07122023 NEWS, SPORT AND BUSINESS

Suffering on the Street aS heat SoarS

Hot weather affecting everyone, but homeless are especially vulnerable

By JADE RUSSELL Tribune Staff Reporter jrussell@tribunemedia.net

BAHAMIANS of all backgrounds are scrambling for relief from the brutal heat this summer, but for some of the country’s poorest residents, managing the conditions is an existential challenge.

“The heat is affecting not just the poor but the middle class,” said Bishop Walter Hanchell, President of Great Commission Ministries. “If you can’t afford a standby generator

or AC, then man, all you gonna do is suffer, and that’s all we’ve been going through. If it’s affecting the middle class, you could imagine what the poor is going through in those hot houses, those small houses with no ventilation.”

Companies that provide air conditioning services for homes and cars have reported an unprecedented surge in sales and customer interest recently. On social media, reports of ice and water shortages linked to

SEE page three

Touris T and locals brawl in Guana c ay, a baco

By LEANDRA ROLLE Tribune Staff Reporter lrolle@tribunemedia.net

A FIGHT involving second homeowners and Bahamians outside a bar on Guana Cay, Abaco, has highlighted the community’s lack of law enforcement officers.

Johnny Roberts, owner of Nippers Beach Bar and Grill, said the lack of security threatens to derail the island’s efforts to rebound

after Hurricane Dorian and the pandemic.

He spoke to The Tribune after a video showing a fight between American second homeowners and Bahamians went viral.

The brawl happened in Nippers’ parking lot on Sunday, according to Mr Roberts.

In the nearly 30-second clip, a Caucasian man can

SEE page four

tourist and local fight outside bar in Guana Cay, Abaco

a homeless man named Kevin walks across the road in the sweltering heat yesterday.

Photo: rashad rolle

The People’s Rush - Junkanoo on Independence Day

The PeoPle’s Rush took place in the early morning hours of Monday on Bay Street celebrating The Bahamas Golden Jubilee Anniversary of Independence.

Photos: Patrick hanna/BIS

Suffering on the streets as heat soars

from page one

cooling-down efforts have become daily occurrences.

The news doesn’t get better: The Bahamas Department of Meteorology issued a heat advisory yesterday, urging residents nationwide to stay hydrated and limit outdoor activities during peak afternoon hours because the heat index is expected to be near 110°F in the coming days.

As most residents find ways to cope, experts note that some, including those experiencing homelessness and older people, are especially vulnerable.

Winston Paul, 27, a street vendor who lives off Mackey Street and sells guineps to the passerby, said he saw two people faint from what appeared to be heat-related exhaustion.

After buying breakfast at Potter’s Cay dock last week, he said he encountered his friend, Ashton, on the ground being fanned by his girlfriend before paramedics arrived.

Later that week, he saw a homeless man on Mackey Street collapse under the sweltering sun.

“This was the first time I ever saw this gentlemen in this kind of position,” he told The Tribune while helping a vendor who said her water and Gatorade sales have soared with the temperatures –– her one silver lining this summer.

“In this sun, you could really catch a heat stroke,” Mr Paul said. “I heard so

much elderly people say this is not the temperature they knew growing up as a child and this sun is not the sun that they know growing up. If they could say that from their time and they feeling it now, this sun really beating down on everybody.”

Mr Paul, who sometimes goes to the Salvation Army for clothes, said the heat has made him more weary and frustrated than usual. When he stops selling fruits and goes home, no AC awaits him, just more unpleasant conditions.

Meanwhile, Kevin, a homeless man who begs for money at the intersection of Shirley and Mackey Streets, said the heat, though uncomfortable, hardly stands out amid his daily fight for basic necessities.

“I’m being oppressed,” he said. “I don’t hide; I stay outside, always feeling the discomfort.”

Outside Great Commission Ministries, people in need gathered for food around noon.

Mudline Rolle, 69, said she has no electricity at home. She said travelling in this weather to visit people and the commission as she tends to do is hard.

“Boy, let me tell you something, when I go home, the windows does be open, and I does sleep just like that,” she said.

An 80-year-old man who visited the commission, meanwhile, suggested he regretted not buying an AC unit when he had the chance because he had

feared it would “run up my bill too high”.

“Bahamians consider themselves to be resilient and tolerant,” former Health Minister Dr Duane Sands said yesterday.

“Having grown up in the tropics and having to endure hot summer days, it is easy to believe that the current heat surge is simply more of the same.

“It isn’t! As temperatures soar, some of us may simply not be able to sweat enough to lose body heat especially as the humidity rises.

“As our bodies heat beyond 102 degrees, the internal controls become less effective, especially if we are underhydrated.

“Quickly, internal temperatures can climb to dangerous levels, causing confusion and fatigue. Other organs begin to malfunction, and the ordinary signals become less reliable.”

“At this point, the phase of heat exhaustion if not recognized and corrected can progress to deadly heat stroke.”

“Pay attention to the elderly and very young who are less able to regulate internal body temperatures in these extreme conditions.”

On Monday, the United Nations World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) warned that the record high temperatures around the earth last week are a taste of things to come as climate change impacts the planet.

a ir conditioning comPanies see sales sPike as summer temP s rise

By LETRE SWEETING Tribune Staff Reporter lsweeting@tribunemedia.net

SOME air conditioning businesses report unprecedented demand for their services as residents try to protect themselves from the summer heat.

Shaniqua Nicholas, an employee of Beat the Heat, a car air condition repair company, said the company has struggled to help all customers.

“Cars can’t even get in the yard. It’s crazy,” she said. “We have to turn customers away and telling them to bring their car another day just because it is so hot.

“Cars are parked on the side of the road asking us to please check their car out. It’s crazy because, in the yard, we can barely get anyone in or out.”

Tonia Rolle, parts and sales manager at Bahamas Supply Air Conditioning, said she had noticed an uptick in

customers immediately buying AC units rather than waiting.

“There is a spike,” she said. “I can truly say that every year air conditioning sales tend to be more fluctuated, in terms of it being a high peak season. You find a lot more customers, if you don’t have something in stock, they’re going to shop around because that’s something they need now.

“Whereas before time, they may have given you a week or waited until you had the item in stock. They are not waiting anymore. No one is waiting on this heat, and I can’t blame them. So, the best thing is to always keep the inventory to serve people as much as possible.”

Jordan Styles, an employee at Snowfall Air Conditioning, expressed similar sentiments.

“There actually has been a spike, but we haven’t been able to get involved with any of the new customers because we are already occupied with our old projects,”

he said. “But there has been an increase in calls.

“Most HVAC businesses, they actually prepare for this. When summer comes they always get their biggest functions, so there haven’t been any shortages on anything.”

Robert McKinney, owner of McKinney’s Air Conditioning, said the high number of sales his business is experiencing is typical in the summer months.

However, he said such demand is usually seen later in the summer, around August.

Kaylon Moxey, an employee in the sales department of Complete Auto Air Conditioning, said the spike in customers and sales has been “higher” than usual, but the business prepared for the onslaught of customers.

The Bahamas Meteorology Department has urged Bahamians to remain hydrated and avoid prolonged sun exposure during the late morning and early afternoon hours.

load shedding continues while BPl works to restore generation in north a ndros

By LYNAIRE MUNNINGS Tribune Staff Reporter lmunnings@tribunemedia.net

A WEEK after a catastrophic fire damaged Bahamas Power & Light’s facilities in North Andros, electricity has not been fully restored on the island.

In a statement yesterday evening, the company said it restored power for 90 per cent of customers, with 10 per cent experiencing load shedding while attempts are made to make additional generation available.

“BPL made significant headway in the hours following last Wednesday’s (July 5, 2023) catastrophic fire at the North Andros Power Station,” BPL said.

“However, certain setbacks resulted in periods of supply disruption for North Andros customers between Thursday, July 6, 2023, and Tuesday, July 11, 2023.

“On Tuesday afternoon, BPL’s team was able to make additional generation

available providing power to most areas of North Andros. To ensure system stability, BPL’s present capacity allows for supply to approximately 90 per cent of North Andros customers.

“Until the system is stabilised, BPL will continue to load share, but only 10 per cent of customers will experience periods of supply interruption, again in 4-hour intervals.”

The company apologised for the delay, calling the fire an “extraordinary event” while committing to developing a long-term strategy for the island.

Following the outage, some residents rushed to New Providence to buy generators, fearing longterm woes.

Residents previously said power on the island had become increasingly unreliable, but the outage last week left them bracing for sweltering heat for longer than usual.

A homeless man known as Mr Paul seeks refuge from the heat in the shade yesterday.

Photo: Rashad Rolle

’s North Andros Power Station caught fire last week resulting in the total loss of all generators at that location. Work continues to restore power.

Jerusa Ali appointed new director general at Ministry of Foreign Affairs

By EARYEL BOWLEG Tribune Staff Reporter ebowleg@tribunemedia.net

THE Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced the appointment of Jerusa Ali as the ministry’s new director general.

Foreign Affairs Minister Fred Mitchell said Ms Ali is “well qualified and experienced”. “I wish to formally welcome Jerusa Ali to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs with effect from 11 July 2023,” he said in a statement. “I should say welcome back. This is a new role for her as director general. I wish her every success, and I want

to encourage the fullest cooperation with her as she sets about her new responsibilities.”

“Most recently, she worked with our colleagues at the British High Commission in Nassau to help re-open the High Commission.”

“I wish to say a fond farewell to Rhoda Jackson, who ended her career and ties with us on 30 June 2023. I wish her well in the future and thank her for her work. Keva Bain has joined us after a stint as ambassador to Geneva at the United Nations in the post of deputy director general.”

UK High Commissioner Tom Hartley congratulated Ms Ali on “this fantastic appointment” via Twitter.

“We’re so proud to have worked with her and for her service,” he said. “She’ll be an incredible leader and Bahamian Ambassador.”

Former UK High Commissioner Sarah Dickson also congratulated Ms Ali for her appointment on Twitter.

“I have no doubt you’ll make an outstanding contribution to strengthening The Bahamas’ relationships across the world,” she wrote.

Touris T and locals brawl ou T side b ar in Guana c ay, a baco

from page one

be seen fighting off several Bahamian men while a woman purported to be with him is punched and dragged by her hair by another woman.

Police Superintendent Will Hart, the officer in charge of the Abaco division, said: “Outside the establishment, because of the crowd by Nippers, it was crowded so golf carts were everywhere, but as persons were trying to ascertain who owns what golf cart, there was an American girl out there and a verbal altercation occurred between a native, but it got physical and the father of that girl got into it and pulled the native off of his daughter.”

“That is when persons in the nearby area, the natives then attacked the father so we have information of who these persons are.”

He said police want to question the Bahamians involved to determine what led to the fight, adding: “Shortly they’ll be in custody.”

Mr Roberts said he was not present when the fight happened. He blamed the people blocking access to the establishment’s exit for the incident.

“They’re second homeowners,” he said. “It was the grandmother, her sonin-law, his wife and their daughter were parked and these golf carts were blocking up the way to get out and they would not move to let the people out and the husband kept asking for the guys to move and they weren’t moving and I don’t know how this came about, but the daughter was kind of like saying ‘come please can you move’ and two girls

walked up and punched her and that started the whole thing.”

“By the time I got down here, the fight was over but everybody was still yelling and screaming back and forth at each other and you know there was some Bahamian people there that was able to get everything under control.”

Mr Roberts said the situation prompted him to erect signs outside his establishment that say: “There’s no soliciting on my property.”

“Since Dorian, there’s a whole bunch of illegals that have moved into the northern part of The Bahamas to seek work and everything else,” he said, “and so what’s happened is on Sundays, the illegals are getting golf carts and they’re trying to pick up people to bring them to my establishment and charge them and take them back and charge them like taxis which they are not licensed to do and I’m not authorising them to do it.”

“I’m not going to say where these illegals come from because as far as I’m concerned, what I see over here is we’re getting them from every nation.”

The Abaco business owner said the lack of law enforcement officers on Guana Cay, home to some 1,000 people, has also not helped the situation.

“We have no police officers on Great Guana Cay,” he said. “Great Guana Cay is the largest island in the chain of outer islands in Abaco. It’s the fastest growing island in the Abacos and we’re the only island that have no police.”

“The government and the immigration needs to come and deal with it. The amount of tax money

a tourist man is seen fighting off several Bahamian men in a 30 second video, while a woman purported to be with him is punched and dragged by her hair by another woman.

I’m paying into the system myself is enough for three or four cops to live out here and plus buy him a

house to live in. Even if you only have one because presence makes all the difference in the world.”

Supt Hart said officers were stationed on the

Photos: screen capture from video

island before Hurricane, Dorian but were displaced by the storm.

“We’re trying now to negotiate to get a residence and a station in

Guana Cay,” he said. As for concerns about undocumented migrants on Guana Cay, Supt Hart said he had not received complaints about this.

Summertime and sailing returns with the successful launch of Regatta in the Abacos

By Denise Maycock Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

THE rebirth of the summer sailing regatta in the Abacos was a success and demonstrated “the spirit of sailing in grand style”.

The event was held June 25 to July 1, between Elbow Cay and Green Turtle Cay, featuring a series of sailing races.

A total of 18 vesselsranging from the smallest, a Bahamian ‘C’ class sloop, It Ain’t Right, to the largest, an impressive McConaghy 60, Noble House - competed in the first, Regattas In The Abaco or RiTA.

The regatta kicked off on June 25 with a modified version of the infamous Marsh Harbour to Hope Town “Race around the islands”.

The conditions for sailing were ideal for participants, who experienced a light chop and a steady 8 to 12 knots of sunny breeze.

Rockstar, skippered by Tim Tucker, lived up to its reputation, claiming line honours and the win on corrected time in the performance spinnaker class.

In the non-spinnaker class, Contrails, helmed by Jim Wallace, emerged as the victor, while Catabatic, skippered by Larry Geller, triumphed in the multihull category.

Yacht clubs were also proudly represented, including St Augustine YC, Hillsboro Inlet Sailing Club, Club Nautico Mar del Plata, Sarasota Sailing Squadron, Coconut Grove Sailing Club, Southern Yacht Club, River Dunes Marina, Charleston Yacht Club, and the local Abaco Rage Sailing Syndicate.

The event was well received and held under

the patronage of the Member of Parliament for South Abaco John Pinder. The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Aviation, and Investments also supported the regatta.

The major sponsors were Mount Gay Rum, Sands Beer, and the Bahamian Beverage Company, Jimmy’s Wines & Spirits.

Other sponsors provided in kind donations such as docking for the Race Committee boats at Abaco’s marinas, as well as donors who provided much-needed financial support.

Also among the list of sponsors were HG Christie Ltd Real Estate and The Abaco Club on Winding Bay.

The second day of racing met with a light chop and a 5 to 10 knot southeasterly trade wind. The course started off Hope Town and ended off Guana Cay, and featured a new race inspired by the downwind “sleighrides” of the 1980s.

NautOnCall secured the win in the spinnaker class, while the local wood racing sloop, The Lonesome Dove, displayed remarkable performance to claim victory in the non-spinnaker class. Catabatic once again emerged victorious in the multihull class.

Race Three, featuring a typical Round the Bouys course, solidified the positions of the leaders in each class.

Race Four introduced a completely new course, starting at Baker’s Bay, Great Guana Cay, and ending off New Plymouth, Green Turtle Cay.

Sailors traversed the infamous Whale Cay Channel, a passage that has intimidated seafarers throughout history.

Race day four brought

unexpected surprises and challenging weather conditions.

The Pursuit Start format, skillfully managed by coPROs Carol Ewing and David Helmick, saw boats starting according to their rating with the hope of finishing together.

