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The Tribune

CULMER: MINNIS WAS WORST LEADER EVER

Former FNM chair tells of poor communication and lack of information

By RASHAD ROLLE Tribune News Editor

rrolle@tribunemedia.net

CARL Culmer lifted the lid on his tenure as the Free National Movement’s chairman yesterday and described former Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis as the worst leader he has served in any capacity. The relationship between party leader and chairman is one of the most critical in politics, especially for a governing party. Although Mr Culmer relentlessly championed and defended Dr Minnis as the FNM’s chairman from 2017 to 2021 and appeared publicly to be one of the Killarney MP’s closest allies, he told The Tribune that Dr Minnis shunned him and ignored his advice. He said he wanted to

THOMPSON ENDS SPECULATION, ENDORSES PINTARD FOR LEADER

By DENISE MAYCOCK

Tribune Freeport

Reporter

dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

TWO days before the Free National Movement’s convention, East Grand Bahama MP Kwasi Thompson has ended speculation by endorsing Michael Pintard in his leadership race against former Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis.

Insiders have seen Mr Thompson as an ally of Dr Minnis in the past, and the former prime minister reportedly supported his bid to lead the party when he ran for leader in 2021. “We have a critical choice to make June 1 on who will lead our party towards that victory,” Mr Thompson said

Wilson says reporter’s claim that he lied to media is ‘unfounded’

By AVA TURNQUEST Tribune Digital Editor aturnquest@tribunemedia.net

FINANCIAL Secre-

tary Simon Wilson called a Nassau Guardian reporter’s claim that he had lied

to the media “scandalous” and “unfounded” - in a row between the two at a briefing on the 2024-2025 Budget at the Office of the Prime Minister yesterday. The incident began after Mr Wilson invited questions

from the media during his appearance at the press conference, broadcast live, with Mr Wilson reacting angrily to the first question, from Nassau Guardian

HALKITIS DEFENDS GOVT’S $10M SALARY REVIEW

By EARYEL BOWLEG Tribune Staff Reporter ebowleg@tribunemedia.net

ECONOMIC Affairs

Minister Michael Halkitis defended the Davis administration’s decision to allocate $10m toward reviewing salaries in the public sector. He said the government would not hire a private company to review salaries.

Free National Movement chairman Dr Duane Sands said the allocation is “a lot” and expressed scepticism about what the money would be used for.

Although public sector salaries increased by $35m this fiscal year, Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis said on Wednesday that salaries are too low.

MICKEY and Minnie Mouse, dressed in their Bahamian attire, take the stage alongside Junkanoo performers as Prime Minister Philip ‘Brave’ Davis and Deputy Prime Minister Chester Cooper look on during the Community Celebration for Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point in Eleuthera yesterday. For story see PAGE FIVE.

Photo: Dante Carrer/Tribune Staff

Special night as University of The Bahamas celebrates 50 years with commencement

THE UNIVERSITY of The Bahamas held their commencement ceremony for 654 individuals graduating at a ceremony at Atlantis Resort on Paradise Island. The institution is celebrating 50 years since

Photos: Nikia Charlton

HE Gerry Deveaux receiving a Doctorate for his work as a cultural ambassador for the Bahamas.

Culmer: Minnis was worst leader ever

resign, but did not do so to protect the organisation.

He is the latest top official from the Minnis era to endorse Michael Pintard ahead of tomorrow’s convention, the highlight of which will be the leadership race.

Despite the appearance of unity that characterised the relationship between Dr Minnis and Mr Culmer in public, the latter said Dr Minnis reluctantly accepted his chairmanship bid after Dr Nigel Lewis and party treasurer Dwight Sawyer recommended him for the role.

“Minnis doesn’t say no,” he said. “He just finds ways to work around you.”

Mr Culmer said he used to meet Dr Minnis every Friday at 8am until February 2018, when something changed.

“I said to the then prime minister that I’m hearing rumblings on the ground and they were not popular towards the party,” he said. “He laughed at me and went and made fun of it with a few of my colleagues.

“Those meetings ceased between the chairman and the leader of the party. Minnis found an excuse. He stopped accepting my calls. He didn’t answer any WhatsApp, nor did he answer any of my emails.

“I was tempted to resign but was encouraged not to resign because Dr Lewis, also Dwight Sawyer and

Joshua Sears told me I can’t resign because it would not look good on behalf of the party. I stayed in there, took a lot of abuse from Minnis and his guys, his henchmen over the months I was there as chairman.”

Mr Culmer said his biggest problem with Dr Minnis was a lack of communication and accused him of trying to run the FNM from the Office of the Prime Minister.

“Even the press secretary, Ace Newbold, could not get information from him or his Cabinet,” he said, adding that Dr Minnis did not meet party officers unless there was an executive or council meeting.

“He had one meeting with supporters over four years and some months,” he said. “You cannot build relationships in that sort of way. There were complaints from his Cabinet ministers, MPs and party officers that they can’t reach him.”

“Everyone knows the prime minister and the chairman should be hand in glove. The things that the chairman knows, he is supposed to relay to the prime minister. The things that the prime minister wants the country or the electorate to know from a political aspect, he should speak with the chairman. That did not happen. There was no relationship.”

Mr Culmer criticised Dr Minnis for prompting the resignation of Dr Duane Sands and Peter Turnquest.

THOMPSON ENDS SPECULATION, ENDORSES PINTARD FOR LEADER

in a statement yesterday.

“I have served with Dr Hubert Minnis and am grateful for providing me with an opportunity to serve. All FNMs and the country has benefited from his leadership. He led our nation through one of the most difficult times in our history.”

“I also believe that our beloved party and our country need a new generation leader. I believe that leader is Michael Pintard. I have served with Mr Pintard and believe he has the skills required to lead our party and lead our country.”

“I pledged to support leader Pintard after the

last convention and continue to serve alongside him in Parliament and should the people decide, I look forward to serving in his Government.”

Several former cabinet ministers who served under the Minnis administration have expressed their support for Mr Pintard.

Brensil Rolle, Pakeisha Parker-Edgecombe, Darren Henfield, Dion Foulkes, Dionisio D’Aguilar, Marvin Dames and Elsworth Johnson have all publicly endorsed him.

Dr Minnis has said he is not troubled by the number of his former Cabinet ministers supporting Mr Pintard, saying he is staying focused.

He also claimed that Dr Minnis forced Brent Symonette to resign as minister of immigration, financial services, trade and industry in 2019. He did not elaborate on this. He is the most prominent FNM member to say publicly that Dr Minnis pushed Mr Symonette to end his career in frontline politics.

“When you talk about uniting the party, this man been breaking down the party from he became leader,” he said.

Mr Culmer claimed that Dr Minnis called him three times during one episode, pushing him to break the rules of the party’s constitution so a group of ineligible people could vote in a Torchbearers election.

“I told him based on principles which I stand on and the constitution of the TYA, I cannot heed to his request,” he said.

Some of Mr Culmer’s disagreements with Dr Minnis concern policy matters where the correct answer is debatable. For instance, he faulted Dr Minnis for not making more temporary workers permanent, and he advocated for taxi drivers to “get their own taxi plates,” but claimed Dr Minnis was concerned about glutting the market.

Regarding the 2021 election, Mr Culmer said Dr Minnis was repeatedly warned not to call an early election.

“We did an independent

survey, and the survey showed us losing the government and winning only eight seats,” he said.

“He didn’t listen to no one and at the end of the day I took a lot of slack because I tried to hide from the public a number of things that Minnis was doing. But he didn’t appreciate that and he let his henchmen go after me every day. I said to him, why you letting these folks go after me? He said he can’t prevent it.”

Mr Culmer said he

learned about the early election “15 minutes to an half and hour” before the commissioner of police announced the prorogation of Parliament.

“I said to him then and I said to him before, we’re gonna lose,” he said. Despite such sentiments, Mr Culmer publicly defended Dr Minnis’ early election call.

“I’ve worked in many successful organisations,” he said yesterday. “I’ve been successful in leading groups all my life. From my

career at BTC as a technician going up to senior vice president of operation; in my lodge I was successful as Grand Master; in my church I was successful; I was a successful unionist. But Minnis was the worst leader I’ve ever worked under in my professional career.”

Dr Minnis declined to comment yesterday.

“I don’t respond to Carl Culmer,” he said. “I don’t know what Carl Culmer say, but I don’t want get into any discussion with Carl Culmer.”

Wilson says reporter’s claim that he lied to media is ‘unfounded’

reporter Youri Kemp.

Mr Kemp said: “Last time you were here, you lied to us when we asked about JDL, in particular. You lied to the media.” He was referring to the government’s relationship with air freight management firm JDL and its contract to manage freight at Lynden Pindling International Airport (LPIA). Mr Kemp also claimed “every projection coming from the Ministry for the last three years, particularly from this office, when it comes deficits and revenues were off. So why would we believe anything that comes out of the Ministry?”

“I’m taken aback by your question,” replied Mr Wilson, “but you have called me a liar!”

“So we’ve started the press conference by you calling me a liar,” he said.

Mr Kemp agreed with the Financial Secretary that he had called him a “liar”. Mr Wilson moved to ask for the next question as Mr Kemp repeated his accusation.

Mr Wilson said: “You’re laughing! It’s one thing to

criticise the government for policies, but when you come and you use your perch in the media to make scandalous unfounded allegations, and think that you can get away with it. It don’t go that way, my friend.”

“We have a well-documented history,” said Mr Wilson. He said that he had fired Mr Kemp previously. The Tribune understands Mr Wilson and Mr Kemp worked together at the Ministry of Finance when the latter helped with an Inter-American Development Bank project to support small businesses.

He added: “And now you come here all smiling and call me a liar. It’s completely out of order.”

He then left the podium and approached the reporter and spoke angrily to him. However, Economic Affairs Minister Michael Halkitis intervened between the two. Mr Wilson then suggested the two deal with their matter outside the press room, saying: “I will walk out here and wait for you.”

Mr Wilson later apologised for escalating the exchange with Mr Kemp calling the conflict “entirely

regrettable” and did not reflect the professional and respectful interactions that he has strived to maintain with the press. He called Mr Kemp’s claim a “direct and unprovoked attack” on his reputation, character and service to the country that is both “damaging and defamatory”.

He said: “It is important that in my role as a public servant, I am seen to observe the highest standards of integrity and transparency, both locally and internationally.

Attacking the government’s policies is one thing, but attacking my reputation and dedicated career of serving the people of The Bahamas crosses a line. Any insinuation that I have intentionally misled the media is categorically false and deeply troubling.

“I recognise journalists’ vital role in our democracy, and I have always endeavoured to provide them with accurate and timely information. I extend my apologies to the Bahamian people and members of the media whom I have the privilege to serve.” After Mr Halkitis

restrained Mr Wilson, communications director Latrae Rahming escorted Mr Kemp from the room before the press conference continued.

Mr Halkitis later told the press he believed the “unfortunate incident” stemmed from a “personal beef” between the two of them.

Before yesterday’s press conference ended, acting Press Secretary Keishla Adderley condemned Mr Kemp’s questioning.

“The intent was for the financial secretary to speak about or flesh out some of the issues discussed in the budget communication issued yesterday, and I condemn any attack in the strongest terms,” she said.

“As I said, nothing like that has happened here before and I don’t perceive it will happen again, but I do want to say going forward we would want members of the press speaking to whoever the guests are to exercise the same level of respect that comes from this podium or any member of the government when they speak on the issues affecting everyone in the country.”

FORMER FNM CHAIRMAN CARL CULMER

EAST GRAND BAHAMA MP KWASI THOMPSON

A SCREENSHOT shows Financial Secretary Simon Wilson responding to Youri Kemp, Nassau Guardian reporter, saying, ‘you called me a liar,’ during a row at the OPM’s press briefing yesterday. from page one

Halkitis defends govt’s

$10m salary review

from page one

Mr Halkitis said the government has benchmarked public sector salaries with private sector salaries to provide competitive compensation.

“We have to do this continuing ongoing review to make sure that the government is able to offer compensation to keep people in the public sector, what we have seen,” he said.

“What we have seen is, you know, a lot of people migrating out of the public sector for better pay benefits, etc, in the private sector. We’ve seen it, you know, it’s well documented in terms of nurses and teachers, etc, but even in other professional classes.

Dr Sands questioned the allocation.

“Call me cynical, but I think the Bahamian people have seen how this administration spends their money on those closely connected even when essential items are neglected, repairs neglected, maintenance neglected, but you find a contract for one of the faithful, and they’ll spend the money in the millions,” he said.

‘$7m rise in consultancy budget does not mean consultants will be hired’

By EARYEL BOWLEG Tribune Staff Reporter ebowleg@tribunemedia.net

EVEN though the budget for consultancy services will increase in the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Tourism in the next fiscal year, Economic Affairs Minister Michael Halkitis said this does not mean consultants will be hired. Consultancy services in the Ministry of Finance will increase by $7m, from $20,175,000 to $27,175,000.

The budget for this service in the Ministry of Tourism will increase by more than $4m.

No other ministry or department will see a substantial budget increase for consultancy services.

