The Tribune
No solutioN to Valley Boys R iF t
Breakaway group
told by chairman ‘find another name’
By LYNAIRE MUNNINGS Tribune Staff Reporter lmunnings@tribunemedia.net
THE leader of the original Valley Boys group yesterday accused the breakaway group of trying to sabotage it through public attacks and urged that group to “find another name”. Brian Adderley, chairman of the original group, broke his silence yesterday on the split that has raised questions about the future of the iconic Junkanoo participant. The extent of the division was apparent during last month’s Labour Day parade when two groups participated under the
Not all Dow N tow N VeNDors happy since port’s opening
By JADE RUSSELL
Tribune Staff Reporter
jrussell@tribunemedia.net
DOWNTOWN vendors are divided about the profitability of business since the Nassau Cruise Port opened in 2023, with cruise port vendors saying business has been good, while straw market vendors say tourists aren’t buying their goods. The $300m cruise port officially opened on May 26, 2023 and has several Bahamian restaurants, hair braiders, and vendor booths catering to cruise passengers. When The Tribune visited the port yesterday, several cruise passengers bought
Passengers, including thirty students, arrive at Lynden Pindling International Airport last evening after being evacuated from Jamaica to New Providence in anticipation of Hurricane Beryl which is expected to make landfall on the island nation today. Minister of Foreign Affairs Fred Mitchell, Minister of Education and Technical and Vocational Training Glenys HannaMartin and Minister of Labour and Public Service Pia Glover-Rolle were at LPIA to greet them.
BY LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Chief Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net
MORE than 30 Bahamians were airlifted home from Jamaica last night in a Bahamasair jet sent to
evacuate residents threatened by Hurricane Beryl. The 35-member group, which included 33 Bahamians and two Caribbean nationals - an Anguillan and Turks and Caicos Islander - arrived in New
Providence late on Tuesday night and was greeted by relatives and friends when they landed at the Lynden Pindling International Airport (LPIA) after 9pm.
yoga retreat criticised by friend of c asey
By EARYEL BOWLEG Tribune Staff Reporter ebowleg@tribunemedia.net
A CLOSE friend of missing American Taylor Casey said it appeared the leaders of the yoga retreat Ms Casey visited were struggling to keep a “linear and cohesive narrative” regarding her disappearance.
NBC Chicago reported yesterday that Colette Seymore, Ms Casey’s mother, alleged in a statement to
the station that she had to “beg” to talk to people at Sivananda Ashram Yoga Retreat Bahamas, who then appeared to share rehearsed information.
The statement claimed the yoga retreat’s lead manager recalled that two days before the 41-yearold’s disappearance, an “unidentified man with a walk-talkie” was seen walking near the area where Ms
Photo: Dante Carrer/Tribune Staff
BTVI graduation ceremony
Graduates of the Bahamas Technical and Vocational Insitute
(BTVI) are all smiles in their caps and gowns during their graduation ceremony at the Bahamas Faith Ministries International yesterday.
Photos: Nikia Charlton
No solution to Valley Boys rift
Valley Boys name, both showcasing robust support.
Trevor Davis, the leader of the breakaway group, has said the division centres around concerns about how the organisation had been running over the years, including the lack of an election.
But Mr Adderley accused the breakaway group yesterday of being “very critical” of his membership team and engaging in character assassination, which has made it challenging to discuss unifying.
“There’s been a tradition in Junkanoo that when a group breaks away from a Junkanoo group, they start a new Junkanoo group and so we invite those that have broken away, to do just that, to go and start a
new Junkanoo group, find another name for it, and whenever they are registered to participate in Boxing Day and New Year’s parades, we’d be happy to compete against them,” he said.
He insisted his group fully complies with all requirements of the Junkanoo Corporation of New Providence. He also apologised to supporters and sponsors, insisting the group is preparing as necessary for the Boxing Day and New Year’s Day parade.
named World Famous Valley Boys.
Mr Adderley said his group had sought legal advice.
“There’s been a lot of talk about NPOs and this sort of stuff, right, but we are a Junkanoo organisation,” he said yesterday.
“We are here to participate in Junkanoo. Our members are here to participate in Junkanoo.
“They enjoy what they do, and as of today, when we finish with you today, we’re going to be focusing on Junkanoo, making improvements to our product, making preparations for the upcoming parades and all that entails.
and if it continues, it’s not just a distraction, it’s sabotage.”
He said his group has 350 members prepared to participate in upcoming parades.
“Over the course of the Junkanoo season, there are always persons that leave, and there are always persons that want to join our organisation,” he said.
“Without fear of contradiction, without sounding arrogant or offending some of my fellow Junkanoo leaders and other Junkanoo groups, everybody wants to be a part of the Valley Boys, so if one person leaves, five more want to come and join. So, we have no difficulty in finding persons to support us. We have no difficulty in putting a competitive group on Bay Street.” from page one
Mr Davis registered his group as a non-profit organisation under the Valley Boys name after discovering that the original group was not registered as an NPO. He told The Tribune that after he did this, Mr Adderly’s group registered itself as an NPO
“That’s where our focus should be and that’s where the focus of my colleagues will be going forward. Everything else is a distraction,
Yoga retreat criticised by friend of Casey
Casey’s tent was located.
A retreat participant also said that on the day when the Chicago native went missing, she had been approached by the same man while sitting alone.
“The unidentified man was wearing a Celtics baseball cap and dressed in all black,” the statement said.
“He claimed he was from Chicago and was interested in taking a yoga class. He proceeded to follow her onto the property.”
The yoga retreat posted on Facebook that the 41-yearold’s disappearance was discovered on June 20 when she did not attend morning classes. She was last seen at the retreat late on the evening of June 19.
The organisation requested the police investigate and informed the US
Embassy and Ms Casey’s family of the disappearance.
Chief Superintendent of Police Chrislyn Skippings previously said police had questioned several people about the disappearance of Ms Casey and expected to interview others when they visit the retreat site.
Meanwhile, Ms Casey’s friend, Emily Williams, criticized the yoga retreat and Bahamian authorities. She said family and friends are not satisfied with how the investigation had been handled thus far.
“What we learned and observed during our time meeting with the authorities and Ashram leaders is disturbing and infuriating,” she said.
Ms Seymore further alleged that Ms Casey’s room and personal items, which included a bible, a teacher training coursebook,
yoga practice materials, and clothing, appeared to be “largely unprocessed by local authorities.”
Local police, meanwhile, said yesterday that the woman’s journal was discovered, her cell phone was retrieved, and other personal items were recovered. Her passport has not been located.
“This is a matter of priority for the Royal Bahamas Police Force, and we will continue to work arduously, doing all we can to locate Taylor and ensure her safe return to her family,” police said.
“Additionally, the police will diligently seek to determine what happened to Taylor, and in the process, all relevant stakeholders will be updated in a timely manner.”
National Security Minister Wayne Munroe said last week that the FBI had advised local
GBPA to revoke occupancy for Lucayan Towers south
By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter
dmaycock@tribunemedia.net
THE Grand Bahama Port Authority said it would revoke the occupancy certificate of Lucayan Towers South because of longstanding unresolved code violations and safety hazards at the condominium complex. With the safety of occupants a priority, the authority said there has been “no significant progress” in the scope of work to repair the structure since July 2023.
The Building Development Services Department at the GBPA issued an official update yesterday and owners attended a meeting at 6pm at the complex to discuss the situation.
Delvin McDonald, whose mother owns a unit on the sixth floor, said the news is sad.
“I am here on her behalf and it’s sad because we have money invested here,” he told reporters.
He said the condo is an investment for his family, who travels back and forth to Grand Bahama, and they would not be happy to lose their investment.
Although the building needs repairs, Mr McDonald believes it is still safe to occupy.
“The building is a little rundown, but inside is liveable. I don’t go on the balcony,” he said.
Mr McDonald said the elevators are working in the building, which looks rundown from the outside, also has power and running water.
It is unclear how many people live at the complex.
Malik Wood said he would
not feel good about leaving because he has lived in the building since age six.
He said the building had been deteriorating for a long time.
“You could see it was coming because over time, everything just started to decline,” he said.
On July 14, 2023, the Building Development Services Department issued a final notice to the Condominium Board at Lucayan Towers South over its failure to address longstanding code violations and serious safety hazards.
The boars was given 30 days to present a tangible plan of action to remediate several building code violations, or the GBPA would revoke the Certificate of Occupancy.
The board submitted a proposed plan for structural and related work to the building within the 30-day timeframe. However, the GBPA said the proposed plan was reviewed, and items of concern were highlighted and communicated to the board for their immediate attention. In Sept 2023, the board submitted a revised plan, committing to provide a
detailed scope of work and a timeline for commencing the necessary work once approved.
“In the spirit of cooperation and the deep concern for the residents affected, the Building Development Services Department provided an extension for the remaining submission. However, to date, the scope of work remains outstanding, and there has been no significant progress,” the authority said.
“As a result, the Building Development Services Department is now forced to escalate its original plan, which includes revocation of the Certificate of Occupancy for the building to safeguard its residents.”
The GBPA said the safety of the occupants of Lucayan Towers South remains a top priority and it is committed to taking the necessary and required action to ensure that the residents have access to a safe and hazard-free place to live.
The GBPA said it has shared its concerns and challenges with central government, seeking help for residents who may need social services intervention.
authorities concerning the investigation, but Ms Seymore claimed she was told otherwise.
“What this means is the police made a claim to the public that is not true,” she said in her statement. “This makes me question everything they said.”
She also said police declined to turn the phone over to the family.
“I believe that phone may have information we need on there,” she said.
Valley Boys chairman Brian Adderley speaks during a press conference at the Valley Boys shack on JFK to announce their participation in the 2024-2025 Junkanoo season yesterday.
Photo: Dante Carrer/Tribune Staff
Taylor Casey
PhoTo showing the deterioration of Lucayan Towers South. Photo: Vandyke hepburn
Not all Downtown vendors happy since port’s opening
items from booths selling straw bags, conch jewellery, and other items.
Elizabeth Brown, manager of Exclusive Bahamian Craft, said her stall has seen higher profit compared to when it was at the old Festival Place. She said Thursdays are a particularly profitable day.
“Some stores may carry $3,000 or $5,000 in the day but were not on that level yet,” Ms Brown said, adding that some days are slow even when ships are in port.
Sharon Ferguson, manager of MVR collections, also said business has generally been good even though the current period is slower than usual. She said she looks forward to interacting with guests and has made money every day she has worked.
“I feel pretty good about being here in the port,” she said. “It’s a lovely location and the guests seem to appreciate us even more than when we were outside the gates.”
A few hair braiders said many guests were excited to pay for colourful beads and hair designs. Vendors were reluctant to discuss challenges, saying they had experienced a backlash for doing so.
A few vendors said some cruise passengers hesitated to shop due to travel advisories about The Bahamas. Another challenge, they said, is that booths and hair braiders cannot operate when it rains because there aren’t shelters for guests.
Meanwhile, vendors at the Straw Market say the cruise port has caused fewer cruise passengers to visit them. They said some tourists do not even know the Straw Market exists. They complained that there was little to no advertisement for the Straw Market.
“From since the cruise port built, tourists tend to stay on that side, mostly they don’t drift this way,” said straw vendor Jamar Roberts, who has seen a drop in sales. “Only those
who are curious and want to explore you will see them come this way.”
Ms Roberts said she made a few sales yesterday but expected to make more since two large ships were in port. She lamented that she recently made only $50 after working an entire day. She and several other straw vendors complained about a long fence at the cruise port opposite the straw market. The fence extends down from one of the port’s entries. Vendors said this makes it harder for guests to access the market easily. Margaret Turner, a straw vendor, has worked at the market for 45 years. She said removing the fence would make it easier for cruise passengers to flow into the market instead of going straight to the ship. She said her sales have been liveable but could be better.
Rebecca Small, president of the Straw Business Persons Society, said vendors had contacted officials about the fence. She said she was told it would be removed but was not given a timeline.
“I feel like everybody needs to work in collaboration,” she said.
“The Ministry of Tourism needs to work along with the Straw Market Authority and the Ministry of Works. We’re under the Ministry of Works. I feel that if there is a collaboration between all of the ministries in trying to advertise us I think it possibly can be better.”
Ms Small added that sales had been bad for her despite the country’s record-breaking cruise passenger arrivals. She said some tourists are still concerned about the country’s crime rate.
Consumer ProteC tion warns buyers over fraudulent Ja Panese C ar sales s C ams
By EARYEL BOWLEG Tribune Staff Reporter
ebowleg@tribunemedia.net
THE Consumer Protection Commission has seen a disturbing surge in fraudulent activities involving the importation of Japanese vehicles.
In the scheme, cars are sold to multiple buyers, creating disputes that ultimately result in substantial financial losses, the commission said in a press statement yesterday.
It is not clear whether law enforcement has intervened to investigate the matter.
“Most recently, Bahamian consumers have been
targeted by scammers purporting to be legitimate representatives of Japanese vehicle importers,” the commission said. “These fraudsters hope to capitalise on the unawareness of the Bahamian public, ultimately leading to significant financial losses and unavoidable ownership disputes.”
In the scheme, consumers buy vehicles from a local dealer who promises to import the car with an agreed 50 percent deposit and with the understanding that the other half of the balance would be paid when the car reaches this country. Once the 50 percent
deposit is paid, the vehicle is then shipped, and the buyer receives the shipping confirmation along with a copy of the respective landing bill. The commission said: “During transit, the vehicle(s) is/are then sold again to another buyer or multiple buyers in The Bahamas. After the vehicle(s) land(s) in The Bahamas, all parties having a legitimate interest in the same vehicle(s) present themselves to the respective shipping companies claiming ownership, consequently creating disputes and ultimately resulting in substantial financial losses.”
Rebecca Small, president of the Straw Business Persons Society, works on a handmade straw piece for her stall in the straw market yesterday.
Photos: chappell Whyms Jr
ShaRon FeRguSon, manager of MVR collections
Safe from the storm
Foreign Affairs Minister Fred Mitchell, Labour Minister Pia Glover-Rolle and Education Minister Glenys HannaMartin were among those present to welcome the group upon their arrival. They greeted them with smiles, handshakes and hugs.
“It’s important for all of us to be here - not only the members of Cabinet but of course our chairman from Bahamasair. We’ve been working hard all day to ensure that we responded to the call of the students that wanted to come home,” Mrs Glover-Rolle told reporters last night.
“Of course, as a parent, I understand how the parents on this side also felt but it was important that we responded to the call. Of course, the students would’ve spoken for themselves. They’re grateful to be here and in their estimation out of harm’s way.”
Tuesday’s evacuation came after concerned students expressed their anxiety to The Tribune about remaining in Jamaica during the storm’s passage.
Beryl, a powerful Category 4 storm up to press time yesterday, is forecast to pass near Jamaica early today after making landfall in the Westward Islands on Monday, causing widespread destruction and killing at least six people.
Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis yesterday pledged the country’s commitment to providing emergency aid to affected countries when the “all clear is given”.
He said he had spoken with the prime ministers of Barbados, Jamaica and St Vincent and Grenadines and was awaiting further updates.
He said Jamaica’s Prime Minister Andrew Holness was worried about the storm’s strength.
Forecasters said Beryl is expected to bring life-threatening winds and storm surges to Jamaica.
On Tuesday, Bahamian students said they had received a notice from the University of West Indies Mona Campus urging all but non-Jamaican residents to evacuate their halls by Tuesday.
They said some countries, like the Turks and Caicos Islands, have already sent for their residents.
