

Another substitute Alejandro Garnacho hit the bar late on as United went in search of another.

Chelsea substitute Joao Felix scored a consolation in the 89th.

But it was another miserable night for the Londoners, who have now lost eight of their 10 games under interim manager Frank Lampard.

“It’s a bad year for the club,” Lampard said. “The important thing is you get to the bottom of how it improves.”

A concern for United was a first-half injury to Antony, which Ten Hag described as serious, while Luke Shaw also had to come off at halftime.

England will play Iraq in their final group game on Sunday, the same day Uruguay will take on Tunisia.

France struggled against Gambia from the start in Mendoza. After a mistake by goalkeeper Yann Lienard, Tanguy Zoukrou scored an own goal in the 13th minute.

In the second half, Lienard saved a penalty to keep the Europeans in the contest, and Wilson Odobert equalized with a header in the 61st minute.

Substitute Mamin Sanyang then dribbled through the French defense in the 68th minute and scored the winner from close range.

The last round of Group F on Sunday will feature Gambia vs. South Korea and France vs. Honduras.

which was its only victory from its last 10 games in the league.

“Of course, we didn’t want to be in this position but we have to deal with what is in front of us and really relish the challenge now,” winger Dwight McNeil told Everton’s website.

The Merseyside club sits one place above the relegation zone with 33 points — two points ahead of both Leicester and Leeds.

Everton had turned to Sean Dyche in January in a bid to climb the table after dispensing with Frank Lampard but has only won four of his 17 games in charge.

The cost of relegation could be more significant for Everton than any of its rivals, with the club planning to move

into a new waterfront stadium in 2024.

Its slump has come despite majority shareholder Farhad Moshiri spending around $780 million in a bid to transform the fortunes of a club that was one of the most successful in English soccer in the 1980s when it won the league title twice, the FA Cup and European Cup Winners’ Cup.

Leicester has enjoyed much more recent success, which is why it has come as such a surprise to see it fall on hard times.

It won the title under Claudio Ranieri in 2016 — making it a more recent league champion than Manchester United or Arsenal — despite having only narrowly avoided relegation a season earlier. It also won the FA Cup

as recently as 2021, but a lack of major spending this season has left it at the lower end of the table. Brendan Rodgers was replaced as manager by Dean Smith in April.

He has only overseen one win in seven games, but three more draws have kept his team in with a chance of survival.

Leicester is at home and must beat West Ham on Sunday and hope Everton fails to win. Even if Everton draws, a win for Leicester would see it survive by virtue of a superior goal difference.

Leeds needs to win at home against Tottenham and hope both Everton and Leicester drop points to stand any chance of staying up.

If Everton draws, Leeds would then have to rely on goal difference or even goals scored to move above its rival.

The Yorkshire club is on its third manager of a chaotic season after the departures of Jesse Marsch and Javi Gracia.

Former England coach Sam Allardyce was hired at the start of the month in a desperate attempt to see the club pull off a rescue mission, but two losses and a draw in his three games in charge have left Leeds on the brink of relegation.

He is searching for his first win when Tottenham travels to Elland Road on Sunday — but even then, the fans inside the ground will have to hope for a perfect day of results elsewhere to clinch survival against the odds.

NICOLAS JARRY, of Chile, reacts after winning a game against Casper Ruud during their quarter-final match at the Geneva Open tennis tournament yesterday.

DEFENDING CHAMPION RUUD OUSTED BY JARRY IN GENEVA OPEN QUARTERFINALS

GENEVA (AP) —

Casper Ruud’s run at a third straight Geneva Open title ended in a 3-6, 7-6 (2), 7-5 loss to Nicolás Jarry in the quarterfinals on Thursday.

The top-seeded Ruud had his serve broken at 5-5 in the third set after the 54th-ranked Chilean fired two powerful forehand winners.

Jarry’s serve held up after wasting an earlier break that forced a 4-3 lead, and took his second match-point chance with an overhead smash winner.

Ruud now heads early to the French Open where he is seeded No. 4 when play starts Sunday.

The 24-year-old Norwegian won the warm-up event at Geneva in 2021 and last year, when he also reached the final at Roland Garros losing to Rafael Nadal.

Jarry earned a rematch in the semifinals today of the

2019 final at Geneva he lost to Alexander Zverev.

Zverev had an easy passage through his quarterfinals match. The third-seeded German led 4-1 in the first set when 59th-ranked Wu Yibing of China retired with an injury.

While Ruud dropped his career record at Geneva to 9-1, Zverev is still unbeaten with a 6-0 mark at the lakeside park venue.

Second-seeded Taylor Fritz and fourth-seeded Grigor Dimitrov will meet in the other semifinal.

Fritz brushed aside Ilya Ivashka 6-1, 6-2 in just 51 minutes in the opening match on court.

Dimitrov was in action for almost two hours more to rally past Christopher O’Connell in a 6-7 (5), 7-5, 6-4 win.

Both Dimitrov and Zverev got wild cards at Geneva to prepare for Roland Garros.

(Martial Trezzini/Keystone via AP)

LEEDS United’s Rodrigo Moreno appears dejected after the English Premier League soccer match between West Ham United and Leeds United, at the London Stadium, in London, on Sunday. (Mike Egerton/PA via AP)

MANCHESTER United’s Anthony Martial, right, celebrates with teammates after scoring his side’s second goal during the English Premier League soccer match between Manchester United and Chelsea at the Old Trafford stadium in Manchester, England, Thursday, May 25, 2023. (AP Photo/Dave Thompson)

Celtics cool down Heat

By KYLE HIGHTOWER AP Sports Writer

BOSTON (AP) — Derrick White had 24 points, including six 3-pointers, and the Boston Celtics dominated the Miami Heat 110-97 last night in Game 5 to extend the Eastern Conference finals.

Marcus Smart had 23 points and five steals. Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown finished with 21 points apiece as the Celtics claimed their second straight win and trimmed Miami’s series lead to 3-2.

It keeps alive Boston’s hopes of becoming the first team in NBA history to overcome a 3-0 deficit to win a series. Teams previously in that position are 0-150 all-time. Game 6 is Saturday in Miami.

A day after the Florida Panthers punched the

franchise’s first ticket to the Stanley Cup Finals since 1996, for the second straight game the Heat were denied a spot in the NBA Finals.

Duncan Robinson led the Heat with 18 points. Bam Adebayo added 16 points and eight rebounds. Jimmy Butler had 14 points, five rebounds and five assists but sat out the final 9:47 of the game.

Caleb Martin finished with 14 points. It was Butler’s lowest-scoring game of the playoffs. He had 16 points in Game 3, a blowout win by Miami. Miami never led and had 16 turnovers.

Boston entered the day just 4-5 at TD Garden this postseason. But with a raucous home crowd behind them, the Celtics thrived on their energy.

They dove for loose balls, outfought Miami for rebounds and found each other for layups and dunks in transition as they built as much as 20 points in the first half. The Heat cut into it, but Boston kept knock ing down 3s and grew its edge as high as 96-72 in the fourth quarter.

Boston’s fans reignited a “Beat the Heat!” chant that hadn’t been prevalent since Game 1.

The Heat started Kyle Lowry at point guard after

Gabe Vincent was ruled out with a sprained left ankle earlier in the day. It was Lowry’s first start since Vincent, the Heat’s third-leading scorer this postseason, got hurt late in Miami’s Game 4 loss when he landed awkwardly while trying to save a loose ball His presence was missed as Miami struggled early on the offensive end, swarmed by a Celtics’ defence that forced the Heat into 10

first-half turnovers that led to 17 Boston points.

Lowry played 31 minutes, scored five points and finished with four turnovers.

TIP-INS

Heat: Were outscored 13-0 in second-half points in the opening 24 minutes.

Celtics: Al Horford added six points and 11 rebounds.

The Celtics took a 61-44 edge into halftime. … Boston’s first turnover of the game didn’t come until the 8:16 mark of the second quarter.

FAST START

The Celtics got the fast start they had hoped for in front of their home crowd.

Smart stripped Adebayo on Miami’s opening possession, igniting a fast break and layup on the other end by Tatum.