Critics often highlight consultancy services as a vague line item in the budget with the potential for waste or political patronage.

During a press briefing yesterday, Mr Halkitis said: “Let me just make a clarification on that because every time you see this consultancy line, people think it’s consultants, think you’re hiring consultants, but that

consultancy, when you see consultancy services, one of the biggest in the budget is the consultancy service for the landfill.”

“Also included in that is IT consultancy in the AG’s office. It has to do with when the AG, dealing with international matters, they might have to engage international council lawyers abroad to deal with certain matters. For example, US attorneys, UK attorneys, and so across the budget, you would see that, and a lot of that has to do with IT.

“A lot of it has to do with AG and then just various sums, you know, anytime you engage the private sector, for the most part that goes down as consultants. It does not mean that the government is hiring consultants, but sometimes it’s framed as the government hired consultants.”

In fact, the Office of the Attorney General and the Ministry of Legal Affairs have a line item for consultancy services that is separate from what is under the Ministry of Finance; that budget will increase from $2.25m to $3m in the upcoming fiscal year.

PM hails Disney’s Lookout Cay as ‘monumental’ for Eleuthera

By JADE RUSSELL Tribune Staff Reporter jrussell@tribunemedia.net

PRIME Minister Philip “Brave” Davis hailed yesterday’s official opening of Disney’s Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Cay in Eleuthera as a monumental achievement for that island’s tourism industry.

Officials said the project will create nearly 200 highranking jobs for Bahamians and will be led by an allBahamian leadership team. They highlighted it as an example of how to incorporate Bahamian talent and culture in a significant development.

Cabinet ministers, members of the Minnis administration, and many locals attended the ceremony.

“This project is a testament to the power of partnership,” Mr Davis said, noting that the jobs for Bahamians will exceed the 150 Disney committed to in the Heads of Agreement.

Joey Gaskins, Disney’s regional public affairs director for The Bahamas and Caribbean, said developing the new cruise destination has already created hundreds of jobs through Bahamian-owned construction companies. He said 600 Bahamians were hired during the construction phase.

Mr Davis said Disney also collaborated with local businesses to ensure the new cruise port sells authentic Bahamian retail goods, souvenirs, and

crafts.

He noted Disney Cruise Line collaborated with Bahamian fashion designer Theodore Elyett to create Bahamian-inspired outfits for Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, and the other iconic characters.

Yesterday’s ceremony was held on the beach in blazing heat. Attendees danced to Junkanoo, which was performed by members of junior and senior Junkanoo groups in Eleuthera. People took pictures with Mickey and Minnie, iconic Disney characters who wore tropical outfits that Mr Elyett designed.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism Chester Cooper told reporters the opening of Lookout Cay was a great model of a significant development offering opportunities to Bahamian creatives.

“This will be an example to other developers to ensure that they infuse within their product the music, the art, the culture, our heritage, Junkanoo and of course, Bahamian food and drinks,” he said. “When others see this model develop so progressively, they will hopefully follow suit.”

“One of the things I will tell you is that in all of the Heads of Agreements that we sign, it mandates the developer to engage the Bahamian entertainment artists, and artisans to ensure that there is a Bahamian element within their overall offering. So Disney is a good partner. They

have taken it in the spirit of the agreement and we look forward to working continuously with them.”

Thomas Mazloum, president of Disney Signature Experiences, said conservation, impacting the local economy and incorporating Bahamian culture were important in developing Lookout Cay. He said Disney constructed a solar farm to meet 90 per cent of its energy needs.

Disney also invested more than $1m to fund the Eleuthera business hub, which includes grants to more than 30 local businesses.

Mr Mazloum said contracts worth more than $200m were signed between Bahamian businesses and Disney. Regarding conservation, Disney committed $250,000 toward funding conservation-focused afterschool programmes for Central and South Eleuthera students.

He added that Disney is investing over $700,000 to improve school infrastructure, such as playgrounds and sports fields.

Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point includes a Goombay cultural centre, a family water play area, a gift shop, restaurants, cabanas, a play pavilion, and a nature trail.

In March 2019, the Minnis administration signed a Heads of Agreement with Disney for the proposed cruise port at Lighthouse Point in Bannerman Town, South Eleuthera.

ELEUTHERA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE CONCERNED OVER RELIABLE ELECTRICITY AND WATER SUPPLY

By LYNAIRE MUNNINGS Tribune Staff Reporter lmunnings@tribunemedia.net

AS dignitaries descended on Eleuthera for the opening ceremony of Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point, the island’s Chamber of Commerce president, Thomas Sands, said businesses are continuously facing challenges from unreliable electricity and water services. Residents and visitors have been left hot, sweating, and in the dark for

hours, he said. “Infrastructure is challenged,” he added.

“It is a challenge again with growth. I think that we need a forward plan. I think the rate of growth for Eleuthera has been greater than expected so I invite us to look and create solutions that are greater than what we planned for in the past.

“It is challenging to operate a business with the water off, electricity off, and sometimes telecommunications down.”

Mr Sands said adequate housing is also a challenge.

“We must find a solution for that,” he said. “We must incentivise some solutions to resolve these issues, but we need growth development in the Family Islands such as Abaco, Eleuthera and Exuma.

He noted his support for the opening of Disney Lookout Cay, saying it has created several opportunities for “different levels of professions” on the island and the potential for others to relocate to Eleuthera.

PRIME Minister Philip “Brave” Davis speaks during the Community Celebration for Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point in Eleuthera yesterday. Photo: Dante Carrer/Tribune Staff

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Five key aspects of Trump guilty verdict PICTURE

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AFTER the May 30, 2024, conviction of former President Donald Trump on 34 felony counts of falsifying business records in New York, what comes next? Trump’s legal team will likely appeal the verdict. “We will fight for our Constitution,” Trump said following the jury’s announcement. “This is long from over.” A sentencing hearing for Trump is set for July 11.

The Conversation US’ politics and society editor Amy Lieberman spoke with Gabriel J. Chin, a scholar of criminal law and procedure, to better understand the verdict.

1. Why were there so many different felony counts in this case?

The essence of the offenses Trump was convicted of is falsifying documents or records. Accordingly, each check, invoice or other document that the jury found had been falsified was a separate offense, which can be the basis of a separate count and punished separately. The prosecution wanted to make sure that the jury saw the full scope of the scheme it alleged had occurred – which is that Trump covered up the fact that he paid hush money to porn star Stormy Daniels by disguising the payment as a legal fee to his lawyer, Michael Cohen. Cohen then allegedly used Trump’s money to pay Daniels to stop her from talking about her alleged affair with Trump.

2. What is most important for people to understand about this conviction?

It is historic and groundbreaking for a former or future president to be convicted of felonies in the United States. There will be debate, and people will have to judge whether this prosecution is an example of the principle that no person is above the law, or whether this is an example of political persecution.

As a technical legal matter, this conviction has a significant effect on all of Trump’s other criminal and civil cases. At a minimum, it means that if Trump takes the stand to testify in any case, opposing lawyers will be able to attack his credibility with this conviction. Lawyers can argue that any witness with a felony conviction might well be lying. Practically speaking, this verdict also means that Trump – who is registered to vote in Florida – cannot vote there until completion of his sentence. Under federal law, he cannot possess a firearm. But he can still run for president and serve in office, because nothing in the Constitution disqualifies people with convictions – or who are in prison – from running for, or serving as, president.

3. What can we know, if anything, about what his sentence might look like?

New York judge Juan Merchan will decide the sentence alone, without a jury.

It is not surprising that sentencing has been set for July, rather than sooner. As in other cases, the probation office will prepare a report that lays out Trump’s background and history, and the facts and circumstances of this case. Trump has no criminal record, which is generally a favourable sentencing factor. On the other hand, he does have negative results from lawsuits, including a civil finding in 2023 that determined he committed sexual assault. One issue to look out for is whether the prosecution or the probation department argues that Trump’s other criminal charges and civil cases should be considered in sentencing.

One sentencing factor which sometimes comes into play is lack of remorse; it is often a reason judges impose a more severe sentence. It certainly does not seem that Trump has in any way acknowledged that he did something regrettable, or committed a crime. Trump’s violation of the gag orders in this case, which the judge has already punished him for, could also be a factor used to argue for or impose a higher sentence.

4. Given this verdict, is it likely that Trump will serve time in prison?

The offense of falsifying business records is deemed a “Class E” felony in New York state – and each felony has a potential sentence of up to four years. Probation is available instead of incarceration, or probation plus a short term of incarceration. Sentences may be imposed concurrently or consecutively, so theoretically Trump could get a sentence of 136 years if maximum sentences on all counts are imposed consecutively. But, while the sentence is up to the judge, based on past practice it is reasonable to speculate that Trump will not be sentenced to a long prison term, and may well receive no incarceration time at all. A not-guilty verdict would have been final because of the Constitution’s prohibition against double jeopardy –meaning a person cannot be convicted, acquitted or punished more than once for the same offense.

This conviction will undoubtedly be challenged for years, and the appeals process could have at least two chances to get to the US Supreme Court. Whether this case was appropriately tried in state court will also be an issue –federal authority over federal elections and election crimes is likely to be examined on appeal.

In other words, this case is not over by a long shot. It is likely that even were Trump sentenced to incarceration, he would be allowed to remain free, pending appeal. This practice is not uncommon in complex and high-profile cases, at least where there are reasonable legal claims of error.

5. What made the evidence so strong in this case that it persuaded jurors?

It is in part the breadth of the New York law which, unlike the law in many states, criminalises falsifying internal business records even when they are private and not used to cheat the tax system or defraud anyone. But even in New York, generally falsifying private business records is a misdemeanour.

It becomes a felony only if, as the jury found here, the actions are used to cover up or conceal a crime.

In this case, the jury may well have been persuaded by the prosecution’s argument that the crime covered up was essentially a scheme to defraud the American people by concealing information about the character and conduct of a presidential candidate.

Because Trump was alleged to have deceived voters, perhaps the jury was unwilling to simply shrug this off as business as usual. Another factor is the remarkable investigation that went into preparing this case. The prosecution had so many witnesses and documents that it could tell the story in highly specific detail.

Gabriel J. Chin University of California, Davis

Pintard healing

wounds

EDITOR, The Tribune. FREE National Movement leader Michael Pintard has done something that former Prime Minister Dr Hubert Minnis was unable to do during his tumultuous tenure in office: heal old wounds - many of which were inflicted between 2012 and 2021. That Pintard has been successful in getting disillusioned and former FNMs Darron Cash, Richard Lightbourn, Hubert Chipman, Reece Chipman and former Deputy Prime Minister Peter Turnquest back into the FNM fold is a testament of his uncanny ability to bring about reconciliation, unity and healing. I was surprised to read that FNM stalwarts Italia Johnson and Alvin Smith, as well as Kenyatta Gibson and Cassius Stuart were in attendance at Pintard’s successful Endorsement Night event last week. In The Nassau Guardian article on the Pintard event the name Halson Moultrie, who locked horns with the Minnis administration was well documented, was referenced. It would appear that Pintard has also extended an olive branch to Moultrie. Yet another long-serving FNM stalwart who became disillusioned with Minnis and the FNM hierarchy mentioned in the aforementioned Nassau Guardian article really stood out to me due to disturbing allegations of maltreatment inflicted on him by the party he was a loyal member of for over four decades. The FNM stalwart is none other than Mr Neko Grant, who served in the House of Assembly as the MP for the Central Grand Bahama/

Lucaya constituency from 1992 to 2021. Grant, in a statement, spoke of his affiliation with the FNM way back in 1974 when the party was just four years old. It was not safe being an FNM in the early stages of its existence, as many black Bahamians began to view Sir Lynden O Pindling as a god. This cult of personality was in full display at an FNM rally in Lewis Yard, Grand Bahama in November 1970, when Sir Cecil Wallace-Whitfield and Maurice Moore were violently assaulted by about ten anti-FNM goons. I recall Grant being a member of the Seven FNM Rebels who petitioned then Governor General Dame Marguerite Pindling to remove Minnis as official Opposition Leader in Parliament in 2016. I also recall hearing news of Grant assisting the Progressive Liberal Party’s campaign in the lead-up to the 2017 general election, which underscored the deep rift between him and Dr Minnis. That Grant would actively campaign against his own party should have given FNMs in the Minnis camp pause for thought. The timeframe Grant gives corresponds with the alleged maltreatment meted out to him by his own party. Pintard reaching out to Grant during the tenure of the Minnis administration is a demonstration of his commitment to reconciliation. The current FNM Leader obviously did

not forget Grant’s invaluable contributions to the party. It is unfortunate that members of the Minnis camp were all too willing to relegate Grant to the political scrapyard without a second thought. At the time of the Loretta ButlerTurner rebellion, I sided with Minnis. Hindsight being 20/20, it is now looking like the Rebel Seven had legitimate reasons for opposing Minnis. If nothing else, the fallouts between Minnis and so many longserving FNMs are ironclad proof that Minnis struggles, at least from my vantage point, to get along with far too many members of his own team. There have been far too many spats with him at the helm of the FNM. If you cannot get along with important members of your own party -- to the degree of alienating them -- what legitimate shot do you have in convincing swing voters to support you at the polls? It is disconcerting that a vintage FNM like Neko Grant could suffer victimisation by the party he had risked his career and life for. If Grant can be treated in such a shoddy manner, what would happen to nominal FNMs? The Grant allegations are indeed damning. The best thing for the FNM at this juncture would be to stick with Pintard. I have nothing against Minnis, but he has created far too many enemies within his own party. Pintard, on the other hand, has done an excellent job in wooing these wounded FNMs back into the fold, Grant being one of them.

