07182023 BUSINESS AND FEATURES

$5.71

‘FTX chief planned $256m sell-off behind our backs’

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

FTX’s Bahamian liquidators have accused their US adversary, aided by its local law firm, of going behind their backs in attempting to sell $256m worth of real estate domiciled in this jurisdiction.

Brian Simms KC, the Lennox Paton senior and PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) accounting duo, Kevin Cambridge and Peter Greaves, are alleging that John

BPL’s 71% cost hike branded ‘outrageous’

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

PRIVATE sector executives yesterday branded the 71 percent hike in Bahamas Power & Light’s (BPL) total energy costs as “outrageous” and “brutal”, with one saying: “I don’t know how businesses are surviving.”

Dionisio D’Aguilar, Superwash’s principal and a former Cabinet minister, told Tribune Business that the return of load shedding meant all businesses and households are paying huge sums for an inconsistent, poor quality electricity supply that frequently fries and burns out vital electrical equipment.

Describing BPL’s service as “dirty power”, because the voltage is “never quite right” and fluctuates frequently, he added that his laundromat chain is “always adjusting” prices to market conditions and

expenses and had already implemented an increase in response to soaring energy costs.

Ben Albury, the Bahamas Motor Dealers Association’s (BMDA) president, and Bahamas Bus and Truck general manager, told this newspaper that industries and businesses such as his were especially impacted by the extent of BPL’s skyrocketing bills because they are unable to pass at least some of

SEE PAGE B5

Ray and his team confessed to instructing their US-based financial advisers to sell the high-end Bahamian real estate acquired by the imploded crypto exchange “for cash” without first informing them. And the Supreme Courtappointed trio also asserted that Mr Ray’s advisers were aided in this effort by the FTX US chief’s Bahamian attorneys, Peter Maynard & Company, with such activities only “causing confusion” as to who has ultimate control of

valuable real estate assets - the FTX Digital Markets liquidators or the US chapter 11 proceedings before the Delaware Bankruptcy Court.

The Bahamian liquidators alleged, in legal papers filed with the Delaware court last week, that the actions of Mr Ray’s agents represented a violation of the January 6, 2023, co-operation agreement that had been hammered out with the FTX US chief during last year’s Christmas holiday.

$700m external loan goal ‘looking very favourable’

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

THE GOVERNMENT’S bid to raise almost one-third of its near-$2.2bn gross financing needs for the 2023-2024 fiscal year from external banks is “looking very favourable”, a senior official revealed yesterday.

Simon Wilson, the Ministry of Finance’s financial

secretary, told Tribune Business that talks to secure some $700m in external (foreign currency) debt financing from a number of unnamed banks were “very advanced” as the Government again seeks to avoid the high interest rates that will inevitably be demanded on any international bond issue.

The Davis administration’s 2023-2024 borrowing plan, released quietly on

SBF’s trading arm operated in Bahamas without licence

By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net

THE PRIVATE trading entity created by Sam Bankman-Fried, and alleged to have played a key role in FTX’s multibillion dollar implosion, was based and controlled in The Bahamas despite not being licensed to operate in this jurisdiction.

Brian Simms KC, the Lennox Paton partner, and PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) accounting duo, Kevin Cambridge and Peter Greaves, revealed that Alameda Research was effectively operating in this nation illegally out of offices it shared with FTX’s Bahamian subsidiary, FTX Digital Markets. Referring to their limited co-operation to-date with FTX US chief, John Ray, the trio wrote in

their latest report to the Supreme Court: “On February 15, 2023, as part of the co-operation agreement and upon the request of the Chapter 11 debtors, the joint provisional liquidators facilitated access to Alameda devices for imaging by representatives of the Chapter 11 debtors.

“Although not licensed to operate in the jurisdiction, Alameda operated from The Bahamas sharing the FTX Digital Markets offices. In addition to the device imaging, the joint provisional liquidators handed over paper files for Alameda stored in the FTX Digital Markets offices.”

Alameda Research, established by Mr Bankman-Fried, FTX’s founder, as a private investment/ trading firm focused on the digital assets industry, is said to have been central

Supply ‘challenges’ freeze ice supplies

By FAY SIMMONS Tribune Business Writer jsimmons@tribunemedia.net

FOOD stores and gas stations yesterday blamed supplier woes for ice shortages that impacted New Providence amid searing heat over the weekend.

Mr Maury, manager of Phoenix Supermarkets, told Tribune Business his store remains without ice due to “challenges” with

supply. “The ice houses are having challenges. The only people I see with ice now is some of the gas stations and Super Value,” he added.

“The machines at Chilly Willy and the machines at Polar Ice, they were having challenges. The last time we called them they said the machines down.” But the gas stations, I see a lot of gas stations have ice. Solomons, Super Value, I see

Kenneths have ice. Plenty places have ice.”

Mr Maury said he has experienced difficulties obtaining one-gallon bottles from suppliers as well due to a shortage in that commodity. He added: “Plenty people coming for ice, and then the problem is we can’t keep up with the water. The gallon water either, they cant keep up with.”

“Aquapure doesn’t have any bottles, [Chelsea’s] Choice doesn’t have any bottles, Echo doesn’t have any bottles. The gallon bottles, they don’t have none. They can keep up with the water but they can’t keep up with the bottles.”

Rodney, a manager at Rubis on Prince Charles Drive, also confirmed the location was out of ice due

Friday before a formal unveiling yesterday, is aiming to raise $995.9m or 45.3 percent of its total gross financing needs for the next fiscal year from external or foreign sources. Of that $995.9m, some $700m - representing 31.8 percent of the $2.199bn total - will come from commercial banks, with the remaining $295.9m provided by multilateral lenders such as the

to the crypto exchange’s November 2022 collapse. After a series of speculative and risky investments failed to pay off, and Alameda’s financiers and lenders demanded their funds back, FTX client monies were allegedly used to finance these repayments.

Meanwhile, the Bahamian liquidation trio have demanded “the games have to stop” as they seek the Delaware Bankruptcy Court’s approval to have all 134 FTX entities under Mr Ray’s control in Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection named as defendants in their counterclaim to his original lawsuit that sought to deny them access to

Inter-American Development Bank (IDB).

To secure lower interest costs than prevailing market rates on the commercial bank loans, the borrowing plan signalled the Government is “pursuing” guarantees from the IDB and other multilateral institutions to help underwrite this financing.

any assets caught up in the crypto exchange’s multi-billion dollar collapse.

“From the onset of these cases, the FTX Digital Markets defendants have sought to expeditiously advance

BRIAN SIMMS KC

JOHN RAY

SAM BANKMAN-FRIED

CENTRAL BANK ‘AGREES’ ON $232M IMF SDR ROLL-OVER

THE Central Bank has “agreed to roll over” the $232.3m IMF special drawing rights (SDR) financing it provided to the Government as part of the latter’s 2023-2024 borrowing plan, it was revealed yesterday.

Simon Wilson, the Ministry of Finance’s financial secretary, confirmed to Tribune Business that the banking regulator had agreed to extend the “loan” beyond year-end 2023 when it was due to be repaid in part or fully.

Speaking after the Government unveiled its 2023-2024 annual borrowing plan, he described efforts to improve transparency around The Bahamas’ fiscal performance, strategies and outlook as “a really big deal” that will result in

lower debt and borrowing costs in future years.

Besides engaging a thirdparty contractor to develop an investor relations website for The Bahamas, the borrowing plan also pledged “to promote transparency and predictability” in government debt operations through the publication of bond issuance dates and auction details in advance.

“It’s making information more readily available for investors, which in turn lowers [debt] costs,” Mr Wilson explained. “As investors get more information on a country, they tend to price that country as less risky..... It’s a big deal. I think these are all small building blocks, but I think in a couple of years this will be a big deal; a really bug deal.”

While unable to recall the name of the contractor developing the investor

relations website, he added: “I think that will be ready to be launched in the next couple of weeks. I know it’s a firm that has done sites for a couple of municipalities in the US and a couple of international clients.”

The borrowing plan said: “To promote transparency and predictability of these operations, the Central Bank, as fiscal agent for the Government, will publish 15 days before the beginning of each quarter the bond issuance schedule on its website, detailing indicative volumes and tenor of issues and corresponding dates of the upcoming offerings.

“Operational transparency will also be enhanced by publication of auction details (minimum, maximum, and average prices) immediately after finalising the auction decision. This will include the release of summary details on the

BPL bills 'like a mortgage'

By YOURI KEMP Tribune Business Reporter ykemp@tribunemedia.net

THE BAHAMAS Society of Engineers (BSE) president yesterday described Bahamas Power & Light (BPL) bills as being “almost like a mortgage now” as households and the private sector struggle to cope with the increased expense.

Quentin Knowles told Tribune Business that, when it came to soaring BPL bills,

from a “personal perspective, it’s hard. It’s almost like a second mortgage". He recalled that in recent years, between mid-2020 and October 2022, BPL customers were enjoying “good rates” and it is “unfortunate” this is no longer the case. He added: “It is painful. I have to be honest, it is painful, and I only can imagine the people who are struggling and small businesses because this is another major expense that they have to deal with.”