When asked if the government was planning to evacuate students, Prime Minister Davis told reporters early yesterday morning that the government was closely monitoring the situation.
Hours later, the honorary consul in Jamaica, Alvita Knight, advised students to be at the airport in Kingston, Jamaica, at 2pm after Cabinet heeded the airlift request.
She also urged Bahamians who remained in Jamaica during the storm to stay in contact with her.
Volunteers, parents, teachers and advocates recognised at Disabilities Icon Awards
By KEILE CAMPBELL Tribune Staff Reporter kcampbell@tribunemedia.net
VOLUNTEERS, parents, teachers, and advocates were recognised and honoured for their sacrifice and dedication at the Disabilities Icon Awards.
The prime minister’s wife, Ann Marie Davis, was a special honoree and received appreciation for supporting the community.
Townsley Roberts received the Lifetime Achievement Award for his contributions to the sector.
Sheila Culmer received the Lifetime Service and Dedication Award, and Hanna McPhee received the Long-Term Service and Dedication in the Workplace Award.
Social Services Minister
Myles Laroda recognised the awards as a “wellspring of gratitude” and expression of appreciation, a reminder that “heroism is not always flashy.” He added: “Sometimes, it is found in quiet acts of kindness, selflessness, resilience, and supporting others”.
“Our volunteers and advocates invest countless hours, often outside their regular responsibilities, to support disabled individuals. They attend meetings, organise events, and provide one-on-one assistance. Their commitment is fueled by passion and empathy,” Mr Laroda said.
Mr Roberts, an amputee and the recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award said the
of nominations.
Passengers including thirty students are greeted by Minister of Foreign Affairs Fred Mitchell, Minister of Education and Technical and Vocational Training Glenys Hanna-Martin and Minister of Labour and Public Service Pia Glover-Rolle at Lynden Pindling International Airport last evening after being evacuated from Jamaica to New Providence in anticipation of Hurricane Beryl expected to make landfall on the island nation today. Photos: Dante Carrer/Tribune Staff
The Tribune Limited
NULLIUS ADDICTUS JURARE IN VERBA MAGISTRI “Being Bound to Swear to The Dogmas of No Master”
LEON E. H. DUPUCH
Publisher/Editor 1903-1914
SIR ETIENNE DUPUCH, Kt., O.B.E., K.M., K.C.S.G., (Hon.) LL.D., D.Litt .
Publisher/Editor 1919-1972
Contributing Editor 1972-1991
RT HON EILEEN DUPUCH CARRON, C.M.G., M.S., B.A., LL.B.
Publisher/Editor 1972-
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Why more tropical storms are exploding in strength
HURRICANE Beryl was the latest Atlantic storm to rapidly intensify, growing quickly from a tropical storm into the strongest June hurricane on record in the Atlantic. It hit the Grenadine Islands with 150 mph winds and a destructive storm surge on July 1, 2024, then continued to intensify into the basin’s earliest Category 5 storm on record.
The damage Beryl caused, particularly on Carriacou and Petite Martinique, was extensive, Grenada Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell told a news briefing. “In half an hour, Carriacou was flattened.”
Beryl’s strength and rapid intensification were unusual for a storm so early in the season. This year, that is especially alarming as forecasters expect an exceptionally active Atlantic hurricane season.
Rapidly intensifying storms can put coastal communities in great danger and leave lasting scars. In 2022, for example, Hurricane Ian devastated portions of Florida after it rapidly intensified. To this day, residents are still recovering from the effects. As Beryl continued across the Caribbean Sea on July 2, Jamaica and the Cayman Islands were under hurricane warnings. What causes hurricanes to rapidly intensify, and has climate change made rapid intensification more likely?
I research hurricanes, including how they form and what causes them to intensify, and am part of an initiative sponsored by the U.S. Office of Naval Research to better understand rapid intensification. I also work with scientists at the National Atmospheric and Oceanic Administration to analyze data collected by reconnaissance aircraft that fly into hurricanes. Here’s what we’re learning.
How did Hurricane Beryl intensify so quickly?
Rapid intensification occurs when a hurricane’s intensity increases by at least 35 mph over a 24-hour period. Beryl far exceeded that threshold, jumping from tropical storm strength, at 70 mph, to major hurricane strength, at 130 mph, in 24 hours.
A key ingredient for rapid intensification is warm water. The ocean temperature must be greater than 80 degrees Fahrenheit (27 Celsius) extending more than 150 feet below the surface. This reservoir of warm water provides the energy necessary to turbocharge a hurricane.
Scientists measure this reservoir of energy as ocean heat content. The ocean heat content leading up to Beryl was already extraordinarily high compared with past years. Normally, ocean heat content in the tropical Atlantic doesn’t reach such high levels until early September, which is when hurricane season typically peaks in activity.
Beryl is a storm more typical of the heart of hurricane season than of June, and its rapid intensification and strength have likely been driven by these unusually warm waters.
In addition to the high ocean heat content, research has shown other environmental factors need to typically align for rapid intensification to occur. These include:
Low vertical wind shear, where the winds steering the hurricane do not change much in strength or direction over the depth of the storm. Strong wind shear makes it difficult for a storm to stay organized and maintain its strength.
A moist atmosphere surrounding the storm, with heavy precipitation encircling the developing eye.
My research has shown that when this combination of factors is present, a hurricane can more efficiently take advantage of the energy it gathers from the ocean to power its winds, versus having to fight off drier, cooler air being injected from around the storm. The process is called ventilation.
Simultaneously, there is an increase in air being drawn inward toward the center, which quickly increases the strength of the vortex, similar to how a figure skater pulls their arms inward to gain spin. Rapid intensification is akin to a figure skater pulling in both their arms quickly and close to their body.
Has climate change affected the likelihood of rapid intensification?
As oceans warm and ocean heat content gets higher with climate change, it is reasonable to hypothesize that rapid intensification might be becoming more common. Evidence does suggest that rapid intensification of storms has become more common in the Atlantic.
Additionally, the peak intensification rates of hurricanes have increased by an average of 25% to 30% when comparing hurricane data between 1971–1990 and 2001–2020. That has resulted in more rapid intensification events like Beryl.
This increase in rapid intensification is due to those environmental factors –warm waters, low vertical wind shear and a moist atmosphere – aligning more frequently and giving hurricanes more opportunity to rapidly intensify.
The good news for anyone living in a region prone to hurricanes is that hurricane prediction models are getting better at forecasting rapid intensification in advance, so they can give residents and emergency managers more of a heads-up on potential threats. NOAA’s newest hurricane model, the Hurricane Analysis and Forecast System, shows promise to further improve hurricane forecasts, and artificial intelligence could provide more tools to predict rapid intensification.
EDITOR, The Tribune.
SENSATION is one of the strategies used in Public Relations to help your message be received. It reaches the part of the subconscious where emotion overpowers the facts or truth, and feelings get in the way. So, the facts are intentionally left out, and everyone allows their heart to think for them.
The recent strong government presence at a Bahamian establishment sparked public discussion. However, it’s essential to understand that the government’s role is not about being “heavy-handed” but about ensuring tax compliance and investigating potential breaches of the law. The government has an unwavering duty to collect revenue, and this operation was a part of that responsibility.
Please allow me to show you a picture. We follow everything we see in the United States. We see how Uncle Sam behaves when collecting his money; He takes down the most powerful and even jailprominent stars, members of Congress, professional athletes, movie stars and the like. The IRS does not care who you are, what position you have, who you’re related to, or what influence you have; when they are ready, they bring the heaviest force to collect their money or make you accountable, nor apologies.
Granted? Okay. From the information, the visit to the businesses at South West Plaza was nothing more than a crackdown on those delinquent with Tax Compliance, Customs, or Inland Revenue. If they were in breach, there is no sensible explanation for warning the business of the visit.
The visit was justified and designed so they would not be able to interfere with the investigation by destroying papers. Yes, I agree with the visit; I agree with the message that this is no joking matter, and the government should not have warned them prematurely.
We often criticise the government’s efforts to collect much-needed revenue. However, we should also question the system’s fairness.
Why do big businesses not usually pay less tax, enjoy lower power bills, and receive preferential treatment, even on real property tax?
If we are going to lose sleep over the government levelling the play, why aren’t we being honest in applauding the government for changing the status quo? The importance of treating everyone equally, not one cost for
the consumer and less for the merchants, cannot be overstated.
The business community has carte blanche to fleece us, making fewer contributions to the country and a wider profit margin. At the same time, ordinary people complain daily about the high cost.
Understand that the government is working for you. Don’t get caught in high drama. Good public relations can swallow you, but keep what is true and what is just a good show. Remember, the government is your partner in ensuring a fair and just society.
Many establishments deduct National Insurance from employees’ salaries and never pay into their contributions. These business owners should be arrested, detained, taken to court and imprisoned, just like any hardened criminal, because it is stealing from the employee and the country.
Everyone must pay their fair share since everyone expects the government to provide the necessary infrastructure to make life comfortable for future generations.
“We tempt others to look down on us by telling them that we look up to them.” - Mokokoma Mokhonoana.
IVOINE W INGRAHAM Nassau, June 29, 2024.
EDITOR, The Tribune. I AM not attacking Junkanoo but trying to rationalise why this cultural expression is so energetic for us and only until the visitor experiences physically here they have absolutely disinterest although Tourism hypes and uses Junkanoo in a major way to promote Tourism. Culturally as a Bahamian expression yes fully
endorse subsidy and empathsis dis our ting. Yes taught at school. 2021 - 2022 no parades and as usual all hotels full... Is Junkanoo a driver for tourist visits? Evidence is clear...No. How much is the annual financial subsidy for Junkanoo...Groups? Parades? We advertise junkanoo there are only two parades in the 52-weeks are we falsely advertising? Goombay
Fishermen fix up a boat damaged by Hurricane Beryl to be lifted from the Bridgetown Fisheries, Barbados, yesterday.
Photo: ricardo mazalan/AP
Mother cries as she testifies in Coroner’s
Inquest of police-involved killing of her son
By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net
THE mother of 15-yearold Gino Evante Finley Jr wept as she recounted the day police shot and killed her son while he was fleeing a robbery scene on Prince Charles Drive in 2017.
An officer also alleged yesterday that the deceased tried to reach for another officer’s weapon before he was shot.
Dennis Sturrup and Denzil Deveaux, both corporals, are the subjects of this inquest. Neither was present during yesterday’s proceedings.
Lynette “Tasha” Brown, the deceased’s mother, testified that on May 23, 2017, her son was staying at his paternal grandmother’s house in Elizabeth Estates.
Mrs Brown recalled that while working as a beautician, she got a voicenote describing a shooting at Seagrapes Shopping Plaza and overheard a client say it “was just a baby” who was shot.
Mrs Brown said she froze when she saw a photo of the slain youth, fearing it was her son. She said she immediately called Mr Finley Sr, and told him “to get her child”.
She said throughout the day, people from the neighborhood came to her work, asking her if the rumors were true. She said she and her husband went to identify her son’s body the next day. She howled and cried as a photo of her son’s body at the morgue was shown yesterday.
She claimed she was informed through the press that her son was involved in a robbery at QVS pharmacy in the Seagrapes Plaza and that police shot him as he ran away.
She further claimed that police never informed her of what happened to her son, only contacting her to identify the body.
Mrs Brown said that a Seagrapes Plaza Wendy’s employee told her workers were going outside to throw away garbage when they saw the deceased on his knees in the service area near water tanks. She claimed this witness saw her son try to take off his RM Bailey Sr High School shirt before police shot him from behind. She also said she found out her son was shot about three times.
She described her son as 5ft 7in, slim and about 140lb. She said he was bright and antisocial. She
also admitted that Finley Jr was suspended from school at the time of his death.
K Kelvin Munroe, the officers’ lawyer, made Mrs Brown read a police statement she had signed, in which she said her son had kept bad company.
She admitted her signature was on the document but denied making that statement.
However, she acknowledged that she was distraught and not in the right state of mind when she reportedly signed the document at the morgue.
Chief Superintendent of Police Tyrell Cox testified that he went to the Seagrapes Plaza in the aftermath of the shooting to investigate.
Supt Cox said he observed spent casings and a firearm, reportedly belonging to the deceased, in the parking lot of the plaza.
The officer further said he saw visibly distraught QVS patrons. He also said that a black school bag was found near the cashier and black zip ties allegedly used to subdue pharmacy staff and patrons.
Supt Cox read Corporal Sturrup’s report of the incident into the record. Cpl Sturrup and Cpl Deveaux said as they
approached the pharmacy in a police car, they saw two male armed suspects exit the premises and the men ran after spotting them.
The two officers said they pursued the suspects in their vehicle before exiting the car. They said the suspects opened fire on them while running away, causing them to return fire.
Cpl Sturrup claimed to see the deceased drop a weapon during the chase as he went towards the Wendy’s service area. As he approached the deceased, he ordered him to stop. He claimed in his report that Finley Jr attempted to reach for his weapon causing him to open fire.
Supt Cox later learned that a suspect was charged
with armed robbery in connection with this incident.
When questioned by the jury, Supt Cox could not say if the deceased fired at officers.
Acting Coroner Kara Turnquest Deveaux is presiding over the case.
David Cash represented the deceased’s estate. Angelo Whitfield marshalled the evidence.
m an and woman charged wi T h having loaded gun Teen accused of s T ealing car and lying To police
By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net
A DOMINICAN man and woman were granted bail yesterday after they were accused of having a loaded gun in New Providence.
Magistrate Lennox Coleby charged Yewill AS Moretta, 31, and Smarlin ET Valdez, 27, with possession of an unlicensed firearm and two counts of possession of ammunition. The pair were allegedly found with a black 9mm Taurus Millennium pistol, ten rounds of 9mm ammunition and 20 rounds of .223 ammunition.
Both defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges. Prosecutor Assistant Superintendent of Police Lincoln McKenzie objected to bail for the accused, citing their potential flight risk. Despite this, Magistrate Coleby set their bail at $7,500 each. Under the terms of their bail, the accused will be fitted with monitoring devices and must surrender their passports. They must also obey an 8pm to 6am residential curfew. The trial is scheduled for September 12.
Two men accused of possessing dangerous drugs
By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net
TWO people were accused of importing $157,000 worth of marijuana into New Providence last month.
Chief Magistrate Roberto Reckley charged Nicholas Brown, 43, and Tamia Cornish, 20, with possession of dangerous
drugs with intent to supply, importation of dangerous drugs, conspiracy to import dangerous drugs and conspiracy to possess dangerous drugs with intent to supply. The pair allegedly imported and possessed 78.5lb of marijuana in New Providence on June 27. They pleaded not guilty to the charges. Brown was denied bail;
his co-accused was granted bail at $5,000. Under the terms of her bail, Cornish must sign in at the Marsh Harbour police station every Friday. Brown will be remanded to the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services until the trial potentially begins on October 16 Inspector Deon Barr served as the prosecutor.
By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net
AN 18-year-old man was granted bail yesterday after he was accused of stealing a car and lying to a police officer last month.
Magistrate Kendra Kelly charged Daniel Brown with stealing, receiving and deceit of a public officer. Brown allegedly stole a $6,200 white 2013 Nissan Note belonging to Eldon Bullard on June 13 in New Providence. Brown was further accused of making a false statement to PC 4329 Lynes on June 28 to evade the law.
The defendant pleaded not guilty to all charges. Brown’s bail was set at $4,000. He must sign in at the Carmicheal Road Police Station on the first Monday of every month. His trial begins on October 14.