KEVIN EVANS

Freeport, Grand Bahama May 26, 2024.

FORMER President Donald Trump walks to make comments to members of the media after being found guilty on 34 felony counts of falsifying business records in the first degree at Manhattan Criminal Court, yesterday, in New York. Donald Trump became the first former president to be convicted of felony crimes as a New York jury found him guilty of 34 felony counts of falsifying business records in a scheme to illegally influence the 2016 election through hush money payments to a porn actor who said the two had sex.

Photo: Seth Wenig/AP

Christie: RBDF officers providing security for Eminent Persons Group assisting Haiti

By KEILE CAMPBELL kcampbell@tribunemedia.net

DEFENCE force officers are helping Haiti by providing security services for the Eminent Persons Group, which is trying to resolve that country’s crisis, according to former Prime Minister Perry Christie.

Mr Christie, a member of the group, discussed Haiti after viewing the body of the late former Cabinet minister Loftus Roker at the House of Assembly.

“Whenever the Eminent Persons Group visited Haiti, we were met on the ground by Bahamian defence force officers,” he said.

“My colleagues continue to tell me, please congratulate the government, please thank the government for allowing Bahamian defence force officers, whilst we were sleeping, whilst we were negotiating, to be on the ground providing wonderful security for us.”

Mr Christie’s comment comes after Royal Bahamas Defence Force

Commodore Raymond King revealed that officers’ involvement in the multinational force expected to help Haiti will be more limited than previously known. Initially, 150 officers were expected to be deployed to Haiti. However, Commodore King said last week that officers will only help with maritime training, which will happen at the defence force base in New Providence.

Kenya’s security forces are gearing up for deployment to Haiti. Mr Christie said the multinational force would “bring about a level of security” that would give Haitians the confidence to establish a new government.

“The prime minister and the council will now over the next several days move to form a new government in Haiti to take the place of the current government,” he said. “When that takes place, then the presidential council and the new government of Haiti will move towards putting in place all of the instruments of democracy.”

GIBSON’S COUSIN CLAIMS HE OWNED ELITE MAINTENANCE

By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Chief Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net

THE cousin of Adrian Gibson claimed yesterday that the Long Island MP owned Elite Maintenance Incorporated, a company that was allegedly awarded Water and Sewerage Corporation (WSC) contracts when he was executive chairman.

Rashae Gibson alleged this as she continued her testimony under crossexamination by Gibson’s attorney, Damian Gomez KC.

The award of WSC contracts to Elite Maintenance and maintenance companies is at the centre of the case.

Ms Gibson, a former shareholder of Elite, previously admitted to being a signatory on Elite Maintenance’s bank account after Mr Gibson allegedly told her about it. She claimed she closed the company’s account at Mr Gibson’s request after he learned that Ms Mackey was “stealing” from it.

When asked about emails she sent to Scotiabank in July 2021 requesting Elite Maintenance’s bank statements, the witness said yesterday that she did so because her cousin asked her to.

She claimed Mr Gibson told her to “hurry up” and close the account before his ex found out.

“That’s why I removed the money first and then asked for the information afterwards,” she added, referring to over $100,000 she claimed she transferred from Elite Maintenance’s account to another at Mr Gibson’s request.

Mr Gomez suggested she emailed Scotiabank and closed the account independently before informing his client.

“I put it to you that when you said you spoke to Mr Gibson before closing the account, that you’re lying,” he said.

Ms Gibson denied this and said she had a photo of her cousin driving her to the bank to prove it.

Mr Gomez also suggested she requested Elite

Maintenance’s bank statements because she wanted to see how much money Mrs Mackey spent –– a claim she also refuted.

When it was suggested that she regularly withdrew money from Elite Maintenance’s bank account and used it to buy “lashes” and other beauty supplies for her company, Ms Gibson denied it.

“I put it to you that stealing from Adrian Gibson is different from stealing from Elite Maintenance Incorporated Limited. What do you say to that?” the defence attorney said. The witness said that was false because Mr Gibson “owned Elite Maintenance”. Defence attorney Geoffrey Farquharson interjected and the jury was temporarily excused.

When jurors returned, Mr Gomez highlighted supposed inconsistencies in the witness’ evidence, noting her previous testimony about closing Elite Maintenance’s bank account in August.

“So were you lying then, or are you lying now?” he asked.

Ms Gibson said she simply got the dates mixed up.

Mr Gibson is facing several charges concerning his tenure as WSC executive chairman under the Minnis administration.

The charges stem from Mr Gibson’s alleged failure to declare his interest in contracts awarded by the WSC.

The FNM politician is charged with Elwood Donaldson Jr, former WSC’s general manager, Joan Knowles, Peaches Farquharson and Jerome Missick. Mr Gomez KC, Murrio Ducille KC, Ian Cargill, Geoffrey Farquharson, Bryan Bastian, Ryan Eve, Raphael Moxey, represent the defendants.

Meanwhile, the Crown’s lawyers are acting Director of Public Prosecutions Cordell Frazier, Cashena Thompson, Karine MacVean and Rashied Edgecombe. Justice Cheryl-Grant Thompson is presiding over the case.

FORMER PRIME MINISTER PERRY CHRISTIE

Loftus Roker’s lying in state

Road closures for Roker’s state funeral

THE Royal Bahamas Police Force (RBPF) alerted the public of road closures before the staterecognized funeral of the late A. Loftus Roker, signatory of the Constitution, former cabinet minister, and Member of Parliament (MP).

According to a policeissued statement, from 6:00am on Friday May 31st until after the procession departs Bank Lane and George Street, the following roads will be closed to vehicular traffic for the state-recognized funeral: Cumberland Street between Duke and Navy Road; Parliament Street between Shirley Street and Woodes Rodgers Wharf; Charolette Street between Shirley Street and Woodes Rodgers Wharf; Fredrick Street; Market Street between Bay, Princess and Duke Streets; George Street between Bay

and Duke Streets; and King Street between George and Market Streets.

At 10:00am Friday May 31st the body of the late Roker will be transported from the House of Assembly to Christ Church Cathedral for the state-recognized funeral starting at 11:00am. On completion of the funeral service, there will be a short Flag Presentation Ceremony by the RBPF and the Royal Bahamas Defence Force at the Western Ceremony, to which, the following roads will be closed: Cumberland Street between Duke and Navy Lion Road; Marlborough and West Bay Street between Navy Lion Road and Nassau Street, and Nassau Street between West Bay and Delancy Streets. Vehicular traffic will be diverted from the affected areas.

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net

A 19-YEAR-OLD man was granted $2,000 bail yesterday after he was accused of assaulting someone with

a pocket knife last week. Magistrate Algernon Allen Jr charged Tyler Missick with assault with a dangerous instrument. Missick allegedly assaulted Mark Wilkinson with a black pocket knife on Granger Street around 8.30pm on May 24. After pleading not guilty to the charge, the defendant was warned not to interfere with witnesses while on bail. His trial begins on July 1.

MAN FINED $2,500 FOR DRUG POSSESSION AND ATTEMPTING TO DECEIVE A POLICE OFFICER

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net

A MAN was fined yesterday after admitting to having a quantity of cocaine and giving a fake name to arresting officers earlier this week.

Magistrate Raquel Whyms charged Andrel Carey, 31, with possession of dangerous drugs with intent to supply and deceit of a public officer. Carey was reportedly found with ten grams of cocaine on May 28 in New Providence. To evade the law, Carey reportedly gave Corporal 3959 Rahming and WPC 4757 Hall the fake name “Keno Carey” and a false date of birth. Carey pleaded guilty to both charges. He must pay $2,500 or risk three months in prison. A portion of this fine must be paid before his release. Carey was further placed on one-year probation, for which defaulting would also carry a three-month prison term. The defendant must return to court for payment on June 5.

MAN CHARGED WITH HAVING A GUN AND AMMO

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net

A MAN was remanded to prison yesterday after he was found with a loaded gun on Fowler Street earlier this week.

Magistrate Lennox Coleby charged Daevante Carey, 20, with possession of an unlicenced firearm and possession of ammunition.

Carey was allegedly found with a black Taurus G3C pistol and 11 rounds of 9mm ammunition around 11pm on May 27.

The defendant pleaded not guilty to the charges. The prosecution asked that his bail hearing be deferred so they could confirm whether he had any priors. Carey was remanded to the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services overnight until today’s bail hearing. Before being taken into custody, the defendant was allowed a moment with relatives in court.

Alphonso Lewis represented the accused.

TEEN CHARGED WITH STEALING A VEHICLE

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net

AN 18-year-old male was granted bail yesterday after he was accused of stealing a car earlier this week.

Magistrate Kendra Kelly charged Christopher Poitier with stealing and receiving. Poitier allegedly stole a blue 2011 Suzuki Splash between 1 and 1.30am on May 27 in New Providence. Robert Newbold owns this vehicle, which is valued at $4,000. Poitier pleaded not guilty to the charges. Prosecutor Sergeant Vernon Pyfrom made no objections to him getting bail. His bail was set at $3,500 with one or two sureties. He must sign in at the Wulff Road Police Station every Friday by 6pm. His trial begins on August 16. Alphonso Lewis represented the defendant.

DAME Marguerite Pindling giving her condolences to the family of the late Loftus Roker.

Photos: Chappell Whyms Jr

Divorce: Uglier than necessary in The Bahamas

DIVORCE is never pretty. It’s the courtroom culmination of living room or bedroom misery, the inevitable chapter of years of hurt, disloyalty, of insults hurled at one another, emotional abuse, neglect, or worse, physical abuse.

No, divorce is not pretty. But in The Bahamas, it is even uglier than it needs to be. It is time to change the laws and catch up with the reality of cultural change.

With severely limited legal grounds for divorce, couples who simply agree to go their separate ways cannot simply go their separate ways, even if they have agreed on all the major sticking points – childcare responsibilities, financial obligations (or who gets what), a host of issues connected to separating the ties that bound for however long the marriage lasted.

Even if both parties agree on all other matters, they can only go their separate ways under three circumstances recognised as legal grounds – adultery, cruelty or desertion. The latter specifies that the party who deserted did so a minimum of two years prior to the filing and was out of the household for five years.

Every one of the legal grounds acceptable for pursuing a divorce in The Bahamas sets up a battlefield, creating and demanding the need for a perpetrator and a victim.

One spouse has to take action against the other. If it wasn’t an emotional struggle just to get to court, it becomes an even harder one once in front of the judge. It can be unbearable, turning spouses who simply wanted to go their separate ways into gladiators in the ring with only one emerging as the victor. Take a case that happened not long ago in a local court.

Husband and wife reached an amicable

By Diane Phillips

decision that the marriage was not working. Both are devoted parents. Both agreed to a divorce. Years of incompatibility had taken their toll and one had moved out a few years earlier. But life meant they were often together in the same space. Both took turns with school pick-ups and attending events. Two households were being maintained. Bills were being paid. Parallel parental paths leading to where they stood now. One of the spouses had filed for divorce with the full knowledge and approval of the other.

Remember, both reached the same conclusion – the entire family would be better off with less tension, more tranquility and peace of mind. The kids would be better off without the constant bickering and disagreements, without the tempered, but hard to conceal looks of silent rage or disbelief on their parents’ faces when they were in the same space as they tried to pretend everything was okay.

Finally, it was the day of the divorce hearing. Under Bahamian law, one spouse had to be the good guy, the other the evil perpetrator. The husband agreed ahead of time to be the gentleman and take the hit as the bad guy. That was fine with the wife because even if she had contributed to the daily unrest, she wasn’t about to take the heat if he were willing to withstand the temperature. One thing about her husband, for sure, is that he was always the gentleman and devoted

father even if love had left the room a long time ago. Court is now in session. Everyone rises as the judge enters the room. They are seated. And the case begins. And in an environment when the two parties are required to face off like fighters to persuade the judge to sign the papers, they square off and she comes out of the ring with victory shining in her eyes. The harder the blows she throws, the more she will get in settlement. He sits stunned at what he is hearing, swallowing hard, disbelief at the exaggerations and untruths and if he says anything, the quest for divorce, for freedom, could be quashed. And so he sits, taking punch after punch until she wins everything she wanted. He would have given it to her anyway without having to endure the barrage of insults, barbs that will continue to sting until one day he can erase them from his memory. That day may never come for there is nothing that sticks with you longer than being accused of something horrible that you did not do, but cannot correct because the cost of correction is greater than the price of swallowing the bitter lies and shutting up.