The Bahamian Sloop Lonesome Dove claimed

victory with a skeleton crew, including four juniors who relished the experience.

Rockstar continued its winning streak, securing line honours in this demanding distance race, and Lady Grey surprised the multi-hull fleet by claiming victory on corrected time.

Skipper Barry Simmons displayed exceptional skill,

navigating the inside passage and keeping full sail throughout the storms.

Race five, a classic Green Turtle Cay race, witnessed an unexpected reversal of wind conditions, transforming the upwind start into a downwind start. The light wind conditions favoured the focused captains, and two summer squalls during

the race tested the crews’ abilities to optimise their sailing rigs amidst winds swinging through 180 degrees. Overall winners were Rockstar in the performance spinnaker class, The Lonesome Dove in the non-spinnaker cruising class, and Catabatic secured overall honours in the multihull class.

UK Minister for the A Meric A s A nd cA ribbe A n coMMends bA h AMA s on 50th independence

By Denise Maycock Tribune Freeport Reporter dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

THE UK’s National Archive of materials on Bahamian Independence is to be digitised, giving a chance to glimpse the document relating to the foundation of our nation.

The move was announced as David Rutley, the UK Minister for the Americas and Caribbean, attended the state reception celebrating the 50th anniversary of The Bahamas’ Independence hosted by Governor General Sir Cornelius Smith. Mr Rutley congratulated Sir Cornelius and Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis on 50 years of economic development, national growth, and democratic strength.

He told Mr Davis that the UK would digitise its National Archive material relating to Independence for the people of The Bahamas.

Additionally, the flag of The Bahamas flew above Westminster Abbey, London, during a service celebrating the 50th anniversary of independence.

Mr Rutley also met Tony Myers, president of the British company BHM, which will construct the new Freeport Airport, financed by UK

Export Finance. They discussed the project and the jobs it will create locally, and the links that it will strengthen with the UK.

Mr Rutley also commended Mr Myers for creating a Chevening Partnership, which allows Bahamians to study Masters courses in the UK with a full scholarship.

While in New Providence, he met Turks and Caicos leaders, Governor Dileeni Daniel-Selvaratnam and Premier Charles Washington Misick.

During their meeting, Mr Rutley discussed the opening of the new Office of the Turks and Caicos government in The Bahamas and congratulated Mr Misick on his initiative to connect with the diaspora of Turks and Caicos in The Bahamas.

There were discussions about the islands’ preparation for hurricane season and the presence of HMS Dauntless in the region, the UK’s designated hurricane-response ship this season.

“In the 50th year of Bahamian independence, it is my privilege to represent the British Government in celebrating your many achievements over the past decade, said Mr Rutley. “The UK is committed to deepening

our historic ties in areas of shared interest, including trade, security, and climate, to ensure The Bahamas’ continued prosperity and success in the years ahead.”

Mr Rutley highlighted the long relationship between Britain and The Bahamas over the past 50 years. “Our partnership endures, built on a common language,

common history, common legal system, common education, and common understanding of one other.

British High Commissioner Thomas Hartley said later this year the UK will publish over 60 documents from the then Foreign Office’s and No 10’s historic archive that reference The Bahamian journey to independence.

“As pioneering

archivists such as Gail Saunders have taught us all, we have a shared responsibility to help every citizen of Britain and The Bahamas to have the opportunity to access the documents that have recorded moments of history,” he said.

Mr Hartley hopes these documents will help underpin the knowledge and teaching of history, and honours the memory

of Gail Saunders. Documents referring to the independence of The Bahamas were declassified previously, and held in paper copy at The National Archives in Kew. Representing several thousands of pages of historic documentation, these are being digitised now and will be available in The Bahamas later this year to allow audiences direct access.

British Minister David Rutley, UK Minister for the Americas and Caribbean meets with Prime Minister Philip ‘Brave’ Davis and Prime Minister of Grenada Dickon Mitchell.

the Lonesome Dove (no. 18) battles with Pilgrim Shadow in the non-spinnaker group in race one of the Regatta in the Abacos sailing competition.

Photo: Jimmy’s Wines & spirits

The Tribune Limited

Are we truly Independent Bahamas?

EDITOR, The Tribune. HAPPY 50th Anniversary Bahamas: What should we do in the next 50 years and beyond?

Considerations for constitutional change.

Please permit me a space in your esteemed newspaper to share on this occasion as we celebrate 50 years as an independent nation.

Happy 50th Anniversary Bahamas

Nato chief: ‘No timetable for Ukraine’s membership’

NATO leaders said yesterday that they would allow Ukraine to join the alliance “when allies agree and conditions are met” — a pronouncement that came just hours after President Volodymyr Zelenskyy blasted the organisation’s failure to set a timetable for his country as “absurd”.

Instead, alliance leaders decided to remove obstacles on Ukraine’s membership path so that it can join more quickly once the war with Russia is over.

“We reaffirmed Ukraine will become a member of NATO and agreed to remove the requirement for a membership action plan,” NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg told reporters, referring to a key step in the process that involves advice and assistance for countries seeking to join.

“This will change Ukraine’s membership path from a two-step path to a one-step path,” Stoltenberg said.

Although many NATO members have funnelled arms and ammunition to Zelenskyy’s forces, there is no consensus among the 31 allies for admitting Ukraine into NATO’s ranks.

Zelenskyy pushed back sharply against the decision as he headed to the annual NATO summit in Vilnius.

“It’s unprecedented and absurd when a time frame is set neither for the invitation nor for Ukraine’s membership,” Zelenskyy tweeted. “While at the same time, vague wording about ‘conditions’ is added even for inviting Ukraine. It seems there is no readiness to invite Ukraine to NATO or to make it a member of the Alliance.”

NATO membership would afford Ukraine protection against a giant neighbour that annexed its Crimean Peninsula almost a decade ago and more recently seized vast swaths of land in the east and south. Joining NATO would also oblige Kyiv to reform its security institutions, improve governance and curb corruption — work that would also ease the country’s path into the European Union.

Asked about Zelenskyy’s concerns, Stoltenberg said the most important thing now is to ensure that his country wins the war, because “unless Ukraine prevails there is no membership to be discussed at all.”

The broadside from Zelenskyy could renew tensions at the summit shortly after it saw a burst of goodwill following an agreement by Turkey to advance Sweden’s bid to join NATO. Allies hope to resolve the seesawing negotiations and create a clear plan for the alliance and its support for Ukraine.

The Ukrainian president, who was to meet Wednesday with US President Joe Biden and other NATO leaders, expressed deep frustration in an emotional speech in downtown Vilnius.

“Today I started my journey with faith in solutions, with faith in strong partners, with faith in NATO… in a NATO that does not hesitate, that does not waste time and does not look over their backs at any aggressor,” Zelenskyy said.

“I would like this faith to become confidence, confidence in the decisions that we deserve, all of us — every soldier, every citizen, every mother, every child,” he said. “Is that too much to ask?”

Sharp divisions have emerged within the alliance over Ukraine’s desire to join NATO, which was promised back in 2008 even though few steps were taken toward that goal.

In addition, the Baltic states — including Lithuania, which is hosting the summit — have pushed for a strong show of support and a clear pathway toward membership for Ukraine.

However, the United States and Germany urged caution. Biden said last week that Ukraine was not ready to join. Members of NATO, he told CNN, need to “meet all the qualifications, from democratisation to a whole range of other issues”, a nod toward long-standing concerns about governance and corruption in Kyiv.

In addition, some fear that bringing Ukraine into NATO would serve more as a provocation to Russia than as a deterrence against aggression.

Concretely, NATO leaders decided to launch a series of multiyear programs to bring Ukraine’s Soviet-era military equipment and doctrines up to modern standards so the country can operate fully with the alliance.

On Wednesday, the leaders and Zelenskyy are set to launch a new, upgraded forum for their cooperation: a NATOUkraine Council, where all parties can convene crisis talks if their security is threatened.

To fast-track its future membership, the leaders agreed to do away with a membership action plan for Ukraine, a program often seen as mandatory for aspiring nations to undertake.

Known in NATO parlance as a MAP, the action plan involves a tailor-made package of advice, assistance and practical support for countries preparing to join NATO. Bosnia, for example, is currently taking part in one.

Pressed by reporters to say what kind of conditions are being placed on Ukraine joining, Stoltenberg said: “We want modern defence and security institutions.”

The dispute over Ukraine stands in contrast to a hard-fought agreement to advance Sweden’s membership. The deal was reached after days of intensive meetings, and it’s poised to expand the alliance’s strength in Northern Europe.

“Rumours of the death of NATO’s unity were greatly exaggerated,” White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan told reporters triumphantly on Tuesday.

According to a joint statement issued when the deal was announced, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan will ask Turkey’s parliament to approve Sweden joining NATO.

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, another holdout, is expected to take a similar step. Hungary’s foreign minister said Tuesday that his country’s ratification of Sweden’s NATO membership was now just a “technical matter.” Erdogan has not yet commented publicly.

The outcome is a victory as well for Biden, who has touted NATO’s expansion as an example of how Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has backfired on Moscow.

Finland has already become the 31st member of the alliance, and Sweden is on deck to become the 32nd. Both Nordic countries were historically nonaligned until the war increased fears of Russian aggression.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters that NATO’s expansion is “one of the reasons that led to the current situation.”

“It looks like the Europeans don’t understand their mistake,” Peskov said. He warned against putting Ukraine on a fast track for NATO membership.

“Potentially it’s very dangerous for the European security. It carries very big risks,” Peskov said.

By CHRIS MEGERIAN, SEUNG MIN KIM and KARL RITTER Associated Press

Article 71 (1) of the Bahamas Constitution states that the executive authority of The Bahamas is vested in Her Majesty. (2) Subject to the provisions of this Constitution, the executive authority of the Bahamas may be exercised on behalf of Her Majesty by the GovernorGeneral, either directly or through officers subordinate to him. (3) Nothing in this article shall prevent Parliament from conferring functions on persons or authorities other than the Governor-General.

Please note that all references to Her Majesty [Queen Elizabeth II] now refer to His Majesty King Charles III).

King Charles III is king of The Bahamas having been crowned king 50 years later since he (then Prince Charles) came to watch us celebrate our constitutional ‘independence’ from the United Kingdom (UK) in 1973. He is represented in country by the GovernorGeneral. Also note that there is no constitutional requirement for the Governor General or Head of State to be a Bahamian citizen.

I listened to a talk show host yesterday as he posed this question to the audience: is the Bahamas truly independent if our head of state is a foreigner? Some may argue that this is purely ceremonial and that de facto power is reposed in the Prime Minister and the elected parliamentarians. The question requires some quiet reflection beyond our normal emotional and often polarized commentary.

Is anyone bothered by the fact that our judges, politicians and other pubic officials take an oath and swear allegiance to the King?

The oath of allegiance in the Bahamas is: “I, (name), do swear that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to His Majesty King Charles the Third, His Heirs and Successors, according to law. This law is ultimately interpreted by our highest court, the Privy Council which sits in London, UK, the seat of our former colonizer.

Does this beg the question, how independent are

we from the UK?

I ask you to reflect on the significant political, social and economic changes in the country over the past 50 years. Our constitution is unchanged from inception 50 years ago. It is supposed to be a living document with provision for amendments, it can evolve and adapt to the social environment.

Is there room for growth, change or improvement in our system of governance?

Today, I suggest we should change course on this.

50 years, now what?

First, The Bahamas needs a national vision for the next 50 years. An intentional strategy to get from where we are to where we need to be. This is critical before the process of constitutional, social and economic reforms proceed any further.

I have 50 ideas for the next 50 years but will only share a few today. These ideas transcend political parties; they are for all Bahamians not just those of the stop light parties, you know the red, yellow and green voters.

Bahamians of all political sides have realized by now that there are fundamental flaws in the Westminster model of Cabinet Government, especially in a small country like ours.

1. In light of above, there needs to be a constitutional amendment to ensure that separation of powers between the executive, legislative and judicial branches of government. The Executive Cabinet should consist of technical experts not legislators, like MPs and Senators. Thus, Cabinet Ministers should be appointed without the need to be a parliamentarian.

2. Perhaps we need to consider a Bahamian Federal Republic, where the Head of State is a Bahamian President elected directly by the people.

3. There should be a provision for election of Members of Parliament (MPs) on permanently fixed dates possibly every four or five years. This would be a restructured House of Assembly, also referred to as the Lower Chamber, whereby MPs would devote their tenure to the work of their constituents on a full time basis and are paid accordingly.

4. Provisions for an elected Senate, perhaps based on proportional representation, whereby each of the major family islands from Inagua to Abaco will

send one senator to the Upper Chamber.

5. Furthermore, there should be a mechanism of recall for all senators and Members of Parliament prior to the expiration of their term in parliament.

6. It should be entrenched into the constitution that parliamentarians are not permitted to hold any diplomatic post such as that of Ambassador, or High Commissioner, etc, until they resign their parliamentary seat.

7. An Independent Electoral Boundaries Commission must be perceived as fair and independent. It should be staffed with reputable citizens appointed by the Head of State upon consultation with Leaders of the various political parties; however, current parliamentarians should not sit on the Boundaries Commission.

8. An Ombudsman, also referred to as, Parliamentary Commissioner for Administration in other jurisdictions, should be established as a central complaint authority against all government agencies.

9. The Judiciary needs to determine its own budget, not the Minister of Justice. It cannot be completely independent until it controls its own finances. And yes, I am keenly aware of the government’s attempts through the compendium of bills in 2022 to address the administration of the Courts.

10. We should also consider increasing the age of Justices of the Supreme Court and Court of Appeal to 80 years. The Bahamian High Courts have lost several good judges to retirement. In light of the lack of incentives, and the fact that many qualified Bahamian lawyers avoid entering this noble profession, the retiring age of Justices of the Supreme Court and the Court of Appeal should be 80 years.

Moreover, the constitution should be simplified to the extent that every literate citizen is able to read and understand what it says. It should be written in a language for students and taught in the schools.

We need to sow the seeds of change today to ensure that we have a harvest for tomorrow. Let’s change our course for the next 50 years. Upward, Onward, Forward, and Together Bahamas, or should I continue to say Long Live the King?

VINCE MARTIN Advocate for Reform Nassau, July 6, 2023.

Politics … politics … how much over the past

years has Tourism/Government dropped into the hands of the Junkanoo groups...cash and concessions and what did we get back?

Seriously we have for years falsely advertised

Junkanoo in our advertising. Two parades a year that’s it … scratch groups at hotels with a pretense. Could Junkanoo be a big spinner? Yes, but....got to get around the politics.

H SMITH Nassau, July 9, 2023.

man arrested in connection with sexual assault of 82-year-old woman

POLICE arrested a 50-year-old man yesterday in connection with the sexual assault of an 82-yearold woman.

Police said at 1.30am on Tuesday at a home in the Centreville area, the victim was asleep at her home off Wulff Road when she was wakened and assaulted by a man.

“Police are aggressively investigating this incident and appeal to members of the public, especially those who have elderly females living alone to ensure that their homes are well secured and outfitted with durable locks and bolts, to minimise these incidents from occurring,” police said.

This is the latest in a series of sexual offencerelated incidents this year.

On May 15, two women, ages 35 and 37, were sexually assaulted and robbed in the Chippingham area early that morning. Police said the women were at their apartment sleeping when two men entered through the window of their building. One of the men was armed and robbed the woman of an undisclosed amount of cash.

“Both suspects sexually assaulted the victims before leaving the apartment in one of the victim’s red Nissan Note, L/P #AV3189,” said police. That incident followed an

alleged sexual assault of a 38-year-old woman several days earlier.