Sergeant Vernon Pyfrom served as the prosecutor.
An investigAtor picks up cigarettes stolen from QVS Pharmacy at Seagrape Shopping Centre during an armed robbery where one suspect - a tenth grade student from RM Bailey Senior High School - was shot dead by police on May 23, 2017.
Discrimination in our independence
We are one week away from celebrating 51 years of independence in The Bahamas. Last year, the celebration seemed to last forever with many events and designated thematic days in the lead-up to July 10. This year is much less busy and promotion of Independence events seemed to start quite late. Nonetheless, much of the same old same old is taking place. The Beat Retreat has already taken place and the usual Clifford Park event will begin on July 9, ending with fireworks at midnight to bring in Independence Day. even fifty plus one years later, the program is the same. There is little, if any, innovation in the celebrations. Many of us have attended the Clifford Park
By Alicia Wallace
event year after year after year, especially as young people. It may be because it was one of the few late night events that parents would allow their children to attend. Maybe because there was excitement about who and what would be seen there. Maybe there was tradition in the opportunity to dress up, be with cousins and friends, and do something predictable. Maybe it came with
members
some freedom, especially as we got older, to venture a little further away from the adult supervision each year. One year it could be sitting in the row in front of the adults. Another year it could be going to buy sodas and “come right back!” eventually, the younger cousins become the older cousins who are taking the preteens and teens to the event. When we are no longer so
young that the incremental increase in freedom in over and no longer have younger people to chaperone, there is no need to keep going. It is the same show every single year. We need something different a long time ago. One year, people were excited by the focus on different islands in The Bahamas, giving residents information about islands most have never visited and would not learn about firsthand. This was proof that we are, indeed, interested in learning more about The Bahamas. We want information. We want to hear from our elders. We want to see what young people are doing in the Family Islands. We want to hear the different words and phrases used in specific islands, and we want to make connections between practices of our older family members and their islands of birth. We are interested in the history of The Bahamas. We want it to be accessible, presented in an entertaining way. We want to have space to discuss, dissect, and debate.
Far too much time during the Clifford Park event is dedicated to the “ecumenical service” that is, year after year, boring, far too long, and clearly ego-driven as “religious leaders” compete in their long addresses and prayers.
The Bahamas is not a Christian nation, and the focus on and centring of Christianity is inexcusable. It is discriminatory and it is incorrectly taken
as validation of the frequently repeated idea that The Bahamas is a Christian nation. The Bahamas is, in fact, a secular state. The constitution does not make this country a theocracy. On the contrary, only the preamble makes reference to “respect for Christian values.” The same preamble states that The Bahamas is a “Democratic Sovereign Nation founded on Spiritual Values” and it is important to note that “Spiritual Values” is not synonymous with Christianity, nor is it the same as Christian values.
The constitution itself has an entire chapter on protection of fundamental rights and freedoms of the individual. Article 15 states that everyone in The Bahamas is “entitled to the fundamental rights and freedoms of the individual” regardless of identity markers including race, creed, and sex, and these include the right to life, liberty, security of the person, and the protection of the law. It also guarantees freedom of conscience, freedom of expression, freedom of assembly, freedom of association, and protection for the privacy of homes. These rights are further elaborated in the following Articles. Article 22 states:
“No person shall be hindered in the enjoyment of his freedom of conscience, and for the purposes of this Article the said freedom includes freedom of thought and of religion, freedom to change his religion or belief and freedom, either alone or in community with others, and both in public and in private, to manifest and propagate his religion of belief in worship, teaching, practice and observance”
Recommendations
1. The Resilience Myth with Soraya Chemaly. Terrible, Thanks for Asking, a podcast about grief hosted by Nora McInerny, has been on hiatus for a few months, but a special episode was released on June 18. This episode of Terrible Thanks for Asking is a conversation between host Nora McInerny and author Soraya Chemaly about her book, The Myth of Resilience: New Thinking on Grit, Strength, and Growth After Trauma. The first thing Chemaly says is, “I think the core resilience myth is that we should be looking inside of ourselves to develop resilience. That it’s a personality trait, a characteristic, a skill we can develop. And some of that is true, but in fact, the real of our resilience isn’t our independence and our self sufficiency. It’s our interdependence and our mutual care and our collective.” Listen to the episode on the podcast platform of your choice, or read the transcript on the Terrible, Thanks for Asking website. The Myth of Resilience is the book that Feminist Book Club, hosted by equality Bahamas and Poinciana Paper Press is discussing on November 20. Sign up for updates: tiny.cc/fbc2024.
2. They Called Us Exceptional: And Other Lies That Raised Us by Parch Gupta. Feminist Book Club is currently reading this book and will discuss it on Wednesday, July 17 at 6pm. Giving his impression of the book, Damon Young said, “What happens when a person discovers that the American Dream is a virus? Gupta’s stunning and devastating debut contorts genre—existing as a disquisition on Asian American assimilation into the West, a bird’s-eye view of how patriarchy, capitalism, and white supremacy congealed to destroy a family, and a coming-of-age tale about a woman who had to fight to make space for her voice.”
3. Girl, It’s Still Hot. Check out the equality Bahamas summer mix, created by DJ Ampero. It includes Tyla, Flyana Boss, Jorja Smith, Nailah Blackman, Shenseea, and Moyann. Play it on Spotify at tiny.cc/summermix24 or find it on MixCloud.
In a country with freedom of religion, with a constitution that has a preamble that references its founding on “Spiritual Values,” why do publicly-funded events center Christians and Christianity? What does this communicate to the people who are not Christians? What does this communicate to the people of other faiths? Why are leaders of other religions not invited to participate in national events? Why are all of the prayers Christian prayers? Why aren’t interfaith prayers used? Why not do away with prayers entirely, have a moment of silence for people to quietly engage in their own religious or spiritual practice, or invite prayers from different faiths? Why does the government of The Bahamas validate the ignorance of the people who do not understand that The Bahamas is secular state? Why does the anti-rights group that the government consistently platforms fail to acknowledge that there are other religions and do the Christlike act of sharing space with them?
These are important questions to consider during independence conversations and celebrations. The constitution is a product of its time, the coloniser, and the people who participated in framing or editing it. It is, in many ways, colonial, and we know that it is in need of amendments. We also know that the Christianity that so many cling to— and did not make it into the constitution itself— is a relic of slavery and colonialism. It is unreasonable that this religion, which was used to support kidnapping, slavery, and genocide, and is still used today to inflict harm on people, is intertwined in independence celebrations every year. There is not enough critical thinking about independence, what is means, and what it does not mean. We continue to go through the motions, follow the same old program, and ask no questions. We are stuck in a dull, inequitable, discriminatory, violent way of “celebrating” and we need to care enough to change it. Independence is more than sitting on a park, waiting for the dogs to come out and the fireworks to start. It must be more than one religions dominating hours of programming. It is more than the same people making decisions about what the programming on July 9 will entail. We have more people with deep knowledge and great ideas. Some of them even practice religions that are not Christianity. We need to make space. In our (Christian?) hearts, in our brilliant minds, in our annual programming. We need to make space.
Several
of the clergy stand at attention during the flag raising at Clifford Park Independence celebrations in 2021.
AI is learning from everything you say online. Are you OK with that?
Stack Overflow CEO Prashanth Chandrasekar said the company is trying to balance rising demand for instant chatbotgenerated coding assistance with the desire for a community “knowledge base” where people still want to post and “get recognized” for what they’ve contributed.
Associated Press
Post a comment on Reddit, answer coding questions on stack overflow, edit a Wikipedia entry or share a baby photo on your public Facebook or Instagram feed and you are also helping to train the next generation of artificial intelligence.
Not everyone is oK with that — especially as the same online forums where they’ve spent years contributing are increasingly flooded with AI-generated commentary mimicking what real humans might say.
some longtime users have tried to delete their past contributions or rewrite them into gibberish, but the protests haven’t had much effect. A handful of governments — including Brazil’s privacy regulator on tuesday — have also tried to step in.
“A more significant portion of the population just kind of feels helpless,” said Reddit volunteer moderator sarah Gilbert, who also studies online communities at Cornell University. “there’s nowhere to go except just completely going offline or not contributing in ways that bring value to them and value to others.”
Platforms are responding — with mixed results. take stack overflow, the popular hub for computer programming tips. First, it banned ChatGPt-written responses due to frequent errors, but now it’s partnering with AI chatbot developers and has punished some of its own users who tried to erase their past contributions in protest.
It’s one of a number of social media platforms grappling with user wariness — and occasional revolts — as they try to adapt to the changes brought by generative AI.
software developer Andy Rotering of Bloomington, Minnesota, has used stack overflow daily for 15 years and said he worries the company “could be inadvertently hurting its greatest resource” — the community of contributors who’ve donated time to help other programmers.
“Keeping contributors incentivised to provide commentary should be paramount,” he said. stack overflow CEo Prashanth Chandrasekar said the company is trying to balance rising demand for instant chatbot-generated coding assistance with the desire for a community
Photo: Matt O’Brien
/AP
“knowledge base” where people still want to post and “get recognized” for what they’ve contributed.
“Fast forward five years — there’s going to be all sorts of machine-generated content on the web,” he said in an interview. “there’s going to be very few places where there’s truly authentic, original human thought. And we’re one of those places.”
Chandrasekar readily describes stack overflow’s challenges as like one of the “case studies” he learned about at Harvard Business school, of a how a business survives — or doesn’t — after a disruptive technological change.
For more than a decade, users typically landed on stack overflow after typing a coding question in Google, and then found the answer, copied and pasted it. the answers they were most likely to see came from volunteers who’d built up points measuring their credibility — which in some cases could help land them a job.
Now programmers can simply ask an AI chatbot — some of which are already trained on everything ever posted to stack overflow — and it can instantly spit out an answer.
ChatGPt’s debut in late 2022 threatened to put stack overflow out of business. so Chandrasekar carved out a special 40-person team at the company to race out the launch of its own specialized AI chatbot, called overflow AI. then, the company made deals with Google and ChatGPt maker openAI, enabling the AI developers to tap into stack overflow’s question-and-answer archive to further improve their AI large language models.
that kind of strategy makes sense but may have come too late, said Maria Roche, an assistant professor at Harvard Business school. “I’m surprised that stack overflow wasn’t working on this earlier,” she said.
When some stack overflow users tried to delete their past comments after the open AI partnership was announced, the company responded by suspending their accounts due to terms that make all contributions “perpetually and irrevocably licensed to stack overflow.”
“We quickly addressed it and said, ‘Look, that’s not acceptable behaviour’,” said Chandrasekar, describing the protesters as a small minority in the “low hundreds” of the platform’s 100
million users.
Brazil’s national data protection authority on tuesday took action to ban social media giant Meta Platforms from training its AI models on the Facebook and Instagram posts of Brazilians. It established a daily fine of 50,000 reais ($8,820) for non-compliance.
Meta in a statement called it a “step backwards for innovation” and said it has been more transparent than many industry counterparts doing similar AI training on public content, and that its practices comply with Brazilian laws.
Meta has also encountered resistance in Europe, where it recently put on hold its plans to start feeding people’s public posts into training AI systems — which was supposed to start last week. In the Us, where there’s no national law protecting online privacy, such training is already likely happening.
the vast majority of people just have no idea that their data is being used,” Gilbert said.
Reddit has taken a different approach — partnering with AI developers like openAI and Google while also making clear that content can’t be taken in bulk without the platform’s approval by commercial entities “with no regard for user rights or privacy.” the deals helped bring Reddit the money it needed to debut on Wall street in March, with investors pushing the value of the company close to $9 billion seconds after it began trading on the New York stock Exchange.
Reddit hasn’t tried to punish users who protested — nor could it easily do so given how much say voluntary moderators have on what happens in their specialty forums known as subreddits. But what worries Gilbert, who helps moderate the “AskHistorians” subreddit, is the increasing flow of AI-generated commentary that moderators must decide whether to allow or ban.
“People come to Reddit because they want to talk to people, they don’t want to talk to bots,” Gilbert said. “there’s apps where they can talk to bots if they want to. But historically Reddit has been for connecting with humans.”
she said it’s ironic that the AI-generated content threatening Reddit was sourced on the comments of millions of human Redditors, and “there’s a real risk that eventually it could end up pushing people out.”
Brazil data regulator B ans Meta froM M ining data to train ai Models
RIO DE JANEIRO Associated Press
Brazil’s national data protection authority determined on Tuesday that Meta, the parent company of instagram and Facebook, cannot use data originating in the country to train its artificial intelligence.
Meta’s updated privacy policy enables the company to feed people’s public posts into its ai systems. That practice will not be permitted in Brazil, however.
The decision stems from “the imminent risk of serious and irreparable or difficult-to-repair damage to the fundamental rights of the affected data subjects,” the agency said in the nation’s official gazette.
Brazil is one of Meta’s biggest markets. Facebook alone has around 102 million active users in the country, the agency said in a statement. The nation has a population of 203 million, according to the country’s 2022 census. a spokesperson for Meta said in a statement the company is “disappointed” and insists its method “complies with privacy laws and regulations in Brazil.”
“This is a step backwards for innovation, competition in ai development and further delays bringing the benefits of ai to people in Brazil,” the spokesperson added.
The social media company has also encountered resistance to its privacy policy update in Europe, where it recently put on hold its plans to start feeding people’s public posts into training ai systems — which was supposed to start last week. in the Us, where there’s no national law protecting online privacy, such training is already happening.
Meta said on its Brazilian blog in May that it could “use information that people have shared publicly about Meta’s products and services for some of our generative ai features,” which could include “public posts or photos and their captions.” refusing to partake is possible, Meta said in that statement. Despite that option, there are “excessive and unjustified obstacles to accessing the information and exercising” the right to opt out, the agency said in a statement.
Meta did not provide sufficient information to allow people to be aware of the possible consequences of using their personal data for the development of generative ai, it added.
Meta isn’t the only company that has sought to train its ai systems on data from Brazilians.
Human rights Watch released a report last month that found that personal photos of identifiable Brazilian children sourced from a large database of online images — pulled from parent blogs, the websites of professional event photographers and video-sharing sites such as YouTube — were being used to create ai image-generator tools without families’ knowledge. in some cases, those tools have been used create ai-generated nude imagery.
Hye Jung Han, a Brazil-based researcher for the rights group, said in an email Tuesday that the regulator’s action “helps to protect children from worrying that their personal data, shared with friends and family on Meta’s platforms, might be used to inflict harm back on them in ways that are impossible to anticipate or guard against.”
But the decision regarding Meta will “very likely” encourage other companies to refrain from being transparent in the use of data in the future, said ronaldo lemos, of the institute of Technology and society of rio de Janeiro, a think-tank.
“Meta was severely punished for being the only one among the Big Tech companies to clearly and in advance notify in its privacy policy that it would use data from its platforms to train artificial intelligence,” he said.
Compliance must be demonstrated by the company within five working days from the notification of the decision, and the agency established a daily fine of 50,000 reais ($8,820) for failure to do so.
Bahamas stuns Finland 96-85 SPORTS
By BRENT STUBBS
Despite not having all of the players at full strength, head coach Chris DeMarco said he liked the “grit, grind and determination” that they all played with to win their opening game of the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament.
DeMarco, an assistant coach for the Golden State Warriors in the National Basketball Association, watched as VJ Edgecombe took over the game and helped to power the Bahamas to an 96-85 stunning victory over Finland yesterday in Valencia, Spain.
