06302023 NEWS, SPORT AND BUSINESS

Get ready for load sheddinG

Sears: Summer outages possible as he blames previous band-aid fixes

By EARYEL BOWLEG Tribune Staff Reporter ebowleg@tribunemedia.net

WORKS and Utilities

Minister Alfred Sears said there would “possibly” be more load shedding this summer. However, Bahamas Power & Light CEO

Shevonn Cambridge said some recent outages have wrongly been classified as load sharing.

Their comments came after BPL confirmed on Monday that it started loadshedding exercises because of challenges to several power stations in New Providence.

During an Office of the Prime Minister press briefing, Mr Sears said the generation challenges result from “band-aid” solutions to problems that require

‘ScoreS’ of BahamianS to get money owed to them By govt

By LEAndRA ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net

ATTORNEY Gen-

eral Ryan Pinder said the Davis administration would immediately pay $10m to “scores” of Bahamians owed money for land the government took from them for public use.

He suggested this is a small amount of the “tens

of millions” of dollars owed.

He said that successive administrations have failed to compensate Bahamian landowners for decades, calling this “unjust”.

“As colleagues would know and as I have spoken in this place and Senator Rahming was the one who brought this up over and over that the government A YOUNG mechanic described as an “excellent employee” was killed in a horrific traffic accident in Freeport, Grand Bahama, yesterday morning. See stroy PAGE TWO.

‘no law Broken - But not Something to happen again’

By EARYEL BOWLEG Tribune Staff Reporter ebowleg@tribunemedia.net

DEPUTY press secretary Keishla Adderley said no rules or laws were broken when Immigration Minister Keith Bell swore in three people as citizens at a funeral over the weekend - although it is not something “anyone would like to see happen again”. She said the “law is silent” on locations for

swearing-in ceremonies.

“Well, let me say, for starters, there was nothing sinister, I don’t think, about the act,” she said during a press briefing at the Office of the Prime Minister. Minister Keith Bell has conceded that it was something that was unorthodox. Certainly, no rules or laws were broken in the

By LEAndRA ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net

ATTORNEY General Ryan Pinder said government would invest in the “most transformational” change the country’s judicial system has seen since independence.

By nEIL HARTnELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

THE ExUMA tour boat captain, whose exploding vessel killed one tourist and seriously injured four others, was yesterday ordered to face a fresh Supreme Court trial on charges of manslaughter and causing harm “by negligence”.

Photo: Vandyke Hepburn

Tragedy stikes in Grand Bahama as young mechanic killed in horrific car crash

By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Staff Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

A YOUNG mechanic described as an “excellent employee” was killed in a horrific traffic accident in Freeport, Grand Bahama, yesterday morning.

The two-car collision occurred shortly before 9am on Queen’s Highway near the H Forbes Charter Bus headquarters and Freeport Gases Ltd.

Steven Forbes, 45, the driver of a grey Toyota truck, was taken to hospital but later died of his injuries.

A second male victim, the Honda Accord driver, was injured and taken to hospital. Both vehicles were extensively damaged.

Mr Forbes was an Executive Marine Management (EMM) mechanic for almost five years.

Paul Mellor, owner of EMM, said he was shaken by the news of his employee’s death.

“Everybody is sad,” he said. “He was a super guy and an excellent mechanic,

Court

one of my best workers, and it’s a big loss for the company and his family, I am sure.”

Video footage of the accident was circulated on social media with a third vehicle, a bus parked

on the side of the road, having pulled onto the street moments before the crash. Mr Forbes was in a vehicle coming in the other direction from the Honda Accord, which was on the

same side of the road as the bus. “He (Steven) really did not do anything wrong,” Mr Mellor said. “He was in his lane driving and next thing you know he is no longer

with us.”

“It is horrible. This guy was an amazing person, an excellent mechanic, and a super person and for this to happen is absolutely tragic.”

Mr Mellor believes

Queen’s Highway is a dangerous road. “People are always overtaking and it is very dangerous, but those buses should not be there,” he said.

battle begins over man aCCused of sexually assaulting 16-year-old girl in grand bahama

By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Staff Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

ARTHUR Damien

Brown is accused of raping a 16-year-old girl and then offering to pay $15,000 to the parents not to pursue any police action, a court prosecutor said in her closing arguments on Thursday.

Lead prosecutor Erica Culmer-Curry urged the jury of four men and five women not to let Brown

walk free for sexually assaulting and taking away the innocence of a “good girl”.

Brown, who was 49 years old, was staying with the virtual complainant’s family when the alleged incident occurred in 2018.

It is alleged that on September 30, 2018, the accused went into the girl’s bedroom and raped her.

According to the court evidence, the accused touched the minor on her breasts

and vagina and performed oral sex without her consent. He also allegedly attempted to have sexual intercourse with the minor.

Attorney Ernie Wallace, who is defending Brown, denied the allegations. He said it is a case where it is his client’s words against the girl’s.

In his record of interview presented as evidence during the trial, Brown told police that the teen made advances towards him and

he pushed her away and went to sleep. He claimed she had kissed him and that he kissed her back, and pushed her off.

Prosecutor CulmerCurry said that story and suggestions that someone else may have committed the rape are lies and stories made up by the defence. She reminded the jury of the girl’s evidence: that she saw the defendant’s face from the light outside, she heard his voice, the

shape of his body, and he had identified himself to her after coming into her bedroom on the night in question.

In her evidence, she said she told Brown to stop and leave her room. He told her to keep quiet.

She was afraid and struggled with him. The sexual assault lasted for about 25 minutes. After he left, the girl went to her parents’ room and told them what happened.

Prosecutor Culmer-Curry said the teen was traumatised and continues to have flashbacks of the incident. She also noted that photos taken as evidence that were kept in police custody were destroyed during Hurricane Dorian.

“He damaged her … he sexually abused her,” she said.

Justice Andrew Forbes will give his directions to the jury at 10.30am on Friday.

Two mangled vehicles are towed from the scene of a deadly car crash on Queen’s Hwy,Freeport, Grand Bahama, yesterday.

Photo: Vandyke Hepburn

‘No law broken - but not something to happen again’

from page one

execution of that swearingin ceremony.”

“It is something that the two have discussed –– the minister and the Prime Minister –– and certainly, it’s not something that anyone would like to see happen again. He conceded again that it was unorthodox, no laws were broken, but it’s not something that we expect to see happen again,” she told reporters yesterday.”

Mr Bell swore in three people during a funeral for Franck Racine, a man he said came to The Bahamas from Haiti in the 1990s. In granting citizenship to Mr Racine’s relatives, Mr Bell said he was honouring the man’s dying wish. He said Cabinet had approved citizenship for the people.

Critics questioned whether Mr Bell was authorised to administer the citizenship oaths.

The Bahamas Nationality Act regulations say the citizenship declarations “shall be of no effect unless they are signed in the

presence of or administered by a justice of the peace or notary public or any person authorized to administer oaths”.

Asked if Mr Bell was authorised to administer the oath, the deputy press security said the law does not say who should administer the oath.

“Again, the persons in question went through the proper protocols,” she said. “Their applications were submitted. They went through the vetting process at the point that the oath was taken. Those things would have been completed, and it was just for the oath to be taken at that point.”

Former Immigration Minister Shane Gibson said he always administered citizenship oaths, adding that the ceremony granting the status has sometimes been performed in people’s homes.

Mr Gibson argued that Mr Bell, a lawyer, is a “notary public” and qualified to administer the oath.

Mr Gibson’s successor, Brent Symonette, said he never administered oaths.

Pintard demanded davis address immigration minister’s actions on citizenshiP grant

By LETRE SWEETING Tribune Staff Reporter lsweeting@tribunemedia.net

FREE National Movement Leader Michael Pintard demanded that Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis answer questions about Immigration Minister Keith Bell’s decision to grant citizenship to three people at a funeral.

Mr Pintard spoke to reporters yesterday as more than 25 FNM supporters stood on the steps of the Immigration Department.

Amid pouring rain, protesters chanted, “Bell got to go.”

Mr Bell granted citizenship to the wife and children of Frank Racine, a Haitian-born man who died.

Mr Pintard questioned whether the children were entitled to citizenship, noting they were not 18 years old.

He said Mr Bell should be removed from his position.

“This is a country of laws,” he said. “And while we grieve with that family, this government ought to follow the law, and it reeks of political benefits that they are trying to approve from a certain demographic in this country.

“Him resigning is not sufficient. We asked for a select committee on immigration. This government voted against the select committee that

would allow all of us, all Bahamians, and all nonBahamians, to participate in the process so that we can examine everything from person to arrive by air and by sea.”

Mr Pintard said: “For the FNM, our position is that we have no difficulty with others wanting to join us in The Bahamas, whether at the blue-collar level or the white-collar level, but it must not displace Bahamians, and it must be done the correct way. This government seemed not to be committed to the same process.”

Former Immigration Minister Shane Gibson said he administered oaths as a minister, adding the ceremony granting people the status has sometimes been performed in people’s homes.

Mr Pintard responded yesterday: “The Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) does business differently.

So when we hear a former minister say something like that, we’re not entirely surprised. But our focus is not on the former minister. It is the present minister who must recognise that this is a public that’s very sceptical about the work that has been done by policy makers to address this very serious issue of illegal migration and therefore he should be extra careful. He should exercise good judgment when addressing something as sacred as issuing citizenship.”

FREE National Movement Leader Michael Pintard demanded that Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis answer questions about Immigration Minister Keith Bell’s decision to grant citizenship to three people at a funeral. He spoke to reporters yesterday as more than 25 FNM supporters stood on the steps of the Immigration Department in protest of Bell’s actions.

Fnm Leader says government house shouL d be monetised in L ight oF renovation costs

By JADE RUSSELL Tribune Staff Reporter jrussell@tribunemedia.net

FREE National Move-

ment leader Michael Pintard said the Davis administration should monetise Government House given the massive cost of its renovation. His comments came after a contractor revealed the cost of renovations to Government House, initially pegged at $9.9m, will be doubled by the time the project has been completed.

“The government has the obligation to put in place a comprehensive programme that will be able to generate revenue,” Mr Pintard said.

“Drawing attention to

one important aspect of our political and cultural heritage, other countries have monetised state-owned homes as well as national sites, government houses, prime minister’s residences, museums, etc.”

“The Bahamas is no different in our ability to monetise our cultural assets. And so, we will be standing ready to be of assistance in providing additional ideas to this administration on how we can get a return on a substantial investment.”

Additionally, Mr Pintard said he wants the Davis administration to table documents relating to the costs of the Government House renovations in the

House of Assembly.

On Wednesday, Floyd Wilmott, CEO of Telco Enterprise Limited, said changes were ordered as the project progressed, pushing the cost up.

“So, we started with one figure, and as we continued, for example, the ballroom, there were change orders,” he said after a blessing and rededication service for the institution.

“We had to do the same for the main residence, same for the Windsor wing and the landscaping.”

He could not definitely say how much the project would cost.

“I’m going to say it’s probably about double by the time we’re done,” he said.

DEPUTY press secretary Keishla Adderley said no rules or laws were broken when Immigration Minister Keith Bell swore in three people as citizens at a funeral over the weekend - although it is not something “anyone would like to see happen again”.

Photo: Moise Amisial

Photos: Moise Amisial

FNM leader Michael Pintard said the Davis administration should monetise Government House given the massive cost of its renovation.

Photo: Moise Amisial

Get ready for load shedding

significant investments.

“In the absence of what experts estimate to be $500m plus injection, BPL continues to work extremely hard to keep its ageing infrastructure afloat albeit with intermittent challenges on both its generation and transmission and distribution networks,” Mr Sears said.

“The question that looms the largest in the minds of the Bahamian public is whether there will be more load shedding this summer. The shortest answer and most direct answer is possibly. However, the company is putting all its resources behind preventing that from happening.”

Mr Sears said that while New Providence’s generation demand has never exceeded 263MW, peak summer load may exceed 270MW –– more than BPL has operable.

“On the surface, it appears that BPL has sufficient generation to meet the peak demand,” he said.

“However, we are talking really about machines.

Just like any appliance or machinery we have in our homes or businesses, the potential exists for them to break down. The loss of more than one engine at any given time puts BPL in a precarious position where it may not be able to meet the demand of the entire island.”

“BPL already relies on rental generation that contributes 83MW per hour to the total output for New Providence, and by the end of next week, an additional 33MW will be added to the rental generation fleet. Also, plans to return a BPL 20MW unit to service early next month are progressing satisfactorily, which will give the company a total of 53MW of additional generation capacity of its current standing.”

Officials anticipate that by mid-July, BPL will have almost 323MW in available generation capacity, which Mr Sears said is “well beyond” what will be required in normal circumstances during the peak period.

However, he said rental units are not a long-term solution.

Former BPL chairman Donovan Moxey said in 2019 that seven new multifuel engines at one of BPL’s

plants would bring “an end to load shedding” and that the facility would “help make load shedding a thing of the past”.

Asked about this, Mr Cambridge answered: “So the Wartsila engines are an interesting thing and the easiest way to put it is that we got new engines, but those engines are being supported by older auxiliaries.”

“And so just like everything else, you’re about

as strong as your weakest link and so now the plan is to try and upgrade the auxiliaries that are supporting those Wartsila engines.”

“Over the last two weeks or whatever, I’m sure as many of you would realise, we had a lot of weather activity, and we had a number of lightning strikes as well as other things. Some of the outages that have been classified as load shedding from the public

view are not load shedding,” he said.

“As a matter of fact, I saw a copy of our plan maintenance schedule being circulated on certain media sources as load shedding. You have outages that will occur as a result of weather-related events. We still have thirdparty caused outages that occur — people running into poles and the like. And then we have our planned maintenance.”

Pinder: Government to invest in new courts and justices

He said a new Supreme Court would be constructed on Shirley Street, a seven-storey building featuring eight civil courts, eight criminal courts and four hearing rooms. He said the Office of the Registrar General would be repurposed for judicial administration functions, and the Rodney Bain Building on Shirley Street would be demolished. He estimated that construction would take two years, though he did not say when construction would begin.

He also announced plans to appoint five additional Supreme Court justices to help reduce the backlog of cases.

“The government of The Bahamas, through its property acquisition

special purpose vehicle Poinciana SPV Ltd, has contracted to purchase 50 Shirley Street and 52 Shirley Street and to take ownership of the Rodney Bain Building,” Mr Pinder said as senators wrapped up the debate on the 2023/2024 budget. “You would know 50 Shirley Street is where the Registrar General currently is. This will extend it from Parliament Street to Charlotte Street on Shirley Street.

“These three parcels of land will be developed into a new, state-of-theart Supreme Court judicial centre.”

Mr Pinder said there would be underground parking at the complex and that the design would “be suitable for a proper judicial edifice downtown”.

Complaints about the

deteriorating state of court facilities have been long-standing.

Earlier this year, Chief Justice Ian Winder lamented the courts’ infrastructure, saying the time had long passed for a new complex.

“For too long, madame president, we have had a court infrastructure that was inadequate and contributed to delays in hearing and disposing of cases,” Mr Pinder said. “Our government is going to be the one that fixes this longstanding problem.”

He said constructing the new complex allows the government to fulfil its promise to build specialty courts.

“Once the judicial complex is completed, which is estimated to be within two and a half years, the current main Supreme Court will be converted into two

sexual offences courts.

“We have identified and are undertaking the renovations for three family courts, three magistrate hearing rooms on family matters and a juvenile court at a facility on Bernard Road.” The government will convert the Hansard Building, which houses the chief justice’s office, into a Coroners Court.

“We are also looking at acquiring a building close to the new Supreme Court judicial complex that will be utilised for an arbitration centre and a commercial court,” Mr Pinder said.

“Madame president, these are all in addition to the new specialty magistrate’s court, the gun court which we have recently put in place to hear firearm offences to ensure swift and equitable justice

for those who have firearm offences.”

He added the government would finance the project through public markets with bond offerings and commercial construction loans “that will be in the name of SPV Poinciana”.

He also announced plans to amend the Supreme Court Act to appoint five additional Supreme Court judges to address the backlog of cases.

He also said there would be salary changes and additional benefits for legal officers.

“Madame president, I am pleased to announce that we have begun enrolment into the health insurance programme for legal officers,” he said.

“This is a significant benefit that makes working for the Office of the Attorney General

more competitive with our private sector counterparts where health insurance is a benefit of employment.”

“Madame president, we have also looked to adjust salary scaled for attorneys, some not having seen an adjustment in their scale for more than ten years.”

He described the situation as shameful and said his office had obtained Cabinet approval to raise the salary scales for both magistrates and legal officers.

Mr Pinder said the government has also implemented a special allowance for legislative drafters.

“We look to implement a hazard allowance for criminal prosecutors,” he said. “We need to ensure that we take care of our legal officers.”

WORKS and Utilities Minister Alfred Sears said there would “possibly” be more load shedding this summer. However, Bahamas Power & Light CEO Shevonn Cambridge said some recent outages have wrongly been classified as load sharing.

Photo: Moise Amisial

Licensees concerned over tensions between government and Grand Bahama Port Authority

By JADE RUSSELL Tribune Staff Reporter jrussesll@tribunemedia.net

LICENSEES of the Grand Bahama Port Authority (GBPA) are alarmed by the growing tensions between the Davis administration and the authority.

