New Providence home sales hit fastest pace in two years
• Closed land sales double compared to ‘23
• Demand absorbs previous ‘inventory surge’
• Realtor: ‘Nothing alarming’ for near future
By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net
NEW Providence real estate sold at the fastest pace for two years in the 2024 second quarter with a well-known realtor yesterday saying the market had achieved a state of “balance”.
David Morley, Morley Realty’s principal, told Tribune Business it was difficult to predict “which way it’s heading” with the sector having “levelled off” as buyers
Judge: Medical Act ‘not drafted carefully’
By NEIL HARTNELL
A SUPREME Court
judge has branded the Medical Act as badly written in finding that Parliament intended to permit specialist physicians to challenge any refusal to register them in The Bahamas.
Justice Loren Klein, in a July 8, 2024, verdict said that to rule otherwise would lead to “an unjust and absurd result” with the judgment “of considerable significance” to doctors and physicians over their right to appeal any Bahamas Medical Council denial of their registration application.
He added that the Act, which is the principal law regulating the medical profession after being passed by Parliament in 2014, “was perhaps not drafted with the care it might have been”. This was exposed by a legal action brought against the Bahamas Medical Council by Dr Gauri Shirodkar over its February 17, 2023, refusal to register her as a radiology specialist
The Council declined her application because it was “not satisfied” she had obtained the necessary qualifications from a medical school it recognised, such as the Royal Colleges of the United Kingdom (UK) or their equivalent in The Bahamas and the
Diplomate Boards of the United States of America (USA).
Dr Shirodkar had successfully challenged an earlier January 13, 2021, registration refusal via separate Judicial Review proceedings. Justice Klein, ruling on that case, found the position taken by the Bahamas Medical Council was “unlawful, as well as irrational and unreasonable”. He ruled that the application be reconsidered, triggering the present action.
For the Bahamas Medical Council argued that the Medical Act’s section 21, which deals with the ability of doctors and physicians to challenge any refusal to permit them to practice in this nation, gives no statutory right of appeal to specialists such as Dr Shirodkar.
Dr Merceline DahlRegis, the Government’s former chief medical officer during the COVID-19 pandemic, set out the Council’s position in an affidavit. Justice Klein noted: “It raises a narrow but important point of statutory interpretation.
“Not only might the determination of the issue be dispositive of the appeal, but it is of considerable significance to the medical profession in connection with the appeal rights of specialists and the administration of the Act.”
absorbed much of last year’s “inventory surge” across the major island markets.
He added, though, that there was “no doubt” Bahamian realtors and their firms continue to enjoy strong sales despite not attaining the heights of the postCOVID “golden years” of 2021 and 2022. Mr Morley said the latest statistics “show a really healthy, consistent market” with “nothing alarming” on the horizon despite the looming US presidential election and
uncertainty over the Federal Reserve’s interest rate policy.
He spoke after his firm, drawing on data from the Bahamas Real Estate Association’s (BREA) Multiple Listing System (MLS), noted that the market’s performance varied by island during the three months to endJune 2024. Morley Realty’s 2024 second quarter report noted, in particular, that home and land sales on New Providence hit their fastest pace for two years during this period.
Private pilots: ‘We don’t need’ airport upgrades
By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net
A BAHAMAS Flying Ambassador is arguing that the cost of Family Island airport upgrades should be placed on the commercial airlines rather than private pilots who “haven’t asked for and don’t want” them.
Rick Gardner, director of CST Flight Services, which provides support services to the general aviation industry, told Tribune
Business that the new and increased fees likely to be levied by private investors/operators to finance Family Island airport overhauls should be borne by the airlines that will be the main beneficiaries of such improvements.
His comments came as Dr Kenneth Romer, the Government’s aviation director, told Tribune Business that Bahamas Customs has agreed to “hold ongoing” talks with the private aviation
Controversy over Athol Island permit’s tabling
By NEIL HARTNELL Tribune Business Editor nhartnell@tribunemedia.net
AN Opposition MP says he will confirm with the House of Assembly’s clerk whether the Government tabled an environmental permit for a dock amid growing controversy over Athol Island.
Adrian White, the St Anne’s MP, has adamantly told Tribune Business on four separate occasions - once after viewing a video recording of House proceedings last Wednesday, July 17 - that Leon Lundy, minister of state in the Prime Minister’s Office, never tabled the
Law reprint to end VAT ‘nightmare’
By
THE Attorney General yesterday pledged to end the VAT Act “nightmare” by consolidating all the past decade’s changes into a single law that will be reprinted this year.
Ryan Pinder KC said a Commissioner of Revision has been appointed to consolidate and reissue much-amended legislation,
starting with the VAT Act. He described it as a “nightmare” for businesses to follow and comply due to multiple amendments that have been made annually for the past nine years.
“What law revision is, it’s a periodic review of all of your legislation with a mindset to consolidate and reissue Bills so they’re all consolidated, but also take a holistic approach at your entire legislative regime because some laws may be outdated. Some laws may
not need to be on the books and to clean that up,” Mr Pinder said.
“Historically, we’ve never had a focused revision section and that’s why our laws are so choppy. I mean, you go through the VAT bill and amendments, it’s a disaster. You have amendments that add things, amendments that delete things that were added, amendments that were added again, and to follow it is a nightmare.
“We look to issue a reprint, we call it, because
environmental go-ahead for development activity on the island as he promised during the morning session.
However, the purported certificate of environmental clearance (CEC) was provided to this newspaper by a regular source who said he obtained it from the House of Assembly. And this newspaper understands that government sources are asserting the permit was tabled by Mr Lundy just as he had pledged.
The CEC obtained by Tribune Business shows it was granted to Andrew Hanna on February 16, 2024, for the construction
it’s not a revised edition. Revised edition is the whole compendium; reprint of the VAT legislation this year that will be a full
With buyer demand ensuring that the time required to sell new home listings “remains very low”, Morley Realty said: “Homes in Nassau and Paradise Island are selling faster than they have in the past two years, and this trend is also observed in the land market for this area.
“Conversely, the land market across the other four islands has remained stable, though there have been quarter-over-quarter (QoQ) increases in days on the
industry over the fee increases it has imposed with effect from July 1, 2024.
Referring to the letter sent to Philip Davis KC by the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA), the world’s largest private pilot body which represents between 300,000 to 400,000 plane owners and aviators, Dr Romer told this newspaper via messaged reply:
• Argue airlines should pick up 100% of cost
• Say Bahamas could lose 50k-100k flights
• Aviation chief: ‘Ongoing’ talks with sector
“We are aware of a letter by AOPA addressed to the Prime Minister and minister of finance regarding the imposition of fees.
“The Bahamas Customs Department has committed to holding ongoing dialogue with them with our support. As aviation and tourism professionals, we sincerely recognise the
RYAN PINDER KC
BAHAMAS TO BENEFIT FROM CLIMATE FINANCE INITIATIVE
THE Bahamas is among the Caribbean nations set to benefit from an initiative designed to accelerate private sector investment in climate change mitigation and adaptation projects.
An Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) arm is partnering with the Green Climate Fund (GCF) to launch the Caribbean Net-Zero and Resilient Private Sector Programme, which aims to drive greenhouse gas emission reductions and climate-resilient investment towards the region. The GCF approved up to $118.9m in combined concessional and technical assistance funding to implement the initiative.
IDB Invest said the programme will help to accelerate private sector investment in climate change mitigation and adaptation projects in the Caribbean. The participating countries are The Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Dominican Republic, Guyana, Jamaica, Suriname and Trinidad and Tobago.
It added that the Caribbean is especially vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. With economies dependent on climate-sensitive sectors such as tourism, agriculture and fisheries, the Caribbean is expected to be disproportionately impacted by the projected sea level rise, increased hurricane intensity and changes in rainfall patterns.
Despite the Caribbean’s strong commitment to climate mitigation and adaptation action, IDB Invest said the region faces a significant financing gap for climate change projects.
“The Caribbean region remains at the heart of IDB Invest’s priorities, which is why I am very pleased that we have received approval from the GCF to launch this programme to support the Caribbean private sector in its efforts to adapt to climate change and reduce emissions,” said James Scriven, IDB Invest’s chef executive.
“Few regions in the world are more vulnerable to climate change-induced natural disasters, such as hurricanes, than the Caribbean, so this programme comes at just the right time.
The initiative aims to reduce barriers to private sector investment in climate change projects by providing targeted technical assistance funding and blended finance solutions that make them more commercially viable.
Its five priority sectors include sustainable and climate-resilient infrastructure; renewable electricity generation and energy efficiency; sustainable transport, sustainable agriculture and forestry; and the blue economy.
“In the Caribbean and around the world, our climate goals depend on the private and public sectors working together.
The Green Climate
Bahamasair delays Montego Bay flights
Fund is proud to partner with the region and IDB Invest to mobilise more private investment for innovative projects with commercial potential in countries bearing disproportionate climate impacts,” said Mafalda Duarte, the Green Climate Fund’s executive director. IDB Invest finances sustainable companies and projects in a bid to maximise economic, social and environmental development in the region. With a portfolio of $21bn in assets under management and 394 clients in 25 countries, IDB Invest provides a range of financial solutions and advisory services.
The Green Climate Fund (GCF) is described as the world’s largest dedicated climate fund. Its mandate is to foster a shift towards low emission, climate-resilient development in developing countries. It has a portfolio of $13.9bn ($53bn including co-financing) spread across climate action in more than 120 countries. It also builds capacity and helps countries develop long-term plans to fight climate change.
The GCF is linked to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and serves the 2015 Paris Agreement, supporting the goal of keeping average global temperature rise well below 2°C.
BAHAMASAIR yesterday said it has postponed scheduled flights from Nassau into Montego Bay, Jamaica, which were due to operate from July 25 to September 8, 2024. The national flag carrier, in a statement, said it will instead begin its inaugural scheduled flight service on November 17, 2024. It will then offer twice-weekly flights on Thursdays and Sundays to better serve its customers and enhance connectivity between The Bahamas and Jamaica.