Then, with the game tied at 4, Tatum got free in the

lane for a monstrous twohanded dunk.

He hung on the rim afterward and continued his celebration when he landed, leading to a technical foul.

It didn’t stop the Celtics’ momentum, as their firstquarter lead grew as high as 23-7.

Boston ended the period with a 35-20 lead, punctuated by a 3-pointer by White at the buzzer.

Tatum had 12 points in the opening 12 minutes, with the Celtics outscoring the Heat 21-6 from beyond the arc. Boston hit 7 of its 12 attempts.

VIP WATCH Celtics Hall of Famer Paul Pierce, NCAA president Charlie Baker and New England Patriots Matt Slater and Devin McCourty were among several celebrities in the Garden.

FRENCH OPEN 2023: Defending champion Swiatek seeded 1st; Sabalenka 2nd; Gauff 6th

By HOWARD FENDRICH AP Tennis Writer

PARIS (AP) — Here are the top women to watch at the French Open, which begins at Roland Garros on Sunday:

IGA SWIATEK

Seeded: 1

Career-Best Ranking: 1

Country: Poland

Age: 21 (Turns 22 on May 31)

2023 Record: 28-6

2023 Titles: 2

Career Titles: 13

Grand Slam Titles: 3 — French Open (2020, 2022), U.S. Open (2022)

Last 5 French Opens: 2022-Won Championship, 2021-Lost in Quarterfinals, 2020-W, 2019-4th, 2018-Did Not Play

The Bracket: Could face No. 6 Coco Gauff in the quarterfinals; would be a rematch of last year’s final.

Aces: Career mark of 21-2 at French Open is by far her best at a major. ...

Last year’s title was part of a stretch in which she won six consecutive tournaments and compiled a 37-match winning streak, the longest on tour in a quarter of a century. ... Took over at No. 1 in the rankings after Ash Barty’s surprising retirement in early 2022. ... Stopped playing at the Italian Open this month because of a right thigh injury.

She Said It: “The whole tour is moving forward and kind of playing better and better every year. You need to catch up and also, like, be on the path of moving forward and improving.” — On staying on top.

ARYNA SABALENKA

Seeded: 2

Career-Best Ranking: 2

Country: Belarus

Age: 25 2023 Record: 29-5

2023 Titles: 3

Career Titles: 13

Grand Slam Titles: 1 —

Australian Open (2023)

Last 5 French Opens: 2022-3rd, 2021-3rd, 20203rd, 2019-2nd, 2018-1st

The Bracket: Faces Marta Kostyuk of Ukraine in the first round.

Aces: First career Grand Slam title came in January at Melbourne Park. She credited both an improved serve — she worked with a biomechanics expert to retool the motion — and improved outlook. ...

French Open is only major where she hasn’t reached the semifinals.

... Power-based game has been translating well to clay, including two titles in the past three years in Madrid. Beat Iga Swiatek in the final there this month.

She Said It: “When you have a target, if you have really big motivation, it’s not, like, easier, but you have a goal behind all those tough practices. It’s easier to keep going. When it’s tough, you remind yourself why you’re doing it.” — On how she stays eager to win.

JESSICA PEGULA

Seeded: 3

Career-Best Ranking: 3

Country: United States

Age: 29 2023 Record: 25-9

2023 Titles: Zero

Career Titles: 2

Grand Slam Titles: None

— Best: Quarterfinals, French Open (2021, 2022, 2023), Australian Open (2022), U.S. Open (2022)

Last 5 French Opens: 2022-QF, 2021-3rd, 20201st, 2019-1st, 2018-DNP

The Bracket: Faces 2022 Australian Open runnerup Danielle Collins in an all-American first-round matchup.

Aces: Reached the WTA Finals for the first time last

season after cracking the Top 10 for the first time. ... Breakthrough season included three Slam quarterfinals before a loss to the No. 1 seed and eventual champion each time: Ash Barty at Australian Open; Iga Swiatek at French Open and U.S. Open. ... Coached by David Witt, who used to work with Venus Williams. ... Parents own NFL’s Buffalo Bills and NHL’s Buffalo Sabres. She Said It: “For me, it’s just like the waiting around. The buildup. I’m usually kind of freaking out in practice a little bit. Everything starts to bother me a little bit more. The strings start to bother me. Certain courts.” — On nerves entering a major tournament.

ELENA RYBAKINA

Seeded: 4

Career-Best Ranking: 4

Country: Kazakhstan

Age: 23

2023 Record: 28-7

2023 Titles: 2

Career Titles: 5

Grand Slam Titles: 1 —

Wimbledon (2022)

Last 5 French Opens: 2022-3rd,

2021-QF, 2020-2nd, 20191st, 2018-DNP The Bracket: Could face No. 7 Ons Jabeur in the quarterfinals.

Aces: At past three majors, collected one championship (at Wimbledon) and one runner-up trophy (at the Australian Open).

... Nearly completed the so-called Sunshine Double, winning title at Indian Wells, California, in March, then reaching final at Miami in April. ... Picked up clay title at Italian Open. ... Big serve is as dangerous as any tour; has 278 aces this season, more than 50 more than anyone else.

She Said It: “I can play good on all the surfaces. It’s just maybe for clay I need to be ready more physically and maybe have a lot of preparation.” — On what’s different about clay for her.

CAROLINE GARCIA

Seeded: 5

Career-Best Ranking: 4

Country: France

Age: 29

2023 Record: 20-11 2023 Titles: Zero

Career Titles: 11

Grand Slam Titles: None

— Best: Semifinals, U.S. Open (2022)

Last 5 French Opens: 2022-2nd, 2021-2nd, 20204th, 2019-2nd, 2018-4th

The Bracket: Could face 2017 champion Jelena Ostapenko in fourth round.

Aces: Biggest title of career came at seasonending WTA Finals in November. ... Reached singles quarterfinals once in 12 Roland Garros appearances, in 2017. ... Won French Open doubles titles in 2016 and 2022. ... Split from coach Bertrand Perret late in 2022, then reunited last month. ... Revealed last year she dealt with bulimia, triggered by losses on court and pain from a foot injury.

She Said It: “You always want to do better, but you start to compare yourself to what it was (like) last year, but I don’t think it’s a very good mindset. So that’s what I’m working on — to just focus on the present and to see what I can do better (than) yesterday only.” — On moving forward from a successful end of last season.

COCO GAUFF

Seeded: 6

Career-Best Ranking: 4

Country: United States

Age: 19 2023 Record: 18-8

2023 Titles: 1

Career Titles: 3

Grand Slam Titles: None — Best: Runner-Up, French Open (2022)

Last 5 French Opens: 2022-RU, 2021-QF, 20202nd, 2019-DNP, 2018-DNP

The Bracket: Could face No. 11 Veronika Kudermetova or 2017 U.S. Open runner-up Madison Keys in fourth round.

Aces: French Open marks her 15th Slam appearance. ... Run to last year’s finals in singles and doubles (with

Jessica Pegula) at Roland Garros was a major breakthrough for the teenager. ... Has been ranked No. 1 in doubles. ... In 2022, became youngest American woman since 1994 to qualify for the WTA Finals in singles. Also earned doubles berth.

She Said It: “The biggest thing for me is, once I go up, to keep going even higher. I don’t think you want to put a ceiling on yourself.” — On her outlook as she makes progress in tennis.

ONS JABEUR

Seeded: 7

Career-Best Ranking: 2

Country: Tunisia

Age: 29

2023 Record: 11-6

2023 Titles: 1

Career Titles: 4 Grand Slam Titles: None — Best: Runner-Up, Wimbledon (2022), U.S. Open (2022)

Last 5 French Opens: 2022-1st, 2021-4th, 20204th, 2019-1st, 2018-DNP

The Bracket: Could face two-time Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova in the fourth round.

Aces:

Breakthrough 2022 included runs to the finals at Wimbledon and U.S. Open, but also a surprising first-round exit at Roland Garros. ... First woman from North Africa and first Arab woman to reach a Grand Slam final. ... Represented by management company founded by Naomi Osaka and her agent. ... Husband is her fitness trainer.