They complain that they have been left out of the conversation about Freeport’s future.

In an open letter to Prime Minister Philip “Brave,” the licensees defended the Hawksbill Creek Agreement (HCA) after Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis said it no longer works.

“We are deeply alarmed by recent comments made in Parliament by the honourable prime minister and those made by the honourable minister of foreign affairs about unspecified ‘decisive action,’ inferring changes to the governance model of the Hawksbill Creek Agreement Act, a statute not only enshrined by law but one which requires a 4/5 majority of licensees to change,” the licensees’ letter said.

The licensees also

complained about the GBPA’s failure to communicate with them.

“We are also deeply concerned we are only hearing from the GBPA through press releases in response,” they said. “To be clear, it is the thousands of licensees, their employees, their families, and residents of Freeport that are most impacted by the protracted and unacceptable economic conditions on our island. It makes the lack of genuine engagement all the more alarming.

“Despite the aggressive statements in Parliament, in the media, and responding press releases – all of which have shared no plans nor details – we are unaware to date of any overtures by our government or the GBPA to genuinely and substantively engage licensees on our future.”

“We believe in the Hawksbill Creek Agreement as designed and recognise the importance of this agreement, which is protected by law. While we understand that most Bahamians outside of Grand Bahama (and, to be sure many in Freeport

as well) do not understand this progressive agreement, its merits do not change. We are calling on both the GBPA and the government to sincerely embrace the HCA and to work together to fulfil its objectives.”

The licensees said the Hawksbill Creek Agreement

needs to be updated, adding that both the GBPA and the government have failed to meet all obligations. They praised Edward St George, the late former chairman of the GBPA, saying doing business was seamless and easy when he was around.

However, the licensees agreed the status quo has long been “unacceptable” and transformative change is needed in the GBPA.

The letter said: “Does the GBPA need a change in shareholding and management? We believe it must, and the sooner, the better.

Licensee representation was mandated by the HCA and the lack thereof is just one of the commitments not realised by the GBPA.” The licensees called for the government, GBPA, and licensees to meet privately to resolve management questions.

‘ScoreS’ of BahamianS to get money owed to them By govt

owes tens of millions of dollars to Bahamians who had their land taken from them for public use and for government roads and different things that are public use things and have never been compensated for that,” Mr Pinder said in the Senate yesterday.

“I have the assurance and cooperation from the Ministry of Finance that we will put in a proper plan in place to satisfy all arrears owed on property acquisition matters that are largely due to Bahamians across the archipelago.”

“In all communities of this country, everywhere

that a new road was built, practically there’s a land acquired to do it, and monies are owed to Bahamians for that, and this government will satisfy the decades-old issue of giving the Bahamians what they are constitutionally entitled to receive.”

Mr Pinder did not say how many landowners are owed money.

“No other government before us, regardless of administration, has taken on this initiative to satisfy these claims to Bahamians,” he said. “Madame president, this new day government will take it on, and we will achieve the goal of satisfying the obligations to those Bahamians.”

Mr Pinder also discussed the status of the government’s settlement agreement with Arawak Homes and the regularisation of homeowners in Pinewood Gardens.

“This has been a vexing issue for scores of Bahamians,” he said. “I am pleased to announce that we have been working diligently and now have provided Arawak Homes with completed files for 55 homes to be conveyed to those Bahamians from Arawak Homes.”

“We continue to work on it, and there are 43 files remaining that are being reviewed and completed and verified to provide to Arawak Homes to complete this exercise.”

ConCerned Licensees of the Grand Bahama Port Authority. See letter on PAGE SIX.

ATTorneY General Ryan Pinder said the Davis administration would immediately pay $10m to “scores” of Bahamians owed money for land the government took from them for public use.

The Tribune Limited

Licensees want say in GB future

EDITOR, The Tribune.

AN OPEN Letter to the Prime Minister of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas & The Principals of the Grand Bahama Port Authority

Dear Sirs/Madams,

Supreme Court outlaws affirmative action

THE Supreme Court on Thursday struck down affirmative action in college admissions, declaring race cannot be a factor and forcing institutions of higher education to look for new ways to achieve diverse student bodies.

The court’s conservative majority effectively overturned cases reaching back 45 years in invalidating admissions plans at Harvard and the University of North Carolina, the nation’s oldest private and public colleges, respectively.

The decision, like last year’s momentous abortion ruling that overturned Roe v Wade, marked the realisation of a long-sought conservative legal goal, this time finding that race-conscious admissions plans violate the Constitution and a law that applies to colleges that receive federal funding, as almost all do.

Those schools will be forced to reshape their admissions practices, especially top schools that are more likely to consider the race of applicants.

Chief Justice John Roberts said that for too long universities have “concluded, wrongly, that the touchstone of an individual’s identity is not challenges bested, skills built, or lessons learned but the color of their skin. Our constitutional history does not tolerate that choice”.

From the White House, President Joe Biden said he “strongly, strongly” disagreed with the court’s ruling and urged colleges to seek other routes to diversity rather than let the ruling “be the last word.”

Besides the conservative-liberal split, the fight over affirmative action showed the deep gulf between the three justices of color, each of whom wrote separately and vividly about race in America and where the decision might lead.

Justice Clarence Thomas — the nation’s second black justice, who had long called for an end to affirmative action — wrote that the decision “sees the universities’ admissions policies for what they are: rudderless, race-based preferences designed to ensure a particular racial mix in their entering classes”.

Justice Sonia Sotomayor, the court’s first Latina, wrote in dissent that the decision “rolls back decades of precedent and momentous progress”.

Both Thomas and Sotomayor, the two justices who have acknowledged affirmative action played a role in their admissions to college and law school, took the unusual step of reading summaries of their opinions aloud in the courtroom.

In a separate dissent, Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson — the court’s first black female justice — called the decision “truly a tragedy for us all”.

Jackson, who sat out the Harvard case because she had been a member of an advisory governing board, wrote, “With let-them-eat-cake obliviousness, today, the majority pulls the ripcord and announces ‘colorblindness for all’ by legal fiat. But deeming race irrelevant in law does not make it so in life.”

The vote was 6-3 in the North Carolina case and 6-2 in the Harvard case. Justice Elena Kagan was the other dissenter.

Biden, who quickly stepped before cameras at the White House, said of the nation’s colleges: “They should not abandon their commitment to ensure student bodies of diverse backgrounds and experience that reflect all of America,” He said colleges should evaluate “adversity overcome” by candidates.

In fact, an applicant for admission still can write about, and colleges can

consider, “how race affected his or her life, be it through discrimination, inspiration or otherwise”, Roberts wrote.

But the institutions “may not simply establish through application essays or other means the regime we hold unlawful today”, he wrote.

Presidents of many colleges quickly issued statements affirming their commitment to diversity regardless of the court’s decision. Many said they were still assessing the impact but would follow federal law.

“Harvard will continue to be a vibrant community whose members come from all walks of life, all over the world,” school President Lawrence Bacow said in a statement.

President Reginald DesRoches of Rice University in Houston said he was “greatly disappointed” by the decision but “more resolute than ever” to pursue diversity. “The law may change, but Rice’s commitment to diversity will not,” he said in a campus message.

Former Presidents Donald Trump and Barack Obama offered starkly different takes on the high court ruling. The decision marked “a great day for America. People with extraordinary ability and everything else necessary for success, including future greatness for our Country, are finally being rewarded,” Trump, the current Republican presidential frontrunner, wrote on his social media network.

Obama said in a statement that affirmative action “allowed generations of students like Michelle and me to prove we belonged. Now it’s up to all of us to give young people the opportunities they deserve — and help students everywhere benefit from new perspectives”.

The Supreme Court had twice upheld race-conscious college admissions programs in the past 20 years, including as recently as 2016.

But that was before the three Trump appointees joined the court. At arguments in late October, all six conservative justices expressed doubts about the practice, which had been upheld under Supreme Court decisions reaching back to 1978.

Lower courts also had upheld the programs at both UNC and Harvard, rejecting claims that the schools discriminated against white and Asian American applicants.

The college admissions disputes were among several high-profile cases focused on race in America, and were weighed by the conservative-dominated, but most diverse court ever. Among the nine justices are four women, two Black people and a Latina.

The justices earlier in June decided a voting rights case in favor of Black voters in Alabama and rejected a racebased challenge to a Native American child protection law.

The affirmative action cases were brought by conservative activist Edward Blum, who also was behind an earlier challenge against the University of Texas as well as the case that led the court in 2013 to end use of a key provision of the landmark Voting Rights Act.

Blum formed Students for Fair Admissions, which filed the lawsuits against both schools in 2014.

The group argued that the Constitution forbids the use of race in college admissions and called for overturning earlier Supreme Court decisions that said otherwise. Roberts’ opinion effectively did so, both Thomas and the dissenters wrote.

By MARK SHERMAN Associated Press

We write to you as a group of very concerned licensees of the Grand Bahama Port Authority, seeking to address the recent public statements concerning the Grand Bahama Port Authority, the Hawksbill Creek Agreement, the future of Freeport and that of Grand Bahama. Like all Grand Bahamians, we are passionate about its current economic state and its future. This is our home and, despite the challenges, we love Grand Bahama and know firsthand its immense potential and its woeful under-achievement. Our only motive is to see our island become the progressive second city it was meant to be, the one it was. This is something upon which we clearly agree.

However, we are deeply alarmed by recent comments made in Parliament by the Honorable Prime Minister and those made by the Honorable Minister of Foreign Affairs about unspecified “decisive action,” inferring changes to the governance model of the Hawksbill Creek Agreement Act, a statute not only enshrined by law but one which requires a 4/5 majority of licensees to change. We are also deeply concerned we are only hearing from the GBPA through press releases in response. To be clear, it is the thousands of licensees, their employees, their families and residents of Freeport that are most impacted by the protracted and unacceptable economic conditions on our island. It makes the lack of genuine engagement all the more alarming. Despite the aggressive statements in Parliament, in the media and responding press releases – all of which have shared no plans nor details - we are unaware, to date, of any overtures by of our Government or the GPA to genuinely and substantively engage licensees on our future.

We believe in the Hawksbill Creek Agreement as designed and recognise the importance of this agreement, which is protected by law. While we understand that most Bahamians outside of Grand Bahama (and to be sure many in Freeport as well) do not understand this progressive agreement, its merits do not change nonetheless. We are calling on both the GBPA and the Government’s to sincerely embrace the HCA and to work together to fulfil its objectives – objectives which have realized tremendous success in many jurisdictions elsewhere. It certainly needs updates and critical matters addressed. However, we can hardly measure its performance when obligations on both the part of the GBPA and of the Government have not been met. The HCA and Freeport are not an infringement on our sovereignty – rather, its potential and corresponding obligation of both the GBPA and

Government to support realizing this potential only serves to be a pivotal force in our national best interests. We all know this.

We all remember, too well, the ‘heyday’ of Freeport and its growth under Wallace Groves from a barren pine forest into the Freeport Harbour and a functioning city. It is the only planned city and the only place in The Bahamas that presents an opportunity for mass growth, without a corresponding (and cost-prohibitive) demand on limited national resources. We also remember when, under the direction of Edward St. George, Sir Jack and Sir Albert Miller, our island became the industrial capital of The Bahamas.

Most importantly, we recall the ease of doing business on the island, with licensing taking two weeks, once paperwork and financing were in place. Shortly thereafter, ground would be broken and, more importantly, buildings and businesses were actually built and opened. Per the provisions of the contractual HCA, the GBPA’s role was and remains approving investors and advising Government as a courtesy. Government approval was and is not required. We have seen this eroded drastically since the death of Mr. St. George and the retirement of Sir Albert. What used to take 3-4 weeks, now takes 3-4 months, despite all the technological advances. We have seen the Government and bureaucratic overreach in matters that have, without exception, been struck down by the highest courts in our country. Yet, the erosion continues, the silence persisting for too long. At a time when we need the chokeholds removed, we are moving at a snail’s pace.

The devastation caused to Freeport and Grand Bahama by Hurricanes Floyd, Frances, Jean, Wilma, Matthew, and Dorian is something only Grand Bahamians have experienced. Yet, we continued to rebuild at tremendous cost to every licensee and stakeholder in Grand Bahama. And, as if Freeport had not suffered enough, the Global Recession of 2009 and the Covid 19 pandemic dealt further blows. No other island in our archipelago has faced these repeated hits – not one. Tourism was obliterated, our real property market plummeted, with prices plunging 40-50 percent (with upcoming legislation is likely to further depress ours and other islands’ prospects). Yet, again, we took to rebuilding and if it weren’t for foreign support, we would not have been able to do so. We cannot misrepresent our plight. To say that Government has “been supporting Grand Bahama and … carrying Freeport and the responsibilities of the GBPA for 10 years if not more…” does not reflect the facts of the support and contributions of the GBPA, of NGOs and that of The Government.

In fact, it is Government

that is responsible for the hospital, the airport, and the former Lucayan hotel. And, yet, now under multiple administrations, we have seen no revitalisation of these projects beyond ground-breakings and announcements.

The inflammatory remarks also do not account for Freeport’s contribution to the Public Treasury. Freeport has contributed in excess of $100 million dollars on an annual basis to the Public Treasury, through airport fees, hotel taxes, vat, customs duty, immigration fees, car license fees, NIB contributions, and more. These funds are not spent in Freeport to maintain our roads, city infrastructure or utilities. Further, we do not see evidence of a proportional reinvestment of these funds in the East or West of Grand Bahama, in disrepair and requiring NGO support and that of the GBPA as well. Newly constructed buildings like Eight Mile Rock’s Government Complex and Holmes’ Rock Junior High remain unopened, roads remain hazardous and it is evident all of Grand Bahama needs a revitalization.

We want to be very clear: we also firmly agree the status quo has long been unacceptable and we need transformative change with the GBPA. It is painfully clear that, notwithstanding the multiple blows Freeport, the GBPA and Grand Bahama have experienced, the lack of leadership, vision and resources have stifled our city. Does the GBPA need a change in shareholding and management? We believe it must. And, the sooner, the better. Licensee representation was mandated by the HCA – and the lack thereof is just one of the commitments not realized by the GBPA. Yes, there must be change. There must be a clearly conveyed and supported vision with the requisite resources – both in terms of capital and expertiseto achieve that vision to develop Freeport to its full potential – for the sake of Grand Bahama and the wider Bahamas. We do not need rhetoric, press releases and posturing that is damaging, unprofessional and not what we expect from our Government nor the GBPA. The current lack of constructive dialogue and commitment to come to a resolution is reckless and unacceptable. We are calling for our Government, the Grand Bahama Port Authority and the licensees to meet outside of the public arena and resolve the ownership/management question. We want a capable and well-resourced GBPA, genuinely supported by our Government to welcome investors, cut the administrative stranglehold and rid of island of the shakedowns. We are calling on our Government and the GBPA to set an unprecedented example of what a stable, transparent adherence to the HCA can deliver for Freeport, for Grand Bahama and The Bahamas.

CONCERNED LICEN-

SEES OF THE GRAND BAHAMA PORT AUTHORITY

June 29, 2023

Readers give view on cannabis

IN The Tribune’s latest online poll, we asked readers if they thought the recreational use of cannabis should be decriminalised.

The majority of those voting – 75 percent – were in favour of decriminalisation, with 25 percent against. Readers have also been commenting on the stories

making the news. After Labour Minister Keith Bell said the Department of Labour is researching why the labour force has decreased by thousands compared to 2019, LastManStanding said: “I’m just spitballing but I think that COVID pushed a good bit of the older workers into retirement, I know of a couple

such cases personally. That plus emigration of young workers would be my guess as to where the drop came from.” But ThisIsOurs had this to say: “I find the discussion in Parliament mind boggling. They’re trying to tell me that tens of thousands of people left the country for jobs elsewhere, meaning they had to apply for

visas, and leave on a oneway flight, and Immigration doesn’t have a clue?”

Bahamas Power and Light confirmed that it started load-shedding exercises because of challenges to several power stations in New Providence. That prompted this comment from Sickened: “How useless can one company be? And under so many

administrations and management groups. Is there no one in there that knows that these machines require the oil to be changed on a regular basis? I guess they forego maintenance so that they can pay overtime for 100% of the staff working over the weekends at the Fish Fry?”

And there was this from Mandela: “Bahamians, who

do you think will lose, the people living Over the Hill or the new Nassau cruise port, which just came on stream and is now sucking away extra electricity? Over-the-Hillers better get ready for some dark and hot nights.”

• Don’t miss your chance to join the debate and vote in our new poll on tribune242.com.

Fostering development of the arts at BAF’s third annual Junkanoo Art Competition

It started off as a blank canvas waiting to be transformed into a cultural masterpiece. a rtists as young as six years old accepted the challenge to artistically display what Junkanoo means to them as they took part in the third annual Junkanoo a rt Competition and e xhibition hosted by B a F Financial & Insurance. a s one of the oldest

insurance companies in the Bahamas, B a F once again hosted the competition to promote culture and art amongst the country’s youth. Creative d irector Cecillia Cooper explained that the competition aimed to discover and recognise talented students.

