07052023 NEWS, SPORT AND BUSINESS

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PINDER HITS OUT AT ‘PM’ CORNISH

Abaco MP says he was disappointed with fellow party member’s comment

By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net

CENTRAL and South

Abaco MP John Pinder, a member of the Progressive Liberal Party, said it is disappointing that North Abaco MP Kirk Cornish declared himself prime minister of the island.

Mr Cornish, a parliamentary secretary in the Office

of the Prime Minister, made the comment during an independence banquet on Saturday.

In a rare public rebuke of a fellow member of the governing party, Mr Pinder emphasised yesterday that Mr Cornish is not in charge.

“First and foremost, as members of parliament, we serve our constituents, so

MOTION TO OVERTURN AZ A RIO ruling ‘premature’ says Justice

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net

A SUPREME Court judge called a constitutional motion to overturn the homicide by manslaughter finding against officers who killed Azario Major “premature” yesterday.

The four officers involved in Major’s death want the Coroners Court’s ruling overturned,

arguing pre-trial publicity prevented a fair inquest.

The attorney general and the “Coroner of the Coroner’s Court” are the first and second respondents in the case. The judge denied an application from Azario Major’s family to be a party to the proceedings.

After hearing submissions from Keevon Maynard, the lawyer for the officers, Justice Franklyn

FNM shocked as Lewis joins Coalition protest of Immigration Minister

By LYNAIRE MUNNINGS Tribune Staff Reporter lmunnings@tribunemedia.net

CENTRAL Grand

Bahama MP Iram Lewis raised eyebrows in the Free National Movement yesterday when he joined members of the Coalition of Independents at a protest demanding the resignation of

Immigration Minister Keith Bell.

Although the FNM has also called for Mr Bell’s resignation and believes the Davis administration has inadequately addressed concerns about the actions he took at a recent funeral, the major political parties have been careful to distance themselves from Lincoln

Bain’s movement, fearing its immigration rhetoric and views are too extreme.

Mr Lewis’ appearance alongside COI members shocked some in the FNM, according to three sources who said people found it ill-advised.

SEE PAGE ONE

By LYNAIRE MUNNINGS Tribune Staff Reporter lmunnings@tribunemedia.net

NATIONAL Security Minister Wayne Munroe said a popular clothing store, Bahari Bahamas, does not have permits to feature Bahamian national symbols on their merchandise and has not responded to his ministry’s demands to comply with the law.

“We’ve been tolerant,” he said yesterday. “We sent emails. They didn’t respond.”

A representative of Bahari confirmed to

SEE PAGE ONE

MUNROE: BA H A RI has no permit FOR NATION A L symbols use M A RINE WHO allegedly shot WRONG MA N in custody

By EARYEL BOWLEG Tribune Staff Reporter ebowleg@tribunemedia.net

A MARINE who allegedly shot the wrong person during an argument with other men at a bar over the weekend has been arrested, National Security Minister Wayne Munroe said.

Police had reported that an argument between the marine and a group of men occurred shortly after 4am on Saturday at a bar on West Bay Street.

The victim, a club patron uninvolved in the argument, remains in the hospital.

SEE PAGE ONE

CENTRAL Grand Bahama MP Iram Lewis joined a Coalition of Independents protest outside the Office of the Prime Minister yesterday calling for the firing of Immigration Minister Keith Bell.

Photo: Moise Amisial

COI protest yesterday calls for Immigration Minister’s firing

THE COALITION of Independents protested outside the Ofice of The Prime Minister yesterday calling for the firing of Immigration Minister Keith Bell after he swore in new citizens at a funeral last week.

Photos: Mia Gardner

ATTORNEY Maria Daxon raises documents after Coalition of Independents leader Lincoln Brian speaks at the Office of the Prime Minister.

LEADER of the Coalition of Independents Lincoln Bain speaks outside of the Office of The Prime Minister alongside supporters in protest yesterday.

FNM shocked as Lewis joins Coalition protest of Immigration Minister

from page one

“I’m here totally in solidarity with this move because, again, it’s not about colours. It is about The Bahamas,” Mr Lewis said, standing next to Mr Bain near the Office of the Prime Minister.

“I travel all over the world, and there’s no country like The Bahamas. We cannot afford to lose our country. What I heard my brother say this morning was not a xenophobic speech. It was not a hatred speech. It was a speech of empowerment for The Bahamas.”

He added: “Unless we stand up and do something now, we are going to lose it and our children will have nothing to look forward to.”

Mr Bell granted citizenship to the wife and children of Franck Racine during his funeral last month, fulfilling Racine’s dying wish.

He was criticised for his unorthodox action, but the Davis administration said he broke no law and that Cabinet approved citizenship for the people.

Deputy Prime Minister Chester Cooper said yesterday that Mr Bell still has the confidence of Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis.

During yesterday’s protest, Davis Davis, the permanent secretary in the Office of the Prime Minister, signed Mr Bain’s letter calling for Mr Bell to be terminated as a way to confirm receipt of the document.

The FNM demanded Mr Bell’s resignation during protests on Thursday and Friday. Mr Lewis did not attend the events.

He said yesterday: “As I am empowered, as I do have a voice and a platform, I have made a decision to stand in solidarity with my brothers and sisters on behalf of our country.”

MUNROE: BAHARI HAS NO PER MIT FOR N ATIONAL SYMBOLS USE

from page one

The Tribune yesterday that the company lacked permission to feature the national symbols on products.

Mr Munroe has urged businesses seeking to feature national symbols on merchandise to obtain a licence. On Monday, he told reporters a “notorious producer and retailer” has failed to do so.

He noted the permits could be approved after applying to the ministry and paying $20. The licences are valid from January 1 to December 31 of each year, no matter when permission is obtained.

“They have advertised a line of clothing that uses the flag and national symbols,” Mr Munroe said yesterday about Bahari.

“Up to the point that I was briefed, the section head emailed them. They have not positively responded. I haven’t recalled seeing any applications from them since that point.

“We can send the police to seize your $50k worth of merchandise bearing national symbols.

“We’re not trying to hurt you. We’re not trying to damage your business. We’re just trying to cause you to comply with the law. We don’t want to seize the merchandise. We put out a press release because we recognize people may be acting without knowing.”

Mr Munroe said raising revenue is not the objective of the requirement.

“The cost is only $20,” he said. “The point is to enforce consistency and to ensure that symbols aren’t used in ways that are derogatory. It is not a function to make money. Twenty dollars hardly covers the cost of the application and approval process.”

Mr Munroe said people in the Ministry of National Security monitor the release of products with national symbols to ensure compliance. “We are setting up to do some enforcement,” he said.

IRAM LEWIS, FNM MP for Central Grand Bahama joined a Coalition of Independents protest calling for the resignation or firing of Immigration Minister Keith Bell yesterday.

Photo: Mia Gardner

COI leader holds up a document signed by Permanent Secretary David Davis from the Office of the Prime Minister indicating that the documented demand for the resignation/firing of Immigration Minister Keith Bell was received by the OPM.

Photos: Moise Amisial

ABOVE: models wear Bahari designed shirts which utilise the Bahamas coat of arms, a national symbl which National Security Minister Wayne Munroe said they do not have the required $20 permit to use.

Motion to overturn Azario ruling ‘premature’ says Justice

from page one

Williams questioned whether addressing the issues only arises if or when the officers are charged with a crime.

“Isn’t this premature?” he asked. “The question of a finding against one or all of them, which is then fleshed out by a charge, isn’t that the point where you would raise these issues?”

“Isn’t a finding of homicide by manslaughter just that? Until it results in a charge, isn’t it just a finding? Isn’t it the case that the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions may decide that there is no charge to be made?

“And isn’t that a likely outcome, and when I say likely, a possible outcome that they may not be charged? And doesn’t that possible outcome leave the finding as just that? That’s a finding of a coroner’s jury. That’s not the finding or the determination of the person who is lawfully clothed with the power to charge. Isn’t your application premature?”

When Mr Maynard argued that the inquest’s findings insinuated that the officers are guilty, Justice Williams countered that no criminal guilt had been placed on them yet.

The deliberation of Acting Director of Public Prosecutions Cordell Fraizer on whether to charge the officers with a crime has been delayed by the ongoing effort to overturn the Coroner’s Court’s ruling.

POLICE INVOLVED IN SHOOTING AZ A RIO M A JOR STILL ON ACTIVE DUTY

By LETRE SWEETING Tribune Staff Reporter lsweeting@tribunemedia.net

THE police officers involved in the shooting death of Azario Major remain on active, unmodified duty despite a Coroners Court finding of homicide by manslaughter.

National Security Minister Wayne Munroe said yesterday that officers in such positions should not be treated differently –– at least until they are found guilty of a crime.

Major was killed outside Woody’s Bar on Fire Trail

Road on December 26, 2021.

Detective Inspector Saunders, Sergeant Sweeting, Sergeant Johnson and Corporal Rolle are the officers who shot Major.

Acting Director of Public Prosecutions Cordell Frazier will decide whether to charge any or all of them with a crime.

Mr Munroe said he requires officers involved in traumatic experiences like shootings to see a chaplain and, if necessary, a psychiatrist to determine if they are fit for active duty.

“Other than that, you would be on duty, and what they assigned you to do would be up to the actual commander,” he said.

“If you have somebody who a psychologist and a psychiatrist assessed as being balanced to return to work and you refuse to return them to work, why wouldn’t they bring an action against you?”

Mr Munroe noted that officers charged with a crime are “interdicted” and only receive half pay. If acquitted, they get the other half of their salary.

AZARIO MAJOR

THE police officers involved in the shooting death of Azario Major remain on active, unmodified duty despite a Coroners Court finding of homicide by manslaughter. National Security Minister Wayne Munroe said yesterday that officers in such positions should not be treated differently –– at least until they are found guilty of a crime.

Photo: Moise Amisial

Pinder hits out at ‘PM’ Cornish

CENTRAL and South Abaco MP John Pinder, a member of the Progressive Liberal Party, said it is disappointing that North Abaco MP Kirk Cornish declared himself prime minister of the island.

from page one

I serve primarily my constituents in Central and South Abaco,” Mr Pinder told The Tribune. “In terms of our position, if we are blessed enough to have a position, we work

for the prime minister.

“So, I haven’t read the whole thing, but I’m sure it was erroneous to say it in the way that he said it, but we serve the people. To have that kind of tone, it’s disappointing, so my official response is we serve the people. I am

here to serve the people, and power is not the objective. The objective is to bring Abaco back stronger and better than it ever has been before.”

He continued: “We’re still in the final stages of Dorian recovery. We’re at 50 years for

our independence, and I’m looking forward to a strong 50 years to come, so I’m hoping what he said was in error.”

“To be clear, he is not in charge of Abaco. The prime minister is the leader of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas.

We serve under him, and to say such things is erroneous.”

Mr Cornish, who was being honoured at a banquet at a church in Cooper’s Town, Abaco on Saturday, told attendees: “On Abaco, Kirk is the prime minister. The

only authority other than Kirk who leads this island is Brave Philip Edward Davis, so get used to it.” His remarks elicited approval from some in the audience.

Mr Pinder and Mr Cornish are both first-time MPs.

nm chair m a n says north a baco mp has ‘ oot in mouth’ disesase

By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net

FREE National Move-

ment chairman Dr Duane Sands said North Abaco

MP Kirk Cornish has “foot and mouth disease”.

His comment came after Mr Cornish asserted his authority during an independence banquet on the island Saturday, calling himself the prime minister of Abaco.

In a voice note yesterday, Dr Sands knocked Mr Cornish, saying he was out of line. He called him a “fool” and an “arrogant, biggety disgrace”.

“Last week, we saw Keith Bell’s foot and mouth disease made public at a recent weekend funeral,” he said.

“It’s clear that foot and mouth disease is running rampant. It’s contagious in the PLP because now we see the MP for North Abaco Kirk Cornish with

the same affliction,” Dr Sands said.

“At a podium in Abaco, the big man from the north who is obviously the only MP in Abaco –– and I wonder what Mr Pinder thinks about that –– he made it clear that he runs things, that he fires and he hires.”

“Kirk Cornish, in his own words, made it clear that he was the prime minister in Abaco and that he made the rules. He’s all-powerful and clearly dictates to all government officers and officials. Now inquiring minds want to know if his powers extend to the police and to the courts.”

“The truth is, sir, that you are out of line,” he added. “The truth is, sir, that you are a fool so it’s time for you to sit small. You have given us insight into just the kind of person you really are.”

“Now let’s see if the DPM and the PM gonna run to your rescue like they did for Bell cuz you too need to go.”

munroe go t to use educatio n p olicy to deter rise in se ual crim

By JADE RUSSELL Tribune Staff Reporter jrussell@tribunemedia.net

NATIONAL Security

Minister Wayne Munroe said the government will try to deter the rise in sexual crimes through an education policy.

He did not elaborate, but his comment came after police in Grand Bahama said they are investigating the circumstances surrounding an alleged sexual assault of a 19-year-old female.

Mr Munroe said rape is a crime “carried out by people who clearly aren’t properly socialised”.

“One of the main ways of preventing it is education,” he said. “We are looking now at a policy to address the education, particularly of young men.”

He also said the sexual offences unit of the Royal Bahamas Police Force is engaging young women to educate them.

es

“We expect to have a substantial gathering of people to align efforts to address educating and mentoring young men,” he said.

He stressed that officials are ensuring victims are comfortable reporting sexual offences.

“We have to educate policemen to deal with them in an appropriate way,” Mr Munroe said.

In June, Mr Munroe revealed during his budget debate contribution that there was a 64 per cent increase in rape offences in New Providence even though other islands saw a decrease.

He said the number of cases in New Providence during the reporting period increased to 23 from 14.

“It fell in Grand Bahama by 56 per cent. It fell in the rest of the Family Islands by 33 per cent. But the increase in New Providence drove an overall increase in rape,” he said.

FREE National Movement chairman Dr Duane Sands said North Abaco MP Kirk Cornish was out of line, calling him a “fool” and an “arrogant, biggety disgrace”.

NATIONAL Security Minister Wayne Munroe said rape is a crime “carried out by people who clearly aren’t properly socialised”. He said that the government will try to deter the rise in sexual crimes through an education policy.

Photo: Moise Amisial

What are you prepared to do to move us toward unity?

IT HAS been 50 years since The Bahamas became an independent nation, and we continue to struggle with the concept and the practice of unity. There are frequent calls for us to “come together as a people” and to “be united”, usually aimed at standing against an issue or proposed action or, less frequently, getting numbers in support. Generally speaking, however, we lack unity as Bahamians and residents of The Bahamas. We find more reasons to be apart and in opposition to one another than we find to be together, on the same page, in alignment, and united. This may be due, in part, to the fact that it is often much easier to position oneself as against something than it is to identify and name what one supports. It could also be that we are trained, from childhood, to be mean to friends and strangers alike, both as a side excuse for hunger and as weak attempts showing wit. Last week, I was in conversation with a young Bahamian and a visitor who had spent a few weeks in The Bahamas. We had just witnessed a funny debate among a group of young people about a popular product. H aving bonded during their time together in an intensive programme, they were careful to be respectful of one another while sharing their opposing opinions as convincingly as they could to win the argument. On the sidelines, the three of us talked about pressing

By Alicia Wallace

issues in The Bahamas, particularly related to gender inequality in the law. We talked about the disadvantages women face, the ways those disadvantages affect other people, and how the issues are discussed in different spaces.

The visitor wanted to know what we considered to be normal interactions within and between groups of people. We talked about the expectation that we put up with whatever the circumstances happen to be and accept our lots in life, and how this connected to the idea that the people who complain about the issues are the problem. There is little attention to power dynamics or the impact of circumstances and the continued failure to change them.

Interestingly, the young Bahamian noted that excessive “teasing” seems to be a part of Bahamian culture. We gave the visitor examples of the ways that what we tend to call “teasing” is hurtful and embarrassing, and our first experiences of cruelty are usually at home, with our families, where we are supposed to experience love and feel protected. A s long as

the cruelty can be called “teasing”, there seems to be no rules or limitations. From physical appearance to academic performance, nothing is considered out of bounds. The comments made by adults to children, and about them in their presence, form some of people’s core beliefs about themselves and their capabilities. We come to understand that the whatever makes us different is what makes us vulnerable, and we need to either change or hide those differences to avoid being singled out and humiliated.