She Said It: “We’re always adapting to anything. We travel a lot, jet lag, different hotel, different pillow. I don’t know — just different conditions, different air. We’re always adapting anyway. I feel like it’s part of our job.” — On life on tour.

BOSTON Celtics forward Jayson Tatum, top, dunks as Miami Heat forward Kevin Love defends during the first half in Game 5 of their NBA basketball Eastern Conference Final series last night in Boston.

(AP Photo/Charles Krupa)

BOSTON THRIVES ON 3S, BEAT MIAMI 110-97 IN GAME 5 TO EXTEND THE EASTERN FINALS

IGA Swiatek returns the ball to Lesia Tsurenko at the Italian Open tennis tournament, in Rome, on Sunday, May 14. Play begins at the French Open on Sunday, May 28. (AP Photo/ Andrew Medichini)

ROADMASTERS, a long-distance running club, is set to host their eighth edition of the Midnight Madness Fun Run/Walk on Labour Day at Arawak Cay. The event is set to start on the eve of the Randol Fawkes holiday at

12:01am.

The unorthodox annual fitness event will allow for all demographics to partake including walkers, runners, and those in-between.

Participants can look forward to competing in a 5k, 10k walk or run.

Anastasia Turnquest, president of Bahamas Roadmasters, talked about the driving force behind the Midnight Madness event.

“The Bahamas Roadmasters Running Club has always been about giving back and started with a 20-mile run several years later that evolved into the Bahamas Half Marathon. The idea of the midnight run arose from wanting to do something different and out of the ordinary,” Turnquest said.

$25 and for students it is $15. Despite sponsorship not being as the club would have liked, they are grateful to be sponsored by Caribbean Bottling Company, JS Johnson Insurance Company, Bahamas Welding & Fire, Hanna’s Enterprises and Suntee Uniforms & Promotional Marketing.

The proceeds of the Bahamas Roadmasters Midnight Madness Fun/Run Walk will go to the Bahamas Kidney Association.

For each of their events a charity is chosen and a vote is taken by the members to decide on a charity of choice.

The president had these final words for persons that have not registered to support this year’s event as yet. “For those who have not registered as yet. we encourage them to hurry and secure a spot. The event is a fun and exciting way to bring in the holiday while supporting a worthy cause,” she said.

Although the event’s registration numbers have been sluggish so far,

according to the president, she said history has shown that the public tends to wait until the last minute ro register for these events.

The route for the Midnight Madness Fun/Run

Walk starts at the Western Esplanade (Eastern end of Arawak Cay) and heads west for 3.1 miles before returning to the starting point. Additionally, for the 5k route they will turn

around at the go-slow bend and the 10k participants will turn around just before Baha Mar Boulevard.

Persons interested in partaking can register at www. active.com and will also be

able to register in-person on the night of the event.

However, the event organisers are encouraging the public to sign up in advance. The cost of registration for adults will be

The Bahamas Roadmasters’ next event will be the Bahamas Half Race series in November which will also be open to international participants. Stay healthy and in shape.

Comets as the reigning 2023 BAISS soccer champions, this matchup will be one for the books for the senior girls.

The always exciting matchups between the boys will feature the Dragons versus the Anatol Rodgers Timberwolves.

The senior boys of the Dragons cashed in on their spot in the semi-finals after taking down the CR Walker Knights.

Meanwhile, the Timberwolves took care of business against the St Andrew’s International School Hurricanes on Monday.

In the day’s most anticipated semi-finals, the Government High School Magic will face off against Grand Bahama’s Lucaya International School Buccaneers.

PERSONS interested in taking part in the midnight fun run/walk can register at www.active.com and will also be able to register inperson on the night of the event. However, the event organisers are encouraging the public to sign up in advance. FROM PAGE 11 SAMUEL P HAVEN JR HIGH SOCCER NATIONALS CONTINUES TODAY WITH SEMI-FINALS BATTLE AT ROSCOW DAVIES FIELD HIGH SCHOOL students in action yesterday during the the Samuel P Haven Jr High Schools Soccer Nationals at the Roscow A L Davies national soccer field. Since Tuesday, various matchups have gotten underway between the Government Secondary Schools Sports Association (GSSSA) and Bahamas Association of Independent Secondary Schools (BAISS) teams in the return of Photos: Tenajh Sweeting

Similar to the Lady Knights, the Magic are reeling from the high of just winning the GSSSA soccer championship.

They repeated as champions following their victory in 2019 which was the last time GSSSA soccer was played.

The Magic upset the CR Walker Knights on Wednesday after coming from behind to win the championship matchup 2-1.

Saturday’s finals, they will surely look to leave it all on the Roscow

Davies national soccer field today at 4:30pm.

THE Bahamas Roadmasters long-distance running club is set to host their eighth edition of the Midnight Madness Fun Run/ Walk on Labour Day at Arawak Cay.

The event is set to start on the eve of the Randol Fawkes holiday at 12:01am.

By TENAJH SWEETING tsweeting@tribunemedia.net

Insurers ‘over reacting’ on 50% investment ‘minimum’

FROM PAGE A24

Speaking after insurers voiced fears that the Government is seeking to “dictate” their investment strategy, he added that the topic had been raised during an International Monetary Fund (IMF) mission to The Bahamas that discussed this nation’s capital markets.

Mr Wilson told this newspaper that the IMF representatives had been “slightly surprised” to learn that there was no minimum threshold for government securities holdings imposed on Bahamian insurance underwriters even though the sector was widely perceived as the cause of many past Caribbean financial “meltdowns”, as occurred with CL Financial (CLICO) and the Jamaican financial crisis in the 1990s.

He added that the absence of such a benchmark was “unusual”, especially given The Bahamas’ exchange control regime and lack of alternative investment options.

And the financial secretary asked: “Do we want the capita markets to develop or do we want to be in the same place we were 50 years ago?”

Addressing the insurance industry’s “grave concerns”, which were communicated to the Insurance Commission on Wednesday, Mr Wilson said: “Nothing has been proposed. To be clear, we had a mission from the IMF to discuss the capital markets of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas.

One of the questions asked of the regulators was: Is there a minimum requirement for holdings of government securities among licensees?

“The [insurance] regulator indicated there was no minimum requirement. The IMF folks were slightly surprised. If you look at this region, and the failures that have happened in the financial sector in the region, they’ve always been led by the insurance sector. The view is that the insurance sector is regulated softer than the banks.

“All these major meltdowns in the Caribbean have come form the insurance sector. The view is that the banks are wellregulated, well-capitalised. The banks are required to have a percentage of their assets in government securities. They are viewed as risk free.”

Given the multiple downgrades to The Bahamas’ sovereign creditworthiness in recent years, and the impairment charges that banks and other institutions have had to take on their government securities, that view could be challenged.

However, Mr Wilson said: “The Bahamas Insurance Association, I think, is overreacting. This is just an inquiry.

“The Insurance Commission has to do their work, and prepare a report and recommendations to the Government. It is just an inquiry. I may have seen the Commission’s letter.

Obviously, they want to understand it. I think they’re over-reacting. We don’t have any information so we cannot reach the stage of making a decision or proposal. I don’t know what the issue is.”

Many insurers, though, are likely to contrast that with the six days allowed by the Insurance Commission to provide feedback and the urgency with which it requested that this be received ahead of this coming Wednesday’s 20232024 Budget presentation in the House of Assembly.

Noting that several Bahamian insurers “hold as much as they can” when it comes to government securities investments,

Mr Wilson said: “There’s no doubt that not having a minimum requirement is unusual, especially in a country where we have exchange controls. It’s not like we have a lot of options. Because we have exchange controls it’s unusual.”

Several observers have questioned whether the proposal to mandate that Bahamian insurers hold a “minimum” 50 percent of their total portfolio in government securities is a sign of a lack if appetite for paper debt among local investors. Mr Wilson, though, assured that this was “completely, completely, completely” the wrong interpretation.

“When we look at our fiscal performance over the last couple of months, it’s quite clear revenue is performing quite well, expenses are under control, our borrowing is very much reduced,” he said. “We have multilateral lines available, so this is not a situation where we are seeking, we are desperate, for funds and liquidity. None.