“ t he Junkanoo a rt Competition is held to foster growth and appreciation of the complex

Man charged in double Murder for M arch fox hill park killings

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net

a MaN was charged yesterday with killing two people on Fox Hill park in March.

Kyle Jones, 27, was charged with two counts of murder before senior Justice Bernard turner.

Jones is alleged to have shot and killed Patrickedo rose and alex McKenzie while they stood on Fox Hill park at around 8.45pm on March 6. at the time of his death, rose was wearing an ankle monitor and was on bail charged with six murders. the accused pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Jones is expected to return to court on July 6 to get a trial date before Justice Gregory Hilton.

Until then, he will remain on remand at the Bahamas department of Correctional services. a second man was granted bail after being accused of failing to charge his monitoring device eight times while released on a pending murder charge. dominic Miller, 28, was charged with eight counts of bail violation before Magistrate samuel McKinney. While on release on a murder charge, between april 9 and May 7, Miller is accused of failing on eight occasions to charge his monitoring device. after pleading not guilty to the charges, the accused was granted $7,500 bail with one or two sureties. His trial is scheduled for august 29.

dynamics of Junkanoo and the art displayed by children in the Bahamas,” she said.

B a F, which she said prides itself on protecting and enriching the lives of the people they serve, was pleased to reward the children for their creativity and dedication. t hey anticipate that this competition will encourage young artists to continue to advance their craft.

t he Junkanoo a rt Competition was divided into two categories, ages 6-10 and 11-14. a ll children between those ages were eligible to participate and compete.

In the 6-10 category, Kylee Brown emerged as the winner, with Paris a rmbrister coming in second and d aliyah Culmer coming in third.

In the 11-14 category, a nniyah Bain claimed

first place followed by d ayanna Knowles in second and Kimora Kerr in third place. “ t he number of entries was overwhelming, so it was not an easy decision,” said Ms Cooper.

s he expressed her gratitude to all who participated and said she is looking forward to the new talent that will emerge in next year’s competition.

Ms Cooper said this competition is still in its infancy, but the level of interest from young artists motivates B a F to keep the initiative going. “ a lthough this is only our third year, B a F intends to continue to grow this initiative and to remain committed to fostering the growth of young budding artists, with an appreciation for the culture,” she said.

Kylee Brown AnniyAh BAin

PAris ArmBrister

DAyAnnA Knowles

DAliyAh Culmer KimorA Kerr

A beacon that saved lives of pilots

WHEN the 112-foot Castle Island Light off Acklins was operational, it was a critically important beacon that three World War Two bombers crashlanded near in order to be rescued. This is the story of the first wreck there, which later pilots looking for the ideal place to crash-land described as sitting atop a hard-packed lake on all its wheels. By contrast, the two newcomers were forced to ditch in the sea or the bush, as though it were a game of musical chairs for aviators.

On February 19, 1943 Captain DA Libby of the US Army Air Force was piloting a Douglas A-20B Havoc medium bomber on its journey from Memphis to the Soviet Air Force. His co-pilot was Murray White and navigator JS Veronko. Theirs was the lead plane out of seven that day, flying from Homestead Air Force

By Eric Wiberg

Base to Puerto Rico, at which none of them arrived that day. Over the Crooked Island Channel Libby, who had 60 hours pilot time on this aircraft, and 1,865 total pilot hours, was told by the other pilots that their right engine was smoking.

The pilot later described how they were “on a foreign mission, destination and purpose secret... the right motor started to cut in and out intermittently and smoke. I discovered an island [Castle] approximately two miles to the left, and proceeded to

circle it five times, awaiting developments in engine trouble. While circling, I tried single-engine procedure, and found that I could not keep altitude, so I decided to land.” Before ditching, Libby turned and “asked the navigator, Murray White, to jump [by parachute]. He stated that he would prefer to stay with the ship. I warned him that in previous crack ups of A-20’s the navigator had been dangerously injured because of his exposed position. Lt White still preferred to stay with the ship.”

Twenty minutes after noon Libby says: “I made a normal approach, wheels down, and landed on a dry lake-bed. I cut all electric switches, and proceeded to try to bring the ship to a stop. After running approximately 500 feet over the lake bed, the main [landing] gear suddenly dropped into

the mud hole and set the nose wheel into the mud, throwing the navigator, Lt White through the front of the ship.”

As soon as the ship stopped completely, I opened my hatch and jumped down into the mud to extract Lt White from the wreckage. His right leg was caught under a piece of the nose section.” Showing extraordinary strength, Libby and Veronko were able to lift the nose of the aircraft off their colleague’s injured leg and free him, sparing him from drowning, or further injury. The men must have crawled to the edge of the small lake (400 by 225 yards), and spent the night there or along the sea shore which lay just over the berm, the surf audible from the crash site.

The six other planes vectored the US Navy, which sent a patrol craft to the rescue, then returned to Florida. The US Navy submarine chaser USS SC-696 set off from Guantanamo at about midnight. Her hand-written Deck Log for February 20, 1943 records how at 11am they sighted an Allied airplane which signaled course to Castle Island, which they then sighted half an hour later. At 12.45 pm they hove-to [stopped], and hoisted their wherry [a light rowboat for carrying passengers] over the side. Then a crewman named A Kravitz and a helmsman named B Noble rowed the wherry ashore, intending to bring survivors of the wrecked plane back to the sub-chaser.

‘...asked the navigator, Murray White, to jump [by parachute]. He stated that he would prefer to stay with the ship. I warned him that in previous crack ups of A-20’s the navigator had been dangerously injured because of his exposed position. Lt White still preferred to stay with the ship.’

Kravitz and the survivor’s baggage and papers. At 4pm, Noble and Kravitz returned aboard with the items, and the wherry was hoisted aboard. By 4.20 the same day, less than five hours after arriving USS SC-696 was under way. She docked in Guantanamo at 10.26am the following day, with Murray White being taken ashore at Pier A by stretcher. The aviators were found less than 24 hours after crashing and delivered safely ashore less than 24 hours after that.

fuel “we saw that it would be practically impossible to set the airplane down on the beach, and we saw an A-20 on Castle Island, so we decided the safest thing to do would be to abandon ship”. The startled investigation board asked “You saw an A-20 on Castle Island? How could you tell the type of ship?” To which Hunt replied “Yes, sir. I figured that is what it was.” Indeed, it was Libby’s A20, it’s still there, with periodic sightings by yachtsmen passing through as well.

Indeed, at 1.50pm Noble returned on board with injured survivor Murray White, who was “hoisted aboard and tended to by Doctor.” Just ten minutes later Noble was heading back to shore.

At 2.45pm, Noble returned to ship with pilot Libby and engineer Veronko. Finally, at 3.15pm, Noble returned ashore to pick up his shipmate

The aircraft remained visible for many years, and traces of it can be seen from space today. On September 20, 1943 Captain O’Neil reported in Miami that a “plane had landed on Castle Island in a marshy spot, with its wheels down. All hatches were open, and there were no signs of life about”. For years, Bahamian telephone services also received messages from passing ships such as this one: “...a signal was intercepted from a ship off Inagua reporting that a crashed aircraft had been sighted on Castle Island.”

First Lt James F Hunt had to crash his B-26C Marauder bomber in the bush of the Acklins mainland on April 7, 1943 because, as he told investigators, having run out of

The board of inquiry summarised the incident thus: “Nature of Accident: Forced landing on a small island off the coast of Acklins Island. Nose section buckled; fuselage wrinkled. Cause of accident: power plant failure.” Libby suffered only minor injuries, White’s were deemed major, and Veronko’s classed simply as ‘none.’ The panel concluded that “Lt Libby handled his plane and crew in a highly satisfactory manner;” evidently so, since pilots for year have admired his handiwork.

Then, soon after dawn on the rainy morning of August 5, 2022, Captain Kendrick Williams and I disembarked in Mundian Harbour, Castle Island and landed three days’ supplies – tent, kayak, rope, shovels, food and water. Within five minutes of setting off inland from the beach we discovered the large engine from this aircraft sitting atop a pink saline lake, with smaller bits embedded in the salt, which had set like concrete, and fringing the little lake. The plane has been found.

Captain Kendrith Williams walks past the engine of Lt Libby’s A-20 Havoc on the lake beneath Castle Island Light, on August 5, 2022, moments after the aircraft was rediscovered 80 years after it crash-landed there, crushing Murray White’s leg beneath its nose when he was ejected.

Photo: Eric Wiberg

CastlE island light, built over 150 years ago, is visually romantic, with shipwrecks, plane wrecks, and wrecked lighthouse accommodations and outbuildings, beaches, reefs, constant ship traffic, and lakes.

Photo: marinas.com

submarinE chaser USS SC-696 (ex-PC-696) which rescued the A-20 crew using a little Wherry rowed by Kravitz and Noble.

douglas A-20 Havoc as crashed on Acklins in February 1943.

The thing about PAIN

DURING a month filled with celebrations, it’s easy to forget about those who are just trying to get through another day. The excitement they feel around them may make it harder to endure what they are facing. Maybe it deepens the divide between where they are emotionally or physically and where they think others are, making them feel even more alone and farther apart from the land of those planning barbeques and fireworks, backyard parties, official flag-raising and parades.

This is not intended to come across as a dose of downer throwing buckets of water on your parade but to jar all of us into remembering that around the world and right here at home, there are countless men, women and children fighting for their lives while we are grilling chicken.

Sad, sure. But there is good news and there are a few suggestions.

First, the good news. They say that the thing about pain that makes it bearable is that once it passes, you cannot relive it. You can recall having it. You can remember feeling terrible, screaming, crying or wanting to cry. You can almost grab hold of what you felt, but not exactly, like seeing a cloud, but not being able to hold it. You can count the minutes the pain endured, but not re-live them.

Thanks to amazing things our mind does to protect us, you cannot recapture pain in its entirety.

Science has a fairly simple explanation for this. The brain has evolved in such a way that it does not have the necessary receptors to

By Diane Phillips

feel the pain. When hurtful stimuli impact these receptors, called nociceptors, elsewhere in the body, the brain sends signals to the thalamus which sends to the cortex and limbic system, as if instructing them to interpret what happened and make sense of it. In short, rather than feeling the pain itself, the brain serves to send a warning signal not to put your hand on a hot stove again because it caused a painful reaction in your body.

Another way to look at it in layman’s terms when trying to understand how pain and brain interact is like this. More than a container holding the pain, the brain becomes the clearinghouse sorting out the cause of the hurtful sensation, driving the intelligence behind avoiding the cause of acute pain.

If the pain is chronic, the nerves and brain have to work harder together.

If you have any doubts about inability to re-live pain, just ask any woman who has given birth about what she endured during labour. No matter how excruciating it was, or how many hours it lasted, she is protected from re-experiencing what she went through. Knowing she hurt may be seared in her memory but she will never be able to re-live what she felt which is a mighty good

thing for the future of the universe.

But let’s be honest. Most of what we have to talk about when it comes to pain is not a good thing and there is no better time to help others overcome what they are enduring or ease their suffering when it is most pronounced around holidays which is what inspired this column today. No month other than December is more packed with the shout-out-loud party holidays than the month that begins tomorrow, July 1, with Canada Day, followed by July 4, American Independence. July 10 is our 50th anniversary of Independence. July 14 is Bastille Day, marking French Independence. July 18 marks Nelson Mandela International Day.

So as you plan to join the People’s Rush or the Ecumenical Service or the celebration at Clifford Park on the days leading up and including July 10, please let the anniversary of Bahamian Independence take on a special personal meaning by sharing love with someone who is hurting. Visit a senior, take clothes to a children’s home, carry home-baked goods or mac ’n cheese to a place where you know there is hunger. Together, we can make our independence count. Together, through kindness in easing another’s pain, we can show the world what a true-true Bahamian is. Remember that someone is holding the hand of a loved one in the hospital while you are grilling chicken.

Farming pays these days

THERE’S good news for farmers – cast your vote to pick the winners, $10,000 prizes at stake.

The Bahamas is taking a page from the people’s choice awards that have helped make America’s Got Talent and The Voice mustwatch TV.

Between now and July 31, you can go online and vote for your favourite farmers – individual, backyard, community, school – someone or some entity you want to ensure gets the recognition (and prize money or other reward) it deserves.

It’s all thanks to an historic partnership between the Ministry of Agriculture and Marine Resources and the Agricultural Development Organisation

announced this week after months of discussion about how best to promote and reward farming. It’s also part of the movement to grow what you eat and eat what you grow to create a healthier and more food secure nation.

You can nominate Individual farmers, large and small, as well as community and school farms to win thousands of dollars in prizes, scholarships and supplies as part of the Agrarian Awards 2023.

Categories include backyard farmer of the year, female farmer of the year and backyard farmer of the year, each with prizes of $10,000, Prime Minister’s Youth Male Farmer of the Year and Prime Minister’s Youth Female

Farmer of the Year, with prizes of $5,000 each plus full scholarships to BAMSI. Community farm and school farm winners earn supplies and there’s a prize for the Governor General’s Community Service Award. To be eligible, contestants must have at least a three-year history of farming and in individual categories (schools, community and backyard farmers exempted) must show some evidence of commercial sales for the last two years. Winners will be announced at a ‘green carpet’ event in September but remember polls close July 31. You can vote and submit photos through the Ministry’s website or ADObahamas.org.

‘They say that the thing about pain that makes it bearable is that once it passes, you cannot relive it... You can count the minutes the pain endured, but not re-live them.’

LASONYA MISSICK, managing director of RBC Royal Bank (Bahamas), and RBC volunteers present a cheque for $50,000 to Philip Smith, executive director of the Agricultural Development Organisation, to support the construction of four new community garden farms.

Photo: Jabez Paul

BAHAMAS MARITIME CADET CORPS

THE Bahamas Maritime Cadet Corps (BMCC) has completed another very successful year of activities with a total of 97 cadets completing the programme on four separate islands.

The ceremonies were spread over a four-week period on the islands of Grand Bahama, Eleuthera, Inagua and New Providence.

The success enjoyed this year was due largely to the efforts of the programme administrators who were able to secure permission from the Ministry of Education, Technical and Vocational Training, to conduct in person classes so soon after the years of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Under the very strict guidelines and protocols put in place by the Ministry, there were in excess of 330 students in grades 10–12 nationwide who registered for the BMCC this past academic year.

Other successes include the opening of a second campus at the Anatol Rodgers School on Faith Avenue. Students who attend schools located in the southwest quadrant of New Providence had to previously travel to CR Walker High School in order to attend the maritime cadets’

classes and this resulted in them arriving considerably late and missing valuable instruction time. This has now been alleviated and the programme coordinators are guardedly optimistic that this second campus will grow in popularity like the centre at the CR Walker School.

Cadets in New Providence were afforded the opportunity to go on field trips for the first time and each grade level was assigned to a separate area of the maritime industry for this additional exposure. The 10th grade students were able to tour marinas along the Bay Street foreshore and the Potter’s Cay Dock where they were able to observe the operations of the inter-island trade and the “Mail Boat” system.

The 11th grade cadets were afforded the opportunity to visit the Royal Bahamas Defence Force installations both at the Harbour Patrol and the HMBS Coral Harbour Base. This was an eye-opener for the cadets as they were able to observe how the conditions of a life at sea can be, especially while sharing a limited space with other persons on board the vessel.

The 12th Grade cadets were taken to the LJM Maritime Academy so as to gain an insight into that post-high school institution and possibly give further consideration to continuing

IMPROVED BENEVOLENT PROTECTIVE ORDER ELKS OF THE WORLD

their studies in the industry. This was complimented by a tour of the largest cruise ship in the world, the “Wonder of the Seas”, which is operated by the Royal Caribbean Cruise Line. This tour took a total of five hours as the cadets were able to see the day-today operations of the vessel in both the engine room and on the bridge of the vessel. Prior to disembarking, they were treated to a meal in one of the vessel’s many restaurants.

One area of concern for the programme is the lack of male participation in centres which are outside of New Providence and Grand Bahama. In a number of instances there was only one male student amongst a group of females but this is not a situation exclusive to the Maritime Cadets, as these young men do not seem to be interested in any constructive activity such as the Governor General’s Youth Award; the Defence Force Rangers, or any other productive extra-curricular activity. Efforts will be made to create more of a gender balance within the various grade levels of the BMCC.

Of the cadets completing the programme this year there appears to be a noticeable increase in those who have indicated their intention to remain in the shipping industry. Literally on every island there are cadets who have committed to joining the Royal Bahamas Defence Force and a larger number of cadets in Nassau have committed to attending the LJM Maritime Academy. An increase in cadets interested in pursuing engineering degrees was also noted, most of whom will begin their studies at the University of The Bahamas prior to studying overseas.

In Inagua, the BMCC is forging a closer working relationship with the RBDF base on that island and in conjunction with increased flights to the island beginning in July, consideration is being given to offering the STCW (Standards for Training and Certification for Watch-keepers) course for the cadets from this class as well as the most recent groups. The STCW certificate is mandatory for all persons who work vessels, regardless of size or classification. The 12th Grade cadets in New Providence were introduced

to the yachting side of the industry by the guest speaker at their certificate presentation and will be given preference when recruitment and training in this area begins during the summer. These cadets have a strategic advantage in that they were afforded the opportunity to earn their STCW Certificate prior to completing the programme.