Police said the woman was walking in the area of Bacardi Road when a man allegedly approached her, forced her into his vehicle and robbed her of her cash.

After driving her to nearby bushes, he allegedly sexually assaulted her before fleeing.

That same month, National Security Minister Wayne Munroe called the increase in reported sexual assaults “troubling” and cautioned Bahamian residents to be aware of their surroundings when walking or jogging outside or at home alone.

t wo men charged with killing garath Pyfrom in m arshall road area

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net

TWO MEN were charged yesterday with killing Garath Pyfrom as he attended a pool party on Marshall Road earlier this month.

They are also accused of attempting to kill two offduty officers at the party.

Marquin Williams, 24, and Randy Mackey, 21, were charged with

murder and two counts of attempted murder before Chief Magistrate Joyann Ferguson Pratt.

The accused allegedly shot and killed 29-yearold Garath Pyfrom as he attended a pool party in the Marshall Road area on July 2.

During this same incident, the accused allegedly shot two off-duty officers, PC 3767 Shaquille Sweeting and PC 4548 Rashad Rolle.

Police investigate suspected suicide of 18-year-old girl

POLICE are investigating the suspected suicide of an 18-year-old girl.

Family members reportedly found the young woman “hanging inside a closet with an electrical cord around her neck” around 4.30am on Tuesday. This latest incident

follows two suspected suicides earlier this year.

On February 7, police were notified of an incident involving a 57-year-old Caucasian man. He was found in his residence, in the Narrows part of Harbour Island, hanging from a balcony with a rope around his

neck, according to reports. Nine days later, police responded to reports that a woman ingested a large volume of overthe-counter medication in an attempt to commit suicide after a domestic dispute at her home in New Providence.

centreville mP hosts free indePendence breakfast for residents of his community

The officers reportedly suffered gunshot injuries to their arms.

The accused’s case will be moved to the Supreme Court through a voluntary bill of indictment due for service on October 10.

Before being remanded to the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services, the defendants were allowed a moment with their respective families.

father accused of sexual assault of his daughter on two occasions

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net

A FATHER is behind bars after he was accused of sexually assaulting his teenage daughter twice over almost two years. The 39-year-old male defendant, whose name is

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net

A WOMAN was granted $8,000 bail after being accused of stealing over $200K from an inn in Harbour Island where she once worked.

Bethany Williams, 20, was charged with seven counts of falsification of accounts, seven counts of stealing because of employment and two counts of money laundering.

Ceon Duncombe, 19, also stood before Chief Magistrate Joyann

being withheld to protect the minor’s identity, was charged with two counts of incest before Magistrate Shaka Serville. The accused allegedly had sexual relations with his then 15-year-old daughter sometime between August 1 and August 31, 2021, in New Providence.

women accused of stealing over $200k from hotel where she worked granted bail

Ferguson Pratt on five counts of money laundering in connection with the same incident.

While employed at the Runaway Hill Inn in Harbour Island as a front desk clerk, Williams allegedly falsified refunds in the company’s RBC Royal Bank merchant service report between January 3 to May 27. She is accused of stealing an estimated $206,268 from the inn during this time.

Duncombe allegedly acquired $28,527 through money laundering in the same incident. He was

reportedly arrested on July 4 after he was found with a black 2016 Honda Civic Coupe suspected of being paid for from the proceeds of crime. Both accused pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Bail was granted to the accused at $8,000 with one or two sureties. Under the conditions of this bail, the accused are expected to sign in at the Harbour Island Police Station every Tuesday and Thursday by 6pm. Their trial is set for Harbour Island on September 27 and 28.

m an gets sentenced to 18 months for P ossession of drugs and ammunition

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net

A MAN was sentenced to 18 months in prison after admitting to having 50 rounds of live ammunition and $8,500 worth of marijuana in his home last week.

Kelsey Cox, 28, and Lakeria Mott, 34, were charged with possession of ammunition with intent to supply and possession of dangerous drugs with intent to supply.

The accused were arrested on July 6 after officers found 50 rounds of .40mm ammunition in their residence on West End Avenue. A further search

of the premises uncovered

8lbs of Indian Hemp.

While Cox admitted to owning ammunition in a subsequent police interview, he did not comment on the drugs.

Before Chief Magistrate Joyann Ferguson Pratt, Cox pleaded guilty to both charges, while Mott pleaded not guilty.

The charges against Mott were withdrawn.

The prosecution revealed that Cox has a prior cruelty to children conviction.

In his mitigation plea, attorney Alphonso Lewis said Cox is gainfully employed and the father of a ten-month-old son with another child on the way.

The attorney also said the accused is remorseful for his actions. After noting Cox took full responsibility for his actions when his girlfriend denied the charges, Lewis asked the court to consider a fine instead of a custodial sentence for the drug charge.

Cox was sentenced to 18 months in prison for the ammunition and drug charges. He also faced a $8,000 fine for which failure to pay would result in an additional 12 months in jail.

After being informed of his right to appeal within seven days, Cox was told he must return to court for a report on January 13, 2025.

He is further alleged to have sexually assaulted his daughter on June 27 when she was 17. Service of the defendant’s voluntary bill of indictment is set for November 6. The accused will remain on remand Supreme Court bail. To advertise in The Tribune, contact 502-2394

PRIMARY TEACHING JOB

OPPORTUNITIES

PRIMARY TEACHING ASSISTANT needed

A pre-eminent, well-established, independent, international school in Nassau is seeking a full-time qualified TEACHING ASSISTANT. Candidates should have sound classroom experience; a passion for innovative education; a professional attitude towards work; a friendly and cooperative disposition; a willingness to work in a team environment, a determination to grow professionally; and strong communication & organisational skills.

Job Overview:

An assistant to a teacher has two main jobs: supporting the teacher in charge and supporting students in the classroom. As the job title implies, teacher’s assistants assist the lead teacher to ease their workload and help out with everyday classroom tasks. If a student needs extra support or instruction, a teacher’s assistant might be asked to work with that student one-on-one. Teacher’s assistants might also work with the supervising teacher to discuss the progress of students and provide insight.

Responsibilities include:

• Grading tests and homework

• Record keeping

• Monitoring student behaviour

• Preparing the classroom for lessons

• Overseeing students during non-classroom times, such as lunch, recess, or field trips

• Supervising group activities

• Working with the lead teacher to monitor class schedules

• Teaching small groups who need additional help or guidance

• Listening to children read, reading to them, or telling them stories

• Helping children who need extra support to complete tasks

• Helping students to adjust, learn and socialise

Requirements or skills:

• A minimum of 2 years experience as a teaching assistant or similar role

• Associate’s degree in education or relevant field is preferred

• Familiarity with school administrative tasks and learning methods

• Great communication and organisational skills

• Positive attitude

• Firm but kind personality

• A love for teaching and the ability to build a trusting relationship with students, teachers and parents

CENTREVILLE MP Jomo Campbell hosted an independence breakfast on Saturday as part of a community celebration. The event was held at Joe Billy Park on Saturday morning, on Fowler Street - serving a host of Bahamian food such as souse, stew conch, pig feet, banana bread, potato bread, johnny bread, grits and fire engine.

Lack of recognition of other religions at Bahamas

50th independence celebrations is discriminatory

IT has officially been 50 years since The Bahamas claimed its independence from Britain and became a part of the British Commonwealth which now has 56 member countries in africa, asia, the americas (which includes Caribbean countries), Europe, and the Pacific.

The 50th Independence celebrations spanned months and came to its peak on sunday with the always-anticipated Clifford Park night-long event. It is a predictable event, and maybe that is the reason so many people attend, knowing exactly what to expect and being certain that their favorite parts will be a part of the programme again. Year after year, we go through the same motions. There is an ecumenical service at the beginning. There are numerous performances, from popular Bahamian entertainers and choirs to choreographed dance troupes. The prayers are plentiful and have become the norm for religious leaders to use the guise of prayer to speak directly to those in attendance with a mini-sermon.

Religious leaders of Christian churches monopolise the space, and there is no acknowledgement of other faiths or the people of those faiths. This is not to be overlooked, but an issue to be raised as often as it is seen, particularly as we put forward the idea that independence is an achievement and has led to progress. at the time of independence, The Bahamas adopted a constitution. That constitution is most often referenced when Christian fundamentalists want to assert themselves and their beliefs as more important than other people and their beliefs and expect to end conversations that suggest that Christianity is not universal or an appropriate way to govern a (secular) country.

The preamble, in particular, is referenced with misquotes. People insist that The Bahamas is a Christian nation and that the constitution made it so. This is false. The preamble of the constitution references “an abiding respect for Christian values” — which is not the same as agreement with or commitment to Christianity as a faith, nor is it a rejection of or disrespect to other faiths—and this is immediately followed by “and the Rule of Law”. The following paragraph of the preamble states that the nation is founded on “spiritual Values” and, again, this is not synonymous with Christianity, nor does it place Christianity above any other faith.

The Bahamas is a secular state. It is not a Christian nation. Citizens are not required to be Christian, and nor are residents or visitors. People should not be assumed to be Christian. National events should not reverence Christianity to the exclusion of other faiths.

Chapter III of the constitution is titled “Protection of Fundamental Rights and Freedoms of the Individual”. In this chapter, article 15 says “Whereas every person in The Bahamas is entitled to the fundamental rights and freedoms of the individual, that is to say, has the right, whatever his race, place of origin, political opinions, colour, creed or sex, but subject to respect of the rights and freedoms of others and for the public interest, to each and all of the following, namely—” and it goes on to list life, liberty, and security of person, freedom of conscience, expression, assembly, and association, and protection for privacy of home and property.

We need to know and understand our fundamental rights and freedoms.

By Alicia Wallace

We need to be clear on our individual identities, and understand that these identities do not affect our rights. The reality, however, is that our identities affect our access to our rights and freedoms. Note that article 15 speaks to the rights of “every person in The Bahamas” and specifically notes that place of origin is not a factor. Do people from different countries have access to the same fundamental rights and freedoms as people whose place of origin is The Bahamas?

how are the experiences of people who claim and identify with Christianity different from those who do not? how often do you see or hear references to people of other creeds? Buddhism, Islam, Judaism, and Rastafarianism among the religions practised by people in The Bahamas. It may not be apparent to you, but these religions exist here. People who practice them exist here. What does it mean that these people and their faiths are not acknowledged at national events?

There is further articulation to the right to freedom of conscience in part 1 of article 22 of the constitution says, “[…]no person shall be hindered in the enjoyment of his freedom of conscience, and for the purposes of this article the said freedom includes freedom of thought and of religion, freedom to change his religion or belief and freedom, either alone or in community with others, and both in public and in private, to manifest and propagate his religion or belief in worship, teaching, practice and observance.”

One of the areas of rights and freedoms that frequently confuses — or is completely missed by — people is that one set of rights and freedoms do not supersede another. Not only are they interrelated and interdependent, meaning that they must all be accessed in order for all of them to be enjoyed, but they do not compete with other people’s rights and freedoms. You have the right and freedom to be a Christian, and I have the right and freedom to ascribe to another religion or no religion at all. Your faith is not more important than mine, and mine is not more important than yours. Your enjoyment of your faith ought not interfere with my enjoyment of my own and vice versa.

Consider the way national events go. What do the programmes look like? Who takes up the most space. What gets time, attention, and injection of resources, and what does not? Which parts are well-planned, and which parts are the afterthoughts?

What happens first and last? Which parts of the programme are the first to be cut, and which parts of the show must go on, no matter what?

The 50th Independence celebrations included at least one church service.

Why, then, was the ecumenical service so long on July 9, 2023, and why was even more Christian rhetoric and performance delivered in heavy doses throughout the rest of the programme? There was no way to even opt out of the hyper-religious parts because they were everywhere. Perhaps that was the point.

Maybe government has come to realise that most people choose to skip the ecumenical service, arriving when the entertainment

begins because that is what they want to see. Maybe this government administration has decided to be heavy-handed with the Christian fundamentalism, forcing anyone who was committed enough to the independence celebrations to show up to endure it. Maybe this government administration has someone bought into the idea that this a Christian nation, and has failed to do the reading of the constitution or refused to abide by it.

When, in any case, has the government ever demonstrated any concern for our rights and freedoms when it is for our direct benefit rather than to be used for the political advancement of its operatives?

article 26(2) says, “[…] no person shall be treated in a discriminatory manner by any person acting by virtue of any written law or in the performance of the functions of any public office or any public authority.” Is it discriminatory for the government of a secular nation, with a constitution that guarantees freedom of conscience and is explicit about including freedom of religions, to hold national events — especially one that celebrates 50 years of independence which coincides with the coming into force of the constitution — that centre one religion and ignore all others? Not a single religion, aside from Christianity, was acknowledged. at the celebration of the 50th year of Independence, The Bahamas chose not to acknowledge religious freedom and diversity. It decided to continue in the vein of colonialism, focusing on the one religion that people in positions of influence consider to be “right”. It would have been easy to opt for an interfaith prayer. It would have simple to run the Christian programming at the church service. It is unacceptable to subject the entire park, full of people of many different identities, to the monotony of Christian messaging, especially from people who have shown, particularly in the conversation about marital rape, that Christian values are not necessarily their strong suit.

People who practiced for hours and hours, spent money of costumes, makeup, and transportation, and were excited to perform were disappointed when they were cut from the programme. Many of us who attended or watched online were disappointed when we did not see them. and for what? It was not worth the cost.

Rather than appeasing people who think they need to be centered in everything, the government needs to centre our rights and freedoms, break away from harmful norms, and accept that people may be uncomfortable with what needs to be done. We are not all the same. We will never all be the same. We can, however, come to understand and respect one another. To do that, we need to know. We need to experience. We need to share space. We need to appreciate diversity and position ourselves to benefit from it. We will not get there with government administrations that run scared, directly into the dual chokeholds of colonialism and fundamentalism.

We are not all the same. We will never all be the same. We can, however, come to understand and respect one another.

UN tech ageNcy rolls oUt hUmaN lookiNg robots for qUestioNs

BERLIN (AP) — A United Nations technology agency assembled a group of robots that physically resembled humans at a news conference Friday, inviting reporters to ask them questions in an event meant to spark discussion about the future of artificial intelligence.

The nine robots were seated and posed upright along with some of the people who helped make them at a podium in a Geneva conference centre for what the U.N.’s International Telecommunication Union billed as the world’s first news conference featuring humanoid social robots.

Among them: Sophia, the first robot innovation ambassador for the U.N. Development Program, or UNDP; Grace, described as a health care robot; and Desdemona, a rock star robot. Two, Geminoid and Nadine, resembled their makers.

Organisers said the event at the AI for Good Global Summit was meant to showcase the capabilities, but also the limitations, of robotics and how those technologies could help the U.N.’s sustainable development goals. The media event featured introductions from the robots’ companions or creators, and a round of questions to the robots from reporters.

And while the robots vocalised strong statements — that robots could be more efficient leaders than humans, but wouldn’t take anyone’s job away or stage a rebellion — organisers didn’t specify to what extent the answers were scripted or programmed by people.

The summit was meant to showcase “human-machine collaboration,” and some of the robots are capable of producing preprogrammed responses, according to their documentation. The UNDP’s Sophia, for example, sometimes relies on responses scripted by a team of writers at Hanson Robotics, the company’s website shows.

Reporters were asked to speak slowly and clearly when addressing the robots, and were informed that time lags in responses would be because of the internet connection and not the robots themselves. That didn’t prevent awkward pauses, audio problems and some stilted or inconsistent replies. Popular tech products such as Apple’s Siri have been using speech recognition technology to respond to relatively simple human queries for more than a decade.