“The question we have to ask ourselves: Do we want the capital markets to develop? This is the third decade of the 21st century. Do we want to be in the same place we were 50 years ago?” Michael Halkitis, minister of economic affairs, gave a similar explanation at yesterday’s Prime Minister’s Office media briefing.

“The Insurance Commission requested some information from companies as to what their holdings are,” he said. “That was the intent of the communication. The intent is that we want to know the extent of the holdings because we had gotten some advice that perhaps we should look at what some other jurisdictions are doing in regulating the quality of assets held by insurance companies. It was a first step in information gathering. It was not a dictate at all.”

Bahamian insurers, though, said yesterday that they were still awaiting clarification on the matter from both the Insurance Commission and the Government. Julian Rolle, the BIA’s chairman, told this newspaper that neither Bermuda nor the Cayman Islands impose a minimum requirement for holdings of government securities on their insurers, with only Jamaica applying such a benchmark - which appears to be a legacy of its 1990s financial crisis.

Anton Saunders, RoyalStar Assurance’s managing director, said of the proposal: “There’s no way that can work with the investment portfolio we have, along with our A. M. Best commitments and regulatory limits of our different regulators in the Caribbean. That really is a non-starter for us.

“For all the regulated companies in The Bahamas, that is a non-starter. There’s no way in heaven you can impose limits for investment accounts. Saying you must invest 50 percent in a particular security, that goes against all portfolio diversification and concentration of risk in one’s investment portfolio. For us, there’s multiple reasons why we strongly object to this measure.

“We have investments in government stocks, but don’t mandate that we put 50 percent of our assets in a particular investment. We do have government stocks, we don’t run away from them; we are part of the community, but please don’t mandate how much we invest.”

INTENT TO CHANGE NAME BY DEED POLL

The Public is hereby advised that I, TELICIA NEWBOLD of Peardale Road off Wulff Road, New Providence, Bahamas, intend to change my child’s name from JOSHUA PRINCE ONYX BETHEL to JOSHUA PRINCE ONYX GEORGES If there are any objections to this change of name by Deed Poll, you may write such objections to the Chief Passport Officer, P.O. Box N-742, Nassau, New Providence, Bahamas no later than thirty (30) days after the date of publication of this notice.

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

Monday, May 29th, 2023

‘Now clear’ Baha Mar sabotaged by CCA

would meet its March 27, 2015, completion date.

* Mr Wu allowed the workers to leave “with the express purpose of causing CCA to stop work” so the contractor would have leverage over Baha Mar to demand it be paid more money. The judge said it was “also clear” that CCA “diverted resources and key personnel” to its newlyacquired British Colonial resort in downtown Nassau, which was a precursor to the $200m development of The Pointe on adjacent land.

* Judge Borrok said the documents showed CCA and its affiliates were “actively pursuing their own interests to the detriment” of Mr Izmirlian, his BML Properties vehicle, and the Baha Mar project. He ruled that they “actively sought” to secure the original developer’s removal, working with Baha Mar’s financier, China Export-Import Bank, which is also owned by the Beijing government.

After succeeding in this goal, CCA received some $700m to finish Baha Mar’s construction while Mr Izmirlian and his family lost their entire $830m investment. Referring to the New York State Supreme Court’s prior dismissals of CCA’s efforts to have the original developer’s case thrown out, Judge Borrok yesterday wrote: “Discovery has only served to underscore the wisdom of the prior decision.

“It is now clear that Taizhong ‘Tiger’ Wu, one

$6m

of the CSCEC representatives and CCA (Bahamas) executive vice-president, approved over 700 workers leaving the project between December 2014 and February 2015 in the final months leading up to the projected date for substantial completion, March 27, 2015.”

This the judge added, occurred “without approval from BML Properties despite knowing that those workers may well have helped the project reach the substantial completion date on time, which it did not.

“Mr Wu did this after CCA sent a letter to CSCEC on January 21, 2015, stating that ‘the project has entered the critical stage of final full-scale shock work’ and that ‘the production situation of the project is extremely severe, and if the situation cannot be fundamentally reversed, it will cause irreparable and catastrophic losses’,” Judge Borrok added. “Indeed, CCA made clear that the joint venture partner needed to do the opposite of what Mr Wu did.

“To put this in context, Sarkis Izmirlian, president of BML Properties, witnessed CCA disingenuously - given the plan to divert workers and resources - tell the Prime Minister of The Bahamas and the Chinese Ambassador to The Bahamas that the project would be finished by March 27, 2015. Indeed, it is now clear that Mr Wu sent workers away with the express purpose of causing CCA to stop work so that they could force Baha Mar and

‘breathing

or draft a release to go out to make the public aware of what the situation is”.

That release did not reach Tribune Business before press time last night, but Mr Jones had indicated earlier this week that - after many gas stations stopped serving diesel fuel - the next step may involve reduced operating hours as dealers seek to cut their costs and losses.

The retailers and government at present appear to have reached an impasse after Mr Halkitis, in remarks at the Prime Minister’s Office’s media briefing, again ruled out any increase in the industry’s margins because this would automatically result in increased gasoline and diesel prices for consumers and businesses. He added that the Government had given dealers “breathing room” by offering some $6m in “rebates” last year.

Noting that diesel fuel is still available, in a nod to the Shell gas stations that

BML Properties to negotiate funding. “It is also clear on the fully developed record before the court that CCA diverted resources and key personnel to other projects in which Baha Mar had no interest whatsoever.

For example, according to David Liu, one of CCA (Bahamas) vice-presidents and a CSCEC representative, while the project was ongoing, CCA (Bahamas) acquired another resort near to the project in which Baha Mar had no interest.”

That was the British Colonial, and Judge Borrok said of CCA: “It is also clear that the defendants were actively pursuing their own interests to the detriment of Baha Mar and BML Properties. By letter dated March 18, 2015, Yuan Ning, president of CCA, wrote to Chen Guacai, vicepresident of CSCEC, that to bring BML Properties back to the negotiating table, CCA suggested ‘taking extreme measures such as a complete shutdown of the work’.

“The next day, CCA instructed its personnel to freeze handing over rooms. By e-mail dated July 6, 2015, from Mr Liu to, among others, Mr Wu, Mr Liu wrote: ‘[w]e should take advantage of The Bahamas government. If the Government, Export-Import Bank of China and CCA join forces, we can turn passive into active!’ Put another way, Mr Liu saw an opportunity to fundamentally change the relationship between the joint venture

room’

have not stopped serving it, the minster said: “The position of some of the retailers is that the profits they’re making on it currently is not sufficient for them to continue. We hope that they reconsider that.

“The position remains that the Government of The Bahamas is sympathetic to their plight, but at this time with conditions as they are, we are not considering any increase in the margin. I should also say, as well as being sympathetic, we’ve been having these discussions for many months.

“The Government last year provided tax rebates to the tune of $6m to the petroleum dealers; $5.5m in cash and $500,000 as offsets to some of the taxes owing. We have made an effort to help to ease the burden and to give them some support; to give them breathing room. We know that helped. We continue to ask them; it’s a difficult situation for all, and so it would

partners and worked to cause this to occur.

“Indeed, at a meeting between the defendants and the Export-Import Bank of China on September 28, 2015, the defendants indicated that they should push for the ExportImport Bank of China to be named receiver of the project so that, among other things, they could ‘protect the interests of China Construction’s $150m preferred stock’,” the judge continued.

“In other words, the fully-developed record now indicates that the defendants actively sought to remove BML Properties from the project so that they could protect their own investments and to the detriment of the joint venture partner. As is clear, they were successful as this is exactly what occurred.”

Judge Borrok, in rejecting CCA’s bid to dismiss Mr Izmirlian’s case, ruled: “Discovery confirmed that BML Properties sustained a disproportionate loss, and that its losses stem from various breaches of duty and contract that the defendants owed to BML Properties.

“BML Properties lost its entire investment, which David Bones, BML Properties’ expert, estimates to total $830m in tangible and intangible assets, including land and leased facilities, improvements, personal property, contracts, approvals, hotel assets, intellectual property, intangible personal property, casino operations and licence,

and cash. The defendants, by contrast, made over $700m.”