The Bahamas Maritime Cadet Corps will experience growth in the next academic year as plans are already in place to open a centre at the LN Coakley High School in Exuma; the centre in Marsh Harbour, Abaco, is set to be revived as schools have fully reopened following the passage of Hurricane “Dorian”; and prior to next spring it is expected that the group earmarked for North Andros will also be established. With all of these areas coming on stream and with the established centres already in existence it is anticipated that there will be in excess of 400 cadets nationwide registered with the BMCC.

GIRL GUIDES

ON THURSDAY, June 22, some 59 Sunflowers, Brownies, Guides and Rangers made their promise as members of the world family of Guides and Scouts, under the pavilion at the Harbour Island All-Age School. The girls and young women were enrolled In the presence of their parents, local and school dignitaries, the Eleuthera District Commissioner, Audrey Culmer, and Louise Barry, former chief commissioner, and chair of the Grow Girls Project. The five Sunflowers, 22 brownies, 21 Guides and 11 Rangers spent many weeks completing the requirements of their Pre Promise Challenge, working through the clauses of the DREAM Programme, while earning their Golden Jubilee Badges. The association extends its appreciation to the Harbour Island school, the parents and leaders for their support of the units. They were assured by Miss Barry that the knowledge, skills and discipline gained through participating in the activities of Guiding will not only help to build their character, but also help them to become good citizens of The Bahamas and the world.

attending Project Cradle Care.

ZETA RHO SIGMA CHAPTER

THE ladies of the RHOmarkable Zeta Rho Sigma Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., are surely making their mark on their local community, one service project at a time.

On the crooked island of Grand Bahama, The Bahamas, the self-proclaimed “Island Poodles” have made strides in the fulfillment of both National Programs and in their own original initiatives.

This past January, in fulfillment of the national programme known as Project Cradle Care, the Zeta Rho Sigma ladies hosted their annual “Prenatal Clinic”. With the assistance of local Dr Caryn Albury and our Soror Aisha Major, RN, the ladies of this chapter were able to distribute health care tips and donate baby items to a large group of expecting mothers present in the Hawksbill Clinic on the island of Grand Bahama.

To add to our impact in this initiative, our local Philo Affiliate members also made a donation of baby items to expecting mothers in the Eight Mile Rock community on the island. Under the advisement of life member Elcina Duncombe, the “Island Philos” were able to raffle and bless two mothers with an abundance of items to welcome their new bundles of joy.

Throughout the month of February, the Island Poodles continued in their pursuant to assist the

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Grand Bahamian community through the collection and donation of shoes for the “Soles for Little Soles” Initiative. In March, the chapter was able to donate 22 pairs of children’s shoes to our local Salvation Army Branch for distribution into the surrounding area.

On March 18, the Zeta Rho Sigma ladies hosted their annual Youth Symposium under the theme, “Supporting, Serving, and Empowering Youth Educationally, Civically, Socially, Physically, and Emotionally”. Students from various schools across the island of Grand Bahama gathered for this great event and to be educated on relevant topics such as saving and budgeting; college and scholarship opportunities; and healthy living. The schools represented at this event included Jack Hayward Senior High School, Mary Star of The Sea Catholic Academy, and Eight Mile Rock High School.

Lastly, this chapter kicked the Operation Big Book Bag initiative into an early gear this year by visiting and donating to our adopted school (Martin Town Primary) in May of 2023. To encourage and help the students prepare for their final examination, both the Zeta Rho Sigma Sorors and Philos donated Examination Prep Bags and other utensils to alleviate the stress parents in the community may face in when getting their children prepared for National Exams. With this assistance, both Sorors, Philos, and School Administrators are confident that the students are well prepared for what is coming their way.

With the blessing of our Chapter Basileus, Philcher Grant-Adderley, we’d like to send a special thanks to our sorority, sorors, and the surrounding community for the hard work, dedication, and accommodation required to execute these events. We the “Island Poodles” look forward to what the future holds for this chapter as we step into a new sorority year and approach our 40th Chapter Anniversary.

ALLISON Sawyer has become the new daughter state president of the Bahamas Daughter State Association of Elks 2023. The outgoing state president is Cecilia Cooper, while the international preident is Granddaughter ruler Margaret D Scott.

THE 2023 Bahamas Maritime Cadet Corp graduation.

MEMBERS of the Zeta Rho Sigma Chapter donating shoes, above, and, below,

SCENES in Harbour Island as 59 Sunflowers, Brownies, guides and Rangers made their promise for the Girl Guides.

Lamar wins CAC gold, bronze

By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

Lamar Taylor, coming off his historic national record-breaking, gold medal performance on Wednesday in the men’s 50 back, picked up his second medal with a bronze in the 50m freestyle at the 24th Central American and Caribbean Games yesterday.

As the swimming competition came to a close at the Complejo Aquatic Merilot in San Salvador, El Salvador, Emmanuel Gadson and Rhanishka Gibbs were also in action for Team Bahamas, which was organised through the Bahamas Olympic Committee.

Taylor, a 20-year-old native of Grand Bahama, touched the wall in 22.51 for third place in the A final of the men’s 50m freestyle last night. He trailed gold medallist Dylan Carter of Trinidad & Tobago, who won in 21.87, followed by Mikel Schreuders of Aruba with the silver in 22.43.

The performance came after Taylor posted a time of 25.08 and, in the process, attained the A qualifying standard for the 2023 World Aquatics Championships, scheduled for July 14-30 in Fukuoka, Japan.

Taylor, who celebrated his 20th birthday on June 21, had an exceptional showing at the games as he was also seventh in the 100m freestyle and ninth in both the 100m backstroke and 50m butterfly.

Meanwhile, Gadson finished with third place in the B final of the men’s 200m breaststroke in 2:26.05. He advanced out of the preliminaries with 11th overall in 2:25.91 after he was fifth in the last of three heats to make the B final.

The 17-year-old Gadson also got 17th in the 100m breaststroke, 20th in the 50m breaststroke and 23rd in the 50m butterfly during the games.

Gibbs, 17, just missed out on making it back for a

second swim in two events. In the women’s 50m butterfly, she clocked 29.19 for sixth in the second of four heats for 17th overall, just missing the 16th and final spot for the B final. She was also two spots short of advancing in the women’s 50m freestyle in 27.66 after she was seventh in the last of five heats of the preliminaries. In other events she competed in, Gibbs got sixth in the 50m breaststroke. Gadson and Gibbs also teamed up with siblings Luke-Kennedy and ZaylieElizabeth Thompson as they placed 12th overall in the mixed 4 x 100m relay in 3:54.80.

Luke-Kennedy Thompson, 21, competed in four

individual events where he was 12th in the 400m freestyle, 13th in the 200m freestyle, 14th in the 50m breaststroke and 18th in the 100m breaststroke.

Zaylie-Elizabeth Thompson, 19, was 11th in the 100m breaststroke, 12th in the 200m individual medley and 15th in the 100m freestyle as she competed in her three individual events during the games.

Swimming, which was coached by Camron Bruney, follows boxing, which had a two-man team which completed competition so far in the games for Team Bahamas.

While Rashield Williams advanced to the second round of the men’s 63.5-kilogram class, veteran Carl

Hield got eliminated in the first round of the men’s 71kg.

Up next for Team Bahamas will be water polo - the team will also begin competition on Saturday.

Their competition is scheduled to run until Friday, July 7.

The team, led by the management and coaching staff of Laszlo Borbely, Wandalee Burrows, Brenna Turnquest and Christine Wallace-Whitfield, consists of Jayden Seymour, Gabriel Sastre, Alexander Turnquest, Nicholas Wallace-Whitfield, Khari Marshall, Aidan Johnson, Alexander Gomez, TeSean Henfield, Dominic Demeritte, Logan Carey, Matthew Thompson,

Joshua Gibson and Tonny Simon.

Athletics will have one of the biggest teams at the games when competition starts on Sunday and wraps up on Saturday, July 8. The team will be coached by Bernard Rolle and will comprise of the following athletes:

Women - NCAA javelin champion Rhema Otabor; sprinter Anthaya Charlton in the 200m and Tamara Myers in the triple jump.

Men - Decathlon national record holder Kendrick Thompson and immediate past record holder Ken Mullings and high jumpers Shaun Miller Jr and Kyle Alcine.

These athletes, with the exception of Myers, are expected to return home in time to compete in the Bahamas Association of Athletic Associations’ National Track and Field Championships, scheduled for July 5-7 at the Thomas A Robinson Stadium.

The Bahamas was also expected to be represented by the men’s national basketball and softball teams, but they both withdrew because of a lack of funding.

The chef de mission for Team Bahamas is Bishop Joseph Smith, a vice president of the BOC.

Bahamians shine in doubles action at ITF J30 Junkanoo Bowl tournament

By TENAJH SWEETING Tribune Sports Reporter tsweeting@tribunemedia.net

THE Bahamas Lawn Tennis Association (BLTA) hosted the International Tennis Federation (ITF) J30 Junkanoo Bowl tournament for the fourth consecutive day at the National Tennis Centre (NTC).

Bahamians sealed wins in a few semi-finals and quarterfinals matches on day four of the ITF Junkanoo Bowl.

The doubles duo of Jerald Carroll and Jackson Mactaggart booked their ticket to the quarterfinals after defeating the Virgin

Islands’ Yared Alfred and The Bahamas’ Anthony Burrows. Carroll and Mactaggart dropped their opponents in two sets 6-4, 7-6 (4).

After advancing to the boys’ quarterfinals, Carroll and Mactaggart dominated USA’s Savano Hanna and Hong Kong’s Kwong Wai Aengus Ma in two sets.

The duo won set one 6-0 and set two 6-1. They will now move onto the semifinals tomorrow.

TaKaii Adderley, who is playing for the USA, played alongside doubles teammate Breann Ferguson in their win over Marissa Alexander and Aqueela Malik.

The dynamic duo claimed comfortable wins in both sets 6-1, 6-1. However, Korea’s Dain Lee and the USA’s Milana Sofizade advanced with a walkover in the quarterfinals.

After advancing to yesterday’s quarterfinals on Wednesday, Freeport’s Jalisa Clarke and Rachel Thompson fell to Jessica McLean and Annika Warkentin of the USA.

The USA doubles team dropped the Bahamians in two sets 6-0, 6-2.

Among the other teams moving onto the next round will be The Bahamas’ Michael Major Jr along with the second-seeded Cruz Hewitt, son of former

world number one tennis player Lleyton Hewitt.

The team won with a walkover against USA’s Christopher Condoianis and Ayden Fraire.

In the first round of the boy’ doubles, The Bahamas’ Khai Rees along with Mexico’s Jeronimo Escalante-Mangino came up short against Team USA.

The doubles team of Jake Khera and Felix Puyplat wrapped up Rees and his teammate in three sets 7-5, 6-2 and 10-6.

The remaining semi-finals for the doubles and finals for the singles matches will be played at the NTC starting at 9am. There will be seven matches played.

BAHAMAS doubles tennis team of Jerald Carroll and Jackson Mactaggart, right.

GO TEAM BAHAMAS: Shown, from left to right, are Lamar Taylor, Emmanuel Gadson, Luke-Kennedy Thompson, Rhanishka Gibbs, Zaylie-Elizabeth Thompson and coach Camron Bruney.

TEAM Bahamas’ water polo squad is expected to begin competition on Saturday, which is scheduled to run until Friday, July 7.

‘Jazz’ Chisholm Jr hits another solo home run

MARLINS NO-HIT THROUGH 7, BEAT RED SOX 2-0

By JIMMY GOLEN AP Sports Writer

BOSTON (AP) — The first hit against Brayan Bello was a slow roller up the middle that barely reached the outfield. Red Sox shortstop Kiké Hernández dove and gloved it, but his off-balance, off-one-knee throw bounced harmlessly to first base.

The second hit came right after — still with nobody out in the eighth inning. And the third broke a scoreless tie and turned Bello’s near no-hitter into a loss.

“Today wasn’t my day to have a complete game,” Bello said after pitching seven no-hit innings only to see the Marlins beat the Red Sox 2-0. “But it’s going to come soon.”

Bello allowed just two baserunners through seven: Jazz Chisholm reached on a fielding error by first baseman Justin Turner leading off the second and Jesús Sánchez walked to lead off the third. Bello retired major league batting leader Luis Arraez three times, including a line drive that Bello stabbed to end the third inning.

“That guy threw a really good game,” said Arraez, whose batting average dropped from .396 to .392. “He was really nasty today.”

But Jean Segura bounced an infield single up the middle to lead off the eighth for Miami’s first hit, earning Bello some appreciative applause from the sold-out Fenway crowd. Joey Wendle followed with a clean single to right and manager Alex Cora came out to replace Bello, leading to a longer and louder cheer.

“There’s days you’re going to score runs. There’s days you’re going to give it up. And today we pitched well; we didn’t hit,” Cora said. “There was no hesitation for him to go in the eighth. There’s no hesitation for him to go deep into the game. He’s really good and he’s getting better.”

In all, Bello struck out five and walked one while throwing 99 pitches. He has allowed one run in three straight starts, and three or fewer runs in 12 in a row. He completed seven innings for the fourth time in seven starts.

“I think the balls just got through. ... It wasn’t like we were hitting it on a line,” Marlins manager Skip Schumaker said. “There was a lot of weak contact. Even the ground balls that got through were weak. Luckily for us, they got through and we started a rally.”

Bello, 24, was one of the top prospects in the Red Sox system before making his debut last season. He went 2-8 with a 4.71 ERA as a rookie and is 5-4 with a 3.27 ERA this season, striking out 67 batters in 73 innings.

“Bello’s got incredible stuff. I know he’s a young kid,” Marlins starter Jesus Luzardo said. “I’ve never really seen him pitch, but I saw him pitch today and it was incredible. It was just awesome being a part of it. Kind of keeps you in the game as a pitcher.”

Bello’s performance came a day after Yankees righty Domingo Germán threw the majors’ first perfect game since 2012 and the only no-hitter so far this season.

But it wasn’t enough to stop a Red Sox skid in which they’ve lost five in a row to fall from the verge of the wild-card race back below .500 and in last place in the AL East. “Everybody knows that we’re going through a tough stretch,” Bello said. “But we know that this is going to happen and we just need to turn the page and be ready for tomorrow.”

INAUGURAL CHILDREN’S FITNESS CHALLENGE NOW SET FOR JULY 22

THE inaugural IFBB Children’s Fitness Challenge, which was originally scheduled to be a part of the Bahamas Games, has been moved to Saturday, July 22.

Event coordinator Natasha Brown has announced that the change in date will now allow for more participants to come on board and participate in the Children’s Fitness and Children’s Challenge, as well as a mini challenge for participants between the ages of 6-10.

“We have completed the first week of trials and preparations and the second week of trials and preparations for the competition will begin on Monday, July 3 from 10am to 1pm at the University of the Bahamas Performance Arts Center,” Brown said. “For those who may not have heard about the two categories contested, are asked to come out and participate.”

WHITE SOX 9, ANGELS 7 ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP)

— Eloy Jiménez and Zach Remillard had two-run singles in the third inning and the Chicago White Sox beat Los Angeles 9-7 on Thursday, overcoming Shohei Ohtani’s Angelsrecord 14th homer in June.

The Japanese superstar broke the team mark for home runs in a month in the ninth inning with a tworun shot to left-center off Kendall Graveman’s slider. Ohtani leads the majors with 29 homers and is batting .309.

Mickey Moniak, Mike Moustakis and Hunter Renfroe also homered for Los Angeles. The Angels were 0 for 9 with runners in scoring position. Mike Trout added three hits and made a leaping catch at the center field wall in the fourth inning to rob Andrew Vaughn of a solo shot.

Lance Lynn (5-8) got his first win since May 26. The right-hander allowed five runs on eight hits and struck out seven in six innings.

PIRATES 5, PADRES 4

PITTSBURGH (AP) — Henry Davis capped his first three-hit game with goahead single in a three-run seventh inning that rallied Pittsburgh for a three-game sweep that stretched San Diego’s losing streak to five. The Padres have lost eight of 10, dropping seven games under .500 at 37-44. Davis, the top pick in the 2021 amateur draft, had two RBIs and raised his average to .351. He is 13 for 37 (.351) since his June 18 recalled from TripleA Indianapolis and has a seven-game hitting streak.

Nick Gonzalez began the comeback from a 4-0 deficit with a sacrifice fly in the fourth, and Davis cut the deficit to 4-2 with an RBI single in the sixth.

Tim Hill (1-2) relieved Joe Musgrove starting the seventh and walked pinchhitter Rodolfo Castro leading off, and rookie Jared Triolo singled. Jake Suwinski had a run-scoring infield it and Triolo scored on throwing error on the play. Davis put Pittsburgh ahead with his single.

Dauri Moreta (4-2) pitched a hitless inning for the win and David Bednar got four outs for his 16th save.

BLUE JAYS 2, GIANTS 1 TORONTO (AP) —

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. hit a two-run home run, Chris Bassitt struck out a careerhigh 12 over six shutout innings and Toronto beat San Francisco. Guerrero hit a go-ahead 413-foot drive to left off Keaton Winn (0-1) in the sixth for his 12th home run this season.