The irony of antiquated and damaging divorce laws in The Bahamas is twofold. Present laws have not served to slow down the rate of divorce. They’ve just turned spouses who want to separate into enemies instead of potential friends. They have turned many into liars, one accusing the other of adultery with

trumped up evidence, and the other agreeing, just to be done with the marriage. Nor have they stopped the rate of sweethearting. The law simply does not match the culture.

In fact, the divorce laws of The Bahamas are so restrictive that they align most closely with similar laws in Nigeria and China where the culture is clearly different from Bahamian culture. While that is the case, the second irony is that the highest court of The Bahamas is the Privy Council. And where is that based? Our highest court, the Privy Council is

based in the UK where the divorce laws are among the most liberal in the world, ranking among the most modern behind Sweden and close to those of Canada and Australia.

DIVORCE AMONG EQUALS

When love goes wrong and friendship is not enough to endure, when bitterness is the carpet upon which small children walk and the noise which bombards their ears, surely there is a kinder way to write a new chapter.

At-fault divorce laws make enemies of spouses.

At-fault divorce laws tear already fragile and damaged families farther apart, sometimes creating irreparable rifts. The dreamy looks of exchanging vows may fade, but friendship can endure. Why slaughter any chance of exes being friends by putting them into a boxing ring and telling them to come out fighting while a judge fulfills his or her role, determining who wins the round?

Surely both, by being forced adversaries, have lost the match.

The time to change the divorce laws of The Bahamas has come.

SPORTS

FRIDAY, MAY 31, 2024

Championships today

By TENAJH SWEETING Tribune Sports Reporter

The Samuel P Haven Jr High School Soccer Nationals picked back up yesterday with the semifinals round taking place at the Roscow A L Davies Soccer Field. Four teams eliminated their competition to emerge one step closer to national bragging rights.

The Lyford Cay International Dragons girls’ team upset the tournament’s defending champions CR Walker Knights in a 2-1 nail-biter.

However, the boys’ team did not fare as well and were unable to make another finals berth after

FOUR TEAMS ELIMINATED IN JR HIGH SOCCER NATIONALS

falling to the Anatol Rodgers Timberwolves 6-0.

Two teams from Grand Bahama made their journey to New Providence yesterday afternoon in hopes of making it to the last stage but both were unsuccessful in advancing to the finals.

The St Andrew’s Hurricanes stunned the Bishop Michael Eldon (BMES) Warriors 3-2 in the penalty shootout to prevent them from making a second consecutive finals trip. In the final match of the evening, Windsor School eliminated the Lucaya International School

Buccaneers 3-0 to clinch a spot in the championship round.

Lyford Cay vs CR Walker

Last year the CR Walker Lady Knights dominated the 2023 Samuel P Haven Jr Soccer High School Soccer Nationals en route to a national title win. This time around, the Lyford Cay Dragons would have the final say with a 2-1 victory. CR Walker’s Valtinique Simmons was the first player to sink the ball to the back of the net for both teams, to put the Lady Knights ahead 1-0 going into the intermission.

The stingy Knights defenders left the Dragons scoreless in the first half but the momentum shifted in the second half of the contest.

Jordyn Knowles capitalised on some miscommunication by CR Walker’s defenders near the goal area and shot the ball past their goalkeeper to knot the score at 1-1 in the early minutes of the second half.

Head coach Annisa Albury said being ousted early last year gave them an extra push to come out and win in 2024. “Last year we got knocked out really

early and we have been planning for this moment since last year. These girls have been working really hard. We have a great group of coaches and players and it just feels great. We wish we got it earlier but we got it at the last minute and it just feels great,” she said.

Coach Albury is referring to the game-winning goal connected by Issa Bournas, who now has seven goals in the tournament.

With time winding down, Bournas ignored the

Cleveland Eneas dominates 800

By BRENT STUBBS Chief Sports Editor

bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

IN the few individual finals contested on day two of the New Providence Public Primary Schools Sports Association’s 44th Annual Track and Field Championships, Cleveland Eneas led the way with a dominating performance in the 800 metres.

Cleveland Eneas captured the titles in the four races contested on Thursday at the original Thomas A. Robinson Track and Field stadium which was highlighted by the official opening ceremonies and an inspirational speech from “Downtown’ Natasha Brown.

Charity Marshall led the charge, coming behind on the home stretch to secure the C girls crown in three minutes and 13.99 seconds. Dutchess Williams of Sadie Curtis came in second in 3:19.24 and Melody Thompson of Garvin Tynes got third in 3:20.99.

“It was good,” said Marshall, an eight-year-old third grader. “I thought I was going to come second until I passed her.”

Kaydin Thompson led from start to finish as he easily took the C boys 800m in 2:51.42.

Daniel Ransey of Eva Hilton was second in 2:56.40 and Jayden McPhee of Cleveland Eneas was

in the New Providence Public Primary Schools Sports Association’s 44th Annual Track and Field Championships at the original Thomas A. Robinson Track and Field stadium. Cleveland Eneas led the way with dominating performances in the 800 metres on Thursday.

THE SPORTS CALENDAR

TRACK NPPPSSA TRACK MEET

THE New Providence Public Primary Schools Sports Association is holding its annual track and field meet at the original Thomas A. Robinson Track and Field Stadium. According to association president Latoya Sturrup, a total of 10 schools will be participating in the meet. Uriah McPhee are the defending champions, followed by last year’s runners-up Cleveland Primary. Sadie Curtis got third place.

The meet is scheduled to continue today. At the conclusion of the meet, awards will be presented to the various individual and team winners.

HEALTH MATTERS YOUTH BASKETBALL CAMP JUNE 20-21

UNITED States National Basketball Association (NBA) 14-year veteran Mike James, and Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) 3-time champion and basketball legend Sheryl Swoops will be in New Providence June 20-21 for the first annual Health Matters Youth Basketball Camp.

This camp is free of charge and is available to high school students, male and female, ages 11 to 15 yearsold, from anywhere throughout the archipelago.

Dr. Tina Hill-Edgecombe, owner/ director of New Solutions Healthcare LLC, and Jason Edgecombe are staging this free two-day camp for youngsters, assisted by IBA Bahamas coach Denykco Bowles.

“Presented by New Solutions Healthcare LLC and our former professional athletic friends, this fun and competitive basketball learning experience is ideal for student athletes who want to learn the basics of basketball or are looking to enhance their skills development - specifically agility, shooting, dribbling, passing, and footwork,” said Dr. Hill-Edgecombe.

“The 1st Annual “Health Matters” basketball camp is also focused on building a safe and supportive environment, by providing on-site health clinicians to support the campers’ well-being.

“This collaborative approach is supporting their overall development, allowing the athletes to focus on their skills both on and off the basketball court.”

The two-day camp is scheduled to take place June 20-21 at the Kendal G.L. Isaacs National Gymnasium. The female sessions are from 8am to 12 noon on both days. The male sessions run from 1pm to 5pm both days.

May, 2024

BLUE CHIP ATHLETICS THE Blue Chips Athletic Field Club, coached by Corrington Maycock, will hold its Team Trials on Saturday at Queen’s College. All athletes between the ages of 12-18, who are interested in learning how to throw the javelin, discus or shot put. The trials will start at 8am. Interested persons can call 395-6381 or 818-2085 for more information. SWIMMING MAKO INVITATIONAL THE Mako Swim Club will hold its Invitational Swim meet this weekend at the Betty Kelly Kenning Swim

SEE PAGE 13

LADIES and gentlemen, gather around as we embark on a rather peculiar journey through the realm of sports nutrition. Now, I know what you’re thinking: “Gain weight? Isn’t everyone trying to lose weight, especially here in the Bahamas?” It’s true. Amidst our deliciously indulgent diet of conch fritters, crack conch, johnny cake, chicken-in-da-bag and guava duff, it seems almost laughable that anyone could struggle with weight gain. But for athletes, the rules of the game are different. When Weight Gain is Necessary In certain sports, gaining weight - specifically muscle mass - is essential for peak performance. Sports like football, rugby, and wrestling require a combination of size, strength, and power. Even basketball players, swimmers, and sprinters may

find that adding muscle mass enhances their explosive strength and overall endurance. However, it’s not just about tipping the scales; it’s about gaining the right kind of weight.

Muscle Gain vs. Fat Gain

Gaining weight can be as simple as increasing caloric intake, but the challenge lies in gaining lean muscle rather than fat. Lean muscle improves strength and performance, whereas excess fat can impede speed and agility. The goal, therefore, is to craft a nutritional plan that supports muscle growth without accumulating unnecessary fat.

Principles of Caloric Intake and Micronutrients To gain muscle, athletes need to consume more calories than they burn. This means understanding the balance of macronutrients: proteins, carbohydrates, and fats. Protein is crucial for muscle repair and growth, carbs fuel intense workouts, and healthy fats support overall health.

Photo: Chappell Whyms Jr

JAMES SWOOPS

Photos by Chappell Whyms Jr

third in 3:00.13. “It wasn’t that hard. I just had to keep my pace on the final bend and then when I was coming here (home stretch), I just had to keep moving my legs faster,” said Thompson, a nine-year-old third grader.

“I did it before so I knew I could do it. I wasn’t scared at all.” Cleveland Eneas continued the streak as Lafaye Curtis picked up the third title in 2:44.59 in the A girls two-lapper. Rickia Pratt of Sadie Curtis was second in 2:52.43 and Ariana Heastie of Yellow Elder was third in 2:52.58. “It was good. said Curtis, an 11-year-old

fifth grader. “I thought I wasn’t going to win, but I just picked up my pace and I started to run. I feel good. I hope to win the 400m (today) as well.”

Not to be left out of the Cleveland Eneas’ celebrations was Kenson Sactel, who took the A boys 800m in 2:33.72, followed by Jaden Perry of TG Glover in 2:36.67. Joseph Thervil of Sandilands Primary was third in 2:37.13.

“I felt really great and motivated,” said Sanctel, a 13-year-old sixth grader on his comeback win. “I was behind and I kept my pace until he got tired and then I decided to pass him.”

There were a few field events contested, along

with the finals of the 4 x 100m relays, but those results were not available.

During the opening ceremonies, Natasha, a former long jumper who switched from track and field to bodybuilding where she went on to become the first and only Bahamian female competitor to win her professional fitness card, gave an inspirational speech.

Brown, who started representing the Bahamas in sports in 1983, said she was fascinated with the mental side because her mind brought out her competitive edge.

Now, 35 years later, she added that competitive edge has helped her to bring out the mental

toughness in every client, guest or student, who came under her training as a professional trainer.

From the time she started playing sports at the age of seven at the Priory Grounds at St Francis Catholic Church with her brother as they watched their father Peter ‘Sweet P’ Brown play basketball, Brown said she started her own track and field competition running around in circles and jumping over every sand patch or wherever there was a branch hanging from a tree.

THE REPLAY: Young athletes compete on day one of the New Providence Public Primary Schools Sports Association’s 44th Annual Track and Field Championships at the original Thomas A. Robinson Track and Field stadium. Yesterday on day two of the meet, Cleveland Eneas led the way with a dominating performance in the 800 metres.

While attending Willard Patton Primary, Brown noted that her physical education teacher, the late Jack Knowles, introduced her to the long jump and she joined the Bain Town Flyers Track Club, making her first CARIFTA team at 13 in the high jump. Andrew Greene and Steven Hanna presented her with her first pair of high jump shoes and Adidas spikes.

from Jeremiah chapter one, that the Lord assured him that he wasn’t too young to perform and he told him that as long as he relies on him, he will get him to where he wants him to go and become the leader whom he designed him to be.

Going on to compete for the Bain Town Flyers, Brown said she won the long jump with 18-9 and was awarded the most outstanding girl in her age group.

At age 17, she won the first CARIFTA gold medal in the long jump for females and then in 2000, she was unsuccessful in making the Olympics for the Beijing Olympics, so her sprint coach Aaron Greene encouraged her to get involved in fitness.

In 2022, she became the first and only Bahamian female to win her professional fitness card under the Bahamas Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation.

To the young athletes competing in the meet, Brown drew an illustration from her morning devotion

Brown encouraged the young athletes not to focus on their shortcomings or their weaknesses, but to rely on God to allow him to enable them to be all that he has designed them to be. Sheniqua Curry, the president of the Primary Principals’ Association, also addressed the audience during the ceremony.

The inspirational ceremony included the rendition of the national anthem by Jamie Mackey of Eva Hilton Primary and a musical performance from the Eva Hilton Rake N Scrape band.

The meet will conclude today,

YOUNG athletes compete on day one of the New Providence Public Primary Schools Sports Association’s 44th Annual Track and Field Championships on Wednesday.

Mavericks advance to NBA Finals with 124-103 toppling of Timberwolves in Game 5

By DAVE CAMPBELL AP Sports Writer

MINNEAPOLIS (AP)

— Luka Doncic had a 20-point first quarter on his way to 36 points for his high this postseason, and the Dallas Mavericks beat the Minnesota Timberwolves 124-103 last night to breeze through the Western Conference finals in five games.

Kyrie Irving also scored 36 points for the Mavericks, who built a 29-point halftime lead on 61% shooting to deflate the once-energized crowd before most fans got up for their first snack break.