Judge Borrok found that there are multiple factual disputes that need to be determined, including whether CCA failed to use $54m in emergency funding obtained by Mr Izmirlian and Baha Mar as intended to pay sub-contractors working on the project and advance it to completion.

Also ruling that Mr Izmirlian can seek to recover lost profits by virtue of his ousting from Baha Mar’s ownership, he added: “The CSCEC representatives had an obligation to act in the best interest of Baha Mar. On the record before the court, this they did not do.

“Contrary to the defendants’ arguments, it does not matter that the CSCEC representatives ‘wore different hats’ in their different roles for different parties. When they changed their hats, they could not simply shed their responsibilities.”

Judge Borrok also determined that Mr Izmirlian’s claims were not released by the Supreme Court proceedings in the Bahamas that wound-up the original Baha Mar because he was not a party to that case.

And he dismissed CCA’s claims that Mr Izmirlian breached their investors’ agreement by filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in the US without the contractor’s permission.

“The problem, however, is that Luming (Lawrence) Gao, CSCEC’s representative, was unable to identify

any damages stemming from this alleged breach and instead only indicated that damages were demonstrated by looking at the investors agreement. This is plainly insufficient to create an issue of fact for trial,” Judge Borrok ruled.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the defendants’ argument that they are entitled to damages because Baha Mar’s soft cost expenditures were excessive is belied by the report of Ernst & Young finding that the majority of invoices audited were complete and accurate, and that the Baha Mar soft cost budget was reasonable and appropriate......

“Finally, the defendants argue that BML Properties breached Section 4.8 (1) of the investors agreement by causing Baha Mar to procure a loan outside of the regular course of business. However, the record facts establish that the loan was both necessary to continue the ordinary course of business and on terms favourable to Baha Mar,” the judge continued.

“Among other things, the interest was payable in kind, there was no prepayment penalty, Baha Mar could avail itself of better financing without penalty if another lender emerged, and the term of the loan was sufficient to allow restructuring of business while in Chapter 11. The loan came just days after the Baha Mar Board discussed at a June 24, 2015, meeting that Baha Mar’s financial situation was worsening.”

no long-term gas solution

not be in for us to consider raising prices at the pump at this time.”

Responding to questions on the retailers’ call for a margin increase, Mr Halkitis added: “The issue is this. Of course we want to continue the conversation. The easiest solution as far as the dealers are concerned is to give them a margin increase. What that does is everyone who goes to the pump pays more. All of us.

“As I said, we’ve been having these discussions for some time. Global conditions are such that [oil] prices are high. Part of the solution and accommodation was to give the tax rebates last year. We thought that would give some breathing room. We think it did.

“We continue to seek a solution, but it’s not as simple a solution as give a margin increase that increases the price for everybody or take the tax off diesel or whatever, which only means that the

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Government’s revenue falls short and we have to borrow again. There’s some proposals going back and forth. We continue to discuss things. It’s a very challenging situation.” The Government presently earns 10 percent VAT, plus $1.15 in duty, for every gallon of gas sold at the pump.

Mr Jones, responding to Mr Halkitis, disclosed that the Government had told petroleum dealers it would look at a margin increase in the 2022 third quarter if gas prices came down. While they dropped by $2 between July and September last year, that level of decrease was probably not sufficient to move the administration.

Contrasting the rebate offered last year with the Government’s stance now, the Association president said: “The minister got up in his press statement today, and said we gave these guys a rebate last year in recognition they cannot survive with the current margins, but come January they increased the cost further and said the Government is not minded to increase the margins at this time because of the cost it would put on the public.”

While confirming the $6m relief, Mr Jones pointed out that this was spread across multiple dealers and gas stations. And, in the industry’s eyes, it only represented the temporary

“breathing room” referred to by Mr Halkitis rather than the long-term solution they are desperately seeking in terms of a margin adjustment that would enable them to cover everincreasing costs that the present structure cannot.

“The Government asked us not to disclose or let anyone know that some relief was done on behalf of the retailers,” he added.

“That was spread across the country. We went in there from last year, April, complaining we were under water and needed assistance, and asked for an adjustment in the margins.

“Yes, they did something across the country. But here’s the problem. Let’s say I’m out of a job, need food and ask: ‘Can you feed me?’ You recognise the problem, and give me food for today, but tomorrow the problem is still there. We need a long-term solution. A short-term injection does not alleviate the problem.”

Since the rebate was provided, Mr Jones said gas stations have faced a further cost increase surge represented by the 24 percent, or $50 per week, minimum wage increase, and associated rise in National Insurance Board (NIB) contributions, plus Bahamas Power & Light (BPL) and insurance cost increases. Many gas station employees earn minimum wage and were impacted by the rise, with dealers

understanding why it was implemented. Mr Jones said the Government now appears to be taking a contradictory position, explaining: “You gave assistance when there was a previous increase in operating costs, which precipitated the costs that came in at the beginning of this year and end of last year, which is minimum wage, NIB and power costs.

“Now you tell us you can’t give us pennies on the gallon but you recognised the problem last year and offered us relief when the costs were lower, but now you have added these additional costs on against fixed margins? What are we left to do?

“People are just in awe of the fact they [the Government] have said there is nothing else we can do, especially after we sat and reviewed a proposal from them. They made that proposal a month-and-a-half ago. They’re offering an adjustment.” However, Mr Jones questioned whether the Government was offering something it did not intend to implement.

He added that what his members were requesting was no different from the Government’s decision last October to stop funding BPL’s fuel charge and instead pass the cost on to the Bahamian people via increased electricity bills.

“All we’re saying is recognise the same issues here,” Mr Jones said.

“If we were food retailers, we could simply make an adjustment to the margins to maintain some semblance of profit, but because fuel is price controlled we cannot. We had negotiated a reasonable deal which the Government had accepted, the wholesalers had accepted. Let’s put it in. What’s the problem now? It was nothing unreasonable. It was nothing extraordinary at all. It was pennies on the gallon; 7.8 percent on the landed cost. It was not $1 a gallon. Nothing significant.”

The Association, in its early statement, added: “Petroleum retailers are demanding to be treated fairly in the face of unbearable rising costs with this low fixed margin. Petroleum retailers are in a desperate place financially. The actions taken earlier this week with not selling diesel is an effort to bring this margin issue to a conclusion. We need the Government to conclude the deal that was presented.”

Joining WTO is not a Bahamas priority

be what the people decide to do, then we’ll go.”

Mr Halkitis also repeated concerns he previously voiced that, by becoming fixated on the question of whether The Bahamas should become a full WTO member, there as a danger that the Government’s broader trade focus could be derailed - and become lost - in the emotive debate that often erupts over the issue.

“When it comes to the WTO, I believe we are the only country in the Western Hemisphere who are not members of the WTO,”

he acknowledged. “We understand that when you talk about trade, people talk about WTO and then, all of a sudden, it becomes very emotive and then the debate gets lost.

“What we realise is, as we pursue this now and implementation of this National Trade Policy, it’s very important for us, number one, to take advantage of the arrangements that we are already in. And number two, there are many remaining preparatory steps that we need to take in terms of eventual accession to WTO should we decide to do that.

“Talking about things like strengthening our

intellectual property regime to protect creatives, making sure we continue to develop our system of standards, and then we can talk about the WTO.”

The Bahamas’ stop-start effort to become a full WTO member this now spans more than two decades, having begun in 2021, and is likely to be among the longest - if not the longest-ever - accession process. The country, though, still has observer status with the world’s overseer and standard-setter for rules-based trading regimes.

The prospect of full WTO membership has often been viewed negatively by many

in the private sector, who perceive that the accession terms will force The Bahamas to open up multiple industries to foreign competitors with superior economies of scale and access to capital, thus putting local companies out of business. There is no guarantee that this would be the outcome, though, and trade advocates say that such fears are massively overblown.

Mr Halkitis yesterday said the National Trade Policy seeks to address four key challengeslimited exports; high imports; a lack of export diversification; and low

production capacity and a lack of competitiveness.

“What’s important to us

first of all is the fact that The Bahamas is already a member of trade agreements, the EPA (Economic Partnership Agreement) with the European Union, and as well developing one with the UK, Canada and the US [through] CARIFORUM,” he added.