We told the visitor about the supposed need for “thicker skin” and to ignore the way we feel in order to maximize the enjoyment of other people, even at our own expense. We recognised that what often passes for humour is actually cruelty, and is one of the best demonstrations of the misunderstanding of love — what it is, and how it feels. When this is considered, it is no surprise that violence is so often (mis) interpreted and misconstrued as positive. There is no need to wonder why many people enter relationships and are unable to identify red flags

because cruelty was normalised all of their lives.

Teasing, like bullying, is a way of othering. People hyperfocus on one characteristic, often exaggerating it, translate it into negative terms, and present it as a joke for others. S ometimes the targeted person excluded, and sometimes they are expected to participate in their own humiliation by pretending they are not hurt by it. This behaviour

is allowed to continue, in the home, at school, in the workplace, on social media, and anywhere else that people gather and interact. H umour is not a requirement, so people can highlight differences without the effort of even a pseudo-joke. Difference as a weakness is not new. It has always been a part of the colonial project, and it has successfully created divisions. The examples of this are endless. We can look at the way H aitian people are treated, just for being H aitian. We can look at the way we treat religious minorities, people with disabilities, people struggling with addiction, people experiencing poverty, and LGBTQI+ people. No matter what we have in common, from nationality to constituency, from educational background to family members, it is the difference that draws attention and commentary, and the response to the difference that often breeds hostility and violence. We are much better practised in noting differences, creating distance, and launching attacks based on difference than we are at fostering a sense of unity with attention to commonalities and community-building.

Both the national anthem of The Bahamas, March On, Bahamaland, and the pledge to the flag of The Bahamas call us to unity. A line of the national anthem says, “Pledge to excel through love and unity,” and a line of the pledge says, “One people, united in love and service.” Even the motto on the coat of arms, “Forward, Upward, Onward, Together,” carries the theme of unity. We recited them fairly well, but we do not often consider the words, their meaning, or our own responsibility as people who have inherited, accepted, and pronounced them.

We do not have to be the same to be united, but we do have to reject the idea that our differences must separate us, and that our differences can or do make any of us more or less important or more human than anyone else. Even the concept of our differences has to be closely considered. It is not that one person or group of people is different. The difference is shared by all of us. The person with the blue hair isn’t just different on their own. We are different from them with our hair that is not blue too. The burden of the difference does not need to be and stay on one person. We share differences just as we share similarities. Unity is being together, a whole, as one. Unity is

not the same as uniformity. The former is about oneness while the latter is sameness. It is easy to make the mistake of conflating the too, due in no small part to the ease with which people can unite when they are or perceive themselves to be the same, at least in what they consider to be the most important ways. Uniting as a bunch of people who are the same does not have the same significance as people uniting as people who have and acknowledge their differences. Our laws tell us that women are less Bahamian than men. Generations of parenting have convinced many of us that children are less sentient than adults. Elitism has led us to believe that the wealthy and the highly educated are inherently better than everyone else. Christian fundamentalists would like us to believe that Christians are entitled to more of The Bahamas than people of other faiths and no faith. LGBTQI+ people are mischaracterised to stoke fear and incite violence, even by people who preach love and peace. From these examples, we can see that difference is not even necessarily about the majority. It is about (ancient) norms, old, unchanging systems and practices, and power. It has been used against us and we have been trained to wield it against each other, preventing unity. What does it cost you for someone else to exist in a way that you do not? H ow does your discomfort with someone’s presentation or behaviour lead you to disrespect them? Which differences scare you, and why? What are the difference that make you feel inferior, and how do you behave in order to feel superior?

A s we continue on this pothole-ridden road to 50, how have you impeded (attempts to bring) unity? What are you prepared to do to move us toward unity?

Uniformity has not been a stated goal for a long time, but it seems to be in many minds — another marker of the unfortunate success of the colonial project. Uproot it from yours. S top expecting and only accepting sameness. Push yourself to practice empathy and curiosity, to embody love, and to aim for unity. Be truly excellent as one of many people, holding many differences, with love and unity as vehicles moving us toward a common loftier goal.

‘We do not have to be the same to be united, but we do have to reject the idea that our differences must separate us...’

GRAMMYS CEO ON NEW AI

CONTAINS AI-CREATED

By MARIA SHERMAN AP Music Writer

LOS ANGELES (AP)

— Last month, the Recording Academy announced a series of changes to the Grammy Awards to better reflect an evolving music industry. Of those newly instituted guidelines, protocols involving technological advancements in machine learning sparked headlines: “Only human creators” could win the music industry’s highest honour in a decision aimed at the use of artificial intelligence in popular music.

“A work that contains no human authorship is not eligible in any category,” the rules read in part.

As the music industry continues to come to terms with this new technology, so too will the Grammys, says Recording Academy CEO and President Harvey Mason jr.

“Here’s the super easy, headline statement: AI, or music that contains AI-created elements is absolutely eligible for entry and for consideration for Grammy nomination. Period,” Mason told The Associated

Press. “What’s not going to happen is we are not going to give a Grammy or Grammy nomination to the AI portion.” If an AI or voice modeling program performs the lead vocal on a song, the track would be eligible in a songwriting category, for example, but not a performance category, because “what is performing is not human creation,” he explains. “Conversely, if a song was sung by an actual

human in the studio, and they did all the performing, but AI wrote the lyric or the track, the song would not be eligible in a composition or a songwriting category.”

“As long as the human is contributing in a more than de minimis amount, which to us means a meaningful way, they are and will always be considered for a nomination or a win,” he continued. “We don’t want to see technology replace

european telescope launched to hunt or clues to uni erse’s dar est secrets

By MARCIA DUNN

AP Aerospace Writer

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) — A European space telescope blasted off Saturday on a quest to explore the mysterious and invisible realm known as the dark universe.

SpaceX launched the European Space Agency’s Euclid observatory toward its ultimate destination 1 million miles (1.5 million kilometres) away, the Webb Space Telescope’s neighbourhood. It will take a month to get there and another two months before it starts its ambitious six-year survey this fall.

Flight controllers in Germany declared success nearly an hour into the flight, applauding and shouting “Yes!” as the telescope phoned home after a smooth liftoff.

“I’m so thrilled, I’m so

excited to see now this mission up in space, knowing it is on its way,” the European Space Agency’s director general, Josef Aschbacher, said from the Florida launch site.

Named for antiquity’s Greek mathematician, Euclid will scour billions of galaxies covering more than one-third of the sky. By pinpointing the location and shape of galaxies up to 10 billion light-years away — almost all the way back to the cosmos-creating Big Bang — scientists hope to glean insight into the dark energy and dark matter that make up most of the universe and keep it expanding.

Scientists understand only five percent of the universe: stars, planets, us. The rest is “still a mystery and an enigma, a huge frontier in modern physics that we hope this mission will actually help to push

forward,” the European Space Agency’s science director, Carole Mundell, said just before liftoff.

The telescope’s highly anticipated 3D map of the cosmos will span both space and time in a bid to explain how the dark universe evolved and why its expansion is speeding up.

The lead scientist for the $1.5 billion mission (1.4 billion euros) said Euclid will measure dark energy and dark matter with unprecedented precision.

“It’s more than a space telescope, Euclid. It’s really a dark energy detector,” Rene Laureijs noted.

Fifteen feet (4.7 metres) tall and almost as wide, Euclid sports a 1.2-metre (4-foot) telescope and two scientific instruments capable of observing the cosmos in both visible light and the near infrared.

A huge sunshield is designed to keep

EASY CAR SALES introduces a new line of JAC fully electric consumer and commercial vehicles this Saturday at

curious about electric cars

WITH more electric cars (EVs) on the roads of New Providence, you may be curious to find out why the world is switching to these vehicles.

According to Easy Car Sales, the main reasons are that EVs are much simpler

than conventional gas cars or hybrids. They run on an electric motor powered by a built-in battery instead of a combustion engine burning gasoline. This makes EVs cleaner and efficient, which is great for the environment and much less expensive to

human creativity. We want to make sure technology is enhancing, embellishing, or additive to human creativity. So that’s why we took this particular stand in this award cycle.”

The Recording Academy has long considered setting rules related to AI following the popularity of new songs created alongside AI technology: David Guetta’s “Emin-AI-em”, the AI -compositions of TikTok user @ghostwriter977, Grimes’ voice modeling AI software.

In order to establish their AI guidelines, the Recording Academy engaged in extensive research, including holding tech summits. “I’ve met with the copyright office. We’ve talked about the future and what that looks like on a federal level and the legislative level,” Mason said, adding that AI conversations “really came to a head in the last six months.”

The new Grammy AI protocols were announced three days after Paul McCartney shared that “the last Beatles record” had been composed using artificial

intelligence to extract John Lennon’s voice from an old demo. Without knowing the extent of the technology, Mason couldn’t confirm or deny whether the song would be eligible for a Grammy nomination.

“We’ll see what it turns out to be,” he said. “But I would imagine from the early descriptions that I’ve heard there would be components of the creation that would be absolutely eligible.”

So, can Grammy viewers expect to see work at least partially created with AI nominated for an award as early as next year?

It’s impossible to predict what is submitted. But as Mason affirms, “people are using the technology. I’m imagining it’s going to be involved in a lot of records a lot of songs this year, so we’ll see if some of them get nominated or not, but I’m sure there’ll be some that will be submitted.”

The 2024 Grammy Awards will return to Los Angeles’ Crypto. com Arena on Sunday, Feb. 4, 2024, airing live on CBS and livestreamed on Paramount+.

meta loo s to target t itter ith a ri al app called threads

By KELVIN CHAN AP Business Writer

LONDON (AP) — Meta is poised to unveil a new app that appears to mimic Twitter — a direct challenge to the social media platform owned by Elon Musk.

A listing for the app, called Threads, appeared on Apple’s App Store, indicating it would debut as early as Thursday. It is billed as a “text-based conversation app” that is linked to Instagram, with the listing teasing a Twitter-like microblogging experience.

“Threads is where communities come together to discuss everything from the topics you care about today to what’ll be trending tomorrow,” it said.

Instagram users will be able to keep their user names and follow the same accounts on the new app, according to screenshots displayed on the App Store listing. Meta declined to comment on the app.

Musk replied “yeah” to a tweet from Twitter cofounder Jack Dorsey saying, “All your Threads are belong to us,” along with a screenshot from the App Store’s privacy section showing what personal information might be collected by the new Meta app. Threads could be the latest headache for Musk, who acquired Twitter last year for $44 billion and has been making changes that have unnerved advertisers and turned off users, including new daily limits on the number of tweets people can view.

no ia rene s patent license agreement ith apple co ering g and other technologies

the sensitive systems at the properly frigid temperatures.

NASA, which contributed Euclid’s infrared detectors, has its own mission coming up to better understand dark energy and dark matter: the Roman Space Telescope due to launch in 2027.

The US-European Webb telescope can also join in this quest, officials said.

Euclid was supposed to launch on a Russian rocket

from French Guiana in South America, Europe’s main spaceport.

The European and Russian space agencies cut ties following the invasion of Ukraine last year, and the telescope switched to a SpaceX ride from Cape Canaveral. Waiting for Europe’s next-generation, yet-to-fly Ariane rocket would have meant a twoyear-plus delay, according to project manager Giuseppe Racca.

‘independence rom gas’ e ent this saturday

run, saving you money.

Easy Car Sales says on average in The Bahamas it costs less than $1.50 in electricity to go the same distance as a gallon of gas currently priced around $5.50. And because there are 1,000 fewer parts to

service in an EV, maintenance is minimal.

This Saturday, July 8, Easy Car Sales is inviting the public to celebrate “Independence from Gas” at the Mall at Marathon, Centre Court, from 10am to 4pm. Experience the quiet,

smooth and powerful ride of an electric car, see all the newest tech features and feel the luxury of driving electric. Visit www.easy242.com or call 461 0100 to find out more about how you can #dumpthepump.

HELSINKI (AP) — Network infrastructure and 5G technology provider Nokia has signed a new long-term patent license agreement with Apple to replace the current deal between the two companies that is set to expire at the end of 2023.

The deal, which enables Apple to use the Finnish company’s technology in its products, covers Nokia’s inventions in 5G and other technologies. The terms of the agreement announced late Friday remain confidential.

Nokia expects to recognise revenue related to the agreement starting January 2024, and the company said the deal is consistent with its long-term outlook disclosed in the first quarter.

“The agreement reflects the strength of Nokia’s patent portfolio, decadeslong investments in R&D, and contributions to cellular standards and other technologies,” Nokia Technologies President Jenni Lukander said in a statement.

The previous license agreement between Apple and Nokia was announced in May 2017.

THIS photo provided by the European Space Agency on June 28, shows the 1.2-metre (3.9-foot) main mirror of the Euclid space telescope. (ESA via AP)

GUIDELINES: MUSIC THAT

ELEMENTS IS ELIGIBLE. ‘PERIOD.’

HARVEY Mason jr., CEO of The Recording Academy. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP, File)

Casuarina Bridge cost grows by just under $1m as progress on the construction continues

By DENISE MAYCOCK Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

The ongoing repair work at the Casuarina Bridge is progressing, but changes in the scope of work have increased the cost to $2.8m - an increase of $900,000.

A detailed structural assessment conducted by an engineering firm found that the bridge required different means and methods for repair.

In a press statement released on Tuesday to update residents, the company indicated that “good progress” has been made and work is still underway at the bridge.

Bridge repairs were initiated following Hurricane Dorian’s destructive impacts in 2019.

In 2020, DEVCO and LUSCO hired the engineering team of Integrated Building Services to perform a conditional assessment of the Bridge.

During that time, several key issues were identified including embankment and abutment damage, weathering of the pile cap beam,

fender damage, pavement damage, bridge deck expansion joint, and the need for the construction of a service road.

In late 2020, LUSCO and DEVCO held a procurement exercise for a contractor to undertake work on the bridge. All Bahamas Construction (ABC) was engaged to complete the work, valued at approximately $1.9m.

According to Kenya Longley, programme manager at Integrate Building Services Limited, during the construction, some observations were made about the Casuarina Bridge’s structural capacity, and a detailed structural assessment was done.

She said: “Work was paused while engineers performed destructive and non-destructive tests, which determined that the bridge required different means and methods for repair, resulting in changes to the scope of the work.” DEVCO advised that those changes include revising the sheet pile method for seawall protection and replacing it with

the reinforced concrete seawall and retaining wall, the addition of a retaining wall along the length of the western embankment, structural tests and pile cap structural repairs.

In addition to clearing the land, filling the embankment on the eastern side, and partially constructing the embankment on the western side, progress has been made.

The contractor has completed the retaining wall for the seawall, and the seawall on the north side of the bridge. On the south side, the retaining wall for the seawall has been constructed, and work on the south seawall is in progress. Also, the embankment retaining wall design has been finalized and the contractor is working on completing the base layer fill of the trenched northern side to begin the foundation for the retaining wall.

Charisse Brown, Grand Bahama Development Company Limited (DEVCO) CEO and senior legal counsel, said the bridge provides safe and

MARINE WHO ALLEGEDLY SHOT WRONG M AN NOW IN CUSTODY

convenient passage from Freeport to communities in the east.

“As such, it’s a critical structure for our communities. It showed some aging at the roadways and the bridge structure prior to Dorian, so we are repairing general wear and tear of the Bridge in addition to making much-needed storm-related repairs,” she said.

The company stated that ABC continues to have traffic management measures such as signage and flagmen at the Casuarina Bridge to maintain public safety.

Mariners are also reminded to slow down and exercise extreme caution when approaching the area, not only for their safety but also for the safety of workers.

“We know that these critical repairs can result in inconveniences, and we apologise for that. The public’s continued patience is greatly appreciated, as we complete the repairs safely and as expeditiously as possible,” said Mrs Brown.

from page one

“The investigation, I understand, is ongoing,”

Mr Munroe told reporters before a Cabinet meeting yesterday. “I can’t characterise any descriptions, but it is said to have arose out of some sort of a fight.” He said officers will examine CCTV footage of the incident and will determine what to do in consultation with the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.

Pressed about the conduct of off-duty officers, Mr Munroe noted a report that two off-duty police officers were shot after they heard gunshots at a party on Marshall Road over the weekend.