But last year’s release of ChatGPT, a chatbot with a strong command of the semantics and syntax of human language, has triggered worldwide debate about the rapid advancement of AI systems.

DETROIT (AP) — Stellantis

says that when it starts to sell compact and midsize electric vehicles off new underpinnings next year, they will be able to go up to 435 miles (700 kilometres) per charge.

The company made the claim last week as it unveiled its new medium-sized platform designed for the purpose of housing battery packs and electric drive trains.

Stellantis says the range will be best in the compact and midsize segments, which generally is about 300 miles at present.

Carlos Tavares, CEO of the company that was formed in a merger of Fiat Chrysler and France’s Peugeot S.A., said Stellantis plans to roll out no fewer than 47 EVs worldwide by the end of next year. Details on the vehicles will come later in the year, he said.

The first vehicle off the platform will be the next generation of what’s known now as the Peugeot 3008, a small crossover SUV. The first new vehicle off the platform will come later this year, he said.

The new vehicles will also have

MLB CoMMissioner roB Manfred praises CoMputer Cha LL enge syste M over fuLL roBots

By RONALD BLUM AP Baseball Writer

SEATTLE (AP) — A challenge system allowing appeals to a computer appears to be Major League Baseball’s preference over a sole robot umpire.

MLB is testing the Automated Ball-Strike System at Triple-A this year. The computer makes determinations for half the games and in the other half, batters, pitchers and catchers can challenge human calls to the robot.

The challenge system was used at T-Mobile Park for Saturday’s All-Star Futures Game. The human umpire was upheld on three of four calls.

“The people’s reaction to it was really positive, really positive,” Commissioner Rob Manfred told the Baseball Writers’ Association of America on Tuesday. “The challenge system in terms of the reaction in the minor leagues, people are more comfortable with the challenge system than the full ABS.”

MLB launched several innovations this season, including a pitch clock, limits on defensive shifts and pickoff throws and larger bases. Manfred said last month the computer was not likely to be ready for the major leagues in 2024. The shape of a computer strike zone is still a subject of debate.

A decision would be up to an 11-man competition committee that includes six management representatives, four players and one umpire.

“Pleased that it’s gone well in the minor leagues,” Manfred said. “We had a lot of change this year. The joint committee is going to have to get to some sort of consensus on whether and when.”

in Southeast Asia and perhaps lower-cost countries in Europe to better compete with automakers in China, Tavares said.

He said all plants in France, for instance, are getting vehicles with higher profit margins to cover higher variable costs. “If we want to fight against our Chinese competitors we need to make sure that we can use the same recipes as what they are using,” Tavares said.

Tavares has said that EVs generally cost 40% more to produce than internal combustion vehicles. He says the company has to trim costs on EVs to protect affordability for the middle class, as well as to keep the company profitable.

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a lower-range standard battery pack that can go over 310 miles (500 kilometres) per charge, the company said. The new EVs will be sold by the Peugeot, Opel and Lancia brands, as well as Chrysler in the U.S., he said.

Tavares said the company

will be able to build up to 2 million vehicles per year off the new platform at factories in France, Italy, Germany and different locations in North America. Stellantis also plans to build smaller vehicles costing below 25,000 euros ($27,153) on the platform

Stellantis said the new medium platform can be used for off-road vehicles such as Jeeps. It also can be adapted for use with an internal combustion powertrain, but it’s optimal use is for EVs.

The medium platform is the first of four that the company is planning to handle modular vehicles. The others are small, large and frame, to be used for trucks.

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Robots are seen on the podium during a press conference with a panel of AI-enabled humanoid social robots as part of International Telecommunication Union (ITU) ‘AI for Good’ global summit in Geneva, Switzerland. Nine AI-enabled humanoid robots sat or stood with their creators at a podium in a Geneva conference centre on Friday for what the United Nations’ International Telecommunication Union billed as the world’s first news conference featuring humanoid social robots. (Martial Trezzini/Keystone via AP)

Robots are presented during the press conference. (Martial Trezzini/Keystone via AP)

Oceans: Do Caribbean countries sink or swim?

THE peoples of small island states and coastal communities have long relied on the ocean for a multitude of benefits, including recreation, the delivery of goods and tourists, and a vital source of food through fishing. However, all these benefits, and much more, are currently under grave threat due to climate change, global warming, and sea-level rise. The damage is already taking its toll, imperceptibly but steadily, and it is crucial that we take action to preserve and develop the economic opportunities that the sea around us holds.

The World Bank reports that oceans contribute $1.5 trillion annually to the global economy, and this number is expected to double to $3 trillion by 2030. However, the bank also warns that climate change is causing serious changes in oceans, including temperature increases, sealevel rise, and acidification. Oceans are becoming more acidic as they absorb more CO2 from the atmosphere, and concurrently, oxygen levels are decreasing.

One of the most alarming issues affecting our oceans is the rampant pollution of plastic waste. According to UN Secretary-General António Guterres, around 8 million tons of plastic waste enter the oceans each year.

Without drastic action, it is projected that plastic waste could outweigh all the fish in the oceans by 2050. This plastic pollution is not confined to certain areas but is found even in the most remote and deepest ocean trenches. It not only poses a threat to marine life but also inflicts significant harm on communities that depend on fishing and tourism. The magnitude of the problem is exemplified by the existence of a mass of plastic in the Pacific Ocean that is bigger than France.

Oceans, as the largest heat sink on the planet, absorb a staggering 90% of the excess heat caused by climate change. They also act as efficient carbon sinks, absorbing approximately 23% of human-caused CO2 emissions. However, the

World View

By SIR RONALD SANDERS

role of oceans as a carbon sink is directly affected by the impacts of climate change on ocean health.

Rising ocean temperatures, resulting from global warming, contribute to thermal expansion and sea-level rise. Additionally, warmer ocean surface temperatures intensify tropical storms, posing a greater threat to coastal communities.

The Caribbean, consisting of small island nations and low-lying coastal areas, is especially vulnerable to the adverse impacts of climate change. Coastal erosion, flooding, and saltwater intrusion are not future possibilities but stark realities threatening the very existence of our communities. The loss of land and displacement of people have far-reaching implications that extend well beyond our regional borders.

Adding to the Caribbean’s woes, the warming of oceans intensifies the destructive force of hurricanes and tropical storms. As global temperatures rise, sea surface temperatures follow suit, leading to more frequent and severe weather events. These natural disasters wreak havoc on our coastal infrastructure, decimate economies, and put countless lives in danger.

Coral reefs, the lifeblood of the Caribbean Sea, are in a state of crisis. Climate change has unleashed mass bleaching events and extensive degradation, threatening the very foundation of these ecosystems. The loss of vibrant coral reefs not only erodes biodiversity but also cripples our tourism industry, a significant driver of their economies.

The impact of climate change on fishing exacerbates food security challenges and jeopardizes

the livelihoods of our fisherfolk and populations as a whole. Rising ocean temperatures and shifting marine ecosystems make fish stocks increasingly vulnerable, undermining the sustainability of our fisheries.

Furthermore, the acidification of our oceans presents a silent but deadly threat to marine life. As carbon dioxide emissions increase, seawater absorbs more CO2, leading to acidification that hinders the ability of coral reefs and shellfish to build and maintain their structures. This jeopardizes the entire food chain and ecosystem balance, with profound implications for the Caribbean’s fisheries, tourism, and overall well-being.

In addition to these challenges, the harmful effects of sargassum present an urgent crisis that demands our attention. Sargassum blooms have been occurring with increasing frequency and magnitude, causing ecological, economic, and social disruptions. These large mats of seaweed smother coral reefs, seagrass beds, and other vital habitats, leading to the loss of biodiversity and the degradation of essential marine ecosystems. Furthermore, as sargassum decomposes, it depletes oxygen levels in the water, creating “dead zones” that further threaten marine life.

Several Caribbean islands have already experienced the economic repercussions of the sargassum invasion. The sight and smell of decomposing seaweed along once-pristine coastlines deter visitors, resulting in a loss of revenue, job cuts, and diminished livelihoods for those dependent on the tourism industry. Small-scale fishers also face challenges, as sargassum damages fishing equipment

and hinders fishing operations.

It is widely acknowledged that the Caribbean faces an existential threat from climate change. However, the future of the Caribbean region depends on recognizing the value and vulnerability of the surrounding Ocean. It can allow us to swim to greater economic opportunity, or it can sink us under the impact of climate change.

At COP 28, in Dubai in

December this year, Caribbean countries must form a strong alliance with other nations, through partnerships with countries such as France and Costa Rica. France will host the third UN Ocean Conference in 2025 in France, following a preparatory meeting in Costa Rica in 2024. The Caribbean should actively participate in both meetings, advocating for the preservation and sustainable development of

our oceans and the Caribbean Sea.

(The writer is Antigua and Barbuda’s Ambassador to the United States and the Organization of American States. He is also a Senior Fellow at the Institute of Commonwealth Studies at the University of London and Massey College in the University of Toronto. The views expressed are entirely his own. Responses and previous commentaries: www. sirronaldsanders.com)

BTVI signs industrial agreement with UTEB

By JADE RUSSELL Tribune Staff Reporter jrussell@tribunemedia.net

THE Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute signed an industrial agreement with the Union of Tertiary Educators of The Bahamas on Friday.

Officials said BTVI employees can expect salary increases and other benefits, adding the agreement comes after nearly

one year of negotiations.

“BTVI is critical for national development,”

UTEB President Daniel Thompson said. “That is what UTEB is about, the development and advancement of the human capital at the institute. And none of these glorious goals that we set in place can be attained without the support of qualified, happy workers. And if the workers are happy and excited about work, we

will fulfill those goals that cannot be obtained without their support.”

BTVI’s Interim President

Dr Linda Davis said BTVI staff would enjoy a salary increase along with other long-awaited benefits.

“The salaries in terms of the negotiated and agreed amount is across a career path,” Dr Davis said. “And those salaries range now anywhere from 3k plus.”

The career path includes

a staff of craft instructors, assistant vocational tech instructors, and senior instructors.

Dr Davis added: “There are a number also of leaves that were agreed. Very generous leaves that include compassionate, special, maternity, adoption, paternity that had not existed previously.”

For her part, Kerima Smith, lead negotiator of UTEB, noted that for 14

years the faculty of BTVI had no career path, or established salary scales.

UTEB officials noted there are still other outstanding matters that need to be addressed as well.

Asked when employees would receive the salary increases, Dr Davis did not give a confirmed date.

“The Institute is a national Institute,” Dr Davis said. “And it’s supported by the generosity

and the financing of the government and people of this country. So, we have an expectation that those resources will be provided to us in short order.”

Meanwhile, Education Minister Glenys Hanna-Martin expressed excitement about the signing. She described BTVI as a key to ensuring “our workforce is skilled ready.” The agreement ends in 2025.

migrants accused of smuggling 100lbs of cocaine granted bail at $15k

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net

FOUR Ecuadorian migrants were granted bail after being accused of smuggling 100lb of cocaine into The Bahamas while enroute to the United States of America.

Shayanara Redrovan, 22, Nallely Redrovan,

20, Jorge Alvarez and a 16-year-old male stood before Justice Cheryl Grant-Thompson for their bail hearing. They they were represented by Devard Francis. The four accused, along with 14 other migrants and three Bahamians, were charged in a drug bust of 100lbs of cocaine off Saunders Beach late last month.

According to police reports, shortly before 10pm on June 20, a collaborative effort between OPBAT, the Police Marine Unit, the DEU, the DEA, and the K-9 Unit intercepted a white 30ft Cutty Cabin in waters west of Saunders Beach.

Upon searching the Bahamian registered vessel, officers discovered

m an on bail for murder gets six month jail for bail violation

By PAVEL BAILEY Tribune Staff Reporter pbailey@tribunemedia.net

A MAN on bail for murder was sentenced to six months in prison for violating curfew. He was also accused of stealing over $12K worth of property from a woman’s home.

Tevin Johnson, 27, stood before Magistrate Kendra Kelly. He was charged with unlawful entry, stealing and five counts of violation of his conditions of bail.

This bail was granted to Johnson by the Supreme Court for a pending murder charge. It is alleged that on August 18, 2018 Johnson caused the death of Andrew Ferguson. While on release for these charges Johnson was found in breach of curfew on five occasions between June 5 and 18. He also had a bail violation charge in April. Johnson is also alleged to have illegally entered a residence on Periwinkle

Drive between July 1 – 3.

There he is accused of stealing $12,841.46 worth of property belonging to Porsche Brown. Although Johnson pleaded guilty to the bail violations he pleaded not guilty to the remaining charges.

Johnson was sentenced to six months in prison for the bail breaches. He will return to court for trial on the remaining charges on September 8.

18 foreign nationals and three Bahamian men. Inside, officers uncovered 100lb of cocaine with an estimated street value of $800,000.

In reviewing the bail application and being informed that the defendants had been assigned a residence in the country, Justice Grant-Thompson ruled that they were fit

candidates for bail.

Although the prosecution argued that the bail should match the severity of the crime, Mr Francis implored the court to impose a modest bail. He stated that his clients are not people of means.

Bail was set at $15,000 for each accused. Under the conditions of this

bail the defendants are expected to sign in at the Cable Beach Police Station every Friday by 6pm.

In addition to their passports remaining surrendered, the accused are expected to be fitted with electronic monitoring devices.

The trial is set to begin on August 14 in the Magistrate’s Court.

Plastic pollution... not only poses a threat to marine life but also inflicts significant harm on communities that depend on fishing and tourism.

NP Buccaneers win the gold in baseball

By BRENT STUBBS Senior sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

The New Providence Buccaneers, behind the battery mate of pitcher Chad McKenzie and catcher Roberto Lamour, shut out the Eleuthera Adventurers 4-0 to win the sixth Bahamas Games baseball title.

Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis was on hand last night at the Andre Rodgers Baseball Stadium to present the gold and silver medals to the Buccaneers and the Adventurers as baseball closed out its five days of competition.

McKenzie, back home from Ventura College in California, pitched in his second game for New Providence in the tournament.

But the southpaw saved his best for last, firing a onehitter with 10 strikeouts and giving up just one walk.

“I’m just glad to be able to come back and support my team. It was a lot of fun playing for the first time in the Bahamas,” said McKenzie, who came in from Louisiana where he is currently training.

“In the second inning, my arm was really happy, but all I asked God for was to give me one more and every time I stepped out, I kept saying Lord give me one more. He gave me my gift.”

While McKenzie was the winning pitcher, Lamour was named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player.

The 18-year-old graduate of Nassau Christian Academy was shocked when he heard his name called. “It feels good. A lot of work came with this,” he said.

“I was surprised. I knew I played awesome in the first two games, but the last two games I was off with

Prime Minister Philip Davis presents medals at Andre Rodgers stadium

Despite the loss, Sineus said the players will use this as a learning experience and will get better so that they can be better prepared when they come back to play under the bright lights in the stadium.

The Adventurers were coming off a huge 3-1 victory over the Columbus Isles Arawaks to advance to the final. With the loss, the Arawaks had to settle for the bronze.

In their game, Tyler Nairn got the win on the mound over Farron Edgecombe. Centre fielder Joel Miller went 2-for-2 with a RBI and a pair of runs scored. Catcher/first baseman Avard Bethel cored the other run.

Centre fielder Nijai Armbrister was 1-for-2 and catcher Rashad Martin was 1-for-3 in the loss for Columbus Iles.

my offence, but the defence came through.

“I was a little surprised when I won it because we had an awesome team with a lot of talent.

“Anyone of us could have gotten it. I’m just glad that I got it.”