LAND REFORM PROPOSALS GO OUT TO CONSULTATION
By FAY SIMMONS
ATTORNEY General
Ryan Pinder said the Land Adjudication Bill and Land Registration Bill should be tabled in Parliament this fall with the new land registry to be established in 2025.
Mr Pinder said the “longanticipated” land reforms are currently under consultation and a website has been launched to garner feedback.
Speaking in the Senate yesterday, he said the legislation will establish the framework for registered land and create a land registry run by a standalone land registrar.
He said: “The public consultation and the agreements and all the background information on land reform and land registration can be found at
Bahamas land reform.gov. bs.
“We have a consultation website similar to what we did for IP, similar to what we did for cannabis, we now have one for land reform. We look to pass this legislation in the fall and by the beginning of 2025, we look to have active land adjudication panels processing title to be registered on a newly established land registry.
“So, our goal is to start that process in 2025. That’s four registries with four distinct areas under their supervision, creating expertise and the efficiencies to deliver the service.”
Mr Pinder said the compendium of bills will also include a Land of Property bill and a Planning and Subdivision bill which should increase the efficiency of land transactions and reduce the associated costs.
He said: “In the second phase of land reform, we will include a new Law of
Property bill, and a new Planning and Subdivision bill to further advance the ease of land transactions in the Bahamas. This is fundamental to bringing the cost of land transactions down, increasing the efficiencies and time for completion of a transaction and bringing clarity to disputed title in The Bahamas.
Artist: IP bills will helpbut they must be timely
By FAY SIMMONS Tribune Business
ACTIVIST and recording artist Terneille
“TaDa” Burrows said the government’s passing of a compendium of Intellectual Property legislation, including a fully digital Intellectual Property Office, will be “beneficial” to Bahamian artists when it is operational.
She called for a “reasonable timeline” for the IP office to be in operation as legislation such as the Freedom of Information Act, initially passed under the Ingraham administration shortly before the 2012 general election, has yet to be fully enacted. She said: “The establishment of the digital Intellectual Property Office sounds like it will be a beneficial resource for creators. I hope that a reasonable timeline is in place for it to be fully operational by. The Freedom of Information Act was passed many years ago, but we still await the enactment.”
The compendium of IP bills, which include the Patent Bill, Copyright Bill, Trademark Bill, Registrar of Records Bill and Registrar of Companies Bill, will offer more protection to the work produced by creatives and allow them to collect royalties when individuals use their intellectual property.
Ms Burrows said in 2011 she was a part of a group composed of recording professionals and music organisations that lobbied for the introduction of neighbouring rights legislation into copyright legislation.
She explained the neighbouring rights legislation would ensure artists, musicians, record producers and the owner of the recording would earn royalties whenever their recordings are broadcast or publicly performed and pointed out that neighbouring rights were not included in the compendium of bills.
She said: “Currently, only authors and composers of songs and music compositions can receive royalties in The Bahamas. Unfortunately, neighbouring rights legislation was not included in the compendium of bills that were passed.”
Ms Burrows also noted the majority of music and films are currently being produced digitally but the copyright legislation mentioned physical copies and phonorecords.
She said digital submissions should be accepted as a supported delivery format and metadata holding the details of the digital file should be required along with digital submissions.
She said: “Physical copies and phonorecords are referred to numerous times in the copyright legislation, but the vast majority of music, films and shows nowadays are
NOTICE
TO: Dedrie Williams Tall Pine Subdivision Nassau, N. P., Bahs.
published digitally. Digital submissions should be the supported delivery format. Metadata, which is a set of information about a file that can be stored within that file, should also be required along with file submissions.”
She said while she is “not aware” who the government consulted with prior to drafting the IP legislation, a group of relevant stakeholders, including artists, should have been “brought to the table”.
She said: “I am not aware of what consultation process happened ahead of the passage of the copyright bill, if any, but there should have been a cross-section of relevant stakeholders brought to the table to discuss the proposed legislation.”
In Parliament last week, Deputy Prime Minister Chester Cooper said the compendium of intellectual property related bills will be “transformative” for Bahamians especially those in the “orange economy”. He said the bills will make it accessible for creatives to protect their work locally, avoiding them having to seek copyrights abroad and the establishment of the Intellectual Property Office will attract both local and international entities allowing the office to become a “self-sufficient revenue generator” instead of an expense to the government.
“We serve the Bahamian people and we will do what is necessary to fix the problems of yesteryear and deliver the service and reliability that’s important.”
He said the land adjudication panel comprised of private sector experts will resolve tittle issues and once a property is placed on the registry it will have a “guaranteed good title”
He said: “Imagine an adjudication panel that finally solves and adjudicate all the clouded title that exists in The Bahamas and puts it on a register because remember when it goes on that land register it is deemed good title. It’s already been adjudicated and determined to be good title. And once it goes on that land registry, no more 30-year roots title, studies and opinions and oh, somebody forgot to probate this and then the cloud in the gaps. All that will be gone. Gone, guaranteed good title if it makes it on the land registry.
“And that’s why we formulate these adjudication panels of private sector experts, not government experts, private sector lawyers, and surveyors. We get all the technical components in on that adjudication panel, and title by title property by property, they adjudicate the title.”
He explained while it will be easy to determine the title on new developments and properties in New Providence and Freeport, the Family Islands will be more challenging.
He said: “Now some title is going to be easy, especially new developments. New developments will be easy in the last 12 years, since the planning and subdivision bill. Established communities will be easy. Nassau generally for the most part, except for certain parts will be able to be done. Freeport should be able to be done like that.
“The Family Islands will have a little bit more challenges. We understand the title issues and the property issues in the Family Islands. But we will solve this problem and frankly, the adjudication panels will be running concurrently with the current system for a couple of years at least to be able to meet to build and develop the registry.”
By FAY SIMMONS Tribune Business Reporter jsimmons@tribunemedia.net
RESIDENTS and businesses in Eleuthera are still experiencing water outages as they have for the past weeks, with one business telling Tribune Business they are “lucky” at their store due to its location.
The owner of LMN Sweet Treats said issues related to the Water and Sewerage Corporation’s (WSC) contracted firm Aqua Design Bahamas’ ongoing challenges have resulted in outages that can last for days in some settlements.
She said: “It’s been a challenge with water. The water is something that you know, all of us are dealing with in the area and I’m lucky for where we’re located because it’s on the main highway as well. I’m usually able to get some water.
“It’s been off predominantly, it would come on at some point, but at my particular location because of where it’s located the water usually settles there so I’m able to get, even if it’s not full pressure, I’m able to get some water”
Other businesses such as Daddy Joe’s, a popular restaurant and inn, said they were not affected by the water outage in their settlement that has lasted days due to them having a water tank and back-up generator
to ensure their guests are comfortable during the utility outages. WSC released a statement on Sunday advising residents of Central Eleuthera of “ongoing challenges” at the Naval Base desalination plant and the steps they are taking to resume water supply.
WSC advised that desalination water production capacity of the Naval Base plant has decreased due to one of the two trains at the plant being offline with “urgent” repair work underway. They said the train currently online is producing approximately 225,000 imperial gallons per day train along with water being barged to Central Eleuthera from New Providence.
Water is also being tankered into the Central Eleuthera zone from the Rock Sound/Tarpum Bay zone and the North Eleuthera zone is being utilised to supply residents in Central Eleuthera.
A new booster pump for the offline train has been installed and service should resume over the coming days once testing is completed.
WSC also revealed plans to install a new 600,000 imperial gallon per day unit at the site and install a new storage tank.
“A 600,000 IGPD desalination unit arrived on site on Saturday 20th July and works are in progress to
bring this unit online in approximately the next two weeks. This unit will permit the Desalination Contractor to take trains one and two in the existing desalination plant offline to carry out badly needed extensive repair and maintenance works while the 600,000 IGPD unit meets normal water supply,” said the WSC statement.
“Pipework for the new 1,000,000 imperial gallon (IG) glass-coated steel tank on site and permanent pipework for the new 500,000 IG bladder tank on site is in progress and it is anticipated that this pipework will be completed and commissioned in another three (3) to four weeks. This will provide a buffer for the water supply system during periods when the desalination plant is offline for short periods (up to three days). It must be noted that the existing storage tank on site is a very old steel tank that is only capable of storing approximately 200,000 IG.”
TAKE NOTICE that Everette Hart of Exuma Point, Exuma, Bahamas, has begun an action against you, Dedrie Williams, being Claim No. 2023/CLE/gen/00944 in the Supreme Court of the Bahamas by Fixed Date Claim dated 4 October, A. D. 2023, which Fixed Date Claim is endorsed as follows:
1) Possession of the land situate at the junction of Rockdale Road and King’s Highway leading into Exuma Point (hereinafter called “the land) and or a declaration to the effect that they are entitled to possession thereof.
2) An injunction restraining the Defendant from entering or further entering upon the land or in any manner interfering with it.
3) Damages for trespass and loss of use of the land.
4) Further or other relief.
5) Costs
And you are required within 28 days after the last publication of this notice to cause an acknowledgement of service to be returned to the Supreme Court, and in default of your so doing the said Everette Hart may proceed therein and judgment may be given in your absence.
You may fully complete the acknowledgement of service form and return it to the court at the 1st. Floor, Ansbacher House, Bank Lane, Nassau, N. P., within 28 days of the last publication of this action.
Email: camartinlaw@hotmail.com
Phone: 1-242-818-2313 Attorney for the Claimants
If you return the acknowledgment of service form to the Court as above stated you must also serve on the attorney for the Claimants within 14 days of the time limited for returning the acknowledgement of service a Carlton A. Martin of Martin Martin and Co. Vet CF Place, No. 15 Eight Terrace East Nassau, N. P., Bahamas
New Providence home sales hit fastest pace in two years
market (DOM).” The MLS data showed that some 56 home sales were completed on New Providence during the 2024 second quarter, which represented a 19.1 percent increase compared to this year’s firs quarter but a 28.2 percent decline year-over-year.