“They went notwithstanding that they weren’t rostered,” he said. “So an officer has a duty to

continually carry out its functions of being a law enforcer. The incident with marine, I don’t know what the facts are.”

Asked if he is concerned about off-duty officers abusing their power, he said: “I don’t prejudge anything, and when something happens like that, the first thing that happens is the police becomes involved. The intelligence section of the defence force becomes involved, and they investigate it. I don’t jump to conclusions.”

Meanwhile, police said they are looking for two suspects in the Marshall Road shooting on Sunday that left Garath Pyfrom dead and two officers injured. Police said the suspects are known to police, with one being on bail for two murders.

MAN GETS THREE-AND-A-HALF YEARS FOR GUN CHARGES

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net

A MAN was sentenced to three and a half years in prison after being found guilty of having a loaded gun during a police chase in 2018.

Marvin Davis was charged before Chief Magistrate Joyann Ferguson-Pratt with possession of an unlicensed firearm and possession of ammunition.

Police reportedly saw Davis acting suspiciously while walking on Rupert Dean Lane on May 11, 2018. Officers observed a large bulge in his right pants pocket, suspected of being a firearm.

A brief chase followed when the accused saw the police. Police said they saw Davis pull the gun from his pocket and throw it over a nearby fence.

When officers caught Davis, the man reportedly said: “Yeah, officers, you got me.”

A black Taurus 9mm pistol, along with two unfired rounds of ammunition, were recovered from the scene.

While Davis admitted to running away from authorities in a subsequent police interview, he denied ownership of the weapon. He maintained his innocence throughout the trial. After reviewing the evidence and testimony, the chief magistrate found him guilty. During his mitigation plea, Bjorn Ferguson said his young client had a clean record up to this point. He said Davis, an auto mechanic, was the father of two young children. He said the gun was never connected to violent acts and that Davis could be rehabilitated. He asked for a 12-month sentence. The prosecution, however, requested a three-year sentence. Davis was sentenced to 42 months at the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services.

$6K BAIL FOR MAN ACCUSED OF DEATH THREAT TO GIRLFRIEND

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net

A MAN is in custody after allegedly breaking into his girlfriend’s house in Cat Island last month and threatening to kill her.

Pedro Miller was charged with housebreaking, threats of death and causing harm before Magistrate Algernon Allen, Jr. Miller allegedly broke into Albertha Nottage’s home in Bain Town, South Cat Island, on June 25 and attacked and injured Ms Nottage.

After electing to continue his case before the magistrate, Miller pleaded not guilty.

During his bail application, Miller’s attorney, Alphonso Lewis, said the victim was the defendant’s girlfriend. He cited Miller’s presumption of innocence until proven guilty in calling him a fit candidate for bail.

Miller’s bail was set at $6,000 with one or two sureties. Under this, he must sign in at the Alice Town Police Station every Monday and Friday by 6pm.

MAN HELD ON CHARGE OF ARSON

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net

A MAN is behind bars after allegedly setting fire Sunday night to a home occupied by a mother and her child.

Alexander Bryant, 29, was charged with arson before Magistrate Algernon Allen, Jr. Bryant is accused of intentionally setting Cynthia Lightbourn’s 12-room structure on fire on July 2. Lightbourn reportedly

became aware of the blaze, which caused an estimated $9,467.12 damage to her property, when her daughter wakened her, alerting her to the smoke. Both escaped the fire by running outside before firefighters extinguished the blaze.

The accused was remanded to the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services. His case will be transferred to the Supreme Court through a voluntary bill of indictment set for service on September 4.

PRINCESS KATE TAKES HER SEAT IN ROYAL BOX AT WIMBLEDON, RIGHT NEXT TO ROGER FEDERER

By CHRIS LEHOURITES AP Sports Writer

WIMBLEDON, England (AP) — Kate, the Princess of Wales, had the best seat in the house Tuesday on Centre Court at Wimbledon — in the front row of the Royal Box and right next to Roger Federer.

The future queen, wearing a mint green blazer, made her way down to her seat only moments before Federer was feted ahead of the opening match on Day 2 of the grass-court tournament.

Federer, an eight-time champion at the All England Club, sat between the princess and his wife, Mirka.

The first match on a wet second day of Wimbledon — with the retractable roof closed — featured Elena Rybakina against American opponent Shelby Rogers.

As is tradition at the most traditional of all tennis tournaments, Rybakina opened play on Tuesday as the defending women’s champion.

Kate has been somewhat of a regular visitor to Wimbledon since marrying Prince William, even attending in the past with sister-in-law Meghan Markle. The late Queen Elizabeth II, William’s grandmother, made only a handful of trips to the All England Club during her 70-year reign. Her last appearance in the Royal Box was in 2010.

King Charles III has taken his seat in the Royal Box at times but not since taking over as monarch from his mother. Elizabeth died last September and Charles had his coronation in May.

Rybakina won that opening match 4-6, 6-1, 6-2, and two-time Wimbledon champion Andy Murray then beat Ryan Peniston 6-3, 6-0, 6-1. In 2013, Murray won the first of his two Wimbledon titles, ending a 77-year wait for a British men’s champion at the All England Club.

His second Wimbledon title came in 2016, and he also won the Olympic gold medal at the 2012 London Games on the same Centre Court grass — beating Federer in the final.

Federer, who turns 42 on Aug. 8, announced his retirement from tennis at the end of last year following a series of knee operations.

Besides Princess Kate and the Federers, Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe was also in the Royal Box — sitting behind the trio.

Zaghari-Ratcliffe is a British-Iranian charity worker who was detained in Tehran for almost six years. She was freed last year.

“I got to see her very briefly after the match,” Murray said. “I spoke to her a while back. Yeah, it was very emotional talking to her and hearing her story ... it was brilliant that she was able to come along and watch. It was her first time here. Glad she could make it.”

FIVE DEAD IN PHILADELPHIA SHOOTING –WORST VIOLENCE IN US AROUND JULY 4

PHILADELPHIA Associated Press

A 40-YEAR-OLD killed one man in a house before fatally shooting four others on the streets of a Philadelphia neighbourhood, then surrendering to police officers after being cornered in an alley with an assault rifle, a pistol, extra magazines, a police scanner and a bulletproof vest, police said.

A 2-year-old boy and a 13-year-old were also wounded in the Monday night violence that made the working-class area of Kingsessing the site of the nation’s worst violence around the July 4 holiday.

Police called to the scene found gunshot victims and started to help them before hearing more shots. Some officers rushed victims to hospitals while others ran toward the gunfire and chased the firing suspect. Officers ultimately arrested the assailant in an alley, Police Commissioner Danielle Outlaw said at a news conference. The shooter had no connection to the victims before the shooting, she said.

“On what was supposed to be a beautiful summer evening, this armed and armored individual wreaked havoc, firing with a rifle at their victims seemingly at random,” she said Tuesday afternoon.

Staff Inspector Ernest Ransom, the homicide unit commander, said witness interviews and video indicated that the suspect went to several locations in a ski mask and body armor, carrying an AR-15 assault rifle.

“The suspect then began shooting aimlessly at occupied vehicles and individuals on the street as they walked,” he said. The vehicles included a mother driving her 2-year-old twins home, and one was wounded in the legs and the other hit in the eyes by shattered glass.

Philadelphia police on Tuesday afternoon identified the victims as 20-year-old Lashyd Merritt, 29—year-old Dymir Stanton, 59-year-old Ralph Moralis and 15-yearold Daujan Brown, all pronounced dead shortly after the Monday night gunfire; and 31-year-old Joseph Wamah, Jr., who was found in a home early Tuesday, also with multiple bullet wounds.

Investigators believe Wamah was actually the first victim killed but he wasn’t found by family members until hours later, Ransom said.

A 2-year-old boy shot four times in the legs and a 13-year-old shot twice

AS ISRAEL WINDS DOWN WEST BANK OFFENSIVE, ROCKETS FROM GAZA RAISE RISK OF FIGHTING ON NEW FRONT

By MAJDI MOHAMMED and IMAD ISSEID Associated Press

JENIN, West Bank (AP) — The Israeli military began withdrawing troops from a militant stronghold in the occupied West Bank late Tuesday, security officials said, winding down an intense two-day operation that killed at least 13 Palestinians, drove thousands from their homes and left a wide swath of damage in its wake. One Israeli soldier was killed.

But heavy fighting between Israeli troops and Palestinian militants continued in parts of the Jenin refugee camp, delaying the planned pullout.

Just after midnight, residents in the Jenin refugee camp said the army had left the area. The army said a soldier had ben killed in the fighting, but gave no further details.

Adding to the tensions, the army said militants in the Gaza Strip launched five rockets into Israel. It said all of the rockets were intercepted, but the launches raised the risk of fighting on a second front for Israel.

The developments came hours after a Hamas militant rammed his car into a crowded Tel Aviv bus stop and began stabbing people, wounding eight, including a pregnant woman who reportedly lost her baby. The attacker was killed by an armed bystander. Hamas said the attack was revenge for the Israeli offensive.

Visiting a military post outside Jenin, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu indicated the operation, one of the most intense in the territory in nearly two decades, was nearing its end. But he vowed to carry out similar operations in the future.

“At these moments we are completing the mission, and I can say that our extensive operation in Jenin is not a one-off,” he said.

The Israeli military said it carried out an airstrike late Tuesday targeting a militant cell located in a cemetery. It said the gunmen threatened forces moving out of the camp. There was no immediate word on casualties.

Israeli and Palestinian officials also reported fighting near a hospital in Jenin late Tuesday. An Associated Press reporter on the ground could hear explosions and the sound of gunfire.

Palestinian hospital officials told the official Wafa news agency that three civilians were hit by Israeli fire.

An Israeli security official confirmed that troops had begun to leave, but said the withdrawal was complicated by the fighting. He spoke on condition of anonymity pending a formal announcement.

Israel struck the camp, known as a bastion of Palestinian militants, early Monday in an operation it said was aimed at destroying and confiscating weapons. Palestinian health officials said 13 Palestinians had been killed and dozens wounded. Big military bulldozers tore through alleyways, leaving heavy damage to roads and buildings, and thousands of residents fled the camp. People said electricity and water were knocked out. The army says the bulldozers were necessary because roads were boobytrapped with explosives.

The military said it had confiscated thousands of weapons, bomb-making materials and caches of money. Weapons were found in militant hideouts and civilian areas alike, in one case beneath a mosque, the military said.

in the legs were in stable condition, as were a 2-yearold boy and a 33-year-old woman injured by shattered glass.

Police said the suspect is believed to have acted alone and there was no reason to believe anyone else was involved. Police and prosecutors said no charges were planned at this point against a second person taken into custody who is believed to have

to be denied bail.

Outlaw praised the bravery of officers who tended to victims and rushed them to hospitals as others “fearlessly ran toward the sounds of gunfire,” and captured the suspect.

“Their swift actions undoubtedly saved additional lives,” she said.

At a holiday weekend block party in Baltimore, about 90 miles (145 kilometres) to the southwest of Philadelphia, two people were killed and 28 others were wounded in a shooting. More than half of the victims were 18 or younger, officials said.

About four hours after the Philadelphia shooting, gunfire at a neighbourhood festival in Fort Worth, Texas, killed three people and wounded eight.

Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney renewed his oft-repeated call to “do something about America’s gun problem.”

“A person walking down the city street with an ARstyle rifle and shooting randomly at people while wearing a bulletproof vest with multiple magazines is a disgraceful but alltoo-common situation in America,” Kenney said. “I was today at Independence Hall where they wrote that Constitution, and the 2nd Amendment was never intended to protect this.”

now everything that we associate with celebrating Fourth of July is off.”

Tim Eads said that on Monday night he heard fireworks, then gunshots, and saw police cars “flying by.”

His wife was on the second floor “looking out the bay window and saw the shooter actually coming down this street here behind me.”

Eads saw the other man with a pistol who, he said, may have been firing at the shooter.

“He was using my car as a shield shooting out into the street,” Eads said.

A resident named Roger who declined to give his last name said he and his family were eating in the living room at about 8:30 p.m. when they heard eight to 10 gunshots.

“Everybody thought it was fireworks but ... been around here about three years so I heard it enough,” he said. “I looked out the window and seen a bunch of people running.”

He said he heard about four more shots and “thought it was the end of it.” Ten minutes later, he said, police came “flying down here,” and about five minutes later he heard rapid gunfire open up right outside the house.

obtained a gun somewhere and fired back at the shooter.

“When you are under fire in a mass shooting, there are rights to protect others and rights to protect yourself,” District Attorney Larry Krasner said.

Authorities asked for patience as they investigate every aspect of the shooting. That investigation, Outlaw said, “includes the ‘why.’”

Krasner said the suspect would face multiple counts of murder, as well as aggravated assault and weapons charges, and was expected

Krasner said that the morning after the shooting, he saw “completely empty streets” in the traumatised neighbourhood on an otherwise beautiful morning.

“I saw every porch empty. I saw every door closed. I saw every curtain where there was a curtain pulled. I saw no kids playing,” he said, describing a bicycle left on a corner, apparently untouched for 12 or more hours, “as if everybody understood what happened here was so horrible that for right now this is a desert, and for right

The Philadelphia violence was the country’s 29th mass killing in 2023, according to a database maintained by The Associated Press and USA Today in partnership with Northeastern University, the highest on record by this time in the year.

The numbers people killed in such events is also the highest by this time in the year. There have been more than 550 mass killings since 2006, according to the database, in which at least 2,900 people have died and at least 2,000 people have been hurt.

POLICE on the scene of the shooting Monday in Philadelphia. (Steven M. Falk/The Philadelphia Inquirer via AP)

BRITAIN’S KATE, Princess of Wales, left, shares a word with tennis champion Roger Federer in the royal box, on day two of the Wimbledon tennis championships in London, Tuesday. (Adam Davy/PA via AP)

POLICE Commissioner Danielle Outlaw talks to the media on Monday in Philadelphia. (Steven M. Falk/The Philadelphia Inquirer via AP)

ISRAELI soldiers drive an APC out of the occupied West Bank city of Jenin, Tuesday. (AP Photo/Ariel Schalit)

Lamar, Page 15

Ken Mullings secures silver in the decathlon

By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

After completing two intense days of competition in 10 events, Ken Mullings clinched a silver medal in the men’s decathlon last night at the Central American and Caribbean Games in San Salvador, El Salvador.

Mullings, the former national record holder, secured the medal with a personal best total of 8,060 points, and just shy of Kendrick Thompson’s national record of 8,182 he set in May in Austria.

Thompson, 25, was unable to complete the first day of competition on Monday in the 400m and had to withdraw from the rest of the competition.

As Mullings, 26, held on for his silver, he couldn’t catch Ayden Owens of Puerto Rico, who was crowned the champion with 8,281 points for the gold. The bronze went to Jose Paulino of the Dominican Republic with 7,762 points.

It was the second track and field medal for the Bahamas, coming behind the bronze from Shaun Miller Jr in the men’s high jump and the fourth overall, adding to the gold and bronze captured by Lamar Taylor last week in swimming the men’s 50m backstroke and 50m freestyle. As the final day of the multiple events began yesterday, Mullings led off with a second place in the 110m hurdles in 14.06 for 994 points. He won the discus with a heave of (44.63m) for 759 points, was tied for third in the pole vault with (4.60m), second in the javelin with (55.92m) for 677 points and he finished fifth in the final event in the gruelling 1,500m in 4:59.92 for 560 points. Mullings closed out the first day of competition in second place with 4,307 points on Monday after he was third in the 100m in 10.69 for 931 points, ninth in the long jump with 23-2 (7.06m) for 828 points, second in the shot put with 48-4 ½ (14.74m) 774 points, won the high jump with 6-11 ¾ (2.13m) for 925

points and fifth in the 400m in 49.26 for 849 points. National record holder Kendrick Thompson had to withdraw from the competition after the high jump. He was unable to compete in the 400m, which eliminated him from further competition.

NCAA champion Rhema Otabor just missed out on getting a spot on the podium in the women’s javelin when she placed fourth with her best heave of 184-10 (56.34) on her third attempt. She opened with 178-3 (54.34m), scratched the second, threw 179-4 (54.68m) on her fourth and scratched both the fifth and sixth.