Edgecombe, the top ranked player out of Long Island Lutheran who is preparing to play for the Baylor Bears men’s basketball team in August, poured in 20 points, four rebounds and a pair of steals as he was named the TCL Player of the Game.
He was listed as the second teenage player in an Olympic Qualifying Tournament to score as many points, trailing only New Zealand’s Tai Webster by just one.
“I was just trying to figure it out,” said the 18-year-old Edgecombe.
“This is my first time with the senior national team and I want to give a big shout out to my teammates for helping me and encouraging me to play hard and do everything I can on the floor.
“It’s a blessing being part of this team. Being around pros, NBA guys and playing against themit’s unbelievable. I’m truly happy to be here.”
Edgecombe used his intensity on the defensive
HURRICANE Beryl has wreaked havoc on the Southeast Caribbean Islands the last few days as one of the strongest storms in history to develop this early into the hurricane season.
The storm left behind some devastating damages in Grenada and St Vincent and Grenadines and is now expected to make landfall in Jamaica today at a Category 4 strength.
Bahamian sprinter Anthonique Strachan, who is currently sidelined with injury, is presently in Kingston, Jamaica and has made the necessary preparations to ride out the storm.
“I will be in Jamaica while the hurricane is supposed to come here. I am just packing up on my essentials - groceries and water - and moving my car to a higher level
place in the complex that I live in. I could say I am just planning to stay inside. The unit that I live in, in Jamaica we have hurricane impact windows on those so I don’t really have to do too much boarding up but also the complex is taking care of
FORGOING his senior year as a collegiate player, Ras Jesse Delancy has officially signed a professional contract to play with the Beroe 2016 Volleyball Club in Stara Zagora, Bulgaria, later this year.
The deal was done on June 15 for the 23-year-old 6-foot, 8-inch Delancy, who will be one of four foreign players playing on the team in the Bulgarian Superleague. The other players are from the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Tunisia.
Joining Shonari Hepburn, who is playing pro ball about an hour away by plane in Greece, Delancy said it’s a dream come true for him, despite the fact that he suffered an injury that had him sidelined for
THE National Basketball Association (NBA) free agency frenzy kicked off on June 30 with numerous pro players finding new homes ahead of the upcoming 2024-25 NBA season.
Bahamian pros Klay Thompson and Eric “EJ” Gordon will both suit up for new squads next season.
One of the Golden State Warriors’ most successful stars and arguably one of the greatest shooters in NBA history decided to close the chapter on his 13-year run in the Bay Area which birthed four championships, five All-Star appearances and six NBA Finals appearances. Thompson was rumoured to be in talks with the Philadelphia 76ers, Los Angeles
everything else and making sure the water lines are good just in case the hurricane takes out a few of
Following the
Strachan
Players on the move in NBA free agency
Lakers and Dallas Mavericks leading up to his decision on Monday.
The 34-year-old opted to sign with the Mavs, the NBA Finals runners-up, on a three-year $50 million deal which was completed via a sign-and-trade involving the Warriors and Charlotte Hornets.
The Mavs received Thompson and the Warriors got 2025 and 2031 second round picks while the Hornets received Josh Green from Dallas in their portion of the deal.
The three-point specialist had some iconic moments during the Warriors’ glory days.
He played an integral role in helping the team to hoist titles in 2015, 2017, 2018 and 2022.
Despite the team and individual success over the years, Thompson battled some tough injuries,
including an Achilles and ACL tear, which resulted in a slight dip in his usual production.
Last season, he averaged under 20 points per game (ppg) for the first time since the 2013-14 season.
Although his numbers decreased, he still turned in 17.9 ppg, 3.3 rebounds and shot 38.7 per cent from deep.
After an incredible run with the Warriors organisation, the two-time All NBA player intends to share his services with the Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irvingled Dallas Mavericks in hopes of making another swing at a NBA title.
In other basketball news, senior men’s national basketball team member Gordon will set up shop in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania for the 76ers next season.
The three-point marksman was signed to a one-year veteran minimum deal with the top Eastern Conference team,
according to a report from Shams Charania of the Athletic.
Gordon, 35, managed to to turn in 11ppg, 1.8 boards and shot 44.3 per cent from the arc and 37.8 per cent from three-point range. Yesterday, the Bahamian pro baller scored 16 points for The Bahamas in the opening game of the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament against Finland in Valencia, Spain.
Speaking of said tournament, Grand Bahama native Chavano “Buddy” Hield is still without an NBA home.
The experienced shooting guard is currently up for grabs in free agency.
He recently scored a game-high 24 points in the Olympic qualifying round and can provide a spark to a championship team.
Hield was shipped to the 76ers by the Indiana Pacers
ahead of the NBA’s trade deadline last season. While with the Sixers team, he made the first postseason appearance of his eight-year NBA career. He dropped 12.2ppg, 3.2 rebounds and shot 38.9 per cent from deep on the season.
It is expected that the sharpshooter will not be on the market long as the NBA free agency continues.
Volleyball player Ras Jesse Delancy goes pro in Bulgaria
FROM PAGE 10
about seven weeks. “I’m
very excited, but there’s also a big sense of readiness in there,” Delancy said.
“This is something I’ve been working towards for years and it feels amazing to finally achieve it.”
While he’s still waiting on his confirmation date of travel in August, Delancy said he’s looking forward to making the transition from the collegiate to the pro ranks after completing his junior year at the University of Charleston, while he hopes to secure his degree in sports business online.
“I expect to be great like I always do,” he insisted.
“I want to catch the eyes of bigger teams and climb to the top with the best in the world and be the best amongst them.”
During his junior year last season, Delancy recorded 203 kills with 14 assists and six aces for a total of 226.0 points. Defensively, he posted 72 digs with four solo blocks and 26 assisted blocks for a total of 30.0 blocks.
“They’re expecting me to come in and make a positive impact, which I will try my best to do every game,” Delancy said. “The team wants to at least make the top three for playoffs coming up, but I plan to exceed that.”
Delancy, however, said he can’t wait to get to Bulgaria. He’s still here at home working out whenever he gets a chance to ensure that he’s in tip-top shape for the pro debut.
“We’re doing a preseason of exercises and practices for a few weeks then we’ll get into a practice match for a bit, then get into the regular season,” he said.
THE Bahamas Lawn Tennis Association (BLTA)
10
and legs. I am still doing my recovery process and everything for those. When I was travelling before, I knew what the problem was, going in planes at that altitude caused a lot of discomfort for me. I am still a bit mentally traumatised from the pain that I was feeling in my shins.
“I am just not too sure as yet how much pain my shins could really bear so I don’t wanna risk going in a plane at that altitude.
“I find it best for me to stay here and tough it out than to hop on a plane and put myself through more pain and a mental setback,” she said.
According to the National Hurricane Centre, the major storm is expected to pass near or over Jamaica today. Beryl is also expected to bring massive waves and storm surge ranging from 5-8 feet. As for Strachan, her recovery continues after being shut down for the season in May due to recurring shin splints.
wish William the very best as he displays his talent on this international stage,” according to a press release.
Stubbs at 426-71265 or tournament director Thomas Sears at 424-2888 for more information.
BASEBALL FORD CAMP
THE Mario Ford Summer Baseball Camp started yesterday and is scheduled to run through July 12 at Windsor Park. The camp will be held daily from 9am to 1pm. It’s opened to boys and girls ages 7-15 years old. For more information, persons can contact Ford at 556-0993.
PEACE ON DA STREETS
BASKETBALL
THE annual Peace On Da Streets Basketball Classic, dubbed “Shooting Hoops instead of Guns,” is scheduled for July 15-21 at the Michael ‘Scooter Reid” Basketball Center at the Hope Center. All games start at 6pm daily. 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 part of the Peace ON Da Streets Classic, organisers will once again stage the showdown between members of the Clergy against the Members of Parliament. The game is scheduled for 8pm Sunday, July 21 at the Kendal Isaacs Gymnasium.
WILLIAM McCartney with his trophy in Valencia, Spain.
KLAY THOMPSON BUDDY HIELD
ERIC GORDON
RAS Jesse Delancy soars for a spike over his defender.
Senior men’s national basketball team wins their FIBA Olympic qualifying tournament opener
Bahamas stuns Finland 96-85
end and his high-flying athleticism in the second half that fuelled Team Bahamas as NBA’s big trio of Buddy Hield, Deandre Ayton and Eric Gordon all scored in double figures.
Hield led the attack with 24 points. Ayton contributed 19 points with nine rebounds and three assists, while Gordon finished with 16 points, four assists and three rebounds.
But Hield, the team captain, had nothing but high marks for Edgecombe, the rookie.
“He’s a high-character kid that has shown serious flashes. He’s fun to be around and fun to play with,” Hield said. “The game always rewards that, he plays it in the right way. Today, he really showed he can play at this level - and no matter what age you are, he’s ready.”
No other players were in double digits, but Franco Miller Jr chipped in with eight points, six rebounds, two assists and as many steals, Travis Munnings had five points, six rebounds and two assists and steals as well and Lourawls Nairn Jr added four points with three rebounds and two assists.
“I feel good. I think our team needed this. We had a poor showing in our two friendlies,” said DeMarco after there were some concerns in their defeat to Montenegro 93-80 and Greece 102-75 in the Acropolis Tournament last week.
By TIM REYNOLDS
CHAVANO “Buddy”
Hield and the Bahamas are a step closer to the Paris Olympics.
Luka Doncic and Slovenia are now facing an uphill battle to get there.
Hield scored 24 points, Valdez Edgecombe Jr. added 20 and the Bahamas beat Finland 96-85 yesterday in the first game of the Olympic qualifying tournament in Valencia, Spain.
“We grinded it out. Grinded out a win today,” Hield said. “Staying together, figuring it out. Game of basketball is a game of runs. First half, we didn’t quite figure it out.”
The tournaments in Spain and Greece were two of four that started yesterday to determine the last four spots in the men’s basketball field for the Paris Olympics.
Other tournaments are being held in Latvia and Puerto Rico, both of them also starting yesterday.
“A lot of our high-minute players were not able to play because of injuries and, even in some of the practices, we didn’t have everybody, so this was the first game that we were able to build some chemistry, even though we had to make some adjustments throughout the game to deal with our adversities.”
After holding onto a slim 27-26 margin at the end of the first quarter, Team Bahamas trailed 54-47 at the half. They came back with a great defensive effort to snatch a 73-67 advantage at the end of the third and they continued to apply the pressure in the fourth.
DeMarco, who was assisted by Mikhail McLean, Moses Johnson and Mychel Thompson, said it was a total team effort, but they have to give a lot of credit to Edgecombe and
Miller Jr, who came through down the stretch.
“Our young players played well. Again, we were not 100 percent clicking coming into this game, so we needed a little bit of juice,” said DeMarco of the team that was managed by LJ Rose.
“I think VJ and Franco, Munnings and Tum Tum brought the juice that we needed in the third quarter to get us going and our shot makers made shots and we ended up playing a phenomenal game the rest of the way.”
With virtually no time to recuperate, the Bahamas will be back to play in their final game of pool play against Poland.
The outcome of Thursday’s match-up between Finland and Poland will determine what happens for the playoffs on Saturday.
The final will be played on Sunday with the winner advancing to the Olympic Games in Paris, France from July 27 to August 11.
DeMarco said once they can take care of business, the Bahamas should qualify for the games for the first time.
“It’s a quick turn around for our back-to-back game against Poland,” DeMarco said. “But we will be ready. They play a different style of basketball with a more slowed down pace with a lot of really good players.”
Although there are some nagging injuries, which he declined to elaborate on, DeMarco said the Bahamian players are very “prideful and will come out and play no matter what.
“Our guys are going to do everything they can to put this team in a position to go to the Olympics. I don’t see
anybody nursing anything that will cause them to miss any games. I think everybody here has the same goal. We’re ready to go.”
The Bahamas, with their swamping defensive efforts, only gave up 13 points in the third quarter, which was the turning point for the team’s comeback as they surged to victory.
Finland only had three turnovers by half-timeincluding zero in the second quarter - but, by the end of the third quarter, that number had multiplied by four as their opponents took advantage.
The Bahamas also scored 38 of their points in the paint, with a 57-percent accuracy from inside the arc.
“We had to grind it out. We stayed together and figured it out. Team basketball is a game of runs,”
said Hield in assessing the team’s performance.
“I felt like the second half, the young guys picking it up on the defensive end which really changed the game for us. We were able to close the game out by doing the little things right.”
Finland’s head coach Lassi Tuovi had nothing but high marks for Team Bahamas.
“Congrats to the Bahamas. They played their basketball and showed great character in the second half,” he stated. “We had our moments. They got us quite slow in the third quarter and I think that was the main key for the win.” Hopefully, Team Bahamas can come back today and duplicate the feat against Poland and keep their hopes alive as they get into the semis.
Group play at all four sites continues through Thursday, with semifinal games Saturday and four games with Olympic berths on the line set for Sunday. The Bahamas closed the game on a 44-21 run over the final 17 minutes, erasing what was a 12-point secondhalf deficit.
But for Slovenia, there was no comeback. At Piraeus, Greece, Croatia led by as many as 29 points and rolled to a 108-92 win.
Doncic had 26 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists for Slovenia, while Croatia had a its own triple-double — 19 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists — from Dario Saric, along with 21 points from Goran Filipovic and 18 points in 19 minutes from Ivica Zubac.
Croatia can qualify for the semifinals today with a win over New Zealand. Slovenia must beat New Zealand on Thursday to
have any chance of keeping its Olympic hopes alive.
“Croatia played great,”
Doncic said. “They outplayed us. ... I’ve got to play way better than this and we’ve got to play with way better energy.”
Doncic was dealing with injuries during the NBA Finals when Dallas lost to Boston, and he was clearly labouring at times on Tuesday as well. But he insisted he would keep going.
“It’s an honour for me to play for my country,” Doncic said. “A lot of times, there’s going to be injuries. But I just see a big honour for me to play for my country. We’re two million people and to represent my country, it means everything to me.”
Deandre Ayton scored 19 and Eric Gordon added 16 for the Bahamas, who can advance to the qualifier’s knockout round by beating Poland today. It is
an interesting mix for the Bahamas - three starters are NBA players - but the starting point guard is Lourawls Nairn — a former Michigan State player and now the associate head coach at Bowling Green.
“He’s a coaches’ dream and I think the players love playing with him,” Bahamas coach Chris DeMarco said. “He definitely belongs and he could be doing this for a living, but he pursued a different career.”
Mikael Jantunen and Edon Maxhuni each scored 20 for Finland, which faces Poland on Thursday.
Spain 104, Lebanon 59
At Valencia, host Spain rolled behind 17 points from Santi Aldama, 15 from Usman Garuba and 14 from Jaime Pradilla. Spain can wrap up a spot in the semifinals with a win over Angola today. Youssef Khayat scored 20
for Lebanon, which faces Angola on Thursday. Brazil 81, Montenegro 72
At Riga, Latvia, Brazil trailed for most of the game but outscored Montenegro 29-16 in the fourth quarter to pull off the comeback. Bruno Caboclo had 25 points and nine rebounds for Brazil, while Marcelinho Huertas added 17 points. Nikola Vucevic led Montenegro with 17 points and 13 rebounds. Montenegro must beat Cameroon today to keep hopes of reaching the semifinals alive. Brazil faces Cameroon on Thursday. Latvia 83, Georgia 55
At Riga, host Latvia outscored Georgia 28-11 in the second quarter to take complete control and rolled to the opening win.