Lamour, first baseman Tate Isaacs, centre fielder Andre Arthur and designated hitter/first baseman

Malik Foster all scored a run for New Providence against Eleuthera’s losing pitcher Norman Bastian III, who gave up two hits with nine strike outs, three walks, a hit by pitch and a wild pitch. Scoreless after two innings, New Providence got on the scoreboard with a run in the third, added another in the fourth and

put two more up for good measure in the fifth.

Shortstop Frankie Mooreen got the lone hit for the Adventurers.

Buccaneers manager Clarence ‘CJ’ McKenzie said it was a great feeling, not only winning the title, but taking it from Grand Bahama, who won it the last time the games was staged in 2001.

DELTEC BANK AND TRUST PRESENTS $30,000 TO THE BAHAMAS NATIONAL SAILING SCHOOL

By LEESHAN MORLEY Tribune Intern

DELTEC Bank and Trust presented a cheque of $30,000 to the Bahamas National Sailing School for their camp and new sailing boats.

Deltec Bank is led by Odetta Morton, who also serves as director and CEO. During the course

of 18 years, she has played a crucial role in Deltec’s expansion and progress.

In 2003, Odetta became a part of Deltec Bank Team.

During her career, Odetta has played a pivotal role in advancing the bank’s objectives, developing interactions with partners and individuals, and establishing new options and wider marketing networks

for international clients while expanding market sectors. She received promotions in 2014 to chief financial officer and chief executive officer in 2019.

Morton graciously presented the cheque and also shared her company’s motive behind the presentation. “Deltec has always been supportive of youth in The Bahamas. With the

50th anniversary of Independence of the Bahamas, we really wanted to support the sailing community as the national sport of The Bahamas, and we are really excited that we can contribute to the youth in this way.”

Lori Lowe, president of the Bahamas Sailing Association, received the cheque along with one of the junior

“We knew from the beginning that we had put together a team that would have been able to take us right to the championship,” said McKenzie, who was assisted by coaches Jeff ‘Sangy’ Francis and Kevin Moxey.

“I’m glad to see us do it. We had some close games. Andros gave us a scare and Eleuthera were tough both days. We’re just glad to be the champions.”

Eleuthera’s manager Elline Sineus said he felt his team from Eleuthera played exceptionally well.

“We made some crucial mistakes in this game, but coming from Eleuthera as the underdogs, a lot of people didn’t expect us to make it this far,” he said.

“But we have a growing programme in Eleuthera, so to come this far is very encouraging.”

The Arawaks were coming off their elimination game earlier in the day when they disposed of the Grand Bahama Lucayans with a 4-1 victory. Davante Brown went the distance for the win on a three-hitter with five strikeouts, four walks and a hit by pitch.

First baseman Junnel Bain went 1-for-4 with a RBI and a run scored; Stefan McKenzie was also 1-for-4 with a run scored and Nijai Armbrister was 1-for-3 with a run scored.

Courtney Meadows suffered the loss for Grand Bahama, who was led by right fielder Ashley Poitier’s 1-for-3 day with a run scored and designated player Trent Thomas, who was 1-for-2 with a RBI. Many questioned why Grand Bahama had to play more games than the other islands. But, according to tournament director Teddy Sweeting, it was a format that was set up and agreed to by all of the teams during the technical meeting.

sailors. Lowe spoke on the initiatives they wish to achieve with the donation. “We like to hope with their funds, and with the assistance of our government having made sailing the national sport, that we can take our programmes to the next level and help a lot more Bahamian sailors from all walks of life.”

Craig Ferguson, one of the top junior sailors, was able to describe his experience in the club over the years and his passion for sailing. “Sailing means a lot to me because it helps you learn a lot of self-qualities like being able to speak in

public, self-governance, discipline, it builds a lot of self-character, and it’s a good sport because you make friends all over the world at a young age and you just have fun.”

He further went on to say he felt the donation will benefit the club in so many ways. “The donation means a lot because sailing is a very expensive sport so everything costs money, all the parts of the boat, the boats themselves, the sails.

“Especially how we live in The Bahamas, we have to ship most things so it means a lot and it is going to help us a lot.”

LENDING A HAND: Deltec Bank and Trust Limited presented a cheque donation of $30,000 to The Bahamas National Sailing School yesterday at the Nassau Yacht Club.

GOLDEN MOMENT: New Providence Buccaneers get their baseball gold medals from Prime Minister Philip Davis at the Bahamas Golden Jubilee Games last night.

ELEUTHERA Adventurers with their silver medals.

Minister Mario Bowleg: ‘The crowd is beginning to swell’

By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

AFTER watching the first five days of competition in the sixth Bahamas Games, Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Mario Bowleg said he’s impressed by what he’s seen so far.

And although they have been faced with some challenges, Rev Harrison Thompson, chairman of the Games Secretariat, said there were some issues they were faced with, but they are working through them.

The games, making its return after a 21-year hiatus, got started on Friday, July 7 and will wrap up on Saturday, July 15.

As of yesterday, some disciplines were already completed, some were in the process of winding down and the others were just getting started.

“The crowd is beginning to swell at all of these facilities as we move towards the semifinals and finals of events still going on,” said Bowleg, as he and an entourage toured the Kendal

Isaacs Gymnasium for the completion of volleyball.

“We are now starting softball and basketball, where some of the greatest rivalries take place with some of the Family Islands coming to compete for bragging rights.”

On Monday, the sloop sailing competition wrapped up in Montagu Bay where Long Island dominated the competition. Grand Bahama, however, is leading in the gold medal rush on the chart overall, while New Providence has achieved the most medals.

Bowleg said it’s still a long way to go to determine the overall champions for the games, which is a part of the Golden Jubilee celebrations of the nation’s 50th anniversary of Independence.

He said he was particularly pleased to see how the younger generation of athletes, who would have not had the pleasure of competing in the previous five games, are reacting.

If it’s any indication, he noted that the games has served its purpose of

uniting the country through sports. He anticipates that as the games wind down with competition in basketball, softball and track and field, that more Bahamians will come out and

show their support for the nation’s top athletes.

Thompson, in his capacity as the chairman of the Games Secretariat, said they encountered some challenges, but there was

nothing that they couldn’t handle.

“As we face them, we are overcoming them,” Thompson said. “Our theme says Challenges are Chances for the Courageous and

because we are courageous, we will overcome any challenges.”

With more athletes coming in from the Family Islands for the games than they had accounted for, Thompson said the Games Secretariat was challenged to find the additional accommodations for them.

He also noted that they had to make some adjustments with Bahamasair in getting some of the athletes, especially out of Eleuthera, into the capital, but he noted that they have been able to sort things out.

“We don’t want to disenfranchise any athlete, so we are trying to accommodate all of them,” Thompson said. “We are working through each challenge as we face them and we’re getting through them.

“At the end of the day, we want to ensure that we put on the best games possible and that all of the athletes, the coaches, officials and the fans enjoy the Golden Jubilee Bahamas Games.”

FOR THE BAHAMAS 50TH GOLDEN JUBILEE GAMES

SHOWN, from left to right, Norris Bain, assistant director of sports, Harrison Thompson, chairman of the Games Secretariat, Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Mario Bowleg and Kelsie JohnsonSills, the director of sports.

Photos:

MOVE: On his tour of the various sporting disciplines on day one of The Bahamas Golden Jubilee Games, Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Mario Bowleg paid a visit to volleyball at the Kendal G L Isaacs Gymnasium.

Photo: Ministry of Youth, Sports, and Culture- Department of Sports

Andros Chickcharnies win the gold medal in tennis

GB LUCAYANS WIN SILVER, ELEUTHERA ADVENTURERS TAKE HOME BRONZE

By BRENT STUBBS Senior Sports Reporter bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

WITH an ace down the sideline, Jacobi Bain, teaming up with fellow collegian Sydney Clarke, pulled off an 11-9 victory yesterday in the mixed doubles to seal a 4-3 win for the Andros Chickcharnies over the Grand Bahama Lucayans.

As tennis concluded yesterday in the sixth Bahamas Games at the National Tennis Centre, the mixed doubles broke a 3-3 tie in the men and women singles, boys and girls singles and the men and women doubles in the tie.

Bain and Clarke put the explanation mark on the gold medal for Andros with their victory over Larikah Russell and Denali Nottage from Grand Bahama.

“I was just saying, Lord help me to make it a good one,” Bain said. “If it was close, I wanted to be in the position to serve and when it was my turn, I just hit it tight on the line.

“I was going playing doubles in the tournament, so I really wanted to help my team win.”

Although she won in doubles, Clarke also helped to win in singles and she earned the female most outstanding player award for the games. The men’s award went to Grand Bahama’s Denali Nottage.

Grand Bahama’s head coach Danny Rigby said it was a very competitive match, but they just fell short.

“We had a few close calls and we will get those calls because it’s tennis,” he said. “It will go against you some times and today was the day that it went against us. But it was a good, competitive match.”

Russell agreed with Rigby. “I’m very impressed with the way the whole team played. It came down

to the decider in the mixed doubles, which was very competitive with some amazing points,” she said.

“But I think we competed extremely well. We fell short, but I was very happy with our performances.’

Russell and another veteran player Simone Pratt forced the tie breaker for the Lucayans by taking the women’s doubles in set scores of 6-3, 6-1 over the youthful sister combo of Sidney and Sarai Clarke.

That came after a thrilling finish in the men’s doubles where the Andros duo of Jacobi Bain and Philip Major Jr pulled off a dramatic 6-7 (3), 7-5, 11-9 win over brothers Rasheed and Rodney Carey Jr.

Denali Nottage got the Lucayans up and running with a 6-1, 6-1 win in the men’s singles. But the Chickcharnies responded by taking the boys singles 6-3, 6-2 over Aiden Ritchie and Sydney Clarke got the women’s singles 6-0, 6-4 over Simone Pratt.

Grand Bahama came back and won the girls singles 6-4, 6-3 over Saraai Clarke.

Looking back at the performances of the team,

Chickcharnies coach Bradley Bain said they had an awesome crew that represented Andros.

“This team came through and delivered in every way possible,” he said. “We competed every day and the results speaks for itself. We played Grand Bahama and it went down to the wire.

“It so happens that I used two players who started training with me at ages six and seven. That was Jacobi and Sydney. I put them together in the mixed doubles and they delivered.”

The Eleuthera Adventurers had to settle for the bronze medal, but head coach Artie Johnson said it was well deserved after they got by the Long Island Sheep Runners 4-2.

“The team performed well. I appreciate all of the players and the coaches,” said Johnson, who is now preparing to pass on the baton to coaches such as Juanita Percentie, Albert McKinney and Chris Evans.

“The players, Kevin Major Jr, Zander Cromwell, Ayai Bethel, Elana Mackey, Felicity McPhee and Kaylee Kanuka, they all did a fantastic job.

“All praise go to God, but I want to thank all of the players for a wonderful job.”

Johnson said they had a true representation of Eleuthera with players from Spanish Wells, two from Harbour Island, two from Central and one all the way from South. So Eleuthera is well represented.”

The Adventurers, in their win over the Sheep Runners, won the men’s singles 6-1, 6-0 over Anthony Burrows Jr; Elana Mackey

def. Genesis Missick 6-0, 6-0 in the women’s singles; Zander Cromwell and Kevin Major Jr teamed up to win the men’s doubles 6-1, 6-1 and Kaylee Kanuka and Elana Mackey won the women’s doubles 6-2, 4-6, 10-4 over Sapphire Ferguson and Genesis Missick. But Long Island took the boys singles as Synaj Watkins won 3-6, 6-4, 10-8 over Ayai Bethel and BreAnn Ferguson took the girls singles by walkover against Felicity McPhee. The New Providence Buccaneers had

to settle for fifth place with a 4-0 win over the Abaco Survivors. Justin Lunn took the men’s singles 6-0, 6-0 over Shawn Lightbourne; Miguel Smith def. Latahj Orlando 6-1, 6-2 in the boys singles; Sierra Rodgers def. Cameel McDonald 6-3, 6-1 in the women’s singles and Aryuana Davis got by Kelecia Parkes 7-6 (4), 6-1 in the girls singles. By virtue of sweeping the four singles, none of the doubles matches had to be played.

A GRAND OPENING CEREMONY FOR THE BAHAMAS 50TH GOLDEN JUBILEE GAMES

ANDROS Chickarnies get their gold medals in tennis.

GRAND Bahama with runners-up trophy and silver medal.

SYDNEY Clarke and Denali Nottage collect their most outstsnding awards in tennis.

ELEUTHERA Adventurers with their bronze medals.

Columbus Isles Arawaks, New Providence Buccaneers capture gold in volleyball

By TENAJH SWEETING Tribune Sports Reporter tsweeting@tribunemedia.net

THE women of the Columbus Isles Arawaks and the New Providence Buccaneers men’s team captured the gold medals for volleyball last night at the Kendal G L Isaacs Gymnasium.

With more than 60 volleyball matches played since the beginning of the Bahamas Golden Jubilee Games last week Friday, both teams were eager to win the gold. The Buccaneers team settled for silver in the women’s division and the Arawaks finished with silver in the men’s division.

GOLD

The Lady Arawaks outlasted the Buccaneers to secure gold in a gruelling best-of-five sets matchup. The Buccaneers appeared to have the edge after winning the first set 25-18.

However, the Arawaks stuck with their game plan and upped the intensity in the second set, claiming the win 25-12. With New Providence now feeling the pressure, the Arawaks snatched sets three and four 25-19, 25-15 to be named the overall winners for the women’s division.

Laval Sands, team captain of the Arawaks, talked about the big win.

“The win feels great [with] the Bahamas Games coming back 21 years later.

I knew that I played in the last Bahamas Games so coming back feels great,” Sands said.

Despite the expectation that the Buccaneers would win and an injury to one of the team’s star players early in the tournament, Sands said the key to the big win was in-game service and communication.

In the marquee match of the day, the men got the job done for New Providence.

Although the home team would have liked to sweep

the gold medal matches, the Buccaneers sealed the deal against the Arawaks in three sets. The Buccaneers opened strong in the initial set, winning 24-14. The team held onto the momentum from set one and bested the Arawaks in set two 25-17. In a wire-to-wire final set, New Providence not only seized the moment but also the gold medal win for the men’s division after ending 25-21.

BRONZE

The Survivors secured bronze for Abaco after downing the Lucayans

in three tightly contested sets. In the opening set, the Survivors snuck past the Lucayans 25-23.

However, in set two, the Lucayans lost a step and fell once again to the Survivors 25-13. In the final set, both teams were locked in but the Survivors had another gear and finished third in the women’s division after winning 26-24.

Renaldo Knowles, head coach of the Survivors, talked about the competitive win for bronze.

“I am glad we came out with the win. It was a

struggle because most of my players were injured so I had to move some people around to try and make it work, but everyone stepped up and played well,” Knowles said.

With the slogan for the sixth edition of The Bahamas Golden Jubilee Games being “Our Nation. Our Islands. Our Games”, one of the most important aspects for the return has been the camaraderie and unity among players from the islands of The Bahamas. Head coach Knowles talked about this side of

the Bahamian Olympicstyle games. “I am glad the Bahamas Games is back because the last 22 years we did not have one. I played in the last one so it’s good to see all the athletes in the sports back on the island, young people playing home [and] everybody can see their families,” He added.

The Mayaguana, Inagua, Crooked Island, Acklins, and Long Cay (MICAL) Flamingos cleared the men Lucayans in three sets.

In the initial set, both teams brought the competitive spirit but the Flamingos

came away with the win 27-25. The Flamingos collected another win in the following set 25-19.

In the third set of the trio, the Flamingos wrapped up the Lucayans 25-21 to claim bronze in the best-of-five series.