It was a 1-2 sweep for Colombia as Flor Ruiz took the gold with 198-6

(60.52m) and Maria Murillo got the silver with 193-3 (58.92m), both on her third throws. Mexico’s Luz Castro claimed the bronze with 188-7 (57.50m) on her second toss.

Tamara Myers is the last member of Team Bahamas to compete in the track and field competition. She will be on the runway in the women’s triple jump.

In beach football or soccer men’s team competition, Team Bahamas pulled off a 6-2 win over Trinidad & Tobago on Sunday as Davin Christie and Lesly St Fleur both booted in a pair of goals and Wood Julmis and Evert Julmis both added one. The team came back on Monday and was

SEE PAGE 14

Officials making ‘final preparations’ for Bahamas Golden Jubilee Games

By TENAJH SWEETING Tribune Sports Reporter tsweeting@tribunemedia.net

WITH five days remaining until the country’s 50th year of Independence, and two days remaining until the official start of The Bahamas Golden Jubilee Games officials are making final preparations to ensure the public and athletes enjoy the celebratory sporting event.

The return of the Bahamian Olympic-style Games after two decades will see sports played across 16 sporting disciplines at 16 different locations.

With some of the sporting disciplines scheduled to run simultaneously during working hours, the local media houses will facilitate live coverage of the different sporting events to keep the public up-to-date.

Final preparations also include renovations of sporting facilities, and the accommodations of athletes commuting to New Providence.

Media Coverage

The start of The Bahamas Golden Jubilee Games will get underway this Friday starting with volleyball, baseball, soccer, and tennis in the morning sessions. The playing of the sports will be divided into a morning and evening session and so will the live coverage provided by the Broadcasting Corporation of The Bahamas.

Clint Watson, general manager of the Broadcasting Corporation of The Bahamas, talked about the coverage for the sixth edition of the Bahamas Games.

“The Broadcasting Corporation of The Bahamas is extremely pleased to

partner with The Bahamas Games to provide television coverage from start to finish you will be able to tune in and watch various disciplines as you do every Olympics on NBC we are the NBC of the Bahamas Games and we will make that you are well covered,” Watson said.

ZNS will broadcast three sessions daily which starts with the morning session from 9am-1pm which will include commentary from guests. After a brief break, coverage will return for the evening session 5-7pm and the final session will run from 8-11pm.

Additionally, Cable Bahamas Ltd will be providing coverage for basketball, volleyball, and swimming across channels 212, 242, 243, and 244.

Therefore, the public can tune in starting this Friday.

Sporting Facilities

With 16 different sporting disciplines to be played across different locations in New Providence, Minister of Youth, Sports, and Culture Mario Bowleg thanked the various government ministries for their assistance in the preparations for the Bahamas Games’ return. “We had to bring in the Ministry of Health to ensure that we had doctors, nurses, and ambulances available to all the facilities we are playing to ensure the safety of the athletes… we also had to insure these athletes and coaches during their time of play,” Bowleg said.

He added that the Ministry of Works also played a pivotal role in helping to conduct minor and major repairs in some instances to facilities provided to the Bahamas Games by the Ministry of Education.

He

Despite some concerns about the ongoing repairs at the Baillou Hills Softball Complex ahead of the start of softball on July 11, Bowleg said the softball field will be ready to go in time for next Tuesday.

Accommodations

The Bahamas Games will feature 10 teams representing the different islands of The Bahamas. Teams from Abaco, Andros, Bimini and Berry Islands, Cat Island, Rum Cay, San Salvador, Eleuthera, Exuma, Ragged Island, Grand Bahama, Long Island, and MICAL will start their arrivals today.

The team athletes will be staying at the Courtyard by Marriott and Superclub Breezes. The government of The Bahamas will provide transportation, accommodations, and meals for the teams according to the Minister.

“The government is taking care of transportation, accommodations, and meals we are ensuring that we take care of these athletes which is the most important asset of the games I want to make sure that they experience the Olympic style of competition where if we don’t qualify for the Olympics as an athlete you have an experience of it here locally in your own home,” Bowleg said.

With the countdown nearly down to zero for the looming Bahamas Games, persons are urged to purchase tickets online at www. bahamasgames.org, in person at the venues, or at Cash N’ Go locations.

Tickets are $5 for adults and $2 for kids. The event schedule can be accessed via the aforementioned website.

also credited the National Sports Authority (NSA), Bahamas Power and Light (BPL), and the Water and Sewerage Corporation for their role in helping to bring the Bahamas Golden Jubilee Games back.

DESPITE some concerns about the ongoing repairs at the Baillou Hills Softball Complex ahead of the start of softball on July 11, Minister Bowleg said the softball field will be ready to go in time for next Tuesday.

MINISTER of Youth, Sports and Culture Mario Bowleg speaks yesterday at the Bahamas Games press conference.

Photos: Austin Fernander/Tribune Staff

SWEET SILVER: Decathlete Ken Mullings clinched the silver medal in the decathlon at the Central American and Caribbean Games in San Salvador, El Salvador, last night.

(FILE Photo)

Series: Three division champions crowned

By TENAJH SWEETING Tribune Sports Reporter tsweeting@tribunemedia.net

THE fifth edition of the I-BAP (Bahamas Athletic Pride) The Show: All-Star

Survival concluded with three division champions crowned following the event which was held from June 25 to July 2.

It was the first time the programme had three different division winners for the 13 and under (13U), 16 and under (16U), and 19 and under (19U) age groups.

The first-time champions for the inaugural 13U division were Team Leukemia/ Epilepsy.

The away team Child Abuse/Lupus took home the championship hardware for 16U division.

Additionally, the 19U division winners were Team

Dwarfism/Endometriosis.

The event not only featured the best softball players in the island nation but also brought awareness to social issues and illnesses found not only locally, but also worldwide.

13 and under (13U)

Team Leukemia/Epilepsy were the first-time winners for the 13 and under division after defeating the Autism/SIDS softball team.

The game was the first of the day at the Junior Baseball League of Nassau (JBLN) Field of Dreams Complex at St Andrew’s School in Nassau East.

Leukemia/Epilepsy wrapped up their competitors 15-9. The team’s comfortable lead remained unthreatened leading up to the final inning of the game.

The 13 and under Most Valuable Player (MVP) honours went to Grand

Bahama’s Jamiah Thompson. She earned the award after amassing a total of four hits, six runs scored and three stolen bases.

The game’s Most Defensive Player was Abaco’s Lashawnya Forbes. She made two hits, scored one run and stole two bases.

Oscar Greene, head coach of Team Leukemia/Epilepsy, talked about the team’s latest accomplishment.

“We are thrilled about it.

We are glad that Dachye Stubbs and organisers at I-BAP were able to introduce a 13 and under division to the All-Star Show so we were fully on board from the jump and excited to come. It feels good to take home the trophy,” Greene said.

16 and under (16U)

Team Child Abuse/Lupus secured a comfortable win

after taking down Gender Based Violence/Breast Cancer 17-3 in their match this past Sunday.

The first inning of the game opened with a 3-2 score following a home run by Team Gender Based Violence/Breast Cancer in the first inning. By the fourth inning of the game, the score went up to 11-3 favouring the winning team. MVP honours went to Nikeisha Saunders. She scored a total of five hits, one run and one stolen base.

The 16U Most Defensive Player was Pasha Johnson with three hits, four runs scored, and three stolen bases in the championship game.

Shane Albury, head coach of Team Child Abuse/ Lupus, said it felt great to be a champion regardless of the age bracket.

ANDY MURRAY GETS A WIN AT RAINY WIMBLEDON AND THUMBS-UP FROM FEDERER

By HOWARD FENDRICH AP Tennis Writer

WIMBLEDON, England (AP) — On a day filled with far more rain drops than drop shots at Wimbledon — light, but persistent, showers prevented the completion, or even start, of dozens of matches — Roger Federer and Andy Murray provided the highlights.

The retired Federer, who won a men’s-record eight of his 20 Grand Slam titles at the All England Club, was in the front row of the Royal Box, where he sat next to Kate, the Princess of Wales.

Federer was saluted with a 1 1/2-minute standing ovation during a pre-match tribute to his career at Centre Court yesterday.

Hours later, Murray was down below, competing.

Murray won two of his three Grand Slam titles and one of his two Olympic gold medals on that rather famous patch of grass and — even if those triumphs were long ago; even if he is now 36 with an artificial hip — the locals fondly remember those good times, especially his 2013 championship that made him the first British man in 77 years to win the event.

They hope for an attention-grabbing show this fortnight, so Murray got most of the full-throated support that reverberated under the closed roof of the main stadium during a 6-3, 6-0, 6-1 victory over wildcard entry Ryan Peniston

in an all-Brit first-round match.

“It was amazing to have some royalty here, but also some tennis royalty, as well,” Murray said during his on-court interview, as Kate and Federer looked on.

“It’s amazing to have Roger here, supporting the event,” Murray said.

“Last time I was on this court, and he was watching, was during the (2012) Olympics, and he sat in (Swiss countryman) Stan Wawrinka’s box and was supporting against me. So it was nice to see a couple of claps today after some good shots.”

When the interviewer looked toward the

guest of honour to ask, “Roger, you approve of today’s performance?” Federer responded with a thumbs-up.

Peniston’s assessment of Murray: “He was just relentless on every point.”

Murray sounded pleased as well after claiming all 11 of his service games, breaking four times and going 17-for-17 at the net.

“I played some good stuff as the match went on. There were some good signs there,” he said. “It’s been a long time since I’ve felt sort of physically this good coming into Wimbledon. The last few years have been very challenging. I’m hoping I’m fit and ready for a good run.”

He said he was confident in his team and the calibre of players that they have and it would have been disappointing to lose but was happy with his team’s execution. Overall, Albury felt that the weekend and tournament was good.

19 and under (19U)

In the final game of the day and All-Star tournament, Team Dwarfism/ Endometriosis held off Team Diabetes/Mental Health to narrowly win 7-6.

The game went right down to the final play for both teams.

Team Diabetes/Mental Health had climbed their way back from a 4-6 hole in the game however, they were unable to get over the hump.

The 19U MVP honours went to Grand Bahama’s Kenya Forbes. She wrapped up with four hits, four runs

scored and three stolen bases. The Most Defensive player for the 19U division went to Apryl Davis.

Shaunte Curtis, head coach of Team Dwarfism/Endometriosis, talked about her team narrowly escaping with the championship win.

“It was a battle, we came out here saying that we were not going to count anybody out, we were undefeated in round robin play so we knew that everybody was coming for us but we wanted to remain settled and composed… we are happy. I am excited and it feels good to come away with the win.” Curtis said.

The I-BAP sports programme is a part of the International Sports Academy which helps athletes to receive sports contracts and collegiate scholarships as well as financial aid.

At his age and with his two hip operations plus other assorted setbacks, Murray is not considered among the leading favourites. That is a short list that leads with two names and does not include many more: Novak Djokovic, who has won seven of his 23 major titles at Wimbledon, and Carlos Alcaraz, who is ranked No. 1.

The 20-year-old Alcaraz put on his usual display of variety and athleticism — he hit one shot by wrapping his racket around his body and swinging from behind his back while on the run, making contact but sending the ball long — while beating the about-to-retire Jeremy Chardy 6-0, 6-2, 7-5.

Like Murray, Alcaraz was never truly troubled by his opponent.

Unlike Murray, Alcaraz played at No. 1 Court, so he did not get to perform for Federer.

And, boy, was Alcaraz bitter about that.

“After the match, I was (on) the phone checking everything ... all the stories, all the posts. I saw that Roger Federer was here. I was a little bit jealous,” he said with a smile, wearing a white hoodie and bucket hat at his news conference.

“Honestly, I want Roger Federer to watch one of my matches, obviously. I (want) to talk a little bit with him. For me, (that) would be amazing.”

Because of the wet weather, the only courts where play was allowed after the rain began on Day 2 were the two with retractable roofs, Centre and No. 1. By the end of the day, only eight of 77 scheduled matches had been completed.

Three leading women — defending champion Elena Rybakina, 2022 runner-up Ons Jabeur and Australian Open champion Aryna

Sabalenka, who is seeded No. 2 — all won, as did the highest-seeded male British player, No. 12 Cam Norrie. But another seeded man from the host country, No. 27 Dan Evans, lost to Quentin Halys of France 6-2, 6-3, 6-7 (5), 6-4. In the last of the matches that concluded — one that commenced at Court 11 on Monday and wrapped up shortly before 10pm at No. 1 Court yesterday — No. 29 Tomás Martin Etcheverry finished off a comeback from a two-set deficit to get past Bernabé Zapata Miralles 6-7 (5), 5-7, 6-3, 6-4, 7-5.

Rybakina dropped the opening set against American Shelby Rogers before coming back for a 4-6, 6-1, 6-2 win; Jabeur defeated Magdalena Frech 6-3, 6-3; and Sabalenka eliminated Panna Udvardy 6-3, 6-1 in her return after being banned from Wimbledon a year ago along with other players from her country, Belarus, and Russia over the war in Ukraine.

“I didn’t realise how much I missed this place,” Sabalenka said, “until this match.”

CHAMPIONS: The 19 and under (19U) division champions Team Dwarfism/Endometriosis pictured alongside silver-medallist Team Diabetes/Mental Health and bronze medallist Team Sickle Cell/PCOS.

ROGER Federer in the Royal Box next to Britain’s Kate Princess of Wales, and his wife Mirka Federer, right, is honoured at Centre Court ahead of play on day two of the Wimbledon tennis championships in London yesterday. Eight-time Wimbledon Champion Roger Federer announced his retirement last year. (AP Photo/Alberto Pezzali)

BRITAIN’s Andy Murray celebrates after beating Britain’s Ryan Peniston during a first round men’s singles match on day two of the Wimbledon tennis championships in London yesterday. (AP Photo/Alastair Grant)

COUNTDOWN: 2 DAYS TO GO

By MALIQUE WALLACE Tribune Intern

WITH just two days away, the Bahamas Games will kick start.

Athletes from all over the island nation are getting on planes and boats to make their way to the Bahamas as well as some of our own Bahamian athletes who are returning home to compete and enjoy the event.

Team New Providence ready for Bahamas Games

By LEESHAN MORLEY Tribune Intern

AFTER 20 long years, the Bahamas Games are finally back. This Friday marks the beginning of the sixth Bahamas Games here in New Providence.

With the games being so close, the tension is high between the islands, and the trash talk is getting louder. This leaves many to wonder - how exactly is the government preparing to bring our New Providence team to victory?

According to Roy Colebrooke, chairman of the

New Providence Sports Council, it has been confirmed that the housing accommodations for some of the New Providence teams have been finalised. They will be housed at Marriott hotel and Breezes resort.

“We made a big breakthrough with the help of the minister and the chairman as it relates to accommodations for some of the New Providence team.”

Colebrooke added: “We have made some changes in the best interest of New Providence, and we are very grateful for that.”

For this year’s games, there has been a change. It has been decided that there will not be a draft this year to allow athletes to choose where they want to play. Although this may seem like a disadvantage for New Providence, Colebrook said that they have tried their best to assist with building competition for the games. “It was very important for us to relax the draft at this time, and I think it is working out very well,” Colebrooke said.

“When it comes to athletes, we did our endeavour best to try and change the whole aspect as it relates to

giving people freedom of choice.” As Friday quickly approaches, the Family Islands are letting us know that they are ready to face off against the New Providence team.

Colebrooke informed us of a few phrases made by some of the other teams. One of them being that ‘we coming for pirates and pirates only’.

Regardless of the noise, Colebrooke still remains very confident in the New Providence team stating that, as pirates, we take all we can and give nothing back.

It will allow those who have enough experience or who are there for the first time to get a chance to perform in front of thousands showcasing their skills and abilities.

Not only is this for athletes to show their skills, but they have the opportunity to perform in front of scouts all over the world and have the chance to become professionals in the sport of their choosing.

With sports such as basketball, baseball, swimming, soccer, tennis and sailing, the Bahamas Games will surely to be filled with a lot of excitement, determination, confidence and teamwork.

Since this event is so huge, many people from different places will be joining in to watch the games.

Although many people who will come to the games are not Bahamian, it doesn’t change the fact that this is a family event where everyone is welcome.

Everything that will happen in this year’s Bahamas games will create a new path for those who would want to participate in the next Bahamas Games so that they will be able to get the same experience as those who started before them.