Bassitt (8-5) allowed three hits and walked three to win for the first time in four starts. He struck out his final three batters.

Erik Swanson pitched the seventh and Tim Mayza worked the eighth. Jordan Romano gave up Blake Sabol’s RBI single in the ninth but finished up for his 24th save.

YANKEES 10, ATHLETICS 4

OAKLAND, Calif. (AP)

— Josh Donaldson hit a 472-foot home run in an eight-run sixth inning, Isiah Kiner-Falefa had three RBIs and New York won two of three from major league-worst Oakland.

ROYALS 4,

GUARDIANS 3 (10 INNINGS)

KANSAS CITY, Mo.

(AP) — José Ramirez daringly stole home for the go-ahead run in the 10th inning, but Kansas City rebounded to beat Cleveland on pinch-hitter Freddy Fermin’s two-run double in the bottom half.

Standing on third with two outs and an 0-2 count on Andrés Giménez and left-hander Aroldis Chapman (4-2) working from the stretch, Ramirez took five small steps toward the plate and burst home. He slid headfirst and slapped his right hand on the plate as catcher Salvador Perez gloved the high sinker and lunged forward. Umpire Jeremy Riggs called Ramirez out, but the call was reversed in a video review, giving Cleveland its first steal of home since Leonys Martin on June 15, 2019.

BREWERS 3, METS 2 NEW YORK (AP) — Devin Williams struck out Starling Marte to strand the bases loaded in the ninth inning and Milwaukee dropped New York a season-high nine games under .500. The $355 million Mets are 36-45 and have lost

18 of 24. New York hasn’t won a series since sweeping Philadelphia from May 30 through June 1 and have lost two in a row since owner Steve Cohen said manager Buck Showalter and general manager Billy Eppler were not in danger of losing their jobs.

Williams got his third save of the series and 16th in 17 chances this season.

Victor Caratini hit a tying, two-run homer off Max Scherzer in the sixth inning and Brian Anderson hit a go-ahead sacrifice fly against Dominic Leone in the seventh.

PHILLIES 3, CUBS 1

CHICAGO (AP) — Kyle Schwarber homered on the game’s first pitch, Taijuan Walker won his fifth straight start and surging Philadelphia beat Chicago.

Bryce Harper drove in two runs. Trea Turner had two hits and scored a run, helping the Phillies win for the 18th time in 23 games.

Schwarber, the former Cub, got things started with a drive to right against Kyle Hendricks (3-3) for his 21st homer. It was the 25th time he has gone deep to start a game. Walker (9-3) went six innings, allowing one run and six hits while striking out six and walking one. The right-hander has a 0.84 ERA in his past five outings.

TIGERS 8, RANGERS 5 ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Spencer Torkelson homered twice and Andy Ibañez had the go-ahead RBI single for Detroit, which had another pitcher get hurt.

Ibañez broke a 3-3 tie as all four batters that faced reliever Joe Barlow (1-1) to start the seventh inning reached base. John King then got out of that jam with a strikeout and a double-play grounder, though

the reliever gave up Torkelson’s second homer the next inning.

RAYS 6, DIAMONDBACKS 1

PHOENIX (AP) — Luke Raley homered in the first inning, Wander Franco and Josh Lowe drove in two runs each in a five-run third and Tampa Bay beat Arizona.

Tampa Bay won two of three in a series between the 1998 expansion teams. The Rays lead the major leagues at 56-28, while Arizona tops the NL West at 48-34.

Yonny Chirinos (4-3) allowed one run and seven hits over six-plus innings of relief that followed opener Zack Littell. Lourdes Gurriel Jr. hit his 12th homer of the season leading off the seventh.

Brandon Pfaadt (0-3) allowed six runs and seven hits in two-plus innings, raising his ERA to 9.82. He was recalled from Triple-A to make the his sixth start.

ASTROS 14, CARDINALS 0

ST. LOUIS (AP) — Kyle Tucker homered and drove in five runs, Alex Bregman hit his third grand slam this season and Houston routed Adam Wainwright and St. Louis.

Houston had 18 hits, its most since Sept. 10, 2019, against Oakland. Bregman, Yainer Diaz and Corey Julks had three hits each.

Tucker hit a two-run single in a six-run second that included Jose Altuve’s go-ahead single, José Abreu’s two-run double and Diaz’s RBI double. Tucker added a three-run homer in the sixth off Jake Woodford, a 447-foot drive to right.

Wainwright (3-3) gave up six runs, six hits and three walks in 1 2/3 innings, his shortest start since a 15-7 loss to Baltimore on June 17, 2017.

J.P. France (3-3) allowed four hits in seven innings.

More than 30 competitors have already signed up and Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Mario Bowleg has indicated that he will be sponsoring another 20 competitors, who will joining the rest of the contestants on Monday. Once the participants show up, they will be informed of the new venue for training.

Interested persons are urged to contact Brown at 426-6420 or Juffure CollieRussell at 423-7257 for more information.

MIKE TROUT ELECTED TO 11TH ALLSTAR GAME

By RONALD BLUM AP Baseball Writer

NEW YORK (AP) —

Mike Trout will see a bunch of new faces surrounding him at this year’s All-Star Game.

The Los Angeles Angels center fielder was selected for his 11th appearance on Thursday, and four Texas Rangers were chosen by fans for the American League’s lineup for the July 11 game at Seattle’s T-Mobile Park.

Nine first-time starters were picked by fans, including three Rangers: catcher Jonah Heim, shortstop Corey Seager and rookie third baseman Josh Jung. Arizona rookie outfielder Corbin Carroll, who’s from Seattle, also was voted in, giving the starting lineups a pair of rookie position players for the third time after Rich Rollins and Tom Tresh in 1962, and Geovany Soto and Kosuke Fukodome in 2008.

Texas reached the season’s midpoint at 49-32, on track for its first winning season since 2016. The Rangers host next year’s All-Star Game.

Rangers second baseman Marcus Semien was chosen for his second start.

“We all strive to be the best we can be. And if the fans acknowledge us this year, that means we’re doing something,” Semien said.

Texas’ previous high was three starters in 2012, when Adrian Beltré, Josh Hamilton and Mike Napoli were picked.

Trout was voted to start for the 10th time and will be joined in the AL lineup by teammate Shohei Ohtani, who last week was chosen at designated hitter as the league’s top-vote getter in the first round.

Tampa Bay first baseman Yandy Díaz and outfielder Randy Arozarena were among the first-time starters, joined by Atlanta shortstop Orlando Arcia and catcher Sean Murphy, Miami second baseman Luis Arraez and Carroll.

MIAMI Marlins’ Jazz Chisholm Jr., right, watches his home run next to Boston Red Sox’s Connor Wong during the ninth inning of a baseball game last night.

MIAMI Marlins’ Jazz Chisholm Jr. celebrates his home run as he runs the bases in the ninth inning of the team’s baseball game against the Boston Red Sox last night in Boston. (AP Photos/Steven Senne)

More volunteers needed for the Bahamas Games

By TENAJH SWEETING Tribune Sports Reporter tsweeting@tribunemedia.net

WITH the Bahamas Golden Jubilee Games just one week away, the Local Organising Committee (LOC) is actively searching for more volunteers for the Bahamian Olympic-style games.

The sixth edition of the Bahamas Games will be played between 16 sporting disciplines at 16 different locations from July 7-15 therefore, event organisers are encouraging individuals to register as volunteers ahead of next week Friday.

Anishka Wallace, coordinator for accommodations and volunteers for the LOC, said there are some educational and historical benefits to volunteering for the Bahamas Games.

“If you were born before 2001 or after 2001 when the last games were held this is a great way to learn about the games. Additionally, these games are like a mini-Olympics with more than 11 sporting disciplines [with] 12 islands competing in every division so the help is needed,” Wallace said.

She added that for students who may need community service, this is a great way to earn those hours and learn about the games so that they may share the information with others.

The LOC, in conjunction with the Bahamas Games, has reached out to more than 700 volunteers from previous games via social

and print media and radio promotions.

Also, the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture has provided 100 persons from the summer work programme to assist with the Bahamas Games.

Training sessions have been held this week Tuesday and yesterday and the remaining sessions are on Saturday, July 1, at 10am and 4pm.

At these sessions, volunteers are taught the history

of the Bahamas Games, the participating islands, disciplines, protocols, teamwork, positive reinforcements, various departments and their responsibilities.

Also, leadership and love of the country through volunteering. “We would like to say to parents who may have kids that are eligible to volunteer, especially if they have never volunteered, please encourage them to do so, it’s a constructive and awesome way

to learn about each island,” Wallace said. She added that patriotism is born through volunteering because these games have not been held in 21 years so, for many, they are a part of a new story with much to experience and a great way to network positively.

The sporting disciplines which require more volunteers are track and field, basketball, soccer, baseball and softball.

Individuals interested in volunteering for the Bahamas Games can go to the website - www.thebahamasgames.org - and click on the volunteer tab, fill out the form and upload it to volunteerbahamas50@ gmail.com. Additionally, volunteers must attend at least one training session to help with the games.

Event organisers said it’s going to be great competition and an opportunity to reunite with family and

CHASE KALISZ JOINS SIX-TIMERS WORLDS CLUB

By PAUL NEWBERRY AP National Writer

INDIANAPOLIS (AP)

— Add another member to the six-timers club.

Chase Kalisz became the seventh American swimmer to make a half-dozen world championship teams with a runner-up finish in the 400-metre individual medley at the U.S. nationals.

The 29-year-old Kalisz will be heading to the worlds in Fukuoka, Japan, next month, joining Michael Phelps, Ryan Lochte, Natalie Coughlin, Katie Ledecky, Elizabeth Beisel and Nathan Adrian in the elite group.

Ledecky earned the distinction on the opening night of nationals with a dominating victory in the 800 free.

“I’m very proud of my longevity in the sport,” Kalisz said. “It’s not an easy thing, especially in the U.S. I don’t know if I ever would’ve predicted I would go this long, especially doing the 400 IM. But I’m really proud of how everything is going.”

Carson Foster won the race that encompasses all

four strokes in 4 minutes, 8.14 seconds, edging Kalisz by a mere 0.08.

“I want to be like Chase,” Foster said. “Not to get all sappy, but Chase has been a huge part of my improvement curve and getting over some of my mental barriers in that race.”

Kalisz made his first worlds team in 2013, earning a silver medal in the 400 IM at Barcelona. He’s earned at least one individual medley medal in every worlds since then, though the highlight of his career is undoubtedly his 400 IM victory at the Tokyo Olympics.

“Things are just different for me,” Kalisz said. “The culmination of being a world champion and getting my Olympic gold at the last Olympics, that really signified me checking off all my major bucket list things. I can got into practice every single day very content. Everything is kind of a bonus at this point.”

Other winners on the third night of nationals:

— Katie Grimes took the women’s 400 IM title, while Alex Walsh finished second

to join her younger sister Gretchen Walsh on the worlds team.

—- Speaking of Gretchen Walsh, she’ll be swimming a second individual event at worlds after a runner-up showing to Torri Huske in the 100 fly. On the men’s side, Dare

Rose and Thomas Heilman went 1-2, both adding to their programme at worlds, while Caeleb Dressel came up short again by tying for fifth. Coming back from a long layoff, Dressel has only one more chance to make the team for worlds in the 50 free.

— Lilly King triumphed in the women’s 50 breaststroke, her second victory at nationals, while Nic Fink was the winner in the men’s race.

— K Berkoff took the title in the women’s 50 back, while Justin Ress triumphed for the men.

GAUFF POWERS PAST PEGULA TO REACH THE SEMIS

EASTBOURNE, Eng-

land (AP) — Coco Gauff powered past her doubles partner Jessica Pegula to reach the semifinals at the Eastbourne International yesterday.

Wet weather delayed the start of play at the Wimbledon warm-up tournament before Gauff wasted little time in beating thirdseeded Pegula 6-3, 6-3 in an all-American match.

The 19-year-old fifth seed is the highest-ranked player remaining in the tournament. Gauff next plays compatriot Madison Keys. It will be the third semifinal appearance of the year for Gauff after Auckland and Dubai.

Keys won five games in a row during a 6-4, 6-1 victory in the quarterfinals over Croatian lucky loser Petra Martic.

Second-seeded Caroline Garcia’s right shoulder injury caused her to retire while trailing Russian Daria Kasatkina 6-2, 2-1. Camila Giorgi awaits Kasatkina in the semifinals. The Italian also benefited from a retirement, with Birmingham champion Jelena Ostapenko pulling out of their match after losing the opening set 7-6 (8). In the men’s draw, Argentinian fourth seed Francisco Cerundolo beat China’s Zhizhen Zhang 6-2, 6-3 to reach the first grass-court semifinal game of his career.

Cerundolo’s last-four opponent will be American Mackenzie McDonald, a 6-4, 3-6,

Swede

friends who may have moved to the various islands during the past several years.

Ticket prices and more information about the games can be found at www. thebahamasgames.org.

The 2023 Bahamas Golden Jubilee Games will continue over a week from July 7-15 and the highest overall collective score across the various sports will be deemed the winner of the games.

HARRISON BARNES AGREES TO 3-YEAR, $54 MILLION DEAL TO STAY WITH KINGS, AP SOURCE SAYS

By TIM REYNOLDS AP Basketball Writer

HARRISON Barnes is staying with the Sacramento Kings, agreeing yesterday to a three-year, $54 million contract, according to a person with knowledge of the negotiations.

The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the deal has not been announced by the team. ESPN first reported the agreement. The deal was struck one day before the start of free agency in the NBA. Barnes will be entering his sixth year with the Kings, who went to the playoffs this past season for the first time since 2006.

He averaged 15.0 points last season, fourth-best on the Kings behind De’Aaron Fox, Domantas Sabonis and Kevin Huerter.

Barnes also was the only player on the Kings to appear in all 82 regular-season games — making him one of only three players in the NBA to start at least 82 games. Mikal Bridges actually started 83 for Brooklyn and Phoenix, and Nikola Vucevic started 82 for Chicago.

For his career, Barnes — a member of the U.S. Olympic team that won gold at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Games — has averaged 14.2 points in 11 seasons.

6-3 winner against

Mikael Ymer. Tommy Paul will play Gregoire Barrere in the other semifinal. Paul edged a thrilling three-set match with fellow American JJ

Wolf, winning 6-4, 4-6, 7-6 (2), while Frenchman Barrere upset eighth-seeded

Serbian Miomir Kecmanovic 7-5, 7-6 (2). Play continues today.

COCO GAUFF, from the US, returns the ball to Jessica Pegula from the US during their women’s singles quarterfinal match on day six of the Rothesay International Eastbourne tennis tournament at Devonshire Park, Eastbourne, Britain, yesterday.

(Gareth Fuller/PA via AP)

CARSON Foster swims on his way to winning the men’s 400-metre individual medley at the U.S. nationals swimming meet in Indianapolis yesterday.

(AP Photo/Michael Conroy)

$5.85 $5.85 $5.70 $5.62

Escalating GBPA row ‘disaster for Freeport’

By NEIL HARTNELL

THE GRAND Bahama Chamber of Commerce’s president yesterday branded the escalating row between the Government and Grand Bahama Port Authority (GBPA) as “another disaster for Freeport” that must be calmed rapidly.

James Carey told Tribune Business he was “surprised” the Government had decided to effect its desired reforms for Freeport through a public battle with the city’s quasigovernmental authority, and accused the two sides of behaving like children as they squabbled over who was responsible for bringing certain investment projects to Grand Bahama.

Warning that the row continues to dent and undermine business and investor confidence in Freeport, he urged the Davis administration and

• Chamber chief: Parties squabbling like kids

• Urges rapid resolution and more Gov’t clarity

•

Questions what GBPA buyer would acquire

the GBPA to negotiate and resolve their differences in days rather than “weeks and months” given that greater damage will result the longer the impasse lasts.

Speaking after Prime Minister Philip Davis KC this week asserted that the GBPA has yet to respond to the Government’s invoices demanding “reimbursement” for public monies spent in Freeport, and the quasi-governmental authority’s blast

back disputing the calculations and sums owed, Mr Carey told this newspaper: “It’s a bit surprising the Government, being the leader of the country, has chosen to go about it this way.

“It doesn’t bode well for confidence and I know some businesspersons - a few, not very many - have made mention that they’re a little uncertain what to do going forward. While government has made their utterances,

Planning concern on $1.3m propane plant

• Nassau Propane seeks halfmile relocation approval

they have not said what their intentions are.”

Mr Carey questioned why the Government had opted for a public fight rather than simply calling the GBPA and its owners, the St George and Hayward families, to a meeting to address its concerns over Freeport’s economic stagnation and their alleged failure to live up to their

SEE PAGE A17

Licensee fury: Freeport ‘moving at snail’s pace’

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

FREEPORT’S ease of doing business is “moving at a snail’s pace”, a group of Grand Bahama Port Authority (GBPA) licensees warned yesterday, as they blasted both the Government and city’s authority for the escalating row over its governance.

The 25-30 strong group, in a public letter sent to both Prime Minister Philip Davis KC and the GBPA’s owners, asserted that urgent reform was needed from both sides to help remove “chokeholds” that have resulted in approvals vital for conducting business take three to four months - as opposed to three to four weeks - to be issued.