The Mavericks went up by as much as 36 in the third quarter, all the while keeping the Timberwolves offense all out of whack.

The Mavericks, who had the fifth seed in the West, have a full week to rest before the NBA Finals begin in Boston on June 6 for the franchise’s first appearance since winning the championship in 2011.

scored 28 points and KarlAnthony Towns had 28 points and 12 rebounds for the third-seeded Wolves, who met their match with the defence-smashing duo of Doncic and Irving after stifling Phoenix in a first-round sweep and then dethroning defending champion Denver in a seven-game series. Irving improved to 15-1 in his career in closeout games in the playoffs. Doncic set a defiant tone by starting 4 for 4, hitting rainbows from 28 and 31 feet as he turned to talk trash to the courtside fans with each swish, often with a sly smile. He drained a

The Celtics will have had 10 days between games after sweeping Indiana in the Eastern Conference finals.

32-footer later in a first quarter as the Mavs closed on a 17-1 spurt, a run they pushed to 28-5 over a nine-

It was Doncic’s second 20-point quarter in his postseason career, following a 21-point fourth quarter in the Western Conference finals loss to Golden State in 2022.

Doncic, who shot 14 for 22 and grabbed 10 rebounds, and his savvy sidekick Irving, who has a championship ring from 2016 with Cleveland, were the superior stars in this series as this Wolves team found its first taste of a sustained postseason run to be a bitter — but perhaps ultimately beneficial — one. Though he familiarly and

persistently waved his arms at the officials almost every time a whistle didn’t go his way, the 25-year-old Doncic played with an unshakeable confidence and unflappable joy from start to finish. As he was taunted by the fans with a “Flopper!” chant when he shot free throws in the third quarter, Doncic smiled and mockingly mouthed the words along with them.

Edwards, though he hit the 25-point mark for the 15th time in 27 career playoff games, had trouble finding his rhythm amid all the double-teams. The Wolves, for all their progress this season, were reminded they don’t yet have a championship offence despite his dynamic skills and clutch mentality. They had several winceinducing possessions in the

Stearns leads unseeded players pulling off upsets on long day at French Open

By HOWARD FENDRICH AP Tennis Writer

PARIS (AP) — Good

thing the French tennis federation installed artificial lights on every court at Roland Garros in 2021, because they sure did come in handy yesterday, allowing match after match to stretch deep into the night, including one particular result that stood out: unseeded American Peyton Stearns’ elimination of No. 10 Daria Kasatkina.

All of the waiting around all day to get on court did not disrupt Stearns one bit, and the 22-year-old from Cincinnati, who won an NCAA singles title at the University of Texas, used 17 forehand winners through the cold, damp and slow conditions to defeat Kasatkina 7-5, 6-2 in a match that didn’t start until after 9pm and didn’t finish until after 10:30pm.

“You just kind of don’t know what to expect,” the 62nd-ranked Stearns said about waiting to get on court as showers created a start-stop-start scheduling fiasco all around the grounds.

“You have to accept that.” How did she prepare to finally get started?

“I had a single expresso before I went out there,” she said with a smile. “So it was like morning for me.”

Kasatkina had a harder time with the situation.

“Mentally, it’s tough to face the day when it’s a long wait,” said Kasatkina, a 2022 semifinalist at the French Open. “You have to be calm, but at the same time, you have to be ready

FROM PAGE 11

Complex. The meet is open to all clubs in the Bahamas and will feature the boys and girls divisions from 8-and-under to 15-and-over. The meet will get started on Friday at 6pm and continue 9am Saturday. The final session will take place 6pm Saturday when there will be an awards presentation to individual winners and the overall team.

PEACE ON DA STREETS THE annual Peace On Da Streets Basketball Classic, dubbed “Shooting

to jump on the court. And you don’t know when.”

The last of the long day’s 55 matches didn’t wrap up until just about 1am, when 17-year-old Russian Mirra Andreeva finally got through a 6-3, 3-6, 7-5 win against No. 19 seed Victoria Azarenka, a two-time Australian Open champion who is 34.

Andreeva next faces Stearns, with the winner reaching the fourth round in Paris for the first time.

Other seeded women sent home included No. 9 Jelena Ostapenko, the 2017 champion in Paris, who lost to Denmark’s Clara Tauson 7-6 (4), 4-6, 6-3; No. 11 Danielle Collins, defeated by Serbian qualifier Olga Danilovic 6-7 (3), 7-5, 6-4; No. 18 Marta Kostyuk, who was beaten 7-5, 6-4 by Donna Vekic; and No. 23 Anna Kalinskaya, eliminated 1-6, 7-5, 6-3 by oft-injured 2019 U.S. Open champion Bianca Andreescu.

Men’s seeds who bowed out included No. 25 Frances Tiafoe and No. 31 Mariano Navone. A frosty handshake came when Tiafoe and Denis Shapovalov — who are friends — met at the net after Shapovalov’s 6-7 (4), 6-4, 6-2, 6-4 win. That’s because Tiafoe sent a tennis ball off the side of Shapovalov’s head with one on-the-run shot.

“I wasn’t happy with it. But it’s tennis, so you can do what you want,” said Shapovalov, who joined Felix Auger-Aliassime to give Canada two men in the third round at Roland Garros for the first time in the Open era, which began in 1968. “Look, I’m sure we’ll be fine in a couple

Hoops instead of Guns,” is scheduled for July 15-21 at the Michael ‘Scooter Reid” Basketball Center at the Hope Center. All games will start at 6pm each day. Categories include 12-and-under, 16-andunder, 20-and-under, government ministry, church and open divisions. The event is being promoted by Guardian Radio and Radio House Outreach.

CLERGY VS POLITICIANS AS a part of the annual Peace ON Da Streets Basketball Classic, organisers will once again stage the showdown between members of the Clergy against the Members of Parliament.

days. Obviously, (in the) heat of the moment, it’s not fun. But we’ll get through it.”

Auger-Aliassime and Shapovalov are among the players who originally were supposed to complete their second-rounders Wednesday.

Because they didn’t get done until yesterday, on account of the weather, they need to get back on court today for the third round, losing the usual day off at a Grand Slam.

There were victories for several top men yesterday: No. 1 Novak Djokovic, who seeks his fourth French Open championship and 25th from all Grand Slam tournaments, No. 4 Alexander Zverev, No. 8 Hubert Hurkacz and two-time runner-up Casper Ruud. No. 5 Daniil Medvedev and No. 15 Ben Shelton both advanced

This game is scheduled for 8pm Sunday, July 21 at the Kendal Isaacs Gymnasium.

JOHNSON’S BASKETBALL CAMP GET ready for the annual Coach Kevin Johnson’s Basketball Camp 2024.

Coach Kevin ‘KJ’ Johnson has announced that his camp will run from June 24 to July 12 at the CI Gibson Secondary High School and will run daily from 9am to 1pm. Campers will get a chance to play and learn the fundamentals of the game of basketball from professional instructors.

Interested persons can sign up by contacting coach Johnson at 636-9350 or email: coachkjjohnson@ gmail.com

when their opponents stopped because of injury.

Women moving on included No. 2 Aryna Sabalenka, No. 4 Elena Rybakina, No. 14 Madison Keys and No. 15 Elina Svitolina.

This is the fourth tournament for Stearns since she began working with Tom Hill, who used to coach two-time Grand Slam semifinalist Maria Sakkari. Last week, Stearns claimed her first career WTA title, in an event on clay at Rabat, Morocco, celebrating by posing for photos while doing a handstand.

That skills is from her days in gymnastics, a sport her mother, Denise, used to do. Mom — who Stearns said good-naturedly offered some critiques of her form in the pictures — came to Paris with plans to watch just daughter’s first-round match, then fly

home to Ohio. But a win that day prompted a new flight booking. Now after the win against Kasatkina, Stearns said her mother is sticking around for the third round, too.

“I was like, ‘Look, just stay. Please,” Stearns said with a laugh.

“We’ve got to keep this going.”

Nothing too onerous about getting to stay in France while watching your kid win tennis matches, right?

Ah, but Stearns said she put Denise to work.

“She’s running me through my warmups and cool downs. And before my matches, we have a ritual where she’ll fill up my three water bottles and add electrolytes. Keeping her busy,” Stearns said.

“She jokes, ‘You’re not paying me.’ So I said, ‘Hey, I’m paying you in wine.’”

decisive first half, with the coaches struggling to find a group that could play in sync together. As the final seconds of the second quarter ticked away, Edwards drove to the lane and kicked the ball to the corner to Kyle Anderson, who swung it back to Towns on the wing and failed to find a look he liked. He passed back to Anderson, who tried to move closer and had the shot clock expire on him.

P.J. Washington, who had 12 points, flexed his arms in celebration of yet another stifling defensive sequence by the Mavs. The Mavs got 7-foot-1 rookie Dereck Lively II back from the sprained neck that kept him out of the previous game, restoring the complete rim protection duo with Daniel Gafford that helped them disrupt Rudy Gobert in the post and just about everyone else who tried to attack the basket.

Gafford had 11 points and nine rebounds, and Lively added nine points and eight rebounds.

FANS BANNED FROM HAVING ALCOHOL DURING MATCHES

By HOWARD FENDRICH AND TOM NOUVIAN Associated Press

PARIS (AP) — One player said a French Open spectator spat chewed gum toward him. Another, No. 1-ranked Iga Swiatek, chastised the crowd at the main stadium for making too much noise during points.

So the folks in charge of the Grand Slam event at Roland Garros decided enough was enough: Tournament director Amélie Mauresmo said yesterday that — Sacré bleu! — fans now are banned from having alcohol while attending matches. Which, not all that surprisingly, was not necessarily a huge hit with some of those paying for tickets.

“They should let us drink,” said Ana Malevukovic, a 37-year-old plastic surgeon from Serbia, standing near a bar selling a “garden spritz” outside Court Philippe Chatrier.

“It’s allowed everywhere else. Why shouldn’t it be allowed at a tennis match?” In another part of her effort to rein in the rowdiness at what is supposedly a genteel sport, Mauresmo — who won two Grand Slam titles as a player more than a decade ago — said security would be tightened around the site on Day 5 of the major tournament held annually in southwest Paris.

“Until now, alcohol was allowed in the stands. Not in every stand; not in the (VIP section of Chatrier), for example,” she said. “But now it’s over. Everywhere.”

DALLAS Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving gets off a shot against the Minnesota Timberwolves during the first half of Game 5 of the Western Conference finals in the NBA basketball playoffs last night in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Matt Krohn)

STADIUM workers cover the surface due to the rain during the French Open tennis tournament at the Roland Garros stadium in Paris yesterday.

(AP Photo/Thibault Camus)

THIRD EDITION OF THE RED-LINE YOUTH TRACK CLASSIC

Young athletes receive their medals after competing in the third edition of the Red-Line Youth Track Classic over the weekend. The event brought out multiple record-breaking performances at the original Thomas A Robinson Stadium.

FROM PAGE 11

But let’s not forget the micronutrients—vitamins and minerals essential for metabolic processes. Athletes must ensure they get enough iron for oxygen transport, calcium for bone health, and magnesium for muscle function.

The Discipline of Meal Planning Now, here’s where the rubber meets the road.

Gaining weight isn’t just about eating more; it’s about eating smart. One recently NCAA committed Bahamian athlete, a young talent, who despite her best efforts, finds it challenging to consume enough calories

to achieve her muscle mass goals. She’s eager, but the sheer volume of food can be daunting. Here’s plan:

1. FrequentMeals:Instea dofthreelargemeals,aimfo rfivetosixsmaller, nutrientdense meals throughout the day.

2. CaloricDensity:Cho osefoodsthatpackapunch insmallerportions. Think nuts, seeds, avocados, lean meats, and dairy.

3. BalancedNutrition:E nsureeachmealcontainsag oodmixofproteins, carbs, and fats. For example, a breakfast of Greek yogurt with granola and fruit, or a dinner of grilled chicken, sweet potatoes, and steamed veggies. Hit those daily targets!

4. SmoothiesandShakes :Liquidmealscanbeaneffic ientwayto increase caloric intake without feeling overly full. Blend protein powder with fruits, milk, and a handful of spinach for a nutritious boost. The Bahamian Diet and the Struggle of Weight Gain Ironically, while many Bahamians are trying to shed pounds, our rich, flavorful cuisine can make it seem like gaining weight should be easy. But for athletes, the challenge isn’t just about eating more— it’s about eating right. Our young athlete needs nutrient-dense foods that support her rigorous training schedule.

Scientific Principles in Play

From a scientific perspective, the body needs a surplus of about 250 to 500 calories per day to gain muscle mass. It’s a delicate balance—too much surplus, and the body stores fat; too little, and muscle growth stalls. Resistance training is key, stimulating muscle fibers and driving the need for repair and growth. This is where the principle of hypertrophy comes into play, emphasizing higher volume weight training to maximize muscle size.