Acknowledging that it has been “hard for businesses to catch their breath" postCOVID, Mr Knowles voiced hope that there will eventually be a “settling down” at BPL over the next two years once through this summer. Rejecting renewable energy as too expensive and a “high capital investment”, he added: “Outside of the high bills, we just have to cut costs and often times it

means letting go of people. If the cost of electricity is through the roof, then you have to make a business decision.”

Andrew Wilson, the Quality Business Centre (QBC) and Fashion on Broadway principal, said: “I’m also looking at the opportunity of selling solar systems.” He conceded, though, that “there is nothing anyone can really do anything about" the current situation as BPL's challenges have “been with the country for some time now", and added: “I don’t know if it’s a problem that can be fixed in the short term.”

Christopher Lleida, Premier Importers' chief executive, said: “The bills are definitely higher. I’m not disputing that. When I see payments go through, it used to be $6,000 and now it’s $8,000, a 33 percent increase, but that’s the cost of doing business here.” He

various investor categories purchasing government securities so as to enhance awareness of the breadth of the market appetite across the various maturity buckets.”

As for the new website, the borrowing plan added: “The Government will work together with market players and investors to better understand domestic market development practices and design approaches that will promote efficiency and transparency in these operations, and simultaneously obtain feedback for improving the design of the medium term debt management strategy.

“To enhance these activities, the Ministry of Finance has engaged a leading cloud-based investor relations and debt management platform to develop an investor relations website for The Bahamas. The goal is to create a

well-organised, easy to navigate site that contains all fiscal and financial reporting of the Government as well as any other important macroeconomic data and external reports that will help investors make informed investment decisions.

“The website will also facilitate the production and distribution of virtual roadshows and provide a point of contact for visitors to submit questions/ requests.” Pointing to further reforms, the borrowing plan added: “The introduction of competitive bidding for bonds in October will provide for more efficient pricing of these securities.

“The launch of the Government’s savings bond during the second quarter of fiscal year 2023-2024 will aid in broadening the participation of small investors. Although the Government has loan maturities of

$135m in fiscal year 20232024, the borrowing plan makes no provision for raising new Bahamian dollar loans, instead focusing on incrementing the issuance of bonds and Treasury bills.

“Of the total $2.068bn in maturing obligations, $802.2m (38.8 percent) represents domestic bond redemptions which the Government intends to refinance with new issuances. Based on the persistence of strong excess liquidity conditions, the borrowing plan also anticipates securing an additional $120m in domestic bonds for a total issuance of $922.2m....

“The Government also plans to increase the level of outstanding Treasury Bills by a net of $45m and utilise Treasury Bill issuances intra-year to smooth out short-term cash flow requirements.”

believes there is very little that can be done short-term because BPL is “just eating up profits".

As for the possibility of employing solar and other renewable energy forms, Mr Lleida said: “We have large

spaces where we can implement solar, and we can easily install the systems. But the whole advantage would be to connect it to the grid. Because there is no leadership at BPL, I don’t think the management or the

political leadership at BPL quite grasp the fact that BPL is an energy tax because we have the means to generate electricity in the country by solar."

BAHAMAS POWER & LIGHT (BPL)

FURTHER $2M INVESTED TO COMBAT POT HOLES

By YOURI KEMP Tribune Business Reporter ykemp@tribunemedia.net

THE MINISTRY of Works yesterday said it is investing a further $2m to combat pot holes plaguing New Providence’s road network after recent heavy rainfall merely worsened the hazards facing motorists.

Francis Clarke, the ministry’s senior engineer, said flooding had cause

increased road erosion that will require more extensive paving than just patching a few pot holes every week. The latest works, which started on July 8, aim to “eliminate the current road defects and backlog”.

“The contracts for all 12 zones of New Providence have been renewed and have already started road repair works. The main focus at the moment is the arterial and collector roads and residential areas that are most affected,” he added.

Each of the 12 zones will be allocated $102,000, with the balance being spent on materials, renting specialised equipment and asphalt. This sum may increase as the need arises, said Bahiyyah Hepburn, a Ministry of Works engineer.

Mr Clarke added: “Even though we have already affected road repairs in certain areas, we plan to resurface intersections such as East Street and Balfour Avenue; East Street and Cordeaux Avenue; Carmichael Road and Musical

Avenue; and the segment of Windsor Field Road by Charlottesville.”

The Ministry of Works has also begun using its Artificial Intelligence (AI) app, Vaisala RoadAI, to help map areas where potholes are located and where they are most likely to occur.

Despite the assistance of AI, mapping the zones and sending work crews out to undertake road works is still a challenge, Ms Hepburn said: “So, at the moment, there’s a road

management system and it goes between both electronically and manually,” she said. “We have the individual assistant engineers who are managing that area, and what happens is the contractors as they go out, they go and they actually log out where each of those locations are.

“Some of the locations that we already have are already in the complaint itself. Some of them are also scoped with regards to inspectors and assistant engineers. So there tends to

be an overlap of information coming in.

“Right now, even though I know that I have about 200 plus locations, the volume of what has come in is much more than that, and so what ends up happening is that as those places are noted. We say this is within the sector of this or this zone, and kick it out to the contractor who does it.”

$700m external loan goal ‘looking very favourable’

“External loan financing includes opportunities for new international financial institution-related policy loans estimated at $210m, which will help to mitigate the risk in the debt portfolio through their typically longer maturity structures and comparatively lower financing costs relative to commercial borrowings,” the plan said of credit provided by the likes of the IDB and Caribbean Development Bank (CDB).

“The Government also intends to pursue policy-linked partial-credit guarantees that will help to secure commercial loan facilities in larger quantum and at a reduced cost. The Government is in active discussions with international financial instiututions and commercial banks regarding these transactions.”

Asked how the discussions were progressing, Mr Wilson told this newspaper: “Those discussions are very advanced and looking very favourable.” He confirmed that these loans would be structured in a similar way to The Bahamas’ $385m foreign currency bond issue last year, which saw some

$200m of the principal underwritten or guaranteed by the IDB in return for so-called ‘blue economy’ reforms.

This produced a combined interest rate, or debt servicing cost, that was lower than prevailing market conditions. While several sources, speaking on condition of anonymity, said it was not a given that The Bahamas will obtain the guarantees it is seeking, given the reforms, terms and conditions demanded by the likes of the IDB, Mr Wilson disclosed that the Government was hoping to successfully conclude talks “by the end of summer’.

“It’s not a slam dunk per se,” he added, “and it’s not an easy process, but we think the process offers significant benefits in terms of longer tenor (maturity) and lower cost of debt,” the financial secretary added.

Prime Minister Philip Davis KC, in unveiling the 20232024 Budget, had revealed The Bahamas was exploring a “debt-for-nature swap” with the IDB that could result in at portion of its $11.4bn national debt being forgiven.

Explaining that the move was part of wider

CORRECTION

Tribune Business, on Friday, July 14, incorrectly reported that the new American Airlines route from Miami to Governor’s Harbour, Eleuthera, would make it the only US carrier offering non-stop flights into that specific destination. Silver Airways also operates a non-stop service to Governor’s Harbour from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL), currently running on Saturday. We apologise for the error.

Join Partanna as our Business Development and Marketing Director

Are you passionate about sustainability and making a positive impact on the environment?

Partanna, a leading Bahamian producer of carbon-negative building materials, is seeking a talented and driven individual to join our team as the Business Development and Marketing Director. This is an incredible opportunity to contribute to our mission of revolutionizing the construction industry with eco-friendly solutions.

Job Requirements:

• A minimum of 8 years of experience in public relations, marketing, or business development.

• Fluent in both English and Spanish, with exceptional communication skills in both languages.

• Possess a BA degree in Business, Marketing, or a related feld.

• A deep understanding of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) issues and sustainable development practices.

• Proven experience in establishing commercial arrangements and partnerships at an international level.

• Will be required to travel regularly to Central and South America for business development purposes.

To apply for the position of Business Development and Marketing Director at Partanna, please submit your resume, cover letter, and any relevant work samples to info@partanna.com

discussions with the multilateral lender on “two policy-based guarantees” designed to give The Bahamas access to financing at lower-cost interest rates, he added: “The Government is presently seeking IDB Board approval for two policy-based guarantee instruments, which will allow access to market financing at even more favourable rates.

“These guarantees will support the Government’s debt management operations during the upcoming 2023-2024 fiscal year, which also contemplates a debt-for-nature swap. A debt-for-nature swap is an arrangement whereby a developing nation can have a portion of foreign debt forgiven, typically in exchange for committing to specific conservation measures....

“A key component of the Government’s fiscal strategy is to use access to the Caribbean Development Bank and IDB financing to lower our overall funding cost by leveraging the institutions’ AAA credit rating. Reduced borrowing costs and improved debt tenor are tools which should improve the overall debt profile of the nation.”

Mr Wilson, confirming that this is what the borrowing plan refers to, also shrugged off concerns from Moody’s, the international credit rating agency, that refinancing the $2.067bn of existing debt is The Bahamas’ greatest short-term fiscal challenge, saying he was “highly confident,

highly confident” this will be accomplished.

“Our job is to execute,” he added. “We have ‘plan A’, we have ‘plan B’. If you look at the revenue performance to-date, the recovery in the economy, it’s quite clear this is not out only option.” Moody’s, in its assessment of The Bahamas, said: “”Interest payments are projected to grow over the coming years and will be higher than expected.