Arturs Strautins scored 18 points on 5-for-5 shooting to lead a balanced Latvian scoring attack, while Mareks Mejeris scored 11 (also shooting 5-for-5) and Rolands Smits finished with 10.
Sandro Mamukelashvili led Georgia with 14 points.
Latvia can clinch a semifinal spot by beating the Philippines today. Georgia and the Philippines play on
Thursday to close the group round.
Dominican Republic 90, Egypt 77
At Piraeus, Jean Montero scored 17 points, and the Dominican Republic used a 14-0 run spanning the end of the second quarter and start of the third quarter to pull away. Chris Duarte scored 14 points, Victor Liz had 12 and Angel Nunez finished with 11 for the Dominican Republic.
Ahmed Metwaly led Egypt with 24 points. The Dominican Republic can clinch a semifinal spot if it beats Greece today. Egypt plays Greece on Thursday and must win to have any hope of advancing to the semifinals.
Italy 114, Bahrain 53 At San Juan, Puerto Rico, Danilo Gallinari and Nicolo Melli each scored 14 points and Italy finished with seven players in double figures. Ahmed Haji scored 12 points to lead Bahrain, which gave up the game’s final 19 points. Bahrain must beat Puerto Rico today to have any shot at the semifinals. Italy plays Puerto Rico on Thursday.
Photos: FIBA Basketball
NBA stars Chavano “Buddy” Hield, Deandre Ayton and Eric Gordon and VJ Edgecombe can be seen here in action for the senior men’s national basketball team against Finland yesterday in their opening game of the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Valencia, Spain.
Wall Street hits more records as Tesla zooms
By STAN CHOE AP Business Writer
TESLA zoomed higher and helped drive the U.S. stock market to more records on Tuesday.
The S&P 500 added 0.6% to top its all-time high set two weeks ago. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 162 points, or 0.4%, and the Nasdaq composite added 0.8% to its own record set a day before.
Tesla led the way with a 10.2% jump after the electric-vehicle maker reported a milder drop in sales for the spring than analysts expected. Modest gains for other big, influential stocks also helped lift the market, including a 1.6% climb for Apple.
Stocks got a lift from easing Treasury yields after the head of the Federal Reserve made comments that investors took as a signal for possible cuts to interest rates later this year. Fed Chair Jerome Powell, whose utterances are always finely parsed for hints about rates, gave a nod to improvements in inflation data after some disappointingly high readings early in the year.
"We just want to understand that the levels that we're seeing are a true reading of underlying inflation," he said.
The hope on Wall Street is that inflation will slow
A LINE of unsold 2024 Mustang Mach-E electric utility vehicles sit at a Ford dealership May 19, 2024, in Denver. On Tuesday, July 2, 2024, automakers will report secondquarter U.S. sales and they're expected to be flat compared with a year ago.
Photo:David Zalubowski/AP
enough to convince the Fed to lower its main interest rate, which has been sitting at its highest level in more than two decades and pressing the brakes on the economy. Treasury yields have largely been easing since April on hopes for such cuts.
A report on Tuesday may have hindered those hopes, though. It showed U.S. employers were advertising more job openings at the end of May than economists expected and slightly more than April's tally. While plentiful job openings are great news for workers, the
fear on Wall Street is that too strong of a job market will put upward pressure on inflation and force delays to rate cuts.
After swinging lower following Powell's comments, Treasury yields pared their losses following the report on job openings. The yield on the 10-year Treasury was sitting at 4.42%, compared with 4.46% late Monday.
The week's most anticipated economic data will arrive on Friday, when the U.S. government reports how many jobs employers added in total during June. Before then, the U.S. stock market will have a
shortened trading day on Wednesday and a holiday on Thursday for the Fourth of July. Treasury yields have been feeling some upward pressure recently because of politics. Last week's debate between President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump pushed traders to make moves in anticipation of a possible Republican sweep in November. That included sending Treasury yields higher, in part because of the possibility for policies that would further raise the U.S. government's debt.
benchmarks ended higher on Wall Street.
The 10-year yield is still well above its 4.29% level from late Thursday, before the debate. In commodities markets, the price of benchmark U.S. oil ended up slipping modestly after touching its highest price since April earlier in the morning.
Crude prices have largely been rising on expectations for strong demand during the summer, as well as the possibility of hurricanes damaging oil production in the Gulf of Mexico. Hurricane Beryl is roaring through the Caribbean.
Tuesday's drop for crude sent stocks of oil-and-gas producers lower, and Exxon Mobil dipped 0.7%.
Also keeping Wall Street's gains in check was Nvidia, which has been one of this year's brightest stars. It fell 1.3%, though it's still up nearly 147.7% for the year so far.
Eli Lilly fell 0.8%, and U.S.-listed shares of Novo Nordisk dropped 1.7% after President Biden criticized in an opinion piece for USA Today how much the companies are charging for their drugs for weight loss and diabetes.
All told, the S&P 500 rose 33.92 points to 5,509.01.
The Dow gained 162.33 to 39,331.85, and the Nasdaq composite climbed 149.46 to 18,028.76. In stock markets abroad, European indexes fell after a report showed inflation in the region remains stuck above a level that the European Central Bank is hoping for. Germany's DAX lost 0.7%, and France's CAC 40 fell 0.3%.
A day earlier, French stocks had rallied after election results suggested a far-right political party may not win a decisive majority in the country's legislative elections. That raised the possibility of gridlock in the French government, which would prevent a worst-case scenario where a far-right with a clear majority could push policies that would greatly increase the French government's debt. This is a big year for elections worldwide, with voters in the United Kingdom heading to the polls later this week
In Asia, Japan's Nikkei 225 rose 1.1% after the value of the Japanese yen again neared a 38-year low. When the yen is weak, it can boost the fortunes of Japanese exporters.
US new-vehicle sales barely rose in the second quarter as buyers balked at still-high prices
By TOM KRISHER AP Auto Writer
U.S. new-vehicle sales rose only slightly in the second quarter, despite larger discounts and slightly lower prices.
But brisker sales could be on the horizon: Auto industry analysts say they expect
prices to drop further and there's a possibility of interest-rate cuts that would make taking out a loan for a new vehicle more affordable. Overall, U.S. sales were up only 0.1% compared to a year ago, as still-high prices kept many potential buyers out of the market, according to preliminary tallies Tuesday by Motorintelligence.com.
Sales were crimped in late June, when cyberattacks knocked out software from CDK Global that dealerships use to do sales paperwork. CDK said most dealers were back up by Tuesday afternoon, but companies such as General Motors said the problem pushed some deliveries into the third quarter.
Analysts say inventories on dealer lots are building, especially for pickup trucks and other higher-priced vehicles.
Discounts vary by demand for vehicles, with smaller, less-expensive models and gas-electric hybrids generally being in shorter supply. Many customers are delaying purchases, figuring that bigger discounts are coming.
"Waiting may be the optimal strategy here," said Cox Automotive Senior Economist Charlie Chesbrough. Toyota, which sells many popular gas-electric hybrids, posted a 9.2% sales increase from April through June. Honda sales were up 2.7%, while General Motors posted just a 0.3% gain and Hyundai reported a 1.8% increase. Subaru had a 5.4% sales gain. Sales at Stellantis fell 20.7% in the second quarter, with the Ram brand off 26% and Jeep sales falling 19%. Nissan sales fell 3.1%, while Kia was down 1.6%.
Together, automakers reported selling roughly 4.13 million new vehicles from April through June. That's on pace to reach forecasts of nearly 16 million for the year, a little above last year's 15.6 million.
Ivan Drury, director of insights at Edmunds.com, said interest rates for new vehicles are averaging just above 7%, a high number for people who bought or leased vehicles years ago but now find they need to replace their rides. Many, he said, are going for what few lower-priced vehicles remain in the midto upper- $20,000 range. "The stuff that's very affordable, that's where it's
at," said Drury. "You really have to have an attractive product at an attractive price for it to move today."
For instance, sales of the Chevrolet Trax compact SUV, which starts at $20,400 excluding shipping, were up 152.7% during the quarter. Kevin Roberts, director of analytics for the CarGurus auto site, said automakers want to keep making higher-profit SUVs and trucks when a big chunk of buyers are after less-expensive vehicles such as compact sedans.
"You're seeing people search more and more for affordable vehicles. You're seeing people searching for under $30K," Roberts said.
The U.S. industry, he said, is at an inflection point where automakers will have to add discounts to get the prices down, or they'll have to change what they produce to "try to get more attractive price points and try to keep those inventory levels lighter."
A move toward lower prices, though, could hurt Detroit automakers, which exited the lower-priced small and midsize sedan markets years ago after having trouble making money on the vehicles.
Ever since the coronavirus pandemic began early in 2020, autos have been in short supply as a shortage of vital computer chips hobbled production. Coupled with strong demand, the lack of cars drove average prices to a peak of near $50,000 by December of 2022. But this year, chip supplies improved, production is up and supplies are on the rise. In June, dealers had about 3 million vehicles in stock, 55% more than a year ago, according to Cox. As a result, average selling prices dropped 1% to about $48,400 last month. That's 3% below than the peak of near $50,000 in December of 2022 but still 20% higher than before the pandemic.
Of the vehicles that sit on dealer lots the longest, all are big pickups or SUVs made by Detroit automakers. Stellantis' Ram 1500 tops the list, remaining at dealers for 141 days, CarGurus said.
Deals can be had on vehicles that sit on lots longer, Roberts said. For example, 6% of national dealer new vehicle sales listings are from the 2023 model year.
U.S. electric vehicle sales overall rose 7% during the first half of the year to 599,134, Motorintelligence reported.
THE FEARLESS Girl statues faces the New York Stock Exchange on July 2, 2024, in New York. Global stocks are mostly lower after
Photo:Peter Morgan/AP
TESLA SALES FALL FOR SECOND STRAIGHT QUARTER DESPITE PRICE CUTS, BUT DECLINE
NOT AS BAD AS EXPECTED
By TOM KRISHER AP Auto Writer
TESLA'S global sales fell for the second straight quarter despite price cuts and low-interest financing offers, another sign of weakening demand for the company's products and electric vehicles overall.
The Austin, Texas, company said Tuesday that it sold 443,956 vehicles from April through June, down 4.8% from 466,140 sold the same period a year ago. But the sales were better than the 436,000 that analysts had expected.
The better-than-expected deliveries pushed Tesla's stock up 10% Tuesday. The stock is down about 7% so far this year, but it has nearly erased larger losses from prior months. Tesla shares had been down more than 40% earlier in the year, but are up more than 60% since hitting a 52-week low in April.
Demand for EVs worldwide is slowing, but they're still growing for most automakers. Tesla, with an aging model lineup and relatively high average selling prices, has struggled more than other manufacturers. Still it retained the title of the world's top-selling electric vehicle maker.
For the first half of the year, Tesla sold 830,766 electric vehicles worldwide, handily beating China's BYD, which sold 726,153 EVs. Tesla also sold over 33,000 more vehicles during the second quarter than it produced, which should
FTC
reduce the company's inventory on hand at its stores.
Tesla's sales decline comes as competition is increasing from legacy and startup automakers, which are trying to nibble away at the company's market share. Most other automakers will report U.S. sales figures later Tuesday.
Tesla gave no explanation for the sales decline, which is a harbinger of what to expect when it posts second-quarter earnings on July 23.
Nearly all of Tesla's sales came from the smaller and less-expensive Models 3 and Y, with the company selling only 21,551 of its more expensive models that include X and S, as well as the new Cybertruck.
The sales decline came despite Tesla knocking $2,000 off the prices of three of its five models in the United States in April.
The company cut the prices of the Model Y, Tesla's most popular model and the top-selling electric vehicle in the U.S., and also of the Models X and S.
The April cuts reduced the starting price for a Model Y to $42,990 and to $72,990 for a Model S and $77,990 for a Model X. Last week, Tesla lopped $2,340 off the $38,990 base price of some newly revamped Model 3s that were in the inventory shipped to its stores. In addition, Tesla in May offered 0.99% financing for up to six years on the Model Y. In June, it offered interest as low as 1.99%
for three years on the rear-wheel-drive Model 3. Typical new-vehicle interest rates average just over 7%, according to Edmunds.com.
Also during the quarter, Tesla knocked roughly a third off the price of its "Full Self Driving" system — which can't drive itself and so drivers must remain alert and be ready to intervene — to $8,000 from $12,000, according to the company website.
Jessica Caldwell, head of insights for Edmunds. com, said Tesla is having trouble in a market where most early adopters already have EVs, and mainstream buyers are more skeptical that electric cars can meet their needs.
Tesla's "haphazard" price cuts don't work as well as they once did because consumers now expect them, she said. "We've seen the automaker exhaust its bag of tricks by lowering prices and increasing incentives to spur demand without much success in the U.S. market," Caldwell said.
Also, Tesla's aging model lineup doesn't look much different than it did years ago she said. And with price cuts, used Tesla prices tumbled. Anyone wanting a Tesla can get a far better deal buying a used one, Caldwell said.
Caldwell doesn't see any big catalyst this year that would boost Tesla sales unless gasoline prices spike, and she said Musk's shift to the right since taking over Twitter has hurt the brand's image.
says gig company Arise misled consumers about how much money they could make on its platform
By CATHY BUSSEWITZ AP Business Writer
THE Federal Trade Commission is taking action against a gig work company, saying it misled people about the money they could make on its platform.
Arise Virtual Solutions reached a settlement with the FTC, agreeing to pay $7 million to workers the FTC says were harmed by the company's misconduct. Arise is a technology platform that connects major companies with customer service agents who freelance on its platform.
"Arise lured in workers with false promises about what they could earn while requiring them to pay out-of-pocket for essential equipment, training, and other expenses," FTC Chairwoman Lina Khan said in a statement Tuesday. "Operating in the 'gig' economy is no license for evading the law, and the FTC will continue using all its tools to protect Americans from unlawful business practice."
Arise lists Carnival Cruise Line, Dick's Sporting Goods and Intuit Turbotax as clients.
"While we vehemently disagree with the FTC's allegations and characterization of the facts, we have reached this agreement — which is not an admission or finding of liability or wrongdoing — so we can keep moving our business forward without the ongoing distraction and cost of litigation," Arise said in a statement. "We stand by our mission of helping entrepreneurs find advancement in an environment that lets them build their businesses around flexible work serving as independent contractors providing services to worldclass companies." In its complaint, the FTC said Arise made misleading advertisements, claiming people who signed up on their platform could get jobs paying up to $18 per hour doing remote customer service work. But when the company advertised the $18 per hour figure in 2020, its internal documents said the
average pay for jobs on its platform was $12 an hour, and 99.9% of the consumers who joined its platform from 2019 to 2022 made less than $18 per hour, the FTC said.
People who join the Arise platform spend hundreds of dollars buying equipment including computers and headsets and paying for training programs that are required before working on the platform, the FTC said. "They sell them on these training courses that they have to pay for, but then a high proportion don't pass the training and get the job, so they just paid for nothing," said Shannon Liss-Riordan, attorney and founding member of Lichten & Liss-Riordan, a law firm in Massachusetts. Liss-Riordan has sued Arise multiple times on behalf of workers. "I can't really imagine $7 million will change its way of doing business, but hopefully it's a shot across the bow that its practices are being more closely scrutinized by more arms of the government."