Conclusion

So there you have it, the seemingly paradoxical yet essential guide for athletes aiming to gain weight the

right way. It’s a disciplined dance between caloric intake, nutrient balance, and strategic meal planning. Remember, athletes should eat like a race horse, not a bikini model. This approach ensures they build the strength and endurance needed to excel in their sport, without the unwanted baggage of excess fat. In the end, the journey to gain weight is as much about smart nutrition as it is about sheer willpower and discipline. Here’s to the athletes who rise to the challenge, one nutrientpacked meal at a time.

• Dr. Kent Bazard is a Bahamian sports medicine physician, sports performance coach, sports nutrition

and founder

and

Our mission

and

We understand the

demands of

ties, and we are dedicated to helping athletes prevent injuries, overcome

lenges, optimise

and

Photos by Tim Aylen

MEDAL PODIUM GLORY:

MEDAL PODIUM GLORY: Young athletes receive their medals after competing in the third edition of the Red-Line Youth Track Classic over the weekend. The event brought out multiple record-breaking performances at the original Thomas A Robinson Stadium.

Samuel P Haven Jr Championships all ready for today

FROM PAGE 11

pressure and dribbled past the CR Walker defenders then shot the ball from just inside the 18-yard box to put away the defending champions and hand them their first loss of the year.

Sara Ilgenfritz, who is also a part of the coaching staff, said they were expecting a tough matchup but they now have newfound confidence going into today’s championships against the Hurricanes.

“As soon as you get to this tournament every team is here to play and we know that every game is a must win. CR Walker played a phenomenal game and Dan is a magnificent coach and we have a lot of respect for this team so this was a big win for us.

“I think we knew that this was really gonna be a tough game and we have been talking all season about meeting them in this tournament. Going forward we know we can pull

it out even if it is in the last couple minutes of the game,” she said. The Dragons will now face the Hurricanes in the final round of competition.

Anatol Rodgers vs Lyford Cay The Anatol Rodgers Timberwolves are operating like a well-oiled machine and the tournament’s defending champions were the latest team to feel their wrath. The Timberwolves got the clean sheet with a 6-0 win over the Dragons.

McKenzie Chery was in a lane of his own against the Dragons. He helped the team 3-0 lead at halftime, scoring two of his four goals in the first half of the matchup.

Head coach Cleon Carnegie was proud of the team’s winning performance.

“It was a wonderful win. We expected it to be intense. Our plan was to get a quick goal but when they pushed hard to get the goal and it didn’t work, I was a little bit worried.

They seemed a little bit burnt out but they said they were okay. We kept pushing until the goal happened and when it happened it made things a bit easier,” he said.

Chery would keep the goals coming in the second half when he turned in two more at the 44th and 54th minute respectively. Djino Bazam and Chad Townsend also sent the ball past Lyford Cay’s goalkeeper in the semi finals matchup.

Coach Carnegie said the team finished their chances and it made a big difference.

“The important thing was we wanted to finish our chances and that happened today. We are thankful for that victory and are thankful for the fans and everybody that turned out. We appreciate them. We thank God for this victory and we hope to go on to win this championship tomorrow [today],” he said. The Timberwolves are up next against Windsor School.

Windsor vs Lucaya International School

Windsor is playing at the soccer nationals for their first time but they appear to be ready. The team defeated the Buccaneers 3-0 in a convincing victory.

Manuel Ruiz, who scored two goals in total, got to work early. He put Windsor on the scoreboard 1-0 at the 9th minute and they held on going into the halftime break.

It was a defensive game down the stretch but it was Ruiz scoring yet again at the 57th minute on the Buccaneers’ goalkeeper.

Zadok Smith sealed the deal with a goal at the 74th minute to take down the Buccaneers once and for all.

Head coach Ronaldo Green said the win felt “fantastic” and they were looking forward to their opponents since Monday’s draw. “It is fantastic and I feel fantastic. Going into the semifinals we felt happy and were content with our

opponent and we went out there and did the job to go to the finals,” he said.

Although they now face an uphill battle against the Timberwolves today, coach Green has strong confidence in his team.

“We are not the favourites going into the game but I am confident in my boys. I think we could pull through and do the job,” he said.

St Andrew’s vs BMES The Hurricanes have seen both of their matches at the High School Soccer Nationals end with a penalty shootout. The Warriors and Hurricanes were both unsuccessful on their attempts at scoring during the game and the decision came down to the penalty.

St Andrew’s would come up big with Monica Del Toro scoring the final penalty kick to win 3-2.

Head coach Marissa Mustard said Del Toro was reluctant to take the shot at first but she was happy the 12th grader displayed grit and determination in the

end. “She was saying to me she didn’t want to do it but the fact that she stepped up and did it showed grit and determination. She is in grade 12 so this was her final push for St Andrew’s so I am really glad she got that last one,” she said.

The team will certainly have their work cut out against the Lyford Cay Dragons. While the latter is firing on all cylinders, the Hurricanes have yet to score a goal at the High School Nationals.

Coach Mustard remained optimistic despite the odds stacked against the team.

“We know Lyford is tough, we have already played them twice but we are just gonna give it our all. We are just gonna do as much as we can. Hopefully, we get a goal. We lost 5-0 last time so if we can get a lower score than that and can get a win from that it will be amazing,” she said. Matchups begin with the bronze medal game today at 4pm.

Photos by Tim Aylen

Disney to beat local worker pledge by 30% at new port

FROM PAGE A24

Prime Minister Philip Davis said the destination will bring new visitors to The Bahamas when it welcomes its first vessel on June7andisanexampleof when “vision, passion and collaboration”unite.

He said: “The Bahamas has always been a shining starintheworldoftourism, known for our breathtaking beauty, rich culture and warmhospitality.Today,we shine a little brighter as we preparetobringnewopportunities, new business and new visitors to Eleuthera’s stunning shores. Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point is a perfect example of what happens when vision, passion and collaboration cometogether.”

Mr Davis said Disney has already created hundreds of jobs in the construction phase and will provide “high quality” roles for its nearly 200 employees. He added:

“This project is a testament to the power of partnership. Disney Cruise Line’s Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point will open with an all-Bahamian leadership team and will create nearly 200 high-quality roles for Bahamians.

“Positionsinawidearray of disciplines, exceeding the 150 jobs Disney Cruise Line committed to in the Heads of Agreement. In fact, the development has alreadycreatedhundredsof construction-related roles for Bahamians and has partnered with contractors

Disney’s destination ‘great model’ to other developers

FROM PAGE A22

this week that saw 153 lifeguards gaining their certification. The group included 19 Eleuthera residents, and Disney hired 16 of them to work at LighthousePoint.

Mr Cooper said the initiative will help to ensure the Department of Labour does not need to issue any workpermitsforlifeguards, and is a “win-win” propositionfordevelopers. He added: “The Tourism Development Corpor ation graduated 153 lifeguards. What’s even better than that was 19 of the ism Development Corporation will continue to play its partandwelookforwardto workingwithgreatpartners like Disney for these winwinpropositions.”

from Eleuthera and across TheBahamas.

“Lookout Cay is more than just a beautiful place; it’s a commitment to preserving our environment andcelebratingourculture. The local community of South Eleuthera has been at the heart of designing the tourist experience for thecay,”MrDavisadded.

“Disney has collaborated with local businesses to ensure this development will sell authentic, highquality Bahamian retail goods, souvenirs and arts andcrafts,andthatservices to support the operation, such as the shore excursions, are Bahamian-led andhighlighttheworksand historyofBahamians.”

Mr Mazioum said The Bahamas is a ‘“very,

very special place” for the cruise line. He added that it has been partnering with The Bahamas for the past 25 years with all of its cruise ships flagged in this nation and the destination being a regular stop since itlaunched.

“I’m very sincere when I say that The Bahamas has a very, very special place in our hearts for many, many reasons. First, honestly, we’ve been working closely together for more than 25 years. All of our ships are essentially flagged here in The Bahamas, we’ve been operating in Castaway Cay since we launched our cruise line, and a significant number of our itineraries visit Bahamas,” Mr Mazioumsaid.

“So the idea of creating even more opportunities forourgueststoexperience this beautiful, beautiful country, The Bahamas, in a very meaningful way was incrediblyexcitingtous.”

Mr Mazioum explained that Disney has been working with the Eleuthera community for the past seven years and is committed to preserving the “natural beauty” of the site and having a minimal impact on the surrounding environment. He added that the development only used 16 percent of the total site, builtanopenpiertoprotect the coral and marine life and installed a “massive” solar farm that will supply 90 percent of the cruise port’senergy.

ELEUTHERA ‘CHALLENGED’ THROUGH GROWTH OUTPACING INFRASTRUCTURE

FROM PAGE A21

Davis KC said Eleuthera experienced a growth rate of 6.3 percent in tourist arrivalsoverthepastyear. He added that new infrastructure projects for the Family Islands include major roadworks in Eleuthera through publicprivate partnership (PPP) financingandtheuseofthe FamilyIslandDevelopment Fund his administration

implemented to use revenuegeneratedintheFamily Islandstodevelopthem.

“New infrastructural projects for the coming fiscal year will include major roadworks in Exuma, Cat Island, Long Island, Eleuthera and Abaco implemented through public-private partnership financing, and through use of the Family Island Development Fund. This is a majorfundlaunchedbythis administration, which uses

revenues generated in the Family Islands to develop the Family Islands,” Mr Davissaid.

MrMazioumsaid:“Itwas more than seven years ago when our team first visited Eleuthera.Itwasn’tjustthe place that we were visiting; we came to genuinely connect with the community and we began by setting up conversations all over centralandsouthEleuthera.

“We actually developed less than 16 percent of the acreageofthesite.Weactually built an open pier so thatwewouldminimisethe impactsofcoralandmarine life. And one of my favouritethingsI’vegottotellyou is the awesome solar farm that we’ve built. It is massive,it’sbeautifulanditwill enable us to meet up to 90 percentoftheentireenergy needsthatwehavehere.”

Mr Davis said the Government is also “exploring options” to increase financing for government employees in the Family Islandstoobtainhousing.

He added: “We are exploring options for increased financing for housing for public servants in the Family Islands, includingleveragingprivate sector funding, to address the scarcity of accommodations driven by the increased investment in short-term vacation rentals inourFamilyIslands.”

“In the upcoming Budget,wearealsomaking significant investments in our energy infrastructure. This will include exploring a major solar energy projectonNewProvidenceand micro solar grids throughout the Family Islands, as well as investments to facilitate a transition to LNG (liquefied natural gas).Theseinvestmentswill result in significantly lower lightbillsandamorestable powersupply.”

Marinas urge ‘rogue crack down’ with fee increases

including how the fees will beassessed, Asserting that the marina industry has received “ample” warning and time to prepare, especially with the implementation pushed back to New Year’s Day 2025, the ABM chief told this newspaper: “The impact all depends on a variety of different things. It’s how these things are assessed. There’s a lot of other parameters with regards to dock fees. It’s going to be interesting to seehowit’sassessed.

“The ABM members and marinas will have to see how their facilities are going to be assessed and, with that information, they will be able to see how

their finances and budgeting for government fees will change. The fees were presented a long time ago. This gives us ample time; thisonegivesusampletime toprepare.Thatworksvery well. We can actually in our budget for that year factor thatin.

“It’s going to be very interesting how they assess the linear footage and how they calculate it. That’s going to be the most important part in how they assess those fees.” Mr Williams, though, said implementation of the new fees for private, commercial and industrial jetties, groins, moorings, causeways and pipelines raises various unanswered questions, including who will be responsible for calculating footageandfees.

“It also creates a question that’s always been an issue,” Mr Williams told Tribune Business. “What about those persons who have built their marinas and docks without proper approval, and how do you charge those persons? There’s a lot of other things we’dliketoknowabout.

“This has been a problem where persons built large marinas without getting approval, flying under the

radar. I’m sure everyone wants a fair playing field, so it’s something we want the Government to look at and crackdownon.”

The Bill tabled on Wednesday stipulates who is responsible for collecting the fees, not who will assess them. Private owners of jetties, groins, moorings and causeways will have their fees billed and included in their real property tax assessments, with the levy paid to the chief valuation officer.

For commercial and industrial facilities, the fee istobepaidtothePortcontroller on New Providence and island administrator in the relevant Family Island. Persons seeking to construct jetties, groins, moorings, causeways and pipelines will also be legally mandated to apply for, and obtain, the relevant seabed leasewhoseissuancewillbe governed by environmental lawsandregulations.

PeterMaury,apastABM president, said the imminent fee increases are just another expense that Bahamianmarinaoperatorshave to deal with at a time when they are being squeezed, or pinched, by a combination of reduced revenues arising from lower vessel

LEGAL NOTICE

GDE Trading – Crude Oil and Refined Products SA Registration No. 205999 B

INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS COMPANIES ACT

(No.45 of 2000) In Voluntary Liquidation

Notice is hereby given that in accordance with Section 138 (8) of the International Business Companies Act, No.45 of 2000, the dissolution of GDE Trading – Crude Oil and Refined Products SA has been completed, a Certificate of Dissolutionhas been issued and the Company has therefore been struck off the Register. The date of completion of the Dissolution was 8th April, 2024.

Crowe Bahamas Liquidator

occupancies and continued cost increases in areas such aselectricityandfuel.