“In the 2024 second quarter, homes have been selling faster than in any other quarter over the past two years, with days on the market decreasing compared to both the last quarter and the 2023 second quarter,” Morley Realty said. The time a listed property spent on the market stood at 85 days, representing a 35.6 percent decline compared to the 2024 first quarter and a 5.6 percent year-over-year fall.
“Contracted Sales increased by 28.8 percent year-over-year but decreased by 5 percent quarter-over-quarter,”
Morley Realty’s report said of New Providence’s real estate market, which saw some 76 homes o under contract in the second quarter.
“Similarly, the volume of new listings decreased from last quarter but is still up nearly 10 percent from last year. The volume in the 2024 second quarter
remained like what we have seen since the 2023 second quarter.” The sale-to-list ratio remained steady at 94 percent, signalling that vendors were receiving close to full asking price.
Vacant land sales on New Providence also exhibited similar trends in the 2024 second quarter. “The New Providence land market experienced a significant surge in demand,” Morley Realty’s report said. “The volume of completed sales surged during the 2024 second quarter, more than doubling the volume in the 2023 second quarter and last quarter.
“Similarly, the volume of contracted sales decreased from last quarter but more than doubled compared to the 2023 second quarter. Despite the quarterly decrease, the 2024 second quarter remains above the normal range for this market.”
Some 57 vacant land sales closed on New Providence during the 2024 second quarter, representing 103.6 percent and 119.2 percent year-over-year increases, respectively. Contracted land sales also jumped by 114.8 percent compared to the same period in 2023, although they were down by 37 percent compared to the 2023 second quarter,
Law reprint to end VAT ‘nightmare’
FROM PAGE B1
certified consolidated element of that.”
Mr Pinder said the reprint of Bills will ensure Bahamians are aware of what laws apply to them and that attorneys can adequately advise their clients.
He added: “Our revision exercise is underway. We’re looking at a comprehensive approach. We just updated laws online last year, 18 months ago or so, with the 2017 revision exercise. That tells you how gappy your revision exercises in this country have been with respect to legislation.
“We want this to be a continuous process of revision to have clean laws so people can understand the laws that apply to them, so lawyers aren’t making mistakes advising their clients because it’s the clients that are put in jeopardy.”
Mr Pinder said criminal laws are next on the agenda for reprints and the
Commissioner of Revision, Tina Roye, a ‘long-time’ legislative drafter and director of law reform has been appointed a team to complete the revisions. He said: “Our next revision exercise for reprints are the criminal laws, because we want to ensure that especially when it comes to person’s due process and their personal rights, that the laws are clear and its application is clear.
“So, for the first time, we’ve appointed a commissioner of revision, and we’ve given her a dedicated team. And, interestingly enough, it’s not a dedicated team of lawyers. We have, for instance, a former English teacher, we have people who have excelled in grammar in school, because this is a reading comprehension and writing exercise and you don’t necessarily need lawyers.”
NOTICE
NOTICE is hereby given that DOMINIQUE KYRON HOBSON of Rokers Point, Exuma, 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 23rd day of July, 2024 to the Minister responsible for nationality and Citizenship, P.O. Box N-7147, Nassau, New Providence, The Bahamas.
while new listings were up 8 percent at 94. “The volume of new listings increased by 8 percent from both the 2023 second quarter and last quarter. This is encouraging, as growing inventory provides more options for buyers in response to rising demand,” Morley Realty added.
“The average sales price during the 2024 second quarter marks the highest average we have seen over the past two years. During the 2024 second quarter, the median sales price also increased, reaching the highest median observed in the past two years.”
The average selling price for New Providence land, according to Morley Realty’s report, increased by 100.3 percent - more than doubling - compared to the 2024 first quarter, while also jumping by 53.3 percent year-over-year to hit $335,000. The median sales price for vacant land rose by 75.1 percent and 66.7 percent quarter-overquarter and year-over-year, respectively.
Mr Morley told Tribune Business: “It doesn’t look like things have changed much since the [2024] first quarter... I want to believe it’s a balanced market right now. Which way is it heading? I’m not sure at this stage.
“The only thing we’re trying to put a better calculation on is to predict whether it’s a buyer’s market, whether it’s a seller’s market or whether it’s a balanced market. Hopefully in the next couple of weeks we will have a better mechanism to predict what type of market we’re in. We typically don’t have big swings in this market.”
The Morley Realty chief added that the influx of new inventory and listings, which began in the 2023 second quarter, had largely been absorbed by buyer demand. “I think what we’re seeing now is a levelling off,” he said.
His firm’s MLS data analysis agreed, stating: “Beginning with new listings, a notable trend among most markets is the yearover-year increases paired with small quarter-overquarter decreases. Looking back to the 2023 second quarter, many of these markets were just starting to experience an inventory surge but now we are starting to see the opposite.
“The recent quarter-overquarter decreases in new listings could indicate a stabilisation that may help reduce the overall inventory volume if this trend continues or holds steady. Some markets are seeing decreases in new listing
volumes, likely due to growing or steady demand - contracted sales and completed sales. Demand continues to rise in Abaco, Eleuthera, and Nassau.
“While these locations are in high demand, the land market across The Bahamas is gaining more attention than the housing market. During the 2024 second quarter, all five island markets for land either experienced steady demand or growth. Conversely, the demand for homes was more variable and dependent on the specific island, rather than following a universal trend.”
Asked whether Bahamian realtors are enjoying healthy sales activity levels, even though business volumes have stabilised at more normal levels following the post-COVID boom, Mr Morley replied: “There’s no doubt about it. All the real estate companies I talk to are experiencing good sales.
“It’s not to the extent experiences post-pandemic in the golden banner years, but everyone is doing well and everyone is succeeding. The demand is there. The further we move away from the pandemic, when the banks froze all lending, you now have more people employed or back
employed and banks are better able to assess them for financing and purposes of lending.
“I would anticipate this will continue through the remainder of this year, especially the local market. I think that is being driven by the fact the banks want to lend money. They have money to lend but the lending criteria are a lot stricter and stiffer than before. They’re lending to qualified people but doing more risk analysis.”
Mr Morley said some international clients, especially Americans, tend to “hold off” when faced with a US presidential election “to see what the outcome is going to be”. He added: “It’s a lull in the market, but not necessarily for a prolonged period of time. The local market just continues on.
“There is nothing alarming in a negative sense. The data shows a really healthy market and consistent one, especially from the last quarter.” With some 700, out of 900 licensed Bahamas Real Estate Association (BREA) agents, using the MLS, Mr Morley said the data provided by the system captures more information than previously thought and thus gives a good indication of actual market activity.
JUDGE: MEDICAL ACT ‘NOT DRAFTED CAREFULLY’
FROM PAGE B1
Justice Klein noted that the strict language of the Medical Act’s section 21 only referred to “medical practitioners” as having the right to appeal refusal of their registration, not specialists. However, this contrasted with the Act’s section 55, which named both medical practitioners and specialists as having the right appeal any form of disciplinary action brought against them by the Bahamas Medical Council. Suspensions, registration termination and censure are listed among the punishments that can be appealed. Dr Shirodkar, who was represented by Bahamas Bar Association head, Khalil Parker KC, argued against the “strict literal and grammatical construction” that the Medical Council placed on section 21 as denying specialists the right to appeal refusal of their registration application. They argued that adopting the Medical Council’s approach “would have the consequence of discriminating against specialists with respect to appeal rights. Not only would this give rise to an unreasonable and unjust result, but it would offend constitutional principles
against non-discrimination. Therefore, it would be the duty of the court to correct it”.
They also argued that, in giving medical practitioners appeal rights, Parliament “could not have intended to exclude” specialist doctors from this. Dr Shirodkar also asserted that this would deprive her and other specialists of appeal rights they enjoyed under the 1974 Act, which was replaced by the 2014 version.
The Bahamas Medical Council, though, stuck to its interpretation and also alleged that her appeal was “an abuse of the process of the court” and should be “estopped”. Justice Klein, though, agreed that the selfregulatory body’s position was based on an “overlyliteral construction” of the Act.
While Parliament’s Hansard, and the communication by the then-minister of health, Dr Perry Gomez, did not greatly assist in determining what Parliament intended, the judge noted that it was the intent to create two separate registries - one for specialists, the other for medical practitioners.
“I accept the argument of the [Council] that the
creation of two separate registers indicates that Parliament intended to differentiate between medical practitioners and specialists with respect to the registration process,” Justice Klein ruled.
“But I reject the suggestion that the creation of different registers justifies the inference that Parliament intended to treat these two categories of practitioners differently in their ability to challenge by appeal their registration and any disciplinary proceedings brought against them.
“At some sections of the Act, the draftsman does use the term ‘medical practitioner’ as inclusive of a specialist, which may only be infelicitous drafting, but this inconsistent usage does create textual ambiguity,” he added.
“Further, section 55, on which the [Council] places significant reliance, provides the same rights of appeal for a ‘medical practitioner or a specialist’ aggrieved by the decision of the Council to censure him, or suspend or terminate his registration, or remove his name from the register.”
Justice Klein said the Medical Act’s section 55 “duplicates” some of the provisions found in section 21, which showed “the Act was perhaps not drafted with the care it might have been”. And granting equal rights to medical practitioners and specialists to appeal disciplinary action “is a clear indication that the rights in section 21 were not intended to be exclusive to a medical practitioner”.
“Accepting the [Council’s] interpretation, it would mean that Parliament would have specifically provided for a person to be registered
as of right as a specialist, but in the same breath denied him a right to appeal from any refusal thereunder (no matter how illegal or perverse the Council’s decision), the effect of which would be to deny him registration outright,” Justice Klein ruled.
“By the same token, it would have created a right for a specialist (once registered) to appeal against being censured, or suspended or terminated. That would be a most absurd and arbitrary outcome. His decision to be registered would be at the whim of the Council and un-appealable, but if registered he would have full rights of appeal.