OHTANI LEAVES GAME WITH BLISTER AFTER GIVING UP CONSECUTIVE HOMERS IN ANGELS’ 8-5 LOSS TO PADRES

SAN DIEGO (AP) —

Two-way All-Star Shohei

Ohtani of the Los Angeles Angels left yesterday’s game with a blister on his right middle finger after allowing consecutive home runs to Xander Bogaerts and Jake Cronenworth in the sixth inning of an 8-5 loss to Joe Musgrove and the San Diego Padres.

Ohtani’s exit came a few hours after the Angels found out they’ll be without All-Star slugger Mike Trout for several weeks because of a broken left wrist.

Ohtani (7-4) allowed a line-drive, two-run homer by Bogaerts to left field and then Cronenworth’s shot to right-center. A trainer came out with an interpreter to check on Ohtani and they were soon joined by manager Phil Nevin.

Ohtani then exited. He allowed five runs and seven hits, struck out five and walked four.

The right-hander’s start had been pushed back a day due to a cracked fingernail. He left his previous start as a pitcher but remained in the game as the designated hitter and homered, giving him 10 strikeouts and two home runs in a 4-2 win against the Chicago White Sox.

This time, Ohtani made the last out at the plate in the top of the sixth and was replaced by pinch-hitter Jo Adell at DH in the ninth.

CUBS 7, BREWERS 6 (11 innings)

MILWAUKEE (AP) — Left fielder Ian Happ threw out two runners at the plate in extra innings, and the Chicago Cubs pulled out a wild 7-6 win over the Milwaukee Brewers in 11 innings Tuesday after squandering a late lead for the second consecutive game.

Dansby Swanson homered and Miguel Amaya hit a two-run double to help the Cubs build a 6-2 cushion. But the Brewers scored twice in the eighth and twice more in the ninth to tie it.

In the bottom of the 10th, pinch-runner Andruw Monasterio was placed at second base as the automatic runner. He tried to score the winning run on Owen Miller’s one-out single to left but was cut down at home by Happ on a call that stood following a replay review.

Miller was thrown out trying to advance to second, ending the inning. Daniel

Palencia (1-0) got the win in his major league debut.

GUARDIANS 6,

BRAVES 5 ((10 innings)

CLEVELAND (AP)

— David Fry had a game-ending hit and the Guardians stopped the Braves’ nine-game winning streak.

Fry drove an 0-1 pitch over the head of left fielder

Eddie Rosario to score José Ramírez from third base. Braves closer Raisel Iglesias (3-3) intentionally walked Andrés Giménez, bringing Fry to the plate with two outs.

Guardians center fielder

Myles Straw threw out Sam Hilliard at the plate to keep the game tied in the top of the inning. Hilliard was the automatic runner and took third on a fly ball. Straw fielded Eddie Rosario’s line drive and made a perfect throw to Fry at the plate for the double play.

Ennyel De Los Santos (4-1) pitched the 10th for Cleveland.

Atlanta had won 17 of 18 and 24 of 27. The Braves, who have eight All-Stars, own MLB’s best record (57-28).

ATHLETICS 1, TIGERS 0 (10 innings)

DETROIT (AP) — Ryan

Noda had an RBI single in the 10th inning as the MLBworst Athletics edged the Tigers after being no-hit into the seventh inning.

Jace Peterson bunted pinch-runner Tyler Wade to third to start the 10th.

Tyler Horton (0-1) struck out Shea Langeliers for the second out before Noda slapped a single to left — one of just two hits for Oakland in the game — to break the scoreless struggle.

Shintaro Fujinami (5-7) got the win after striking out the side in the ninth.

Trevor May pitched a scoreless 10th for his sixth save.

YANKEES 8, ORIOLES 4

NEW YORK (AP)

— Gleyber Torres hit a two-run homer and scored the go-ahead run from first base on Giancarlo Stanton’s fifth-inning single, leading the Yankees over the Orioles.

Aaron Hicks homered in his second game back in the Bronx after Yankees released him on May 26 and Adam Frazier followed with a tying, two-run homer in a three-run fifth against Clarke Schmidt. Frazier went deep after a catchable fly by Jordan Westburg

that left fielder Oswaldo Cabrera broke in on and played into a double.

With the score 3-3 in the fifth, Torres walked and was running on a full-count, two-out pitch to Stanton, who singled up the middle. Center fielder Cedric Mullins tossed the ball to second as Torres ran through third base coach Luis Rojas’ stop sign and slid headfirst across the plate.

TWINS 9, ROYALS 3

MINNEAPOLIS (AP)

— Max Kepler hit a threerun homer while Kenta Maeda continued his strong comeback from the injured list for the Twins against the Royals.

Donovan Solano and Byron Buxton added back-to-back homers for Minnesota, which has won four of five after being swept in Atlanta that caused manager Rocco Baldelli to criticize his team’s effort.

Maeda (2-5) made his third start since coming off the injured list for a right triceps strain. He gave up two runs and three hits in seven innings. He struck out nine. In the three starts, Maeda has given up just three earned runs in 17 innings.

Zack Greinke (1-9) started for Kansas City, giving up six runs in 5 1/3 innings before leaving with a team athletic trainer.

MARLINS 15, CARDINALS 2

MIAMI (AP) — Jesús Sánchez homered, singled twice and had four RBIs and the Marlins beat St. Louis in another short outing by Cardinals starter Adam Wainwright.

Jorge Soler and Joey Wendle each doubled twice while Garrett Cooper also went deep and had two singles for the Marlins, who finished with a season high

in runs against Wainwright and four relievers.

Marlins starter Jesús Luzardo (7-5) struck out eight in six scoreless innings.

Miami’s Luis Arraez went 1-for-3 and walked twice, dropping his major leagueleading batting average to .387.

Wainwright (3-4) had his third consecutive outing of less than four innings. He was lifted after consecutive one-out walks in the fourth. The 41-year-old Wainwright gave up seven runs, four earned, and seven hits.

REDS 8, NATIONALS 4

WASHINGTON (AP)

— Brett Kennedy won his first major league appearance in five years, Elly De La Cruz went 4 for 5 with hits from both sides of the plate and the Reds beat the Nationals.

Kennedy struck out three and allowed four runs and five hits in five-plus innings, only getting into trouble late in his 86-pitch outing.

De La Cruz had three singles batting right-handed and one left-handed. The switch-hitting rookie sensation was robbed of his first career five-hit game by Nationals center fielder Derek Hill’s diving catch on a line drive in the eighth.

Jonathan India hit two home runs, Nick Senzel had a three-run shot and the Reds stole five bases. They’ve won three in a row and six of their past seven.

RANGERS 6, RED SOX 2 BOSTON (AP) — Mitch Garver hit a three-run homer, Dane Dunning pitched six solid innings and the AL West-leading Texas Rangers had a rain-delayed victory over the Red Sox.

Robbie Grossman and Josh Jung each added an RBI double for the Rangers, who won for just the

second time in six games. Garver also had a basesloaded walk.

Jarren Duran had a triple and double, and Justin Turner an RBI single for Boston, which had its threegame winning streak halted. The game was delayed for 1 hour, 47 minutes.

With a light rain falling early in the game and turning heavier in the middle innings until the umpires called for the tarp with the Red Sox batting in the eighth, the 28-yearold Dunning (8-1) kept Boston’s offense in check, giving up a run and six hits with four strikeouts and a walk.

Garver’s homer into the center-field bleachers off reliever Kaleb Ort (1-2) moved the Rangers ahead 3-1 in the second following singles by Nathaniel Lowe and Ezequiel Duran.

METS 8, DIAMONDBACKS 5 PHOENIX (AP) — Starling Marte hit a three-run homer, Max Scherzer struck out nine to remain undefeated in 10 straight starts and the Mets beat the Diamondbacks.

Scherzer (8-2) gave up three home runs and walked in a run in six innings, but the Mets used the long ball to help the right-hander win his sixth straight decision.

Francisco Alvarez hit a 467-foot, two-run homer off Miguel Castro (4-3) in the seventh inning to break Travis D’Arnaud’s singleseason team record by a rookie catcher set in 2014.

Brandon Nimmo added a solo homer to help the struggling Mets win their third straight.

PHILLIES 3, RAYS 1 ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) — Aaron Nola tied a career-high with 12 strikeouts and beat former teammate Zach Eflin as the Phillies won their 10th consecutive road game, over the AL-leading Rays.

It’s the Phillies’ longest winning away from home since the 1976 club won a franchise-best 13 straight.

Nola (8-6) allowed one run and five hits over 7 1/3 innings. The last batter he faced, Wander Franco, homered. Craig Kimbrel worked the ninth and earned his 13th save in 13 chances. Eflin (9-4) was making his first start against his old team after signing a $40 million, three-year contract, the largest free-agent deal in Rays’ history. The

KEN MULLINGS FROM PAGE 12

knocked off by Venezuela 7-3. Wood Julmis scored twice and St Fleur added another goal to his ledger.

After falling in doubles competition on Sunday, Leron Rolle and Rachal Taylor-Brown got eliminated in doubles in archery on Monday.

While Rolle lost 142141 to Bryan Thompson of the Dominican Republic in the men’s compound individual, Taylor-Brown went down 145-116 to Anna Sofia Hernandez of Mexico in the women’s compound.

In equestrian, Anna (Gulliver du SaintChene) Vlasov finished 24th in th jumping qualifier with 94.32 points.

She was 15th in the 2nd with 72.96 after she opened competition with 19th in the first round with 85.58.

After a day’s rest, the water polo team will be back in action as they compete in the men’s team quarter-final match today against Puerto Rico.

Team Bahamas won its opener 10-9 over Centro Caribe Sports, but lost 27-2 to Mexico and 11-7 to Trinidad & Tobago.

29-year-old right-hander, who had won each of his first eight home starts, gave up two runs, four hits and struck out nine in seven innings.

ASTROS 4, ROCKIES 1 HOUSTON (AP) — Rookie Grae Kessinger hit his first career home run and fellow rookie Corey Julks had a career-high four hits to lead the Astros over the Rockies.

Julks doubled with an RBI after being inserted into the lineup at designated hitter after Jose Altuve was scratched about 90 minutes before the game with discomfort in his left oblique. Brandon Bielak (4-4) allowed two hits in seven scoreless innings for the win. He tied a careerhigh by walking four batters but was helped by a defense that turned double plays in the first and fifth innings. Mauricio Dubón had two hits, including a triple, to help the Astros extend their winning streak to three games. Colorado starter Kyle Freeland (4-9) yielded nine hits for the 3rd time in 4 games and gave up 4 runs to remain winless since May 14.

NOT ONLY IS THIS FOR ATHLETES TO SHOW THEIR SKILLS, BUT THEY HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO PERFORM IN FRONT OF SCOUTS ALL OVER THE WORLD AND HAVE THE CHANCE TO BECOME PROS IN THEIR SPORT OF CHOICE

ROY COLEBROOKE, chairman of the New Providence Sports Council, speaks yesterday at the Bahamas Games press conference.

Photo: Austin Fernander/Tribune Staff

LOS Angeles Angels starting pitcher Shohei Ohtani delivers during the second inning of the team’s baseball game against the San Diego Padres yesterday in San Diego. (AP Photo/Denis Poroy)

Swimmer Lamar Taylor happy with gold, bronze

MAKES A NAME FOR HIMSELF AT CENTRAL AMERICAN & CARIBBEAN GAMES IN EL SALVADOR

By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

LAMAR Taylor said he was surprised by his double medal winning performance at the Central American and Caribbean Games last week in San Salvador, El Salvador.

Taylor, one of five swimmers to represent the Bahamas at the games, lowered the Bahamas Aquatics’ record with his gold medal performance in the men’s 50 metre backstroke and he earned a bronze in the 50m freestyle.

“It felt pretty good. I really didn’t go into the meet expecting too much. I didn’t taper or shave for the meet, so I just went there to see where I’m at, but I’m happy with what I came out with,” said Taylor, who is going into his senior year at Henderson State University where he is studying health and human performance.

“I didn’t expect any medals or the national record. I was just hoping that I would have been pretty close to my personal best times and hopefully make one or two finals, but I didn’t expect a whole lot.”

When the Grand Bahamian touched the wall in 25.08 seconds for his victory in the 50m back, Taylor said he knew he was going to have an impressive showing at his debut at the four-yearly games.

“I was really surprised and shocked just to see how much time I had dropped because of how long the season has been. To see how I PRed and won really shocked me and surprised me,” said Taylor who, in the process, qualified for

‘WEMBY’ AND MBAPPÉ THE BIG DRAWS AS OLYMPIC SOCCER AND BASKETBALL TICKETS GO ON SALE

the World Aquatics Championships, scheduled for July 14-30 in Fukuoka, Japan.

“This was a really big eye opener for me because it really let me know that once I shave and taper down for Worlds, I could have a shot at winning a medal or at least make the finals.”

On lowering the national record, Taylor said it was good to make it a little harder for the next generation following him.

“If they see me swimming these times, it gives them a little bit of hope that they too can do these times,” Taylor pointed out. “My whole reason for swimming is to really motivate the younger kids.”

Taylor, who turned 20 on June 21, added his bronze in the 50m free in 22.51.

In addition, he also got seventh in the 100m freestyle and was ninth in both the 100m backstroke and the 50m butterfly.

“I made a few mistakes in the race, but you live and learn from those mistakes,” he stated. “There are some things that you go through, and you want to make those mistakes in a meet like this, rather than do it in a bigger meet like the World Championships or the Olympic Games.

“So to make those mistakes now, there’s no real consequences, except that you get to learn from them and hopefully you can improve on it as you look ahead to the future.”

As for Team Bahamas, Taylor said he enjoyed competing with Emmanuel Gadson, Rhanishka Gibbs and siblings Luke-Kennedy and Zaylie-Elizabeth Thompson.

“I think the team performed very well,” Taylor said. “A lot of people were close to their best times and so I think they all performed very well.

“I think for all of us to do a back-to-back event, we did our best. We just competed in the (Bahamas Aquatics) Nationals and so it was a little rough with travel and everything. But we got through it.”

Now Taylor is preparing for the trip to the Worlds

where he will compete on Team Bahamas with Davante Carey, Rhanishka Gibbs and Zaylie-Elizabeth Thompson. “I feel like we have a really strong team, and we have a good chance of lowering the national record in the mixed relays,” Taylor said. “All of us have the potential to place really high in our individual events, so we should have a good meet.”

Taylor, who stands at 6-feet, one-inch, is currently in Arkansas where he is travelling with his coach Scotty Serio in preparation for the Worlds before he leaves on July 14.

With the quartet travelling to Japan, they will miss the sixth Bahamas Games that will run from July 6-14.

However, Taylor wished all of the local competitors all of the best as they push for their best performances at the Games.

PARIS (AP) — Fans hoping to watch major French stars like Victor Wembanyama and Kylian Mbappé play at next year’s Paris Olympics could drive up demand when more tickets go on sale today for four sports that will be staged far from the French capital. Fans worldwide will be able to buy tickets on a first-come, first-served basis for soccer, basketball, handball and sailing, which are all held regional venues at next year’s Summer Games. The prospect for French fans to watch wildly popular home favourites such as Wembanyama and Mbappé is sure to boost sales even though the Paris Olympics’ reputation has taken a hit from an ongoing investigation by prosecutors in the city about how contracts have been awarded.

Wembanyama, the NBA’s recent No. 1 draft pick, is expected to take part in the Olympic basketball tournament held in Lille.

Soccer games are spread across six French cities, with France’s men’s team playing its first game in Marseille — which also hosts sailing. Organisers said they originally planned to release those tickets later this year but have brought it forward because of strong demand for five million tickets sold in the first two phases. They were sold to fans worldwide who had to enter a lottery and hope to be allocated the right to buy at prices from 24 euros ($26). Mbappé, who scored a hat trick in last year’s World Cup final loss to Argentina in Qatar, could be the star attraction for France’s soccer team. Although it remains unclear if his club — whether he stays at Paris Saint-Germain or moves to Real Madrid — will allow him to take part in the Olympics.