Disclosing that “for the most part it looks like a 20 percent” fee increase, he added: “It definitely affects us. All our occupancies in the marinas have gone down, and now we have more expenses. The cost of electricity has gone up, the cost of fuel has gone up. Everythinghasgoneup.

“We sell dockage, which is space. There was no consultation, but there never is. It’s going to increase our expenses. As businesses that are required to maintain margins, it’s going to drivedownouroccupancies and make The Bahamas lessattractivethanitisnow.

“I just had a captain on a 160-foot yacht walk into my office and say he’s had the most unpleasant experience incomingtoTheBahamas.. just clearing Customs and Immigration. He had to apply for a charter licence. Theyaskedhimwhyhewas doing this. I don’t want to get anyone in trouble but that’s the truth,” Mr Maury continued.

“Every marina is lowering their dockage prices. The rack rates are going down. The Government takes 10 percent of what

wecharge.It’s10percentof less....Theonlywaytokeep boats here is to keep dropping our rates because of the high cost of electricity and everything else. They [the Government] don’t want to discuss anything with the stakeholders. They run on with how much they consultbutthat’snottrue.”

MrMaurysaidtheimpact is also being felt by Family Island marinas. While George Town marinas were benefiting from increased airlift, he added that this was not the situation in the cays. “I talked to a guy the other day,” he added. “The northern Exumas are just getting hammered. They don’t have the airlift that George Town does and rely onpeoplecomingbyboat.

“I don’t know. It’s tough. I kind of expected the Budget I got. It gets worse every time; higher fees and taxes. That’s what we can expect. We knew our industry was going to get hit again. Somehow they’re going to work something in. It’ll impact everything. It’s like a shop owner when the landlord comes in and says he’s raising your rent. Youcan’treallydoanything about it right now, and we getlessforit.”

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INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS COMPANIES ACT (No.45 of 2000) In Voluntary Liquidation

Notice is hereby given that in accordance with Section 138 (8) of the International Business Companies Act, No.45 of 2000, the dissolution of Insignia Partners Inc. has been completed, a Certificate of Dissolution has been issued and the Company has therefore been struck off the Register. The date of completion of the Dissolution was 7th May, 2024.

Crowe Bahamas Liquidator

NOTICE

NOTICE is hereby given that ROOSEVELTJEANSt.Vincent,Baillou Hill Road, Nassau, The Bahamas applying to the Minister responsible for Nationality and Citizenship, for Registration Naturalization as a citizen of The Bahamas, and that any person who knows any reason why registration/naturalizationshouldnot be granted, should send a written and signed statement of the facts within twenty-eight days from the 24th day of May, 2024 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship,P.O.BoxN-7147,Nassau,NewProvidence,The Bahamas.

NOTICE is hereby given that PETER PRESUME Faith Avenue, Nassau,TheBahamasapplyingtothe 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/ naturalizationshouldnotbegranted, should send

International Business Companies Act (No. 45 of 2000) EXCLUSIVE RESORTS AB-V, LTD. Registration Number: 134042 B

Pursuant to the provisions of Section 138 (8) of the International Business Companies Act, 2000 notice is hereby given that EXCLUSIVE RESORTSAB-V, LTD., has been dissolved and has been struck off the Register of Companies with effect from the 21st day of May, 2024.

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Gov’t overturns own fiscal forecast via $500m swing

forecast “overshoot” was within“acceptable”limits.

This did not satisfy Mr Thompson, who grounded his concerns over the changed Budget forecasts and outlook on the Public Finance Management Act section that stipulates the Government must publicly state its “reasons for any deviations from the general principles, fiscal responsibility principles and fiscal objectives in the previous FiscalStrategyReport”.

“The Government clearly stated in its Fiscal Strategy Report that the Budget 2024-2025 should have a $287m surplus. The Government, without justification, has brought forth a budget with a $69m deficit,” he argued. “The law is clear. The Government cannot arbitrarily deviate from its fiscaltargets.”

Mr Thompson told Tribune Business: “The law makes it clear that if you have put forward projections, and you stated those projections in your previous Fiscal Strategy Report, you are expected to continue with those projections but, ifyoucannot,youmuststate why you cannot continue with them. The law is clear onthat.

“In their previous Fiscal Strategy Report, they stated the [2024-2025] Budget should have a surplus of $287m. They have changed that and, for a change of such significance, it deserves anexplanation.There’sbeen nohurricanes,nopandemics,

been no major economic shocks.

“We need to understand why you projected to have a surplus in this Budget, and changed your projection to actually having a deficit in this Budget. The law requires you to have an explanation. The law requires you to come to the people and explain why you have changed,” the former minister of state for finance continued.

“It’s a consistent behaviour by this government in not abiding by the law and, more importantly, not providing the information the people deserve. They’re very consistent with that. The only thing I would say is to judge them on their behaviour.

“If they are unable, one to be consistent with their previous Fiscal Strategy Report, they were unable to be consistent with their Budget projections, why should we believe anything they say with respect to the latest projections. They have done it without explanation. The key point is Bahamians deserve an explanation. You cannot tell the Bahamian public you are going to change fiscal targets without explanation.”

Mr Halkitis, though, dismissed these concerns and argued that the Opposition were picking on minor issues in a bid to undermine The Bahamas’ economic and fiscal improvements. “The Opposition has to have something to say,” he replied.

“I’ll just say this. For the last two-and-a-half years

all we’ve heard from the Opposition, particularly their spokesman for finance and their leader, is doom and gloom. First we were going to go to the IMF, we were going to default on our bonds, we’re not meeting our targets, you’re going to destroy the economy if you raise the minimum wage or decrease VAT. They’ve been wrongineverycase.Webeat ourprojections.”

Turning to the likely deficit outcome for the current 2023-2024 fiscal year, Mr Halkitis added: “We were very, very aggressive in projecting a 0.9 percent [of GDP] deficit. We will come in about anywhere between 1-1.5 percent. We didn’t meet the 0.9 percent but the overshoot we think is acceptable.”

Tribune Business calculations suggest the percentage range given by the Government works out to a 2023-2024 fiscal deficit outturn of between $146m to $216m. This, as previously reported, does not align with historical trends that have typically seen the Government incur $200m-plus deficitsduringthefinalthree monthsofitsfiscalyear.

For the past two fiscal years, 2021-2022 and 20222023, the Government has sustained deficits totalling $353.5m and $293.7m, respectively, for the fourth quarterasaresultofgovernmentministries,departments and agencies racing to bring forth bills that the Ministry of Finance knew nothing about so that they can be paid and cleared before the fiscalyear-end.

Former Ministry of Finance insiders have told Tribune Business that successive administrations, both PLP and FNM, have found it impossible to break this trend. Should this be repeated over the coming weeks, it would likely drive the 2023-2024 fiscal deficit - which measures by how much government spending exceeds revenue - towards $400m rather than the range forecastbytheGovernment.

However, Mr Halkitis said the International Monetary Fund(IMF)hasalreadyconceded that the Government will this year beat its projection that The Bahamas was set to incur a 2023-2024 deficitequalto2.6percentof GDP - meaning that spending would have exceeded revenue income by around $379m.

“I met with them in April atthe[IMFandWorldBank] Spring meetings,” Mr Halkitis said. “They themselves conceded we will come in better than what they originally projected. I believe

those experts and economists before I put any stock in what comes out of the mouthsoftheOpposition.”

Asked how confident the Government is in its 1-1.5 percent of GDP deficit target, given that it is now facing traditionally heavy deficit months, Mr Halkitis said: “We’re very confident. We’re changing the status quo and the proof of the puddingwillbeintheeating.

When you see the outturn from this fiscal year in a few months, because we have a few days in May to complete and June, you’ll actuallyseetheperformance oftheGovernment.Wehear the predictions of doom and gloom and that we’re not going to do it. It’s going to be done. It will be done. We have done it in the past two years.Perhapswhenwehear Moody’s, S&P, the IMF and other observers from abroad sayit,we’llbelieveit.”

Mr Thompson, though, voiced scepticism that the Government will hit its 1-1.5 percent of GDP deficit

target. “The Government also continues to defy all logic, and is trying to sell the public in its own contrived fantasy, that it will come close to meeting the current Budget deficit target of $131m,”heargued.

“Their internal analysis must tell them by now that the Budget outturn will likely be more than $300m. As is typical, the final quarter of the fiscal year’s total deficit is normally around $300mforthe“spendheavy” final quarter when outstandingobligationsareclosedoff before the end of the fiscal year.

“The Government does a disservice to the Bahamian people,anddestroysitscredibility, when it refuses to come clean on the true state of the nation’s finances. The Bahamas has been fortunate overthelastthreeyears,and has not had any hurricanes orpandemics,sowhyhasthe Government not been able to meet the targets that they set?”

Gov’ts ‘cat and mouse game’ against wealthy tax evaders

“That is why the Prime Minister said we’ve taken some steps in this Budget to change that and the way we administer to try and plug that loophole. You can imagine that is a cat and mouse game almost when it comes to tax enforcement because peoplewillfindways.

“When you’re talking about people with means, they’ll engage advice and professional advisers to assist with this. It’s up to us to introduce and to close the loopholes. I think it’s trusts, and companies and structures in various jurisdictions andvariouslayerspeopleuse todisguisethis.”

Prime Minister Philip Davis KC on Wednesday said the Government plans to eliminate “inter vivos transfers” of property to “non-natural” persons as part of its bid to crack down on tax avoidance related to high-end real estate purchases.

“Another measure to address the issue of revenue underperformance for VAT on real estate will be the elimination of inter vivos transfers to non-natural persons.Allintervivostransfers after July 1 would have to be to a natural person,” he revealed.

Inter vivos is a Latin term for a gift or transfer of property that is made when the

grantor is still alive. This can be done for a variety of legitimate reasons, such as parent or grandparent wishing to leave their home or real estate to their children/ grandchildren as part of their estate planning before they die. However, the Government is suspicious such transfers, which attract no VAT, are being exploited for taxavoidance. Andrew O’Brien, the Glinton,Sweeting&O’Brien law firm partner, voiced concerns to Tribune Business that the Government’s move will “eliminate a very useful estate planning tool” and provide less flexibility for grantors to gift property to theirdependents.

“That’s very disappointing,” he explained, “because the whole purpose for inter vivos transfers is people setting up doing their estate planning, which often involves a company or trust. To take that away will eliminate a very useful tool in estateplanning.

“That will also lead to reduced revenues for The Bahamas because people have less incentive to form a company to handle property. It’s just for transfers. It will be all the more important to have your pre-planning done because, if life circumstances change you will not have flexibility to change the structure, which can still come about because there is no change in beneficial ownership. I don’t understand that.

“Why should it matter if there is no change in beneficialownership?”MrO’Brien asked. “Inter vivos allows transfers to children, grand children or spouses. That’s where90percentoftransfers go to... The company structure can be a better way to transfer property owned by multiplepeople.

“It’s just reducing the flexibility, and I don’t see the reason given for it. It’s just that people will not turn to that means of structuring.”

MrDavis,inhisBudgetcommunication, revealed that the Government had at endMarch 2024 received just $15.1m of its $190.3m fullyear target for VAT levied on real estate deals worth $1mandover.

He told the House of AssemblythatVATcollected on high-end property sales was nowhere to reflecting real estate market activity based on the number of economic permanent residency and international persons landholding permits being issuedbytheGovernment.

“The area of revenue under-performance which became apparent during theseninemonthsistheVAT on real estate transactions. For example, if we look at the budget forecast for VAT on realty transactions over $1m, it is $190.3m,” Mr Davissaid.

“At the end of March 2024, we have only collected $15.1m or 7.9 percent of this total. It has also been observed that the certificate of residency and internationalholdingpermits issuances are consistent with balance of payments data that shows strong inflows of fundsforpropertypurchases.

“Last year’s revenue intake of this item was $121.1m. These are the reasons why it is necessary for this government to take a deeper dive into the underperformance of this category of revenue.” This is set to be tackled by “implementing legal and administrative measures to improve compliance” through legislation and regulation accompanyingthe2024-2025Budget.

To close potential tax avoidance loopholes, Mr Davis said economic permanent residency applicants must now produced a stamped conveyance - proving they have paid the due 10percentVATontheirpurchase - to the Department of Immigration before they can obtaintheirpermit.

Further cracking down, economic permanent residency applicants seeking to qualify by purchasing real estate must also provide an appraisal report no more thanayearoldtopreventtax avoidance through the submission of a contrived, lower price than was actually paid.

A real property tax assessment number must also be provided to the Immigration Department.

“This administrative step will help streamline the process and ensure that the real property tax number is carried throughout all processes across all government agencies, which would allow for auditing to ensure that the correct tax amount is being paid,”MrDavissaid.

“We have discovered that information provided by the local real estate sector about the buoyancy of the highend real estate market is not reflected in the Government’sreceipts.

“We have witnessed a sizable drop in revenue this year for this category. This is the primary underperforming revenue item that we have identified, and we have included a number of administrative measures to address the underreporting of real estatetransactions.”