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

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

Just $131m of the near$2.2bn is new new debt, representing the projected fiscal deficit for 2023-2024 that must be covered by new borrowings. “Based on Parliamentary authorisation, the Government’s gross financing needs for

fiscal year 2023-2024 are forecast at $2.199bn, comprising $131.1m (6 percent of the total) in new borrowings/loan drawings to cover the Budget deficit and targeting debt refinancing requirements at $2.068bn (94 percent of the total),” the plan said.

“Approximately $967.3m (44.4 percent) of the gross borrowing needs will be sourced in Bahamian Dollars; another $235.5m in foreign currency domestic debt which represents a roll-over of the promissory note arrangement with the Central Bank of The Bahamas for the fiscal year 2022-2023 SDR borrowings; and the balance of $995.9m (45.3 percent)

in foreign currency from external sources.

“However, the execution strategy will continue to monitor market conditions, with the possibility of adjustments so as to achieve the Government’s borrowing needs at the lowest cost within acceptable levels of risk.” With elevated global interest rates effectively barring the international bond markets to The Bahamas, the Government plans to source the bulk of its financing need domestically.

Outstanding Bahamian dollar domestic bonds will increase by a net $120m during this fiscal year, with Treasury Bills also increasing by a net $45m.

SIMON WILSON

SBF’s trading arm operated in Bahamas without licence

Markets defendants have sought to expeditiously advance FTX Digital Markets’ provisional liquidation for the benefit of their tens of thousands of claimants in their proceeding,” the Bahamian liquidators asserted. “They have, however, been forced into a game of whack-a-mole with the counterclaim defendants.

“For instance, when the FTX Digital Markets defendants attempted to enforce the counterclaim defendants’ promise to turn over FTX Digital Markets’ own information in the counterclaim defendants’ possession, that promise disappeared.

“When the FTX Digital Markets defendants attempted to exercise their bargained-for right to initiate a liquidation proceeding for [FTX Property

Holdings] to enable the sale of hundreds of millions of dollars of real estate in The Bahamas, the counterclaim defendants proclaimed the exercise of that bargained-for right was an automatic stay violation and instructed their own advisors to sell certain of the properties themselves,” the trio further argued of Mr Ray and his team.

“When the FTX Digital Markets defendants attempted to jointly tee up a legal process to determine account holders’ rights as between the FTX Digital Markets and counterclaim defendants’ estates, the plaintiffs filed this adversary proceeding. The games have to stop.”

Explaining the rationale for naming all 134 FTX entities in Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection as defendants, the Bahamian liquidators alleged: “The FTX Digital Markets

defendants have brought these counterclaims to remediate the counterclaim defendants’ seriatim, material breaches of the cooperation agreement fully and finally.

“In order to effectuate complete relief, all parties to the co-operation agreement must be joined as parties to the counterclaims - not just the hand-picked set of entities the counterclaim defendants selected as parties to this adversary proceeding.....

“The additional counterclaim defendants must also be joined to the counterclaims because the FTX Digital Markets defendants cannot be afforded complete relief without them.

As described more fully in the counterclaims, the counterclaim defendants have collectively breached the co-operation agreement primarily through counsel, financial advisors and/or Mr

SUPPLY ‘CHALLENGES’ FREEZE ICE SUPPLIES

FROM PAGE B1

increasingly inquiring about the item.

He said: “We get [ice] from Chilly Willy and they have a problem with their machines [for] a lil’ while now. Maybe about two to three weeks. People are calling and coming; no ice, no ice. They have to try to get that corrected.”

Debra Symonette, president and chief financial officer at Super Value, said that although they had some “problems” obtaining ice recently the suppliers have fixed their machines and

they now have the product back in stock. She said: “We did have some problems before but everything should be back to normal. I know the suppliers said their machines are back up. They told us their machines are back up so we should be able to get ice now.”

Mr Rolle, manager at a local bar, said there was no ice over the weekend because he did not receive his regular shipment. He added that he is unaware of any issues, but customers have been complaining about difficulties obtaining ice recently.

INVESCO SERVICES (BAHAMAS) PRIVATE LIMITED

NOTICE is hereby given as follows:

(a) Invesco Services (Bahamas) Private Limited is in Voluntary Dissolution under the provisions of Section 138(4) of the International Business Companies Act 2000.

(b) Te Dissolution of the said Company commenced when the Articles of Dissolution were submitted to and registered by the Registrar General of the Commonwealth of Te Bahamas.

(c) Te Liquidator of the said Company is Anne Gerry of Invesco Ltd., in the City of Atlanta in the State of Georgia one of the United States of America.

Dated 17th July, 2023

Anne Gerry Liquidator

He said: “We’ve been completely out all weekend. Some people have been coming in looking for ice for their drinks but we don’t have it. I don’t know what’s going on, but I do know that we usually get ice from Chilly Willy and they haven’t come. But people have been saying they haven’t been able to find ice in a lot of places.” Attempts were made to contact both Chilly Willy and Polar Ice for comment, but Tribune Business was unable to reach them up to press time.

Ray acting on behalf of the counterclaim defendants as a consortium,” the trio continued.

“Such breaches included, among other things, interfering with the FTX Digital Markets’ defendants’ efforts to regain control of bank accounts in their name located in the US, withholding FTX Digital Markets’ data from the joint provisional liquidators, trying to seize the Tether Funds, obstructing the proper administration of FTX Property Holdings, and refusing to co-operate with the joint provisional liquidators on restarting the international platform.

“Further, judicial economy weighs in favour of joining the additional counterclaim defendants. If the additional counterclaim defendants are not joined to the counterclaims and it is later revealed that some (if not all) of them participated

NOTICE

International Business Companies Act (No. 45 of 2000)

KENWOOD INTERNATIONAL INC.

Registration Number: 1888 B

Pursuant to the provisions of Section 138 (8) of the International Business Companies Act, 2000 notice is hereby given that KENWOOD INTERNATIONAL INC., has been dissolved and has been struck off the Register of Companies with effect from the 13th day of March, 2023.

GSO Corporate Services Ltd. Liquidator

DrakeDirect Limited

Pursuant to the Provisions of Section 138 (8) of the International Business Companies Act 2000 notice is hereby given that the abovenamed Company has been dissolved and struck off the Register pursuant to a Certifcate of Dissolution issued by the Registrar General on the 16th day of June, 2023.

Jonell Rolle Liquidator of DrakeDirect Limited

NOTICE

KP INVESTMENT ADVISORS LTD.

NOTICE is hereby given that in accordance with the relevant provisions of the International Business Companies Act, 2000, KP INVESTMENTS ADVISORS LTD. has been dissolved and struck of the Register according to the Certifcate of Dissolution issued by the Registrar General on the 8th day of June, A.D., 2023.

Dated the 17th day of July, A.D., 2023.

Beatus Limited Liquidator

in the breaches, their absence would, at best, delay the proceedings or, at worst, deprive the FTX Digital Markets defendants of complete relief.”

Mr Simms and the PwC duo are alleging that Mr Ray and his team have breached the two sides’ co-operation by interfering with their recovery of some $45m in stablecoins despite previously agreeing the Bahamian liquidators should take possession of these assets. The stablecoins, held presently by Tether, represent a potentially key funding source for the FTX Digital Markets liquidation as their value is backed one:one by fiat currency. However, the local trio alleged: “Despite the clear terms of the cooperation agreement, not even a month had passed before the counterclaim

defendants made claim to the Tether funds.

“The counterclaim defendants have also recently conceded that they have made efforts to secure the Tether funds for themselves. Due to the conflicting estates’ claims to the Tether funds, and although the joint provisional liquidators have asked representatives at Tether to release them, Tether has not released the Tether funds to the joint provisional liquidators to-date.

“By asserting ownership over the Tether funds, the counterclaim defendants have interfered with the joint provisional liquidators’ execution of their court-mandated duties as the provisional liquidators of FTX Digital Markets’ estate and have breached the co-operation agreement.”

NOTICE

Acapulco Group Ltd

In Voluntary Liquidation

Notice is hereby given that in accordance with Section 138(4) of the International Business Companies Act. 2000, Acapulco Group Ltd is in dissolution as of July 13, 2023

International Liquidator Services Ltd. situated at 3rd Floor Whitfeld Tower, 4792 Coney Drive, Belize City, Belize is the Liquidator.

NOTICE

HOPE PORTFOLIO INC

In Voluntary Liquidation

Notice is hereby given that in accordance with Section 138(4) of the International Business Companies Act. 2000, HOPE PORTFOLIO INC. is in dissolution as of July 14, 2023

International Liquidator Services Ltd. situated at 3rd Floor Whitfeld Tower, 4792 Coney Drive, Belize City, Belize is the Liquidator.

BPL’s 71% cost hike branded ‘outrageous’

the burden on to consumers due to being price controlled.

Describing the fall-out as “brutal” for his and other companies, he added that BPL’s all-in light bill is “probably the biggest salary in the business right now” and said: “The hits just keep on coming. It’s definitely going to sap and stagnate some of the recovery we were enjoying coming out of COVID.”