The group, calling themselves “Concerned Licensees of the Grand Bahama Port Authority (GBPA), issued a photo of its members who include realtor James Sarles, businessman Darren Cooper, and Davis Wallace, the Pirate’s Cove operator. They called for all sides to work collaboratively to “cut the administrative stranglehold

• But authorities question ‘compatibility with neighbours’

• Company pledges ‘state-of-art’ facility and new services

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

PLANNING authorities are voicing concern over a proposed $1.3m “state-of-the-art” propane gas plant off Tonique Williams Highway due to “compatibility with its neighbours”.

and rid the island of the shakedowns”. Suggesting that there was plenty of blame to go around for Freeport’s economic stagnation, and that all stakeholders must accept their share of responsibility, the group agreed that the GBPA requires new ownership,

SEE PAGE A15

Tour boat explosion: Captain faces retrial

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

THE Exuma tour boat captain, whose exploding vessel killed one tourist and seriously injured four others, was yesterday ordered to face a new Supreme Court trial on charges of manslaughter and causing harm “by negligence”.

The Court of Appeal, in a unanimous verdict, partially overturned the previous Supreme Court ruling which found that Roderick Watson, who was in charge of the 4Cs Adventure vessel on its illfated ‘swimming with the pigs’ excursion, should be

acquitted on the basis that he had “no case to answer” due to insufficient evidence.

However, Sir Michael Barnett, the appeal court president, and his fellow justices also upheld the acquittal of Clayton Patterson Smith, owner of both 4Cs and the boat, finding that Justice Jeannine Weech-Gomez was correct to direct his acquittal by the jury on charges of “manslaughter by negligence” and “negligently endangering a vessel”.

Recalling an accident that resulted in the death of Maleka Jackson, a US tourist, while her husband and another visitor had to

SEE PAGE A16

AG: Gov’t determined GBPA fulfill obligations

By FAY SIMMONS Tribune Business Reporter jsimmons@tribunemedia.net

THE ATTORNEY General yesterday reinforced the Government’s determination to make the Grand Bahama Port Authority “meet its obligations” as he defended its demands for financial reimbursement.

Ryan Pinder KC, addressing the Senate during the 2023-2024 Budget debate, backed Prime Minister Philip Davis’ assertions that Freeport’s quasi-governmental authority has not responded to any of the billings and invoices

seeking compensation for costs incurred in providing public services that exceed tax revenues generated by the city.

He said: “To-date the GBPA has not responded to any of our requests for reimbursement to these expenses. The first time we heard anything about their objection to the amounts we are seeking is in their press release. With respect to the amount of expenses we believe we are entitled to, this calculation has been done on behalf of the Government by an

Documents lodged with the Department of Physical Planning reveal that Nassau Propane is seeking to relocate half-a-mile east of its present location and construct a new facility that will enable it to “introduce a whole new range of services to Nassau”.

However, Jehan Wallace, the Department’s chief physical planner, in a June 2023 paper for the Town Planning Committee, said a church, school and other commercial businesses are located nearby while a “multi-family housing structure is 120 feet to the west” of Nassau Propane’s proposed boundary.

“The applicant is seeking planning approval to relocate Nassau Propane to a 22,500 square foot site located on Chapel Drive off the Tonique Williams Highway. The site is currently vacant,” Ms Wallace wrote. “The company is currently located a half-a-mile west of the proposed location behind Ron’s

JAMES CAREY

PROPOSED NASSAU PROPANE PLANT

In every echelon of our society, we face this common dilemma.

Businesses (private and public), religious sects, political parties and civic groups all fail to establish strategic succession plans to secure the future success and viability of their organisations.

Business owners, church leaders, politicians and other community leaders often operate with a sense of immortality, thinking that death or separation will not come. This article is intended to serve as a ‘wake-up call’ in a bid to impress upon leaders of today to identify, equip and release the next generation of leaders for our national, corporate and community success.

Succession planning is the process of identifying

and developing staff who have the potential to fill key leadership positions in the company. Global research indicates that a formal succession plan, where employees know they are being prepared for future roles in the company, increases worker retention, loyalty, morale, productivity and satisfaction. We know a happy employee will create a happy customer who, in turn, becomes the repeat customer. Plainly speaking, companies with well thought-out and communicated succession plans fare better in the marketplace, and there is a clear reflection in ‘bottom line’ profits. Up to this point we have not shared any new concepts. This is an old revelation. In fact, a number of Bahamian family-owned

businesses have given us a template that works. The simple plan of succession for many was for their children to take over ownership and management of the business when their time was over. While this model works beautifully and simply for sole proprietorships, it is more complex when a larger number of persons is involved. The question that looms, then, is why do so many in this business environment still operate without a plan of succession?

Listen to the voices of dissent:

* We do not have the talent on our team. These young people are simply not preparing themselves adequately to take over.

* I had to learn leadership and management the hard way; they have to learn as

well. I am not prepared to offer on a platter what I had to sweat and toil over.

* I am not ready to go, so I have to secure my job and keep all the knowledge I have. Call me insecure, but I have to look out for my interests.

* There is too much politics involved. No matter who I prepare that person may not get the job anyway. The time has come for us to silence these voices. We hold the talent of so many in industry captive, as well as leave the progress of our companies in the lurch, when we fail to affirm the skills of those in our employment. We must be deliberate in refusing to accept stagnation, mediocrity and inefficiency. Creating a plan of succession should not be an afterthought but, rather,

a major component in the daily discussion at the executive roundtable. Establishing a succession plan for your company requires that you:

* Identify those with the potential to assume greater responsibility.

* Provide critical development experiences to those that can move into key roles.

* Engage your company’s leadership in supporting the development of potential leaders, and hold them accountable for preparing more.

* Build a database that can be used to make better staffing decisions for key jobs. This is literally the life or death scenario for your business, so get to it.

• NB: Ian R Ferguson is a talent management and

BPL infrastructure long ‘beyond its useful life’

By YOURI KEMP

Business

A CABINET minister

yesterday said Bahamians are demanding that Bahamas Power & Light (BPL) provide “quality service”

using energy infrastructure that has long since aged “beyond its useful life”. Alfred Sears KC, addressing a media briefing by the Prime Minister’s Office, said: “The facts are as follows. BPL hasn’t seen a rate increase since 2010 and, up until the [fuel

charge] glide path that was recently implemented, we’re asking BPL to provide quality service [using] infrastructure, which has lived beyond its life.

“But I want to say in this press conference, and recognise the ingenuity of BPL technicians and engineers,

because in any other company, what they do would be considered as research and development because they take engines that are long past their life, take them apart and reassemble them again and get them running again.”

Mr Sears continued: “The Government’s policy and support for BPL will ensure that the company transitions to a modern utility operating on renewables, high efficiency engines and with a robust transmission and distribution infrastructure, which will be more

THE WEATHER REPORT

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.

reliable, sustainable and produce more affordable electricity for the benefit of all stakeholders.

“As a BPL customer and consumer I, too, feel the frustration of occasional outages and the electricity failure. Higher consumption and an increase in the fuel charge are a reality not only in The Bahamas but

SEE PAGE A18

Escalating GBPA row ‘disaster for Freeport’

governance and developmental obligations.

He also noted that the Prime Minister, who in kickstarting the battle with his 2023-2024 Budget communication had promised to say more on Freeport during the ensuing debate, subsequently said very little other than to disclose the invoices submitted to the GBPA and, as a result, had left the latter’s 3,500 licensees and city residents none the wiser as to his ultimate plan and end goals.

“He said a few things earlier this week, but did not articulate what his intentions are,” Mr Carey said of the Prime Minister. “This is just another disaster for Grand Bahama. It’s not a hurricane disaster, but it’s a disaster nonetheless. If things that are happening suddenly go on pause we certainly don’t need that to happen.”

Any investment projects or business expansions that are placed on hold due to the uncertainty caused by the Government’s GBPA attacks only threaten to weaken Freeport’s alreadystruggling economy further.

“It is exceedingly concerning,” Mr Carey added.

“In fact, before all of this started I’ve been inviting the Prime Minister to come and meet with the business community in Freeport if for no other reason to reassure them and show his support for them. I suspect he’s too busy to respond to that, but I’ve been in office a year-and-a-half, and invited him privately and publicly to come and meet with our community, but it’s

not something he’s shown any appetite for.”

Warning that GBPA licensees and Freeport residents cannot be ignored in any talks on the city’s future, Mr Carey added: “The back-and-forth about who’s responsible for investment caught me by surprise. That’s the type of thing kids engage in. The Government were saying: ‘We’ve done more than you’. Is that what it’s about? I found it a little surprising.

“The island is poised for good things, but this is just another kick. One has to think if the Government’s possible desire in this is to get the owners of the Port Authority out and get it into someone else’s hands. Is this part of the design? We just don’t know. For me it’s akin to some of the disasters we’ve had over the last 20 years. It’s just another disaster. It makes no sense. It call it the making of another disaster. We’ve risen from previous disasters; let’s get out of this one, too.

“There’s an agreement [the Hawksbill Creek Agreement] in place that has a remaining life of 32 years. Let’s do what we have to do while this thing is in place and, in 20-25 years, we will be beginning the wind-down period. Let’s get to the table. I think the most important thing now is for the Government and Port Authority to sit at the same table and each express their concerns and find a way to resolve them.”

Mr Carey also questioned what the Government or any private sector partner would be acquiring if they purchased the GBPA given that all the productive,

NOTICE

NOTICE is hereby given that TROY DWAYNE WEBB of P.O. Box GT-2693 of Hamster Road, New Providence, The Bahamas is applying to the Minister responsible for Nationality and Citizenship, for registration/naturalization as a citizen of The Bahamas, and that any person who knows any reason why registration/naturalization should not be granted, should send a written and signed statement of the facts within twenty-eight days from the 23rd day of June, 2023 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, Bahamas.

NOTICE

NOTICE is hereby given that CHERYL ETIENNE of Cumberbatch Avenue, Wulff Road, New Providence, Bahamas, is applying to the Minister responsible for Nationality and Citizenship, for registration/naturalization as a citizen of The Bahamas, and that any person who knows any reason why registration/ naturalization should not be granted, should send a written and signed statement of the facts within twenty-eight days from the 30th day of June, 2023 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, Bahamas.

profit-making assets - chiefly the 50 percent stakes in the Freeport Harbour Company and Grand Bahama Development Company (DevCO) - have been transferred to its Port Group Ltd affiliate.

“They are talking about selling the GBPA, but what are they selling? There are a number of other companies, and the assets may be held elsewhere,” the GB Chamber president told Tribune Business, as he urged the Port Authority to be more transparent and share information with residents and licensees.

“The danger is the utterances without specifics,” he added. “If the Government says what it intends to do, what it wishes to see happen, that would be great, but the Government should not come in unilaterally and change the structure of the Port Authority. That would not look good to the world.

“I don’t think that will happen. I think the Prime Minster is a very articulate man. This is not the time for hard ball politics. We need some definitive statements about what to expect, and where it’s going, sooner rather than later. Weeks and months is just too much. There are a number of projects said to be in the works, and they may sit on their hands and wait and see what happens.

“My fear is some of them will sit and wait. I think in a number of instances some of these players had to be

convinced to come to Freeport. The days of Edward St George, who was a real deal maker, are gone. It doesn’t happen the way they did it back then.”

The GBPA is pushing back against the Prime Minister’s accusation it has failed to repay costs the Government has incurred in providing public services in Freeport despite being billed for these expenses, asserting that the sums in question are “contested”.

Suggesting that the Government’s long-standing claims are neither justified nor supported by “credible evidence”, Freeport’s quasigovernmental body argued that the city has always been a positive “net contributor” to the Public Treasury and effectively blasted Nassau for impeding the city’s development.

The GBPA, in a sign that relations between Nassau and Freeport continue to worsen, blamed “increased Government imposed bureaucracy and red tape” for hindering the city’s development, which it argued was a violation of the Hawksbill Creek Agreement.

And, in a pun on the Government’s election campaign slogan, it also asserted that Freeport’s residents and 3,500 GBPA business

NOTICE

NOTICE is hereby given that RICARDO FRANCOIS of #1 Timothy Lane, Fox Hill Road, New Providence, Bahamas, is applying to the Minister responsible for Nationality and Citizenship, for registration/ naturalization as a citizen of The Bahamas, and that any person who knows any reason why registration/naturalization should not be granted, should send a written and signed statement of the facts within twentyeight days from the 30th day of June, 2023 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, Bahamas.

licensees “deserve a ‘New Day’” where the Government works with it to realise the Hawksbill Creek Agreement’s still-untapped “huge potential”.

Mr Davis, in closing the 2023-2024 Budget debate on Monday, told the House of Assembly as he wrapped up the 2023-2024 Budget debate that the Government has “begun to invoice” the GBPA for “reimbursement” of these unspecified costs.

He argued that the Government was justified in seeking repayment under section one, sub-clause five, of the Hawksbill Creek Agreement, Freeport’s founding treaty, which stipulates that it can seek payment from the GBPA for providing “certain activities and services” if

the costs involved exceed certain tax revenue streams generated in the city.

“It’s important to note there’s a provision in the Hawksbill Creek Agreement that specifies that the cost borne by the Government for certain activities and services provided are to be reimbursed by the Grand Bahama Port Authority for amounts in excess of Customs duties and emergency taxes collected,” Mr Davis said.

“My government has begun to invoice the Port Authority for these reimbursable expenses, as calculated by an independent accounting firm. To date, the Port Authority has not provided reimbursement in connection with any of these invoices.”

NOTICE

NOTICE is hereby given that SYDNEY NELSON, of #7 Ringwood Drive Arden Forest, New Providence, The Bahamas applying to the Minister responsible for Nationality and Citizenship, for Registration Naturalization as a citizen of The Bahamas, and that any person who knows any reason why registration/naturalization should not be granted, should send a written and signed statement of the facts within twenty-eight days from the 30th day of July 2023 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, New Providence, The Bahamas.

NOTICE

NOTICE is hereby given that

LUCKENSON PETIT, of Pilgrim Street, New Providence, The Bahamas applying to the Minister responsible for Nationality and Citizenship, for Registration Naturalization as a citizen of The Bahamas, and that any person who knows any reason why registration/naturalization should not be granted, should send a written and signed statement of the facts within twenty-eight days from the 30th day of July 2023 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, New Providence, The Bahamas.

NOTICE is hereby given that KETTLYN NEUS of Knowles Drive, Garden Hills, New Providence, The Bahamas, is applying to the Minister responsible for Nationality and Citizenship, for registration/ naturalization as a citizen of The Bahamas, and that any person who knows any reason why registration/naturalization should not be granted, should send a written and signed statement of the facts within twentyeight days from the 23rd day of June, 2023 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, Bahamas.

Tour boat explosion: Captain faces retrial

have their legs amputated, Sir Michael noted that all had booked a ‘swimming with the pigs’ excursion through 4Cs. “The boat was captained by the second respondent, Watson, who did not have a captain’s licence,” he noted. “Watson’s second mate was the eight year-old son of Smith. Everyone was happy

and excited to be on this excursion. “Watson was also in good spirits. Approximately five to eight minutes into the excursion, the boat exploded. As a result of the explosion, Maleka Jackson succumbed to her injuries.

Stephanie Schaffer had both legs amputated, Tiran Jackson had his leg amputated, and Paul and Stacey

Bender suffered serious life threatening injuries.”

After the Supreme Court directed ‘not guilty’ verdicts for Messrs Smith and Watson, the director of public prosecutions moved to set aside the verdictand have the case sent back to the Supreme Court for retrial - on six grounds.

“Stripped to its bare essentials, the prosecution’s case is that Smith built the boat

FIRST QUARTER INTERIM FINANCIAL REPORT

that exploded, he did not possess the requisite skill and expertise, and he knowingly concealed defects on the boat,” Sir Michael wrote.

“The appellant [director of public prosecutions] alleged that Smith hired his co-respondent, Watson knowing full well that Watson was not in possession of a captain’s licence and he did not have the requisite training, qualifications and knowledge to operate the boat. The appellant also alleged that, as a result of numerous acts of negligence as told by various witnesses, including two expert witnesses, Maleka Jackson died and the other passengers suffered grave permanent injuries.” Both Messrs Smith and Watson, represented by Murrio Ducille KC, stayed true to their argument that the prosecution failed to produce any evidence that proved they committed the alleged offences.

However, the director of public prosecutions, represented by Raquel Whyms and Shaneka Carey, argued that Mr Smith “knew or had knowledge” that work done on the boat was likely to endanger passengers and “that he concealed any defects as to” its safety.

Cadrington Coleby, an engineer who had inspected Mr Smith’s vessel for insurance purposes, told the original trial he was not provided with a certificate of registration despite requesting one and did not glimpse a registration number on the boat. Information on fuel capacity and engine maintenance was also not forthcoming.

“Mr Coleby was asked whether an eight yearold should be responsible for the bunkering of fuel commonly referred to as ‘pumping gas’, and he asserted that it is generally done under the supervision of a licensed officer. He opined that a boat does not explode for no reason,” Sir Michael noted of his evidence.