Lahaundro Thompson, team captain of the Flamingos, said the win felt good as they played an exceptional game to come out on top. Thompson added that their game plan was simple: get the ball to the team’s big hitters and let them finish the job.

GOLDEN JUBILEE GAMES

SPORTSMANLIKE CONDUCT: Women of Columbus Isles Arawaks and Abaco Survivors show a strong display of unity and camaraderie during the Bahamas Golden Jubilee Games last night.

Photos: Austin Fernander/Tribune Staff

TEAM EFFORT: The women of the Columbus Isles Arawaks battled hard against the Abaco Survivors.

SECURING THE GOLD: The women of the Columbus Isles Arawaks defeated New Providence Buccaneers to win the gold medal in volleyball.

URBAN RENEWAL REVOLUTIONISED DANCE TEAM PROUD TO PERFORM AT THE BAHAMAS GOLDEN JUBILEE GAMES

THE Urban Renewal Revolutionised dance team was proud to perform for the Bahamas Games.

The group, choreographed by Apostle Henry Higgins and Dr Ann Higgins, delighted the crowd with authentic Bahamian performances depicting Bahamian culture.

Lisa Rahming, Minister of State for Social Services and Urban Renewal,

was on hand to support the dance team and to encourage and cheer on the athletes in the Bahamas Games.

Minister Rahming said it is vital to encourage young people in positive outlets like sports and dance.

She said the Bahamas Games is a crowning moment in the history of sports, especially during the 50th Independence anniversary celebrations.

Wall Street gets a late push ahead of inflation data; Activision Blizzard jumps

By STAN CHOE AP Business Writer

STOCKS climbed Tuesday as Wall Street prepared for an upcoming update on inflation that will hopefully show a smaller increase in pain for everyone.

The S&P 500 rose 29.73, or 0.7%, to 4,439.26. The Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 317.02 points, or 0.9%, to 34,261.42, and the Nasdaq composite added 75.22, or 0.5%, to 13,760.70.

Activision Blizzard jumped 10% for one of the market’s larger gains after a judge ruled Microsoft could move forward on its $69 billion takeover of the video game maker. Salesforce was the biggest force driving the Dow after climbing 3.9% on price increases announced for its products. Amazon also pushed the market upward and rose 1.3% on the first day of its annual Prime Day sales event.

Much of Wall Street’s gains for the day came at the end of trading, with about a third of the S&P 500’s rise happening in the final 20 minutes. The week’s main event will arrive Wednesday, when the U.S. government will offer the latest update on inflation at the consumer level. Economists expect to see another slowdown, with prices 3.1% higher in June than a year

earlier, down from inflation of 4% in May and just above 9% last summer.

The hope on Wall Street is that a continued easing in inflation will convince the Federal Reserve to stop its hikes to interest rates soon. High rates have helped pull down inflation, but they’ve also caused cracks in the banking, manufacturing and other industries while also hurting prices for stocks and other investments.

Later in the week, companies will begin telling investors how much profit they made during the spring, and expectations are largely dim. Analysts are forecasting the sharpest drop in earnings per share for S&P 500 companies since the pandemic was crushing the global economy in the spring of 2020.

This upcoming reporting season could mark the trough for corporate profit declines, according to strategists at Bank of America. They point to some resilient trends in the economy, as well as how many companies are offering forecasts for upcoming results that are above analysts’ expectations.

“We expect companies to sound more upbeat than in prior quarters,” strategists including Ohsung Kwon wrote in a BofA Global Research report.

NOTICE

NOTICE is hereby given that SHANDLENE CASSANDRA DURENA of Treasure Cay, Abaco, 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 12th day of July, 2023 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, Bahamas.

“Companies are likely to highlight bottoming process in business conditions and building momentum throughout the quarter and into July.”

Because of the low bar set for companies for the spring, they may be able to squeak past without much heroics.

WD-40 jumped 18.5% after it said revenue grew during the three months

through May following two straight quarters of flat to lower sales. It reported stronger growth in both profit and revenue than analysts expected, and stuck to its forecasts for full-year sales and profit. On the losing side of Wall Street were several cruise operators, which lost momentum following a torrid start to the year. Carnival fell 2.1%, and Royal

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.

Caribbean slipped 1.9%. Both, though, are still up more than 100% for the year so far.

Bank of America drifted between losses and gains after regulators ordered it to $250 million in customer refunds and fines. It ended with a gain of 1.3% after regulators said it doubledipped on fees, withheld rewards on credit cards and

A PERSON walks in front of an electronic stock board showing Japan’s Nikkei index at a securities firm Tuesday, July 11, 2023, in Tokyo. Asian stock markets followed Wall Street higher Tuesday ahead of an update on U.S. consumer prices that traders hope will show inflation is easing, reducing the need for more interest rate hikes.

opened accounts without customers’ knowledge. In the bond market, Treasury yields were mixed after rising last week on expectations the Fed will keep interest rates higher for longer in its campaign to get inflation under control. The 10-year Treasury yield slipped to 3.97% from 4.00% late Monday. It helps set rates for mortgages and other loans.

NOTICE

NOTICE is hereby given that DANIELLA BEAUCHAMP, of Rugby Drive, Winton Heights New Providence, The Bahamas applying to the Minister responsible for Nationality and Citizenship, for Registration Naturalization as a citizen of The Bahamas, and that any person who knows any reason why registration/naturalization should not be granted, should send a written and signed statement of the facts within twenty-eight days from the 12th day of July 2023 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, New Providence, The Bahamas.

NOTICE is hereby given that 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.

Photo:Eugene Hoshiko/AP

WHAT’S ‘BIDENOMICS’? THE PRESIDENT HOPES A DUBIOUS NATION EMBRACES HIS IDEAS CONDENSED INTO THE TERM

By JOSH BOAK

Associated Press

PRESIDENT Joe Biden has long struggled to neatly summarize his sprawling economic vision.

It’s been hard for voters to digest the mix of roadsand-bridges spending, tax hikes on big companies, tax credits for parents, tax breaks for renewable energy, grants to build computer chip factories, insulin price caps and slogans like “Build Back Better.”

And that barely covers the full breadth of what the administration is doing and trying to do.

Last week, the president gave a speech on “Bidenomics” in hopes that the term will lodge in voters’ minds ahead of the 2024 elections. But what is Bidenomics? Let’s just say the White House definition is different from the Republican one — evidence that catchphrases can be double-edged.

Biden says his economic philosophy is the opposite of a Republican approach that favors broad tax cuts to spur growth. He sees the government as using the tax code in a more targeted fashion and fashioning other programs to foster investment in new technologies, create jobs and boost upward mobility. He wants to do more to educate workers and foster competition within the U.S. economy in hopes of reducing prices.

“I came into office determined to change the economic direction of this country, to move from trickle-down economics to what everyone in The Wall Street Journal and Financial Times began to call ‘Bidenomics,’” the president said. “I didn’t come up with the name. I really didn’t.”

But to Republicans, “Bidenomics” is a slur they can deploy. It’s a philosophy of government spending and anti-oil policies that they say fueled a spike in inflation last summer to a four-decade high. High prices have left U.S. adults deeply pessimistic about the economy, with just 34% approving of Biden’s leadership on the issue, according to a new poll from The Associated PressNORC Center for Public Affairs. Based on followup interviews with poll respondents, they’re far more aware of gasoline and grocery store prices than the details of Biden’s policies. When asked over the course of multiple polls, a few could cite the bipartisan infrastructure package that Biden signed into law. But the Inflation Reduction Act as well as the CHIPS and Science Act have yet to fully surface on the public radar, despite outreach by the administration and news coverage. GOP lawmakers were faster to embrace the catchterm than the president.

N O T I C E

STAR OLEANDER LIMITED

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

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

b) The dissolution of the said company commenced on 6th July, 2023 when the Articles of Dissolution were submitted to and registered by the Registrar General.

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

Dated this 12th day of July, A. D. 2023

Octagon Management Limited Liquidator

N O T I C E

FORTUNE SPRING INVESTMENT COMPANY LIMITED

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

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

(b) The dissolution of the said company commenced on the 6th July, 2023 when the Articles of Dissolution were submitted to and registered by the Registrar General.

(c) The Liquidator of the said company is Bukit Merah Limited, The Bahamas Financial Centre, Shirley & Charlotte Streets, P.O. Box N-3023, Nassau, Bahamas

Dated this 12th day of July, A. D. 2023

“Instead of priming the pump, Bidenomics has emptied the tank,” future House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., said in a 2021 floor speech. “From inflation to gas lines, the American economy today looks more like it did in 1979 than 2019.”

In case you’re wondering, McCarthy’s 1979 dig refers to high prices under then President Jimmy Carter, who in the 1980 election was bested by Republican Ronald Reagan.

A White House official, insisting on anonymity, said the term Bidenomics was not poll-tested. The administration says it came from media reports, with The New York Times, National Public Radio, Bloomberg News, The Economist, and even AP using it in reports before the president took the oath of office. Nor is the phrasing all that novel. Commentators have given the American public the portmanteau

N O T I C E

YOKO LIMITED

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

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

b) The dissolution of the said company commenced on 6th July, 2023 when the Articles of Dissolution were submitted to and registered by the Registrar General.

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

Dated this 12th day of July, A. D. 2023

Octagon Management Limited Liquidator

N O T I C E

INVESTMENTS LIMITED

WHOLELAND

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

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

(b) The dissolution of the said company commenced on the 6th July, 2023 when the Articles of Dissolution were submitted to and registered by the Registrar General.

(c) The Liquidator of the said company is Bukit Merah Limited, The Bahamas Financial Centre, Shirley & Charlotte Streets, P.O. Box N-3023, Nassau, Bahamas

Dated this 12th day of July, A. D. 2023

words Nixonomics, Carternomics, Reaganomics, Clintonomics, Bushonomics, Obamanomics. When the conservative economists Arthur Laffer and Stephen Moore wrote a book to describe the policies of then President Donald Trump, they entitled it

“Trumponomics: Inside the America First Plan to Revive Our Economy.”

President Gerald Ford went with “Whip Inflation

Now,” or WIN, in the mid1970s. Ford’s push had a bit

more fanfare than the Bidenomics launch did with the president’s speech this past week at the Old Chicago Main Post Office.

For Ford’s effort, Meredith Willson — famous for writing the musical “The Music Man” — crafted a song entitled “WIN!” In 1974, The New York Times published the lyrics: “Win! Win! Win! We’ll win together, Win together, that’s, the true American way, today. Who needs inflation? Not this nation.”

But, of course, Biden is trying to offer the country a doctrine rather than a jingle.

Democratic strategist Jesse Ferguson said the president wants to show the voters that he has plans and solutions for their troubles, not that he’s necessarily fixed everything.

“For 40 years people have been clamoring for an approach to the economy that puts working people at the center instead of prioritizing the wealthy and that’s what he’s delivering on,” Ferguson said. “So the story that he can tell is a different approach to the economy and the proof is in the pudding. It’s also so core to who he is. People believe he’s the guy who’d make the economy work as hard for working people as working people work for the economy.”

N O T I C E

Bukit Merah Limited Liquidator

Bukit Merah Limited Liquidator Liquidator

NOTICE

INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS COMPANIES ACT, 2000

REAL PASSION TRADING LIMITED (IN VOLUNTARY LIQUIDATION)

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that in accordance with section 138(4) of the International Business Companies Act, 2000, as amended, REAL PASSION TRADING LIMITED is in dissolution.

The dissolution of the said Company commenced on July 5, 2023 when the Articles of Dissolution were submitted to and registered with the Registrar General in Nassau, The Bahamas.

The sole liquidator of the said Company is Kim D Thompson of Equity Trust House, Caves Village, West Bay Street, P O Box N 10697, Nassau, Bahamas.

Kim D Thompson Sole Liquidator

Notice of Appointment of a Liquidator under Section 204 of the BVI Business Company Act

Sunnyvale Investments Group Ltd. (In Voluntary Liquidation) Company No. 404497

NOTICE is hereby given pursuant to Section 204, subsection 1(b) of the BVI Business Companies Act, 2004 that Sunnyvale Investments Group Ltd. is in voluntary liquidation. The voluntary liquidation commenced on 4th July, 2023. The Liquidator is Myron Walwyn of Travers Thorp Alberga, 2nd Floor Jayla Place, P.O. Box 216, Road Town, Tortola, British Virgin Islands, VG1110.

Dated this 6th day of July 2023

Sgd Myron Walwyn Voluntary Liquidator

PRESIDENT Joe Biden delivers remarks on the economy, Wednesday, June 28, 2023, at the Old Post Office in Chicago. Biden has long struggled to neatly summarize his sprawling economic vision. On Wednesday, the president gave a speech on “Bidenomics” in the hopes that the term will lodge in voters’ brains ahead of the 2024 elections. But what is Bidenomics? Let’s just say the White House definition is different from the Republican one — evidence that catchphrases can be double-edged.

Photo:Evan Vucci/AP

AMAZON UNION IS SUED BY ORGANIZERS AND FORMER

LEADERS SEEKING A NEW ELECTION FOR UNION OFFICERS

By HALELUYA HADERO

Associated Press

A GROUP including former leaders of the fledgling union that organized an Amazon warehouse in New York is suing the union, accusing it of violating its own constitution and asking the court to force an election for union officers.

The complaint, filed Monday in U.S. District Court of the Eastern District of New York, comes as the upstart Amazon Labor Union – the only certified group representing Amazon workers – struggles to recapture

the momentum that led to its surprise victory last year following a series of setbacks.

Since that win, the group has lost union elections at two other Amazon facilities and abandoned efforts at a third warehouse in California. Some prominent members have resigned quietly or left in protest over internal strife and disagreements.

Media reports have also recounted a physical fight between union president Chris Smalls and a former member of the group. Another prominent leader, Derrick Palmer, resigned

in May after it was revealed that he had been arrested last year for aggravated assault in a domestic violence incident. Amazon, meanwhile, has been challenging the union's initial win and still hasn't come to the bargaining table.

In the complaint, the splinter group, which calls itself A.L.U. Democratic Reform Caucus and includes the union's co-founder and former treasurer, Connor Spence, argues the union, at the direction of Smalls, amended its constitution without allowing members

Threats of a strike heating up even before UAW begins negotiations with automakers

By TOM KRISHER AP Auto Writer

WHENEVER the United Auto Workers union begins negotiating a new contract with Detroit's three automakers, threats of a strike are typically heard on the floor of the old Chrysler transmission plant in Kokomo, Indiana.

This year, the talk is a little louder.

Besides the usual haggling over wages, pensions and health care, the union has set its sights on a more consequential goal: It is determined to secure a foothold in the joint-venture plants that will manufacture electric vehicle batteries in the years and likely decades ahead. As the industry undergoes a historic transition from internal combustion engines to EVs, the automakers will likely need many thousands of workers to staff electric-battery plants. The UAW, representing 146,000 employees of the automakers, sees this year's contract as a crucial opportunity to ensure representation in the industry's jobs of the future.

"I've got almost 30 years in, and this contract seems a little different," said Michael Hunter, a tool inspector who fixes gauges on the Kokomo plant's equipment. "I think it's a very strong possibility of a strike."

Contract talks will begin this week between the union and two of the

automakers, Ford and Stellantis, a company formed from the 2021 merger of Fiat Chrysler and PSA Peugeot. Negotiations with the largest U.S. automaker, General Motors, will start next week.

At the union's behest, gone is the traditional friendly handshake between UAW bargainers and auto executives, a sign that the talks will be contentious. Four-year contracts with the companies expire at 11:59 p.m. Sept. 14.