Research by Tribune Business shows that, while global oil prices have fallen by around 37.27 percent compared to the $116.80 per barrel they fetched exactly 12 months ago, BPL’s fuel charge and overall bills have been going in the opposite direction despite crude last night costing $74.43 on the West Texas Intermediate (WTI) index and $78.74 on Brent Crude.

BPL’s fuel and overall costs would usually move the same way as global oil prices after a time lag created by when it purchases its supplies. The fact they are not, and Bahamian businesses and households are paying more than the market cost of oil in their fuel charges, reflects the ‘glide path’ strategy initiated to recover at least $90m in unpaid fuel costs that were incurred because the Government failed to execute purchases of lowcost oil to underpin BPL’s hedging strategy.

Mr D’Aguilar yesterday told Tribune Business his total electricity rate had gone from 24 cents per kilowatt hour (kWh) in October 2022, when the ‘glide path’ was enacted, to 41 cents per kWh today - an increase of just under 71 percent in around nine-ten months.

“It’s outrageous,” he blasted. “It’s up 71 percent. I don’t know how businesses are coping. It’s just that, on top of that, you’ve got an intermittent power supply and, while we may have back-up generators, you have to service them

and maintain them. And if there’s constant power outages - on, off, on, off - it’s doing untold damage to the electronics in your business.

“You have to go out and buy UPS to provide sufficient power between when the light goes off and the generators kick-in... those 13 seconds. You have a lot of wear and tear on your generators. You’re paying 71 percent more for power and getting an intermittent power supply that is doing untold damage to electronics in your business.”

Noting that enhanced technology means that Superwash is increasingly reliant on electronics, such as computer boards, to run its washers and dryers, Mr D’Aguilar said the present woes inflicted by BPL were being worsened by grid instability.

“The power in The Bahamas is not called clean power; it’s called dirty power,” he argued. “It’s never quite the right voltage. It drops some times and when you have brown outs. The power is just not clean and consistent. It comes on sometimes, then doesn’t come on at the right voltage, and burns out your equipment.

“Every business, everybody is just suffering with this. BPL is operating less than optimally and charging the most expensive rates ever. Here we go again with load shedding and the like, and they’ve gone up 71 percent.” Mr D’Aguilar said the increase is costing Superwash “tens of thousands of dollars”, but added: “Luckily for me BPL is not my greatest expense. Propane is my greatest expense.

“I cannot imagine how businesses are coping. A 71 percent increase is a massive increase in your power costs over a nine-ten month period. Wearing my political hat, does this have something to do with the hedge that was cancelled? You and I know what happened.”

While BPL’s hedging strategy was never

cancelled, the surge in electricity bills - driven by a 163 percent fuel charge increase compared to October 2022has resulted from the Davis administration’s decision not to execute trades in September and December 2021 - shortly after taking office - that would have secured more cut price oil for BPL. With fuel hedging, utilities such as BPL typically do not lock-in a price that secures 100 percent of their needs. This is done to minimise risk, cost and exposure in case they find themselves on the wrong side of an unexpected oil price move. As an example, they may hedge 80 percent of their fuel needs for the first year, 50 percent in the second and 30 percent in the third.

The Davis administration, faced with a cash-strapped Treasury and a $200m-plus BPL loan coming due in February 2022, elected not to execute the trades that would have secured the extra cut-price oil volumes necessary to cover 100 percent of BPL’s fuel needs.

However, they also held BPL’s fuel charge at the original 10.5 cents per kWh for a further 12 months until October 2022 even though - without the extra hedged volumes - the actual cost was considerably more. The Government effectively subsidised BPL to ensure this price could be maintained - something that the regulations accompanying the Electricity Act prevent it from doing, as fuel costs are supposed to be 100 percent passed through to the consumer.

Now the Government and, by extension, BPL’s fuel supplier, Shell, need to reclaim the under-recovered fuel costs, and this is what has caused the electricity monopoly’s bills to spike well in excess of market costs. Several sources have urged the Davis administration and BPL to break down the fuel charge into how much is being allocated to this recovery, and the

amount going towards purchasing current supplies.

Regardless, Mr D’Aguilar said of the impact: “It’s huge. Power is a considerable component of every single business, and businesses are having to respond to quite substantial increases in power by increasing prices and, when you increase prices, you make it much more difficult for customers to purchase what you are selling.

“What a lot of businesses are doing is just absorbing it. We’ve had to increase our prices. In my business, it’s number of spins multiplied by the rate that equals revenue. If you compare the number of spins to 2019, we’re just about back to 2109 in terms of spins, but we’re not having more revenue because of increased spins.

“A lot of the revenue increase is not because we have got more customers, but because we are charging more money because expenses have gone up. It’s painful, very painful. I’m sure a lot of people will not be paying their BPL bills because they cannot afford it.”

Describing the BPL hikes as “brutal”, Bahamas Bus & Truck’s Mr Albury said it would further worsen the cost of living crisis by adding to the general inflation and expense increases seen after the COVID-19 pandemic. Soaring electricity costs will also slash

disposable income and impose further pressure on already-squeezed household incomes, potentially slashing consumer demand.

Pointing to the forthcoming National Insurance Board (NIB) rate increase next July, the BMDA president said of the higher power bills: “It’s definitely going to sap and stagnate some of the growth and recovery coming out of COVID and dealing with all those supply chain issues. It’s another hurdle that’s definitely making things a lot more challenging.

“It’s a lot of money. It’s probably the biggest salary in the business right now. It’s definitely not a good thing. The hits just keep coming. We’re price controlled on parts and vehicles so there’s no way we can pass these additional costs on to consumers. At the end of the day, it has to come off the bottom line.

“I’m kind of used to it. There’s a lot of challenges living here, and it’s difficult to do business to begin with. It’s definitely frustrating. It feels like when you take a step forward, there’s always something.” Mr Albury, though, voiced optimism that the 25 percent yearto-date increase in sales enjoyed by his business will help offset BPL’s impact, while noting that efforts to incorporate renewable energy into his business will take time to bear fruit.

Besides increasing revenue, businesses can always seek to cut costs to maintain margins, and that could result in redundancies and lay-offs for some. Companies will also likely reduce operating hours, with the Government hoping the advance warning it gave, and the fact BPL’s fuel charge will star to reduce post-September/October, will ensure the economic impact is not long-lasting.

The latest Fiscal Strategy Report revealed the extent of BPL’s financial woes and the need for government support. “The recent disclosure of approximately $150m of payment arrears of Bahamas Power & Light (BPL) represents a significant unbudgeted liability of the Government,” it said. “To ensure continued provision of essential electrical services to the public, the Government has committed to ensuring payment of this liability by the corporation.”

Alfred Sears KC, minister for public works and utilities, who has responsibility for BPL, last October informed the House of Assembly that the utility’s debt to Shell was around $90m as he unveiled plans to pay it off in a series of $10m monthly installments through to June 2023. The $90m potentially accounts for the bulk of the $150m arrears identified in the Fiscal Strategy Report.

‘FTX chief planned $256m sell-off behind our backs’

This stipulated that the local trio would take the lead in selling-off Bahamian real estate to recover valuable assets on behalf of FTX creditors, with both sides agreeing on the process to be used.

However, Mr Simms and his colleagues are alleging that Mr Ray, who controls the 134 FTX entities in Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in Delaware, reneged on this agreement by “threatening” that the bid to liquidate the Bahamian real estate would violate the worldwide asset freeze automatically imposed by the US court proceedings.

The Bahamian trio, in their counterclaim to Mr Ray’s late March 2023 lawsuit that seeks to deny them access to any assets caught in the crypto exchange’s multi-billion dollar collapse, then complained that their efforts to find an alternative solution for FTX’s local property assets proved fruitless prior to being informed of Mr Ray’s alleged attempt to seize control.

“On April 28, 2023, the joint provisional liquidators heard from property managers that individuals from the counterclaim defendants’ local Bahamian counsel and counterclaim defendants’ financial advisor, Alvarez & Marsal North America (A&M), were attempting to access

the [FTX] properties and otherwise causing confusion regarding the control of such properties in contravention of the co-operation agreement,” Mr Simms and the PwC duo alleged.

“When the joint provisional liquidators confronted the counterclaim defendants about these actions, the counterclaim defendants informed the joint provisional liquidators that they instructed A&M to sell the properties for cash. The counterclaim defendants did not seek the joint provisional liquidators’ consent before taking the lead on a sale process as they are required to do under the co-operation agreement.

“The joint provisional liquidators did not, and do not, agree to the counterclaim defendants commencing any sale process without the joint provisional liquidators’ consent.......Consistent with the co-operation agreement, the joint provisional liquidators have been acting in good faith to maintain, preserve and protect the properties. They have done so at considerable expense to FTX Digital Markets’ estate including, but not limited to, the payment of security, cleaning and utility costs in connection with the properties.”

Peter Maynard & Company did not reply to Tribune Business requests for comment before press time last night despite

NOTICE is hereby given that THELUS HAMILTON, of Carmichael Road, 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 11th day of July 2023 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, New Providence, The Bahamas.

Jason Maynard, one of its attorneys and partners, confirming this newspaper’s e-mailed inquiry had been received and that he would “discuss and get back to you shortly”.

The accusations concerning FTX’s $256m Bahamian real estate assets, a not-insignificant source of recovery for the crypto exchange’s creditors and investors, represent the latest front in the jurisdictional battle for control of the liquidation’s fate between this nation and Delaware.