“Further, the draftsman would have granted equal appellate rights to both the medical practitioner and specialist under section 55 in respect of disciplinary measures, but nonetheless would have purported to single them out for separate and unequal treatment in section 21 by denying a right of appeal to a specialist. It seems unlikely, as argued by the appellant, that section 21 was intended to cut down on the appeal rights of persons eligible for registration under the Act.” As a result, Justice Klein ruled that section 21 was designed to provide for equal rights of appeal for medical practitioners and specialists against a Council decision to refuse them registration. “By inadvertence the draftsman failed to give effect to that intention in section 21, and Parliament would have provided for that right had the error in the Bill been noticed,” he added, dismissing the Council’s other arguments.
Private pilots: ‘We don’t need’ airport upgrades
FROM PAGE B1
value of the thousands of aviation partners, including the AOPA. We will continue to collaborate with them to promote our country as the premier destination for general aviation travel.”
Mr Gardner, though, told Tribune Business that private pilots and their guests do not need brand-new terminals, or wider and longer runways, to be able to access The Bahamas and get where they want to go in the Family Islands. As soon as they cleared Customs and Immigration, he added, they were seeking to reach the beach or their chosen activity.
“The building for general aviation in New Bight is an old trailer, and I’ve never, ever heard of a single pilot complain about it,” he said.
“They don’t need the dutyfree. They don’t need all that stuff. They don’t need these longer runways. They don’t need the wider runways.
“My feeling is all these increases, the cost should be borne 100 percent by the commercial airlines. Don’t charge us for what we’ve not asked for and don’t need.
The people paying for it should be the airlines, but don’t make me pay for it.”
The $80m Bimini airport upgrades, for example, appear chiefly designed to attract more commercial airline service to the island through lengthened and wider runways, plus an
improved terminal experience and amenities. Thus the main beneficiaries are likely to be the Hiltonbranded Genting Resorts World development and the Rockwell Island project spearheaded by Rafael Reyes, Gerardo Capo’s son-in--law.
Michael Penman, another private pilot and frequent visitor to The Bahamas, told Tribune Business via e-mail: “I remember when we used to fly over to Marsh Harbour and have lunch at Mango’s, when you only needed a driver’s license and did not have to check back in the US. Those were easier days for sure. “The reason for the airport disrepair is not because the pilots are not paying their fair share; it’s because funds are used elsewhere.
General aviation pilots bring a ton of money into the country and I think you will see some of that dry up but, more importantly, and [this] won’t show in the statistics, is that pilots will choose to go elsewhere.
“Add privatisation (think Signature or Atlantic) and you will practically kill the four-person business. Those pilots are looking to use their planes and go somewhere. Already the eApis implemented by the US is too onerous and overbearing. I guarantee you are losing at least another 50,000-100,000 flights per year right now because of the fees, the customs
burdens on the US side as well as now the burden on the Bahamian side.”
Mr Penman added: “I used to be a pilot that would come at least twice a month, but have not flown (have boated to) The Bahamas in over a year now. I’d say that our average two-night stay with the wife and I was about $2,000 when factoring in Customs, hotels, food and a golf cart. Spent many a good night on Spanish Wells, too.
“I think that the consensus is to charge the rich, some of whom can barely afford an air plane, but love to fly. Hopefully the local Bahamian families and businesses see this as a huge mistake and make a change....
“I won’t come any more simply because it’s too much of a hassle. I can fly to Puerto Rico, not do customs and have a blast, plus I can surf. Add all the destinations in Florida, the Caribbean and it gets pretty open where you can go. The commercial traveller and the cruise ships do not bring that much cash to the outer islands, it’s the boaters and the general aviation pilots. That’s who I see mainly in the restaurants and bars.”
The private pilot backlash comes amid complaints that the sector was blindsided, and never consulted over, the extent and timing of the Customs fee increases which took effect when the new fiscal year began on July 1.
Mark Baker, AOPA’s president and chief executive, wrote in his letter to the Prime Minister: ““I write today to urge you to intervene and rescind the imposition of new and egregious fees being imposed by the Bahamian government on private pilots flying to and from The Bahamas.
“We believe recent actions by Bahamian authorities with respect to these fees will have a negative impact on a sector of the tourism industry that has contributed heavily to the economy of The Bahamas.
“We remain hopeful that the appreciation for the value of general aviation tourism is not in question. General aviation tourism doesn’t need massive airport improvements similar to those that the airlines request or require. While we understand some fees are necessary, we also believe private pilots shouldn’t have fees imposed on them that are twice as much as those imposed on commercial aircraft.”
The Customs Management (Amendment) Regulations 2024 changed the aircraft inbound and outbound fee structure such that it appears a private plane with more than four seats now pays three times’ what a regularly scheduled commercial jet does.
Under the new fee structure, commercial jets have to pay a $50 “inbound” and $50 “outbound” fee for a
Controversy over Athol Island permit’s tabling
FROM PAGE B1
of a wooden dock at Athol Island that is shown in this newspaper today. Dredging was forbidden, and the applicant was to provide the necessary storage space for any heavy equipment required. All other necessary permits had to be obtained from the relevant government agencies.
The CEC is stamped by the Department of Environmental Planning and Protection (DEPP), and appears to bear the signature of its director, Dr Rhianna Neely-Murphy.
When previously asked by Tribune Business if any environmental permits had been issued for development activities on Athol Island, she replied “no”.
The DEPP chief also answered “yes” when asked whether the environmental regulatory agency planned to take action against those involved on Athol Island.
The CEC, meanwhile, was also dated July 17 and signed in its top right-hand corner, which is consistent with a document that has been tabled in the House of Assembly.
Mr White, though, was adamant that the CEC was never tabled - at least to his knowledge - last Wednesday and he was present for the entire day’s House proceedings. He said last night that he even stood at three hours and 16 minutes into
the afternoon session to ask if Mr Lundy would table the Athol Island environmental permit as promised but the central and south Andros MP did not respond.
Pointing out that his intervention took place during the third reading of the Registrar of Records Act, Mr White said there was no indication from David Forbes, the House of Assembly clerk, that the relevant document had been tabled.
Having watched the video recording, the St Anne’s MP said Mr Lundy stood up nine minutes later during the ‘member statements’ stage of proceedings and tabled three documents . These were the update on the Water & Sewerage Corporation’s Eleuthera woes, the land adjudication memorandum and Land Registry memorandum.
“He acknowledged that he was tabling three. Again, no mention of the February environmental approval for Athol Island,” Mr White asserted. The St Anne’s MP added that the Government side also said the CEC would not be tabled because it was “irrelevant to the debate” on upgrades to The Bahamas’ intellectual property rights regime.
He suggested that the CEC may have been signed and dated, but Mr Lundy and the Government side could have ultimately elected not to table it. “I’ll
look into it. I’ll write to the clerk,” Mr White said, adding that - however it has emerged - the purported CEC raises further questions over development activity on Athol Island.
He added that it was just a small piece of a much bigger puzzle, as the beneficial owners of the project still have not been identified. Mr White said Andrew Hanna was likely to be the contractor hired to build the dock, not the principal developers.
“It’s just one of several approvals that are needed to get that project to where it is,” he told Tribune Business. “We haven’t seen any licence or lease for the seabed on top Department of Physical Planning for clearing the land itself.
“There haven’t been any Ministry of Works construction approvals and Department of Physical Planning approvals for the building of the dock and that structure on it.” Mr White said The Bahamas’ policy was not to approve over-water structures such as the one constructed on the Athol Island dock with very few exceptions.
He again challenged why no Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), and public hearing on this, had been conducted prior to the CEC approval being given especially since Athol Island sits squarely in the middle of Marine Protected Area
total of $100. However, a private plane with four seats or less “including all seats in the cabin” is now faced with paying $75 each way for a total of $150. That is slightly more than the $100 fee for a commercial jet, but private aircraft with more than four seats “including all seats in the cabin” now face having to pay $150 “inbound” and “outbound” fees to Customs for a total $300. So-called “recreational” flights will only pay $150 “inbound”, but cargo flights will see a $150 fee levied on both “inbound” and “outbound” trips involving The Bahamas. For private planes and private aviation, the fee increases represent a threefold and six-fold increase, respectively, on the previous Customs fee structure which was $50 “inbound” and zero “outbound”. Meanwhile, the Customs fee increases have coincided with the new and higher charges levied by Bimini’s new private airport operator, which also took effect on July 1. These have imposed a range of landing and parking fees on private aviation operators, as well as commercial airlines, along with new passenger facility and processing fees. These are being viewed as setting a precedent, and a foretaste of further fees to come at other Family Island airports when the Government outsources their redevelopment to
(MPA). Other developers have previously applied for the necessary permits for projects on Athol Island but these were never granted.
“There’s been one or two who have gone through the application process. I met one who had an application in from 2005, and never got approved,” Mr White said. “This administration has made a complete farce of environmental protection.”
Tribune Business yesterday obtained maps of Athol Island produced and signedoff by the Department of Lands and Surveys in December 2023, and which appear to show the island divided into various parcels, some of which are four acres in size.
Athol Island lies 0.75 miles east of Paradise
Island, and was once eyed by former Atlantis owner, Kerzner International, as a potential golf course location. That proposal was subsequently dropped, as it is a site of historical significance and sits at the heart of a Marine Protected Area (MPA).
Several Bahamian businessmen who have to sought to obtain permits/approvals for Athol Island projects through the front door by going through the established regulatory channels have been frustrated with their developments coming to a “standstill” and not moving forward.
Tribune Business revealed in 2022 how Al Collie, developer of West Bay Street’s Club Luna, formerly the Zoo, was seeking to invest $2m in an Athol Island beach break destination that could create up to 100 Bahamian jobs.
other private operators and investors.
Bimini Airport Development Partners (BADP), in an updated May 3, 2024, notice to commercial, charter and private aviation customers, served warning of its intent to impose a passenger facility fee on travellers from July 1, 2024, this year. These fees were set at $20 for domestic travellers, and doubled to $40 for international passengers. Meanwhile, the passenger processing fee was pegged at $5 for domestic, and $10 for international, travellers with both categories also having to pay a $1 “passenger levy”. In total, these additional fees come to $26 for domestic passengers and $51 for their international counterparts, and are on top of the $29 per head departure tax.