“There needed to be a defect for that to occur. He stated that you will be able to smell gas spillage, as it is a very noxious fluid, and if an inspection is carried out before every voyage and there is a gas spill it would be detected.... Under cross-examination, Mr Coleby indicated that the boat could be considered seaworthy for tourist excursions, which it was said to be used for.

“He was questioned as to whether the boat was ready to go on the sea, and he said that it could safely remain afloat. He added that the boat was clean and the navigational console equipment, the bilge pump, the fuel pump, the piping, the VHF, the electrical circuitry and battery system, the cathodic protection, the interior inspection of the hull and the framing were all good and the two bilge pumps were new.”

Inspector Dwayne Lewis, of the Royal Bahamas Police Force’s marine support services branch, examined the 4Cs vessel some two to three hours after the June 30, 2018, explosion. “Overall, he firstly opined that the boat was constructed without proper counsel or without adhering to industry standard, certain regulations and best practices,” Sir Michael said of the inspector’s evidence.

“He emphasised that although he examined the boat after the incident, the clear evidence is that the tank was not properly protected in terms of insulation and shock mitigation..... When asked about the likely origin of the fire, Inspector Lewis indicated that ‘it’s not certain where it would have occurred, but the most probable area would be in the area of the tank’.

“In his professional opinion, a boat does not explode for no reason. There are elements that have to be present for there to be an explosion. An explosion needs a fuel source, air and an ignition source (faulty wiring). In addition, the captain should have been able to smell gas spilling since gas has a distinctive odour.”

Ms Whyms, for the director of public prosecutions, argued to the Court of Appeal that Mr Smith knew the boat - which he himself constructed in 2017 - was not built to code. “She submitted that he chose not to have the boat registered because to do so the boat had to undergo a statutory inspection, and Smith knew that it would not have passed the inspection,” Sir Michael wrote.

“For that reason, he did not register or insure it. In addition, the boat should have been registered in accordance with the Commercial Recreational Watercraft Act, Chapter 278. Ms Whyms submitted that the irresistible inference to be drawn is that Smith knew that the boat was not built to the requisite standard, and his decision not to register it was a contrived effort to conceal the defects.”

Mr Ducille, though, countered that no evidence was produced to show Mr Smith ‘knowingly’ used any materials, performed any work or concealed any defects such that the safety of the boat and its passengers would be endangered. And the Court of Appeal agreed, despite the lack of registration and insurance both being breaches of the Commercial Recreational Watercraft Act.

“Ms Whyms invited this court to draw the inference that because the boat was unregistered and uninsured, Smith knew that it was not built to the requisite standard and his actions of not registering and not insuring the boat amounted to a contrived effort to conceal the defects. In our

opinion, this is a quantum leap. The fact that Smith did not register and insure the boat cannot mean that he was concealing defects,” Sir Michael wrote.

Noting that the vessel had operated for a year without incident, the Court of Appeal dismissed the appeal against Mr Smith. However, when it came to Mr Watson, the evidence of all four passengers was that the boat was travelling at “excessive speed” almost from the moment it left the dock and exploded within five to eight minutes of leaving shore.

Sir Michael wrote that their evidence was sufficient to establish “a prima facie case of negligently causing harm against Watson”, and the Court of Appeal restored these charges against him. As for “manslaughter by gross negligence”, the appeal court president said this required proof that the vessel was being driven or operated in a reckless manner.

“With respect to Smith, the prosecution has adduced direct as well as circumstantial evidence that he built a boat that was faulty and which did not conform with standard practice,” Sir Michael concluded. “The prosecution’s case is that Smith did not use the skill and precaution that was reasonably necessary under the circumstances in the construction of the boat, and therefore he negligently caused the death of Maleka Jackson by unlawful harm.”

But it was also “acknowledged that Smith was not present and nowhere close by when the explosion occurred”. Because he was not present, and not participating in the act that resulted in the death and injuries, the Court of Appeal agreed that the vessel owner could not be properly convicted on the evidence and that his acquittal should be upheld.

However, Sir Michael added: “With respect to Watson, the prosecution has adduced direct as well as circumstantial evidence that he drove the boat in a reckless manner and, had he been vigilant, he would have discovered that the fuel tank had a leak which caused the explosion and resulted in the unfortunate death of Maleka Jackson by unlawful harm.

“Looking at the ingredients of the offence of manslaughter by negligence, as well as the evidence adduced by the prosecution against Watson, a properly directed jury could properly draw two inferences from the evidence, one consistent with his guilt and the other with his innocence. It is not for the judge to decide which inference is to be preferred. In a situation such as this, the judge ought to have allowed the case to go to the jury.”

STOCKS RISE AND BOND YIELDS JUMP AFTER THE LATEST SIGNS OF A RESILIENT ECONOMY

By STAN CHOE AP Business Writer

MOST stocks ticked

higher on Wall Street Thursday following the latest signs that the U.S. economy remains stronger than feared.

FamGuard has transitioned to the new International Financial Reporting Standard 9 (IFRS 9) and 17 (IFRS 17) effective 1st January 2023, replacing International Accounting Standards 39 (IAS 39) and IFRS 4 respectively. The new standards materially change the recognition and measurement of insurance contracts and financial instruments, including the corresponding presentation and disclosures. In accordance with the transition provisions, the prior year comparative results have been restated. The related changes to these significant accounting policies are described in the notes to the interim consolidated financials which are available on the Company’s website at: www.famguardbahamas.com.

The S&P 500 rose 19.58 points, or 0.4%, to 4,396.44 and is on track for its sixth winning week in the last seven. The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 269.76, or 0.8%, to 34,122.42, while the Nasdaq composite edged down by 0.42, or less than 0.1%, to 13,591.33.

Yields jumped in the bond market after data showed the U.S. economy grew at a 2% annual rate in the first three months of the year, much stronger than the 1.3% rate earlier estimated. Another report said fewer workers applied for unemployment benefits last week than expected, a sign that the job market remains remarkably solid despite much higher interest rates meant to slow the overall economy.

"The US economy is currently displaying genuine signs of resilience," said

Gregory Daco, chief econo-

mist at EY. "This is leading many to rightly question whether the long-forecast recession is truly inevitable."

On one hand, the data are a positive for investors because they suggest the economy can keep growing and support profits for companies, which are the lifeblood of the stock market. Stocks of companies whose profits are most tied to the economy's strength were among Wall Street's biggest gainers, including those in the financial, raw-material and energy industries.

But on the other hand, the resilient data could also push the Federal Reserve to see the economy as strong enough to keep hiking interest rates to drive down inflation. That kept the S&P 500 swinging between small gains and losses for much of the morning.

The Fed has pulled rates higher at a blistering pace since early last year. High rates slow inflation by dragging on the entire economy, and they have already hurt the manufacturing and other industries while helping

to cause three high-profile failures in the U.S. banking system.

Thursday's data pushed up expectations among traders for the Fed to raise rates twice more this year, according to data from CME Group. That's what the Fed has been suggesting it would do, but Wall Street has been slow to accept it.

The shift helped drive the two-year Treasury yield up to 4.87% from 4.71% late Wednesday. It tends to track expectations for Fed action.

The 10-year yield rose to 3.83% from 3.71%. It helps set rates for mortgages and other important loans.

In the stock market, banks rallied to some of the biggest gains. Wells Fargo rose 4.5%, JPMorgan Chase climbed 3.5% and U.S. Bancorp gained 2.9%.

The Federal Reserve said late Wednesday that the nation's 23 largest banks would be able to survive a severe recession in its latest "stress test" of the system.

Failing the test would have restricted banks from paying dividends or buying back their own stock to send cash to shareholders.

Licensee fury: Freeport ‘moving at snail’s pace’

management and vision if the city is to thrive and prosper. Yet they also voiced “deep alarm” at the Government’s efforts to pressure the GBPA and its shareholders, the St George and Hayward families, and slammed “inflammatory remarks” suggesting that Nassau has been “carrying” Freeport and the GBPA’s developmental obligations for at least a decade.

The group, backing the GBPA’s position that Freeport is a net contributor to the Public Treasury through more than $100m in annual revenues, thus contradicting the Government’s “reimbursement” demands, also called on both sides to work together to maximise the Hawksbill Creek Agreement’s potential as it accused each of not living up to their respective obligations.

And, in a warning to both warring parties that the GBPA’s licensees cannot, and should not, be ignored in the debate over Freeport’s future, the group pointed out that the Hawksbill Creek Agreement - which has full legal effect and is enshrined in statute - can only be changed if four-fifths, or 80 percent, of licensees vote in favour. The exact same margin is also required in a vote to devolve the GBPA’s quasi-governmental and regulatory powers to a condo-type association.

“Like all Grand Bahamians, we are passionate about its current economic state and its future,” the GBPA licensee group wrote. “This is our home and, despite the challenges, we love Grand Bahama and know first-hand its immense potential and its woeful under-achievement. Our only motive is to see our island become the progressive second city it was meant to be, the one it was. This is something upon which we clearly agree.

“However, we are deeply alarmed by recent

comments made in Parliament by the Prime Minister and those made by the minister of foreign affairs [Fred Mitchell] about unspecified ‘decisive action’, inferring changes to the governance model of the Hawksbill Creek Agreement, a statute not only enshrined by law but one which requires a four-fifths majority of licensees to change. We are also deeply concerned we are only hearing from the GBPA through press releases in response.

“To be clear, it is the thousands of licensees, their employees, their families and residents of Freeport that are most impacted by the protracted and unacceptable economic conditions on our island. It makes the lack of genuine engagement all the more alarming. Despite the aggressive statements – all of which have shared no plans nor details - we are unaware, to date, of any overtures by of our Government or the GPA to genuinely and substantively engage licensees on our future.”

Urging both the Government and GBPA to “sincerely embrace the Hawksbill Creek Agreement and to work together to fulfill its objectives”, the licensees said its free trade zone model had been exploited with great success by other jurisdictions.

And, while Freeport’s founding treaty needs to be modernised and upgraded, they added: “We can hardly measure its performance when obligations on both the part of the GBPA and the Government have not been met. The Hawksbill Creek Agreement and Freeport are not an infringement on our sovereignty – rather, its potential and corresponding obligation of both the GBPA and government to support realising this potential only serves to be a pivotal force in our national best interests. We all know this.”

Branding Freeport as the only planned city in

PLANNING CONCERN ON $1.3M PROPANE PLANT

FROM PAGE A20

Auto. However, they need to relocate and wish to stay in the same location [area] they have serviced for the past 22 years.

“The applicant hopes to enter into a long-term lease agreement with the owner of the proposed location for a space to create the same scope of their existing business.” However, she noted the proximity of Nassau Propane’s proposed new site to other ventures in the area.

“Uses in the area include a church, school and other commercial business,” Ms Wallace said. “There is one multi-family housing structure 120 feet to the west of the proposed western boundary of the site. Even though the use currently exists in the area, it is the only industrial use and the Department has concerns about the compatibility of the use to its new neighbours.

“As a result, the Department recommends a deferral on a decision on this matter for a public hearing. This recommendation is in keeping with the precedent regarding developments that will result in significant changes to the neighbourhood. A public meeting will ensure that the views and concerns of neighbouring business owners, as well as the views of the general public are heard regarding this project.” That meeting will be held on July 20.

Warren Davis, Nassau Propane’s manager, last night told Tribune Business that relocating to the new site will enable the company to upgrade its facilities, expand its services and hire more staff. Explaining the rationale for the switch, he said: “The primary reason is that the facility that we propose to build will be a state-of-the-art plant. We’ve been at the current location for 23 years and never had any issues, but it’s time to go ahead and upgrade the facility.

“Especially with Nassau Propane, and a plant like Nassau Propane, it’s very important to continue to

the Bahamas with the infrastructure and capacity to support the economic growth this nation so badly needs in COVID-19’s wake, the group said: “We recall the ease of doing business on the island, with licensing taking two weeks, once paperwork and financing were in place. Shortly thereafter, ground would be broken and, more importantly, buildings and businesses were actually built and opened.

“Per the provisions of the contractual Hawksbill Creek Agreement, the GBPA’s role was and remains approving investors and advising government as a courtesy. Government approval was - and is - not required. We have seen this eroded drastically since the death of Edward St George and the retirement of Sir Albert [Miller].

“What used to take three to four weeks, now takes three to four months, despite all the technological advances. We have seen the Government and bureaucratic overreach in matters that have, without exception, been struck down by the highest courts in our country. Yet the erosion continues, the silence persisting for too long. At a time when we need the chokeholds removed, we are moving at a snail’s pace.” Pointing to repeated hurricane strikes from Frances, Jeanne, Wilma, Matthew and Dorian, coupled with the COVID-19 pandemic, the licensee group added: “No other island in our archipelago has faced these repeated hits – not one. Tourism was obliterated, our real property market plummeted, with prices plunging 40-50 percent. Yet again, we took to rebuilding, and if it weren’t for foreign support, we would not have been able to do so.

“We cannot misrepresent our plight. To say that Government has ‘been supporting Grand Bahama and … carrying Freeport and

the responsibilities of the GBPA for 10 years if not more…’ does not reflect the facts of the support and contributions of the GBPA, of non-governmental organisations and that of the Government.

“In fact, it is government that is responsible for the hospital, the airport and the former Lucayan hotel. And, yet, now under multiple administrations, we have seen no revitalisation of these projects beyond ground-breakings and announcements,” they continued.

“The inflammatory remarks also do not account for Freeport’s contribution to the Public Treasury. Freeport has contributed in excess of $100m on an annual basis to the Public Treasury through airport fees, hotel taxes, VAT, customs duty, immigration

fees, car license fees, NIB contributions and more. These funds are not spent in Freeport to maintain our roads, city infrastructure or utilities.

“Further, we do not see evidence of a proportional reinvestment of these funds in the East or West of Grand Bahama, in disrepair and requiring NGO support and that of the GBPA as well. Newlyconstructed buildings like Eight Mile Rock’s government complex and Holmes’ Rock Junior High remain unopened, roads remain hazardous and it is evident all of Grand Bahama needs a revitalisation.”

And, also backing the Government’s position, the licensee group said: “We also firmly agree the status quo has long been unacceptable and we need transformative change with

the GBPA. It is painfully clear that, notwithstanding the multiple blows Freeport, the GBPA and Grand Bahama have experienced, the lack of leadership, vision and resources have stifled our city.

“Does the GBPA need a change in shareholding and management? We believe it must. And, the sooner, the better.... We do not need rhetoric, press releases and posturing that is damaging, unprofessional and not what we expect from our Government nor the GBPA. The current lack of constructive dialogue and commitment to come to a resolution is reckless and unacceptable.

“We are calling on our Government and the GBPA to set an unprecedented example of what a stable, transparent adherence to the Hawksbill Creek Agreement can deliver for Freeport, for Grand Bahama and The Bahamas.”

POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT –PRESIDENT, LJM MARITIME ACADEMY

ABOUT LJM MARITIME ACADEMY

The vision of a Bahamian institution for higher learning in the maritime fields emerged from the country’s rich legacy of Maritime prominence in the international industry. The Bahamas is the world’s fifth largest Maritime Registry. A ranking that reflects The Bahamas’ enduring presence in a global industry that remains highly competitive. This global prominence also highlights the incredible yet virtually untapped potential to add significantly greater value to the Bahamian economy through shipping, by growing the numbers of qualified Bahamian seafarers and experts in the maritime business.

Nearly 1,500 ships around the world carry the flag of The Bahamas. The LJM Maritime Academy (LJMMA) was borne out of a vision to put skilled Bahamians on each one of those ships and the many others that traverse the world’s seas. Countries like India and the Philippines have for many years capitalised on the opportunities provided by the industry for thousands in their labour force, and a Bahamian pioneer in the global shipping industry is desirous of moving The Bahamas in this direction. Hence the Academy is named in honour of the President of The Campbell Group of Companies, Lowell J. Mortimer, OBE. The LJM Maritime Academy is a non-profit institution, established and incorporated December 13, 2011, and is the first of its kind in The Bahamas, transforming the country’s higher education landscape.

ABOUT THE POSITION OF PRESIDENT:

upgrade your facility. Our intent is to move so that we can offer customers, and Nassau at large, much better service. That’s why we selected this particular location. There are no homes there and we have several acres of encumbered land. We felt it was a great location.”

Mr Davis argued that the chosen site is superior to the Gladstone Road area, where many of Nassau Propane’s rivals are based, because their locations are becoming increasingly surrounded by residential housing developments. “As the population of Nassau has grown, the idea of having a plant built on Gladstone Road is archaic because when you look at the population density all those places are surrounded by residential on the north, east, west and south,” he added.

“What we propose is to put a plant that offers customers better service, a better location and, really and truly in my opinion, it needs to be where the industry moves towards. What we’re going to be doing is changing all the mechanical systems. It’s going to be more efficient, seamless service.

“We’re going to integrate a certain level of technology for our client platform, which will include the introduction of an app that clients can use to place orders. We’re going to introduce a tank switch out service. It’s a whole range of services that we’re going to introduce to Nassau, but we don’t have the space [currently], and we’re proposing to upgrade our customer infrastructure to accommodate these changes.”

Mr Davis said the new Nassau Propane plant will be designed to US National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards, and international designers who have worked on “much larger plants” - including in Texas - have been hired to put the facility together.