Mr Simms and the PwC duo, in responding to Mr Ray’s assertions that FTX Digital Markets, the Bahamian subsidiary, was an “economic and legal nullity” that served merely as an “offshore front” to enable Sam Bankman-Fried and his closest associates to channel proceeds from their purported fraud away from US regulatory oversight, have launched their own legal counterclaim seeking multiple grounds of relief from the Delaware Bankruptcy Court (see article on Page 1B).

Besides seeking an order that he has breached their co-operation agreement, the Bahamian liquidators also want that court to affirm that Mr Ray and his team have breached the Chapter 15 recognition and asset freeze previously granted to FTX Digital Markets and themselves so that their asset recovery

efforts in the US had legal standing. They are also demanding an unspecified sum in damages.

The Bahamian liquidators are also accusing Mr Ray and his team of “interfering” over the US Justice Department seizure of some $151m of FTX Digital Markets assets that were held in US-based bank accounts. This, they assert, has left them “deprived of crucial assets needed to properly administer the FTX Digital Markets estate in an amount no less than $151m.”

Warning that their inability to access these funds has left them unable to secure, and preserve, “hundreds of millions of dollars” of assets in FTX Digital Markets’ name, Mr Simms and his colleagues are alleging that critical sources of recovery for investors and creditors continue to rapidly lose value.

The seized assets include $50m at Moonstone Bank, plus deposits of $6m and 87m euros with Silvergate Bank. “The joint provisional liquidators have been actively seeking the release of the frozen and seized Moonstone account and Silvergate accounts from the US government. But, upon information and belief, the counterclaim defendants have deliberately interfered with these post-seizure efforts,” Mr Simms and his colleagues alleged.

“For example, on April 12, 2023, at a hearing before

NOTICE

NOTICE is hereby given that CHRISTINA ROWE of #3 Allen Drive, Carmichael Road, New Providence, Bahamas, is applying to the Minister responsible for Nationality and Citizenship, for registration/ naturalization as a citizen of The Bahamas, and that any person who knows any reason why registration/naturalization should not be granted, should send a written and signed statement of the facts within twenty-eight days from the 18th day of July, 2023 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, Bahamas.

this court, counsel for the counterclaim defendants conceded that they have been ‘working in parallel’ with the US government to ‘secure’ funds belonging to FTX Digital Markets....

The counterclaim defendants have also continued to assert rights to FTX Digital Markets’ assets in the Moonstone and Silvergate accounts.....

“Without access to liquid funds, the FTX Digital Markets defendants cannot preserve assets in FTX Digital Markets name, which are worth hundreds of millions of dollars. These assets are consequentially being wasted, lost, and depreciated by multi-millions of dollars over time.” In other words, the Bahamian liquidators’ work will come to a screeching halt and FTX’s investors/creditors will lose out in recovering their assets.

The Bahamian liquidators have also renewed their concerns over Mr Ray’s continued failure to hand over all FTX Digital Markets’ cloud-stored books and records, including employee communications.

“Most recently, the counterclaim defendants have

demanded that the FTX

Digital defendants again submit a request for their own information with the promise that, once received, the counterclaim defendants would make the information immediately available,” they asserted.

“Despite the fact that this agreement was the counterclaim defendants’ clear attempt to limit the FTX Digital Markets’ defendants’ use of their own data, the FTX Digital Markets’ defendants acquiesced in an effort to put these gating issues to rest. But even after the FTX Digital Markets defendants served the agreed-upon document requests, the counterclaim defendants have still not agreed to give the joint provisional liquidators FTX Digital Markets’ own data.

“The counterclaim defendants’ actions have deprived the FTX Digital Markets defendants of crucial information needed to properly administer the FTX Digital Markets estate, causing the FTX Digital Markets defendants to incur unnecessary costs and attorneys’ fees.”

PUBLIC NOTICE

INTENT TO CHANGE NAME BY DEED POLL

The Public is hereby advised that I, AUDLEY SHERMAN WARD of George Town, Exuma, The Bahamas intend to change my name to AUDLY SHERMAN BAIN. If there are any objections to this change of name by Deed Poll, you may submit such objections to the Chief Passport Offcer, P. O. Box N-742, New Providence, The Bahamas no later than Thirty (30) days after the date of the publication of this notice.

NOTICE

NOTICE is hereby given that BRADLEY STEVEN AVILUS of 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 11th day of July, 2023 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, Bahamas.

NOTICE

NOTICE is hereby given that WALSON VALMY of #11 Ponce De Leon Drive, Freeport, 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 18th day of July, 2023 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, Bahamas.

NOTICE

NOTICE is hereby given that SELENA JEAN-BAPTISTE of Yamacraw Hill, 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 11th day of July, 2023 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, Bahamas.

NOTICE

NOTICE is hereby given that SYDLEANE JOSEPH of Marsh Harbour, 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 18th day of July, 2023 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, Bahamas.

Family of late Andrea Darville help raise $30,000 to fight colon cancer in the Bahamas

By JEFFARAH GIBSON Tribune Features Writer jgibson@tribunemedia.net

The family of the late Andrea Darville is keeping her vision alive by continuing the fight against colon cancer in the Bahamas.

Led by Andrea’s sister, Emily Darville, the Get Your Rear In Gear – Bahamas 5k fun run/walk committee recently made a donation of $30,000 to the Cancer Society of the Bahamas.

For the past two years, Get Your Rear in Gear has been raising funds to assist colon cancer patients.

This fundraiser, which is held during Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month in March, was the dream of Andrea, who courageously battled colon cancer for a year before her death at age 31 on April 2, 2022.

Her sister Emily recently made a presentation to the Cancer Society.

“In her honour, I continued where she started, and I’m proud to say that we are here today to present a cheque in the amount of $30,000 to the Cancer Society of the Bahamas in our joint effort to fight Colon Cancer locally,” she said during a press conference.

The grant, she said, will be issued in increments of $1,000 to each selected patient.

“Over 100 Bahamians are diagnosed with colon cancer each year. Our goal is help as many persons as we can through annual fundraising. I’m grateful to all who have sponsored and participated in the 5K fun run/walk over the past two years,” said Emily.

“We say thank you and we look forward to your continued support and partnership each year. To the Colon Cancer Coalition and the Cancer Society, a heartfelt ‘thank you’ for their continued joint efforts to combat colon cancer here in the Bahamas.”

One of Andrea’s dying wishes was for her sister to keep the battle against colon cancer alive.

“Andrea was a ball of light and energy. Anyone that knew her would say that about her. She just had so much energy,” said Emily.

“She wanted to find ways to give back because the Cancer Society of the Bahamas assisted with her chemotherapy treatment financially. She thought, ‘What can I do for colon cancer patients; those that are battling like I am.’ So she reached out to the Colon Cancer Coalition in America. She got in contact with them and she found out about the Get Your Rear in Gear initiative. She had them to expand internationally

for the first time to the Bahamas. She got really ill a month before it was supposed to be held. Before she transitioned, she put me in contact with the person she was speaking with and she asked me to see it through. While she still mourns the loss of Andrea, who she described as a fighter, it brings Emily great pleasure to carry on the mantle and assist others suffering from

the same disease that took her sister from her.

Andrea’s passion for raising awareness, promoting screenings and prevention, and supporting patients battling colorectal cancer, will live on through this event, said Emily.

Money raised at Get Your Rear in Gear – Bahamas will financially

Local company seeks to offer highquality, durable activewear to women

By ALESHA CADET Tribune Features Writer acadet@tribunemedia.net

Observing what he saw as an unfilled niche here in the Bahamas, health and fitness enthusiast Demeko Nesbitt decided to create his own line of activewear for women.

Demeko established his company, Fitness Connection – a retailer for sports nutrition, wellness and health supplements and equipment – in 2011 in Freeport.

What started out as small space in his father’s warehouse, has grown into an operation with four store locations able to reach islands all throughout the Bahamas, and now, the world.

The most recent addition to his product line is the locally created activewear label FitChix.

“We wanted a brand that was our own, where we could create styles and pieces catered to our clients’ specific needs,” he told Tribune Health.

“It was important for us to be able to bring high-quality fabrics and durable garments to the local arena where we weren’t seeing a lot prior to our first launch in 2020.”

While he doesn’t wear pieces from the line himself, he said his wife is a big fan.

When it comes to inspiration for the pieces, Demeko said he observes what’s happening in the international market.

“One of the things that makes FitChix special is that all of our marketing campaigns are

produced exclusively in-house and we always feature local models, usually our own customers who have come to love the brand. It’s our way of keeping the brand inclusive and directly connected to the local fitness community,” he said. This Summer, their tie-dye pieces and Bahamian-themed collection have been big hits.

“We definitely lean towards brighter colours for the Summer, while focusing on pieces that support and flatter in the right areas,

support patients as they begin treatment for colorectal cancer through a partnership with the Cancer Society of the Bahamas. Those battling colon cancer who are in need of financial assistance can contact the Cancer Society of the Bahamas at 3234482 or visit them at their office East Terrace Centreville.

while still being breathable and comfortable given the season,” he said.

Every October, the company releases a ‘Rose Collection” from which proceeds go to aid in the fight against breast cancer.