UNSOLD 2023 Model X sports-utility vehicles sit at a Tesla dealership, June 18, 2023, in Littleton, Colo. Tesla, the top selling electric vehicle maker in the world, is expected to report a second straight quarter of declining deliveries on Tuesday, July 2, 2024. Photo:David Zalubowski/AP
‘Wild Wild West’ aids vehicle import scams
financial losses for many involved.
Explaining how the scam operates, the consumer watchdog said: “Consumers purchase a vehicle or vehicles from a local dealer, who promises to import with an agreed 50 percent deposit and with the understanding that the 50 percent balance is to be paid upon the vehicle’s arrival in The Bahamas.
“Once the 50 percent deposit is paid, the vehicle(s) is/are then shipped, and the buyer receives the shipping confirmation along with a copy of the respective bill of lading. During transit, the vehicle(s) is/are then sold again to another buyer or multiple buyers in The Bahamas.
“After the vehicle(s) land(s) in The Bahamas, all parties having a legitimate interest in the same vehicle(s) present themselves to the respective shipping companies claiming ownership, consequently creating disputes
and ultimately resulting in substantial financial losses.”
Mr Albury, upon being informed of the alert, told Tribune Business such scams are nothing new and he has dealt with countless victims over the years. He added that a quick remedy would be to crack down on, and enforce, the requirement that anyone importing more than two vehicles per year be treated as a dealer and required to register as a business and pay taxes accordingly.
“I can tell you that for years and years and years I’ve had people come into me who have purchased pre-owned Japanese vehicles and have been scammed,” the BMDA president revealed. “They’ve given a guy a deposit. A lot of times these are people who they know, have had face-to-face contact with, and have spoken to. Some of them claim to know these people at some level.
“It’s a very common scam. It happens with Japanese vehicles primarily
because we import the bulk of our used vehicles from Japan. I’ve seen schemes from people claiming to be car importers. The system is so unregulated. This goes back to us agitating for years for used car dealers or any dealer to have a Business Licence.
“If you import more than two vehicles per year with the intent of selling them then you are a car dealer. If those people have to register their business they will operate under the same scrutiny and same requirements as we are made to, and that will help to cut down on the amount of fraud,” Mr Albury added.
“If you have a registered company, the Government will have an address, have information, and have an up-to-date Business Licence. At present, it’s the Wild Wild West. If the Government made people set up legitimate businesses it would be much more challenging for those people to commit fraud.
“But, because it’s the Wild Wild West, anyone
can call themselves a vehicle importer, import 15, 20 or 30 cars a year, without paying Business Licence, without paying VAT, without paying National Insurance Board (NIB) contributions. At least you should have a store front.”
Mr Albury added that, under the present system, it was too easy for vehicle scammers to “change their phone number, change their address” and simply disappear with no recourse for defrauded consumers to get their money back.
“I feel terrible when people come to me with their stories because I can tell they don’t have the money to lose,” the BMDA chief said. “What is the effect this is having on some of those people who save and scrounge to buy these vehicles and think they are doing the right thing? It’s discouraging. It should not be allowed to happen.
“I see people who buy vehicles only to later find they were written-off, in an accident or have some sort of liability. You go back to
the guy the next day, you’re not getting your money back. You’re not getting resolution or any type of recourse. It’s not going to happen. It’s nothing new; it’s the same old song and dance. The warnings are fine, but don’t get to the root of the problem.”
Brent Fox, Montague Motors’ principal, told Tribune Business that while he was unaware of the scam detailed by the Consumer Protection Commission it came as no surprise. “I haven’t heard about anything specific, but these people doing the frauds are likely already getting the lion’s share of the market,” he said.
“No, it doesn’t surprise me. That’s been one of our main concerns; individuals that are bringing in multiple vehicles and selling them on the side of the road and not paying their dues. I haven’t head anything about individuals selling the same vehicle to multiple parties; not specifically, but it doesn’t surprise me.”
CHAMBER TO TAX TASK FORCE: ‘RECONSIDER’ CASH PAYMENTS
led to the Government altering its approach, yesterday hailed Philip Davis KC for taking “the necessary corrective action” although he voiced mild disappointment that this had not been implemented sooner.
Brent Burrows II, CBS Bahamas’ vice-president of retail and sales, told Tribune Business: “I’m glad to see the Prime Minister stepped in and taken ownership. It sounds like he’s going to implement the necessary corrective action. It appears to be a positive step forward.
“I’m glad he commented on it. It’s a bit of a shame I guess that it took a week for him to step in and, in the meantime, it’s been escalated by the Task Force itself. It’s a good move in the right direction.”
Asked whether the changed Task Force tactics should have gone further, given his and the business community’s widespread
FDA
belief that the Government and its revenue agencies already possess and have access to the documents and information being sought, Mr Burrows said more clarity is still required. “There’s more clarification needed on cash payments. In his [Mr Davis] comments he alluded to that,” Mr Burrows said. “There’s an opportunity here to really develop a good relationship with the business community and let me help you out if you have concerns over noncompliance and need help to navigate the new laws. Get everybody in the same room and get things done.
“If this goes in a different direction that’s more helpful than hostile, hopefully they take that into consideration and go about it that way. We’ll see where it goes and hopefully it moves in the right direction. I do appreciate him [the Prime Minister] stepping in and doing what’s positive for the business community.”
Commander Bertram Bowleg, chairman of the Government’s Maritime Revenue Enhancement Task Force, and who is heading the initiative, declined to comment when contacted by Tribune Business yesterday. “I have no comment. I have no comment. The Prime Minister has already spoken,” he said. Mr Davis’ announcement of adjusted Task Force tactics did not come as a surprise. His spokesman last week said the approach was being “reviewed” following widespread private sector outcry over machine gun-toting officers entering businesses for tax compliance check-ups, which has been variously slammed as “complete overkill”, “barbaric” and for treating companies as if they are all common criminals.
Tacitly conceding that Task Force teams have been too aggressive in their approach, the Prime Minister told the House of Assembly on Monday: “It
was the enforcement unit. They thought they had to show force to enforce but, in this instance, I have expressed that there is a better way as you [the Opposition] have pointed out, and the better way will be employed going forward.
“I don’t expect to see scenes that we have seen going around in the viral of [armed] men going into businesses unless it’s a necessary escalation of issues that might apply. In some instances, the advice I was given was that the armed persons were present because they were collecting cash at some establishments, and they were there for the purposes of protecting the cash as they were going on.
“But it just spilled over into other areas. There will be a demarcation where they are collecting cash, and they need security for the cash, or whether they’re just going to make inquiries about compliance. Those demarcations have been, are now being,
approves a second Alzheimer's drug that can modestly slow disease
By MATTHEW PERRONE
AP Health Writer
U.S. officials have approved another Alzheimer's drug that can modestly slow the disease, providing a new option for patients in the early stages of the incurable, memorydestroying ailment.
The Food and Drug Administration approved Eli Lilly's Kisunla on Tuesday for mild or early cases of dementia caused by Alzheimer's. It's only
the second drug that's been convincingly shown to delay cognitive decline in patients, following last year's approval of a similar drug from Japanese drugmaker Eisai.
The delay seen with both drugs amounts to a matter of months — about seven months, in the case of Lilly's drug. Patients and their families will have to
implemented,” Mr Davis continued.
“We don’t expect to see that unless, as I said, it’s a circumstance where cash is being collected from a business establishment or, in cases where there’s some escalation of issues between the inquirers and the business places. As I said, there’s a better way, and the better way will be employed.”
Mr Davis seemed to imply that armed officers will no longer automatically march into businesses alongside revenue officials, and instead will largely remain outside the premises unless there is a perceived threat to the Task Force’s safety or they are needed to secure cash payments.
Commander Bowleg previously explained that the Task Force’s activities are part of a “door-todoor” tax enforcement strategy to ensure companies are compliant with all taxes. Signalling that this is the next step, following the recent voluntary
weigh that benefit against the downsides, including regular IV infusions and potentially dangerous side effects like brain swelling.
Physicians who treat Alzheimer's say the approval is an important step after decades of failed experimental treatments.
"I'm thrilled to have different options to help my patients," said Dr. Suzanne Schindler, a neurologist at Washington University in St. Louis. "It's been difficult as a dementia specialist — I diagnose my patients with Alzheimer's and then every year I see them get worse
The Consumer Protection Commission yesterday urged Bahamians to protect themselves against such scams by ensuring that payments for vehicles are made to corporate, rather than personal, bank accounts. It also called on consumers to only deal with legitimate companies and “reputable providers of goods and services” as a further safeguard.
“Always use secure payment methods and consider third-party escrow services,” the Commission advised. “Do not remit payments to accounts of individuals. Always ensure that payments are sent to the corresponding company’s bank account.
“Keep all receipts and a detailed record of all documents, transactions and communications for at least six months before discarding. When in doubt, ‘check it out’ or ‘cancel it out’. If a purchase seems too good to be true chances are it is a scam. Fact check everything before making payment on any goods or services.”
compliance exercise staged by the revenue agencies, he refuted suggestions that its teams were “heavy handed” or “aggressive” in their approach.
Asserting that officers were not pointing their weapons aggressively at customers or staff, he pointed out that it was standard practice for law enforcement to carry arms in the modern Bahamas.
Commander Bowleg said the presence of armed officers was necessary to protect tax officials given the possibility that some delinquent companies may react negatively to demands for payment.
“We are doing onthe-spot compliance,” Commander Bowleg said. “You can pay now. We’re coming to you and getting you straight and compliant. We’re trying to reach out more. We aren’t trying to shut down nobody. We’re not trying to inconvenience anybody. We’ll have to do another voluntary compliance in my opinion. We want people to come in. We will run another voluntary compliance week shortly in a couple of weeks.”
and they progress until they die."
Both Kisunla and the Japanese drug, Leqembi, are laboratory-made antibodies, administered by IV, that target one contributor to Alzheimer's — sticky amyloid plaque buildup in the brain. Questions remain about which patients should get the drugs and how long they might benefit. The new drug's approval was expected after an outside panel of FDA advisors unanimously voted in favor of its benefits at a public meeting last month.
Pink Sands: Horse riding legal demand ‘last resort’
just 20 feet away from the resort’s property on Crown Land.
With the Ministry of Works’ legal action against Mr Bullard, for allegedly constructing the horse shed and fence without permission, seemingly “stalled” in the magistrate’s court and no intervention by the Government to secure a compromise or take regulatory action, the Pink Sands chief said the resort feels it has no option but to move towards legal proceedings of its own.
He added that it was “very disappointing for me” that the Government had not seen fit to get involved, even though its Crown Land assets are a key feature in the battle, despite reaching out to the Prime Minister’s Office; Chester Cooper, deputy prime minister and minister of tourism, investments and aviation; Sylvanus Petty, the North Eleuthera MP; and central and local government officials since at least 2022.
Noting that the impasse dates back to at least 2018, when he became personally involved in discussions with Mr Bullard, Mr Ioannou told Tribune Business: “Our intent and our objective was for the business of Mr Bullard to stay alive in Harbour Island. We feel that is vital for his business, tourists and the local community.”
Mr Bullard, upon receiving Pink Sands’ legal demand at the weekend,
had told this newspaper that he believed Pink Sands appeared determined to force him and his business off the beach through aggressive legal tactics.
“They don’t want me on the beach, period. That’s what they’re trying to do,” he said.
This, though, was vehemently denied by Mr Ioannou, who told this newspaper that the resort was even prepared “to promote” B&B Horseback Riding to its guests and others if the impasse over its location can be resolved.
“He’s a business operator. We want him to well,” he added of Mr Bullard. “We want to promote his business if he does the right thing and it is from the right location. It’s never our intent to get anyone out of business if they’re doing something that’s good for the community, the island and the visitors.
“We’d love him to reach out and make a proposal to us. If we can help him, by all means we will help him. If he needs to get an approval from the Government, we would be more than happy to speak in his favour and build a decent facility for the horses.
“We want to support the community. We are part of the fabric of the community. We’ve been owners for ten years. We live in the community. I checked with the general manager yesterday and we have 75 Bahamian employees. We’re building villas. We’re adding more. The construction workers,
we have 35-40 of them, building the villas.”
The legal demand seen by Tribune Business shows Pink Sands is demanding the $912,500, calculated at the rate of $500 per day, as compensation for Mr Bullard and his business having allegedly “unlawfully occupied” the south-east corner of the resort’s property between 2018 and 2022 until they moved to Crown Land immediately adjacent to their former location.
The resort is also demanding that Mr Bullard “within the next ten days” remove the fence and horse stable, and discontinue operating B&B Horseback Riding from its present location. Otherwise, Pink Sands will initiate Supreme Court action seeking orders and injunctions to achieve these objectives, as well as a claim for “nuisance” and trespass damages.
Mr Ioannou yesterday said the legal demand is the only recourse open to Pink Sands after exhausting all other options for resolution. “That was the last resort,” he told Tribune Business. “A lot of our advisers were telling us to take legal action. We have been resisting it. As a group we said we want to find a a solution that’s reasonable where his stables are at another location.
“But we now have no choice. I wish we can solve this and, at the end of the day, we’d like to be friends with Byron and everyone on the island. We help a lot of people, individuals and groups, where we are. We
want to help him as much as we can.
“The objective is not to get him out of business from riding the horses. That has never been the objective, and will never be our objective. We need to resolve this.” Mr Ioannou said the situation threatens to set “a bad precedent” for Harbour Island’s highend tourist destination with other resorts now becoming worried that they may encounter similar situations with persons setting up immediately in front of their property.
Pink Sands is asserting that it has lost revenue “in the region of $1m” because guests cannot use its highend cottages with Mr Bullard’s stables “not even 20 feet away”. Mr Ioannou added: “It’s affecting what we have done. We’re losing a lot of money. We cannot rent any of those cottages. It’s not right. It is impossible.. the smell, the conditions, the eye sore.”
He said the resort simply cannot market the cottages as “oceanfront” with the stables and fences blocking such a view. “Even to this day we are willing to have a discussion with him and see if we can help him in any way,” the Pink Sands chief said. “The only goal is he has to move from in front of Pink Sands. It’s setting a bad precedent. The other hotel owners are worried anyone could block their ocean view.”
Tribune Business has seen correspondence suggesting that, as far back as 2020, Pink Sands was offering to
finance and build new horse stables and amenities for Mr Bullard if he agreed to relocate to an alternative site that did not impact the resort.
“We proposed to build a stables for him in a different location at our own expense,” Mr Ioannou said.
“We proposed him a shed, running water and all those things for the horses to be treated the right way.”
He added that all relevant local government officials, including the chief councillor and police chief, were present at a meeting where this was proposed to Mr Bullard.
“They knew what we were trying to do. We were trying to avoid legal action,” Mr Ioannou said.
“Our group was going to pay for the stables to be built. It was going to be professionally done, and all he [Mr Bullard] had to do was get the permit for the Crown Land.
“We would have invested the money. The chief engineer and construction team told me it would cost $10,000-$15,000 to construct a place for the horses. We even submitted a drawing to him to look at. We exhausted every ounce of effort and professional care.” He added, though, that Mr Bullard ultimately rejected the proposal.
Frustrated that the Ministry of Works has failed to progress its legal action, Mr Ioannou said: “It has stalled from what our attorney tells us. It has not progressed at all. We don’t know why.
He’s trying to see where it’s
GBPA opens new battle over utilities regulation
FROM PAGE A20
as URCA - rather than the GBPA - should have regulatory oversight for all utilities in Freeport has not changed for almost a decade.
“This matter has been in the courts since the Electricity Act 2015. The position of the Government remains the same since 2015. Nothing has changed,” Mr Pinder said.