The negotiations will be the first big test for Shawn Fain, who in March became the first UAW president to be chosen by a direct vote of members. Fain, who began his career in Kokomo — as an electrician at a Chrysler metal casting plant — has laid the groundwork for the union's position: He has said the UAW will seek general pay raises, the elimination of wage tiers and the restoration of cost-of-living pay and pensions for new hires that were eliminated years ago when the automakers were struggling financially. He also wants to halt any plant closings in the wake of Stellantis' plan to shutter a factory in Belvidere, Illinois, to cut costs. But paramount to Fain is getting a foot in the door at battery plants and then securing wages that exceed the top assembly-line wage of $32 an hour now paid at UAW-represented plants.

"A new industry is being born," Fain said in a recent

to vote on its adoption. One of the changes, the complaint said, was to "refuse to hold officer elections which should have been scheduled no later than March 2023."

The ALU changed its constitution — a month before the union was certified by the National Labor Relations Board in January — to say that internal elections will take place within 90 days after the ratification of a collective bargaining agreement with Amazon, which could take years to materialize.

The reform group also accused the union of threatening disciplinary action

against those who spoke in opposition, and said the group created internal union disarray as part of an effort to "suppress democratic dissent."

Smalls did not immediately reply to a request for comment.

In a letter to the splinter group Friday, ALU attorney Jeanne Mirer called the claims "frivolous."

Brett Daniels, an organizer with the splinter group, said the caucus was brought about to "ensure democracy," but is not separate from the union.

This spring, members of the reform group, which

has more than 40 members, circulated a petition at the Staten Island warehouse to bring about an officer election. It got nearly 1,000 signatures, according to the complaint.

The two sides attempted to settle their issues through mediation in the summer. But according to the complaint, the union's executive board backed out in late June.

The splinter group is asking the court to make the union hold an election for officers on or before August 30.

video message to UAW members. "This is our defining moment. Our communities and our country deserve good, safe, livingwage union jobs."

All three automakers have announced plans to build joint-venture factories with battery companies, in Indiana, Michigan, Kentucky and Tennessee. Once gas-powered vehicles are phased out, the union sees these plants as places where the automakers will move thousands of workers who now make engines and transmissions. Industry analysts expect EV sales to surge from 7% of U.S. newvehicle sales to about 40% by 2030.

Workers who now assemble vehicles may also need other places to work, and some might lose their jobs. Because EVs are simpler to build, it takes as many as 40% fewer workers to produce them.

Harley Shaiken, a professor emeritus specializing in labor at the University of California Berkeley, suggested that the industry is undergoing a seismic shift akin to the introduction of the moving assembly line, with new competitors and huge capital outlays for electric vehicles.

The companies, he noted, are investing billions while initially losing money on EVs. At the same time, the continuing work on combustion engines is paying the bills. Though the automakers clearly don't want a strike, Shaiken said, they're determined

contain battery costs, including wages, to remain competitive with nonunion companies.

"They are likely to take a hard line on key issues like the battery plants and the other issues like getting rid of second-tier wages," he said.

Already, workers have voted to join the union at GM's Ultium Cells plant near Warren, Ohio, a joint venture with LG Energy Solution. But the union says the plant is paying just $16.50 per hour to start, with a top wage of about $20 after seven years. That's far lower than UAW production workers make.

Contract negotiations at the plant are already under way.

"These should be higher wages than our production standards, not lower," Fain said.

Ahead of the talks, Fain's messaging has been much more combative than in years past, when union leaders generally avoided speculating about strikes. Seeking to place the burden on the automakers, Fain has argued that any strike would ultimately be caused by the companies, which together made net profits of more than $164 billion over the past decade. Last month, Fain suggested that

workers can score major gains "but only if our members get organized and are ready to strike."

On a Tuesday video appearance with members, Fain said all three companies are in the UAW's sights.

The companies say they have good relationships with the union and contend that their wages and benefits are the best in the industry. "Our focus will be on negotiating a contract that will ensure our future competitiveness in today's rapidly changing global market and preserve good wages and benefits," Stellantis said in a statement.

THE UNITED Auto Workers Local 1268 hall, located near the former Fiat Chrysler Auto Plant, now owned by Stellantis, is shown on Monday, July 10, 2023, in Belvidere. Ill. Contract talks begin this week between the United Auto Workers and automakers. UAW President Shawn Fain wants to halt any plant closings in the wake of Stellantis’ plan to shutter the factory in Belvidere.

Photo:Charles Rex Arbogast/AP to

BANK OF AMERICA HIT WITH $250M IN FINES AND REFUNDS FOR ‘DOUBLE-DIPPING’ FEES AND FAKE ACCOUNTS

By KEN SWEET AND MICHELLE CHAPMAN

Associated Press

BANK of America will reimburse customers more than $100 million and pay $150 million in fines for "double-dipping" on overdraft fees, withholding reward bonuses on credit cards and opening accounts without customer consent.

Combined, it is one of the highest financial penalties in years against Bank of America, which has largely spent the last 15 years trying to clean up its reputation and market itself to the public as a bank focused on financial health and not on overdraft fee income and financial trickery.

BofA must refund $100 million to customers, pay $90 million in penalties to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and $60 million to the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency. "Bank of America wrongfully withheld credit card rewards, doubledipped on fees, and opened accounts without consent," said CFPB Director Rohit Chopra, in a statement. "These practices are illegal and undermine customer trust."

Empowered by a broad mandate from the White House, Chopra and the bureau have focused heavily in the past year on the issue of " junk fees " — fees charged to Americans that are often seen as unnecessary or exploitative by banks, debt collectors, airlines and concert venues. Banks such as BofA, JPMorgan Chase, Wells Fargo and others have been a target for the bureau under the Biden administration.

Part of the fines and penalties come because Bank of America had a policy of charging customers $35 after the bank declined a transaction because the customer did not have enough funds in their account, the CFPB said. The agency determined that the bank double-dipped by allowing fees to be repeatedly charged for the same transaction.

The fees often came when customers had routine monthly transactions, like a gym membership. If a customer had too low of a balance to cover the transaction, it would be declined and BofA would charge the customer a $35 fee. The business, who hasn't been

paid, often would recharge the customer's account, resulting in another $35 non-sufficient funds fee.

The bank ended this practice last year, but will still have to repay customers who got charged before the policy was changed.

BofA has been cutting down on its reliance on overdraft fee revenue for more than a decade, and cut how much it charges customers for an overdraft to $15 last year. Brian Moynihan, the bank's CEO and chairman, told The Associated Press in 2022 that

EPA sets stricter limits on hydrofluorocarbons used in refrigerators, air conditioners

By MATTHEW DALY

Associated Press

THE Environmental Protection Agency is enforcing stricter limits on hydrofluorocarbons, highly potent greenhouse gases used in refrigerators and air conditioners that contribute to global warming.

A rule announced Tuesday will impose a 40% overall reduction in HFCs starting next year, part of a global phaseout designed to slow climate change. The rule aligns with a 2020 law that calls for an 85%

reduction in production and use of the climate-damaging chemicals by 2036.

Officials said refrigeration and air conditioning systems sold in the United States will emit far fewer HFCs as a result of the rule, the second step in a 15-year phasedown of the chemicals that once dominated refrigeration and cooing equipment.

Here's a look at HFCs and what the United States and other countries are doing to limit their use.

Hydrofluorocarbons are highly potent greenhouse gases commonly used in

refrigerators and air conditioners. HFCs produce greenhouse gases that are thousands of times more powerful than carbon dioxide. They often leak through pipes or appliances that use compressed refrigerants and are considered a major driver of global warming.

More than 130 countries, including the United States, have signed a 2016 global agreement to greatly reduce use and production of HFCs by 2036.

The Senate ratified the socalled Kigali Amendment to the 1987 Montreal Protocol

under these new policies, overdraft fee income was down 90% from 2021. The bank said that it voluntarily reduced overdraft fees and eliminated all non-sufficient fund fees in the first half of last year. Bank of America also offered people cash

rewards and bonus points when signing up for a card, but the CFPB said the bank illegally withheld promised credit card account bonuses.

The CFPB also found that, since at least 2012, Bank of America employees illegally applied for and enrolled consumers in credit card accounts without their knowledge or authorization. It is a similar to, but smaller than, a charge that was made against Wells Fargo, which paid billions in fines after it was determined that the San Francisco bank opened millions of unauthorized bank accounts in order to meet unrealistic sales goals.

In 2014 the CFPB ordered Bank of America to pay $727 million for illegal credit card practices. Last year it was ordered to pay a $10 million civil penalty over unlawful garnishments. Also in 2022, the CFPB and OCC fined Bank of America $225 million and required it to pay hundreds of millions of dollars in redress to consumers for botched disbursement of state unemployment benefits at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.

on ozone pollution last year in a rare bipartisan vote. The measure requires participating nations to phase down production and use of HFCs by 85% over the next 13 years, as part of a global phaseout intended to slow climate change.

Scientists said the agreement, reached in Kigali, Rwanda, could help the world avoid a half-degree Celsius of global warming.

Ratification of the amendment, signed last year by President Joe Biden, follows bipartisan action Congress took in 2020 to approve the American Innovation and Manufacturing Act, which phased out domestic HFC manufacturing. The AIM Act has accelerated an industry shift from HFCs to alternative refrigerants that use less harmful chemicals and are widely available throughout the country. The law also averts a previous patchwork of state laws and regulations that govern HFCs.

The new rule announced Tuesday builds on a 10% reduction required by the end of this year. It requires a 40% overall reduction from 2024 through 2028.

Companies that produce, import, export, destroy, use, process or recycle HFCs are subject to the rule.

EPA officials said the rule would help ensure the U.S. leads the way as countries around the world implement the Kigali Amendment. The HFC phasedown, "bolstered by domestic innovation to develop alternative chemicals and equipment, is paving the way for the United States to tackle climate change and strengthen global competitiveness,"

said Joe Goffman, principal deputy assistant administrator of EPA's Office of Air and Radiation.

White House climate adviser Ali Zaidi said the rule will help develop nextgeneration technologies for refrigeration, "ensuring that American workers reap the benefits of a growing global market for HFC alternatives."

The Air Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Institute, which represents air conditioning, heating and commercial refrigeration manufacturers, called the rule a crucial step to implement the AIM Act.

"Our industry appreciates the work of the EPA and the timely issuance of this rule as we prepare for the next HFC reduction step-down next January," said AHRI president & CEO Stephen Yurek.

The American Chemistry Council, which represents chemical manufacturers and users, welcomed the EPA rule.

"ACC has long supported the HFCs phasedown, which can reduce a sizable source of greenhouse gas emissions while creating

manufacturing jobs and growing our nation's share of the global market for air-conditioning and refrigeration products,'' the group said in a statement. U.S. companies have developed effective alternatives to HFCs, the group added.

The EPA rule includes a range of administrative penalties, including license revocation and retirement of allowances for companies that don't comply. Fines and criminal penalties also can be imposed. EPA said it has finalized administrative consequences retiring more than 6.5 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent for 2022 and 2023 for companies that misreported data or imported HFCs without required allowances.

Since January 2022, an interagency task force on illegal HFC trade, led by EPA and the Department of Homeland Security, has prevented illegal HFC shipments equivalent to more than 1 million metric tons of carbon dioxide at the border, officials said. That is the equivalent to carbon emissions from more than 200,000 homes for one year.

A CUSTOMER uses an ATM at a Bank of America location in San Francisco, Monday, April 24, 2023. Bank of America is being ordered to pay more than $100 million to customers for doubledipping on some fees imposed on customers, withholding reward bonuses explicitly promised to credit card customers, and misappropriating sensitive personal information to open accounts without customer knowledge or authorization.

Photo:Jeff Chiu/AP

ED NEWBY, owner of All Star A/C and Heating, works on an air conditioning unit on June 26, 2023, in Houston. The Environmental Protection Agency is enforcing stricter limits on hydrofluorocarbons, highly potent greenhouse gases used in refrigerators and air conditioners. A rule announced Tuesday, July 11, would impose a 40% reduction in HFCs below historic levels by 2028, part of a global phaseout of HFCs designed to slow global warming. Photo:Raquel Natalicchio/AP

Independence holiday sees Family Island visitors soar

By FAY SIMMONS Tribune Business Writer jsimmons@tribunemedia.net

FAMILY Islands are reporting high volumes of visitors over the Independence Day holiday weekend.

In Eleuthera, Robert Roberts, chief councilor of Spanish Wells. said that "plenty" of local and international visitors flocked to the island over the Independence Day holiday weekend. He said guests of all ages joined locals in the Golden Jubilee events, which included fireworks, music and climbing the slippery pole.

He said: “Oh, man, there was plenty people here this weekend. Spanish Wells was full of tourists, not only foreign tourists, but local tourists, people out of Nassau, Eleuthera, you name it, all over.

“We had a great celebration on Saturday in Lower End Park that ended with fireworks and then we had Monday starting at 11am, we did an old favourite, the slippery pole, where the children through the adults participated. Yeah, it was fun. It was good time."

Daphne DeGregory Miaoulis, president of the Abaco Chamber of Commerce, said Abaco and the surrounding cays saw a large amount of international and domestic

tourists over the Independence holiday weekend. She added that there was a noticeably high number of international guests to the island celebrating the local holiday.

She said: “The island was pretty busy and the cays were busy as well. It was a good mix of domestic and international tourists. I would say on the cays there was 80 percent foreign visitors and 20 percent local visitors - usually it’s the opposite for local celebrations and holidays.

“Hope Town was quite busy with visitors. Little Harbour was packed with boaters and visitors, Americans mainly. There was a family from Grand Bahama here celebrating a birthday and independence together. So, I’d say we had a good mix over the weekend.”

Ms Miaoulis noted although a large crowd endured "extreme" heat to participate in the Independence Day celebrations the high volume was not due to the festivities. Rather, she maintained many locals visited because of the extended weekend and foreign tourist arrivals are usually high this time of year.

She said: “There was extreme heat this weekend and there was a power cut, unfortunately. It was superhot and crowded but a lot

of people showed up, the police band performed and junkanoo was held.

“The traffic was not only due to the festivities; it was a long weekend and I think a lot of locals came to Abaco because of that. The tourists visited because it’s the season for them to be here, the summer is usually busy here and I think this year that’s just how things happened.”

Alberto Gilbert, manager of Gilberts Inn, Cat Island, said there are both domestic and international visitors on the island, which is unusual as the busy season for Cat Island typically runs from November to April.

He said: “It's been decent, not as much tourists as the peak months, November to April, but definitely an increase for the summer. The Western Air flight we had came in full for Independence. Foreigners are here now, which is unusual for this time of year, usually they cut off around May, but we have a lot of people here now, some Bahamians were here this weekend as well.

“There was an event in Arthur's Town on Sunday night and a beach party in New Bight at the regatta site yesterday. We had a motorcade yesterday and that went well also.”

Disney's $10,000 donation for Independence event

THE Bahamas National Independence Secretariat has announced that Disney Cruise Line donated $10,000 towards the Golden Jubilee Independence Family Fun Day, which took place on Monday.

Secretariat chair Leslia Miller-Brice said this year's Independence Day allowed families to come together at Clifford Park for a day to celebrate all things Bahamian with food, music, entertainment and creative Bahamian activities.

Disney Cruise Line is the latest in a series of corporate sponsors. “For 25 years, Disney Cruise Line has been proud to introduce countless families to the beauty of The Bahamas and the warm hospitality of its people," said Joey Gaskins, regional public affairs director for Disney Cruise Lines.

"The Bahamas is as much our home as anywhere else in the world with 70 percent of our itineraries calling here, and as a Bahamian, I am excited that our sponsorship can play a valuable part in ensuring Bahamian families can celebrate this milestone 50th independence.”