JASPER PHILIPSEN MAKES IT BACK-TO-BACK TOUR DE FRANCE STAGE WINS, YATES KEEPS OVERALL LEAD

NOGARO, France (AP)

— Belgian rider Jasper Philipsen won a mass sprint to earn a second straight stage victory at the Tour de France yesterday, while Adam Yates kept the race leader’s yellow jersey heading into the Pyrenees mountains.

Philipsen followed up his win on Monday’s third stage and was once again expertly helped into position to attack by his Alpecin–Deceuninck teammate and Mathieu van der Poel.

Philipsen showcased his pure speed by holding off Australian rider Caleb Ewan at the line to underline his credentials to win the sprinter’s green jersey with another impressive performance. Philipsen’s countryman Wout van Aert won it last year.

“Caleb was right next to me. I wasn’t too confident. He almost caught up with me at the end, it was really nerve-wracking,” Philipsen said. “I’m extremely proud to have won twice in a row. The finish was super fast, we felt like race cars. There were wide turns that sometimes tightened.”

German rider Phil Bauhaus was third to make it the same top three finishers as Monday, with Ewan beating Bauhaus this time. Several riders behind them crashed as they jostled for position on the final straight.

The 181.8-kilometre (112.7-mile) route from Dax to Nogaro in southwestern France was almost

totally flat and again favoured sprinters.

On the eve of the Tour’s first mountain stage — a difficult Pyrenean trek — riders were keen to save some energy. The peloton started at a leisurely pace with no team prepared to place a rider in a breakaway. So there was time to glance over and take in some of the countryside scenery, such as the 12th-century SaintSaturnin church. The gentle procession was interrupted

when the first attack came about 100 kilometres (62 miles) out, when Frenchmen Benoît Cosnefroy and Anthony Delaplace formed a breakaway. They were still together when they got over the day’s only ascent — the modest Côte de Dému is small compared to today’s climbs — but were caught with 25 kilometres (15.5 miles) remaining.

The closing stages were around a circuit with a smooth tarmac, but that didn’t make it easier for

Danish sprinter Fabio Jakobsen, who fell off his bike, and several other riders fell as they clipped barriers in a nervy finish.

But the Belgian-born Dutchman Van der Poel showed both his class and his race craft by timing an attack on the left and putting Philipsen in an ideal position from which he made no mistake.

“I’m really glad I didn’t hit the deck. I saw there were a lot of falls,” Philipsen said.

“You also need some luck, but when you have someone like Mathieu with you, even in a difficult situation where everything is on a razor edge, he manages to bring us back to the front.”

It effectively gave Philipsen a hat trick of sprint-stage wins after winning the last stage of last year’s Tour.

“My goal in this Tour was to win a stage,” he said. “We already ticked that box yesterday. Now, we

want more. And we want to go for the points (green jersey).”

Meanwhile, Yates maintained his six-second lead over two-time Tour winner Tadej Pogacar of Slovenia and his twin brother Simon Yates in third. “We’ll see how it plays out tomorrow. I think it’s the very first chance for a breakaway, so all hell will break loose at the start,” said Yates, who rides for UAE Team Emirates. “Then, there are the bonuses on the last climb, so it’s going to be a bit difficult for me (to keep the yellow jersey). But we’re lucky to have Tadej on our team.”

Defending champion Jonas Vingegaard of Denmark stayed in sixth spot but could make up some ground today.

That’s when Vingegaard and other expert climbers test their legs with two big ascents on Stage 5. The 162.7-kilometre (100.9-mile) trek from Pau to Laruns includes a daunting 15.2-kilometre (9.4-mile) grind up Col de Soudet that has the toughest category rating.

BELGIUM’s Jasper Philipsen celebrates on the podium after winning the fourth stage of the Tour de France cycling race over 182 kilometres (113 miles) with start in Dax and finish in Nogaro, France, yesterday.

(AP Photo/Daniel Cole)

LAMAR Taylor on top of the podium with his gold medal at the Central American and Caribbean Games last week in San Salvador, El Salvador.

inland re enue must be a ‘ ell oiled machine’ or corporate ta

turnover, corporate income tax is levied on a firm’s profits, and certifying the latter will require a full audit by external accountants.

Questioning whether the Department of Inland Revenue will have “sufficient resources” to cope with a corporate income tax, which would potentially replace the Business Licence for most if not all Bahamian companies depending on the reform option selected by the Government, Mr Christie told this newspaper it was imperative that the private sector “not panic” over change that is likely two to three years away at the earliest.

“One thing the Government needs to consider moving forward is to improve service and make sure the Department of Inland Revenue is a welloiled machine that is alert to persons’ concerns and queries,” he asserted. “They need to deal with issues efficiently and fairly....

“I go on record that it’s inefficient. The Department of Inland Revenue needs to have more guidelines, metrics and timelines to respond to queries. We have clients who have not had their Business Licence

approvals in a timely manner. They wrote back and said they are working on it.

“We always brag about how we’re comparable to the world, but in other places, within 10 days of applying you either have it approved or rejected. I’ve had clients go a month or two months waiting on a Business Licence approval. If we’re going to move to a corporate income tax, which calls for better records and audits, no longer do auditors have to vouch for revenue - we actually have to verify the numbers to make sure you are making a profit or loss.”

Mr Christie added that, by the time any corporate income tax is implemented, the Department of Inland Revenue should have sufficient resources to ensure better relations with taxpayers and that disputes, challenges and other questions are addressed more rapidly than at present. The Government, seemingly preparing for the switch to a corporate income tax, will next year require all companies with an annual turnover greater than $5m to provide audited financial statements to verify the accuracy of the revenue/turnover

figures upon which Business Licence fees are calculated. Those with turnovers above $250,000 will need to present review statements, compilation reports and certifications to confirm the accuracy of their submissions.

Some accountants have suggested these demands are overly burdensome, and the Government’s consultation ‘green paper’ on corporate income tax acknowledges that the administrative costs associated with it are higher. However, it is generally viewed as a fairer, more equitable and less regressive tax than the Business Licence fee.

“I think there’s a lot of contention every time a new tax system is floated out there,” Mr Christie told this newspaper. “The business owners I’ve talked to since this was floated out there are very concerned about the impact - it was the same with VAT. A lot of my clients are concerned about the cost of doing business in The Bahamas. “There’s some beneficial aspects with a corporate income tax. This is the flaw in the current system with the Business Licence fee. You can make a loss and still have to pay a Business

Licence fee. It’s called a Business Licence, but it’s really a tax; taxation on gross earnings.

“We all know the tax base is not sufficient. It’s not raising enough tax revenue for the Government to do what it’s being called upon to do. A corporate income tax would be a fairer tax because it will allow for losses to be capitalised and written off against the tax.”

Given that a corporate income tax will be levied against a company’s ‘bottom line’, whereas the Business Licence fee is based on the ‘top line’, Mr Christie said switching to the former will see the Government become “interested in businesses surviving and being able to pay the tax, and invest in equipment and personnel..

“A lot of people don’t like change, don’t like to contemplate change, but being in the current situation where the Government is trying to grow the economy and carry out projects, it’s certainly commendable for them to float this idea out,” he added. “What I want to see is a phased approach to it, with the education process and empirical data.

“What we don’t want is to have companies and persons panic. You float

the information out so they can read it, but persons are so busy running their companies it’s good to have an education process and give people time to prepare. Our economy, and certain sectors of our economy, are very fragile.

“We don’t measure confidence in this country, and we need to start. This metric tells us where we are in consumer confidence and business confidence. The Government has to work on business confidence because a lot of owners are concerned about the corporate income tax, so they might slow down on investment,” Mr Christie said.

“We all recognise the Business Licence system is problematic. There are issues around what is turnover and revenue, what is acceptable. There is no recognition of the fact a company is making losses, and the costs associated with running a business are not taken into account with how the tax is levied. The Government at some point will have to look at a personal income tax. I don’t think that’s part of the proposal, but VAT is certainly a regressive tax.”

The Government, in its ‘green paper, indicated it was leaning towards

reforms that will see most Bahamas-based businesses pay a “modest” corporate income tax of either 10 or 12 percent with the only exception being small firms earning less than $500,000 annually.

The long-awaited ‘green paper’ on “corporate income tax strategies for The Bahamas” revealed that none of the four corporate income tax options being considered will have a positive impact on Bahamian economic growth, employment, foreign and domestic investment with the fall-out negative in all bar two instances. This will be the first such income-based levy in the country’s history (NIB excepted), and is intended to ensure The Bahamas complies and fulfills its obligations as one of 140 countries that have signed on to the G-20/ Organisation for Economic Co-Operation and Development (OECD) drive for a minimum 15 percent global corporate tax. In the first instance, this applies only to corporate groups and their subsidiaries that have a minimum annual turnover in excess of 750m euros.

choice’ but to go Bahamian

while some have had to discount their existing holdings due to credit downgrades.

This is why Mr Davis sought to broaden the domestic investor base by offering incentives for companies that are nonfinancial institutions to buy government paper. This was done by amending the Business Licence Act to codify that companies who invest in Bahamian dollar bonds and Treasury Bills will enjoy tax-free interest earnings on these securities as these returns will not be included in the annual Business Licence calculation.

“I think they [the Government] really don’t have any choice at the moment other than to try and source capital locally,” Mr Anderson told this newspaper.

“It’s a difficult space to raise money in. While there’s money in the bank, and institutional monies available, it’s not necessarily that those people want to buy government debt.

“They end up with a relatively small number of people wanting to buy government debt. It’s not a large market of people wanting to buy in.” The Central Bank’s just-released report for May 2023 confirms that surplus commercial bank liquidity, representing assets available for lending and investment purposes, stood at a healthy $2.9bn at month’s end. However, this number has been steadily increasing monthover-month for many years, showing potential investors remain skittish.

The Davis administration, which has had to deal with unsettled international bond markets since coming to office in mid-September 2021, sought to meet virtually all its 2022-2023 deficit financing needs through a combination of the Bahamian capital markets and multilateral institutions, which typically offer lower interest rates and more favourable terms than commercial lenders.

However, despite this strategy, the Government still accessed some $232.3m in International Monetary Fund (IMF) special drawing rights to help meet the financing needs associated with its projected $520m full-year deficit. The seeming haste with which the transaction was executed, amid Opposition claims of laws being broken, indicates that the Davis administration had an urgent need to access low-cost foreign currency financing to pay-off a liability that was coming due.

Mr Anderson, meanwhile, pointed to concerns over upcoming foreign currency debt maturities that were first flagged by Moody’s. “They practically can’t access capital on the international market because the rates are too high,” he told Tribune Business of the Government.

“The Prime Minister said it was virtually impossible for the Government to raise capital [that way],

and they’ve got this maturity coming up in the next couple of years which they may find difficult to pay off and raise new capital. I don’t know how they fund that at a credible rate.”

Moody’s, in its postBudget assessment on The Bahamas, argued that the Government’s greatest short-term fiscal challenge lies in refinancing some $1.9bn worth of debt principal that is set to mature during the 2023-2024 fiscal year at a reasonable interest cost to Bahamian taxpayers.

“The major risk for the sovereign [The Bahamas] centres on challenges in financing and refinancing its upcoming maturities. Even with a narrowing fiscal deficit that turns to a surplus in fiscal 2025, the Government faces large gross financing needs. The Government will see a peak in maturities due in fiscal 2024, when gross refinancing needs reach 14.3 percent of GDP,” Moody’s said.

“Although the Government doesn’t intend to access international bond markets through commercial issuance, it will need to find alternative financing sources to repay upcoming external amortisations amid still tight financing conditions. Refinancing upcoming maturities at higher borrowing costs would weigh on the Government’s debt affordability.”

The Bahamas’ existing listed foreign currency bond issues were last night still trading at a discount, as they have been for a full year, with yields remaining at double digit levels. The $825m foreign currency bond, placed at an 8.95 percent coupon at COVID’s height, closed on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange yesterday at a near-14.5 percent discount to par value with yields at 11.85 percent.

In similar fashion, the $300m bond placed at 6.95 percent prior to the pandemic closed at a 20.5 percent discount to par with yields at just over 11.9 percent. All of which indicates that the Government will have to pay double digit interest rates on its debt should it seek to access the foreign capital markets at present.

As for Bahamian dollar capital raising, Mr Anderson pointed out that local investors had shifted to shorter-term maturities and away from the longterm 20-30 year paper that the Government has traditionally favoured. “I think they’re having some success placing small amounts of long-term bonds, 20-year and 25-year, but there’s no big market for them,” Mr Anderson said.

“The bulk has moved to shorter maturities, six month to a year type of maturities. That’s most of the new money raised by the Central Bank for the Government in that space. A lot of the money is being rolled over.” Investors moving towards shorterterm maturities is a sign of increased concern, and reduced confidence, in the

Government’s fiscal health following the debt blow-out exacerbated by Hurricane Dorian and COVID-19.

Gowon Bowe, Fidelity Bank (Bahamas) chief executive, said the Government’s domestic capital markets ambitions hinge on a credible strategy to restore its fiscal health and creditworthiness, and meeting the benchmarks and timelines set out in this plan.

A sound debt management strategy, and “moving from deficit to surplus”, are key elements to “establish a level of trust among retail investors” and non-financial institutions and entice them to invest in government paper, he added.

“There’s a paper in circulation from the Central Bank, done in conjunction with the Commonwealth Secretariat, that looks at the issuance of government securities as an overall process, and raises the question as to what is needed to improve the process of government securities,” Mr Bowe said. “That is much wider than saying we have an issuance process, we have a broker process. It’s looking at what information will be necessary.”

Acknowledging that it will be “challenging” for the Government at present to generate substantial interest in its 20 and 30-year bonds, he added that it was vital for the Government to present a five-year fiscal projection and stick to the targets set out to build credibility. The projected near-80 percent decline in the deficit for 2023-2024, from $520m to $131m, will also help ease the administration’s financing burden it is met.

“The Government has to demonstrate confidence should be reposed in them,” Mr Bowe said. “It cannot be that government securities are the best investment. It has be demonstrated why they are the best investment.... It’s really about them building that trust and confidence. No sweet talk; a clear plan... for all our sakes.”

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Grocers chief rejects PM’s ‘dumping’ fears

it on to the wholesalers, the retailers and other independent importers. They cannot do that; pass that responsibility on to us. The Government has to take responsibility for that.”

Mr Davis singled out products marked ‘for export only’ as indicating they are prohibited from

being sold in the exporter’s home jurisdiction. However, Mr Beneby said there is “nothing sinister” about such labelling, as suppliers use this to prevent product from being diverted to another distribution channel without their knowledge.

“I’ve been in the grocery business for a long time and

been seeing items come in for ‘export only’, and sometimes that’s because it has a longer shelf life or other varied reasons,” he added.

“It’s not by any means for any sinister reason.

“All they [the Government] have to do is investigate it. You cannot simply stop importing an item because of hearsay or

misconceptions. You must have the verifiable facts. Of course, the retailers and wholesalers are very careful with imported items that are for everyday consumption and have been importing them for a while.

“I would have to see more evidence of that. I think ‘dumping’ is kind of too strong a word to be

‘Nothing to lose’ on 5% corporate tax

FROM PAGE A24

In addition, the initiative, which is currently aimed at corporate groups and their subsidiaries that have a minimum annual turnover in excess of 750m euros, also allows the ‘home’ jurisdictions where these entities are headquartered to impose a ‘top-up’ tax to take the rate to 15 percent if the affiliates are taxed at a lower rate by foreign nations.

In practice, this would mean that should The Bahamas adopt Mr Moss’ plan, it would likely give up tax revenues that could have been earned from these multinational groups to their home country jurisdictions. However, the Bahamian financial services provider argued that attracting business, and generating economic growth and jobs, should be the priority rather than any focus on tax revenues.

Admitting it was unlikely that his suggestion will be adopted, the Dominion Management chief said of the Government: “They’re under peer pressure and have to put on their big boy pants. I don’t think they have the wherewithal to withstand the pressure being placed on them. They capitulate every single time.

“This is a corporate tax rate across the world. The Bahamas will have no competitive advantage. If you look at the banking infrastructure here there’s no comparison compared to developed countries that have these things at their finger tips. We have to be sensible about this. Competition is business.

“If someone goes around to all the retailers and says: ‘Your mark-up is only 10 percent’. No one does that. There has to be a way to drive more business to your store. We are a nation and have our rights to be able to do that. We should tax for ourselves unless The Bahamas is going to cede its sovereignty,” Mr Moss continued.