“We exist to inspire every person on the planet to be the best version of themselves. We model this every day by striving to be the best at what we do, in all aspects of ourselves. Our core values are the back bone of our business and guide our hiring process: we work as a team, think big, are in a state of constant growth, have a will to win, and pride ourselves on placing service above selling,” said Demeko.

EMILY Darville with her late sister, Andrea Darville, who died of colon cancer at age 31 in April 2022.

THE RECENT Get Your Rear In Gear – Bahamas 5k fun run/walk helped raise $30,000 to treat colorectal cancer patients.

Testicular issues – Part II

Continuing our conversation from the last article, during which we explored undescended testis and testicular torsion, let us now explore a few more frequently encountered conditions observed by Urologists.

Testicular cancer

In a June 2022 article published in The Lancet by Pineros and colleagues, it was reported that testicular cancer ranked as the 22nd most prevalent cancer in Latin America and the Caribbean across all age groups and genders. While it is considered a rare form of cancer, it stands out as the most frequently diagnosed cancer among young men aged 15 to 40 years. This highlights the significance of addressing this specific cancer within the context of young male population.

Notably, countries undergoing economic transition bear a heavy burden of mortality related to testicular cancer. This underscores the pressing need to prioritise equitable access to healthcare on a global scale.

By acknowledging and addressing this disparity, healthcare systems can strive to provide adequate resources, early detection, and effective treatment options for testicular cancer. Ultimately, fostering a comprehensive approach to healthcare access can contribute to reducing the impact of this disease and improving outcomes for affected individuals, particularly in regions experiencing economic challenges.

Risk factors

While the exact cause of testicular cancer remains unknown, several risk factors have been identified. These include:

Age: Younger men, particularly those aged 15 to 40, are at a higher risk of developing testicular cancer.

Cryptorchidism: Undescended testicles, a condition where one or both testicles fail to move into the scrotum, increases the risk.

Family history: Having a close relative (brother or father) with testicular cancer raises the risk.

Ethnicity: Caucasian men have a higher incidence compared to other ethnic groups.

Personal history: Previous testicular cancer in one testicle increases the risk of developing it in the other.

Other probable risk factors that may be associated with testicular cancer include, smoking, cannabis

use, consumption of dairy products and red meat, occupational exposure to plastics and high temperatures. Most of these factors have been hypothesised and several limitations exist in the available literature to link them to testicular cancer.

Clinical presentation

Testicular cancer often presents with the following signs and symptoms:

Testicular lump or swelling: The most common symptom is the presence of a painless lump or swelling in one or both testicles.

Testicular pain: Some individuals may experience discomfort or pain in the testicles or scrotum.

Changes in testicle size or shape: Testicles may appear larger or smaller or feel heavier than usual.

Testicular hardening: The testicle may become firm or hard to the touch.

Dull abdominal or groin ache: In some cases, the pain may radiate to the lower abdomen or groin area.

Management principles

The management of testicular cancer involves a multidisciplinary approach, including surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. The following general principles guide the treatment process:

Early detection: Regular testicular self-examination can help identify any abnormalities, allowing for early medical intervention.

Testicular self-exam

1. Stand in front of a mirror and visually inspect the scrotum for any swelling, redness, or changes in size or shape.

2. Hold the testicle between your thumb and fingers and gently roll it to feel for any lumps, nodules, or hard areas. Repeat for the other testicle.

3. Locate the epididymis, a soft, tubular structure located on the top and back of each testicle. It should feel slightly tender but should not have any hard lumps.

4. Check for any changes in size, shape, or texture of the testicles, such as an increase in firmness or the presence of a pea-sized lump. Perform the exam in a warm environment, like after a warm shower or bath, as it helps relax the scrotum and makes it easier to detect abnormalities.

Surgical ntervention

The primary treatment for testicular cancer involves surgical removal of the affected testicle, a procedure called radical inguinal orchiectomy.

Staging and surveillance: Postsurgery, staging tests, such as imaging and blood tests, determine the extent of the cancer and guide further treatment decisions.

Adjuvant therapy: Depending on the cancer’s stage and characteristics, additional treatments like radiation therapy, chemotherapy or abdominal surgery may be recommended. In patients undergoing such therapies sperm banking should be explored. Follow-up care: Regular follow-up visits, including physical examinations and imaging tests, are essential to monitor for any signs of recurrence.

Epididymo orchitis

Epididymo orchitis is a condition where the epididymis (a structure near the testicles) and the testicles themselves become inflamed and painful.

Mumps orchitis

Mumps orchitis occurs when the mumps virus spreads to the testicles, causing inflammation. The virus targets the salivary glands initially, but it can also affect other parts of the body, including the testicles.

Effects on the testicles

Mumps orchitis typically affects one testicle, causing pain, swelling, and tenderness. The affected testicle may also feel warm to the touch. In some cases, both testicles can be affected, although this is less common.

Potential complications

Mumps orchitis can lead to various complications, including: Reduced fertility: In severe cases, mumps orchitis may cause a decrease in sperm production, leading to temporary or permanent infertility.

Testicular atrophy: Prolonged inflammation can result in the shrinking of the affected testicle.

THE UROLOGY DOCTOR IS IN...

It is worth noting that some individuals with chlamydia may experience mild or no symptoms at all.

Dr Greggory Pinto

Management and prevention

There is no specific treatment for mumps orchitis, but managing the symptoms and complications is essential. This may include pain relief, rest, and applying cold packs to the affected area. Drinking plenty of fluids and wearing supportive underwear can also help alleviate discomfort. Prevention of mumps orchitis primarily involves vaccination. The MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine is highly effective in preventing mumps infection and its associated complications.

Sexually transmitted infection related epididymo-orchitis

While various bacteria can cause epididymo orchitis, sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are among the common culprits. The two most frequently associated STIs with epididymo orchitis are gonorrhoea and chlamydia.

Gonorrhoea is a bacterial infection caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae, and it can lead to epididymo orchitis when the bacteria travel from the urethra or the prostate to the epididymis. Symptoms of gonococcal epididymo orchitis may include testicular pain, swelling, redness, and discharge from the urethra. It is crucial to seek medical attention promptly if you suspect you have gonorrhoea or symptoms of epididymo orchitis.

Chlamydia, caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis, can also lead to epididymo orchitis. Like gonorrhoea, the infection typically starts in the urethra and spreads to the epididymis. Symptoms of chlamydial epididymo orchitis can include testicular pain, swelling, and tenderness.

How Lisa Marie Presley’s weight-loss surgery contributed to her death

By JONEL ALECCIA AP Health Writer

Lisa Marie Presley died after developing a small bowel obstruction, a severe complication of bariatric surgery years ago, according to an autopsy report released last Thursday.

Experts say these types of complications are a known but rare risk after having weight-loss surgery. Here’s what to know:

WHAT HAPPENED TO LISA MARIE PRESLEY?

The 54-year-old singer-songwriter and daughter of Elvis Presley was rushed to a Los Angeles-area hospital on January 12 after being found unresponsive at home and died hours later. The cause of death was from complications of a small bowel obstruction tied to previous bariatric surgery, the autopsy showed. Portions of Presley’s bowel became trapped, or “strangulated,” from scar tissue that formed following surgery, and she also had developed a severe buildup of acids in her blood.

WHAT IS BARIATRIC SURGERY? HOW COMMON IS IT?

Bariatric surgeries are operations performed on the stomach or intestines to spur weight loss. They’re usually done in cases of moderate or severe obesity when other methods haven’t worked.

There are several types of bariatric procedures, including those in which a portion of the stomach is removed or rerouted or when a band is placed around a part of the stomach to make it smaller.

It’s not clear from the autopsy report which type of surgery Presley had, though experts said it was not a sleeve gastrectomy, which is the most common procedure.

About 263,000 bariatric surgeries were done in 2021, according to Dr Marina Kurian, the president of the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery. Only about 1 percent of people who qualify for the surgery receive it.

HOW RISKY ARE THESE OPERATIONS?

In general, bariatric surgery is “very safe,” Kurian said. The risk of major complications is about 4 percent overall and the risk of death is about 0.1 percent, according to ASMBS.

“It’s safer than gallbladder surgery,” Kurian said.

WHAT COMPLICATIONS CAN HAPPEN?

Scar tissue, known as adhesions, can form after surgery or other trauma to the abdomen. That can lead to kinks and blockages in the intestine, said Dr Thomas Inge, chief surgeon and a bariatric surgery expert at Lurie Children’s Hospital in Chicago.

In Presley’s case, it appeared that “she had a twist of her entire intestine,” said Inge, who reviewed the autopsy report.

If that’s not quickly fixed, the blockage cuts off the flow of blood to the intestine, causing the bowel to become “strangulated” and creating a cascade of potentially deadly problems. In Presley’s case, it led to a toxic build-up of acids in her body and her heart stopped, the autopsy report said.

Presley reported abdominal pain and not feeling well the morning of her death, the report said. It’s not clear if the pain was new.

Anyone who has had abdominal surgery to seek prompt treatment for pain, Inge said. If diagnosed early, it’s possible to treat the problem.