The BADP fee schedule then reveals that the passenger facility fee is being increased to $25 for domestic travellers, and $45 for international passengers, with effect from January 1, 2025. And the passenger processing fee will rise to $6 for domestic, and $12 for international, travellers with effect from that same date. Thus persons leaving Bimini to travel outside The Bahamas will have to pay an extra $58.
Mike Darville, nephew of Sunshine Cruise operator, Chris Darville, and his company, Sand Dollar Tours, commissioned an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for a $1m project involving a one-acre development that would feature a 1,900 square foot timber dock; an 800 square foot floating dock; 3,200 square foot deck; and a surveyor’s trail.
And Tony Knowles, chief executive of Pirate’s Revenge, operator of the pirate-themed ship, the Blackbeard’s Revenge, confirmed he had submitted an application to create a “Treasure Island” destination for guests that would embrace eco-tourism while preserving historical ruins in the area. None of these three projects have progressed.
Wall Street climbs as Big Tech recovers following worst week in months
By STAN CHOE AP Business Writer
U.S. stocks closed broadly higher on Wall Street Monday, clawing back some of the losses from their worst week since April.
The S&P 500 rose 1.1%, breaking a three-day losing streak. It was the first gain for the benchmark index since it set an all-time high on Tuesday.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average added 0.3%, and the Nasdaq composite climbed 1.6%.
The gains were broad, with more than three-quarters of the stocks in the S&P 500 closing higher, although tech stocks accounted for much of the rally.
Nvidia rose 4.8%, and other Big Tech stocks likewise regained some of their sharp drops from the week before to support the market. They had sputtered amid criticism they'd grown too expensive after rocketing so high and being the main reasons for Wall Street's run to records.
Two of them, Alphabet and Tesla, will report on
Tuesday how much profit they earned during the spring in a big test. Alphabet rose 2.3% and Tesla gained 5.1%. Treasury yields mostly rose in the bond market after President Joe Biden said he won't run for reelection. The move could cause the unwind of some of the market's "Trump trade," which took off after Biden's weak performance in a debate last month raised expectations for a win by former President Donald Trump.
Bank stocks had climbed on forecasts for lighter regulations following a Republican sweep, for example, and longer-term Treasury yields climbed more than short-term ones on expectations for policies that could push up the U.S. government's already high debt.
But Biden's stepping aside over the weekend wasn't that big a surprise for the market. "It was a matter of when, not if," according to Brian Jacobsen, chief economist at Annex Wealth Management.
"This could lower the odds of Trump winning, but the Democrats have to rally around a candidate first."
The yield on the 10-year Treasury rose to 4.26% from 4.24% late Friday. Shorter-term yields were relatively steady. The twoyear yield was unchanged at 4.52%, where it was late Friday.
Other corners of the market that could have swung sharply on uncertainty about the election were also mostly quiet. The U.S. dollar's value was relatively steady against its biggest rivals.
In the meantime, reports on corporate profits and the U.S. economy's growth could continue to grab the market's spotlight. Analysts are expecting companies in the S&P 500 to deliver the strongest profit growth for the latest quarter since the end of 2021, according to FactSet.
Truist Financial rose 3.2% after the bank
reported net interest income, a key underlying measure of overall profit, that analysts called stronger than expected.
Verizon Communications tumbled 6.1% after reporting profit for the latest quarter that matched analysts' expectations but revenue that fell just short.
Besides Alphabet and Tesla, dozens of other big U.S. companies will also report their latest quarterly results this upcoming week, including Coca-Cola, Ford and American Airlines.
Airlines last week struggled with massive disruptions from a global technology outage, which appeared to have been largely resolved over the weekend though delays at airports continued Monday.
A faulty software update caused havoc worldwide and led to the grounding by almost all airlines of a number of flights. The vast majority of cancellations early Monday were Delta
Safety regulators are investigating another low flight by a Southwest jet, this time in Florida
WASHINGTON Associated Press
Air Lines flights. Delta's stock lost 3.5%.
Cybersecurity firm
CrowdStrike said the issue believed to be behind the outage was not a security incident or cyberattack and that it had deployed a fix.
The company said the problem lay in a faulty update sent to computers running Microsoft Windows.
CrowdStrike's stock fell another 13.5% Monday after taking an 11.1% hit on Friday.
All told, the S&P 500 rose 59.41 points to 5,564.41. The Dow added 127.91 points to 40,415.44, and the Nasdaq gained 280.63 points to close at 18,007.57. In stock markets abroad, indexes rose across much of Europe.
In Asia, Hong Kong's Hang Seng rose 1.3%, but stocks fell 0.6% in Shanghai after China's central bank unexpectedly lowered a benchmark interest rate for loans. The move came after the government recently reported the world's second-largest economy expanded at a slower-thanforecast pace in the second quarter.
The July 14 flight followed a similar incident last month in Oklahoma City in which a Southwest jet flew at an unusually low altitude while still miles from the airport. The Federal Aviation Administration said Monday that it is investigating the incident.
FEDERAL officials are investigating an incident in which a Southwest Airlines jet flew as low as 150 feet (45 meters) over water while it was still about 5 miles (8 kilometers) from its intended landing spot at the airport in Tampa, Florida. The pilots skipped over the Tampa airport and landed instead at Fort Lauderdale, 200 miles (320 kilometers) away.
Southwest flight 425, which took off from Columbus, Ohio, reached its low point as it flew over Old Tampa Bay near the Courtney Campbell Causeway, according to Flightradar24.
Three previous Southwest flights to Tampa passed the same point at about 1,225 feet (375 meters) in altitude, the flight-tracking service said.
"Southwest Flight 425 safely diverted to Fort
Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport on July 14 after the crew discontinued their planned approach into Tampa International Airport," the airline said in a statement. Dallas-based Southwest said it is in contact with the FAA "to understand and address any irregularities. Nothing is more important to Southwest than the safety of our customers and employees."
The FAA is still investigating a June 18 flight in which a Southwest jet triggered a low-altitude alert at about 525 feet (160 meters) above ground and 9 miles (14 kilometers) from the Oklahoma City airport. An air traffic controller reached out to that crew after getting an automated warning in the control tower. The plane circled the airport – a "go-around" – before making an uneventful landing.
In April, a Southwest flight went into a dive off the coast of Hawaii and came within 400 feet (120 meters) of the ocean before the plane began to climb. The National Transportation Safety Board is also investigating a Southwest jet that did an unusual "Dutch roll" and was discovered to have damage to its tail after a flight from Phoenix to Oakland, California. Investigators say the plane had been parked outside during a severe storm.
NOTICE
IN THE ESTATE of GENEEN RORY RIVIERE late of Emerald Coast Subdivision, in the Western District, of the Island of New Providence, one of the Islands of The Commonwealth of The Bahamas, deceased.
Notice is hereby given that all persons having any claim or demands against the above named Estate are required to send their names, addresses and particulars of the same duly certified in writing to the undersigned on or before the 9th day of August A.D., 2024, and if required, prove such debts or claims, or in default be excluded from any distribution; after the above date the assets will be distributed having regard only to the proved debts or claims of which the Administrator shall then have had Notice.
And Notice is hereby given that all persons indebted to the said Estate are requested to make full settlement on or before the aforementioned date.
MICHAEL A. DEAN & CO., Attorneys for the Administrator Alvernia Court, 49A Dowdeswell Street P.O. Box N-3114 Nassau, The Bahamas
NOTICE
IN THE ESTATE OF BORDEN ADOLPHUS HIGGS late of the Settlement of Spanish Wells in St. George’s Cay, one of the Islands of The Commonwealth of The Bahamas. Deceased.
NOTICE is hereby given that all persons having any claims against the above-named Estate are required on or before the 15th day of August A. D., 2024 to send their names and addresses and particulars of their debts or claims to the undersigned in writing or in default thereof they will be excluded from the benefit of any distribution AND all persons indebted to the said Estate are hereby requested to pay their respective debts to the undersigned on or before the date above mentioned.
AND NOTICE is hereby also given that at the expiration of the time period above mentioned, the assets of the late BORDEN ADOLPHUS HIGGS will be distributed among the persons entitled thereto having regard only to the claims of which the Executors shall then have had notice in writing.
Roberts, Isaacs & Ward, Unit No.2, Cable Beach Court Professional Centre, 400 West Bay Street, Nassau, Bahamas.
A TELEVISION on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange
shows U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris speaking at the White House, Monday, July 22, 2024. Photo:Richard Drew/AP
What options do I have to tackle blood cancers?
By ALESHA CADET Tribune Features Writer acadet@tribunemedia.net
JUST last year, in light of the Miami Cancer Institute’s annual summit for Hematologic malignancies - members of the organisation shared necessary insight and current information with its nearby Bahamian readers.
Dr Marco A Ruiz Andia, hematologist-oncologist at Miami Cancer Institute, part of Baptist Health South Florida, said for those not aware, hematologic malignancies – also called blood cancers – affect the bone marrow and immune system.
And like other types of blood disorders, blood cancers affect the normal production of blood cells. There are several types
of blood disorders and blood cancers, each requiring a different treatment approach. Some of the most common conditions include: Benign Hematology, Leukemia and other Blood Cancers, Myelodysplasia syndrome, Myeloproliferative diseases, Hodgkin’s and Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, Multiple Myeloma, and rare Blood Disorders.
This year, Dr Marco is back to share with Tribune Health readers, the institution’s efforts of raising awareness regarding advanced treatment options for blood cancers.
Blood or bone marrow stem transplants (BMT), he said, offers advanced treatment options for patients with life-threatening blood cancers such as leukemia, multiple myeloma, non-Hodgkin
lymphoma, and Hodgkin’s disease.
“BMT programmes have become a beacon of hope for many patients, especially autologous stem cell transplants and allogeneic transplants. The journey for patients begins when they’re identified as potential transplant candidates. From there, a comprehensive team of specialists, including donor search coordinators, nurse coordinators, financial coordinators, data managers, and psychosocial services, work in unison to prepare for the transplant,” said Dr Marco.