“So we are members of these trade agreements. Unfortunately we do not take sufficient advantage of those memberships. The second point we need to bear in mind is we need to disabuse ourselves of the fact that when we talking

‘SIGNIFICANT REGULATORY REFORM’ NEED ON CORPORATE INCOME TAX

spurred the Government of The Bahamas to undertake a comprehensive review and analysis of our current tax system, and the implications of evolving from a Business Licence turnoverbased tax to the corporate income tax, which is based on net income.”

Mr Pinder continued:

“So we anticipate doing a very detailed consultation exercise for the general public over the summer, in which we will hold different town meetings, technical analyses, just so everybody is comfortable with understanding what is in the

paper and can have enough knowledge and basis to be able to do their own analysis and provide the feedback that is necessary.

“The Government is committed to maintain innovation and transparency in the development of our financial services industry. We will do all we can to ensure that we are fully compliant with international standards and give you the platform you need to excel. We understand that the rules are constantly changing, that policy and legislative reform is constantly required. We are committed to do just this

“I want you to be confident that our government will work with you and for you. We will involve industry in our decisions and initiatives. And we will work together in the co-operative fashion for reforming and innovation that you have grown to expect.”

Mr Pinder outlined the four options presented in the paper. “Option one represents the OECD 15 percent compliant pillar two regime. Again, that’s for business units generating more than 750m euros. So option one is just the OECD barebones requirement,” he added. “Option

two adds to option one a 10 percent rate for all other firms. So 15 percent for the OECD criteria and then 10 percent for everybody else.

“Option three adds to option one a 12 percent rate for firms above $500,000 and maintains the Business Licence regime for the firms below the threshold. So you had OECD standard, for everybody generating $500,000 and more you have an income tax, for everybody under $500,000 you have Business Licence and that’s to preserve simplicity for the small businesses but imposing wider corporate income tax across the economy.

“And option four applies a 15 percent corporate income tax across all firms, except for those below $500,000 which attract 10 percent. So that would put everybody in a corporate tax regime with scaled rates. Those are four options presented, no options decided upon,” he added.

about trade we only talking about a one-way street; things coming in.

“Four key elements that we’re seeking to address are we don’t export enough; we export very little, and what we export is confined to spiny lobster, drugs in terms of pharmaceuticals, polystyrene foam out of Grand Bahama and then salt. Those are the top four, so very narrow and very small. We need to increase the amount of exports, we need to reduce the amount of imports, we need to empower our local businesses and so those will be the thrust of this trade policy.”

“Different options have different economic consequences, and unemployment consequences, and those are spelled out in the ‘green paper’. Again, I encourage you all to carefully review the ‘green paper’ and take the opportunity to provide your input and opinions. This is the mature approach to national development and we ask for everybody’s involvement in the process.”

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Credit Suisse Brazil (Bahamas) Limited

at December 31, 2022

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 Auditors’ responsibilities for the audit of the financial information section of our report.

We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.

Independence We are independent of the Company in accordance with International Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants (including International Independence Standards) issued by the International Ethics Standards Board for Accountants (IESBA Code). We have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with the IESBA Code.

Emphasis of Matter - Basis of preparation

We draw attention to Note 1 to the financial information, which describes the basis of preparation. The financial information is prepared to comply with the requirements of the Company’s regulator. As a result, the financial information may not be suitable for another purpose. The financial information does not comprise a full set of financial statements prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards. Our opinion is not modified in respect of this matter.

Material Uncertainty Related to Going Concern

We draw attention to Note 2 to the financial information, which describes the agreement and plan of merger between Credit Suisse Group AG (ultimate parent of the Company) and UBS Group AG, which may have an impact on the Company’s future operations and financial performance. While the impact of either is yet to be determined, this matter indicates that a material uncertainty exists that may cast significant doubt on the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern. O ur opinion is not modified in respect of this matter.

Responsibilities of management and those charged with governance for the financial information Management is responsible for the preparation of the financial information in accordance with the basis of preparation as set out in Note 1 to the financial information and for such internal control as management determines is necessary to enable the preparation of financial information that is free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.

In preparing the financial information, management is responsible for assessing the Company’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 Company or to cease operations, or has no realistic alternative but to do so.

Those charged with governance are responsible for overseeing the Company’s financial reporting process.

Auditors’ responsibilities for the audit of the financial information

Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial information as a whole is free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditors’ re port 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 this financial information.

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

● Identify and assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial information, 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 Company’s internal control.

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 Company’s ability to continue as a going concern. If we conclude that a material uncertainty exists, we are required to draw attention in our auditors’ report to the related disclosures in the financial information or, if such dis closures are inadequate, to modify our opinion. Our conclusions are based on the audit evidence obtained up to the date of our auditors’ report. However, future events or conditions may cause the Company to cease to continue as a going concern.

We communicate with those charged with governance 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.

Other Matters The Company has prepared a separate set of financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2022 in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards, on which we issued a separate auditors’ report to the Shareholder dated May 19, 2023

This report, including the opinion, has been prepared for and only for the Shareholder in accordance with the terms of our engagement letter and for no other purpose. We do not, in giving this opinion, accept or assume responsibility for any other purpose or to any other person to whom this report is shown or into whose hands it may come save where expressly agreed by our prior consent in writing. Chartered

See accompanying notes to the financial statements.

These fin ments were approved on behalf of the bo 2023 by the following Directors:

Notes to Financial Information

1.Basis of preparation

The accompanying financial information is an extract from the financial statements of Credit Suisse Brazil (Bahamas) Limited as at December 31, 2022 and for the year then ended, which has been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board and is used to submit to the Central Bank of The Bahamas. The auditors' report included herewith should be read in conjunction with the full set of financial statements, which can be obtained at Credit Suisse Brazil (Bahamas) Limited's office located at 4th floor, Bahamas Financial Centre, Nassau, The Bahamas.

2 Events after the reporting date

On March 19, 2023, Credit Suisse Group AG and UBS Group AG entered into an agreement and plan of merger ("the merger"), to be completed at a date yet to be determined. The Company is a consolidated subsidiary of Credit Suisse Group AG, and as such the future operations and financial performance of the Company may be impacted as a result of the merger. While the impact of either is yet to be determined, this matter indicates that a material uncertainty exists that may cast significant doubt on the Company's ability to continue as a going concern. Since the reporting date, there have been no significant changes in the Company's business activities within the Bahamas and does not intend to implement any business change in a foreseable future. Therefore, the 2022 financial statements of the Company are still prepared on a going concern basis.

Trade Policy aims to break export barriers

By FAY

A CABINET minister yesterday asserted that the newly-launched National Trade Policy will play a key role in helping to diversify the Bahamian economy through the creative industries plus sectors such as agriculture and fisheries.

Senator Michael Halikits, minister of economic affairs, said the strategy focuses on four key themes - reducing imports, expanding exports, diversifying the country’s export base and strengthening economic competitiveness - as part of a wider initiative to drive higher economic growth.

He said: “This policy is a key component of a wider development strategy to diversify the economy, empower Bahamian businesses domestically and internationally, and lower the trade deficit. Key areas that are being targeted by the Government such as niche agricultural and fisheries products, uniquely

Bahamian crafts, food and goods, and other green, blue and orange economy products and services, will all benefit from this policy.”

Mr Halkitis said the National Trade Policy, which was formed with input from private sector stakeholders, is focused on improving market access to other countries for Bahamian exporters so that their products are not subject to high tariffs or other barriers to entry that make them uncompetitive.

“The world is constantly moving forward at such a rapid pace, and we must ensure that our policies allow Bahamians to tap into global markets without unnecessarily long processes and exorbitant expenses,” Mr Halkitis said.

“Our trade policies should make business owners feel like we are helping them to reach an international client base. Instead of jumping through hoops, they should feel like the Government is giving them a boost and that is what we hope to achieve through this policy.”

“Throughout the development of the National Trade Policy, we have worked very closely with many local stakeholders to ensure that their needs and inputs were placed at the forefront of policy development. We have incorporated much of that engagement to ensure that the policy before us today is as strong and comprehensive and inclusive as possible. And as we implement this policy, the key is to remain agile and open to ways we can continue to strengthen the policy in response to local needs.”