In a bid to further plug loopholes, the Government tabled changes to the International Persons Landholding Act that - if passed - will see permits expire if VAT or real property tax is notpaidwithin90daysofthe tax assessment or “requisite return”deadline.

However, the Budget book, which sets out all the Government’s revenue and spending figures for the present 2023-2024 fiscal year to-date and upcoming 20242025period,providesamuch different figure than that given by Mr Davis for VAT collected on $1m-plus real estate sales during the nine monthstoend-March2024. The Budget book gave $81.454m as the figure for how much had been generated from this revenue line item during that period - a sum more than five times’ greaterthanthatcitedbythe Prime Minister. No explanation has yet been provided forthediscrepancy.

ELEUTHERA ‘CHALLENGED’ THROUGH GROWTH OUTPACING INFRASTRUCTURE

By

INCREASINGLY frequent electricity, water and telecommunications outages are “challenging” Eleuthera’s businesses as the island’s growth is outstripping the capacity of its infrastructure and housingstock Thomas Sands, the Eleuthera Chamber of Commerce’s president, said yesterday that the island’s

population and business activity has outgrown the abilityofutilityprovidersto meet the demand and keep serviceson.

Speaking at the opening of Disney’s Lookout Cay at LighthousePoint,MrSands acknowledged that infrastructure problems exist throughout The Bahamas and the island would benefitfroma“forwardplan”to accommodate its continued growth.

Hesaid:“Infrastructureis challenged. It is challenged throughout the island of

Eleuthera and I guess the restofTheBahamas.Especially, again, the increased growth rate puts more strain on the system. So we needtofindsolutions.

“It is a challenge with growth. I think that we need the forward plan. I think the rate of growth for Eleuthera has been greater than expected. So I invite us to look and create solutions that are greater than what we planned for in the past. It is challenging to operate a business with water off, electricity off,

sometimes telecommunications is down, so it is a real reality.”

Mr Sands said “challenges create opportunity”, and called for more developments on Family Islands andforpersonstobeincentivised to offer solutions to pressing problems created byEleuthera’sgrowth.

He said: “Eleuthera has many challenges as growth takes place, and this happens around the world everywhere you get growth and development. And so therearealotofthingsthat

we need to do and plan for asgrowthtakesplace.

“Housing is a challenge. We must find a solution for that. We must incentivise some solutions to resolvetheseissues.Butwe need growth and development to take place in the Family Islands - Abaco, Eleuthera, Exuma. We need to grow the country outside of Nassau and GrandBahama.Soitiswelcome, and our challenges create opportunity.”North Eleuthera was hit with a 34-hour power outage

earlier this month due to generation failures at Bahamas Power and Light’s (BPL) Hatchet Bay Power Station. Residents complained about the “profound inconvenience and the multitude of challenges”, including water supply disruption and loss of telecommunications services caused by the long poweroutage. During his Budget communication this week, PrimeMinisterPhilipDavis

IDB warns Bahamas over due $900m external loans

FROM PAGE A24

little choice but to invest in itsBahamiandollardebt,its financing costs will remain high in the short-term given the multi-billion dollar sums that have to be refinanced and rolled over on anannualbasis.

“In an environment of high interest rates, rolling over debt and covering fiscal deficits is going to keep financing costs high for small island developing states like The Bahamas,” its report added. “As fiscal consolidation continued in 2023, The Bahamas’ consolidated public sector debt (net of intra-public sector holdings) reached 86.8 percent of GDP at year’s end, down from 91.5 percent at theendof2022.

“However, the debtto-GDP ratio is still significantly above the 66.1 percent in fiscal year 2018-2019, the year before Hurricane Dorian and the pandemic. In line with the medium-term debt management strategy, the currency composition of public debt continued shifting toward domestic currency instruments last year, as foreign currency debt accounted for46.7percentofthetotal, down from 46.9 percent in 2022.

“Most of it is held by the private capital market and international financial institutions. In a context of high liquidity in the domestic financial system, local currency debt accounted for the remaining 53.3 percent of total public debt and is well received by the domesticfinancialsystem.”

And, with impeccable timing given that the Government unveiled its 2024-2025 Budget just 48 hours ago, the IDB joined those voicing scepticism that it will meet even its revised deficit and other estimates for the current 2023-2024 year that closes atend-June.

“Fiscal consolidation seems to be losing track during fiscal year 20232024,” the Caribbean Quarterly Bulletin asserted. “TheBudgetthatcameinto effect on July 1, 2023, contemplated an overall fiscal deficit of $131m, equivalent to 0.9 percent of GDP. The primary fiscal surplus was expected to increase from $39m to $486m (3.3 percent ofGDP).

“However, preliminary estimates for the 12-month rolling-sum ending in March 2024 show that the overall deficit reached $542m. While the figure is just about the same as last fiscal year’s deficit, it

is significantly below the $131mdeficitforecastinthe Budget, and even below the pre-pandemic average deficitof$389m.

“Although there are still three months left to close the fiscal year and tourist arrivals are still growing in double-digit numbers, it seems unlikely that the Governmentcanreducethe overall deficit by $400m in justaquarter.”

It is unclear what the IDB is basing its numbers and forecast on, and the Government would likely vehemently dispute its conclusions. The Prime Minister, in Wednesday’s Budget communication, said the $214.1m deficit generated for the first nine months of the 2023-2024 fiscal year represents a 14.3 percent or $35.7m drop fromtheprioryearcomparativeof$249.8m.

And he asserted that string revenue growth will bring the Government’s full-yeardeficitinwithinthe forecast range, although no mention was made of the typical $200m-$300m worth of ‘red ink’ that is typically incurred during May and June as multiple government entities race to have billstheMinistryofFinance knew nothing about paid beforeyear-end.

“I would like to highlight that, historically, March has typically been the highest revenue-generating month in a given fiscal year,” Mr Davissaid.

“Consistent with that pattern, March 2024 was indeed a strong month, but it is the month following to which I draw your attention. The preliminary total revenue for April 2024 is

estimated to be $385.8m, reflecting a significant increase of $108.6m, or 39.2 percent, compared to April inthepreviousyear.

“The strong revenue performance in April shows that fourth quarter revenue performance will be very strong, which provides the basis of our favourable outlook for meeting our revenue targets to the end ofthefiscalyear.”

However, the IDB’s Caribbean Quarterly Bulletin alsoaddeditsvoicetothose warning that the Government will struggle to hit its 25 percent revenue-to-GDP ratio target by 2025-2026 without implementing new and/orincreasedtaxes.

“In a context in which the improvement in tax revenue administration by itself will not be sufficient to reach the goals set in the Fiscal Strategy Report 2022 without imposing other revenue measures, such as the introduction of the corporate income tax as early as in upcoming fiscal year 2024-2025, the IMF expects the overall deficit to reach 2.6percentofGDPin20232024 and 2.1 percent in 2024-2025,”theIDBsaid.

Mr Halkitis yesterday said IMF officials, when he met them last month for the Fund and World Bank’s Spring meetings, had conceded that The Bahamas would beat its 2.6 percent deficit forecast for the currentfiscalyear,representing around$379m.

However, the IDB report asserted: “Although fiscal consolidation continues, early figures for the first nine months of the current fiscalyearsuggestthatitwill be difficult to fully meet the

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targetofa1percentofGDP deficit set in the Budget unless there are significant increases in revenues or important new expenditure measures. Financing needs remain elevated, and although lower, the debt-toGDPratioisstillhigh.

“In such a fiscal context, the Government recognises that improving tax revenue administration alone will notbesufficienttoreachthe goals set in the Fiscal Strategy Report 2022, and that it will be necessary to introduce new taxes, such as the upcomingcorporateincome taxforforeigncompanies.

“Credit to the private sector has gained some dynamism, without an impact on international reserves. Medium-to-longterm growth prospects are favourable as Bahamian society shifts its energy matrix toward renewables, increases digitisation in the public and private sectors, and seeks to unleash the potential of its Blue Economy.”

The proposed corporate income tax for Bahamasdomiciled entities that are partofmultinationalgroups generating over 750m euros per annum in annual turnover is forecast to generate

$140m in revenue when implementedforafullyear. However, the Davis administration has repeatedly contradicted the IDB’s stance by stating that it has no plans for new and/or increasedtaxesand,indeed, the 2024-2025 Budget contains no such proposals. It is unclear how the IDB has formed the conclusion that the Government “recognises” that tax compliance and enforcement measures will be insufficient by themselves to meet its fiscal goals.

BUILDING YOUR BRAND FOR GROWING SUCCESS

Brand power is the magneticforcethat attracts consumers to an enterprise, frequently making a difference when itcomestopurchasingdecisions. It is the aura around a brand that resonates with familiarity, reliability and quality.

Your brand is arguably one of your company’s most important assets. It gives it an identity, makes your business memorable, encourages consumers to buy from you, supports your marketing and advertising, and brings your employeespride.

The impact of branding begins with making your business more memorable and recognisable. Customers are more likely to trust the brands that they know and recognise. Creating a well-designed brand is

FERGUSON

essential for you to stand outinthecustomer’smind

It can help you build trust with customers, increase your market share and drive sales. A strong brand can also improve your company’s overall

value, attract top talent and create a sense of unity among your employees. As you continue to develop your brand, here are seven pointstoconsider:

1. Research your target market

The first step to building a successful brand is understanding the current market. Who are your potential customers and competitors? Every solid brand strategy and business plan is based on this very question.

2.Determineyourbrand’s voiceandpersonality

Branding is not about trying to be everything to everyone.Astrongpointof view will speak to the audience you care about most. It will tell this group that yoursisabrandforthem.

3. Choose your business name

Your company’s name is probablyoneofthefirstbig commitmentsyouwillmake asabusinessowner.Ideally, youwantabrandnamethat isnotbeingusedbyanother company(especiallyinyour industry), has available socialmediahandles,andis afitbasedonyourbrandor products. It should be easy to remember and hard to imitate.

4.Writeyourbrandstory

Your brand story is the autobiographyofyourbusiness and, sometimes, your own story as a founder. It is a useful tool for branding because it humanises your business to create meaningful connections with customers.

5. Create a brand style guide

Your style guide will include all the visual decisions you make for your brand. This guide will come in handy when you build your website, design your social media profile pages and create product packaging.

6. Design your logo and brandassets

Your logo should be unique, identifiable and scalable, so it works at all sizes. It should also encompass all the work you have done on your brand so far. Does it invoke the feeling you hope to inspire in your customers? Does it tell a story that aligns with your brand values? Does it work inyourbrandcolours?

7. Apply your branding acrossyourbusiness

Applying your branding across your business gives

DISNEY’S DESTINATION ‘GREAT MODEL’ TO OTHER DEVELOPERS

By FAY SIMMONS

THE Deputy Prime Ministeryesterdayassertedthat Disney’s south Eleuthera cruise port destination will serve as a “great model” and example to future developers.

it a cohesive brand story. No matter where customers encounter your brand, the experience should feel familiar and recognisable. Whether it is your website, social accounts or marketing plan, refer back to your brand guidelines, mission statement and values to ensureeverydecisionkeeps target customers top of mind.

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

to the unfolding of those initiatives.”

He said: “I think this is a great model, and we will see it unfold and this will be an example to other developers to ensure that they infuse within their product the music, the art, the culture, our heritage,

Chester Cooper, speaking at Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point’s opening, said the cruise line is a “good partner” and has “taken in the spirit” of its Heads of Agreement by incorporating Bahamian cultureintotheproject.

Junkanoo and, of course, Bahamian food and drinks. Whenothersseethismodel develop so progressively, they will hopefully follow suit.

“One of the things I will tell you is that in all of the Heads of Agreements that we sign, it mandates the developer to engage Bahamian entertainment, artisans and to ensure that there is a Bahamian element within their overall offering. Disney is a good partner. They have taken it in the spirit of the agreement, and we look forward to working continuously withthem.”

Mr Cooper said the 2024/2025 fiscal year will see the Government focus on incentivising Bahamian creative artists. Disney selected local designer, Theodore Sealy, head

designer and owner of Theodore Elyett, to design the Bahamian-inspired vacation outfits for Mickey and Minnie Mouse while six other classic Disney characters will “showcase” the talent of local artists to the world.

He added: “We were delighted to see Minnie and Mickey, on vacation, in an outfit designed by Theodore Sealy, a magnificent, talented Bahamian who has demonstrated the capabilities of our young creative artists, and it’s now on showcase for the world tosee.

“We are hopeful that we can present even more and more opportunities for the creatives. We’re going to see some elements in the Budget that encourage creative artists, and I’m looking forward

Mr Cooper said Lookout Cay’s completion is of “great significance” to the wider Bahamian tourism product and will create more jobs, business ventures and increased visitor arrivals,givingtheeconomy and Eleuthera a “major” boost.

He added: “The completion of this project is of great significance to the Bahamas tourism product. Itimprovesourprominence in the global market. With this newest development comes the creation of even more jobs, more opportunities, more business ventures, an increase in cruising and overall visitor arrivals, and a major economic boost for the Bahamas.”

The deputy prime minister said the Tourism Development Corporation heldagraduationceremony