He went on to say this preparation involves extensive pre-transplant testing and coordination to ensure that patients are in the best possible condition for the procedure.
Dr Marco said: “The donor stem cells, sourced globally, require precise timing and handling to align perfectly with the patient’s treatment schedule. Once the donor cells arrive, a specialised team initiates the transplantation process. This involves meticulous preparation and coordination among medical staff to ensure the cells are ready for transplantation and to reduce complications such as graft-versus-host disease. Nursing teams then provide intensive care, monitoring patients closely during the critical conditioning phase and beyond.” Post-transplant, Dr Marco said patients receive comprehensive care from both inpatient and outpatient teams, ensuring a seamless transition from hospital to home.
“Follow-up care and regular check-ups are emphasized to maintain health and prevent complications. This patient-centered and collaborative approach aims to improve outcomes and quality of life for patients facing these challenging diseases, underscoring the commitment to advancing treatment options and providing hope to patients with blood cancers,” he said.
Myeloma
What you need to know about Multiple
THIS month is Multiple Myeloma Awareness Prevention Month. Sometimes referred to as Kahler’s disease, it is a rare cancer that develops in plasma cells in the bone marrow – a soft, spongy tissue that fills the cavities in bones and produces stem cells that create blood cells, including white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets. According to the World Health Organization, a United Nations agency that promotes public health internationally, The Bahamas had a two percent incidence rate of Multiple Myeloma in 2018 and a 2.9% mortality rate, though the disease continues to be little understood among the general public. While there is no known cause of Multiple Myeloma, researchers have found that genetic mutations can cause plasma cells to grow uncontrollably in the bone marrow, decreasing the number of other blood cells and reducing their ability to function. Unlike healthy plasma cells, which create antibodies that help the body fight infection, these cancerous cells manufacture abnormal antibodies, called M-proteins, that are ineffective, leading to kidney damage, infections, anemia, bone damage, and other complications that, if left untreated, can deteriorate someone’s quality of life.
What are the risk factors?
For some people, a family history of Multiple Myeloma raises their risk, and although it can occur in young people, the vast majority of individuals diagnosed with the disease are over 60. Compared to other races, black people are the most likely to be affected by Multiple Myeloma, and statistics also show that men are slightly more prone to developing the disease than women. Before turning cancerous, multiple myeloma begins as a mild condition known as monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS), characterized by low levels of monoclonal proteins. Per year, MGUS has a 1% chance of developing into Multiple Myeloma and is more common among older individuals.
How is it diagnosed?
At many healthcare facilities, oncologists collaborate closely with hematopathologists to diagnose Multiple Myeloma, often reviewing a patient’s medical history before performing a physical exam and blood tests, such as serum and urine protein electrophoresis (SPEP and UPEP), quantitative immunoglobulin testing (Qlg), immunofixation electrophoresis (IFE) of blood and urine, and serum-free light chain assay. Following the blood
tests, if the results are abnormal, doctors will perform a bone marrow biopsy, as it is the only test that can confirm the presence of Multiple Myeloma. During a bone marrow biopsy, healthcare providers insert a needle into the bone and extract a small sample of bone marrow, which a hematopathologist examines under a microscope for characteristics of Multiple Myeloma.
How is it treated?
While there is no known cure for Multiple Myeloma, healthcare providers, depending on the symptoms and the extent of the disease, may use a number of treatments to prolong life and improve its quality, including:
Pain medications
Antibiotics
Steroids
Chemotherapy
Immunotherapy
Radiation therapy
Stem cell transplant
What do Bahamians need to be aware of?
Initially, Multiple Myeloma does not present any symptoms, but as it progresses, it can cause the following: Back or Bone pain
Infections
Nausea
Constipation A loss of appetite
Confusion
Fatigue
Frequent urination
Bone pain, one of the most common symptoms of Multiple Myeloma, occurs in 70 percent of those diagnosed with the disease, usually involving the spine, chest, or hips. Because Multiple Myeloma reduces the number of healthy white blood cells in the body, its ability to fight diseases becomes limited, leading to increased infections and sickness. Fatigue, another prevalent symptom of Multiple Myeloma, is often the result of anemia, which occurs when there are not enough red blood cells to carry oxygen around the body. When Multiple Myeloma is left untreated, the bones can weaken and develop soft spots, possibly leading to fractures when under pressure from injuries. According to some studies, within the first year of being diagnosed, 45% of Multiple Myeloma patients experience fractures. If there is a fracture in the spinal column, surgery may be needed to avoid long-term complications and improve quality of life.
What is The Cancer Society doing to pomote awareness?
To help Bahamians access routine medical checkups, we encourage them to sign up for National Health Insurance (NHI), which the Government of The Bahamas provides at no cost.
By getting screened regularly, Bahamians can diagnose and treat a problem in its infancy. Furthermore, our bi-weekly newsletter features pertinent information on Multiple Myeloma and information on medical professionals with expertise in diagnosing and treating this disease.
How can people reduce their chances of getting it?
As with other plasma diseases, there is no guaranteed way to prevent multiple myeloma, but becoming aware of the disease and making the following lifestyle changes may help reduce your risk:
Healthy Diet: A balanced diet rich in fresh fruits, leafy green vegetables, and whole grains and nuts may help lower your risk
Regular Exercise: Maintaining a regular exercise routine, such as walking or swimming, can improve overall health and potentially decrease your risk.
Avoiding Exposure to Toxins: Limiting exposure to potential carcinogens, such as some household cleaning products, pesticides, benzene and heavy metals, may reduce your ris
For further information, visit www.cancersocietybahamas.org, or call (242) 323-4482, or email admin@cancersocietybahamas. org.
DR Marco A Ruiz Andia, hematologist-oncologist
Had too much to drink? Here’s how to transform your health
OF ALL your body’s organs, your liver takes the biggest hit when it comes to alcohol. Even if your relationship with drinking consists of occasional social drinking with friends or occasionally over-indulging in wine and cocktails during the holiday season, alcohol can still leave its mark. And it’s a mark that can be hard to reverse.
That’s why many of us wonder if a month of avoiding drinking is enough to “reset” your liver back to normal. It’s true that taking a break from alcohol for any amount of time will be beneficial overall, with some research showing that liver function begins to improve in as little as two to three weeks. But a full detox is needed for the most benefit, and how much time that takes depends on a variety of personal factors.
“It depends on how much damage has already been done,” explains liver specialist and transplant hepatologist at Cleveland Clinic, Christina Lindenmeyer, MD. “And if there are any complications related to the damage.”
Dr Lindenmeyer explains what happens to your liver from prolonged and moderate alcohol use, and what a detox process would look like.
Your liver has enzymes that work like special tools to help metabolize (break down) different toxins that enter your body, such as alcohol.
Common sources of lower back pain
An estimated 80 percent of adults will experience back pain at some point in their lifetime, with the lower back being a primary complaint. Beyond the inconvenience and discomfort, lower back pain can result in more doctor’s visits, missed work or school and decreased productivity.
Generally, lower back pain can range from a dull ache to a sudden, sharp pain. It may arise from an accident, a demanding workout, lifting something heavy or age. Typically, issues are either mechanical or involve an injury to the soft tissue, nerve roots, spinal joints or intervertebral discs.
If you’re experiencing back pain with little to no relief, here’s what you should know.
Why lower back pain occurs
Lower back pain primarily affects the lumbar region and its five vertebrae. This area supports your upper body weight to provide shock absorption through the intervertebral discs when you move. Also in this region are ligaments that support the vertebrae and tendons that secure the muscles to the spinal column. Nerves from the spinal cord pass through this area.
Considering this setup, even everyday activities can place a significant amount of strain on the
In the short term, alcohol is processed through your liver in about an hour. Essentially, feeling “drunk” is when your liver becomes too overwhelmed to properly process alcohol, so it overflows temporarily into your bloodstream. This is what causes you to feel light-headed or tipsy after multiple alcoholic drinks.
In the long term, prolonged alcohol use can cause severe damage to your liver. Your liver has a specific pathway that the toxins follow to be broken down, so if over time, this pathway becomes overwhelmed by too many toxins, it can affect the efficiency of your liver’s work. In other words: It can’t keep up.
Certain health concerns and diseases can arise in your liver due to long-term alcohol use, including fatty liver disease, cirrhosis of the liver and alcoholic hepatitis.
If your liver has taken a hit from prolonged alcohol use, there are ways to give it — and the rest of your body — a break.
“Abstinence is the most critical intervention and treatment,” notes Dr Lindenmeyer.
This is sometimes easier said than done, of course. If you’re a heavy drinker, you may need to wean off alcohol to let your body adjust. If you’re experiencing severe symptoms of alcohol withdrawal, be sure to talk to a healthcare provider.
If you’re more of a moderate to occasional drinker, you may find
the hardest part of stopping drinking to be the social pressures. Try replacing your usual cocktail or beer with a nonalcoholic option, including many of the now popular mocktails available so you can still enjoy social time with friends without having alcohol in the mix.
Another thing that will help your liver’s journey in recovery is good nutrition. There’s no miracle diet by any means, but the Mediterranean diet, for example, can help fill some of the nutritional gaps you may have due to alcohol use.
“Nutrition optimization is actually the most evidence-based and most important intervention aside from stopping drinking,” points out Dr Lindenmeyer. This is because, for a lot of people who experience some kind of liver dysfunction, it makes them at risk of not getting enough proteins, calories or vitamins.
There are also certain foods like tea, fish and nuts that can benefit the liver’s function in many ways.
“Nutrition therapy is very important in terms of feeding the liver and giving it the building blocks it needs to restore itself,” says Dr Lindenmeyer. The timeline of your liver detoxing is going to depend on different factors like the amount of alcohol you consume, the frequency of your drinking, your age, and your weight.
“There is no ‘one size fits all’ answer,” states Dr. Lindenmeyer.
lower back. As discs experience age-related wear and atrophy, conditions like degenerative disc disease or a herniated disc can result. More stress is placed on the nerves along the spinal column, causing a high degree of pain that may pass through the pelvic area and down to the legs.