The Independence Family Fun Day at Clifford Park featured vendor booths, free games and activities and a cultural show including Ancient Man; the Sky Juice Band; Ebony; Puzzle; Gino D; DJ Ovadose; Elkin 360; and Julien Believe.

JOEY GASKINS

LESLIA MILLER-BRICE

Union files dispute over Atlantis firing

FROM PAGE A24

based on what we know the facts are, and particularly now that we see what they actually put on the suspension and termination. “

“We hope to once we get an opportunity to have the appeal that the appeal will reiterate on its merits and on whatever decision is made will be made on the merits of the case and the facts that lie therein, So as soon as they give it to us we will be prepared.”

Mr Woods said the BHCAWU will be agitating for legislative changes to protect employees of private companies that may not be as open to negotiations with the union as the government.

He said: “At the hotel union, we represent employees in private employ, the other unions may not face the same problems that we face because most of them, for

ROBERT FARQUHARSON DARRIN WOODS

the most part are either government or quasi government. So the stance that a private employer will take the government will never take or would not take. “

“We will be agitating for some other things because we believe that some changes need to be made in legislation to protect officers of the union and shop stewards of union. We

definitely need greater protection for unions to have access to its members in some form or fashion by the law.”

The BHCAWU chief also criticised the lack of regulations for employers in the Industrial Relations Act and called for a legislative reformation to increase accountability. He said the Trade Union Congress will

be facilitating a meeting for all of the unions to discuss legislative changes.

He said: “If you look at the law as it is written now, particularly the Industrial Relations Act that only speaks to how the union is to be governed and how the union should conduct themselves and how the union is to act but there’s nothing that says how an employer is supposed to be governed and how they’re supposed to conduct themselves.

“So it seems as if there’s law that governs the union, but nothing governs the employer. So definitely there needs to be reformation of our law and we are planning a meeting with all of the congresses to involve all of the unions so we could be speaking with one voice in order to get some form of protection for unions and workers across this country.”

Mr Woods also accused Atlantis of attempting to

‘LAWLESS’ ABACO AS BUSINESSES OPERATE WITHOUT LICENCES

FROM PAGE A24

and there’s all of these excuses of why we need people to break the law to accommodate the needs of the people and because Abaco was devastated by a hurricane then we should turn a blind eye to it,”

Ms DeGregory-Miaoulis

added.

She also warned shanty towns are also popping back up in parts of Abaco, larger than before. She said: “We had a police officer come

$9.1m

from Nassau and saw there were five illegally built homes in the Pine Barren, she had resistance from the human right’s groups and the courts. But now that we go back to the Pine Barren those five houses have multiplied into 300.” There is also more than one of these illegally constructed enclaves in Abaco as “further up north there is about 1,000 of these homes”.

Ms DeGregory-Miaoulis added: “All of this is because of post-Dorian

lawlessness and because we in The Bahamas need to be humanitarian, but it’s easy for the big boys in America and Europe to say we are not humanitarian to deport and evict and to tear down people’s homes. But with all of these homes, none of them have cesspits. They don’t have proper power. They don’t have the services that a normal home would require. They don’t have permits and so this now poses a health risk because all of that feces is

going to go into the water table, but are the humanitarians that are criticising us thinking about the health risks that the residents are facing?”

She argued these shanty towns are “built stronger” than they were before and they also have set up commerce inside of them, with everything from gambling houses, convenience stores, barber shops, retails stores and restaurants. “A lot of these enclaves are shanty towns, but a lot of them are

in WSC upgrades to help Exuma flourish

FROM PAGE A24

of wastewater in Exuma Harbour.

He said: “In the Exuma Cays, works have been completed to improve storage capacity on Staniel Cay and distribution system extensions are being planned for Black Point. Also, new standby generators have been installed on Staniel Cay and Farmers Cay.

“The corporation will also be working with local and international stakeholders, to support the refurbishment of the Exuma wastewater treatment plant, and improve the collection of wastewater within the Exuma Harbour.”

Thomas Sands, the president of the Exuma Chamber of Commerce, said the upgrades will relieve businesses and homeowners from the bills

associated with the installation and maintenance of wells and tanks, allowing them to invest more into their businesses and communities. He said having water provided by WSC will also ensure consistent water quality throughout Little Exuma and Barraterre.

He said: “This certainly makes what is a necessity more affordable and more convenient for businesses there, for home owners there and for the continued development of that’s happening especially in Little Exuma. This really does make a huge difference in terms of them being able to do things in their communities.

“The expense of having wells and tanks and all of those things are individual

expenses. This certainly makes it more reasonable for them to do their business to live more economically. So, it’s a welcome addition to the community all around.

“Not to mention the fact that at least now even the water supply is being presented in such a way that is governed so you won’t have to wonder about the quality of the water. It will be consistent because it’s managed by the one cooperation so I think all around, it’s beneficial for those both in Barraterre and Little Exuma.”

Mr Sands also endorsed plans to improve wastewater collection in Exuma Harbour, noting the famous Exuma waters are the lifeline of the island and efforts

“strong arm” the union by creating discord between the employees and the BHCAWU.

He said: “I believe they tried to strong arm the union. and send a message to the employees as a result of the stance that they took, rather than addressing the root cause of the problem”

“For them, they are trying to muzzle the union, they don’t want the union on the property, and that’s a fact. They don’t want the union on the property so they try to make it difficult and anything to try to come between the union and its members or cast the union in a particular light with its members they are prepared to do so and this is why the union needs greater protection against employers like this.”

Mr Woods blamed the recent issues with Atlantis on changes to the management and warned that unions are imbedded

not. These homes are well constructed.

“It’s a serious problem because post-Dorian lawlessness can account for a lot of businesses that have just popped up and a lot of businesses activities that are ongoing because you now have women on the side of the road without permits and the police are having a very difficult time trying to enforce the law.”

She added: “The Abaco Chamber of Commerce would really like to see the government apply final notice on businesses that have not made

to protect the harbour should be supported.

He said: “I think that to have it centralised and to have it managed and to have it governed by the appropriate authorities is always the better way to have it done. This area in our economy, the water and the harbor of Exuma, the waters of Exuma really represents the life of Exuma. It is something that we boast about something that we are proud of and this will allow us to have better quality in this area. We have all the fishing and the marine life we have to protect it.”

Mr Sands said the population of Exuma has exceeded its infrastructure’s capacity leading to a stifling of economic growth on the island. He maintained that with the required upgrades the local economy will

into the fabric of Bahamian society and they will not be backing down or leaving.

He said: “Since a particular person came, we began to have this problem and we never had a problem before. The union has been in existence for 65 years come December this year. And as long as you can remember, you’ve never hear the union have to talk about access [to employees]. Of course, we got differences of opinion. But it has never gone to the level that it has gone, only in recent times”

“They don’t like union. But you have to understand you came to this country you met union here, unions are part of the fabric of our society. But if you don’t like union, then don’t be where unions are because we ain’t going anywhere. As much as you try to fight we ain’t going nowhere. We are not going anywhere.”

the necessary repairs or removal of their demolished buildings properties. If they have not done it then they need to give them six months’ notice for final notice, or by the end of 2023 that any properties that have not been cleared or rebuilt will be demolished by the government at the expense of the government and a lien will be put on their property and before they do anything with that property they will have to make arrangements to repay the government whichever way they can.”

flourish and increase its contribution to the national economy.

He said: “It would help our local economy tremendously if we deal with our infrastructure. In addition to having the waterworks situation improve let’s deal with the entirety of our infrastructure system, because the infrastructure that’s in place in Exuma was put in place for a population that Exuma has far exceeded all across the board infrastructurally.

“The infrastructure is being strained by the increase in usage in terms of the population, it’s a concern. And if we could address those, I think you’ll see Exuma really being a more developing economy contributing more to the national economy but these things need to be addressed.”

wallets. We always say to people, if you were reach in to your back pocket or your front pocket and pull out your wallet, you normally only carry one wallet.

“But if you check if you check all the providers, they have their own digital

•

•

currency as one wallet and they have another for the Sand Dollar and they have to transfer from their digital wallet to the Sand Dollar wallet, but with SunCash we have created a process for easy adoption, we’ve done it where it’s one wallet and essentially it’s basically a Sand Dollar driven wallet,

• Prepare and submit proper VAT filings as well as reports for upper management

• Posts Invoice disbursements and journal entry data into the accounts payable system for all services

• Reconcile vendor accounts by generating reports and cross-checking entries of banking transactions and prepayments

• Performs other ad hoc duties as required by the Supervisor and Department Head

which makes digital currency transfer a whole lot easier.”

Because SunCash has over 65,000 Sand Dollar users and over 1,500 businesses that use the SunCash wallet services, they have been first and foremost in leading the transformation of the adoption of the Sand Dollar and this new change in the wallet interface with the end user. “We’re leading the amount of transactions in Sand Dollar as a company and leading the volume of transactions in Sand Dollar, and also too the number of merchants that we have on because the key is to have on a large amount of merchants. There are number of merchants that are actually accepting this today where we have where you can go to the gas station, and which is gas in Sand Dollar right from the pump without coming out of your car has done that. That’s the first in the world. Nobody else has done that,” Mr Smith said.

There has been a “significant amount of resources”, dedicated to the Family Islands to ensure that businesses use the Sand Dollar more frequently while having access to the financial services they need.

While the Sand Dollar is currently undergoing upgrades, SunCash is there to help the Central Bank “refine” its system in the limited capacity that they

have been allowed to. “You have a version one and version two and version three. The first thing we want to say that’s changed is that in order for you to conduct a transaction under the old platform, it was in seven steps so now the goal is, we’ve decreased that seven steps to three steps,” Mr Smith assured.

While SunCash is not saying they are officially helping the Central Bank in making the changes to the Sand Dollar interface, Mr Smith said: “The work we have done so far and the amount of people we have onboarded makes our position undeniable on what customers want from the Sand Dollar app.” He added: “We’re the ones who have processed most of the Sand Dollar transactions, the majority of the Sand Dollar transactions that’s been processed in the system.

“The majority of the liquidity is out in the Sand Dollar, we’re the ones that have facilitated most of the liquidity and I think that that has happened primarily because our ability to adapt to the needs of the community for implementation and integration into the community.

“So, the same way we lead the customers in terms of our ability to create adoption strategies with just a regular digital platform, we’ve been able to transition that into adoption with the Sand Dollar and so we’ve been able to utilise and make suggestions and recommendations on changes for the interface to allow for a greater adoption for Sand Dollar.”

$5.60 $5.63 $5.70 $5.62

Union files dispute over Atlantis firing

• Case centres on dismissal of Royal Towers shop steward

• Labour Director says union 'did what they supposed to do'

• Chief blames recent issues on 'particular person' at resort

By FAY SIMMONS Tribune Business Reporter jsimmons@tribunemedia.net

A TRADE dispute has been filed over the dismissal of a chief shop steward by Atlantis, the director of Labour confirmed yesterday, who said that unions “did what they was supposed to do”.

Robert Farquharson said members of the Bahamas Hotel, Catering and Allied Workers Union (BHCAWU) filed a trade dispute with the Department of Labour last week over the dismissal of Princess Adderley, a chief shop steward at Atlantis Royal Towers.

He said: “Those persons would have come here to file a trade dispute, they followed under section 68 of the law, and they did what they

Digital payment provider ventures into ticket sales

A DIGITAL payment provider has launched a ticketing platform where customers will be able to purchase tickets directly from the web with assigned seating.

Dr Donovan Moxey, chief executive officer of MobileAssist, told Tribune Business his ticketing platform will not only make available resources for assigned seating but will also have QR codes built into their platform.

He said: “What this means is that when

somebody purchases a ticket, that QR code changes every few seconds and it’s tied back to a master database. This way, somebody can’t screenshot that ticket and then send it to their friend and their other friend and then they show up and they claim to have a ticket that’s accurate.

“So the way our system works is to utilise our ticket you have to have a data connection and then the QR code changes on that randomly.

“Our system now has the ability to read that and validate that ticket and allow them in. So this whole idea of having duplicate tickets goes away.”

This QR validation will “eliminate” duplicate ticketing where people come to an event and find out they are sharing a seat with someone who is not supposed to be there. The ticketing platform will also “totally eliminate” the need for paper ticketing or tracking.

The formal launch of MobileAssist’s ticketing platform is scheduled for September and they are in the process of onboarding early customers.

Dr Moxey said: “With the other ticketing providers, I’m not sure about all of their capabilities, I know for us security was big for us being able to have

was supposed to do. We have no say in it other than we are scheduling a consideration hearing for that.

“Under the normal procedures, they have filed a trade dispute and we are under the law following the process under Section 68, which is the normal process, which is they have a matter, the matter has been filed, and the process is going on as normal.”

Darrin Woods, BHCAWU president, said the union has requested an appeal from Atlantis yesterday. He said they are preparing their case and remain hopeful that the “truth will prevail”. He said: “We just wrote for an appeal with the hotel. I expect for the truth to prevail

SEE PAGE A22

‘Lawless’ Abaco as businesses operate without licences

By YOURI KEMP Tribune Business Reporter ykemp@tribunemedia.net

something that was easy to use.

“For instance, the ticket scanner that we have for our platform is built into the phone into the mobile app. Whereas you have other persons that have to have a special scanning device. We don’t require those. If you have a telephone, you download our app as our agent, then everything is scanned complete within the app platform.”

in WSC upgrades to help Exuma flourish

By FAY SIMMONS

THE Water and Sewerage Company (WSC) revealed it will be investing $9.1m in infrastructural upgrades for Exuma.

General manager Robert Deal revealed to Tribune Business that $9.1m has been earmarked for upgrades including providing piped water supply to Little Exuma and Barraterre for the first time, with a signing ceremony scheduled today.

He said: “Some eighty (80) plus projects totaling

some $200m have been identified through-out the length and breadth of The Bahamas.

“The corporation has recently awarded

contracts totaling $9.1m to two contractors to carry out extensive water transmission and distribution system extensions and improvements on

SunCash ‘leading the way’ as Sand Dollar heads for facelift

more

The Central Bank of The Bahamas announced the Sand Dollar mobile

mainland Exuma ahead of major road paving works.

“These works include the provision of piped water supply to all of Little Exuma and Barraterre for the first time and major improvement works in the Georgetown area. The formal contract signing ceremony is scheduled for Wednesday.”

Mr Deal said improvements to storage capacity and distribution systems on the cays have been completed and that the wastewater treatment plant will be updated to improve the collection

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wallet is undergoing a “facelift” in order to create a smoother interface and promote a better user experience, with a public release expected in September.

This facelift will include new features like selfservice tools for safe onboarding of users and secure wallet recovery.

Mr Smith said: “With the mobile app, what you have is the other providers essentially have two

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THE Abaco Chamber of Commerce president said “post-Dorian lawlessness” is a “serious problem” with regard to businesses operating without licences on the island.

Daphne DeGregoryMiaoulis, told Tribune Business a recent incident involving a brawl between a golf cart operator and tourist on Guana Cay didn’t need to take place if businesses on the island were regulated properly by the authorities.

Questioning whether those involved had proper licences, she said: “We business owners, small and medium-sized business owners that have to comply with all of the rules and regulations cannot compete with those who break the law and get away with it.

That’s a serious problem.”

The problem of unlicenced businesses are part and parcel of the “lawlessness” of post-hurricane Dorian recovery as unlicenced construction companies are very active in addition to landscape work and in “every process of business” in Abaco.

“The excuse is we need the help and we need the facilities and the services

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DR DONOVAN MOXEY

ATLANTIS RESORT