“We should set our own course and look at it as something beneficial for our own development. I don’t think it would be difficult, and that’s what we have to determine for ourselves, but we’re going to go along with whatever they suggest. We have nothing to lose, nothing to lose, nothing to lose.”

Asked whether he planned to supply his feedback to the Government, Mr Moss said: “I’m going to be honest with you. Since 2000, when I was very active in that, I saw the approach being taken by the

PUBLIC NOTICE

INTENT TO CHANGE

NAME BY DEED POLL

The Public is hereby advised that I, Stephanie Teresa Bain of Cambridge Lane, Blue Hill Road, New Providence, Bahamas, mother of JA’MYAH KAILEY BAIN a minor, intend to change my child’s name to JA’MYAH KAILEY MACKEY If there are any objections to this change of name by Deed Poll, you may write such objections to the Chief Passport Offcer, P.O. Box N-742, Nassau, New Providence, Bahamas no later than thirty (30) days after the date of publication of this notice.

Government and resigned myself to that. I keep out of the Bahamas Financial Services Board, I’m not going to waste time putting things together and have it shot down because these people are going to do what they want to do.”

The long-awaited ‘green paper’ on “corporate income tax strategies for The Bahamas” reveals that none of the four corporate income tax options being considered will have a positive impact on Bahamian economic growth, employment, foreign and domestic investment with the fallout negative in all bar two instances.

The Davis administration, following studies by the Deloitte & Touche accounting firm, said it has to consider “the trade-off between raising

government revenue at the expense of economic activity” in all four scenarios as it mulls historical changes that will potentially eliminate Business Licence fees for most companies and replace them with a corporate income tax.

The Government’s ‘green paper’, which is dated May 17, 2023, sets out the first option as merely introducing a 15 percent corporate income tax for all Bahamasbased entities that fall into that 750m-plus turnover category while maintaining the status quo for all other companies.

While that would have zero impact on the country’s economic growth and unemployment rate, the paper estimates it would cause foreign direct investment (FDI) and domestic

NOTICE

NOTICE is hereby given that SETH OWUSU APAU of P. O. Box N-8940, #1 Mallard Terrace, Monastery Park, New Providence, Bahamas, is applying to the Minister responsible for Nationality and Citizenship, for registration/naturalization as a citizen of The Bahamas, and that any person who knows any reason why registration/naturalization should not be granted, should send a written and signed statement of the facts within twenty-eight days from the 5th day of July, 2023 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, Bahamas.

NOTICE

used at this juncture. I don’t think The Bahamas is being used as a ‘dumping ground’, not in my view, unless they know something I don’t know. It’s for them to bring it to the attention of the importers,” Mr Beneby continued.

“It’s for the Government to make sure they stay on top of those consumable

investment to contract by 0.3 percent and 0.1 percent, respectively.

The second and third options, described as “more nuanced” because of the better balance they strike between tax revenue and economic impact, are those the Government indicates it is giving more serious consideration to. The second, labelled as “a soft introduction”, would introduce the same 15 percent rate for all those caught in the G-20/OECD net and also levy a 10 percent corporate income tax on all other businesses “to maintain regional tax competitiveness”.

The third option, branded as “simplicity driven”, would exempt or carve-out small businesses earning less than a $500,000 annual

items and to know the markets they have to pay attention to. The world is now a small marketplace, and we have items - whether it’s consumables or otherwise - coming in from all over. People are importing stuff out of Brazil, importing stuff from the US, importing stuff out of Europe and elsewhere.”

turnover to leave them still paying the existing Business Licence fee. Bahamas-based entities in groups that meet the G-20/ OECD threshold would pay a 15 percent corporate income tax, and all other companies generating more than $500,000 would pay a 12 percent rate. The final option, which will generate the greatest revenue increase for the Government but also inflict the harshest economic impact, is to simply impose the 15 percent corporate income tax rate on all businesses with a turnover greater than $500,000 per annum and a 10 percent on small and medium-sized enterprises earning less than that.

NOTICE

NOTICE is hereby given that ROOBENS ELUSME of Spring Field Road, New Providence, Bahamas, is applying to the Minister responsible for Nationality and Citizenship, for registration/ naturalization as a citizen of The Bahamas, and that any person who knows any reason why registration/naturalization should not be granted, should send a written and signed statement of the facts within twentyeight days from the 28th day of June, 2023 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, Bahamas.

NOTICE

NOTICE is hereby given that MARIE-ANGE CHERILIEN of The Bluff, Eleuthera, Bahamas, is applying to the Minister responsible for Nationality and Citizenship, for registration/ naturalization as a citizen of The Bahamas, and that any person who knows any reason why registration/naturalization should not be granted, should send a written and signed statement of the facts within twenty-eight days from the 28th day of June, 2023 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, Bahamas.

NOTICE

NOTICE

NOTICE is hereby given that JACKSON ALEXANDRE of Hasalmere Road off Soldier Road, New Providence, Bahamas, is applying to the Minister responsible for Nationality and Citizenship, for registration/naturalization as a citizen of The Bahamas, and that any person who knows any reason why registration/naturalization should not be granted, should send a written and signed statement of the facts within twenty-eight days from the 5th day of July, 2023 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, Bahamas.

NOTICE is hereby given that JEAN RENE LOUISSAINT of Carmichael Road, New Providence, Bahamas, is applying to the Minister responsible for Nationality and Citizenship, for registration/ naturalization as a citizen of The Bahamas, and that any person who knows any reason why registration/naturalization should not be granted, should send a written and signed statement of the facts within twentyeight days from the 28th day of June, 2023 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, Bahamas.

NOTICE is hereby given that JOSUE CHERILIEN of The Bluff, Eleuthera, Bahamas, is applying to the Minister responsible for Nationality and Citizenship, for registration/ naturalization as a citizen of The Bahamas, and that any person who knows any reason why registration/naturalization should not be granted, should send a written and signed statement of the facts within twenty-eight days from the 28th day of June, 2023 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, Bahamas.

Notice

In 2020, following the disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, Benchmark (Bahamas) Ltd. embarked on a strategy to upgrade its technology platform to better cope with the delivery of its subsidiary’s products and services remotely. Given the complex nature of Te Benchmark Group and the challenges of efciently functioning under lockdowns due to COVID-19 restrictions, it became imperative for us to adjust our business model, operating procedures, and delivery. Tis initiative was primarily undertaken to allow our global securities market trading desk the ability to function, while servicing the needs of our clients and Te Group. We successfully migrated our technology platform.

Te 2022 audit has revealed several items that generally occur post migration, and we are seeking to resolve them. Tese items relate to our intercompany balances between our two-licensed Class One Broker Dealers, Benchmark Advisors and Alliance Investment Management. Te diferences between the two entities have delayed the issuance of the Consolidated Annual Accounts. We are confdent these diferences will be corrected.

Benchmark has been granted extensions by the Securities Commission of Te Bahamas and Bahamas International Securities Exchange for fling its Audited Consolidated and Subsidiaries’ fnancial accounts until the 31st July, 2023. We are confdent that the extended fllings deadline will be met.

Reserves hit $2.9bn on Gov’t borrowing boost

and factor income remittances by $5.3m.”

Turning to domestic credit, the Central Bank said: “Total Bahamian dollar credit reduced by $67.3m during the review month, a reversal from a $141.6m accumulation in the same period last year.

Contributing to this development, net claims on the Government decreased by $89.8m, a shift from a $130.3m build-up in 2022.

“Further, the growth in credit to public corporations slowed significantly to just $0.6m from $37.6m in the preceding year. In contrast, private sector credit grew by $22m, a turnaround from a $26.3m decline a

year earlier. Specifically, commercial credit rose by $26.2m, vis-à-vis a $10.5m decline in the prior year.

“Likewise, consumer credit increased by $2.7m following an $8.3m falloff last year. Further, the reduction in mortgages moderated to $6.9m from $7.5m in the preceding year.” As for the foreign currency variety, the Central Bank said: “During the review month, domestic foreign currency credit declined by $17.2m, a switch from a $24.1m buildup in 2022. Underpinning this outturn, private sector credit fell by $9.4m as opposed to a gain of $27.4m in the year prior.

“Specifically, mortgages decreased by $19.7m,

extending the $0.8m falloff in the previous year. Further, the growth in commercial credit moderated to $10.3m from $28.2m in the preceding year. In addition, net claims on the Government reduced by $7.9m, exceeding the $3.3m retrenchment a year earlier. Meanwhile, foreign currency credit to the rest of the public sector registered a flat outturn similar to the previous year.”

Commercial bank loan delinquencies rose slightly in May, with the Central Bank reporting: “Commercial bank credit quality indicators softened during the month of May, concentrated in longer-term delinquencies. Total private sector arrears rose by $1.9m

Bahamian retailer in AI site upgrade

FROM PAGE A23

In addition, the initiative, which is currently aimed at corporate groups and their subsidiaries that have a minimum annual turnover in excess of 750m euros, also allows the ‘home’ jurisdictions where these entities are headquartered to impose a ‘top-up’ tax to take the rate to 15 percent if the affiliates are taxed at a lower rate by foreign nations.

In practice, this would mean that should The Bahamas adopt Mr Moss’ plan, it would likely give up tax revenues that could have been earned from these multinational groups to their home country jurisdictions. However, the Bahamian financial services provider argued that attracting business,

and generating economic growth and jobs, should be the priority rather than any focus on tax revenues.

Admitting it was unlikely that his suggestion will be adopted, the Dominion Management chief said of the Government: “They’re under peer pressure and have to put on their big boy pants. I don’t think they have the wherewithal to withstand the pressure being placed on them. They capitulate every single time.

“This is a corporate tax rate across the world. The Bahamas will have no competitive advantage. If you look at the banking infrastructure here there’s no comparison compared to developed countries that have these things at their finger tips. We have to be

sensible about this. Competition is business.

“If someone goes around to all the retailers and says: ‘Your mark-up is only 10 percent’. No one does that. There has to be a way to drive more business to your store. We are a nation and have our rights to be able to do that. We should tax for ourselves unless The Bahamas is going to cede its sovereignty,” Mr Moss continued.

“We should set our own course and look at it as something beneficial for our own development. I don’t think it would be difficult, and that’s what we have to determine for ourselves, but we’re going to go along with whatever they suggest. We have nothing to lose, nothing to lose, nothing to lose.”

(0.3 percent) to $588.2m, with the accompanying ratio unchanged at 10.9 percent of outstanding private sector claims.

“An analysis by average age of delinquency showed that non-performing loans (NPLs) increased by $6.2m (1.6 percent), to $407.5m, resulting in an uptick in the attendant ratio by nine basis points to 7.5 percent —with a rise in the NPL rate for commercial loans by 59 basis points to 5.2 percent.

“Meanwhile, the NPL rates for mortgage and consumer loans were relatively unchanged at 9.8 percent and 5.8 percent, respectively. In contrast, short-term arrears (31-90 days) decreased by $4.4m (2.4 percent) to $180.7m,

Asked whether he planned to supply his feedback to the Government, Mr Moss said: “I’m going to be honest with you. Since 2000, when I was very active in that, I saw the approach being taken by the Government and resigned myself to that. I keep out of the Bahamas Financial Services Board, I’m not going to waste time putting things together and have it shot down because these people are going to do what they want to do.”

The long-awaited ‘green paper’ on “corporate income tax strategies for The Bahamas” reveals that none of the four corporate income tax options being considered will have a positive impact on Bahamian economic growth, employment, foreign and domestic investment with the fallout negative in all bar two instances.

The Davis administration, following studies by the Deloitte & Touche accounting firm, said it has to consider “the trade-off between raising government revenue at the expense of economic activity” in all four scenarios as

with the corresponding ratio narrowing by nine basis points to 3.3 percent.”

The Central Bank added:

“A disaggregation by loan type revealed that the uptick in total delinquencies was largely attributed to a rise in consumer arrears, which increased by $4.7m (2.8 percent) to $170.6m, owing mainly to a $5.2m (9.8 percent) growth in the short-term category, which overshadowed the $0.5m (0.4 percent) fall-off in the long-term segment.

“Providing some offset, mortgage arrears declined by $1.8m (0.5 percent) to $362.3m on account of reductions in both the short-term component and non-accruals by $1.1m (0.9 percent) and by $0.7m (0.3

it mulls historical changes that will potentially eliminate Business Licence fees for most companies and replace them with a corporate income tax.

The Government’s ‘green paper’, which is dated May 17, 2023, sets out the first option as merely introducing a 15 percent corporate income tax for all Bahamasbased entities that fall into that 750m-plus turnover category while maintaining the status quo for all other companies.

While that would have zero impact on the country’s economic growth and unemployment rate, the paper estimates it would cause foreign direct investment (FDI) and domestic investment to contract by 0.3 percent and 0.1 percent, respectively.

The second and third options, described as “more nuanced” because of the better balance they strike between tax revenue and economic impact, are those the Government indicates it is giving more serious consideration to. The second, labelled as “a soft introduction”, would introduce the same 15 percent rate

percent), respectively. Similarly, commercial credit delinquencies fell by $1m (1.8 percent) to $55.3m, explained by an $8.5m (63 percent) contraction in short-term arrears, which outstripped the $7.4m (17.3 percent) rise in the non-performing category.

“Banks increased their loan loss provisions by $1m (0.3 percent) to $363.3m in May. However, the ratio of total provisions to NPLs fell by 1.1 percentage point to 89.1 percent, while the ratio for total provisions to arrears narrowed by three basis points 61.8 percent. During the review month, banks also wrote-off an estimated $6.5m in bad loans and recovered approximately $5.1m.”

for all those caught in the G-20/OECD net and also levy a 10 percent corporate income tax on all other businesses “to maintain regional tax competitiveness”.

The third option, branded as “simplicity driven”, would exempt or carve-out small businesses earning less than a $500,000 annual turnover to leave them still paying the existing Business Licence fee. Bahamas-based entities in groups that meet the G-20/ OECD threshold would pay a 15 percent corporate income tax, and all other companies generating more than $500,000 would pay a 12 percent rate.

The final option, which will generate the greatest revenue increase for the Government but also inflict the harshest economic impact, is to simply impose the 15 percent corporate income tax rate on all businesses with a turnover greater than $500,000 per annum and a 10 percent on small and medium-sized enterprises earning less than that.

Bahamas unveils first national aviation plan

BAHAMIAN aviation industry leaders were treated to the unveiling of the country’s first strategic plan for the sector when they attended their quarterly symposium last Wednesday at Baha Mar’s Convention Centre.

“The historic National Aviation Strategic Plan (NASP) will serve as the industry’s ‘flight plan’ that will chart the way forward over the next three years to aid in the revolutionisation and renaissance of the aviation industry, as mandated by the Government of The Bahamas,” said Chester Cooper, deputy prime minister and minister of tourism, investments and aviation.

Dr Kenneth Romer, director of aviation and deputy director-general of tourism, added: “The comprehensive eight-pronged plan reflects an industryinclusive, innovative, systematic and pragmatic process of execution that will position The Bahamas as the regional leader in aviation, and will be driven by the ongoing commitment, focus, drive and synergy that exist among

stakeholders within our aviation ecosystem”.

The plan’s eight broad themes include improving airport infrastructure and development; enhancing strategic partnerships and engagement; increasing airlift and improving air connectivity; enhancing human capital development; improving operational efficiency, financial resilience and revenue optimisation; strengthening safety and security systems; positioning The Bahamas

as the regional leader in sustainable aviation and air transport services; and improving innovation and technology.

Stakeholders attending included the Department of Aviation; Air Accident Investigation Authority; Airport Authority; Bahamasair; Bahamas Air Navigational Services Authority; Civil Aviation Authority of the Bahamas; Freeport Airport Development Company; Nassau Airport Development

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“The stakeholders within our aviation ecosystem can be assured of my ongoing support as we move with focused execution to build a Bahamas more suitable for the advancement and empowerment of our country and Bahamians,” said Mr Cooper.

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Poultry producer seeks $100,000 for hatchery

By YOURI KEMP Tribune Business Reporter ykemp@tribunemedia.net

A BAHAMIAN poultry producer yesterday said it still requires $100,000 in financing to develop its own hatchery as plans for similar facilities advance elsewhere in this nation.