Several factors can influence the development of lower back pain, including: Loss of muscle flexibility and increased osteoporosis risk, particularly in adults over 30. Decreased or inconsistent fitness, often resulting in a weak core and abdominal muscles.
Weight gain, which can place greater stress on this region of the spine.
Conditions like ankylosing spondylitis, an inflammatory disease in which the vertebrae fuse over time, passed down from generation to generation.
Jobs involving heavy lifting or significant upper body movement that can affect the spine.
Sitting all day, with a lack of ergonomics and physical activity contributing to poor posture. Smoking, this decreases the amount of blood flow to the discs in this region.
Carrying a heavy backpack, an issue primarily affecting schoolaged children.
What are the most common types of back pain?
Acute Back Pain
Acute back pain is short term, with the injury or sensation typically lasting a few weeks. The condition does not have a longterm impact on functionality and symptoms tend to resolve themselves.
Sprain and strain are common sources of acute lower back pain. Injuries may be gradual, as a result of repetitive motion, or emerge suddenly when a muscle is stretched too far, damaging the ligaments. These injuries may occur after you lift a heavy object, experience a fall or may be cumulative after years of sitting at a desk.
“It depends on how much damage has already been done and any possible complications.”
There has been some research conducted on how abstaining from alcohol detoxifies your liver over time. A 2021 review of research notes that several studies determined that two to four weeks of abstinence from alcohol by heavy-alcohol users helped reduce inflammation and bring down elevated serum levels in the liver.
In short: A few weeks off will help. But the longer you can abstain from alcohol, the better. And if your liver has experienced long-term effects, your healthcare provider would probably recommend lifelong abstinence from alcohol to allow it to fully detox and recover.
“For patients who are left with cirrhosis after severe injury to the liver from alcohol, even one drink of alcohol is toxic to the liver,” cautions Dr Lindenmeyer.
Here are some common signs that your liver is taking a serious hit from alcohol: jaundice, leg and ankle swelling, dark urine, abdominal pain, chronic nausea or fatigue, and gastrointestinal bleeding.
It can be hard to find, or even know, the balance of how much alcohol your body is able to handle. If you’re not sure if your drinking crosses a certain line or not, try measuring your alcohol intake.
Hannah FosterMiddleton
BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy, MCSP, SRP
Chronic Back Pain
When back pain lasts for at least 12 months, it’s considered chronic. When treated incorrectly or an underlying cause is ignored, acute injuries have the potential to become chronic.
Sources of chronic back pain may include:
A herniated disc – when a disc ruptures its fibrous outer shell and the gel within gets pushed out pressing on adjacent nerves and causing compression, inflammation and pain. Degenerative disc disease, when lumbar discs atrophy, dehydrate and break down, causing pain and weakening the joints.
Joint issues, in which the spinal joints called facet joints in the lumbar region or the sacroiliac joint at the base of the spine experience pain and inflammation.
Spinal stenosis, in which the spinal canal that nerves pass through narrows.
According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), alcohol should be consumed in moderation, which means one drink a day for women and two for men — unless your doctor says otherwise. If you’re keeping up with this average, or less, the damage from alcohol is most likely minimal.
On the other hand, binge drinking is generally defined as four drinks for women and five drinks for men within a two-hour period. And even occasional binge drinking episodes can have profound effects on your liver’s health over time.
Overall, a small break from drinking like a “Dry January” won’t necessarily fully detox your liver, but if you’re prone to overindulging in alcohol, you can see small health boosts such as decreasing inflammation of the liver and increasing your energy levels with such a break.
Just like a broken bone or infection needs time to heal, so does an overworked liver. While this depends on the amount of alcohol you have had over the years, your liver can see partial healing within two to three weeks, but this will depend on your health history.
Depending on the extent of liver damage you have, you may need to completely abstain from alcohol in order to give your liver the best chance for recovery. Talk to a doctor about your personal history and what’s right for you.
Spondylolisthesis, in which vertebra slip over each other as a result of instability or a fracture.
Osteoarthritis, stemming from wear and tear to the lumbar region’s joints and discs. This can result in inflammation, instability and eventually pain related to stenosis.
A deforming condition causing curvature like kyphosis or scoliosis leading to compression of the discs and damage to joints.
Dislocations from trauma, resulting in pain after a fall or other accident.
A compression or vertebral fracture, often as a result of osteoporosis, weakening of the bones.
Another medical condition, like diabetes, kidney stones, endometriosis, fibromyalgia, tumors or a pinched nerve, causing a sharp pain in the lower back.
Tips to lessen lower back pain
Generally, those who sit all day long, work in a vibration-heavy occupation like construction or regularly twist their upper body are at higher risk for lower back pain. To decrease your chances: Work on improving your posture when sitting and standing
Make sure you lift with your knees, rather than bending from your lower back
Regularly engage in exercises that strengthen your back, core, hips and pelvic area
Avoid laying down when your back starts bothering you; being sedentary can aggravate pain
Don’t ignore discomfort – visit your physiotherapist to identify the underlying issue and work on your posture. They will also help you to develop an exercise routine to strengthen your lower back and core muscles.
Could it be time for a woman to lead?
country and maybe its time a woman step in and show them how it can be done. I think women just have a different way of approaching problem solving than men. The argument that women are too emotional or weak is just a sexiest one that men take because they themselves are not confident
in their own self. Women have shown over and over again that they can rule the world.”
Marie agrees, saying: “My two ‘sheros’ are Jacinta Arden ( New Zealand’s former prime minister) and Mia Mottley (the prime minister of Barbados). They are the definition of girl power. But more than that it is not just that they are women, it is that they are extremely smart capable women.”
Mariah says that it would be thrilling if Ms Harris picked a female running mate.
“That would totally mix things up, can you imagine the US with a female president and vice president at the helm. I know that is very unlikely to happen, but still it’s a fun thought.”
And regardless of what Americans decide at the polls, the ladies say the trickle down affect is interesting here at home.
“You know what they say, whatever the US does The Bahamas follows and so if they pick a female, that may encourage The Bahamas to follow suit soon,”
says Marie.
Tamika says it’s a wistful thought.
“Unfortunately, even though it’s 2024, we are not there yet. We can’t even agree on marital rape, so imagine the fit Bahamian men would have if they had a female leader.”
“It is definitely time we have a female prime minister, women stay running this country, we have already had female Governor Generals, it’s time for a female PM.”
Sometimes it is the sighted who cannot see
LAST year, I had the opportunity to meet Kevin Cartwright, BA, MEd, acting principal of the Erin Gilmour School for the Blind and and am following his work as another positive Influencer in his chosen field. His commitment was recently acknowledged at the Disability Icon Awards, naming him as Educator of the Year.
Notably, he is the first person to have graduated from the School for the Blind continuing to university and is The Bahamas’ first blind school principal.
After leaving the school as a student, he continued his education doing his graduate and post graduate studies at West Virginia State University and then the University of Ottawa, Canada. Subsequently, he returned to his country and his school, and taught the language arts curriculum, braille and assistive technologies for almost ten years. He is the first and only one of his three siblings to attend and graduate from University. Currently, he is planning to work for his PhD in education. As if his own challenges in our sighted world weren’t enough to deal with, he has a young 12-year-old son, Kylan, born with cataracts and strabismus but who sees fairly well with glasses and has ambitions to be a scientist, clearly inheriting his father’s fighting spirit.
If you were to meet Kevin, you would be impressed by his quiet, but determined attitude, by his courage and his sincerely positive belief that a disability is not the most important part of who you are: as he prefers to say, “we have different abilities nor is it a barrier that can’t be breached to reach any individual’s desired objective in life, professionally or personally”. That being said, obviously it is not an easy road to navigate and as expected it takes a multitude of resources for this school, small as it is, to function: The Ministry of Education (to whom he reports) and The Salvation Army contribute to the management of the school but it is insufficient to meet some of the most basic needs of the students and the running of the school; community and in-kind support is badly needed to help grow the Erin Gilmour School into the necessary and useful entity it should be to properly and efficiently meet the needs of the students, preparing them with the necessary skills for entry and access to equal opportunities to be independent, productive members of society.
The Erin Gilmour School for the Blind currently has 12 students enrolled although ten is the usual daily attendance; there are six trained teachers and nine aides; a security officer, and two janitresses. The school’s most pressing needs, are: braille machines, laptops and closed circuit televisions; a trained orientation/mobility instructor; scholarships for students preparing to leave; and a website to engage community support.
Kevin is also a creative and has produced a text book for the school with an all-Bahamian text designed to improve literacy for 7-9 grade students which he would like to see used in other
schools. To quote from his own poetry book, “Revelations of a Silent Heart”, “We must educate ourselves on the many pieces of laws that have been aptly penned, To protect our rights from being violated by anyone, Including family, foe or even friend.”
If this man, the principal of the school, Kevin Cartwright, is prepared to continue to make this
My breast feeding story
By Dr Sasha D. Smith, PhD
My baby girl, Madison, has been a pro and natural at breastfeeding or nursing. From day 1, she skillfully latched on when realistically, I was unsure about how the process of nursing works. I allowed her to lead, and I followed her cues to ensure I provide a quality nursing experience. With enthusiasm and enjoyment, she would suckle while, initially, I would wince with pain. The contentment on her face, though, during and after each feeding motivated me to continue although, giving up on breastfeeding has crossed my mind many times. Breastfeeding and all that it entails is difficult, and possibly the most difficult thing I have ever done. Sore nipples, cluster feedings, on-demand feedings, late nights, early mornings, limited sleep, increased hunger levels, teething. Nonetheless, the experience of feeding my baby milk made specifically for her while also nursing her to good physical, mental, and emotional health is rewarding, a privilege, and an absolute blessing. Eventually, after about 4 months, my body developed the fortitude needed to endure this breastfeeding journey. I have also witnessed the benefits breastmilk has had on Madison. For instance, the weight gain Madison experienced as a breastfed baby was significant. She was a tiny newborn weighing at 5 pounds and 15.5 ounces when she was born. By 1-month-old she was a strong 8-pounds—and by 2-months-old she was a plump 12-pounds.