Mr Halkitis said external economic and climate-related shocks have highlighted the need for The Bahamas to diversify its economy, which it now hopes to accomplish through increased export trade that will also help to build a more resilient economy. He added: “The global crisis of multilateralism, increasing protectionist policies and the corresponding slowdown of globalisation has led to an increasingly difficult

economic environment for Bahamian exports. And, to add to that, we cannot forget the extent of the damage of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The pandemic exposed The Bahamas to severe economic vulnerabilities as a result of our reliance on imports, as well as the need to finance these imports through the exports of both tourism and financial services. And we know that both of those industries took a severe beating, particularly the tourism sector.”

“These crises highlighted the need for diversification towards resiliency. Trade will play a huge role on how we build a new, diverse and more resilient Bahamian economy,” Mr Halkitis continued. “While having a robust policy is a tremendous first step, there are many more steps to take in this journey as we explore The Bahamas’ true potential for trade.

“What matters most where this policy is concerned is its impact. The true measure of the effectiveness of this policy lies

in its ability to empower Bahamian businesses, lower the trade deficit and contribute to the creation of a more resilient and diverse economy.”

“Just as much emphasis will be placed on effective implementation as was placed on the development of the policy and, with practical application, we anticipate that we will continue to work hand in hand with Bahamians to ensure that we are moving toward a future where Bahamian businesses can effortlessly export their products to the world.”

Philip Galanis, the Bahamas Trade Commission’s chairman, said: “As a small country, The Bahamas is highly dependent on imports, inclusive of the many essential goods and services. And, in recent years, at least until before the pandemic, trading goods and services was approximately 80 percent of the country’s GDP.

“The Bahamas faces challenges in four primary areas as more fully elaborated in the National Trade Policy. One, domestic goods

Gov’t is ‘upping efforts’ on $461m tax arrears

FROM PAGE A24

foreign property owners. A further $235m is due from commercial properties housing businesses or being used as rentals, and thus generating income. Some $155m is owned by Bahamian homeowners living in owneroccupied properties.

Based on these figures, foreign tax delinquents are

responsible for 27.5 percent of total real property tax arrears, and commercial properties another 28.6 percent. Together, they account for a combined 56.1 percent or slightly more than half of the total real property tax arrears, and it is this that the Government is targeting with the ‘power of sale’.

“Our intent is to try and put a dent in this,” Mr

Halkitis said. “Imagine if we can collect all $822m. It’s probably not possible, but if we can collect a significant portion of it... Our view is, particularly as it relates to foreign property owners, we are upping our efforts... It’s targeting chronic delinquents who have been delinquent for years and are really chronic. That’s where

our efforts are targeted in the main.”

Reiterating that Bahamian owner-occupied properties will not be impacted, the minister added: “I think there might have been some misinterpretation that the Government is going after Bahamian homeowners. Of that $822m, only $155m is owed by owner-occupiedpeople who live in their own homes.

“So I just want to stress it’s a big problem. A huge chunk of it is owed by foreigners. We are engaged in some activities now to go after them, for want of a better term, in terms of collection and that is where our efforts will be targeted in the main.

“I also want to say that the Department [of Inland Revenue] has been very, very accommodating in terms of people who have questions or who have objections etc in terms of taxes. We have a huge issue that we want to address, and particularly with foreign-owned properties where there’s been some stubbornness in getting the number down. We have to move from the level of asking to the level of being able to use some of the powers that we have.”

The Government is “targeting extreme cases” who have totally disregarded their tax obligations for up to 10-20 years with its warning that it will start to seize and sell-off their properties to recover all arrears owed.

John Williams, the Department of Inland Revenue’s communications chief, previously told Tribune

Business that the notice revealing it now plans to exercise its “power of sale” enforcement tool to recover outstanding real property taxes was published because the tax authorities plan to reveal the “first list” of targeted properties and real estate in early June 2023.

Although the notice’s disclosure caused some alarm and disquiet, he reassured that Bahamian owner-occupied properties are excluded from the “power of sale” by the Real Property Tax Act. And, while the notice referred to taxpayers who have been in arrears for more than seven months, Mr Williams explained that timeframe was detailed only because it is stated in the Act.

In reality, he told this newspaper that the Department of Inland Revenue is targeting long-standing bill duckers and tax cheats who have ignored all prior outreach efforts, tax amnesties, notices and communications urging them to bring their real property tax liabilities current and comply with the law. He described the focus of the “power of sale” effort as persons who are “not checking for it, and just walking by and not having any regard” for paying their fair share.

Mr Williams told Tribune Business: “This would be the final step with regards to persons who are not paying or have not paid in a while. The notice says seven months, but that’s only because seven months is stated in the law. Really and truly, we are

exports are extremely limited. Two, imports are high, as is our goods trade deficit. The trade deficit is quite substantial, and our goods deficit has been substantial, and we are seeking ways in which to try to reduce that. Three, The Bahamas’ goods and services exports are extremely concentrated. And four, our productive capacity is limited.”

“To that end, the Bahamas Trade Commission, as a public-private entity related to trade matters, is committed to fostering a spirit of co-operation between the Government and the private sector in the promotion, education and development of trade related matters among the general public,” Mr Galanis continued.

“Most trade is conducted by businesses, not by the Government, and affects the lives of hundreds of thousands of Bahamians. Therefore, it will take a combined and collaborative effort on both the part of the Government and the private sector to truly encourage economic diversification in the country.”

targeting extreme cases of persons in arrears for 10 years, 15 years, 20 years.

“Persons seem to think this is something new, but the ‘power of sale’ has been in the Act from 2009. The most recent amendment came in July last year. The only exception is Bahamian owner-occupied property.” The Real Property Tax Act reforms passed to accompany last year’s Budget sought to “expand the exercise of the power of sale for tax arrears to all property except owner-occupied property beneficially owned by Bahamians”. This made clear that the tax authorities cannot seize, and sell, Bahamian-owned residential property that the owners are living in. This was likely done to ensure Bahamians are secure in their own homes, and also possibly with one eye on votes. Yet with the real property tax exemption threshold now increased from $250,000 to $300,000, many middle income Bahamians - as well as those earning lower incomes - are paying no tax at all and not affected by the latest move.

Still, the wording of the Department of Inland Revenue notice - stating that delinquent commercial, residential, foreign-owned land and foreign-owned owner-occupied properties - would be subject to the ‘power of sale’ appeared to cause confusion for some. Many appeared to interpret “residential” as including Bahamian-owner occupied properties, even though these are protected by law. However, “residential” applies to duplex and triplex-type complexes that are rented out by their owner landlords who do not live on property. Mr Williams said the Department of Inland Revenue’s notice was intended to reinforce, and drive home the message, that the Ministry of Finance and its agencies are serious about collecting all past due tax arrears and will use every measure in their arsenal to achieve this.

Post-COVID businesses are understanding now, more than ever, the power and impact of the shrinking corporate village. Video conferencing, training and degree programmes that immersed us into industries, sectors and countries we had never considered resulted in a wider platform for true capacity building. Many have pledged to continue to leverage this exposure by attending international conferences and programmes that will undoubtably deepen our ability to deliver at, and above, global standards. This week, our column focuses on the benefits of attending international

conferences and trade shows. Here are six of the top reasons to make this investment.

1. You get to share your research and best practices with peers. Consider the power of peer tutoring. When you teach, you learn. The questions and probing that results only serves to strengthen your research, and challenges the boundaries of where you are and where you are headed.

2. You get to strengthen your presentation and engagement skills. These conferences provide you with opportunities to network at the highest levels. Both the informal and

formal opportunities to share become available at these conferences and should be taken advantage of.

3. You become inspired by new ideas. These seminars and conferences are usually filled with the greatest minds and scholars, who have done immense research in a global context and can provide the ‘10,000 feet above sea level’ view of what is next.

4. For those in the field of academia, these conferences provide unique opportunities to publish research as well as collaborate with experts in the specific discipline being discussed at the

conference. Most journal publications and respected articles have significant contributions from other regions and scholars.