“We have gone ahead, and worked through the NFPA guidelines to ensure the plant is built to the highest standards,” he added. “Our

standards will be in accordance with their guidelines. We want to go ahead and provide a very seamless and unique experience. At the moment we have eight employees and we intend to increase that to 12. The project is going to cost somewhere in the neighbourhood of $1.3m.” Training and mentorship programmes will also be offered.

Documents filed with the Department of Physical Planning show that Nassau Propane had initially intended to move just one block to the corner of Bozine Road and Tonique Williams Highway, but switched its focus to Chapel Drive following objections from the planning authorities.

Mr Davis, in a June 19, 2023, letter to Ms Wallace, wrote: “The proposed site meets all zoning requirements and has been selected for its convenient location and accessibility. There are no homes in the surrounding area and the entire plot of land is vacant. These were among the considerations for the rejection of the last location proposed.

“We have remedied these concerns and would like to point out that there is greater population density in the surrounding locations of all my competitors who are primarily located on Gladstone Road as compared to the new proposed site. Also, it needs to be stated that the facility would be a small depot with storage capacity of 4,000 gallons.

“The proposed propane plant would be built with adequate safety measures, and would operate in compliance with all applicable regulations and guidelines. This move will provide better services to customers in the community that we have had the pleasure for serving for the last 22 years and we are committed to ensuring that it is operated responsibly and with due regard for public safety,” Mr Davis continued.

“As part of our commitment to safety, we have also ensured that the propane plant will be constructed with state-of-the-art safety features, including emergency shut-off valves and fire suppression systems to minimise any potential risks... We are confident this propane plant will have a positive impact on the community.”

The Board of Directors of the LJM Maritime Academy (LJMMA) invites nominations and applications for its 2nd president and the successor to President Brendamae Cleare, Ed. D. The Academy seeks a visionary, dynamic, energetic, passionate, exceptional, transparent with a collaborative leader style who will champion the institution’s mission to equip its students with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills to compete as future global maritime leaders. The President will be the public face and representative of LJMMA presenting the highest levels of integrity, work ethic, morality, confidence, and trust. The successful candidate will embrace the Academy’s distinctive and core values with passion to inspire faculty, students, staff, alumni and the Board.

The next President will possess:

• Strategic capability to act as a change agent and advocate for the Academy The ability to balance strong, timely executive leadership with inclusive decision-making and shared governance

• Outstanding communication skills

• Self-confidence balanced with humility, to lead with wisdom and compassion

• An accomplished relationship builder persona to increase the Academy’s visibility in The Bahamas, regionally and in the global maritime communities

• a results-oriented drive to meet the Academy’s strategic objectives Additional desired competencies with

• Fundraising and financial management

Improving the Academy’s resource base

• Improving student enrollment

Data analytics and information technology

• Student engagement Visible and engaged member of the Bahamian and maritime communities

• Internal and external relationship building

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Excellent interpersonal communication skills, both verbal and written.

• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment where deadlines are essential.

• Ability to provide flexible and adaptable work schedules.

• Proven ability and experience developing budgets knowledge of the maritime industry and a clear understanding of and experience in higher education. Participative management approach with strong staff development skills.

• Proven ability to evaluate profit and loss financial statements. Excel at leading, motivating, coaching and developing their team

• Must possess excellent judgment, problem-solving, multi-tasking, and decisionmaking skills.

• Knowledge of personal computer software applications including Word, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint.

• Ability to navigate in a matrix organization Qualifications and Education Requirements

• A minimum of a Master’s degree in Maritime Studies or Higher Education Leadership & Administration; Doctorate preferred; A minimum of 10 years with a demonstrated record of executive leadership within a College or Maritime Academy; A minimum of 5 years’ experience in a maritime role;

• Experience in assessment and using assessment data for improvements; Experience in developing processes using technology is strongly preferred.

HOW TO APPLY:

This is a confidential search process. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.

1. Candidates should provide the following:

• A letter of interest that responds to the position profile, the specific qualifications, and the desired characteristics for the president. A current and comprehensive CV or resume.

• Five professional references with emails, telephone numbers, and a description of the candidate’s professional relationship (references will not be contacted without prior authorization from the applicant).

• Unofficial Copies of Transcripts or Certificates verifying Credentials

2. Submission of Application/Nominations

Applications and nominations should be sent electronically (MS Word or PDF Format) to: PresidentialSearchEmployment@ljmma.edu.bs Bahamians need only apply. Applications will be accepted until position is filled. The successful candidate will undergo a period of shadowing with the current incumbent.

For more information, including a more detailed position profile and how to apply, please visit the LJM Maritime Academy President Search website at www.ljmma.edu.bs

GOV’T ALLOCATES $10M FOR LAND COMPENSATION

THE GOVERNMENT has set aside $10m to pay compensation that is “many, many years overdue” to Bahamians whose land was compulsorily acquired for roads and other projects deemed in the public interest.

Ryan Pinder KC, the attorney general, told the Senate during his 2023-2024 Budget debate contribution that payments for land purchased by the Government under the Acquisition of Land Act will be made in conjunction with the Ministry of Finance as part of a drive to settle sums that have, in some cases, been owing for decades.

He said: “In the last Budget communication, I spoke of the ability to pay down a substantial amount of civil judgments against the Government; judgments that were many years old and accruing interest and costs. Of note, this excluded payments for land acquisition matters, which are many, many years overdue on payment by the Government.

“I am pleased to announce that we are

making immediate payment of $10m towards land acquisition obligations of the Government. We are also putting in place a payment plan programme with the Ministry of Finance to work towards the payment of all property acquisition arrears to the Government.

“This is a very important announcement. These amounts have been long overdue, and they are generally an infusion of cash directly into the pockets of Bahamians. No other government before us has taken the initiative to satisfy these claims to Bahamians. It this ‘new day’ PLP government that has taken this on.”

Well-placed sources, speaking on condition of anonymity, have previously suggested that the total sum owed by the Government for land it has compulsorily acquired is much higher than the $10m allocated by the Davis administration. They have estimated it as high as $60m at one point in time.

Tribune Business has also reported this year how two prominent realtors, David Morley and the late Charles Christie, had placed the Government before the court over multi-million dollar claims - dating back around two decades - for

compensation over family land that was compulsorily acquired.

Mr Pinder, meanwhile, said Arawak Homes has been provided with documents for 55 homes thus far in a bid to resolve the woes involving land ownership in the Pinewood Gardens and Nassau Village area. He added that there are 43 more files to review, and encouraged Arawak Homes to provide the conveyances as quickly as possible.

“I have routinely given updates on the status of the settlement agreement with Arawak Homes and the regularisation of the title of homeowners in Pinewood Gardens,” Mr Pinder said.

“I am pleased to announce that we have been working diligently, and have now provided Arawak Homes with completed files for 55 homes to be conveyed by Arawak Homes.

“There are 43 files remaining to be reviewed and verified. I am advised that Arawak Homes is completing the requisite surveys, and we wait on them to complete this exercise in order to close the door on this longstanding issue to Bahamian homeowners. I encourage Arawak Homes to complete this review and provide duly executed

conveyances as soon as they can.”

Tribune Business has reported on several Quieting Titles Act abuses in recent years, detailing how the law has been used as a fraudulent tool to commit real estate theft.

A typical abuse is for persons seeking a Certificate of Title from the Supreme Court not to notify others, who may have an interest in the same land, of the court action and their intentions. All Quieting Titles Act applications are supposed to be made public, so rival claimants can challenge title applications, but this does not always happen.

The Supreme Court is often not made aware of the existence of rival “adverse claimants”, with applicants often lying that they have made “full and frank disclosure”. Among the most egregious examples of Quieting Titles Act fraud is the three-decade saga impacting a 156-acre tract in the Pinewood Gardens/Nassau Village area, near to Sir Lynden Pindling Estates, which is the subject of Mr Pinder’s comments.

As previously reported by this newspaper, a group of land speculators, assisted by some unscrupulous attorneys, obtained a Certificate of Title to the land

AG: Gov’t determined GBPA fulfill obligations

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internationally-recognised and respected accounting firm.”

“The method of calculation of the expenses has been provided to the GBPA, with no response. We understand that they might disagree with the calculations, and that is fine. The method for [resolving] such dispute, however, is not in the public domain with misconceived press releases, but through adequate methods of dispute resolution found in the Hawksbill Creek Agreement.”

Earlier this week, the GBPA said in a statement that the sums demanded by the Government are “contested” and “it is yet to be satisfied” that the claims are supported by credible evidence. Mr Pinder,

though, alleged this statement contained numerous “inaccuracies and misrepresentations”, although he did not directly specify what they are.

He said: “Two days ago, the Grand Bahama Port Authority (GBPA) thought it appropriate, although we as the Government disagree, that they air the discussions and dispute with the Government in the public domain. What is more troubling is that the statement was full of inaccuracies and misrepresentations. Although we don’t believe in negotiating any dispute in the press, I think it appropriate to lay out the facts.”

Mr Pinder explained that the Government is following a section of the Hawksbill Creek Agreement that stipulates the Government must be

N O T I C E YOKO LIMITED

N O T I C E IS HEREBY GIVEN as follows:-

a) YOKO LIMITED is in voluntary dissolution under the provisions of Section 138 (4) of the International Business Companies Act 2000.

b) The dissolution of the said company commenced on 28th June, 2023 when the Articles of Dissolution were submitted to and registered by the Registrar General.

c) The Liquidator of the said company is Octagon Management Limited, The Bahamas Financial Centre, Shirley & Charlotte Streets, Nassau, Bahamas.

Dated this 30th day of June, A. D. 2023

Octagon Management Limited Liquidator

IN THE ESTATE OF GRACE IRENE HOLMES., late and domiciled of Westmeath Residential Nursing Home, 28 Pitt’s Bay Road, Pembroke Parish in the Islands of Bermuda, Deceased.

NOTICE is hereby given that all persons having any claims against the above-named Estate are required, on or before the 4th day of August, A.D. 2023 to send their names and addresses, and particulars of their debts or claims, to the undersigned, and if so required by notice in writing from the undersigned, to come in and prove such debts or claims, or in default thereof they will be excluded from the benefit of any distribution AND all persons indebted to the said Estate are asked to pay their respective debts to the undersigned at once.

AND NOTICE is hereby also given that at the expiration of the mentioned above, the assets of the late GRACE IRENE HOLMES will be distributed among the persons entitled thereto having regard only to the claims of which the Personal Representative shall then have had notice. AND NOTICE is hereby given that all persons indebted to the said Estate are requested to make full settlement on or before the date hereinbefore mentioned.

Dated this 30th day of June, A.D., 2023.

c/o PYFROM & CO Attorneys for the Personal Representative, No.259 Shirley Street, P.O. Box N 8958, Nassau,

reimbursed for certain activities and services if the costs involved in providing them exceed tax revenues generated from Freeport. Since this section was never amended, it is still in force.

He added: “First of all, it should be made clear that any claim by thje Government is pursuant to section 1(5) of the Hawksbill Creek Agreement. This section has never been amended and therefore remains in force and binding. Section 1(5) of the Hawksbill Creek Agreement provides that costs borne by the Government for certain activities and services provided would be reimbursed by GBPA for amounts in excess of Customs duties and emergency taxes collected.”

Mr Pinder argued that attempts to collect the alleged arrears owed by the GBPA under the former Christie administration were “resisted”, leading to the two sides agreeing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that provided “governance concessions”being put in place a year later.

He said: “Furthermore, their assertion that no government has ever pursued these amounts is patently incorrect. The GBPA would recall that, in 2015, under Prime Minister Christie, a Hawksbill Review Committee was comprised to review matters related to the obligations under the Hawksbill Creek Agreement, including the applicability of section 1 (5) reimbursements.

“The Hawksbill Creek Agreement Review Committee under the former PLP government went so far as to commission their own independent financial review of amounts that would be owed. At that time the GBPA likewise resisted the pursuit and calculation.

“This resistance resulted in a Memorandum of Understanding being entered into in 2016 with the Government that provided certain governance concessions and pledged to work through all questions raised by the Government regarding Section 1(5).”

Mr Pinder also argued that the former Minnis

BPL INFRASTRUCTURE LONG ‘BEYOND ITS USEFUL LIFE’

Bees N’ Trees

Trade mark by Sovereign International Advisors

N O T I C E IS HEREBY GIVEN as follows:-

a) SUNE LIMITED is in voluntary dissolution under the provisions of Section 138 (4) of the International Business Companies Act 2000.

b) The dissolution of the said company commenced on 28th June, 2023 when the Articles of Dissolution were submitted to and registered by the Registrar General.

c) The Liquidator of the said company is Octagon Management Limited, The Bahamas Financial Centre, Shirley & Charlotte Streets, Nassau, Bahamas.

Dated this 30th day of June, A. D. 2023 Octagon Management Limited

via fraud, as they never notified - or made the Supreme Court awarethat there was an “adverse claimant”.

They then promptly sold the land to unsuspecting Bahamians, paving the way for three decades of legal battles that have damaged the lives - and largest investments - that many ordinary persons will make in their homes.

Mr Pinder also gave an update on the land reform committee’s work, adding that public consultation on the Adjudication and Registered Land Bill will be held this year. This, he added, will drive the establishment of a land registration system and a mechanism to resolve land ownership disputes.

“As has been announced, our government has established a Land Reform Committee with the mandate to review land adjudication and investment holdings, registered land and law of property,” Mr Pinder said.

“Some of the important aspects of their mandate has to do with making recommendations on overlapping claims and rights to land where two or more people claim to own the same land, uncertainty regarding ownership, outdated policies

administration “abandoned” and attempted to “reverse’” the collection efforts by their predecessors. He said: “Communication on the section 1(5) claims continued after the entering of the MOU. Shortly thereafter the PLP lost the general election and there was a change of government.

“The last FNM administration abandoned the work of the former government on this issue, and even went so far as to try to reverse everything that the Government had done in favour of the shareholders of the GBPA. So, as you can see, this issue of Section 1(5) is not a novel one.

“The Christie administration believed the Government was entitled to be reimbursed for costs under Section 1(5) and the Brave Davis administration likewise believes so. You would have to ask other administrations why they felt it unnecessary to pursue rights for the Government and Bahamian people that were clearly laid out in law and in contract under the Hawksbill Creek Agreement.”

Senator Darren Henfield, the FNM’s leader in the Senate, conceded that

FROM PAGE A19

throughout the world, especially countries like The Bahamas which do not produce fossil fuel.

“Therefore, we continue to encourage customers to conserve as much energy as possible. Not only does it lower the electricity bill, but it also lowers the overall demand for electricity.” Mr Sears also reaffirmed that there is an agreement for FOCOL Holdings’ subsidiary, Sun Utilities, to provide

for Crown Land divestment and administration which do not promote efficient and equitable use of the lands, and existence of commonage land and generational property.”

“It is important to note that our relevant land legislation is all from preindependence. It is time for meaningful legislative reform. The committee recommended adopting the Torrens System of Land Registration as a viable option to reform land ownership in the country and address existing land ownership problems,” he added.

“This requires the enactment of adjudication and registered land legislation; the establishment of a standalone entity for land registration; and the coexistence of a dual system of unregistered and registered land.

“We anticipate hosting public consultation on the adjudication and registered land legislation by the end of this year. This is a major step forward in establishing a land registration system and providing a mechanism for adjudication of disputes over ownership of land. This is a long-time vexing issue for Bahamians that our government is actively addressing.”

the relationship between the current and previous administrations and the GBPA is “broken”. He also maintained that addressing the issues between the two publicly is “counterproductive and ill-advised”. He said: “We will all readily agree that something is broken in Grand Bahama, which successive governments and the Grand Bahama Port Authority have not been able, thus far, to fix. Grand Bahama’s economy has been stagnant for far too long with no real solution in sight. But I believe that it is counterproductive and ill-advised for the Government of The Bahamas and the Grand Bahama Port Authority to continue to engage in a public war of words.”

Mr Henfield added that the public discord between the GBPA and the Government will shake investor confidence. He said: “It does not grow confidence in hopes of rebuilding the economy of Grand Bahama, nor does it grow confidence in foreign direct investors who might be interested in investing in Grand Bahama. I encourage the dialogue between the two.”

rental generation to support BPL’s own capacity, Shevonn Cambridge, BPL’s chief executive, subsequently said Bahamas Utility Company (BUC) is the FOCOL subsidiary that the utility has a relationship with. He added: “A present, we currently rent some rental power and we get about 43 Mega Watts (MW) from their two companies. One is the BUC and another.... well, really, both of them are BUC.”

CALL 502-2394

N O T I C E

N O T I C E IS HEREBY GIVEN as follows:-

a) BLUE LIGNEROLLES LIMITED is in voluntary dissolution under the provisions of Section 138 (4) of the International Business Companies Act 2000.

b) The dissolution of the said company commenced on 28th June, 2023 when the Articles of Dissolution were submitted to and registered by the Registrar General.

c) The Liquidator of the said company is Octagon Management Limited, The Bahamas Financial Centre, Shirley & Charlotte Streets, Nassau, Bahamas.

Dated this 30th day of June, A. D. 2023

Octagon Management Limited Liquidator