The Supreme Court has yet to rule on the substantive merits of the case sparked by GB Power’s claim, with the GBPA saying its comments are a response to the Prime Minister’s remarks about its “potential removal” as electricity regulator.
The GBPA’s response, though, comes at an especially sensitive time in Nassau-Freeport relations since both itself and the Government are moving through the process towards eventual arbitration proceedings over the latter’s assertion that it is owed $357m for the provision of public/government services over and above tax revenues generated by the city between 2018 and 2022.
By seemingly digging in its heels over the utilities regulation issue, the GBPA is likely at best irritate the Davis administration - not least because the latter’s recent Electricity Act reforms sought to
circumvent the ability of Freeport’s quasi-governmental authority to regulate the energy sector.
The Electricity Act, which treats Grand Bahama as a Family Island, makes the Grand Bahama Power Company the “approving authority” for anyone submitting a proposal to supply electricity to the public on the island.
The Act states that any approvals by such an “authority” must also be given the go-ahead by URCA, and this has been interpreted as a neat way of circumventing the GBPA’s utilities regulatory authority in Freeport and transferring it to URCA via GB Power Company. It thus appears the Government is eyeing a further way to squeeze the GBPA, and erode and strip it of its ability to regulate utilities in the Port area.
However, Grand Bahama Power Company subsequently revealed it was never consulted on the reforms and had to learn about them “in the papers”. And, in response to Philip Davis KC’s comments, the GBPA yesterday said: “We wish to reaffirm our long-standing regulatory authority.”
Arguing that its position is backed by a solid legal foundation, the GBPA added: “The Hawksbill Creek Agreement, a cornerstone of our governance
PUBLIC NOTICE
INTENT TO CHANGE NAME BY DEED POLL
The Public is hereby advised that I, SELANA BRICE of Hawthorne Road, Nassau, Bahamas, Guardian of KANAZ TAVARES BETHEL a minor intend to change my child’s name to KANAZ TAVARES BRICE If there are any objections to this change of name by Deed Poll, you may write such objections to the Deputy Chief Passport Officer, P.O. B ox N -742, Nassau, Bahamas no later than thirty (30) days after the date of publication of this notice.
NOTICE is hereby given that JOHNNY PETIT BRUCE of Key West Street, Nassau, The Bahamas applying to the Minister responsible for Nationality and Citizenship, for Registration Naturalization as a citizen of The Bahamas, and that any person who knows any reason why registration/naturalization should not be granted, should send a written and signed statement of the facts within twenty-eight days from the 3rd day of July, 2024 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, New Providence, The Bahamas.
structure, granted GBPA the right and responsibility of regulating all utilities within the City of Freeport.
“In 1993, with the execution of the east and west agreements, this mandate was extended to include government territories on the island of Grand Bahama. Since the inception of the Hawksbill Creek Agreement, no Act of Parliament has superseded its provisions.
“Under Clause 2 (21) and 2 (23) (a) of the Hawksbill Creek Agreement, GBPA and GB Power - as a licensee of GBPA - have been vested with the sole authority to operate utilities, including electricity generation, transmission and distribution, within the Port area until the Hawksbill Creek Agreement’s expiration in 2054 without having to obtain a permit or licence from the Government of the Bahamas or any department or licensing thereof.”
Applying this to the Government’s recent legislative reforms, the GBPA added: “As such, the Electricity Act, which attempts to give URCA the legal right to licence and oversee energy providers, is inconsistent
with - and conflicts withthe rights and privileges vested in GB Power and the GBPA by the Hawksbill Creek Agreement.
“An action was commenced in the Supreme Court to challenge URCA’s ability to licence and regulate on the basis that these conflict with the provisions of the Hawksbill Creek Agreement as Freeport’s founding treaty. We will continue to defend our positions, and it is important to point out that there have been over a dozen successfully litigated cases that have set a judicial precedent for the GBPA’s exclusive regulatory authority in Freeport.”
Mr Rolle added: “We remain resolute in our stance that we are indeed the rightful regulator for the city of Freeport, encompassing both power and water services. Our commitment to this role is steadfast, and we are currently before the Supreme Court to affirm our position.
“We are confident that the court will uphold our regulatory authority.
Defending the Hawksbill Creek Agreement is vital for the benefit of our licensees and the residents of
NOTICE
NOTICE is hereby given that WERMY DIEUVEILLE of General Delivery St. James 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/ naturalization should not be granted, should send a written and signed statement of the facts within twenty-eight days from the 26th day of June, 2024 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, New Providence, The Bahamas.
NOTICE is hereby given that FRANCISCA MERGER of General Delivery, Queen’s Highway, Governor’s Harbour, Eleuthera, Bahamas, The Bahamas applying to the Minister responsible for Nationality and Citizenship, for Registration Naturalization as a citizen of The Bahamas, and that any person who knows any reason why registration/naturalization should not be granted, should send a written and signed statement of the facts within twenty-eight days from the 26th day of June, 2024 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, New Providence, The Bahamas.
stalled but we don’t have any answers unfortunately. It’s wasting a lot of time and energy. We have to look out for the benefit of Harbour Island. It’s one of the most beautiful places on Earth.” Mr Bullard’s case is that the horse riding business, which he has owned and operated since the late 1980s, has occupied its present site “for more than 60 years” dating back to the 1950s when it was under other ownership. As a result, Mr Bullard is arguing that - through more than 36 years of “undisturbed possession” - he has met the 30-year legal minimum to be declared owner of the property.
However, Pink Sands is challenging this on the grounds that Mr Bullard’s business was on its property when the present ownership acquired the resort in 2014 and only moved to its present Crown Land location some two years ago in 2022.
“This flies in the face of any claims for ‘undisturbed possession’ by Mr Bullard whether it is against the Crown or the resort,” Pink Sands said in a statement. “The crux of the resort’s issue is that it cannot enjoy the lawful use of its property because of the interference/disruption caused by Mr Bullard’s horse riding business on the adjacent Crown Land and the Government is doing absolutely nothing about it.”
Freeport.” The fear has also been that agreeing to URCA’s regulation of Freeport utilities could set a dangerous precedent that undermines the city’s founding treaty by paving the way for further inroads into its provisions. The GBPA then touted the regulatory framework established to supervise GB Power as having helped to facilitate more than $150m worth of investments by the latter in its electricity infrastructure “over the past years”, although no timeline was given for when this was made. GB Power’s rate stability, ensuring predictability and fairness for consumers, was also touted.
“Our collaborative approach with the Grand Bahama Power Company has led to a regulatory model that prioritises reliability, efficiency, and customer satisfaction,” said Mr Rolle. The GBPA added: “We look forward to the judiciary reinforcing our regulatory authority and, in the meantime, GBPA will continue to fulfill its responsibilities as the regulator for utilities in Freeport.”
GB Power, in its stilllive Supreme Court action, sought an injunction to
prevent URCA “from regulating, or seeking to exercise licensing and regulatory authority” over it. GB Power’s action is founded on the basis that, as a GBPA licensee, it is licensed and regulated by the latter via the Hawksbill Creek Agreement - and not by URCA and the Electricity Act 2015. It is arguing that the previous Electricity Act’s sections 44-46, which gave URCA the legal right to licence and oversee energy providers, “are inconsistent, and conflict with, the rights and privileges vested in [GB Power] and the Port Authority” by the Hawksbill Creek Agreement. GB Power’s statement of claim argues that itself and the GBPA “have been vested with the sole authority to operate utilities”, including electricity generation and transmission and distribution, within the Port area until the Hawksbill Creek’s expiration in 2054. Cable Bahamas, too, also has a separate legal action contesting URCA’s jurisdiction and authority to regulate its Freeport subsidiary.
NOTICE
NOTICE is hereby given that ROBINSON SIMON of General Delivery Bacardi 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/ naturalization should not be granted, should send a written and signed statement of the facts within twenty-eight days from the 26th day of June, 2024 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, New Providence, The Bahamas.
NOTICE is hereby given that NATACHA MYTIL of Fox 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/ naturalization
PM RENEWS ACTION CALL OVER CLIMATE CHANGE
By FAY SIMMONS Tribune Business Reporter jsimmons@tribunemedia.net
THE Prime Minister yes-
terday said the world must move from awareness to action on combating the growing threat posed by climate change and associated natural disasters.
In his keynote address at the second annual Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) conference, Philip Davis KC called for climate change solutions to be integrated into sustainable development strategies and urged greater awareness of the significance of SDGs.
He said: “Moving forward, in acknowledgement of the all-encompassing impact climate change has had - and will continue to have - on our economies and societies, we must fully integrate climate solutions into all of our sustainable development strategies.
“As we accelerate the SDG agenda, we need to be mindful that not everyone in our society is aware of the SDGs and their importance to global development. They are not aware of the goals we have achieved or those where we still need significant progress. It is critical to promote greater awareness of the SDGs, their importance and the decisions we are making in relation to them.”
Mr Davis maintained that climate action must not be dependent on the level of awareness but, instead, implementing “actionoriented policies” more individuals will support and elevate their understanding of sustainable development due to its positive impact on their lives.
He said: “People don’t need to be fully aware for us to take action. In fact, it is through delivering actionoriented change that more people will become aware and buy into our collective vision.
“Awareness isn’t always the prerequisite for action. Sometimes it takes those who are aware to take the necessary action to drive widespread support. Nothing increases awareness
like the implementation of action-oriented policies that make a real, positive impact in people’s lives.”
Mr Davis said The Bahamas is taking action to meeting its sustainable development goals in a number of ways including upgrading medical facilities in the Family Islands.
He said Grand Bahama’s new $210m hospital, the $290m specialty hospital slated for New Providence, medicinal cannabis and longevity and regenerative therapies legislation recently passed in Parliament are all examples of the “healthy strides” the country is taking towards achieving its good health and well-being goal”.
For education, Mr Davis said the Government has secured $43m from the Caribbean Development Bank to construct a school in Grand Bahama and invest in the development of the sector.
He said: “Quality education is another key priority for this administration. The Ministry of Education and Technical and Vocational Training (MOETVT) is committed to increasing the high school graduation rate from 50 percent to 85 percent by 2030.
“To achieve this end, this administration has implemented the Bahamas Education Sector Transformation (BEST) Project – a $43m undertaking in conjunction with the Caribbean Development Bank. This project involves the construction of the East Grand Bahama comprehensive school and upgrades to schools across Grand Bahama, but also the development of a modernised IT strategy for the Ministry and professional development opportunities for some 2,000 administrators and teachers.
“By investing in our scholastic infrastructure, our educators and our promising young pupils, we are well on our way to securing a sustainable future for all Bahamians.” Mr Davis said The Bahamas is also taking action to increase food production, “modernise” the power grid and increase employment through the National Apprenticeship Programme.
Bahamas wins two key tourism awards
FROM PAGE A19
Gas station operator confident ATM safe
By FAY SIMMONS Tribune Business Reporter jsimmons@tribunemedia.net
A PROMINENT gas station operator yesterday voiced confidence that his security systems will deter criminals from trying to repeat the Super Value Golden Gates automated teller machine (ATM) break-in.
Vasco Bastian, the Bahamas Petroleum Retailers Association’s vice-president, who operates the Esso East Street and Soldier Road location, said business owners can “never be too cautious” and stressed the importance of investing in security services and equipment to ward-off criminals and ensure the safety of staff and clients.
He said: “We have no concern at all. We are a secure environment and we are open 24 hours, seven days a week. So being vulnerable in that right, I don’t see that as a concern at all.
“You can never be too cautious, but I don’t think that’s a concern for us at all. We have all the necessary cameras, alarm systems, everything in place to ward
off that type of suggestion or idea by any criminal. We have all of our security measures in place, 100 percent, to make sure that our customers and staff are safe. That’s our number one priority.”
A manager at another retail location that houses ATM machines told Tribune Business that they are concerned about the Super Value break-in and management is currently looking at ways to increase security at the location.
Thieves smashed the eastern glass doors to gain entry to Super Value to steal the store’s ATM but ultimately failed. The incident damaged the store, including the ATM, which is still operable. Police said they were called to the Blue Hill Road South store shortly before 5am on Monday.
Debra Symonette, Super Value’s president, told Tribune Business the damages could cost $5,000 or more and the 13-store supermarket chain is now assessing how to further upgrade security at all its outlets in a bid to prevent such incidents re-occurring. The method used to break down Super Value’s
Ex-PM’s ‘collusion’ charge on Dorian tax breaks abuse
FROM PAGE A20
was mass collusion between the brokers involved and Customs officers.
“All those SERZ applications must be uploaded into the system for the entry to be approved. The amount of entries processed unlawfully would suggest there had to be some collusion between the importers and Customs officers.” He added that all Customs declarations must pass through three stages - entry, valuation and checking - before vehicles and other imported goods are cleared into The Bahamas.
The Killarney MP said Customs’ account also failed to address whether legal, regulatory or any other action has been taken against those found to have participated in the abuse, which has likely cost Bahamian taxpayers and the Public Treasury, and if the vehicle buyers lived in the two Dorian-ravaged islands and were this entitled to the tax concessions on their imports.
individuals who received the concessions under the SERZ Order live in the hurricane belt?
“If not, there had to be collusion through the entry system. Customs needs to do a proper investigation. I am not satisfied with Customs’ explanation.” Customs spoke out only after Dr Minnis exposed the Dorian tax breaks abuse in the House of Assembly and tabled documents to backup his allegations.
The Killarney MP said the Government has lost more than $1m in Excise Tax revenues on highend vehicles that were being brought in duty-free even though the blanket SERZ Order facilitating such relief had expired in December 2022.
doors and walls has become increasingly common in nations such as the US and UK, where criminals either employ so-called ‘ram raiding’ - driving a vehicle into a business premises - or use use tow cables, ropes and other devices attached to powerful autos to rip off and tear down security measures so they can break into stores and other assets.
“It’s something we see on TV and you never think it happens here. Here we go. It’s happened,” Ms Symonette said. “They’re [ATMs] so convenient for the customer. I’d hate to discontinue having them in the stores. It’s a pain to have people do stuff like that just to get to those machines.”
ATMs suddenly appear to have become a major target for criminals, this newspaper having been shown a damaged Bank of The Bahamas machine that criminals broke into at a location said to be Bargain City. Ms Symonette, confirming she had heard about this, said: “I guess it’s a pretty common thing now.
Ms Symonette voiced optimism that the police will be able to catch the Golden Gates culprits, saying she was “pretty
agents and importers to clear the vehicles into The Bahamas, and were able to present proof they had paid the full price to agents inclusive of the necessary Excise Tax.
“We were satisfied, in most instances, that many of the owners had no knowledge that their vehicles were imported under concessions as they were able to provide proof of payment in full to the agent for the payment of all costs involved in the delivery of their vehicle, which included full revenue payment,” Mr Munroe said.
“While our investigation continues into possible actions against the agents involved, the owners themselves in several cases have intimated that they would be pursuing legal remedies for the refund of their money that was provided to their agents for the payment of Customs revenue.
confident” based on the quality and coverage of surveillance videos.
“I guess we’re going to have to reinforce the security we have,” she said of the wider Super Value chain. “We’re going to have to install more cameras so that in the event of anything like this happening we will be able to see what really went on and track the culprits easier. We’ve just got to try to build back stronger and try to make sure that it’s reinforced against whatever force may be applied.
“I am concerned because you just have to be so careful about how to protect yourself every day. It’s something new, and you see so much happening around you and you wonder am I next. You’re just waiting and wondering and all you can do is try and protect yourself as best as possible and the police are able to catch up with these people doing all this crime.”