5. These international conferences provide great networking opportunities to engage people at all levels in the value chain of your sector. You get to share with producers, consumers and supplementary observers. This socialisation broadens your horizons and allows you to walk away with a worldwide view of your field.

6. Conferences allow you to take a break from the mundane and ordinary routine of your work. It can be quite refreshing to immerse

‘SIGNIFICANT REGULATORY REFORM’ NEED ON CORPORATE INCOME TAX

By FAY SIMMONS Tribune Business Reporter jsimmons@tribunemedia.net

THE Attorney General yesterday acknowledged that corporate income tax is a “novel approach” for The Bahamas and will require “significant regulatory reform” to implement if adopted.

Ryan Pinder KC, speaking at the Bahamas Institute of Financial Services annual conference, said consultation over the Government’s corporate income tax ‘green paper’ has been extended by almost two months - from July 3 to end-August 2023to give all parties more time to conduct detailed analysis and submit their views.

He added: “As you would know this week, the Ministry of Finance announced the release of its ‘green paper’ on corporate Income tax strategies for The Bahamas, which aims to solicit feedback from stakeholders on the Government’s proposals to achieve greater efficiency and equity in the business tax regime and

achieve alignment with global tax developments.”

“Given certain statements in the press, I think it important again to detail this consultation process. The ‘green paper’ is what it is; extended consultation through August, digesting and analysing feedback received before even the Government takes the position of deciding what to do.

“The ‘green paper’ does not obligate us. Then there is a ‘white paper’ to set out the Government’s policy position. So we are at the ‘green paper’ stage, which is a consultative process. We ask everybody to go and read it, digest it and provide some comments to it.”

Mr Pinder conceded that, as the first incomebased tax in The Bahamas’

yourself in another culture away from the hustle and bustle of meeting deadlines and getting the work out. An added benefit might also be seeing another culture, and engaging people who have a different perspective on life and work.

BROADEN YOUR HORIZONS WITH CONFERENCE TRAVEL FERGUSON IAN

• NB: Ian R Ferguson is a talent management and organisational development consultant, having completed graduate studies with regional and international universities. He has served organisations, both locally and globally, providing relevant solutions to their business growth and development issues. He may be contacted at tcconsultants@ coralwave.com.

history, almost every area of the economy could be impacted. He said: “A corporate income tax is clearly a novel approach in The Bahamas and will have to have significant regulatory reform for the country in tax administration, enforcement and dialogue and education. It will affect most almost every area of the cross-border economy.

“This mandate of a minimum global income tax

SEE PAGE A21

Shown is today’s weather. Temperatures are today’s highs and tonight’s lows.

Judge: ‘Now clear’ Baha Mar sabotaged by CCA

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor

SARKIS Izmirlian yesterday secured a major legal victory after a New York judge ruled “it is now clear” that China Construction America (CCA) sabotaged Baha Mar’s completion and orchestrated the developer’s removal.

Judge Andrew Borrok shredded the Chinese-state owned contractor’s bid to obtain a summary judgment that would have dismissed Mr Izmirlian’s $2.25bn fraud claim, and instead found for the mega resort’s original developer on every legal issue raised.

Besides dismissing the “breach of contract” counterclaim made by CCA and its ultimate parent, China State Construction and Engineering Corporation (CSCEC), the New York State Supreme Court judge also threw out

multiple defences raised by the Chinese contractorincluding assertions that Mr Izmirlian’s claims were “discharged” by the Bahamian Supreme Court proceedings that ultimately saw Baha Mar acquired by Hong Kong-based Chow Tai Fook Enterprises (CTFE).

The ruling paves the way for the full two-week trial of Mr Izmirlian’s $2.25bn fraud and breach of contract claim against CCA, which is due to be heard by the New York

court between August 1-16, 2024. Justice Borrok said prior court decisions, which had upheld the original Baha Mar developer’s accusations, had only been strengthened by what has emerged during the legal ‘discovery’ process where both sides produce their respective documentary evidence.

Among yesterday’s findings, Judge Borrok ruled that this evidence has revealed:

* Tiger Wu, CCA (Bahamas) executive vice-president,

$6m ‘breathing room’ no longterm gas solution

• Minister reiterates ‘no margin increase’ stance

• Petroleum dealers ‘in awe’ of Gov’ts position

• Know ‘what’s left in chest’ as warn on action

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

approved some 700 Chinese construction workers leaving the Baha Mar work site between December 2014 and February 2015 “despite knowing that those workers may have helped the project reach the substantial completion date on time”. As a result, CCA had “disingenuously” informed then-prime minister, Perry Christie, that the Cable Beach mega resort

Insurers ‘over reacting’ on 50% investment ‘minimum’

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

THE MINISTRY of Finance’s top official yesterday said insurers are “over reacting” to the consultation on holding a “minimum” 50 percent of their investments in government securities as he refuted fears it is “desperate for funds”.

Simon Wilson, the financial secretary, told Tribune Business the issue was far from becoming a firm proposal or decision as the Insurance Commission needed to gather the necessary details and feedback from its licensees before any report or recommendations can be submitted to the Government.

Gov’t is ‘upping efforts’ on $461m tax arrears

By YOURI KEMP Tribune Business Reporter ykemp@tribunemedia.net

A CABINET minister yesterday asserted that the Government is “upping our efforts” to collect a combined $461m in outstanding real property taxes owed by delinquent foreigners and businesses.

Michael Halkitis, minster of economic affairs, reaffirmed to the Prime Minister’s Office media briefing that the Government is only targeting “really chronic” defaulters in both categories - and who have been in arrears for years - with the Department of Inland Revenue’s (DIR) recent announcement that

it plans to seize and sell-off their properties to recover these tax debts.

He also reiterated that Bahamian owner-occupied properties, where owners live in their own residences, are protected by law from the Government exercising its ‘power of sale’ over their real estate. They are not being targeted in an initiative which seeks to “put a dent” in the total $822.168m outstanding real property that is believed to be past due and owing to the Public Treasury.

Mr Halkitis, stating that the latter figure was the total arrears as at May 18, 2023, added that of this sum some $226m is owed by

SEE PAGE A22

Joining WTO is not a Bahamas priority

By FAY SIMMONS Tribune Business Reporter jsimmons@tribunemedia.net

A CABINET minister yesterday reaffirmed that becoming a full World Trade Organisation (WTO) member is not a priority for The Bahamas at present although such a move is “not off the table.”

Senator Michael Halkitis, minister of economic affairs, speaking at the unveiling of the Government’s National Trade Policy, said that joining the world’s rules-based trading watchdog is “not at the forefront” the Davis administration’s plans.Reiterating

that the Government will not push for full WTO membership unless such a move has majority support among the Bahamian people, he said: “We have to look at our policy holistically and so, while it’s not off the table, it’s not at the forefront of what we seek to do.

“A big part of our mission is education, and so this trade unit, this ministry, this government will not be pushing WTO on to anybody. A big part of our mission is to educate people about the potential advantages, and then should that

BAHAMIAN petroleum dealers yesterday argued that ‘“a shortterm injection doesn’t alleviate the problem” of fixed margins after a Cabinet minister disclosed the Government provided $6m in “relief” to the industry last year.

Raymond Jones, the Bahamas Petroleum Retailers Association’s president, told Tribune Business that his members “are just in awe” after Michael Halkitis, minister of economic affairs, reiterated the Government’s long-stated public position that it will not approve any increase in the sector’s price-controlled fixed margins even though many gas station operators are “under water” financially.

Expressing surprise that Mr Halkitis had revealed the “rebates”, which the Davis adminstration had requested petroleum dealers stay silent on, he queried why it would now refuse to address the inability of the industry’s margins to cover ever-increasing when last year’s provision of $6m “relief” showed it recognised their struggles.

Mr Jones, in a release issued on the Association’s behalf prior to the minister’s comments, warned that “we will have no choice but to take further action” if their cries for a margin adjustment are not resolved. Asked what this may involve, he declined to provide specifics, but said: “We know what is left in the chest, and will decide which one to play.”

Petroleum dealers were due to meet yesterday to discuss their next moves, and “address

SIMON WILSON

SARKIS IZMIRLIAN

MICHAEL HALKITIS