Lance Pinder, Abaco Big Bird Poultry’s operations manager, told Tribune Business its proposed hatchery will be a “much-needed” addition to the poultry stock and efforts to develop a sustainable industry in this nation.

He added: “They’re planning a hatchery down at BAMSI (Bahamas Agricultural and Marine Science

Institute). I’m on the Board, and I know the equipment just arrived in the country recently. There are one or two individuals that are looking to do a small factory in Nassau. Actually, I’m looking at getting a set of chicks from Nassau so I’ll see how that goes. “We can get our hatchery up and running within three months. For funding, all we need is $100,000. We already have the infrastructure in place; we just need to get some special equipment. We’re just trying to figure out how to move forward, but it is kind of tough right now. So we are revisiting the hatchery because that seems to be the only way out of this situation for right now.”

go ’t considers plan or melia reopening

Abaco Big Bird’s proposed hatchery is not a new concept, as the farm has been planning this for more than two years, but never had the chance to execute because the market for broiler eggs was not stable.

“The broiler eggs was the biggest challenge, but we see broiler eggs starting to free up now on that end, as we have been finding broiler eggs on the market more easily now,” Mr Pinder said.

“There are some private individuals that have approached us about financing. The banks are kind of a lost cause. Maybe we could work with the Bahamas Development Bank, but they take so long to get back to you.”

By YOURI KEMP Tribune Business Reporter ykemp@tribunemedia.net

THE DEPUTY Prime Minister yesterday said plans to re-open Cable Beach’s Melia Nassau Beach Hotel are being “favourably considered” by the Government and an announcement on the property’s future will be made in due course.

Chester Cooper, also minister for tourism, investments and aviation, speaking ahead of the weekly Cabinet meeting said that, apart from the Melia negotiations, downtown Nassau’s British Colonial resort is also forecast to come back online this winter and the Government “looks forward to the opening”.

Baha Mar’s owner, Chow Tai Fook Enterprises

(Bahamas), is also the proprietor for the still-closed, 694-room Melia Nassau Beach Resort. Graema Davis, Baha Mar’s president, said in late April: “[There] are ongoing discussions with the Government on our Melia project next door. We look forward to hopefully announcing that very soon so stay tuned for our next report.”

The British Colonial, meanwhile, which is owned by The Pointe’s developer, China Construction America (CCA), closed in February 2022 after its brand/management deal with the Hilton ended. More than 100 staff were made redundant and Nassau’s total room inventory was reduced by 288 just when all capacity was needed to meet soaring post-COVID demand.

Mr Cooper added: “Tourism continues to grow, and

continues to beat projections when compared to 2019, which is a recordsetting year. Overall, we are about 30 percent ahead. We’re going to comfortably hit the 8m arrivals mark this year as we forecasted we will do, all things being normal, barring no surprises. We’re hoping for a quiet hurricane season. We expect that the trend is going to continue. We have great support from our airline partners.

“Bahamasair is also looking at new potential routes. We’re looking at a route from perhaps Cleveland, Ohio or Nashville to Freeport, Grand Bahama. We’re also looking at Florida to Georgetown, Exuma. We’re looking at Tampa to Nassau. These have to be properly assessed and planned out by Bahamasair, but I can tell you that these are on the radar.”

Bahamian accountant calls for Caribbean united front

A BAHAMIAN accountant has called on the Caribbean to adopt a united front over how mandatory environment, social and governance (ESG) reporting standards will be embraced in regional laws and regulations.

Kevin Cambridge, PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) Bahamas advisory leader, was among the speakers on a panel discussion at the recent Institute of Chartered Accountants of the Caribbean’s 40th annual conference that focused on the new mandatory ESG reporting standards from the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB).

Issued on Monday, the ISSB published its first two completed standards. These are S1: General requirements for disclosure of sustainability-related financial information; and S2: Climate-related disclosures. These are part of global trends moving from voluntary to mandatory reporting on such issues.

Mr Cambridge said: “With pronouncements handed down from the likes of IFRS (International Financial Reporting Standards), the question, then, is what will now be codified in local regulations? The answer is that we need to come together.

“Individually we - governments and businesses

- are looking at the world through the lens of our own country, The Bahamas, Barbados, Jamaica, Trinidad etc. It’s not as impactful to think individually when you sit across the table and have very targeted regulatory discussions that ultimately impact all of us across the Caribbean and the globe.”

The standards are intended to be the foundation for a comprehensive global baseline of sustainability disclosures specifically focused on the needs of investors and the financial markets. They should be welcomed by investors and businesses given the complex reporting landscape.

For many Caribbean businesses that are in the infancy of their sustainability journey, now is the time to begin the process. For businesses more advanced, and which have already adopted industry

specific and Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) recommendations, they will be in a better place to apply the two ISSB standards.

As well as the new standards, the panel discussed more broadly the impact of excluding sustainable development goals (SDGs) as an investor and business given that there is a mutual dependency. “An investor or company choosing to invest that doesn’t show, prove or are simply not being strategic by incorporating SDGs into their business, will find themselves being unable to invest in certain opportunities,” Mr Cambridge said.

“This also complicates matters as the question then becomes...how do you measure, benchmark and report the ESG framework? If businesses want to add value, they must make both social impact and SDG alignment a part of their core business.” Businesses that take an active role in leading this transformation, and position SDGs at the heart of operational decisions, will be better placed to harness emerging market opportunities, manage risks and achieve a net zero future.

Mr Cambridge added: “At PwC, we believe ESG has to be a priority for every government and business across the Caribbean.”

KEVIN CAMBRIDGE

DPM: DOWNTOWN TARGETS ‘ uic pedestrian ins’

By YOURI KEMP Tribune Business Reporter ykemp@tribunemedia.net

THE Deputy Prime Minister yesterday said the road adjacent to the Straw Market, which connects Woodes Rogers Wharf to Bay Street, is being targeted for the first in a series of “quick wins” for downtown Nassau.

Chester Cooper, also minister for tourism, investments and aviation, speaking ahead of the weekly Cabinet meeting said the Government is focused on making more of downtown’s side streets accessible to pedestrians only.

“We are looking at some streets downtown to be made pedestrian and, in the short-term, Market Slope - that is a road between Woodes Rogers Wharf and Bay Street, right beside the Straw Market - we’ve identified that as a first opportunity,” he explained.

“There will be additional vendor opportunities that will be fully pedestrianised.

I believe all stakeholders are on board with that so far. We’re not going to pedestrianise streets to the detriment of traffic flow. So this requires careful consideration. We believe some of the side streets would be quick wins, and we’re targeting those first.”

Making downtown Nassau pedestrian-only has been proposed for decades as a way to increase tourist traffic, improve the flow of pedestrians between businesses and make the city’s overall environment more attractive. Several side streets have been pedestrianised to-date, and the Davis administration is seeking to expand this initiative to other avenues.

Mr Cooper, meanwhile, said the Government is proceeding with the demolition of derelict, dilapidated buildings in downtown Nassau whose owners have no interest in reviving such eyesores. “We’ve given notice to the owners of the structures. There is dialogue between the Government, Ministry of Works in particular, and the

Bahamian retailer in AI site upgrade

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

A BAHAMIAN retailer says its newly-launched online shopping platform now features a chat services powered by artificial intelligence (AI) in a bid to improve customer service CBS Bahamas, the home improvement merchant, in a statement said its online store - currently available only to early-access users - marks a major upgrade

over the previous version.

The company has partnered with SiteGPT to introduce the round-the-clock chat service provided by AI, known as the ‘#BuildBeautiful Bot’. This is designed as an intelligent assistant that will provide customers with immediate, personalised support regardless of the the time of day and complexity of the inquiry. This includes product and pricing look-ups, recommendations on how to

owners,” the deputy prime minister added.

“There are varying responses. Some of them are interested in repairing, some of them are supportive of demolitions. There is some support for redevelopment of some of the structures. Suffice to say we’re getting co-operation from the stakeholders. This was the point of the exercise, really, to give notice, to engage, to have all of the stakeholders on board with our overall plan for the development of Bay Street for the benefit of the Bahamian people.”

Mr Cooper said his ministry is also working with the Department of Agriculture, the Ministry of Works, the Ministry of the Environment and the Attorney General’s Office to deal with downtown Nassau’s stray dog population. “We’ve taken surveillance at various times, day and night, and there are very interesting photos of what we see. Particularly as it relates to the stray dog issue, it is being addressed along with all of the other issues,” he added.

tackle DIY projects, and suggesting products and tools needed to accomplish specific tasks. The bot can also assist with order issues, provide technical support and, if necessary, escalate inquiries to a human agent.

“The launch of our new webstore is a significant milestone in our mission to deliver the best possible shopping experience to our customers,” said Brent Burrows II, CBS Bahamas’ senior manager of e-commerce. “Our partnership with SiteGPT allows us to offer unprecedented, around-the-clock customer support. The #BuildBeautiful Bot is more than a

SEE PAGE A20

‘No choice’ but to go Bahamian

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

THE GOVERNMENT must build greater

“trust and confidence” in its fiscal plan among Bahamian investors given it has “no choice” but to almost exclusively tap the local capital markets to meet its nine-figure deficit financing demands. Financial executives told Tribune Business that, with access to the international bond and financial markets almost completely cut-off by a combination of global interest rate hikes and The Bahamas’ creditworthiness being cut to ‘junk’ status, the Davis administration must eliminate any “sweet talk” when it comes to the country’s financial situation it it wants to achieve its ambitions of broadening the base of domestic investors in government securities.

Michael Anderson, RF Bank & Trust’s president, said in a recent interview that while excess liquidity in the Bahamian commercial banking system remains plentiful there is “not a large market of people” wanting to buy Bahamian dollar bonds and Treasury Bills given concerns over the near $11.5bn national

debt and the Government’s sustained track record of multi-million dollar deficits.

The Prime Minister, in his end-May Budget presentation, used guarded, technical language to admit that the Government has little option but to meet the bulk of its financing needs locally given the burden that prohibitively high international interest rates would impose on the Bahamian people through greater debt servicing costs, as well as sucking more money away from essential public services.

The Government has traditionally relied on major institutional investors, typically the National Insurance Board, commercial banks and insurance companies, as well as pension and mutual funds, to pick up the majority of its Bahamian dollar debt issues. However, many of these institutions are now close to their prudential and regulatory limits on the amount of government debt they can carry,

SEE PAGE A18

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

A BAHAMIAN financial services provider yesterday argued that this nation should smash “conformity” by adopting a low-rate 5 percent corporate income tax, asserting: “We have nothing to lose.”

Paul Moss, Dominion Management Services’ president, told Tribune Business that the Bahamas would be signing away any possibility of establishing a competitive advantage if it followed the herd and adopted the 15 percent global ‘minimum’ rate being pushed by the G-20 and Organisation for Economic Co-Operation and Development (OECD).

Arguing that this “makes no sense”, he said The Bahamas should instead “set our own course” and opt for a lower-rate tax that can be increased in stages if necessary to attract increased financial services business to these shores and grow the economy.

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

THE RETAIL Grocers Association’s (RGA) president yesterday rejected the Prime Minister’s assertion that The Bahamas is a ‘dumping ground’ for unsafe and inferior goods, and charged: “You can stop it at the border.” Philip Beneby, responding after Philip Davis KC told the House of Assembly last week that The Bahamas has “been dumped upon by goods that are not healthy to us”, urged him and the Government’s agencies to take

PAUL MOSS

It is unclear whether such a strategy will work in practice but, with the Government having released its ‘green paper’ on corporate income tax reform seeking feedback by end-August, Mr Moss told this newspaper: “I think obviously we’re making a mistake, in my view, to take the blanket approach suggested to the Government.

“I think that’s the wrong approach. They should have an approach where the rate is much less than the 15 percent being contemplated. We have to do what’s in our best interests, and not in the best interest of other countries. Conformity is not in our best interests. Taxation is about competition. We cannot be in competition in

a cartel that sets the stage as a certain percentage. It makes no sense to me.

“I think we should start off at a much lower rate, at 5 percent and, if we see it makes sense, increase it incrementally. But to start at 15 percent makes no sense. It’s going to take away our competitive advantage and makes no sense.”

The G-20/OECD are pushing for all nations to adopt a 15 percent ‘minimum’ global corporate tax as a means to counter tax evasion and avoidance by large multinational groups, who are able to exploit the digital economy to switch revenues and profits to lower tax jurisdictions where they were not earned.

One potential complication for Mr Moss’ proposal is that The Bahamas is one of 140 nations that has already signed on to comply with the G-20/ OECD initiative, so any introduction of a rate lower than 15 percent could be viewed as this nation breaking its word and commitment.

SEE PAGE A19

Grocers chief rejects PM’s ‘dumping’ fears

action by using their statutory enforcement powers and “ban” such products from entering the country.

Speaking to Tribune Business, he said no such concerns have been brought to the attention of retailers, wholesalers and other importers, many of whom have been been in the industry for decades. And he added that it was not in the interests of the private sector to knowingly ‘dump’ poor quality goods on their customers as they would soon go out of business.

“That’s not my experience,” Mr Beneby told this newspaper, after Mr Davis

suggested Bahamian companies are selling imports that the supplier would not be able to offer in their home jurisdiction. “If that is what is happening, why is the Government allowing that to happen? If they know that to be a fact, then they are the ones who should stop it.

“Why don’t they stop it at the border because they collect taxes on them and have been collecting taxes on them. If the other countries can ban items coming out of the US that they think are not fair for their market, or for their people, why can’t The Bahamas do the same thing? The

Government has the power to do it.

“The Government, once they have the verifiable facts that items are not good for consumers, are not good for their people, they have the power and authority to ban them. The Government can ban them at the border,” Mr Beneby continued, suggesting that the Prime Minister was seeking to shift blame for the lack of enforcement.

“For the Prime Minister to say that, he’s trying to pass what should be done by them,” he said. “They’re trying to pass

SEE PAGE A19

Reserves hit $2.9bn on Gov’t borrowing boost

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

THE BAHAMAS’ foreign currency reserves expanded by almost $169m in May due to a boost from the Government’s external borrowing activities as they closed the month at near-$2.9bn.

The Central Bank, in its May economic developments report, said the expansion in the reserves - which support the country’s one:one fixed exchange rate peg with the US dollar - contrasted with the decline seen during the same month in 2022.

“External reserves expanded by $168.7m to $2.885bn, a reversal from last year’s $62.9m contraction, bolstered by the

receipt of proceeds from Government’s external borrowing,” the Central Bank said. “Reflective of this development, the Central Bank’s net foreign currency transactions with the public sector switched to a net inflow of $159m from a net outflow of

$150.3m in the preceding year. “By contrast, the bank’s foreign currency transactions with commercial banks shifted to a net sale of $8.5m from a net intake of $83.8m in 2022. Further, commercial banks recorded a net sale of $6.4m to their customers

vis-à- vis a net purchase of $97.9m a year earlier.

“Provisional data on foreign currency sales for current account transactions showed that monthly outflows rose by $120.6m to $812.2m in May relative to the comparable period in 2022. Leading this outturn, payments for ‘other’ current items -primarily credit and debit card financed importsincreased by $101.4m,” the monetary policy regulator added.

“Further, transfer payments advanced by $21.3m, while outflows for non-oil imports grew by $15.2m and for travel related transactions by $3.6m. Conversely, payments for oil imports fell by $15.7m

SEE PAGE A20

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

THE DEPARTMENT of Inland Revenue (DIR) must become “a well-oiled machine” that is far more responsive to taxpayer needs under a corporate income tax regime, a prominent accountant is urging. Kendrick Christie, president of the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners Bahamas Chapter, told Tribune Business in a recent interview that the Government’s main tax collection authority will require a clear set of guidelines, benchmarks and timelines for dealing with companies given the increased complexities that corporate income tax presents when compared to the existing Business Licence regime.

Disclosing that he has had clients waiting up to two months for their Business Licence approvals, he argued that this cannot persist under corporate income tax given that companies and their auditors will be required to provide a much more in-depth verification. While Business Licence fees are calculated on gross

SEE PAGE A17

Inland Revenue must be a ‘well oiled machine’ for corporate tax

‘Nothing to lose’ on 5% corporate tax

KENDRICK CHRISTIE

MICHAEL ANDERSON

THE CENTRAL BANK OF THE BAHAMAS

GOWON BOWE