Prompt diagnosis and treatment are essential to prevent complications associated with epididymo orchitis. If you suspect you have an STI or are experiencing symptoms of epididymo orchitis, it is crucial to consult a healthcare professional. They will perform a physical examination, take a medical history, and may order tests such as urine analysis, urethral swab, or blood tests to determine the cause of the infection. Based on the clinical assessment and results the doctor can treat with antibiotics, advice on partner testing, safe sexual practices, and abstinence.

Referred testicular pain.

Referred testicular pain in paediatrics refers to the phenomenon where pain originating from a source outside the testicles is perceived as testicular pain. In children, this type of pain can be challenging to diagnose as it may mimic true testicular conditions. Mid- ureteric stones, appendicitis, and hernias could present with testicular pain.

Conclusion

This patient group frequently experiences various urological conditions, and the ones mentioned are commonly encountered testicular conditions. It is crucial to emphasise the significance of thoroughly assessing and treating any scrotal condition in children. Specialists with expertise in managing such conditions on a regular basis should manage these cases. This is essential because the long-term consequences not only impact the child but also their reproductive capabilities and the potential to pass on their genetic lineage.

Lisa Marie Presley (Photo by Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP, File)

Should a partner have the right to shame you publicly? Bahamian women weigh in on Keke Palmer drama

By JEFFARAH GIBSON Tribune Features Writer jgibson@tribunemedia.net

Hollywood actress Keke

Palmer made headlines last week not because of career successes or her newborn baby, but because her child’s father saw fit to publicly criticise the way she was dressed at an event.

The drama unfolded when the former child star, dressed in a sheer black dress over a matching thong bodysuit (bum exposed), was serenaded by and danced with R&B superstar Usher during one of his Las Vegas concerts.

In response, her boyfriend and father of her son, Darius Jackson, shared his feelings about what the 29-year-old “Nope” actress was wearing.

“It’s the outfit tho…you a mom,” he wrote on social media, later adding that Palmer’s outfit went against the “standards and morals” he believes in.

Palmer and Jackson, who met in 2021, welcomed their son, Leodis, in February this year.

He continued with his rant: “We live in a generation where a man of the family doesn’t want the wife and mother to his kids to showcase booty cheeks to please others and he gets told how much of a hater he is,” he added in his follow-up tweet.

“This is my family and my representation. I have standards and morals to what I believe. I rest my case.”

Palmer seemingly responded to the drama in a video with son Leodis on Instagram. “One thing is certain and one thing is true, IM A MOTHA, through and through,” she wrote in the caption.

Jackson briefly deleted his social media accounts and when he returned to Instagram, fans

noticed he had scrubbed photos of him and Palmer from his pages. He received a wave of backlash from the social media users, who questioned why he publicly criticised the mother of his child. They were quick to point out that he and Keke are not married, and

that is why he could only call himself “a man of the family”. People speculated whether Jackson, who is fitness instructor by profession, was feeling insecure about Palmer’s success, while others wondered why he would take issue with the way his girlfriend was dressed as he had seen

Senator Maxine Seymour advocates for literacy amid rise of technology

By MIA GARDNER

These days, with a simple tap on a screen you can access whole libraries of information. Obviously, that was not always the case, and it might not always be a good thing, especially for younger people.

In this digital age, students can immediately find the information they need for an essay or other school work. However, they also end up spending a lot of time –an excessive amount time many would say – just scrolling through sites and apps without really engaging with any useful content. There are already many apps that read and write for your child, and with the rise of artificial intelligence (AI), this phenomenon will only increase.

But despite all these technical advances, Senator Maxine Seymour knows that literacy is still of the utmost importance.

“I would like to see our kids reading at a level beyond their grade level. I would like to see greater comprehension in our society among children and adults,” she said. “Understanding the importance of literacy is important, because nowadays, number one, the computer can read to you and now the computer

can even write to you. And now (for) the modern child it’s really hard on them to consistently read and it’s hard to develop a love for reading.”

Senator Seymour began hosting a bimonthly reading session with young Bahamians on International Reading Day in 2021. Through reading in

her dressed that way before, and had even praised her publicly for wearing sexy and revealing outfits. We asked Tribune Woman readers about their thoughts on the drama, and how they felt about one partner trying to chastise or change the other for being who they are.

Danielle said: “I believe that some people like Darius have control issues. I feel he was upset or jealous at the fact that Keke was being serenaded by Usher and she loved it. I get it. It’s hard seeing your woman be googlyeyed for another man that you do not measure up to, but whose fault is that?”

She continued: “There was nothing wrong about how she looked/dressed, but he felt like he needed to take something off the moment by addressing the way she looked. Furthermore, Keke is a star. I’m sure he has seen Keke dressed in a revealing way before and it was not an issue for him. So why is is an issue for him now? Why does he feel threatened by this and her?”

Teja said at first, she thought Palmer’s attire was a bit too revealing, however, she also felt Jackson’s response to it was completely inappropriate.

“I get it…. no man really wants to see their woman all exposed for the world to see. But the point is, did you meet her this way? Has she not always been this way? Why do people find fault with things they did not find fault with before they got in a relationship? Do they not think that their mixed reactions would throw their partner off or make them feel a bit confused,” she said.

Ashely added:“When you meet someone a certain way it is expected that you will accept that person the exact way they are. But the truth is, some people compromise in relationships. So,

while there are some things they like about the person that initially attracts them, there are other things that they do not like and those dislikes tend to grow, and grow greatly. And once they grow, they end up causing a rift between the two people. My advice is this: what you see is what you get. Stop secretly thinking or hoping that people will change themselves because they are with you. You are not God and you don’t have the power to change them.”

Kiah echoed this sentiment: “Keke is who she is. He’s praised her for jiggling her butt on social media before, so why is it now a problem? That man was sitting home, watching their baby, and he probably started feeling a bit insecure, maybe even emasculated. But he should’ve taken that up with Keke when she got back from Vegas, not on social media for all to see. And even then, she has no obligation to change the way she dresses just because her boyfriend wants her to. I believe he wanted to bring her down a peg…to his level. Glad she didn’t play along.”

Shondra had a slightly take on the matter: “Let me play devil’s advocate. I get the whole you are a woman and you want to be liberated, but I feel like if you are in a relationship, respecting your partner’s feelings is also valid. I don’t want my husband to tell me what to wear, but I also respect him enough to not make what I wear a problem for him. What I do give Darius wrong for was bringing his personal business and taking it to the world.”

She added: “You may say you met a person a certain way, but people change, people grow and they evolve. Not because you met someone one way means they all remain that way.”

She said while she has seen progress in that direction, she hopes to reach a point where the students are motivated enough to want to read on their own.

“I’d say there are definitely some children who show interest and parents who consistently allow their children to join the live sessions, and you can tell that they are hanging onto more of what you’re saying. However, it’s really not where I’d like to see it,” she said.

“The challenge is that the whole digitisation of the world has really reduced the attention span of a person, and so the challenge is how do we get them interested in books?

classrooms and at public venues like churches, over the last two years she has created spaces that promote literacy among kids and encourages them to participate in discussions.

“It’s really difficult because the mind is tuned to engage with the device and it’s hard to disconnect. It’s almost like we’re programmed and we don’t even realise; were programmed to interact with our phone, we’re programmed to constantly check, we’re programmed to answer people right away, and it’s hard even when you try to just disconnect because that’s just the world we live in and that’s just how everybody becomes.”

Senator Seymour said she is open to hosting public reading events and encourages the people to donate books to public libraries, starting in Andros.

continue selling her crafts at Sandals for as long as she likes.

“I fell in love with the straw at age five,” declared Eloise Smith, an 84-year-old straw worker based at Sandals Royal Bahamian. Now, nearly eight decades later, the petite grandmother is still thriving in the business. Though she is at that stage of life that most people would dub “a ripe old age”, Eloise is as fit as a fiddle, with no desire to slow down anytime soon.

Her wizened hands tell a story of skill, longevity and experience, and the graceful wrinkles on her face seem to offer a map of her journey to becoming the most sought-after and loved straw vendor at the resort.

“I have been here the longest and I have seen this resort go through many transitions. I’m loved by the guests and staff alike. As a matter of fact, Sandals Royal Bahamian is my home away from home and so many people here are like my family,” she said.

“Guests come back here to see me and when they leave, they stay in touch with me. In a few months, I have some guests who will be coming and they will be taking me with them to visit one of the Family Islands.”

Eloise’s Sandals journey started in 1996 after she attended a town hall meeting put on by the Ministry of Tourism and Sandals. At the time, she was selling her items at another resort.

“Sandals had just opened up in Nassau and they had a meeting that was attended by a number of straw vendors. They were telling us that they wanted some of us to come and sell our wares here.

I was sitting in the audience and I heard them calling my name on the microphone. I don’t know how they knew of me but they mentioned me,” she recalled.

“I left the meeting and went back to do my business at the resort for which I was working. They called my house that

evening but I wasn’t there. One day while I was at the hotel, Ms Bowe, who was with Sandals at the time, came and packed me up. She took me and all my items to Sandals and I have been here from that day until today.”

Eloise said she has never had a single regret about leaving her former venue to relocate to Sandals Royal Bahamian.

“Sandals Royal Bahamian opened up a big door for me. It gave me a permanent place to sell my items. This allowed me to provide for myself and my family, especially my six children. It has also allowed me to meet several people who have been very integral in my life,” she said.