Customs is the official port of entry. Customs is the one that receives, opens and inspects the package.
“At air freight, JDL has become the official port of entry. They receive the package, weigh the package and then pass it to Customs. The Arawak Port doesn’t interfere with Customs’ functions. Nor do they usurp Customs’ functions.
“The main function of the Arawak Port is to make sure cargo is offloaded from vessels, and containers dropped to a customer’s premises for inspection or taken to the Gladstone Road freight terminal for break bulk. Arawak Port doesn’t hold any freight like JDL does. It’s two different stories; they’re trying to muddy the waters,” Dr Minnis continued.
“They cannot compare JDL, which is usurping Customs and raising the cost of living, because JDL is levying its charge and Customs is giving their charge. The Arawak Port is completely different. They cannot mix them up.”
our ongoing efforts to promote sustainable tourism while providing unforgettable experiences. From our pristine beaches to our state-of-the-art sports facilities, we strive to exceed the expectations of our visitors. This recognition motivates us to continue on our path of excellence” said Latia Duncombe, tourism’s director-general.
“Over the years we have also focused on growing our sports tourism sector – from sailing regattas, fishing tournaments and athletic events. We offer a dynamic playground for sports enthusiasts, so we are thrilled to take home the award for the Caribbean’s leading sports tourism destination.”
Executive Chef
“The agents who have been found to engage in fraudulent activity; have their licences been revoked? What action has been taken against them if they are blaming it all on the brokers?” Dr Minnis asked, also questioning whether Customs has investigated any of its own employees.
“Customs must tell us whether those individuals who got the duty-free concessions were living in those islands and entitled to them. Those who would have been applying would have had their furniture and vehicles destroyed during the hurricane. Did the
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The Davis administration is still providing concessions on a case-by-case basis to persons judged as requiring assistance to rebuild after the devastating Category Five hurricane, but Dr Minnis asserted that highend vehicles - including brands such as Mercedes, BMW, Lexus and Land Rover - had been imported under the SERZ Order and then illegally shipped to islands not struck by Dorian.
Documents tabled by the former prime minister in the House list 41 imported vehicles upon which $1.008m in total revenues due to the Public Treasury could have been evaded. Dr Minnis added that many of the highend vehicles imported via abuse of the Dorian SERZ Order had already been licensed by the Road Traffic Department and have the necessary plates.
But Mr Munroe said Customs was “satisfied” that, in most instances, the vehicle owners did not know their autos were imported using the SERZ Order tax concessions. Most had employed the services of
“Where it was established that there was no culpability on the part of the owner, the outstanding revenue was collected on the vehicle and they were subsequently released.”
Dr Minnis, meanwhile, yesterday reiterated his concerns over the Government’s outsourcing of Lynden Pindling International Airport’s (LPIA) air freight terminal to JDL in a $25m public-private partnership (PPP). He maintained his argument that a private company has “usurped” Customs’ functions, while the additional fees it is levying on imported freight are helping to prolong the cost of living crisis.
Mr Munroe, though, has refuted suggestions that the JDL deal will undermine Customs’ ability to do its job. He explained that many ports of entry, such as the Nassau Cruise Port and the Arawak Cay port, are run by private firms but Customs still continues to fulfil its mandate at those sites.
However, an unconvinced Dr Minnis argued that the nature of those two PPPs was substantially different from the JDL deal, and said Customs was “mixing them up”. He added:
“The normal procedure is
Mr Munroe, though, last week maintained that a private firm conducting cargo management at LPIA is no different from doing it at a sea port, and Customs will still be “in charge” of collecting revenue on behalf of the Government.
He said: “If you go to air freight, again, it is no different from a seaport. You’ve got an airport. It may be in the Government’s view that it’s better to have it run by some private concern.
“We’re down to Odyssey, which is private. We over at Nassau Jet Centre, that’s private. They do what they have to do and we do what we have to do. I don’t think it in any way impedes on what Customs is doing no more than what it impedes on what we’re doing in Arawak Cay or Prince George Wharf.
“Customs is still in charge of what it’s been doing. And the same thing up in Grand Bahama. If you go to Freeport Container Port, it’s Freeport’s container port, but Customs is there. We only deal with what we are supposed to be dealing with.”
PHILIP DAVIS KC
VASCO BASTIAN
DELTEC JOINS CROSS-BORDER PAYMENT SOLUTION VENTURE
A BAHAMIAN bank yesterday announced it has joined a solution that enables faster and more efficient cross-border payment transactions for its corporate clients.
Deltec Bank & Trust, in a statement, said it has joined Visa B2B Connect - a platform built upon Visa’s extensive global networkto provide entrepreneurs and their enterprises with greater speed, reliability, predictability and security in payment transactions.
Through joining Visa B2B Connect, the Lyford Cay-based institution said its corporate and institutional clients will achieve faster, more secure and efficient cross-border payments with near real-time visibility on the status of these transactions and the necessary reconciliation and compliance data.
“We are thrilled to join Visa B2B Connect network to deliver this innovative and future-ready cross border payment network offering to our clients,” said Odetta Morton, Deltec Bank’s chief executive.
“As entrepreneurs and enterprises strive to expand their global footprints, they truly value partners that offer simple and highly secure cross border transactions, along with solutions that help to improve their operational efficiencies.
“We are proud to partner with Visa in removing hurdles that have previously existed in the payment journey, while providing a seamless and secure payments process for today’s global enterprises.”
Frank Gandarillas, Visa’s Caribbean general manager, said: “Visa B2B Connect is our multilateral network that enables predictable, secure and effective cross-border B2B (business-to-business) transactions for financial institutions and their corporate clients.
“We aim to continue expanding the ecosystem with innovative solutions that create opportunities for partnering, as we have done with Deltec, to invigorate the way of moving cross-border funds.”
Visa B2B Connect is currently available in 118 countries in six continents, including The Bahamas. The payment solution aims to address these challenges by modernising existing processes through its digital-first capabilities. It seeks to simplify corporate cross-border payments by facilitating transactions between the originating bank directly to the beneficiary bank.
By increasing the visibility and predictability of transaction flows, Visa B2B aims to improve fee transparency and transaction accuracy while helping companies manage their cash flows and streamline settlement.
PM to lead at Caribbean communications summit
PRIME Minister Philip Davis KC will give the headline address at a major Caribbean communications conference that will launch in Miami on Sunday.
He will speak at CANTO’s 39th annual conference and trade exhibition 2024, which is set to run until Wednesday, July 10, at the JW Marriot Hotel in Miami under the theme ‘Towards a sustainable digital economy’.
C&W Communications, the Bahamas Telecommunications Company’s (BTC) immediate parent, is the conference’s main sponsor for the fifth year in a row.
Marilyn Sealy, C&W Communications’ senior director – head of communications, said: “We are proud to be returning as the headline sponsor for this important forum that’s dedicated to charting the course towards a sustainable digital economy in the Caribbean.
“Coupled with being part of an industry that provides the backbone for growth and innovation, we remain committed to supporting the region and, at the same time, the critical work that CANTO has undertaken over the years.”
Several executives from C&W Communications and its parent company, Liberty Latin America, will be attending the three-day conference. They will include:
* Inge Smidts, C&W Communications chief executive
* Kerry Scott, Liberty Latin America’s senior vice-president, chief people officer
* John Winter, senior vice-president, chief legal officer, Liberty Latin America
* Sameer Bhatti, BTC chief executive
* Nicolas Collette, chief commercial officer, business markets;
* Waldo Hooker, vice-president - South Caribbean
* Susanna O’Sullivan, vicepresident - North Caribbean
* Britta Reinhardt, chief commercial officer - consumer markets
* Carmine Sorrentino, vicepresident, chief commercial officer, Liberty Networks
* Sebastian Kaplan, vicepresident - government affairs, Liberty Latin America
Among the topics to be covered are: Path to a smart city; cyber security; e-health; education; sustainable infrastructure; investment; women leaders pioneering change; and chief executives’ perspectives in an ever-changing landscape of technology and innovation.
Bahamas wins two key tourism awards
THE Bahamas has been named as the Caribbean’s leading luxury island and sports tourism destination for 2024 by the World Travel Awards.
“It is quite an honour for The Bahamas to be recognised by the World Travel Awards in two categories that are near and dear to our hearts. These awards demonstrate the dedication
of team tourism,” said Chester Cooper, deputy prime minister and minister of tourism, investments and aviation. “Travellers seeking luxury and sports adventures will find plenty to
enjoy in the paradise of The Bahamas.” “Winning these awards is an incredible achievement for The Bahamas. It reflects
PAGE A18
Ex-PM’s ‘collusion’ charge on Dorian tax breaks abuse
By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net
AN ex-prime minister yesterday argued there “had to be collusion” between Customs officers and unscrupulous importers over Dorian tax breaks abuse as he challenged if the culprits have been punished.
Dr Hubert Minnis told Tribune Business he is “not satisfied” with the explanations given by Customs after it largely confirmed his accusations that concessions designed to help Abaco and Grand Bahama recover from the devastating Category Five storm were exploited by “agents” and importers hired by unsuspecting
• Says Customs officers must have assisted in scam
• Questions if importers involved have been punished
• Minnis ‘not satisfied’; demands ‘proper investigation’
auto buyers to facilitate their vehicle’s importation.
Ralph Munroe, the Customs comptroller, last Thursday revealed that the agency had recovered some $435,889 in due Excise Tax through the seizure of 30 high-end vehicles on New Providence and two other islands. Only four autos, upon which $200,000 worth of taxes are owing, remain in its custody.
Customs’ top official explained that these agents/importers had exploited tax breaks provided under the post-Dorian Special Economic Recovery Zone (SERZ) Order to bring the vehicles in duty-free without telling their buyer clients. Instead, they themselves pocketed the money
‘Wild Wild West’ aids vehicle import scams
By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor
AUTO dealers yesterday warned that Bahamians will increasingly fall victim to vehicle import scams unless the authorities crack down to end the regulatory “Wild Wild West”.
• Auto chief urges regulatory crackdown to protect Bahamians
• Consumer watchdog alarm on ‘major rise’ in Jap auto frauds
• Says same vehicle sold to multiple buyers while en route
provided by their customers to pay the due Excise Tax and failed to remit the necessary sums to Customs and the Public Treasury.
However, Dr Minnis yesterday demanded that Customs conduct a “proper investigation” and make public the findings. He also questioned whether any of those involved in the “fraudulent activities” had seen their import licences revoked and if any further action had been taken against the culprits.
Noting that the blanket SERZ Order had expired in 2022, with tax breaks subsequently only granted on a case-by-case basis, the former prime minister asserted that the only way the importation of these vehicles could have been processed, approved and uploaded into Customs’ system was through collusion between some of the agency’s officers and the agents/importers.
been shipped and the bill of lading are provided to the buyer, and everything seems fine.
“The big question I have: They didn’t address how these entries were able to be processed by Customs knowing full well the SERZ exemption Order expired in December 2022,” Dr Minnis said. “The amount of orders processed unlawfully would suggest there
Ben Albury, the Bahamas Motor Dealers Association’s (BMDA) president, told Tribune Business that scams involving used Japanese vehicles are “very common” and have been occurring “for years and years and years” after the Consumer Protection Commission issued an alert over “a significant increase in fraudulent activities” relating to such imports.
losses and unavoidable ownership disputes”.
The Commission’s alert, issued yesterday, disclosed that in the latest scheme “Bahamian consumers have been targeted by scammers purporting to be legitimate representatives of Japanese vehicle importers”. Those who have fallen prey to it have suffered “significant financial
GBPA opens new battle over utilities regulation
By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business
nhartnell@tribunemedia.net
THE Grand Bahama Port Authority (GBPA) yesterday potentially opened a new quarrel in its battle with the Government by asserting its “longstanding regulatory authority” over all utilities within Freeport.
The city’s quasi-governmental authority, in a statement likely to infuriate the Davis administration, voiced optimism that the Supreme Court will affirm its position despite the recentlypassed Electricity Act reforms that seek to bypass the GBPA when it comes to energy regulation.
Ian Rolle, the GBPA’s president, was quoted as saying it “remains resolute in our stance” that the provisions in the Hawksbill Creek Agreement supersede - and are superior to - the statute law amendments designed to circumvent it by making the Utilities Regulation and Competition Authority (URCA) the supervisory body for all utilities in Freeport.
The court action alluded to in the statement is the 2015 case initiated by Grand Bahama Power Company (GBPA), the island’s energy provider, challenging URCA’s ability to licence and regulate it because its supervisory body is the GBPA as provided for in Freeport’s founding treaty, the Hawksbill Creek Agreement.
Ryan Pinder KC, the attorney general, told Tribune Business via messaged reply to this newspaper’s questions that the Government’s position that a national regulator such
Bahamians are being induced to acquire used Japanese autos via local agents or middlemen, paying 50 percent of the purchase price upfront and the balance when the vehicle arrives in this nation.
Upon payment of the 50 percent deposit, confirmation that the vehicle has
However, the Commission alert said that, while en route to The Bahamas, the agent/middleman then sells the same vehicle to other or multiple buyers. The end result is that, when the vehicle arrives in The Bahamas, shipping companies are immediately faced with multiple competing ownership claims to it, resulting in disputes and
Chamber to tax Task Force: ‘Reconsider’ cash payments
By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net
THE Bahamian private sector last night voiced optimism that the Government’s tax compliance Task Force will employ “less threatening” methods while urging it to “reconsider” accepting cash payments. The Bahamas Chamber of Commerce and Employers Confederation (BCCEC), in a statement praising the Prime Minister’s move to halt the practice of machine gun-toting officers entering business premises, warned that taking tax payments in cash could still cause “dangerous situations” and expose both companies and the Revenue Enhancement Task Force to criminal activities.
“The Chamber was happy to see the Prime Minister move to put an end to heavily-armed officers
accompanying the tax enforcement unit as they enter businesses to carry out inspections. We hope that the agencies involved will seek less threatening ways to ensure that the payments due are submitted as required,” the Chamber said in response to Tribune Business inquiries.
“We would urge the unit to reconsider the collection of actual cash during any inspection as this could lead to dangerous situations given the level of crime in our country today. The Chamber is open to engaging any of the authorities involved to discuss how the business community can assist with the efficient collection of their revenue.”
The businessman, whose video of the Task Force entering his retail store sparked the private sector and public backlash that
Pink Sands: Horse riding legal demand ‘last resort’
By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net
A TOP Briland hotel yesterday affirmed “it will never be our intent” to put a popular horse riding venture out of business as it described its $912,500 legal demand as “the last resort”.
Andreas Ioannou, president and director of PS Ltd, the Pink Sands resort’s immediate owner, told Tribune Business that the property had been left with “no choice” but to prepare for legal action after the failure of multiple attempts - dating back at least six years - to reach a compromise with Byron Bullard, principal of B&B
Horseback Riding, over the location of his stables.
Confirming that Pink Sands had even offered to finance and construct new stables, with running water and all other necessary amenities, at its expense at a location just 25 feet southeast of the present site, he added that all proposals have been rejected by Mr Bullard.
As a result, Mr Ioannou told this newspaper that Pink Sands is “losing a lot of money” through its inability to rent high-end cottages out to guests due to “the smell” and other issues associated with Mr Bullard’s horse staging area, fence and shed being based
SEE PAGE A17
DR HUBERT MINNIS
BEN ALBURY
Photo: SCREENSHOT OF SECURITY CAMERA FOOTAGE