Even further, I have been sick with the flu on four different occasions since having Madison, and each time I was sick, she never caught the flu. Fortunately, each time I was sick, my body produced the antibodies for the flu virus and would pass it through the breastmilk for her to consume. Therefore, Madison was protected against every illness that came her way.
Another advantage I experienced from breastfeeding is the flexibility and convenience. Whenever, and wherever, Madison is hungry, I can expeditiously feed her a nutritious meal without
his life’s work, shouldn’t we as a community offer our support in whichever way we can, if we believe that this Bahamaland is a civil society: a fair, kind and caring place to be; a place where everyone has opportunities for growth and independence, regardless of status or ability. In a perfect world, Kevin would like to see a larger campus and
having to prepare ingredients. Breastfeeding saved me time and money.
Finally, the bonding experience from breastfeeding is notable and incomparable. As a nursing mother, I have sole power to effectively calm, soothe, and put to sleep an irritable and tired Madison using one method, breastfeeding. This method is significant to just me which builds trust between my baby and I; and continuously promotes skinto-skin contact, holding, and cuddling. This exclusive bonding experience also has a positive impact on my mental wellbeing. Each time I nurse my baby,
accommodation so that an opportunity could be offered to out island students. He would also like to see the school re-named to a person whose contributions in the field of blindness education embodies the true essence of blindness. He suggests the late William E Lightbourne, BEM, who was a former teacher at the school for 38 years and was a mentor to Kevin and many others.
To quote Kevin, “His are the shoulders I stand on today.” He is also adamant that anyone who is blind wants only to be treated in the same way as everyone else - meaning equal opportunity for employment, education and training; adequate technologies to access information and productivity; affordable housing, proper healthcare and reliable transportation services. Whilst there is a reasonable expectation of caring, they are not looking for pity. When I asked Kevin if I could write about him and the school, he asked me specifically to express his thanks to the Ministry of Education for taking this progressive step by opening the door to full inclusion, allowing him as a qualified individual who is blind, to serve in an administrative capacity: “I applaud them for their courage, vision and commitment for affording me this opportunity.”
The school slogan is: “Envisioning our Future with Faith and Intention”. Sometimes those of us who are gifted with sight, proceed with our busy daily lives forgetting to look around to see if there is someone or something which needs our attention. Any contribution of time, energy or gifting is valuable. Healthy survival in today’s world is not easy for anyone, let alone anyone with different abilities. I would like to think that those of us with sight are not blind to the needs of those who are.
• Victoria Sarne is an author, poet, and biographer
• The Bahamas National Breastfeeding Association (BNBA) invites the public to participate in activities for World Breastfeeding Week 2024. Events are scheduled for August 1-7 under the theme: “Closing the Gap: Breastfeeding for All”.
• Events will kick off with radio talk shows to enlighten the public on the significant role breastfeeding plays in society, including infant nutrition, psychological benefits for mother and baby, healthy families, and more.
• The Big Latch on will take place in the foyer of the Ministry of Health and Wellness on Friday, August 2, at 10am. Breastfeeding mothers are encouraged to come out and participate, as women across the world will be breastfeeding together.
oxytocin (a happy hormone) is released helping to regulate stress and my mood. Breastfeeding has truly optimized my experience of being a first-time mom. It has eliminated the stress of not knowing when, what, and how to feed my baby; as well as the stress of having a baby who is not prone to illness. Ultimately, breastfeeding offered many health and social benefits for both my baby and me. It has taught me to how to effectively respond to her needs—and after observing the great impact my milk supply has had on Madison, empowered me to learn more about breastfeeding and make decisions that are most beneficial for her.
• Two church services will be held for World Breastfeeding Week. On Saturday, August 3 at 11am, the BNBA will attend Centreville Seventh Day Adventist Church, On Sunday, August 4 at 11am, the BNBA will attend St Agnes Anglican Parish.
• On Monday, August 5, Emancipation Day holiday, the BNBA will host an umbrellathon, where beautifully decorated umbrellas - all creatively encouraging breastfeeding, will be judged in a competition.
• On Tuesday and Wednesday, August 6 & 7, the BNBA Zoom Seminars will be held. To join, contact President Trinika McCardy at (242) 806-8314, or Vice President Ampusam Symonette at (242) 421-4713.
• In recognition of World Breastfeeding Week, please enjoy the following article from the BNBA
KEVIN CARTWRIGHT, BA, MEd, acting principal of the Erin Gilmour School for the Blind
Alexis’ Family Island Adventures
For me, if I’m going to write about an island, I’ve at least visited about three times. I’ve been to the Long Island multiple times and I’ve also been to pretty much most of the islands. I only have like two more left on my bucket list.”
Family Island Adventures Long Island is available for purchase at locations such as Logos in Harbor Bay, Doongalik Studios on Village Road, at Another Man’s Treasure on the western road at the airport industrial park, on Amazon, and in Long Island at Cape Santa Maria Resort, the Ministry of Tourism, the Kirtland Food Store, and GoodNest.
MARINE FORECAST
Alexis’ Family Island Adventures
By ALESHA CADET Tribune Features Writer acadet@tribunemedia.net
GROWING up, Alexis Clarke has always had a love for The Bahamas and a fascination for the Family Islands.
Alexis was blessed to have visited most of the major islands in the archipelago and this is something she says she has never taken for granted.
“As I travelled, I would share stories, photos, and my experience through my website EverythingBahamian.com and I realised how much traction it would get. Bahamians were eager to learn and know this information,” said the Bahamian woman as she shared with Tribune Woman the inspiration behind her children’s book called “ Family island Adventures Long Island.”
She believes there is so much of this country that most Bahamians haven’t seen yet, and writing the book was her way of spreading that knowledge - to kids in particular - so that they can have a love and appreciation for the contents just as she did growing up.
“I studied hospitality management at Florida International University. So I’ve got a bachelor’s degree in that. For me, starting my blog in 2017 just made sense because I’ve always sort of had a keen interest in all things Bahamian, history, culture, and just learning anything I could about it.
What kind of prompted me to start the blog was that it was the 2017 Bahamian Independence when I decided to write a fact about The Bahamas every day for the month of July,” said Alexis.
As readers enjoyed her independence blog posts and asked her for more content like it, Alexis said what started as a hobby soon turned into a love and passion for her home country.
“After my studies I came home and I worked at the Ministry of Tourism. I traveled to the Family Islands where I’ve had the experience of being able to interview people; owners on the island in different crafts like straw works, Bahamian goods, sweet treats and more,” said Alexis.
“I got the chance to meet these people and that allowed me to have a more appreciation for the Family Islands. In addition to that, growing up, my parents made sure that I would get a visit here and there on the islands.”
Although the book is called Family Island Adventures Long Island, Alexis said the plan is to make it a series that will feature a number of other islands.
By CARA HUNT Tribune Features Writer
For the second time, Donald Trump may run against a female Democratic candidate when Americans chose their next president in November.
This weekend, President Joe Biden announced he would not seek reelection, after concerns about his age and health rose to the fore after his debate with Donald Trump last month.
The president issued a statement saying: “I believe it is in the best interest of my party and the country for me to stand down and to focus solely on fulfilling my duties as President for the remainder of my term.”
He also endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris to replace him as the Democratic nominee.
Donald Trump faced Hillary Clinton in his first run for office and he could have another female opponent this time around.
And as was the case with Mrs Clinton’s bid for the presidency, social media was abuzz with comments about whether America was now ready for a female leader and about female leaders in general.
Bahamian women joined in the debate saying party politics aside, it would be very interesting to see a Madame President in the White House.
“I think we have seen a number of tough no nonsense female leaders who have gotten the job done time and time again,” Lisa says.
“Long Island just happened to be first. Cat Island will be coming out this year and Eleuthera after that. But with this book here, my grandparents, they worked and lived in Long Island for years, and so growing up I always heard
stories about Long Island,” she said. “So, I said you know what, let me start with Long Island. I do have a family root there, but it’s more so just hearing those stories growing up, and my grandparents
and my mother spending years there. Their appreciation just kind of overflowed on to me.” Alexis said she has also visited Long Island a few times, and it was during the 2020 global COVID-19 pandemic where she
decided to make note of things like the island’s geological sites, landmarks, its culture, and more. Alexis said: “The reason I wanted to write a children’s book is because it goes back to my love for tourism and the Bahamas. When I was younger, I would always pick up the tourism informational pamphlet when walking out of a restaurant or a hotel, and that was my source of gaining knowledge about these places, and so I said, I want to do something that my younger self would appreciate, and there’s probably another kid out there who has the same interest.
“With me writing this book, this would allow them to have a more structured way of learning about the islands. Another reason I wrote the book is because, even before a child gets the opportunity to possibly visit these islands, they can kind of get a peek into it through Family Island Adventures.”
She said the book is targeted for children between the ages six to 10 - however, adults can also enjoy it as well.
“I actually went down to Long Island once the book was already published, and I read at the Buckley’s Public Library and then the Little Cottage Library, which is in Glinton’s, Long Island. It was well received. They felt, those people of Long Island - they felt appreciated knowing their island could get this recognition and can be portrayed in a good light,” said Alexis.
“My illustrator, Chris D’albenas, and then my publisher, True Vine Publications has definitely helped me on this journey. I really want people to know the Bahamas is so blessed and lucky to have so many destinations within one destination. It is imperative that we explore and learn more of what we have right in our back yard.”
She described the content to have similarities of a Dr Suess book where there are rhyme schemes and flows.
“It teaches you about the different settlements, festivals, regattas, and things very popular in Long Island like the Mutton Festival, the different spotlights like the Columbus Monument, the Shrimp Hole, Dean’s Blue Hole and stuff like that. So it really just explores the island,” she said.
“I guess if I had to say the message behind the book, it is to cherish and enjoy these Bahamian islands and realise that this is our country and we have the right to learn about it and explore it.