“There have been instances when I’ve been called in to come and do training sessions with the guests. I would set up and show them how to do straw work and they would make the items and take it back home. That was

another opportunity that Sandals gave me. She also met the late chairman of Sandals Resorts, Gordon “Butch” Stewart, when he visited the resort many years ago. She had a lengthy conversation with him and he told her that she could

“He was going fishing that day. Funny enough, he told me he was going fishing with a gentleman whom he later discovered was my last son. He told me, ‘Miss Smith, as long as you want to stay at Sandals you can stay here with no restrictions’,” she said.

The management team at the resort threw Eloise a party in celebration of her 84th birthday last December.

“I was so surprised when I saw all the managers coming with balloons, fanfare and cake. I was in my own glory that day. I have truly found a family at Sandals,” she said.

General Manager Adrian Whitehead described her as a veteran who continues to blaze trails.

“Miss Smith still knows how to make our guests feel good. The guests comment on her ever so often. We don’t find a lot of artisans at our resorts who have owned the space quite like Miss Smith. She is a joy to have around and we are delighted that she can still benefit from this brand 27 years and counting,” he said.

KEKE PALMER, Darius Jackson and son Leodis. PHOTO- KEKE PALMER_ TWITTER

KEKE Palmer is serenaded by Usher at his Las Vegas concert

SENATOR Maxine Seymour participates in a discussion with students

SENATOR Maxine Seymour reads from the book _Her Dreams of Flowers_ by Acklins author Doris Emmanuel-Johnson

Straw vendor is still going strong after nearly eight decades of crafting

ELOISE SMITH, 84, still enjoys being a straw vendor

How many chances should I give my partner?

Relationship and intimacy

specialist Maggie Bain

– also known as the Bare Naked Coach –has returned to the Bahamas to help local couples repair their relationships. She will be answering questions which she has received for Tribune Woman in the hopes of helping individuals with similar romantic problems.

Q: “How many chances should I give my partner? I feel like I am being constantly hurt and have to turn the other cheek”

A: On reading your question, a saying popped into my mind, “How long is a piece of string?”

For me to put a time frame on how long to accept a particular form of bad treatment would be unacceptable, particularly as I have serious concerns about anyone being constantly hurt.

Without knowing either of you, or your relationship, I am reminded how unique we all are.

We are complex in our sensitivities and things that trigger past memories and experiences. For example, what may hurt or irritate you, may wash over another with little effect.

Therefore, I am interested to know what your partner is doing or saying to constantly hurt you, and why you feel you need to turn the other cheek. Do you find it hard to express yourself?

Or do you get shut down when you speak back?

Finding your voice and saying what is on your mind is not always easy for everyone. For many this goes back to how we were raised. Perhaps, as a young child, you were told to be “seen and not heard”. Were you expected to be a “good girl”, respect your elders, and not talk back? If so, then it probably is not surprising that you are able to turn the other cheek so often. On the other hand, perhaps you have unknowingly allowed your

Ask Maggie and get answers

started as it seemed to creep in unnoticed.

Please do not think that people or relationships cannot change –they can!

I have seen many situations reverse and improve. However, nothing happens without both parties wanting to make the improvements.

partner to walk all over you like a doormat, and now it has become a bad habit.

So much of relationships are about how much we tolerate. I say this, because by turning your cheek, and basically not dealing with your hurt, you are essentially allowing and accepting whatever your partner does.

When I have spoken to women, much like yourself, I have noted a wide range of comments. Some describe a sudden change in their partner’s behaviour, and others cannot even remember when it

THE WEATHER REPORT

It sounds to me that this is definitely a couple problem, and the best way to deal with this is as a couple. Bad habits are very difficult to deal with by yourselves, and so I would recommend professional help.

Trust me when I say, the impossible truly can be possible!

(Photo_Pexels_Diva Plavalaguna)

A heartfelt farewell to the ‘

Divine Lady’ Gospel artist and journalist Vanessa Clarke dies age 48

By CARA HUNT Tribune Features Writer cbrennen@tribunemedia.net

The Bahamian gospel and media communities are mourning the death of award-winning singer and journalist Vanessa Clarke.

Vanessa, who was known as the “Divine Lady” for her singing, died this past weekend after battling a degenerative neurological disorder for many years. She was 48 years old. She is survived her husband Volare and two young daughters, V’ajha and V’lori.

Her death came just a day before she was to receive an award at the 50th Anniversary Bahamian Gospel Honours.

Vanessa was a journalist and radio personality for many years, and part of the Tribune staff at one time, but was better known the world over for her powerful singing voice that earned her the nickname Bahamian songbird.

From Freeport, Grand Bahama, she first made history in 1996 when she won the coveted Gospel Music Marlin Award for Outstanding Female Vocalist. She won three more awards over the course of 10 years and along with the group Da Fam, captured the Bahamas’ Cacique Award for Best Song of the Year in 2005. She was the 2021 International Trailblazer Honoree for the Prayze Factor Awards, which will bear her name going forward. She travelled extensively throughout the United States and parts of the Caribbean for ministry.

Vanessa’s medical issues began when she suffered a fall several years ago as she was headed from Freeport to Nassau to record her single “Like the Dew”. Despite the pain, she was able to complete the project before seeking treatment.

Unfortunately, she was later diagnosed with a neurological disorder that would eventually leave her unable to walk, breathing with the aid of a ventilator, and which reduced her ability to use her hands. In addition to suffering a brain aneurysm and a stroke, most recently she had to have both her legs amputated due to an infection.

Vanessa did not shy away from speaking about her medical challenges, giving her fans and her friends regular updates on her Facebook page.

Despite the deterioration of her body, she was an inspiration to everyone because of her positive spirit an unwavering faith.

Vanessa told The Tribune in 2019, “Faith without works is dead and Lord knows I am giving it all I’ve got. I know God is with

me and that’s how come I can smile in the midst of my storm. Don’t look at what you see with your natural eyes, my faith is stronger than anything I am going through.”

News of her death hit hard.

Gospel artist Orlando “Landlord” Miller, who was responsible for nominating Vanessa for many of her international awards, told Tribune Woman that the Bahamas has lost “a gem”.

“Vanessa was such a sweet person; a very bubbly spirit, and she was very, very strong. I mean, as she battled her sickness for a few years, she battled with a smile. When I went to see her three months ago, I burst into tears just seeing her in that state,” he said.

Instead of him providing her comfort, it was Vanessa who comforted him.

“She was there saying, ‘Man, Landlord don’t cry. I will be OK. That time I was feeling bad for her, but she was always in good spirits, always encouraging,” he said.

Landlord said what really impressed him was her strength in the midst of her difficulties.

“I have never seen someone like her. When a person is going through what Vanessa went through, they usually focus on themselves, but she was not selfish; she was focused on others more than herself. She was not worried about herself. She was

focused more on how she could find another opportunity to be a blessing to other people out there, so she continued, even when she couldn’t write, she wrote about two books, when people who have two hands have not written anything. “While she couldn’t walk, she was travelling all over the world.

She did music videos reaching all over the world. They were number ones. She just emptied herself; everything that was in her, she was bringing out. Even when she had the ventilator, she still recorded and produced work; did interviews from right there in her bed. She was in pain and going through what she went through.

She was simply amazing and that is why she stands out above many others and why she will be remembered,” he said.

“We lost a gem. She died empty, like the late Pastor Myles Munroe would say.”

Tributes flooded in on social media.

Courtnee Benjamin Roberts posted: “Vanessa Clarke was a testimony and a woman who lived and walked her faith daily, loudly and bravely. I will so, so miss you, my friend. You can never ever be forgotten.”

Heather Joy Albury, another friend, posted: “Vanessa, you were always full of joy and inspiration You sang of God’s praises and blessings. God has once again showered his mercies on you, and you will have to suffer no more. May God watch over your family and friends who have lost your beautiful soul. You will be fondly remembered. RIP.”

Sharell Ali McIntosh, leader of the Bahamas Constitution Party, said: “My condolences to the family of Vanessa Clarke. Her mother, her husband and children and her extended family, including the church and her many friends in the music industry. I have had the pleasure of having heard Vanessa sing before I preached. There is no anointing like that. She sings the sermon in. She will be greatly missed. Blessing and peace to the nation as she has been a tremendous light and a symbol of a walk of faith.”

Even in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic and as she was struggling with her health, Vanessa found the time and the strength to put the Bahamas on the world stage once again.

On New Year’s Day 2021, Jesus in the City, a Christian organisation out of Canada, released its major music video production “The Blessing: Caribbean”. Vanessa represented the Bahamas in this project, along with fellow musicians Tony Lowe and Nehemiah Hield of Baha Men fame.

That year, she and her two daughters also appeared on the Dr Bobby Jones Show on Impact TV, which is seen 180 million homes.

Vanessa said: “The Bible says that praise will come from the islands, and it has always been my desire to be a part of that movement – no matter how God would get it done.

“It tells us that our praise must go forth into the world and be launched from home – the islands. God inhabits the praise of His people and so we share the very essence of Him in our praise and the way we worship.”

VANESSA with her husband, Volare Clarke, on their 14th wedding anniversary on April 14, 2023

THE LATE Vanessa Clarke

VANESSA Clarke with her two daughters, V’ajha and V’lori